I'd like to point out (if it isn't obvious already) that I know nothing about the movie industry, just what I can assume and imagine. So please forgive any inaccuracies there might be in that respect.

Disclaimer: as always, I own nothing. If I did, it'd be Killian Jones.

Chapter 3

She hadn't seen him for three days. After becoming accustomed to having lunch with him almost every day for the past month, she found it strange to not see him across from her as she ate that Thursday morning. Filming was done at that location and the actors had all moved on to Galway to 'recoup' while everything was packed up and readied to be moved from Galway to Dublin for studio shooting.

After lunch, Emma was walking back to the wardrobe trailer to help Ruby and August to pack up their materials and rack up all the clothes they'd worked on when she was stopped by one of the on-set PA's.

"Oi, Emma." Emma stopped and smiled at Will Scarlett, who had a small flat box in his hands.

"Hey Will." He looked about to say something when he sneezed violently, "Geez, you okay there Scarlett?" Will sniffed and wiped his nose with a handkerchief he pulled from his pocket.

"Probably just me allergies. I've been flippin' knackered the past few days." He sneezed again. "Anyways, this arrived and I was told to bring it to ya." He handed her the box.

"Thanks Will. I hope you feel better." He nodded and pulled out his phone as he walked off. She heard a faint Oi mate, she's got it. Yeah, yeah. What? It's me bloody allergies. She didn't hear more after that because he'd walked too far away. Emma continued on to the trailer as she stuffed the box in her pocket; she'd worry about it later.

Hours later, Emma, along with Ruby and August, had finally loaded the costumes from their trailer into the big one that'd be taking them to Dublin. While August supervised the loading of the clothes, Ruby and Emma went back to the trailer and started packing up the paints and tools and everything else they used to work the clothes.

"We deserve a break after this", Ruby said after a while. She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead.

"I couldn't agree more", said Emma. She took a long drink from her water bottle. "How about we go for a few drinks at The Guinness in town?"

"This is why we're best friends now Emma." Ruby laughed. "Or, can we be since you've already got a best friend?"

"What?"

"Killian Jones." Emma groaned and rolled her eyes.

"We're just friends Ruby."

"Yeah…and I'm a werewolf. Come on! Spill the details!"

"Tonight. When we're out."

"Good."

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After Emma was dressed (black leggings, black leather v-neck ankle booties, and a red mid-thigh shoulder baring sweater dress with a black leather belt) and her hair was done (a ponytail done up into a bun) and waiting for a call from Ruby letting Emma know that she was ready. While she waited, she spotted the box Will had given her earlier and decided to finally open it. She lifted the lid and sitting inside on white tissue paper were three Buttercups tied with yellow ribbon and she knew immediately who it was from. The small note she found only confirmed her suspicions.

Swan: thought you might like these. I've been utterly bored here in Galway without you around. Can't wait to see you tomorrow lass, it's going to be a load of craic.

Jones

Emma smiled and tucked the note away in her backpack and sent a text.

Swan: Thank you.

KJ: I knew you'd like it Swan.

Swan: So…Galway is boring?

KJ: You've no idea love.

KJ: How about you? I bet you're knackered after everything today.

Swan: Very. Ruby and I decided we're going out for a few drinks at The Guinness in the village.

KJ: Is August to go with you ladies?

Swan: No, he's going to be on set for a while longer so it's just us girls.

KJ: Then you should get Will to go with you. Pubs aren't always the safest of places love.

Swan: Jones, relax.

KJ: Swan…you're my friend and I worry.

Swan: You asked me to trust you once. Do the same for me.

KJ: Just let me know when you've returned to your room.

Swan: Okay.

Just then, Emma received a text from Ruby saying she was waiting in the lobby.

Swan: Gtg…thanks again Jones.

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Emma and Ruby walked arm in arm the couple blocks to The Guinness. It was a busy night, but the girls found seats at the bar.

"What can I get you lasses this evening?" asked the bartender.

"Two pints of Guinness please!" said Ruby. "And we're going to open a tab."

"Comin' right up!" He gave Ruby a wink and grabbed to pint glasses and filled them up. He handed them over with a smile. Emma and Ruby clinked their glasses and drank. Ruby took a normal gulp but Emma just kept on chugging.

"Geez Emma!" cried Ruby as Emma slammed down the glass and wiped her hand across her mouth.

"What?" The two women laughed and signaled the bartender for two more pints.

"So…talk." Ruby looked at Emma expectantly. "About Killian."

"We're friends. He's the first friend I've had that wasn't August."

"Uh huh." Ruby arched an eyebrow over her glass. "So you haven't noticed the yearning looks and doe-y eyes?"

"Seriously? We've known each other for like, a month." Ruby just stared at her. "Yes, he's gorgeous…and funny and a real nice guy and a great friend…"

"But…?"

"He's slept with half of Hollywood practically, the more beautiful half…and, like I said, he's good looking too and important and the world loves him. Why would he be interested in me?"

"Seriously?" Ruby rolled her eyes and drank her beer.

"I'm a nobody." Ruby slammed her hand down on the bar, startling Emma and those around them.

"That's it! No more pity party, we're going to have fun tonight and I'm going to show you that you're not a nobody!" They chugged their beers and asked the bartender for shots of Irish whiskey and that's when the fun really began.

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Swan: JONES. jOnes. JONESY. HEY

Swan: wake up loser. Hey hey hey

Swan: heLLoOOoo

Killian blinked as his phone kept beeping and vibrating. He pressed the home button and saw that it was one in the morning and he had several texts from Emma. Rolling his eyes, he replied.

KJ: WHAT?!

Swan: ah the PIRatE he liVES!

KJ: (…)

The phone started ringing then; it was Emma. Sitting up in bed, he answered and his ear was met was loud music and yelling.

"HI!"

"Swan? What is going on?"

"Nothing! Thought I'd call to thank you again for my pretty flowers." He couldn't help but notice how she was slurring her words heavily.

"You're pissed Swan."

"I'm not…angry. Ha ha ha ha."

"Pissed means drunk."

"Oh! Then yeah…I'm totally pissed." He heard her say something to Ruby and then a clicking noise. "I'm sending you something." His phone vibrated then and he opened the text; it was a picture of her and Ruby at the bar. She had a big smile on her face, like she was having the time of her life. He couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous that it wasn't him who made her that happy, but she looked stunning.

"I think it's time you head back to the hotel Swan."

"Nope!" She popped the 'p' and he just knew that she was giving a smirk that she'd most assuredly picked up from him. "The party's just starting! Ruby and I are going to get pissed some more! Woooo!"

"Swan…"

"You're no fun. We're going to drink some more. Bye!" In the background he heard a man's voice asking if she wanted another and how pretty she was and he got worried.

"Swan, who was that? Swan? SWAN!" The line went dead. "Bloody hell!" he said and he jumped out of bed. He dialed Will, listening to the line ring as he pulled his clothes on in a hurry.

"Oi Jones?" Killian heard a sneeze and sniffles, "What the bleedin' 'ell do you want? D'you know what-"

"Shut up Scarlett. I need you to get your arse to The Guinness Pub in the village and keep an eye on Swan and Ruby." Killian pulled on a sweater and grabbed his keys, rushing out of his room and ran outside where the rental car he had was parked.

"Are you bloody daft? Can't you tell how sick I am?"

"I don't bloody care! Get over there NOW." Killian practically jumped in the car and sped off. "Keep an eye on them. I'm on my way." He hung up the phone to grumbles of Sodding git, you just wait. Killian tossed his phone in the passenger seat and sped off, praying to whatever deity existed that nothing happened.

Thankfully, Killian made the drive in around half the time because there was barely any traffic. He found the pub and parked on the street in front. He rushed in and found Will sitting at a bar table chatting with Ruby.

"Scarlett!" Killian glared daggers at him.

"What Jones? I did what you asked and I'm here watching the birds."

"Oh really? Then where is Emma?" Across from Will, Ruby downed a shot and slammed the glass on the table. "Where is she Ruby?

"Some hottie bought her a drink and I saw them step outside." Killian groaned and ran his hands through his hair. "Will, get her back to her hotel now." He rushed back outside and looked around for Emma. He was getting worried when he heard voices coming from the alley.

"I said no. Get off."

"I'm trying to, but you don't seem to be allowing-" Killian grabbed the man by the neck and threw him up against the opposite wall, holding him in place.

"The lady said no you piece of filth."

"Let me go you git!" Killian could only see read after this man was trying to hurt his Emma. Wait…did you just call her yours? Best not think that Jones. Killian squeezed harder and would've kept going (training for the movie had supremely improved his upper arm strength and muscles) but he suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Killian?" He looked over and saw Emma looking up at him. Killian took his hand from the man's throat and he fell to the cobblestone floor with a thud.

"Apologize to the lady." The man gave Killian a look that should've killed him where he stood, "Do it now or I will ignore the fact that she is here and beat you to a bloody pulp." Killian took a step towards him to emphasize his point.

"Fine!" He stood up and brushed his hands on his shirt. "Sorry lass."

"Now get out of here." Killian stared him down and the guy finally ran off. He spun around to find Emma, who was still pretty drunk, leaning against the opposite wall. He cupped her face with one hand while he used the other to keep her steady, holding her around the waist. "Are you okay love?"

"I'm tired." He swept her up in his arms and carried her over to his car, placing her in the passenger seat. He knew the B&B was only a few blocks away, and could even walk there with her, but he needed to get her there quickly. In a matter of minutes, he pulled up to the place and parked in the small lot off to the side of the building. He went around to the passenger side and carefully extracted Emma from the car. She fisted her hands in his sweater and burrowed her face in the crook of his neck.

Killian stilled and took a deep breath.

"You smell good."

"Thank you lass." He laughed to himself as he carried her in, stopping only to ask what room she was in, the older lady at the front desk being very amenable and handed him a key. (He knew looking the way he did would pay off.) By the time he made to her room, a soft snore escaped her lips. He set her down on her bed and carefully removed her shoes, setting them aside, then he unclipped her belt and put it with her shoes. He lifted her legs and pulled the covers back, put her legs back down, then pulled the covers back up to her shoulders and stood. His phone vibrated with a message from Will letting him know he'd gotten Ruby back to her room and that she was asleep.

He put his phone back in his pocket and leaned down and placed a kiss on Emma's forehead, feeling her stir when his beard tickled her. When he leaned back, her eyes were open.

"You need to get some sleep", he said to her.

"Am I not asleep right now? I'm dreaming right?" She smiled a big grin up at him, "I have to be otherwise, you wouldn't be here." She grabbed his hand and pulled him down, so he sat on the bed.

"And why would you think that love?" He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and she put her hand over his and he felt a jolt of electricity surging through him.

"Why would someone like you care to come take care of someone like me?" Killian saw a sadness behind those eyes that he wanted desperately do anything in his power to rid her of. He ran his thumb over the apple of her cheek as she smiled at him again. In almost the same moment, her eyes shut and she was gone, Killian only felt steady puffs of warm breath against his arm. He carefully extracted his hand from hers and made sure she had enough blankets. He filled a glass of water and left it on the nightstand and made sure her blinds were closed.

Killian leaned in one more time, leaving a kiss on her temple.

"Good night darling." He made his way downstairs and returned the key to the lady up front and asked her to tell Emma he'd brought her in. Because that didn't make you sound creepy at all, did it Jones? Oh shut up.

When he returned to his own hotel 45 minutes later, he didn't bother getting undressed, and he just fell into the bed and dreamt of green eyes and smiles all night.

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Emma was very sure she was dead because there was no way she was alive with a headache like she had. After ascertaining that she was in her own hotel room, she sat up slowly as her bones protested the previous evening's activities. Emma noticed the glass of water on her nightstand (Huh that was a smart move on my part. I must've known what I was going to need the next day.) and took a few gulps.

She was interrupted by the loud text chime of her cellphone and she found it in a small side pocket of her dress. Hitting the home button, she noticed it was 11:30 AM.

"Oh my God. I'm late! I'm so late." August had told her the day before that he'd be leaving for Galway at noon and she still had to pack all her things and shower and change and ugh…she was never letting Ruby take her out again. She finally went to her messages and saw that Killian had texted her.

KJ: How are you this morning love?

Scrolling up from that message, she saw all the texts she'd sent him the night before and OH MY GOD I DRUNK TEXTED KILLIAN JONES. Then she started remembering what felt like a dream: that he'd saved her from some guy at the pub, brought her back to her hotel, and tucked her in with the most care she'd ever experienced.

Swan: I am SO sorry about last night! I hope I didn't bother you too much with my incessant texting.

KJ: I was no bother love.

KJ: Do you remember all the fun you had?

Swan: I don't remember a thing. But somehow I got back to my room. All I remember is my dream. I think you were in it.

KJ: It's about bloody time. Hopefully you kept it G-rated?

Swan: In your dreams perv.

Swan: I'll see you tonight Jones.

KJ: Looking forward to it Swan.

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Emma finally made it downstairs at five after and after a weird exchange with the lady who ran the place ("You lucky girl!") and tossed her bags in the back of the SUV August drove. Ruby was getting a ride with Alice and Will and they'd already left.

"Did you have fun with Ruby last night?" August asked her as he pulled away from the B&B. All Emma could do was groan and try to pull her sunglasses tighter against her face. "I take that as a yes."

"It's been a while since I've been that drunk."

"What else happened?"

"I drunk texted him."

"Neal?"

"No! I haven't spoken to him since the bastard set me to take the fall for him."

"Then…oh my God. You drunk texted Killian?" Emma remained quiet and bit her lip in embarrassment. "Well, you are friends and that's what friends are for, aren't they?

"Shut up." August just laughed. Emma took the opportunity to nap for most of the drive back up to Galway, only waking up when her phone chirped with a text.

KJ: How's your head?

Swan: Shut up.

KJ: Have you arrived in Galway yet?

August was pulling up to a Radisson across the street from the water.

"This is where everyone is staying for the night until we leave for Dublin tomorrow via train", said August. "Most people are flying, but I thought you'd like the train ride."

"Awesome!" Emma grabbed her purse and got out of the car as the valet's took their bags from the trunk (or boot, as it was referred to there).

Swan: yeah…we just got to the hotel. The Radisson near the water.

KJ: Perfect. I don't have to drive to pick you up for the do tonight.

Swan: Where's it at? August hasn't told me.

KJ: At the Galway City Museum. It's a few minutes from the hotel.

Swan: Cool.

Swan: They're giving us two rooms. Ugh.

KJ: Why is that a problem?

Swan: I wanted to room with my brother. I've barely spent time with him this past month, we've been so busy.

KJ: It's a very Catholic country you know. They might've assumed things and didn't think it proper for an unwed 'couple' to share a room.

Swan: Ha. I guess I shouldn't tell them that August is gay and dating one of the cameramen.

KJ: Really? Which one?

Swan: Graham.

Swan: Anyways, we're at the room. I have to take my dress out so it doesn't wrinkle.

KJ: I'm glad you plan on looking exquisite for me love.

Swan: Don't flatter yourself buddy. I'm going to lunch with August anyways.

Emma tucked her cell in the back pocket of her jeans as she handed the porter some Euro notes and he left. She opened her suitcase and pulled out the dress she was going to wear. The strapless green satin with black flower lace overlay Alexander McQueen dress she hung up on in the small closet was a gift from her brother that she'd received for her birthday that year. She dove back in to find her coat (a classic Burberry knee length trench coat in black that August gave her the year before), hanging it next to the dress, and her shoes (black Christian Louboutin pumps that she'd bought for herself because she'd always wanted a pair) that she set atop the small desk across from the bed.

A knock at the door alerted her to August's presence, so she let him in. He noticed the dress in the open closet and gave her a Look as he sat on the bed and watched her get ready for their lunch.

"What?" August arched his eyebrow at her then looked over at the dress. "What's wrong with my dress?"

"And you said you didn't like like him." August scoffed and chuckled. "For being able to tell whenever someone is lying to you, you're not very good at doing it yourself you know."

"It's my favorite dress! You gave it to me! Why should that mean anything?" Emma pulled a brush through her hair as she glared at her brother.

"It's the nicest dress you own, you said so yourself. I also know that you brought several dresses but yet, you're choosing that one for tonight…and you know you look good in it. I remember when Graham saw you in it and said that you shouldn't wear anything else but it. You want to look nice for him!" Emma tossed her brush at his head.

"I hate you." She pulled her hair into a side braid and fished her sunglasses from her purse, then slung it over her shoulder. "Let's go, I'm starving." August grabbed her hand as the exited her room.

"Emma, it's okay to like him you know."

"I know."

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"So, talk." August gave Emma a pointed look over the top of his pint of beer and she just raised an eyebrow. They were having lunch at Kai Café overlooking the loch and they were sitting outside. "I swear, you spend so much time with him, you're picking up his quirks. Talk."

"About what August?" She huffed and shoved a chip (fries) in mouth. "About how over the last month I've started falling for the most unattainable guy ever? Even after I told myself that I wouldn't trust anyone after what that other idiot did to me? How about how he could have any girl in this world and why would he want me: college drop-out and former convict? He deserves some gorgeous model, not an average girl like me."

August practically slammed his glass down on the table.

"You deserve everything Emma! You think you're the only one with issues or that was abandoned? Did you ever stop to ask him about his life? Like I said before, I got to know him and that whole innuendo laden persona people see? It's not real…he does it so he won't have to deal with people!" Her brother ran his hand over his beard. "It's time to wake up Emma, and make a decision and get over yourself. I love you, but it's time. I said it already: it's okay to like him."

They ate in silence, allowing Emma to think over everything her brother had thrown at her. He was right. The more she kept denying things she wanted, the more power she was giving to what Neal's betrayal and her parent's abandonment made her feel. She'd be giving in to the feelings of inadequacy that had plaguing her since she was returned to the orphanage when she was three. She'd be proving all those kids who'd teased her and called her 'unwanted' and 'unlovable' right…and suddenly, something in her snapped.

"That's it!" She smacked her hand on the table and August almost spilled his beer.

"What?"

"You're right! I've worked hard to turn my life around and I've worked hard to earn my living. Why don't I deserve happiness like everyone else? Tonight is going to be great and that man won't know what hit him."

"That's my little sister!"

"Younger sister."

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After returning to the hotel, Emma decided she needed a nap before the party that evening. It shouldn't have surprised her that she dreamt she was in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. She was backed up against a wall and hitting zombies with a cricket bat (thanks Shaun of the Dead) when they were all taken out by a dual pistol wielding hero. She looked to her rescuer and all she saw was cerulean eyes: I'm here to rescue you love. Emma sat up in her bed and looked over at the clock, noticing she only had a few hours to get ready.

Emma put her iPod in her speaker dock, dumped an exorbitant amount of bubble bath in the tub, and got in to soak for a good hour. Mozart and Chopin caressed her ears and relaxed her, preparing her for the evening. Do I just tell him I like him? This isn't middle school Emma. You don't hand him a note that says 'Do you like me? Yes, No, Maybe?' Well, what do I do?! First, start off by not talking to yourself, because that's weird. Shut up. Emma knew how to flirt, thanks to the many times she had to fool her bail jumpers, so tonight she'd turn it way up and maybe it'd work.

She got out of the tub, dried off, and gathered her make-up and hair tools on the counter. After drying her hair, she did it up in a chignon style: bun low and a pair of braids on the sides (Thank you YouTube hairstyle tutorial videos!). Emma left a few strands of hair loose and wavy around the crown of her head. She went on to her make-up, painting her lids in a shimmery green eye shadow and topping it off by carefully drawing the eyeliner over the edge of her lid and doing it up at the end to do a perfect dramatic wing tip. Her mascara helped lengthen her lashes and she was glad she'd opted for the waterproof because she didn't need any smudging going on. The last part to her look came in the form of her favorite lipstick from Smashbox, Firecracker: a bright red shade that she loved to wear.

As she stood to put on her underthings to get into her dress, her phone beeped, announcing a text.

KJ: Shall I fetch you from your room love, or do you want me to wait for you in the lobby?

Swan: I'll meet you in the lobby.

KJ: Can't wait.

She finished dressing and went to the closet for her dress. She fought with the zipper and could only get it part of the way. Crap…wait, this could work for me.

Swan: Could you come up actually? I need your help. Room 815

KJ: 'Course Swan. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't lend a hand?

Swan: Just get up here buddy.

While she waited, she stepped into her heels and found a clutch purse to take. She placed her phone, cards, and room key in it and clicked it shut. Then she decided to grab her lipstick from the bathroom and add that in too. Just then, there was a light knock at the door and Emma peeked through the peep hole: Killian (when did she start calling him that? He'd been Jones and now he was Killian. Lord, this was going to be difficult. Man up Emma! You made a decision this afternoon. You deserve it!) was shifting from side to side and she could tell he was just as nervous as she was. It didn't help her that he looked gorgeous in an all-black tux combo: black pants, coat, bow-tie, and even black shirt. His hair was styled with gel, parted down the side, giving him a well groomed look. She couldn't suppress the giggle she let out when she saw that despite him cleaning up nicely, he'd kept the ever present scruff that she'd grown accustomed to over the last month.

"Emma? Are you there?" his voiced broke her out of her daydreaming as she imagined how that scruff would feel against her neck and her cheeks.

"Yeah! Sorry! Hold on a sec." She pulled back the latch and unlocked the door. "It's open!" she said and kind of hid behind the door so that he could step in. When he walked in, she was assaulted by how good he smelled in that aftershave he always wore.

"Lass? Where are you?" he asked. He was standing by her bed as she shut the door. He turned to inspect the source of the sound and she walked forward and was very satisfied by how his mouth visibly fell open slightly and how his Adam's apple bobbed when he swallowed as he saw her. "Um…uh…help? You said you needed help."

"Yeah. Couldn't get this zipped up all the way, would you mind?" Emma turned on the spot and smiled to herself when she heard him gasp slightly.

"Of course." She could practically feel the heat of his gaze as he made his way toward her. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." Emma hoped that her reply hadn't come out too breathy sound and felt the tug on her dress as he pulled the zipper up the rest of the way. She felt a shiver run through her as he ran his hand up her bare shoulder blade and along her shoulder, causing her to shut her eyes in delight. His warm breath caressed the bare skin and she almost jumped when she felt him wrap his arms around her waist and place a kiss on her shoulder. Go Emma! You did it! Now, don't chicken out. You like him and he obviously likes you. Go for it!

She leaned back into his grasp, placing her hands over his. He leaned his head down and kissed along her shoulder some more and up her neck. She could not avoid the sigh that escaped her lips. It must have struck something in him because he released her and stepped away.

"Emma…I'm so sorry. I have no idea what came over me. I-I apologize for my forwardness. I shouldn't have held you in that manner, wasn't good form you know."

"Seriously?" Emma replied with a laugh. "I would've stopped you if I'd wanted to."

"Really?" She nodded and laughed a little more, taking a few tentative steps toward him.

"Killian, whatever's gone on in your life that you're not telling me, I don't care. I'm tired of living in the past." She cupped the right side of his face and he shut his eyes as he leaned into her hand.

"I know how you feel." His eyes opened slowly as he placed his hand over hers, pulling it away from his face and letting it drop from his grasp. "We should…get going." Damn. Maybe we were wrong about how he felt. Emma let her face drop from the smile she had moments ago to a slight grimace.

"Okay. Right." She scooted away from him and turned to get her coat. Surprisingly, he took it and held it open for her. "Thanks", she said curtly as she grabbed her clutch and pulled the room door open and stepped out, leaving him alone in the room.