Title: The Santa Sub
Author: Steph
Rating: G
Pairing: Hook/Emma
Characters: Hook & Emma
Category: Romance/Humor/Drama
Disclaimer: I do this out of a love for this couple. No infringement is intended.
Spoilers: Nope!
Summary: Emma Swan is the new event coordinator for Macy's and it's her first year organizing the Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the man who usually plays Santa in the parade has a heart attack one week before the event, Emma is forced to replace him with the CEO's son, Killian Jones.
Note: Thanks for the responses to the last part. When I first posted this story, it was almost done at 5 parts, but I added more so it'll be 6 parts. Hope you enjoy this one! ~Steph
...The Santa Sub: Part 3/6...
The following morning, Killian met Emma outside the toy department in full Santa get-up.
She smiled. "Lookin' good!"
He adopted a pout and scratched at the beard. "This thing drove me mad all last night. I didn't sleep a wink."
"Poor baby."
He glared at her. "Your concern is touching."
Emma smiled. "Come on, let's go. We don't usually start Santa visits until after Thanksgiving, but the Christmas season starts earlier every year and we have to keep up with the competition. This will be good practice for you."
Killian was only able to waddle in the fat suit as he followed her to Santa's Village.
A woman in her fifties Emma didn't recognize greeted them. "Thank God you two are here. I was beginning to think we were going to be Santa-less and elf-less."
Killian grinned as Emma's face paled. "I'm sorry, you seem to be confused. I'm not an elf. I'm Emma Swan, event coordinator here at the store. This is Mr. Jones' son, Killian. He will be playing Santa for the parade this year and needs a little practice. I called yesterday to set this up."
The woman rolled her eyes. "Who did you speak to?"
"I think her name was Tina."
The woman groaned. "Not that twit. Well, it seems when she rescheduled the Santa who was supposed to work first shift she also rescheduled his elf." She scanned Emma's figure. "You're a little tall, but you'll do."
Killian was trying desperately not to laugh.
Emma shook her head. "No, no. I told you. I'm not an elf. The parade is in a few days and I have a million things to do. I can't be down here for 6 hours playing an elf. I was just going to give Killian a few pointers and then get back to work."
The woman shook her head. "Santa needs an elf. The elf brings the kids up, gives them the candy cane, and takes their picture."
"Why can't you do those things?" Emma snapped.
The woman's jaw clenched. "Honey, my name is Ruth Danvers. I've worked here 30 years. I supervise. I don't play an elf."
Emma simply groaned. She knew there would no point arguing with this woman.
Ruth gestured to Santa's house. "You'll find your costume in there. Hurry. The kids will be lining up soon."
Killian watched as Emma begrudgingly trudged off to get dressed. 10 minutes later, she emerged. Killian was sitting in Santa's chair. Ruth had given him his instructions. How to Ho, Ho, Ho, which he was getting better at. How to wave, which he needed to master by Thursday. And how to get the kids talking and keep them moving.
When his eyes landed on Emma, he dissolved into a fit of laughter. She had on a green felt hat with a bell on the end. She wore a red felt dress with red and white striped tights. Her shoes matched the hat, complete with bells on the toes. What completed the look though were the fake pointy ears she wore.
"I look ridiculous," she said through gritted teeth.
"Welcome to the club," he managed to say. "I can't decide if you look more like a Munchkin or an Oompa Loompa though."
"I'm glad I amuse you."
Suddenly, Ruth clapped her hands. "Okay, get ready. Here they come."
Emma unclipped the rope and allowed the first child to come forward. Things were going well for a while. Killian was really getting into character and even Emma was managing to survive. But then things began to go downhill.
It started with Timmy, a 3 year old blonde, blue-eyed little boy.
"What do you want for Christmas, Timmy?" Killian asked in his best Santa voice.
"I want a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle."
"Which one?"
"Leonardo."
"Well, if you are a good little boy then you may get your wish."
The boy hopped off Killian's lap and Emma's eyes widened.
Killian noticed her looking at him. "What's wrong?"
"Look at your pants," she whispered.
He looked down and saw a huge wet spot where Timmy had just been sitting. Killian couldn't feel it through the fat suit.
"Bloody hell!" he screamed.
Emma's mouth dropped open in horror and Ruth nearly fainted.
"Um, I think Santa just needs a little break. He'll be back in 15 minutes," Emma said quickly.
Groans could be heard from the kids and adults.
Emma whispered in his ear. "Go down to Louise and get some new pants. Hurry!"
Killian stood and tried to discreetly hide the spot with his hand. "Santa has to go to the North Pole for a few minutes to check on the elves. I need to make sure they aren't slacking on the job. Ho, Ho, Ho!"
With that, Killian disappeared behind Santa's Village. Emma and Ruth were left to deal with crying children and annoyed parents. He returned 15 minutes later with a fresh pair of pants.
"Santa is back from the North Pole!" he bellowed.
Emma sighed in relief. She had no idea being an elf was so much work.
Things continued for over an hour without incident until 7 year old Emily took her place on Santa's lap. She crossed her arms and glared at him. She was wise beyond her years and too smart for her own good.
"You're not the real Santa," she announced loudly.
Killian shot a worried glance at Emma.
He swallowed hard. "Now why do you say that, Emily?"
"Well, for one thing, you look too young and your beard looks fake."
Killian nodded. "Well, why don't you give it a good tug and see for yourself?"
The girl lifted her hands and pulled with all her might on the beard.
"Ouch!" Killian yelled, but was proud of himself for not cursing.
Her eyes narrowed at him. "I still think you're a fake." She hit him in the stomach. "I don't even think you're really fat. I think you're wearing a fat suit."
"Don't be silly," he replied with nervous laughter.
Just then, Emily leaned forward and bit into his forearm. Emma's eyes widened in shock. Killian didn't react.
Emily smiled. "See, he didn't even scream when I bit him because he's wearing a fat suit! He couldn't feel it! He's a fake!"
Killian began to panic and his British accent suddenly emerged. "No, no. I just... I have a high threshold for pain."
"Oh yeah?" Emily leaned forward again and this time she bit him hard through the glove on his hand.
Killian let out a pained yelp and automatically jumped out of his seat, causing Emily to land with a soft thud on the ground. She started crying. Her mother ran over to her and stared daggers at Killian.
"What is wrong with you?" she said.
"Me? Your kid bit me twice!" he replied.
Emma stepped forward as Ruth stood frozen to her spot. She grabbed Killian by the arm.
"Sorry, kids, Santa needs to go. North Pole emergency."
Crying and screaming could be heard long after Emma and Killian had left the toy department.
Emma rubbed at her forehead and squeezed her eyes closed. "Well, that was a complete and utter disaster."
Killian winced as he removed his glove. Four small marks could be seen on his skin along with little dots of blood.
Emma took his hand in hers as she examined the wound. Killian was surprised by the gesture.
"You'll be fine. Nothing a couple of Band-Aids won't fix."
"I'd say Emily belongs on the naughty list," he said.
Emma laughed, as she dug into her purse and found a couple of Band-Aids. Killian watched as she carefully wiped the skin with an alcohol wipe she also found and then placed the Band-Aids on the wound. She was so close Killian could smell her perfume. He was distracted from the pain by the sheer beauty of her features.
"You'll live," she said softly, as she looked up and noticed him staring at her.
She swallowed hard and forced herself to back away from him.
"Thank you," he said softly.
Emma hooked a thumb behind her. "I really have to get to work. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Actually," he began before she could turn to leave. "I was hoping we could spend a little time together outside of work tonight."
Emma stared at him for a long moment. "Um, I don't know if that's such a good idea."
"Why not?"
"Because I have a job to do and I...I just can't be distracted right now."
Killian stepped forward and touched her face, his hand moving to adjust her crooked ear. Emma sucked in a breath at his touch.
"You have to eat, don't you? And then I thought I could show you my favorite place in the city."
Emma let out a breath. "Okay, fine. But this is just as friends. Meet me outside the building at 7."
Killian grinned. "I'm counting the minutes."
Just then, Les showed up.
"I've been looking everywhere for you two. Good news, Killian. I was able to borrow some spirit gum remover from a friend. I can have that beard off in a few minutes."
Killian let out a breath of air. "Best news I've heard all day." He turned to Emma. "Now I'll have my dashing good looks back for our non-date tonight."
Emma nodded, as she watched him go. Without the beard, she knew she didn't have a chance in hell of resisting him now.
...
At 7 o'clock sharp, Emma found Killian standing outside the building in the spot where they first met.
She smiled at the sight of his face unadorned.
"You clean up pretty good," she said.
"You as well. Although there was something strangely attractive about that elf costume."
Emma blushed. She noticed Killian's face was a bit red from the beard. Without her permission, she felt her hand lifting to gently stroke his cheek, her thumb rubbing across his scruff.
Killian stared at her in surprise, but delighted in her touch.
"Does it hurt?" she asked softly, her eyes meeting his.
"Not anymore," he replied in a whisper, as their gazes held.
Killian's eyes scanned her face for a long moment, before he began to lean forward to kiss her.
Emma suddenly shook her head and dropped her hand, stepping back from him.
What was she doing? She couldn't let herself get involved with a guy who would take off after Christmas, without so much as a way to contact him. She'd had her heart broken long ago and she couldn't let that happen again.
Killian's heart sank. He didn't know what it was about Emma Swan, but these last few days had been the best of his life. He couldn't stop thinking about her.
Emma cleared her throat. "So, uh, where did you want to eat?"
Killian smiled and led the way down the street. He stopped in front of a hot dog cart.
Emma's brow raised. "This is your idea of dinner? We have some of the best restaurants in the world in New York City."
"How long have you lived here?"
"My whole life," she said.
"And I'd wager you've never had a hot dog from a street cart."
Emma chuckled. "Yes, because I value my life and I don't have the palette of a six year old."
"You aren't a real New Yorker until you've eaten a hot dog from a street cart."
"And lived to tell about it?" she asked with a smile.
"Trust me," he said softly.
Emma's smile faded. That wasn't something that came easily to her.
Killian ordered two plain hot dogs and handed the man some cash. He gave Emma her hot dog.
"Here goes nothing," she said, as she took a bite.
Killian watched her. She tried to stifle a noise of pleasure.
"Well?"
"Not bad."
Killian laughed. "Liar. You love it."
Emma nodded and took another bite. "Okay, you're right. I'm sure I'll regret this in the morning."
Killian grinned as he took a bite of his hot dog. "If you're good, perhaps I'll buy you a pretzel later."
Emma smiled. "Big spender."
Killian shook his head. "You should really have your New Yorker card revoked. Of all things, having a Brit show you the culinary treasures of the city."
Emma laughed lightly. "You're right. So where to next?"
Killian smiled and held out his hand. Emma stared at it for a long moment, before slipping hers into it.
...
They walked until they reached Rockefeller Center. Killian led them right to the tree. It was nearly ready for the lighting that would follow Thanksgiving.
"So your favorite spot is Rockefeller Center?"
Killian shook his head. "No, it's right here. Right in front of the tree."
Emma's eyebrows raised. "Really? But it's not even ready yet."
He nodded. "I know. Watching them prepare it was my favorite thing as a lad. My mother was from New York. She met my father and moved to England with him. She told me stories about how she used to come here as a little girl to watch the tree go up. She wanted to share it with me, but she died before she got the chance. Instead, my nanny would pick me up from school and I would insist on coming here every day once they brought the tree. I loved watching the process. I enjoyed watching it go from nothing to something so beautiful. Everyday there was something new to see. It was magical. I think it helped me feel closer to my mother."
Emma stared at him for a long moment. "That's a nice memory."
He nodded. "That's why every year, no matter what, I have to come back during the holidays. And I still come here to see the process everyday."
Emma smiled. "Thank you for sharing that with me."
His voice softened. "I've never shared that with anyone before."
Emma felt him squeeze her hand. She knew that she should break contact, but his hand in hers felt so right.
She looked up at him. "I actually have a favorite place in the city this time of year too. Would you like to see it?"
Killian nodded. "I'd love to."
"It's actually places, plural," Emma said, as they began to walk.
She pointed to the department store windows as they walked down street.
"I love looking at the Christmas window displays," she said, stopping in front of one that was decorated like Santa's village.
Killian smiled at her, as she stared at the window with childlike wonder.
"Tell me about your childhood, Emma. About your family."
Emma dropped her gaze to the ground. "I don't like to talk about that."
Killian touched her chin gently so that she would meet his eyes. "I told you about my childhood and my family. I'd really like to get to know you better, Emma."
Emma sucked in a breath. She didn't trust anyone easily, but with each passing moment she felt herself trusting him more and more.
"I was abandoned as a baby and raised in foster care."
Killian's eyes widened. It was the last thing he had expected her to say. "I'm so sorry."
"It was a long time ago. Most of my foster families were pretty awful. But there was one that was nice. I was with them for almost a year and I actually thought they might adopt me for a while. They took me to look at the department store windows at Christmas. It's one of the only nice Christmas memories I have. I guess that's why it's still special to me."
Killian placed his arm around her shoulder. "Thank you for sharing that with me."
Emma offered him a smile.
…
Killian walked Emma to her apartment building.
"Tonight was really nice," she said.
He nodded. "I rather enjoyed getting to spend time with you outside of work."
"So did I."
Killian stepped forward, his eyes slowly sweeping across her face. He brought his hand up to cup her cheek, as he closed the distance between them. This time Emma didn't pull away. Their lips met in a soft kiss that quickly turned passionate. Emma's fingers dug into the hair at the nape of his neck, as his arm wrapped around her waist to pull her flush against him.
After a few moments, they pulled back, but their foreheads remained touching.
"I've been wanting to do that since the moment I laid eyes on you, Emma," Killian said.
Emma shook her head and stepped back. "I can't do this."
"Why not?" he asked, eyes widening.
"I told you. I need to concentrate on my work."
"In a few days the parade will be over, Emma."
"And after Christmas you'll be gone, Killian," she snapped.
"Is that what you're afraid of?"
"Shouldn't I be? I gave my heart once when I was a teenager. He broke it and left me all alone. I swore I wouldn't let that happen again."
Killian swallowed roughly. "Maybe I want to stay. Maybe I'm tired of not having a home or anyone to come home to. Maybe I just needed a reason to stay this time."
Emma's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Killian nodded with a smile. "Really."
Emma sucked in a breath. "It's really hard for me to trust anyone, Killian, but I want to trust you."
He lowered his eyes from hers and whispered, "You can." He then placed another kiss on her lips. "Goodnight, Emma."
"Goodnight, Killian," she said, as she walked up the stairs of her building, the taste of him lingering on her lips.
...
End of Part 3
Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it and please let me know what you thought! ~Steph