A new chapter is here! I'm sorry that the update took me so long, but I've been through a writer's block that has lasted for the last few months. Luckily my muse is back, so I'm taking the opportunity to update all my WIPs.
This chapter was going to be longer at first, but I decided to split it into two parts since I think it will work better that way. This time, we only have Emma POV.
Emma hated feeling weak. Even though it had been three days since her accident, she still did not feel fully recovered. As soon as she woke up, she walked directly to the couch and dropped herself down there, too lazy and still aching to do anything more productive. The trails of the incident lingered in the form of a slight dizziness and a dull pain in her shoulder.
Despite her discomfort, though, she wasn't doing well on her days off and spent most of her time at home, sulk mode on, unable to distract herself by anything.
Well, to be honest, Killian was a distraction. Too much distraction, in fact. She should be thankful for his constant presence these days. The reality, however, was quite different. She was having a difficult time dealing with his continued attention.
And it was not because she did not value his actions. The only reason, though she would never admit it aloud, was because she was not used to having anyone take care of her in her weakest moments. She found it difficult to show her most vulnerable side, after so many years of having to take care of herself, with no family or friends to watch over her.
For that reason, when for the third consecutive day Killian appeared at her door at ten in the morning, she was not in her most hospitable mood.
The sound of the keys at her front door announced his presence even before he appeared. Emma let out a groan of annoyance as she regretted the moment she decided to give him the keys to her apartment a year ago.
She could handle Elsa's or even Liam's attentions better, but when it came to Killian she was more reticent. Elsa and Liam were just friends, very close friends, actually. Killian, however, was much more, at least for her. Her thinking was full of inconsistencies, she was aware of it. But the presence of Killian continuously worrying about her was causing the walls around her heart to weaken. And the worst thing was that she still wasn't sure about his feelings towards her.
"Good morning, love." He was in front of her in an instant, swaggering as he walked, a huge grin on his face. In his hand, a paper bag from her favorite coffee shop.
"What are you doing here?" Her response came as a grumble, as she lay on the couch, avoiding direct contact with his gaze.
He, of course, chose to ignore her, his expression unperturbed as he headed for the kitchen area.
"How are you feeling today?" He asked from there, as he opened and closed cabinets and drawers to get the things he needed. In HER kitchen.
"Fine." She mumbled. And it was true, especially if she ignored the persistent pounding in her head, or the small dizziness when she made sudden movements. But she was not going to give more explanations that increased her degree of concern and that hint of guilt that sometimes clouded his gaze. She was not going to deny that she was somehow pleased. But on the other hand, all that worry made her nervous. Did he worry just because she was his friend or something else?
"Have you had breakfast?" His rhetorical question broke her train of thought.
"Uh-huh." — No —
"Liar."
She snorted in annoyance, hating that he could read her so well. "Why bother asking me if you already know the answer?" Her voice came out in a tone perhaps too sharp, so she took a deep breath before continuing. "Listen, I'm fine. I'm not a little girl you have to supervise. I'm able to take care of myself." She said without bothering to make contact with his gaze.
Still, she couldn't help glancing sideways at the kitchen island. His expression hadn't changed, but she could feel the muscle in his cheek flexing in and out, a sign that he was losing his patience. Still, he kept his voice calm as he headed back to her.
"Well, since you're an adult and responsible person, you must know that you should have more than just coffee in your stomach while you are taking your medication."
Enough. She rose abruptly, ready to face him. What she didn't count on was her weakness and the sudden dizziness that arose the moment she stood up, making her whole body falter.
"Easy, Swan." Killian was there in an instant, his strong arms holding her to keep her from falling. And she hated him a little more for that. Or she loved him more, depending on how she wanted to think about it.
"I'm fine." Emma hissed as she stirred to escape his grasp. His touch suddenly felt like too much, leaving her weakened to face him. Still, as she was already standing, she headed toward the kitchen with still hesitant steps, uncomfortable by the moment of previous tension.
Killian stood still. When Emma finally dared to look at him in the eye, she could detect that he was hurt. His lips pressed together in a grim line and brow furrowed. "If my presence is so annoying, I can leave."
Yes, I want you to leave because I can not handle having you so close without having any idea of your feelings. Because all I want is to make that purse of your lips disappear by pressing mine onto yours. Because this whole situation is killing me. However, she didn't have the heart to be so cruel to him, considering her ungrateful behavior so far. Instead, she reached for the bag he had brought with him, inspecting the contents.
Two delightful-looking bear claws were waiting for her. The smell — like heaven — coming through the bag made her mouth water. Without further ado, she grabbed one bear claw, and bit a piece, unable to prevent a sound of pleasure escaping her throat.
A wave of guilt seized her as she glanced at Killian. He hadn't moved from his place, his arms folded across his chest, his expression impassive, his gaze perhaps too intense.
"You want one?" She offered him the other bear claw as a sign of making peace, something funny, considering that he was the one who brought them. Her contrite expression and softer voice, her way to emphasize her offer to make up.
After a deep breath, Killian approached her and grabbed the claw she was holding out. Emma reached for her chocolate to-go cup —with whipped cream and cinnamon, of course. Killian knew all her preferences. Well, almost all of them— and they both had their breakfast in a quiet silence, only broken by some moan of satisfaction as she savored the food. His expression softened the moment he sat next to her on one of her kitchen stools. The previous tension seemed to have diluted, she was comfortable again around her best friend. It must have been the ingestion of sugar, which had brought some lucidity into her mind, she thought.
After finishing their meals, Killian washed his hands and approached her again. "Well, let's examine those little wounds. May I?" Emma suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and nodded instead. He had taken his role as a nurse very seriously and performed the same operation every day, ignoring her complaints and snorts. This time, given their previous little showdown, she simply let him do it.
She sat on the stool as he approached her, his fingers gently pulling back a strand of hair that had fallen on the wound over her left eyebrow. Although their bodies were not touching, she could sense both his warmth and his scent, feeling a little dizzy again, but this time for different reasons. "It looks like it's healing well." A sound of approval accompanied his words, which came in a murmur as if he were speaking to himself.
"What about your shoulder?"
"It still hurts a little." She admitted grudgingly.
"May l?" He pointed at her shoulder, reluctant to touch it without her permission. Emma nodded, her heart hammering in her chest. The tank top she was wearing left her shoulder bare, so Killian turned around behind her and pulled her hair delicately apart, her bruised skin exposed.
She was about to shoot a patient-doctor style joke, but the words died in her mouth the moment she felt his touch. The previous days he had only examined her bruised skin, barely an accidental contact of his fingers on her skin. This time, though, his fingertips traced delicate patterns over her shoulder, pressing gently, his touch almost imperceptible, like a feather, but enough to send a chill down her spine and leaving a path of goosebumps. Damn traitorous body.
"Does it hurt?" He murmured, his warm breath caressing her neck.
Emma shook her head slightly, her throat unable to make any coherent sound. She remained still, his fingers continuing their course over her skin.
From her position, she couldn't see his movements but she could feel his body coming closer to hers, his lips approaching dangerously to the skin of her neck. Emma closed her eyes, her heart pounding as she launched a silent prayer for Killian to finally press his lips against her skin. The touch never came. Instead, his warm breath, a sufficient substitute to send waves of heat toward her center.
After a few seconds that seemed eternal and at the same time they seemed to have lasted only an instant, his fingers finally moved away, her body missing his warmth in the same moment.
He cleared his throat. "It looks nasty, but I guess that's a sign that it's healing too. Have you taken your pain pills?" Despite the embarrassing moment, his voice seemed calm, as if he hadn't been about to kiss her neck. Because this time she was sure it had not been just her imagination.
"Uh-huh," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
Emma got up then, walked to the sofa and dropped into it. She knew without looking, that Killian was picking up the remains of breakfast, but she was not in the mood to argue with him that she wasn't an invalid and could clean her own apartment. So she tried to direct her thoughts down a different way. "Any plans for this morning? Don't you have to rehearse or something?"
Killian joined her on the couch, grabbing the TV remote. "Nope, just to delight you with my company and keep you from dying of boredom. Who does it have to choose today?" He gestured toward the television, as he bumped his shoulder lightly with hers — the good one, fortunately.
"It's ten o'clock in the morning, Jones. Don't you have something better to do?" As she spoke, she snatched the TV remote from his hands, a giggle bubbling in her throat as she saw his expression of surprise at her unexpected movement.
He ignored her question. Instead, he let out a sigh of resignation. "Okay, you're choosing, I guess."
They spent the next few minutes in silence, their eyes focused on the screen. Her mind, however, was not paying attention to the show but was experiencing an internal struggle. On the one hand, the fact that Killian cared so much about her was a balm to her heart. On the other hand, his proximity made her feel frustrated and confused. It was like having a treasure at your fingertips without ever reaching it.
This situation was not new to them. They had already shared countless Netflix sessions or movie marathons both in her apartment and in his. For that reason, she buried the disturbing thoughts in a corner of her mind, ready to spend the morning huddled next to her best friend.
After a few minutes, she felt an extra weight on her shoulder. Killian had tilted his head slightly and was now resting on her. A few seconds later, she heard soft snores. He had fallen asleep.
A wave of guilt washed over her then. Her heart tightened as a lump formed in her throat. Until now, she had not been fully aware of the fact that Killian had come to her apartment every morning since the accident. Despite working late into the night, he came to her house early in the morning just to ensure her well-being. And yet, she was utterly sulky concerned with him, without even bothering to be grateful to him.
She was a coward. Although their displays of affection were plentiful, only in those moments when he was asleep and unaware of her actions, she dared to really show her feelings beyond friendship.
She moved his body gently to prevent him from waking up, placing his head on her lap, so that he was more comfortable. He stammered something in his sleep, but his breathing remained calm and he didn't protest the change of position.
Her fingers then slid over his hair, caressing it gently, depositing in these affectionate caresses all the gratitude and affection she didn't dare to utter aloud.
Two days later she was tired of being locked up at home. She had the feeling that if she didn't get a change of scenery soon, her head would explode, and not because of her concussion. So, ignoring the advice of her friends, she returned to work on Thursday afternoon.
At the very moment she entered The Kraken, she was enveloped by a bear hug from Liam. "Welcome back, love." Emma smiled at him, pleased to see him in his usual place and not worrying about her at home.
Although Liam didn't get as far as Killian, he had come to visit her more often than usual in recent days. He behaved more like a brother, while Killian... She unconsciously turned her eyes to the stage. There he was, guitar in hand, his gaze focused on her, his lips curled into a wide smile with the ability to melt her heart.
Emma spent the first half hour catching up with the business. She had missed The Kraken, she considered it as her second home — well, rather the third one, considering she spent half her free time at the Jones' house — She allowed herself a few moments, letting her gaze wander around and reveling in the little details. The boat-shaped bar, the perfectly arranged shelves with the different drinks, the stage area, all the sailor motifs that adorned the walls. Even the characteristic smell of the bar. Her lips parted in a smile of satisfaction. She was back.
Nothing had changed in her absence. The website was still working quite well, customers were still leaving reviews and compliments to the three of them and the poll she had created to help in choosing the next song for the duet didn't stop to get participants. At that moment she realized that she hadn't spoken yet with Killian about that, and since it was Thursday, they had to hurry up with the rehearsals if they wanted to have the song ready in time.
For that reason, the instant Killian took a break in the rehearsals, she approached to him to comment the subject. "Hey, the poll is working well. Do you think we should sing the winning song or have you thought of another one?" She looked up at the stage, her hands tucked into the back pockets of her pants.
"For the duet?" He put his hand behind his ear to scratch there, something he always did when he was nervous for some reason.
"Yeah, for this Saturday."
"Hey, about that. Liam ... why don't you explain it to her?" Killian turned to his brother, avoiding her gaze. She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, intrigued by what was happening.
"Yeah, is there something you have to tell me, Liam?" Since Killian was still ignoring her, Emma turned to face his brother.
He stood behind the counter, arms crossed over his chest, a glacial glance directed at Killian.
"Liam..." Emma insisted with a warning tone.
His eyes focused on her this time. After clearing his throat, he finally explained himself. "Uhm, we thought that since you're still convalescing, it's better if this Saturday you stay around the crowd, just taking photos. We don't want to burden you with work."
"What?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You mean that I'm recovered enough to take pictures and serve drinks, activities in which I have to use my still sore arm, but I can't get on stage for just three minutes?" Her tone was rising as she spoke, clearly annoyed and disappointed with the two brothers.
"No one ever talked about serving drinks. In fact, you shouldn't even be here. You haven't fully recovered yet, but since you insisted, we thought it would be a good idea for you to resume your work slowly." His calm speech was meant to placate her anger, she was aware, but he failed spectacularly. Far from being reassured, she was growing angry.
She turned abruptly, facing Killian again, pointing at him with an accusing finger. "This was your idea, wasn't it?" she hissed, her jaw clenched.
"Swan ..." His gaze at last held hers, but she didn't like what she saw as she looked into his eyes. Instead of looking regretful, his expression showed that he was about to lose his temper. The fact that he was still on stage didn't' help either. She felt small as she had to face him looking up.
"Oh, you dare look at me, now. You're a coward, using your brother that way..." She was harsher than she intended, but this whole thing was throwing her off. At this point, she couldn't stop. She needed to discharge all the frustration she had accumulated over the last several days. "Who do you think you are to decide what is most convenient for me?"
"Are you going to let me explain myself or not?" She was getting him angry, she could tell by the way the muscles in his jaw tightened and by his tone of voice, something higher than normal. Yet he held himself in place, without losing his self-control.
Emma ignored his question. She didn't need explanations, all she needed was to vent her anger somehow. "I do not want explanations. I'm sick of your overprotection. I didn't ask for it, I don't want it. I know how to take care of myself. I don't need you." She regretted the moment her words came out of her mouth, but couldn't help herself.
At least her words got a reaction on Killian. He stepped off the stage, his arms on either side of his body, his hands curled into fists, his gaze so cold it could freeze the warmest heart. She'd only seen that look of fury on his face as he faced some guy trying to take advantage of her in the bar. "I need some fresh air." He muttered under his breath, passing by and heading to the exit.
In a second, Killian vanished from the room. It was then that the reality of what had happened hit her hard. She felt defeated, her frustration, far from dissipating, had increased. Well done, Emma. Besides not feeling any relief, she also had used her best friend, the most important person in her life as a punching bag, getting to infuriate him like never before.
She let out a deep breath, walked with defeated steps and sank onto a counter stool. Not daring to look at Liam, she whispered with her head buried in her arms crossed on the counter. "I fucked up."
What is wrong with me? Why am I being such an asshole lately? She wanted to have magic to be able to go back in time or cast a memory loss spell on The Kraken so that everyone would forget what had just happened. Reluctant to lift her head, she hoped Liam would begin to give her the talk. He remained silent, though, so she gave up and, after a sigh, finally dared to look at her boss.
Liam was looking at her, his arms crossed over his chest and a serious expression on his face, but he didn't seem angry.
"Okay, come on, lecture me."
Her boss continued in silence for another few seconds, his hand caressing his jaw as if he were debating what to say to her. After a deep exhalation, he finally spoke.
"Do you know that Killian almost had a panic attack when he saw you fall and hit your head against the icy trail? In fact, we all worried. You were about to lose consciousness, Emma."
Although his voice remained calm, without a hint of reprimand, she felt more and more uncomfortable, knowing in advance that she would not like what she was going to hear. Still, she bit her lower lip and nodded in silence, encouraging him to continue.
"Killian is overprotective, it's in his nature. He acts in this way with me, with you and he also was overprotective with Milah." Her heart fell to her stomach when she heard the name of Killian's first love. Even Liam had to pause, in clear evidence that he was also affected when talking about her. "I know it can be a bit overwhelming at times, but when you've lost almost everything in life, you can't risk losing anyone else. You should know it, Emma."
Emma tried to swallow the lump growing in her dry throat. Liam's words weighing like slabs on her shoulders. Tears threatened to spill over, but she pressed her eyes tightly, preventing them from falling.
Liam rested his arms on the counter and reached out his hand, holding her chin gently. "Tell me, Emma, how would you have acted, if Killian had been the injured person?"
Emma put her hands on her face, her palms pressing hard against her eyes to keep the tears from falling. Everything was in vain. She shook her head. "Oh God, I've been a real pain in the ass." She couldn't deny it. She'd have acted in exactly the same way or even worse.
"I would have probably killed that guy in the first place and then camped in your apartment to make sure he was fully recovered." She admitted, her voice accompanied by a sound mixed between a snort and a sob. She had been so ridiculous.
"So, do you understand now that we care about you? We know that you are a tough lass. You've had to take care of yourself for a long time. Why don't you let others take that role now? More, you better accept it because neither Elsa nor I, let alone the idiot I have as a brother, will never let you down."
A sense of gratitude seized her. Tears were now flowing freely down her cheeks and the lump in her throat kept her from speaking, so she did what she did best in these cases. She acted. She moved quickly to reach the area behind the bar where Liam stood and lunged at him, burying her face against his chest, her arms tight around his waist. "Thank you," she whispered.
Liam responded to her embrace, holding her against him, his hand gently caressing her back. "And now, don't you think you should do something else?" He murmured against her ear.
Emma pulled away a little, noting how his chin was pointing toward the exit. After another sigh, she wiped her tears as she bit her lower lip. "Do you think he'll forgive me?"
To her surprise, Liam burst into laughter. "If you look at him with those puppy eyes and that contrite expression, I'm pretty sure he will. Besides, I don't think he can be mad at you for more than ten seconds. But just in case, this might help." Liam handed her two bottles of beer.
Before she began to walk, he stopped her, Killian's coat in his hand. "Take this, it's freezing cold out there and the idiot didn't grab his coat." Emma nodded, the corners of her lips raised slightly. She grabbed her coat as well, and as she put it on, an idea of how she could handle her conversation with Killian popped into her mind.
As she walked toward the exit the realization of what both Killian and Liam meant to her settled into her heart, making it beat faster and pulling a smile on her lips. Liam was to her as the brother she had always dreamed of, a protective rock that would keep her back forever. And Killian... Killian was everything to her. The admission of her feelings was a fact, now she just had to overcome her irrational fear and find the courage to admit her feelings before him as well. That would not happen today, but her whole body vibrated in anticipation. Soon, she whispered to herself.
A gust of cold wind hit her in the face the moment she stepped outside. "Shit." Her breath came out in steam puffs as she looked up to find Killian, without result.
A sigh of resignation escaped her mouth. She had hoped to remedy the situation as soon as possible, but it seemed that Killian was not going to make it easy. At least she had an idea of where she could go, so she immediately directed her steps toward the docks near the bar.
The moment she saw the docks, her gaze scanned the area and luckily, she soon found Killian. He was leaning against the railing, his sight lost in the ocean, remaining impassive despite the freezing cold.
Emma approached tentatively, all her determination suddenly gone, replaced by fear of how he might react to her presence. But Emma was not a coward. Besides, she had forgotten the gloves and the damn beers were freezing her hand, so she had better get rid of at least one of them sooner.
"Hey." Emma paused, waiting for a reaction from Killian. He frowned at her, then turned his gaze back to the horizon.
"You forgot this." She handed him his coat. "You and I know that if you catch a cold it will be my turn to become your nurse, but better if we do not take a chance, eh?" Her words came in a conciliatory tone, all the previous anger gone.
Killian grabbed his coat and put it on, still avoiding her gaze. He reached into his pockets until he found something. Gloves. Then he handed them to her without a word, taking the beers from her hand.
She accepted them with a half smile. Her heart warmed at Killian's gesture. Nevertheless, despite her hurtful words and his anger, he still found a way to ensure her well-being.
"You came here to tell me that it would be all right if you took care of me, but it's wrong if I do the same?" When he finally decided to speak, his words did not show anger, he seemed defeated and hurt.
Emma swallowed hard, but since she had come this far, she did not flinch. "I came here because it's freezing cold." Before continuing, she reached out her arm, her hand squeezing gently his forearm, catching his attention at last. His eyes sought hers, a raised eyebrow, encouraging her to continue. "And to tell you that I'm sorry I've behaved like an asshole before." She looked up at him from beneath her lashes, hoping that both her words and her expression showed how regretted she was.
Killian let out a deep breath. "I'm sorry too, Swan." He ran his hand over his face, pinching the bridge of his nose. The look he gave her then made her heart flip. It was so intense, so charged with feelings that she had to blink for a moment to make sure she was not imagining it. "Maybe we shouldn't have made decisions for you, but you'd better get used to it, Emma. You're too important to Liam... and to me. You're not alone anymore."
"I'm getting the idea. I have had to take care of myself for so long that sometimes I forget that now I have both of you and Elsa."
"I know you're a tough and brave lass, but when you've been sick with a cold, you've let us take care of you. What was different this time?"
"I ... I don't know. I guess I was scared too." Emma admitted.
They remained silent for a few seconds, their gazes locked onto the ocean, the view of the horizon acting as a calming effect, her heart finally beating at a normal pace.
"I gather that this is your way of making up, but, seriously, did you think that with this cold, beers were a good idea?" A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as his lips curled into a smirk, his eyes regaining their usual glow. He handed her one of the beers.
Emma snorted. "That's your brother's fault. We could set up a coffee machine for these kinds of occasions." She joked, the tension between them finally gone.
"You could have turned to rum, instead." He bumped her shoulder lightly with his.
She raised her beer. "A toast, then?" Killian nodded, the two bottles crashing into the air. "Cheers," they both said in unison.
After the first sip, Killian opened his arms. "You're shivering, Swan, come here." She didn't think twice and practically slammed into him, his warm body welcoming her, his arms wrapping around her shoulders tightly. She buried her head in his chest, feeling vulnerable but also safe and protected. This time that didn't matter to her at all.
"I can't lose you." His words came in a whisper so faint that she wasn't sure she had heard his voice or it was only the sound of the wind playing with her imagination.
Saturday night.
The music from the stage enveloped The Kraken, the crowd kept chanting the lyrics, clapping and dancing to the rhythm of the melody. Emma glided among the people taking photos, immortalizing the success of the concert in the form of enraptured faces, arms raised and smiles directed towards the stage.
It was a great night. She felt exultant. After making peace, Emma and Killian had been glued to each other for as long as possible, as if trying to make up after their fight. She felt almost fully recovered, a slight ache on her shoulder the only vestige of her accident.
She stared at the stage, licking her lips. Killian was giving it all up on stage, totally devoted to his audience. Damn it! He was irresistible that night. White shirt, black vest and tight jeans, the perfect set to make her want to climb up there and have her way with him without caring anything or anyone. For Emma, it was relatively easy to hide her feelings, but when it came to physical attraction, she found it increasingly difficult to resist the temptation.
The echo of the last song still resonated in the room when Emma realized that the concert had almost reached its final stretch. She thought with resignation that now it would be her turn to get on the stage if it wasn't for the damn accident.
She couldn't keep the corner of her lips from pulling into a small smile. Three weeks ago she had been horrified at the idea of public singing. And now singing a duet with Killian had become one of her favorite activities. It was as if all her inhibitions and fears would be forgotten during that brief interval of time. She felt free to express her feelings through music and could be close to Killian, forming part of his small bubble up to the stage. It was magical, electric and addictive. And she was missing it a lot.
Killian's potent voice addressing the audience brought her back to reality. She gave him an inquiring look. "Whoa! It's been a fantastic night, guys, thank you very much to everyone for your dedication." The crowd broke into applause and cheers. Killian waited for them to calm down, as he bowed, the smile of satisfaction never disappearing from his face.
Then his gaze looked for hers and the moment his eyes met hers he winked and continued to speak to the audience. "Under normal circumstances now would be the time to welcome Emma to the stage to accompany me on the last song. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen today." Some people in the audience expressed their disappointment, but Killian kept talking. "She is convalescing after a mishap she suffered a few days ago. She is fine, but we think it is better if she lets this week pass. But don't worry, next Saturday she will be here again, by my side and all of us will enjoy her great talent." The crowd clapped around her. Some people even turned and directed her words and looks of encouragement.
"Even though she's not going to be up here today, this is still our moment. That's why I wanted to dedicate the next song to her. Sometimes you get the worst cards in the game of life, but there are people like Emma, who has an inner strength enough to overcome all obstacles. She is the toughest and bravest person I know. A fighter. A survivor. She wanted to be up here today despite everything. So I hope this little gesture partly compensates her disappointment. This one is for you, Swan."
The audience began to roar around her, but she didn't listen to them. All her senses focused on Killian. Her eyes filled with tears at the unexpectedness of his dedication. Damn bastard and his ability to leave her speechless. He was also looking at her, his eyes full of apology and maybe hope, his smile sending a wave of affection straight to her heart. She nodded in silence, her lips moving in a silent Thank you.
That was all he needed. His fingers slid over the strings of his guitar, creating the first notes. Emma let out a gasp as she recognized the song, the first chords bringing to her memory one of the first moments shared with Killian soon after meeting.
Three weeks after starting work at The Kraken, Emma was at the bar, concentrating on her work of editing photos. Killian should be rehearsing. Instead, he sporadically threw some personal questions to her in order, she supposed, to try to get to know her better.
Emma managed to give evasive answers or simply rolled her eyes without bothering to respond. This was until Killian asked her the next question, a genuine curiosity in both his voice and his expression.
Just who are you, Emma Swan?"
The lyrics of a song came to her mind instantly, and before she even realized what she was doing, she heard her own words. "I'm a survivor."
The answer seemed to satisfy Killian. He grinned and directed his gaze to his guitar. At the first chords, Emma gave such a start that she almost fell off her stool. What the hell? Was this guy some kind of sorcerer or something with a power to read her mind? He began to sing the same song that had come to her mind just a few seconds before.
"Rising up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
Just a 'woman' and her will to survive."
The bastard changed the gender on purpose. Although she would never admit it, that was the point of no return in the escalation of her feelings towards him.
Killian's melodic voice brought her back to reality. The same verses she had heard in her memories, now sounding around her. He even changed the gender again to make sure, in case there was any doubt, that the song was aimed at her and only at her.
Despite being surrounded by people, it was as if everything around them had ceased to exist except for them, wrapped under the protection formed by their particular bubble in the form of a melody.
It was curious how a song that had nothing romantic in it, and even was used as a soundtrack in a boxing movie, had the ability to create an unbreakable nexus between them. Emma felt an almost uncontrollable desire to get on the stage and join him in singing The Eye of The Tiger with a shouting voice. She suppressed her desire, though, knowing that she would have the opportunity to thank him for the gesture as soon as he stepped down from the stage. Her whole body vibrated in anticipation of the embrace they would share once his performance was over.
The audience began to applaud even before the echo of the last notes faded. Emma, of course, joined them, arms raised high while cheering. Killian had to wait for the crowd to calm down to speak again.
"Thank you very much to everyone." His voice came shortness of breath by the effort. "Remember that you can check our website. The poll to choose the duet song's next week is still up. You're the best, guys!" He shouted enthusiastically, gaining a new wave of applause.
Emma hurried to the side of the stage where Killian would appear, standing at her usual spot. Her heart was beating hard against her rib cage, her skin tingling in anticipation. The moment he stepped down from the stage, she began to walk in his direction, her smile so wide it made her cheeks hurt.
What Emma saw next, however, left her paralyzed, unable to keep walking, her previous smile faded in an instant. Before Killian noticed her, he was surrounded by two fans, two very enthusiastic girls who kept smiling at him, touching him and interposing in her vision. Dammit!
She hesitated for a second, but suddenly she turned in the direction of the bar, an urgent need to ingest some alcohol settled in her stomach. No, she was not jealous. Who am I kidding? Yes, a wave of unfounded jealousy seized her, making her good mood disappear, giving way to the sullen mood of the previous days. She sank onto a stool as far as possible from the bar area where Liam was serving.
"Mike!" She called one of the waiters. "A shot of tequila, please."
Mike raised an eyebrow, a gesture that reminded Killian too much. Shit! Shit! She was so fucked up ... "Are you sure? Your shift is not over yet."
"I'm still convalescing and I'm taking a break. Would you like me to go behind the counter and serve it myself?" She hated herself the moment her words came out of her mouth in such a sharp tone. The poor guy was just doing his job. It was not his fault that she was hopelessly in love with her best friend but was so coward she could not confess her feelings.
Mike raised his hands in peace and without further words, poured the drink. She was aware that her behavior was totally childish, but she couldn't help feeling disappointed because that was their moment, the moment the two always shared. Right at the end of his performance whether or not she was with him on stage or below, the first thing he always did was to hug her. It was their thing. And today, of all the days, the moment was even more justified. But it was all ruined by a handful of fans. Although she didn't blame them, obviously, because who wouldn't fall for a guy like him?
She still hadn't taken the glass to her lips when suddenly, she felt two strong arms around her waist, a warm body leaning on her back and an unmistakable scent penetrated her nose, making her feel a little dizzy. "I was looking for you, Swan." His words whispered in her ear sending a chill down her spine and a wave of heat toward her very core.
A sigh of relief escaped her throat, not caring at all that his display of affection was perhaps too intimate. She rested her back against his chest, her hand gently caressing his forearm, getting him to tighten his embrace. "Uhm, it looked like you were busy with those girls, I did not mean to interrupt."
The chuckle that bubbled in his throat tickled her ear. "We're jealous, aren't we?" Killian withdrew his arms and walked away, sitting down on the stool next to hers. She missed his contact instantly, but she straightened her back, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Keep dreaming, Jones." — of course I am —
"And that drink?" Killian cocked his head and narrowed his eyes, getting Emma rolled her eyes.
"I don't have to take medication anymore if that's what's bothering you." Emma paused as an idea formed in her head. "I was waiting for you to join me, to toast in honor of your performance and to thank you for the dedication."
"About that." As he spoke, Killian gestured for Mike to serve him, then put his hand behind his ear. "It was the least I could do, given the circumstances."
The way he was looking at her with such intensity made it almost impossible to restrain her impulses and throw her arms around his neck as her mouth devoured him. Instead, she tried to distract her mind to avoid doing anything she could regret later. It was all in vain. Because all she could think of was that, thanks to the new unexpected plan that Elsa had brought, they were going to spend next Monday night together again. She was not quite sure what the intentions of both Liam and Elsa were, but, despite her emerging suspicions, she was not going to give up the opportunity to spend as much time as possible with Killian. Although it was almost like a torture to her. A sweet torture, actually.
Edited, thanks for reading :)
