AN: Sorry for the delay. Thank you to Sandra for your swift beta. Appreciate you, and those who take the time to leave your reviews. You guys are the best and are what's keeping this story going. ~Kate

Chapter 4: The Gala

"Looks like our proper Mayor is a world-class hypocrite."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Emma laughs, hoping the sound doesn't sound as forced to Jefferson as it does to her. "I think someone needs another cup of coffee. You sure you're alert there, Jefferson?"

"Nah." His smile widens. "I'd say I'm spot on."

He's not going to let it go, she can tell, but she's not about to lose her job when she's had it for less than a month because of Killian's poorly-hidden facial expressions. Her colleague goes to say something else when she cuts him off.

"So, what if you are?" Emma asks brazenly. "I know you're not just going to contact Human Resources and out us. You're smarter than that, I know you are, so what do you want?"

Jefferson's brows shoot up into his hairline, and if possible, the corners of his mouth hike higher. He licks his lips playfully and shrugs. "Same thing every man wants. A beautiful woman on his arm."

"Well, if we're going with the theory that Killian and I are together, I'm already taken aren't I?"

"You don't have to be taken to be an escort to the charity gala in two weeks."

Honestly, she'd almost forgotten about the event, but Killian had never officially asked her – or at least, he hasn't gotten around to it just yet – and now Jefferson is blackmailing her with it.

And it pisses her off, so naturally, she glares sharp daggers at him.

"Blackmail is illegal, you know." She doesn't acknowledge the pang in her heart that another reason Killian might not have asked is because he'd rather bring someone that he's proud to show off; someone who can afford designer gowns and pricey, flashy jewels around her neck.

"I'm not blackmailing you," he tells her seriously, all joking clearly in the past now as he brings her out of her thoughts. "Emma, I was just messing around. I'm a jackass but I'm not that big of one – if HR finds out about you two, it won't be from me. Relax, will you?"

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because I'm not as bad a guy as you may think I am?" he says. "And in all honesty… I do really need a date for that thing. Besides, the good old mayor is going to be too busy shaking hands and discussing mundane matter concerning the city all night anyway. And I'd rather bring someone who isn't a tramp who owns nothing but crotch-length skirts," Emma grimaces at the image and Jefferson laughs, "sorry, but it's true. I don't want a harem of women, just someone I enjoy company with, so we can turn a snooze-fest into a decent time."

Considering his proposition, and knowing he's probably right where Killian is concerned, Emma agrees with a nod.

"You're a lifesaver!"

"On one condition," she adds quickly when Jefferson fist pumps excitedly, "We meet there. And we don't leave together."

"Well, we can't meet there." His face morphs to one of confusion. "We have to arrive there together. That's the whole point of you being my escort that night, remember?"

Pressing her lips into a firm line, she says, "Fine. No leaving together then. Surely people won't have that close of an eye on you."

"Nah, probably not, but like I said –"

"Yeah, yeah, a harem of women is bad and a classy lady, who is obviously me, isn't."

Jefferson nods, smirking. "Now you're getting it." He checks his watch. "Shit, we've been in here a bit too long. Don't want to be the focus of office gossip, do we?" He winks at her and Emma wonders if anyone else has caught on to the time she's been spending with Killian not only on the clock, but off as well.

Emma makes her way back to her desk and while she's filing paperwork and jotting down messages, she can't help but think about the gala and Killian. He's told her that she's the only one he has eyes for but how far does that attraction go?

He hasn't asked her to be his escort, hasn't even mentioned it other than back when they first met and every other phone call she's receiving now is from a woman reminding him that, while they know he'll be busy making and finalizing deals, they're also free and willing that night – for whatever he needs them for and it makes her stomach roll.

She realizes, then, just how desperate women are for Killian's attention, and it's after the tenth call from a woman that she doesn't bother to really listen and who she only tells that he's busy that night and won't be able to service her in any way, shape, or form. When she gets pissy, she feels no guilt for hanging up.

It also makes her feel better that if she can't be his date (even if he does end up asking, she's already Jefferson's date), that no one else will be his date either.

Five minutes later (and when there's no one in the room), Emma feels a gentle hand on her back and a shiver that runs up her spine.

"Do you mind telling me why you hung up on my mother?"

"What!" she shrieks, whirling around as he bursts into laughter at her fumbling words. "That was your – oh, my God, Killian – I mean, Mayor, I'm so –"

"Calm yourself, Swan. I'm messing with you. It wasn't my mother though it was one of my oldest friends. I explained that you were only doing what I've asked of you. She was impressed once her indignation wore off." His hand travels from her shoulder to her cheek. "You started hanging up on people?" he asks, stroking his thumb along her jawline. There's a smirk on his face and a smile in his eyes that makes her swallow hard.

"Women," she clarifies and playfully smacks him away when he cocks an eyebrow. "Not business partners or anything like that, but…those who want your attention for more than a political discussion, if you get my drift."

"Aye, I do."

"Stop looking at me like that."

"Why?"

"Because I said so."

"Oh, because you've said so," he chuckles. "Well, I'm not sure I can, Swan. I have to say green has never looked so beautiful in your eyes as it does when you're jealous."

Emma tries to push away from him in her chair but the wheels catch on something and it tilts back suddenly. Killian is quick to catch her, yanking her up to her feet and suddenly they're close enough that they're able to feel each other's breath on their lips.

"I didn't think you had it in you." His eyes search every inch of her face. "It looks good on you."

"What does?" she asks breathily, hating the way her voice sounds, but too intoxicated by him to fix it.

"Jealousy."

"I am not –"

He refuses to let her interrupt by adding with a soft tone, "I like knowing you care about me in that way, Emma. It's the same as I do for you."

Her jaw ticks and his lips quirk. He ducks just then and places a chaste, firm kiss on her mouth before backing away as if nothing's happened. "Are you insane?" she hisses, eyeing their surroundings to make sure no one saw. "What the hell was that?!" She quickly rights her chair and then steps behind it, using it as a barrier so that he can't get too close to her.

So that she won't be tempted to yank him back to her.

"I haven't the faintest clue as to what you're talking about, Miss Swan," he lies, still smiling at her right before turning away and heading back into his office, shutting the door behind him. "Have a wonderful day."

She can't help the heat that races to her cheeks at the thought of just how fun pretending they're nothing might turn out to be, while simultaneously ignoring the voice in her head that tells her what she has with Killian isn't going to last, that he'll get bored and find something in stiletto heels and a short skirt.

That doesn't, however, mean she won't find ways to enjoy what time she has left with him.

Time passes until the gala is a week away, and both Emma and Killian are walking together into City Hall. They've managed to succeed in avoiding copping anyone's interest where they're concerned, aside from Jefferson who's made sure to let them both know that he knows all about the two of them.

Killian made him swear on his life that he wouldn't tell a soul, but because Emma knows how close he is to Jefferson, she also knows it's an empty threat. Surprisingly, Jefferson has made himself an ally of theirs, helping to explain away any strange happenings that other co-workers might walk in on. Fortunately, those times are rare because they behave.

For the most part.

They're very good…well, Killian's very good at keeping a distance when needed, Emma too, though she constantly finds herself unconsciously gravitating toward him and then he'll let her know that she's doing it by giving her a lustful look, and a raised brow, before stepping away from her.

When they're sure no one is looking, they still keep it low-key and unassuming, they steal quick looks with soft little touches throughout the day – nothing of the vulgar variety, just a hand along their back, or a finger briefly trailing down their arm. Once they're done with their daily political duty, however, and the two head home is when everything comes off and it's like a tornado has passed through their homes with a mess of clothes in its wake.

Now, Emma and Killian are laying together in bed, while she rests her head on his chest and he does as he always does, running a hand through her blonde tresses. Content isn't a good enough word for what she feels, but she can't find the right one that is just on the tip of her tongue, but keeps escaping her.

"Emma?" Killian asks into her hair, wanting to make sure she's not asleep by trailing his fingers over the nape of her neck. When she shivers and further buries into his chest, he laughs and she smiles against his skin because that sound has become one of her favorites. "You're clearly awake. Nice attempt at pretending otherwise though."

"I fail."

"You fail beautifully." He laughs again. "I have something to ask of you."

"I already did that thing you like," she mumbles against him, before looking up and giving him a smug grin that makes his blue eyes spark with arousal. "Yes?"

"Yes," he agrees, pulling her against his lips so that he can kiss her temple. "But that isn't what I was referring to."

"Then what were you referring to?"

"The gala. It's a week from today…"

They've already had this discussion and it makes her sigh heavily. Killian had surprised her with a pale pink rose and one of those fancy, embellished invitations made from card stock the day before, but she unfortunately had to decline because of her date with Jefferson. Killian wasn't happy, though he understood that because he'd waited to ask, he'd lost out. When Emma had tried explaining that Jefferson was blackmailing her, he laughed it off and said that he'd be the richest man in the world for every time his old friend had tried to benefit himself from any sort of woman's service, and that while his threat to off Jefferson had been an empty one, so had Jefferson's threat been to reveal them to Human Resources.

"Killian, I have to do this for him," she said softly.

"Well, you don't have to," he tells her while rubbing his thumb over her lower lip, "it isn't mandatory you attend with him. But I do admire your loyalty." When she nips his finger he clenches his jaw. "You are one sexy minx, you know that don't you?"

Warmth floods her cheeks as well as the area in between her legs and she gives him a knowing, predatory, albeit playful, smile and dips below the bed sheet to show him another thing she knows he'll like.

Later the next afternoon, Killian tells her he needs to get his tux tailored and leaves Emma to finish up some errands she'd planned on crossing off her list before he came over and distracted the hell out of her. Ruby helped her pick out her gown, positive that while it would make Killian lose his mind that it would also be modest enough that Jefferson wouldn't be too tempted to take things further. Emma had gotten the vibe in the last few days that Jefferson was more into their gala appearance than he'd originally mentioned it being. He'd said she would be good company, but now she worries that maybe that was just something he said so that she would go with him. Jefferson is a good man, she knows this, but she also knows that while she's with someone else in the first place, he isn't the type to settle down either.

In fact…

Neither is Ruby. That thought carries her away into another distraction. Setting the two of them up. She knows it's a long shot, but maybe…

"Hey, Ruby?" she says as soon as her best friend answers her phone. Emma is throwing her sheets in the wash and then pulling out clothes from the dryer. "What are you doing six days from now?"

"Uh…probably going to the bar. Why?"

"I've got something better in mind for you."

"Doubt it, but let's hear it!"

"What do you say about going to a fancy party and getting all dressed up with a hot man as a date?"

She pauses and looks over at Emma. "How hot?"

"Pretty damn hot."

"What do I have to do?"

"Dress classy, dance and drink all night?"

"…I'm in."

Excellent, she thinks. All she has to do now is take her BFF shopping and then when Jefferson comes to pick her up Saturday night, he'll be taking Ruby and Emma will be free to go with Killian. She sends him a text letting him know the plan.

To Killian: Ruby & Jefferson. Thoughts?

He replies swiftly.

From Killian: Random. Interesting…think she can handle him?

To Killian: I think the ? is if he can handle her.

From Killian: Does this mean I get you all to myself at the gala?

To Killian: What do you think? ;)

From Killian: I get you all to myself.

Emma laughs and sends him a quick text of agreement and then she's back to folding her laundry.

A few more days pass until it's the day before the gala. Emma is holding her dress in one hand and her heels in the other. She's glad she chose two-inch heels because they're high enough to keep the hemline of the dress from rubbing against the floor, but short enough to keep her from busting her ass.

"Hey, Em?"

Emma walks out of the closet after hanging up her gown and smiles at Ruby's expression. She'd left a photo she took of Jefferson on her phone for her contact list and printed it off before sliding it under Ruby's door. It had taken seconds before Ruby had whipped the door open and given her seal of approval.

"You still think this is a good idea? Me and your co-worker? What if things don't work out and I have to show up at City Hall for whatever reason and I end up seeing him? Because seriously: can you say awkward?"

"You're overthinking this and you never do, so stop. You guys seem like you'll click, and I'm not all that worried but if you want me to go with him instead, then I'll just call Killian and –"

"Nope! Don't do that," she laughs lightly, a hint of pink in her cheeks. She crosses her arm and leans against the doorway to Emma's bedroom and shrugs. "I didn't say it was a bad idea, I was just looking for confirmation that it was still a good one. He's hot, Emma. I'm not going to miss out on going to a fancy event with one of New York's most eligible bachelors' BFF's."

Rolling her eyes, Emma says, "Yeah. I think you two are a good idea, Ruby. Neither of you are looking to settle down and he definitely doesn't want to go alone tomorrow night. It's perfect because I can be with Killian too and…"

"And Killian isn't one of New York's most eligible bachelors anymore. You two are getting pretty serious, aren't you?"

She goes to answer, but then hesitates. It hits her that she's been dating him, what, a couple of months and again she's being dragged back to when she was with Neal and how fast and hard she'd fallen for him, when he hadn't so much as tripped.

While he isn't Neal, Killian's been distant for the last couple of days and she figures it's because he's been holed up at City Hall. There's been a motion for the city of New York to forbid skateboards and roller blades in Central Park, and many of the residents haven't taken it very well. If the bill passes, that means a safer day at a popular recreational area. It also means a more difficult means of transportation for those accustomed to their means of traveling and having to switch to Taxi, or foot.

It's a lot on Killian's plate and Emma understands, but now when the day winds down, he doesn't call her to let her know that he's home, or speak to her while they're at work.

Then she thinks it's because of their relationship at the office. Jefferson has promised them both they wouldn't say anything, and that he really just might be swamped with work. When Neal was avoiding calls and meetings, he was in bed with anything with breasts and a skirt.

But then she remembers, again, how different Killian is from Neal and just like that, another moment of panic is gone and she pushes her doubts aside.

"Yeah," Emma says quietly, adding with a soft smile, "I think we are."

"I'm happy for you, Emma." She watches as Ruby turns to leave while saying, "A little jealous because that is one sexy man you've got but really, you've been through a lot and you deserve to be happy. Now, will you come and look at my dress? I want to make sure it goes with these heels I'm thinking about putting with it."

"Normally you match the shoes to the dress, not vice versa."

"Yeah, well I've never been one to do things the normal way."

Emma has spent the majority of the next day thinking about the gala and is prepping and curling her hair for the big night when she gets a text message from Jefferson saying that he'll be there in an hour's time. As she's about to respond, the iron's cord twists and causes her to drop the hair tool. She instinctively reaches the scorching metal with her free hand and almost as soon as she grabs it, she's letting it clatter to the tile.

"Shit!" she cries out, throwing her hand under the faucet as Ruby comes running in, half-dressed.

"What happened? I heard something fall, and you…you know, screamed."

"Burned my hand," Emma tells her, pointing to the curling iron still on the ground while gently holding her hand under the cool flow of water. "Damn thing."

Ruby's turning for the medicine cabinet and says, "I'll go get a bandage."

"Don't worry about it. I'll ice it while I wait for Jefferson. Not that big of a deal."

"You sure? That's going to hurt like hell if you don't."

"Not that I usually care, but I don't want it to botch my outfit. White bandages and champagne chiffon don't exactly mesh subtly."

"Do you need help with your makeup?"

"What are you talking about?" she looks into the mirror. She has on mascara and lip-gloss. She's done. "I'm made up." Ruby purses her lips into a fine line and shakes her head. "Or not."

When Emma's hair is curled and Ruby has added eye-shadow, liner, and lipstick to her face, she has to admit she's glad Ruby refused to let her call her application done and done when clearly a couple more steps make all the difference.

"Now you're made up," Ruby teases, fluffing Emma's hair and then gently brushing it through so the curls loosen and look like golden waves cascading down her back. "And you look stunning, best friend."

"You're like a fairy godmother," Emma says wryly, carefully putting all of her appliances and makeup away while gingerly holding her hand against her chest, palm out so that it doesn't touch and reap more pain.

"Are you sure you don't want to put something on it? What if it scars?"

"I'm not too worried about it, really. I'll put some Neosporin and then tell my dance partner to watch it." She imagines Killian sweeping her across the dance floor after taking one look at her and dropping whatever political obligations he has and making her his number one priority. She knows it probably won't go down quite that way, but a girl can dream.

And with Killian, she's been doing that more and more.

As soon as she slips her princess style dress, Emma feels a little more like the name given to her gown and once she puts on her heels she feels nearly complete. "Ruby?" she calls and like they're mentally linked, she comes into the room carrying a pair of champagne colored stone earrings. Ruby is a vision in red, wearing a satin slip dress with a nose dive that gives quite the view of her back. "These will match your dress perfectly."

This is why you're my best friend," she laughs, taking the earrings.

"Just one of the many reasons."

Jefferson shows up a quarter past eight, giving them plenty of time to get to the event fashionably late, but not too late to be concerned rude. He knocks on the door and when Ruby answers it's as though all thoughts of Emma have disappeared for him. When he does finally remember her, he says, "You ladies are going to be the belles of the ball. At least I assume that this lovely lady is joining us." He smiles though there's something mischievous in his gaze as he says the words, and Emma doesn't miss the look he casts at Ruby.

He holds his arms out to each of them, and takes them down to the taxi where Emma silently thinks about Killian already being there, and it stings that she can't just show up at his side. But still she squeals like a school girl going to see her crush at the big dance, because even though he's been distant he said it himself that he gets her all to himself tonight.

That's what she chooses to focus on.

Emma's feels like a third wheel for the entirety of the car ride. Jefferson and Ruby have hit it off, the phrase being more of an understatement than anything else and while she's happy for them, it's time for her to find Killian.

It's jarring for her to think about how used to him she's gotten in the time they've been together, and yes it's been months since they've started doing whatever it is they're doing in their relationship, but…she didn't think she'd feel this – or this strongly – for anyone after what Neal did to her.

She lets the two take their time in following her, but tries as quickly, and gracefully, as possible to get to where she really wants to be. Or rather, with whom she wants to be with, but…semantics.

The doors open for her and they take her name to make sure she's on the guest list and of course she is, and when she's asked if she's brought her plus-one, she denies it and heads inside where soft, classical music is playing and it perfectly fits the occasion. There is a sea of people, some of them dancing on the ballroom floor and most of them with faces she doesn't recognize. Emma's never been one to get claustrophobic but as she braves the mass, it is overwhelming until she hears a deep burst of laughter. She's grown accustomed to that sound and makes her way further into the sea until she sees an exit. Holding up her dress a little to make it easier to move, she carries herself over to a small, way less intense group of people, one including the tallest man, with dark hair, and with his back to her.

It's Killian, she knows it's him and she's about to step up behind him when he and a brunette walk off and head for the wave of dancers. The woman he pulls close is breathtakingly beautiful with her chocolate hair swirled up into a formal twisting bun. Her eyes standout with her makeup and designer dress making Emma feel like she's wearing dish rags even though logically she knows that it isn't the case, that she too is wearing a beautiful gown. That's not what has her annoyed. It's the fact that she's not the one in the nice dress on her man's arm and another woman is.

And he looks like he's in complete bliss.

She knew she should have listened to her instincts. It was a matter of time before he found something – someone – better, she thinks, and just as soon as she walked up to that group, she's retreating, or at least, trying to and failing because someone is grabbing onto her arm and she looks up, it's Ruby and she swallows back an ache in her throat.

"What's wrong?" her friend asks, worry in her gaze and Emma knows too well that if she tries to respond she'll end up crying.

"Hopefully I can fix whatever it is that has her upset," another voice says, and she turns around to see a handsome man, in a tux, with dark hair and blue eyes though it isn't Killian. "May I have this dance?" he asks with a kind smile and she doesn't want to, isn't in the mood at all and not with someone who is going to try and take advantage of the situation (which she won't let happen, but still). It'd be rude to say no, so she gives him her hand and lets him lead them out to the dance floor where she keeps her eyes trained on his chest so that she isn't able to locate Killian and his newest conquest.

Because that's what she's been and will always be, right?

Yet another conquest to yet another man who swept her off her feet and caught her only to let her fall and fall hard once she thought she was safe.

"You are way too beautiful for me to allow you to be this upset."

She half-laughs, half sobs and when a finger is lifting her chin she sees genuine concern, and a smile still on his face. It's taken a sad note now. "Tell me your name?"

"Are you asking me or demanding it?"

"Um," he laughs… "both?"

"My name is Emma Swan."

"It's nice to meet you, Emma Swan." He holds out his hand and Emma offers her uninjured one to shake. "I'm August Booth."

Her smile is wobbly, but true and she can appreciate that he's trying to make her feel better. "Same to you, August."

"I saw you, you know." She give him a look and he clarifies. "When you approached us? You saw the mayor leave to go dance with my sister."

His sister. That means she can't tell him how she really feels about the woman, not that she's sure she would have even if they weren't related. "Yeah, I didn't mean to interrupt," she says quietly.

"You weren't. I don't think they even realized you were there, but I did and I meant what I said, Emma. You are a vision."

She barely notices his words, or how well he dances but definitely notices the couple dancing just a few feet away from her after making the mistake of looking up when he called her by her name and her gaze flitted over for a split second. Her heart hurts when she sees Killian kiss the woman's forehead and suddenly they're laughing while he lifts then spins her around in his arms.

"I think someone else has and deserves your attention right now."

The mood is light and there's amusement in August's eyes when Emma's attention snaps back and she instantly feels terrible. "I'm sorry, I just –"

"Have the hots for the mayor. Most women do, I've gathered."

She can't agree to that because they are still technically in a work setting, but she also can't deny it and she hates it. She wonders then, if August is here and that's his sister…then either they both work here, or only August does and she was Killian's "plus-one." The thought makes her nauseous. How could she have been so stupid to think Killian had actually meant anything he said to her? Killian might not have been obvious about his rendezvous with women, and he didn't give Emma any reason to believe he was screwing around on her. Neal had, howver, and she knows for a fact now that Killian is not the same as Neal.

He's worse.

Emma is done with him, she decides and refocuses her attention on August. He's a kind man, seemingly, and she wonders (doubts) if he's always like this or if, again, he's just another man looking for an easy lay from a woman with a broken heart. Not that she's in any position to jump from one man to another (she's done that before and look where it's gotten her), but it's nice to pretend that August cares about her, even if only in the platonic sense.

Nearly an hour of distracted dancing passes when her feet are past the point of aching and are now painfully throbbing. August leads her to one of the banquet tables and she sits down while he goes to grab them some water. She removes one of her heels and begins to massage it, nearly moaning with the relief she feels and wishing she would have worn in these suckers before going out for them for more than a couple of hours.

"Emma!" Ruby squeals, trotting over to her, her heels clicking against the floor before whispering in her ear. "Thanks for the set up with Davis. Jefferson and I are calling it an early night!"

Emma rolls her eyes and her best friend sticks her tongue out and then promises to call when they get to their apartment before leaving…

Wait.

Their apartment? Or are they going to Jefferson's place? God, she hopes they're not at her and Ruby's apartment because she would really rather pass on putting in the headphones tonight.

After rubbing her other foot she slips her heels back on just as August returns with their drinks. "I'm surprised you turned down the champagne. The booze is usually pretty good over here. Milah says so anyway."

Milah.

Milah and Killian.

She feels nauseous again.

"Didn't feel like getting boozed up." Or taken advantage of, she thinks but decides it's probably better to not say that last part out loud. "So you don't work here, I take it."

"Nope, I'm actually an accountant. And I've been my sister's for a few years when she finally figured out I wasn't just blowing steam about how good I am with numbers."

"So she works here then?"

"Yeah." He gives her a strange look. "Why?"

Guess she wasn't the plus-one, but it still doesn't mean she didn't come here with Killian. Her gaze must have drifted away from August again, and she doesn't know for how long this time because he has to whistle at her again to get her attention. "God, I'm sorry. I don't know what's with me tonight."

Yes she does.

"You look like someone kicked your puppy."

"Feels like it," she says out loud before she can stop herself. "Ignore me though. You were having fun before I ruined your night. I –"

"You didn't, actually."

"Oh, no?"

"Hell no," he smiles. "You've taken my mind off the fact my baby sister is getting married."

Her stomach drops.

She's getting married. That's why Killian looked like he'd just won the lottery and spun her around like she was a three year old. They're not broken up, they're engaged…

And she's officially done.

"Sorry, August," she says quickly, unable to stand the thought of being there a second longer. Her eyes fill to the brim with tears and her throat is killing her because she's trying to stop her voice from cracking, to keep it even. "I have to go. I have to be…somewhere else."

"I understand. You sure you don't want me to come with? I make a mean chicken soup and I've got ice cream." Nothing but kindness and she thinks he might be one of the good ones after all.

"Positive. Really was nice to meet you, bye." Her last words fly out of her mouth with a strained force and then she's making a quick exit. The second the doors open she's hit with a burst of fresh air and she can breathe again, and is finally free to let those tears fall.

"Shit," she groans, as she feels something other than tears hit her skin. It's raining. "Just my luck."

"And as my luck would have it, you spent all evening dancing, not even giving me the slightest chance to talk to you, and now you've run from me. Again." She freezes at the sound of his voice, but refuses to turn around so that he can see her tears. "Swan, please look at me."

She doesn't.

"Emma."

She can't. She squeezes her eyes shut and her head aches she's clenching her jaw so tight. Her heart is ripping in half with every word out of his mouth and the only thing keeping her from running away is that damn voice of his. She's a slave to it and hates how she can't pretend like it doesn't affect her.

"Ruby came here with Jefferson," he says as thunder crackles in the distance. She doesn't respond. "And you're right. They do make a good pair."

"I don't know why you're making small talk with me," she barely manages, "when you should be celebrating in there with the new fiancée. I had no idea," she chokes out, "Congrats, by the way."

"You sound anything but excited. Not that I blame you."

Emma is seeing stars as the rain intensifies and her heart hurts so bad it's starting to feel numb, as is the rest of her body. She turns around to see Killian, standing there with water dripping from his hair and eyelashes, his eyes filled with amusement that quickly shifts to concern right before her vision goes black and she collapses.

The last thing she thinks before darkness consumes is her is that he didn't say a damn thing to deny it.

He's engaged, and she's an idiot.

AN: Wow, so Ruby and Jefferson are apparently now a thing, Emma collapsed, and Killian's engaged? Or is there a misunderstanding? What do you think? I know updates take a while, but your encouragement seriously inspires me to write more and post as often as possible. Thank you for reading and please review if you want this story continued! Love you guys! ~Kate