A/N: Hello! This part is really long, sorry! Also, sorry about all of the Neal stuff in the previous chapter-he's kind of just a part that comes up... later.

I don't remember exactly what I listened to, but I know it was a lot of instrumentals.

Enjoy!

Killian found himself pacing around Liam's apartment in the morning, waiting for Emma to text him.

"You know," Liam grinned from the couch (his mouth full of cereal), "You can text her."

"I know, but... I don't want her to think I'm some crazy, stalker-guy." Killian replied, stopping in his place.

"You won't-you told her you'd make reservations in the morning. Well, guess what? You made reservations, and it's in the morning. You ought to let the woman know." Liam smiled, setting his bowl of cereal on the table, "I'm surprised-you're usually pretty suave about women."

"Emma's different, Liam." Killian sighed, rubbing his hand down the side of his face, "She's not... She isn't like other women I've dated. I mean, we're technically not dating, but-"

"Text the damn woman, Killian, before you combust." Liam laughed, throwing a pillow at him.

"Liam-"

"Don't 'Liam' me! Just text her!"

Emma?

"What'd you say?"
"I, uh, asked if it was her."
"You what?" Liam groaned, rising up off the couch and grabbing his phone, "Wow, you suck at this."

"Liam!"

"God, you'd be lucky if-" Liam stopped as Killian's phone buzzed, smiling at the text, "You're so lucky."

"What? Liam, give me my phone back!" Killian shrieked, grabbing the phone from his brother's hand and reading the text.

Yep, that's my name. Or, as you seem to prefer, Swan. What's up?

"Text her back!"

"I'm working on it, hold on!" Killian exclaimed.

K: I just wanted to tell you I've got reservations for seven for the two of us at Heartland Brewery. It's an American restaurant, if that's alright.

E: Oh, that sounds perfect.

K: Are you sure?"

E: Yes. Absolutely perfect. If I can get a burger, we're in good shape.

K: You're a burger girl?

E: You're surprised?

K: Not really, just... well, yeah, I guess so. You don't seem the type.

E: I'm probably a lot different than what you'd expect.

K: Good. I love a challenge.

E: I'll see you at seven, then?

K: Let me at least pick you up at the hotel tonight?

E: You don't have to do that.

K: It's totally fine. Where are you staying?

E: The Hilton Garden Inn, off of 54th.

E: You really don't have to pick me up, though.

K: It's the least I could do.

E: Thank you.

K: I'll see you at six-thirty, then?

E: Sounds perfect. I'll see you, then.

"Well done, little brother. I'm impressed." Liam grinned, "You've matured a lot since I've last seen you. It's refreshing."

"I told you-she's different."

"I can tell-wait, do you have anything to even wear tonight?"

He knew he was forgetting something.

"Oh, god, no, I don't." Killian groaned.

"Well, luckily for you, I'm a businessman. All I own are nice clothes."

"Are we the same size?"

"No, I don't think so, but we'll make amends."

"Do you know how to sew?"
"Nope, but the lovely old lady below us does." Liam grinned, "Let's go pick a good color for you."

Killian was in way over his head.

By the end of the afternoon, Killian had a well-fitting, flannel shirt, a slim pair of khakis, an Italian watch, and a pair of desert shoes.

"Do I look alright?" He asked before leaving.

"Would I let you go if you didn't?" Liam chuckled, "C'mon, go swoop your Swan off her feet."

"Liam-"

"Text me ahead of time if you're bringing her back here, yes?"

"Oh my god. I'm leaving now." Killian sighed, slipping out the door nervously. He hurried down the stairs and out the front lobby door, glancing around for a taxi.

He waved down a taxi quickly, slipping in and giving the driver the address.

I'm on my way.

He bounced his knee nervously as they drove through the city in the stop-and-go traffic.

E: I'll be waiting downstairs for you.

K: Is it weird for me to be excited?

E: You, too?

Killian smiled before texting back.

K: Good.

E: Henry's dad just picked him up-how far are you away?

K: Probably five minutes.

E: Okay, I'll be ready!

K: Meet you in the lobby?

E: Perfect.

Killian took a deep breath as the cab pulled up in front of the hotel. He cautiously got out, tipping the cab driver. Killian made sure to check his reflection in the window, taking a deep breath before finally walking into the lobby.

He lost his breath entirely when Emma rose from one of the couches and made her way over. She was absolutely stunning-and wore a slim-fitting, red dress, accentuating her curves, paired with only simple black stilettos.

God, she was gorgeous.

"Emma, you look stunning."

"Really?"

"Aye," He smiled, "You cut quite the figure in that dress."

"Thank you." Emma spoke with a sweet smile, her cheeks visibly reddening, "You look handsome, like this. Not that you don't in your fatigues, but, this is just... New."

"Thank you." Killian chuckled, hold his hand out for her, "Our carriage awaits."

Emma giggled and took his hand, following him out of the lobby.

"I hope you don't mind a cab."

"Of course not. I've gotten pretty used to riding in them." Emma smiled as he hailed one. He waited for it to slow down before opening the door for her.

"Thank you." She spoke with a small smile as she slid in. Killian made sure she was fully in the car before gently shutting the door and hurrying around the other side. He slipped in beside her before leaning forward to tell the driver where to go.

"So, how was your day?" Killian smiled, making Emma giggle.

"It was fine. I didn't realize how much I missed Henry until this morning when we were playing cards." Emma grinned.

"He plays cards?" Killian chuckled, "How old is he?"

"He just turned six last month."

"Oh, wow." Killian smiled, "I bet he's a great kid."

"I love him." Emma spoke simply, "He's been the constant in my life, and I... I don't know what I'd do without him."

"I'll have to meet the young lad sometime."

He smiled at Emma's giggle as she shook her head.

"What?"

"Nothing, I... Most guys aren't too thrilled to find out I have a son." Emma admitted, meeting his eyes.

"I'm not most guys, Emma." He grinned, nudging her, "In all honesty, that doesn't put me off in the slightest."

Emma opened her mouth to speak, then simply closed it with a smile.

"So, what exactly is it that you do, Swan?" Killian smiled.

"I'm a bail bonds...person." Emma spoke with a huffed laugh.

"Oh, I bet that's fun."

"It certainly is interesting." Emma smiled, then took a deep breath.

"But, you worry about your son." Killian offered her, causing to look over to him, "You're a bit of an open book, love. That, and I'm quite perceptive, for a Marine."

"So, you're a Marine." Emma smiled, making Killian chuckle.

"Aye." He grinned, "It should be past tense, though. You lose a limb, and that makes it a bit hard to fire a larger gun."

"Killian, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"It's fine. I don't mind talking about it anymore." Killian assured her as the cab came to a stop, "Looks like we're here, love."

He slipped out of the taxi and hurried around to open Emma's door. He watched her cheeks flush again as she stepped out. He shut the door behind her, quickly tipped the driver, then followed her into the restaurant. He smiled as she glanced around, gently looping his arm through hers and bringing her to the host desk.

"We've a reservation." Killian smiled.

"Name?"

"Swan." He grinned when Emma couldn't keep her giggle in.

"Right this way." The hostess smiled, walking back towards the back of the restaurant.

Killian couldn't help but notice just how beautiful Emma looked-she was beautiful on the plane, but it was a different kind.

"Is this table alright?"

"Perfect. Thank you." Killian smiled, pulling out a chair for Emma. She sat with a smile as Killian walked around to sit across from her.

"Your server will be right with you."

"Thank you." Killian smiled, returning his attention to Emma.

This was going to be a great night.

After they'd both received their drinks and ordered dinner, they sat in silence until Emma spoke.

"So, tell me about you." Emma spoke curiously, swirling her wine in the glass.

"What would you like to know?" Killian asked in return.

"I don't know-I guess, for starters, where you're from, since your accent suggests not the US." Emma grinned.

"Ireland." He smiled, "I was born there, then moved here when I was, oh, I don't know... Ten, possibly?"

"What made you move?"

"My mother passed, and my father couldn't love there anymore." Killian replied, meeting her eyes, trying to decipher her expression.

"Killian, I'm sorry-"

"No, I'm an open book." Killian spoke with a tender smile, "Besides, it happened long ago. I'm kind of.. numb to it, now."

"So, it's just you and your brother now?"

"Aye, that it is." He chuckled, "Liam and I are close, though. We've always been close."

"That's good." Emma smiled.

"Do you have any siblings?" Killian asked.

"I'm sure you can take a guess at that."

"Want me to?"
"Shoot." Emma smiled, taking a drink.

"I'd guess that, by your independence and strong will, you don't know your parents." Killian spoke carefully, noting Emma's expression-it seemed to be a mix between sorrow and surprise, "So, I'm guessing, no, you don't have siblings."

"How did you know that?"

"I have a way of finding other lost people like myself." Killian spoke with a sweet smile, "I like to think we kind of magnetize our way to each other."

"Do you believe in fate, then?"

"Aye." Killian nodded, taking a drink and watching her muse the thought.

"You know, I don't go on a lot of dates... It's hard for me to let people in." Emma said, and Killian couldn't tell whether it was a warning or a statement.

"Well, Ms. Swan, then I'll be honest with you-" Killian smiled, leaning closer, "I'm always up for a challenge, and if your walls are up, I'll work my hardest to help you take them down."

Emma stared at him, trying to read his face this time, making him smile.

"Don't believe me?" He asked, making her huff out a laugh.

"This will sound absolutely crazy, but Henry's got this idea lodged in his head that I have this superpower, where I can tell if someone's lying." Emma spoke with a small smile.

"Is that so?" Killian grinned, "What does your superpower say, then?"

"I think that's for me to know, and you to find out." She smiled, making Killian chuckle.

"Very well, then."

Later that night, after they'd had dinner and a few more drinks, they ditched a cab and decided to walk back to the hotel.

"Thank you again, for dinner. It was so good." Emma smiled to him.

"Oh, it was nothing. I'm glad you enjoyed it. That's one of Liam's favorite restaurants."

"Tell him that he's got good taste." Emma grinned.

"I will." Killian chuckled, "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Were you afraid I wasn't going to?" Emma asked with a cheeky grin, causing Killian's cheeks to warm up.

"No, no, it's not that, I just..." He rubbed behind his ear, trying to figure out what exactly to say, "I'll be frank-I'm never nervous about dates. But this date? I was terrified."

"No." Emma giggled.

"Yes. Entirely and one-hundred percent terrified." Killian chuckled in response, "You're different, Emma. I don't know what it is about you, but you make my stomach fill with damn butterflies. I can count the amount of women who have done that on my hand."

Emma giggled, nudging him.

"Well, you do know how to make a woman feel special." She grinned, causing him to chuckle again.

"I'm glad you think so, Swan." He smiled, stopping in front of her hotel, "Well, it looks like we're here."

"Yep." She sighed, then looked up to Killian with a smile, "I have to go pick up Henry from his dad's tomorrow morning-would it be weird for me to ask you out on another date, while I'm still here?"

"Not at all." Killian smiled, "Though, usually the man does the asking out-but, I'm perfectly fine with the turning of the tables."

Emma laughed, nudging his side.

"Well, want to grab breakfast with me? There's a deli right around here, if you want to meet me there in the morning."

"What time, Ms. Swan?" He smiled, swaying just a little closer.

"Maybe eight? I'm picking Henry up at ten."

"That sounds perfect."

"I'll text you the address of it later." Emma smiled, "But, for now, I need to get some rest."

"Aye, I do as well." Killian replied, "Thank you, for indulging me tonight. It was lovely."

"Indulging you?" She grinned.

"Unless it wasn't." He smiled in return.

"Of course it wasn't-I wanted to go on that date just as much as you did, Killian. I wasn't doing it to be nice." Emma offered.

Killian felt his heart pounding in his chest at the prospect of potentially being in a relationship with this beautiful woman.

"I'll see you tomorrow at eight, alright?" She smiled, holding her clutch with both hands in front of her.

"See you then, lass. Thank you, again." He spoke with a sweet smile before turning on his heel, ready to call a taxi. He felt a hand tug at his arm before he felt a quick kiss to his cheek.

"Goodnight, Killian." Emma smiled.

"Goodnight, Emma."