Okay, so this was originally a oneshot but I just couldn't help expanding it. In fact, I have now planned for this story to be three parts total. We'll just see where it goes. Enjoy!
5:00 A.M.
Emma shoved herself into the crowded airplane, the long aisle in front of her littered with unstowed carry on bags, screaming children, and abandoned airsick bags. She stuffed the ticket into her purse, slipping the strap back onto her shoulder with a grumble. From the looks of it already, this flight was going to be hell. But there was only one thing that was the shining light in the midst of the foggy situation – him.
Her eyes searched the plane for Killian, not having to look far as twinkling blue eyes were already staring back at her, his smug smile consuming his face. Emma's stomach lurched at the sight of him (and it had only been twenty minutes since she'd last seen him). Avoiding the small, crying toddler at her feet, Emma quickly made her way to him a few rows back.
By the time she had made her way to his seat, though, her stomach dropped at the sight in front of her. A pretty bleach blonde had dipped her head down near his (no doubt to show off her ridiculous amount of cleavage), whispering "Is this seat taken?" all while twirling her straight locks around her fuchsia fingernails.
"Actually it is," he confirmed, turning his head to throw a quick wink her way. "Hello, love." The blonde turned around to face Emma, a disgusted look on her face as she pushed past her with a scoff.
Emma gave a proud smirk to the girl, a rough push against her shoulder, before she turned to Killian, flopping down in the seat next to him. "Hi," she breathed out softly, a gleam in her eye and a knot tight in her chest.
He smiled back at her, anxiously biting his bottom lip, the air thickening around them in the crowded airplane. It seemed odd that he would be this nervous (after all, he had practically made out with her in the middle of the airport). But when she smiled back at him, he couldn't help the little flip that his stomach did at just the sight of her.
As she sat her bag down, Killian cleared his throat - and also tried to gain control of his rapidly beating heart. "It's good to see you again, Swan."
"It's only been twenty minutes," she laughed (and it was insane how he was already obsessed with that laugh), buckling her seat belt and giving it a tug in the process.
"Well it was a long twenty minutes," he clarified sarcastically, eyebrows raising high accompanied by the signature smirk. "Besides, you sure looked jealous when that girl almost took your seat."
"Me? Jealous?" Emma laughed – it was light and different, as if she were almost having fun for once, patting him playfully on the arm. "Dream on, buddy."
The plane jolted with a start, pulling the pair out of their conversation, taxing to the runway and pushing the passengers back in their seats. Emma took a deep breath to steady herself, popping a stick of mint gum in her mouth and picking up one of the overused magazines from the compartment in front of her to mindlessly thumb through. Flying was now second nature to Emma. As a bail bonds person, she was often commissioned for higher cases, traveling short distances across the nearby states to complete her job.
The airplane started to pick up speed, moving faster down the runway as it tried to pick up enough wind to take off. Emma chewed her gum in silence, daydreaming about nonsense, turning her head to give the man beside her a half smile. But what she didn't expect was the sight in front of her.
Killian's hand was place firmly on the armrest, knuckles almost turning white from the tension in his grip. His face was flushed and breathing laboring – eyes shut tight in anticipation. Emma was taken aback. Who would have known that this overly confident man was actually afraid of flying?
"Killian?" Emma cautiously whispered, inching closer to him so that the other passengers wouldn't overhear their conversation. "Are you okay?"
"I'm…I'm fine, love. Just peachy," he managed to breathe out between gritted teeth, his jaw clenched tightly in anxiety.
"Are you sure?" she pressed, eyebrows scrunched in concern. "Because it doesn't seem so-"
"Emma," he interrupted, his voice stern and a bit harsh. "I'm fine. Just drop it."
Glancing down at his hand, fingers clutching on to the armrest desperately, Emma placed her hand on top of his, smoothing her fingers of his rougher ones and stroking his thumb.
"It's okay to be scared of flying, Killian. You could have just told me."
His tense body relaxed somewhat at the soothing sound of her voice, a calming element in the midst of a raging storm, her finger bringing him down with just a simple touch, heat and sparks igniting within. He released a small sigh as the plane lifted off the ground, their stomachs dropping with the change. Turning her hand over in his, he intertwined their fingers, giving her hand a small squeeze as the plane dipped slightly as it made it's way through the gloomy clouds (causing a sharp intake of breath from him and a light giggle from her).
"You can hold my hand the entire flight if it will make you feel better," she confirmed, snuggling into her seat to get comfortable as the flying started to even out – as well as Killian's breathing.
"Oh, darling," he purred, raising her hand to his lips to press a gentle kiss to each knuckle, his eyes never leaving hers (Emma could feel the heat rising to her cheeks and warmth spread throughout her body, tingling within as she remembered those lips against hers earlier – so smooth and gentle and god, he was such a good kisser), "I plan to."
8:00 A.M.
The rest of the flight proceeded as smoothly as the night had progressed between the pair. Emma and Killian kept their conversation going throughout their journey – talking of everything and nothing all together. Their chat came to a halt though as a sleepy yawn came from Emma, prompting her to lean her head on Killian's shoulder. Between their incessant talking (they just couldn't get enough of each other) neither had found the time to actually sleep. Killian smiled down at the sleeping woman – her blonde hair flowing around her like a halo; she was truly a vision – before he placed his head gently against hers allowing himself to fall asleep as well.
"Ladies and gentleman, we will be landing shortly. Please return your tray tables into their upright position and remain seated. Welcome to Chicago."
The feminine voice of the flight attendant crackled overhead, waking Killian from his short nap as he lifted his head from its place against hers. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, glancing down at a peaceful Emma. Drawing one of her golden curls around his calloused fingers, he dipped his lips close to her ear, pressing a gentle kiss to the tip.
"Swan," he whispered, stroking her curls with adoration (not able to control the smile that spread across his tired face). "It's time to wake up, love."
She shifted in her sleep, mumbling incoherently about something, which earned a short chuckle from Killian. Stringing his fingers through her locks, he spoke softly, "Come on, lass. Don't make this harder than it has to be."
Emma groaned as her eyes fluttered open, squinting at the brightness inside the plane, the sun streaming in through the small windows. Killian noticed her uneasiness and slipped the visor shut, blocking out only a portion of the light.
"Thanks," she muttered, rubbing at her eyes and then proceeding to lift her arms high above her head in a stretch. "That was a quick flight."
"Well," he snickered, pushing a loose curl out of her face, "you were asleep for the last hour. And you snore."
"I do not!" she protested, slapping him playfully across the chest, which he attempted to block with a laugh.
"Now you're awake, Swan," he beamed, as if it had been his plan all along. He looked down at their hands, still intertwined, and gave her hand a squeeze (the jolt shooting up her arm and spreading warmth throughout her tired body). With a smile, he leaned his forehead against hers. "Good morning."
"Good morning to you, too," Emma giggled, her nose brushing against his – the movement of her skin against his flesh doing insane things inside her body; with him it was getting hard to keep control (even though she had only known him for less than a day).
A cough pulled them out of their hypnotic trance; their eyes locked as his breath mixed with hers. "Excuse me, lovebirds, but it's time to clear the aircraft."
Emma jumped a little at the annoyed flight attendant's voice from behind her, her face turning red in embarrassment as she realized that the majority of the plane had already cleared. The pair was too enthralled with each other that they had hardly noticed the landing and disembarking of their fellow guests.
"Sorry about that," Emma muttered, avoiding eye contact as she heard a snigger from Killian, obviously proud that he had caused this.
The flight attendant left just as Killian pulled her up to stand close to him, wrapping one arm around her waist as the other was trapped between their warm bodies – their fingers still locked tightly, sandwiched against them. He placed a short kiss to her forehead, tingling with the slightest touch. "Come on, love. It's about time we go."
After picking up their carry-on bags, the pair left the plane hand in hand, walking through the crowded Chicago airport without a care in the world. They finally arrived at the baggage claim, awkwardly avoiding the elephant in the room, so to speak.
Even though they had just met, Emma had never felt closer to anyone in her entire life. She wasn't used to opening up fully to someone (must less, someone she hardly knew). But that was the problem. Emma felt like she had known Killian her entire life. Their connection was undeniable and it saddened Emma to have to sever it for the time being.
"Don't worry, love. I'll see you at the wedding," he reminded her, pulling her into a gentle hug, his warm arms wrapped around her thin frame as her head lay on his chest, his heart beating steadily beneath her ear. "And don't forget, you owe me a dance!"
She chuckled against him, his body shaking with laughter against her. "Trust me, you won't let me forget."
"Of course not," Killian smirked, pulling out of her embrace to run his finger along her chin, thumping at the little dimple that had made its spot on her cheek. "See you later, Swan."
And then for the first time in hours, he disconnected their hands, grabbed his bags and vanished into the crowd – leaving Emma alone, confused, anxious. The loneliness left her cold as she crawled into herself, pushing aside her feelings before picking up her luggage and hailing a taxi.
5:55 P.M. – The Next Night
The squeal of delighted girls filled the room as dresses swished and nerves ran high. Makeup brushes were scattered everywhere amongst the hair curlers and straighteners, six pairs of heels finally finding their owners as the wedding director stuck his head in the door.
"Five minutes ladies!" he called quickly, shutting the door behind him as the girls rushed faster to finish only minutes before the big moment.
Emma smoothed her hands over the dress, the emerald satin of the strapless dress landing mid-thigh, exposing her long, lean legs. She forced a smile towards Mary-Margaret who was blushing happily in the mirror as she adjusted her veil one last time.
Mary-Margaret was a rare friend and Emma was truly happy for her and David. The pair had been assigned as roommates during their college years and had been inseparable ever since. She was Emma's best friend and the blonde knew that she deserved this happiness more than anyone.
Slipping her heels on, Emma stood up to come stand behind the bride, her hands settling on the pixie haired girl's shoulders. "You ready?" she asked, their eyes connecting in the mirror.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Mary-Margaret breathed out, exhaling with her hand placed firmly on her stomach to calm the nerves.
"David is going to be speechless. You look beautiful, Mary-Margaret," Emma commented, turning the bride around to hold both of her hands in hers – the swish of her dress sending a beautiful melody into the calming room.
"Thank you, Emma," she blushed, ducking her head slightly. "And thank you for being my maid of honor. I can only hope that one day I'll be able to return the favor."
Now it was Emma's turn to blush, which didn't happen very often. She wasn't one to get embarrassed, especially over a subject that she normally shot down so quickly. But with the interesting addition of Killian to her life – not that she was in any way considering marrying him (seriously, she had just met the guy) – Emma was now giving second thoughts to her ideas on marriage, with whoever it may be someday.
Seeing the complete joy in Mary-Margaret's face sent a twinge of jealousy shooting up Emma's spine. She wanted that. That complete happiness from knowing that someone actually cared about you, that they wanted to spend the entirety of their life with you and you alone. It settled deep beneath Emma's breastbone and made her breath catch. Shaking the thoughts from her head, she tried her best to swallow the lump forming in her throat, focusing her thoughts instead on her blissful friend.
Emma opened her mouth to reply when Ruby, another bridesmaid and one of the pair's other best friend, popped between the two, bouncing excitedly and grinning widely – her mass of dark brown locks with red-tinged streaks bobbing along with her. "She's right, Emma! And I have just the guy. He's perfect for you! I can totally set you two up!"
"Ruby," Emma sighed, placing a hand on the excited girl's shoulder, "today is not about me. It's Mary-Margaret's day. Besides I don't need you to set me up."
Ruby raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow high, hands settling on her narrow hips. "Does that mean there is someone else?"
Emma winced as she noticed the hope on both of her friends' faces. She desperately didn't want to disappoint them. All they wanted, sometimes more than anything, was for Emma to be happy. They knew that she had been dealt some rough cards during her lifetime and for once they wanted her to know the joy that they had felt countless times before.
"Maybe," Emma confirmed, before turning Mary-Margaret around to face the mirror once more and readjusting the veil, tears welling up in the brunette's eyes at the sight. "But today is about you. Let's focus on that for now."
Mary-Margaret nodded, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill before they could ruin her perfect executed make-up. With a deep breath, she turned towards the door, her shaky hand settling on the cold knob. "Okay. Let's do this."
7:05 P.M.
The wedding had proceeded perfectly.
Mary-Margaret looked gorgeous as she glided down the aisle towards her future husband. Tears shining in David's eyes as he lovingly gazed back at his bride. Emma was never one to cry at weddings. But these were two of her best friends. And as she fiddled with the ring that had been placed in her care – eyes misty and throat burning from choking back the short sobs - she couldn't help but wish that she were standing there instead, promising her life to someone else wholeheartedly.
And now, as she adjusted the top of the satin emerald bridesmaids dress, Emma glanced around the reception area – David and Mary-Margaret wrapped up in each other, foreheads never parting, dancing as if they were the only two in the room. Around them, the rest of the party was in full swing, waiters wearing gloves dished out champagne, fellow guests danced enthusiastically while the band was in full swing.
The band.
For the first time since the wedding had started, Emma thought about him. Without a second thought, she raised her eyes to find his, glancing towards the stage where the rest of the band played. (And god, she thought he couldn't get any more handsome)
Killian played his guitar – the prized possession he had introduced her to during their night at the airport – singing backup to the cheesy love song. His dark slacks hugged his hips tightly, but the button up and vest is what sent her heart racing – the sleeves slightly rolled up to allow his arms better access to the instrument in hand.
Emma watched him, playing with passion as he bit his bottom lip in concentration, brows furrowing together as he hit the right notes accordingly. Seeing him like this definitely turned her on and it couldn't be helped that she started swaying to the music, her head bobbing in tune as she kept her eyes on him.
She was so focused on Killian, though, that she almost didn't hear the rough voice from behind her. A voice she never thought she'd hear again; that she had so desperately wished she'd never hear again.
"Emma Swan."
She didn't have to turn around to know who that voice belonged to – Neal Cassidy.