A/N: Hi there! Thanks for reading. I've updated CH 1-4 as of July 18th.

Emma pulled up to the house at 8:55 and dialed Ruby.

"Ruby, hurry up." The girl took forever and a day to do make up and pick an outfit. Emma didn't understand it; all you had to do was throw on eyeliner, mascara, and some cute clothes that matched.

"I was ready ten minutes ago but then you weren't here and I started to second guess my outfit; I had to change. Now I can't decide between my leggings and long red top or the black skirt with the cute halter."

"I'm leaving with or without you in four minutes."

"Okay, okay, but what are you wearing? Shorts? A Skirt? That cute dress I bought you for Christmas?"

"None of the above: jeans and a tank top with—"

Ruby interrupted and finished the sentence for her. "The leather jacket? C'mon."

"I wanted to be comfortable tonight. Quit stalling and throw on the skirt and top because you know you prefer a skirt over leggings at a party. And," she paused for good effect. "Victor can't take his eyes off yo u in a skirt."

"Hmmm, point taken. See, Emma, this is why we're friends. I could not do this without you. Be right down."

A backyard bonfire, beers on ice, and blaring country music made Robin's place one of their favorite hangouts. Usually it was just their close knit group but tonight that didn't look like the case as Emma parked several houses down in the only available spot.

On their way to the front door, Ruby said, "Wow, I'm kinda surprised Robin let Regina invite this many people over."

"I guess, although it sounded like the roommate was the one that needed convincing. Plus I'm pretty sure a bunch of his college friends are here too: look at all the college decals."

"True. I hadn't even noticed." Ruby waited a beat before continuing. "You've know Robin longer than the rest of us. What do you think about him and Regina?"

Emma had known Robin for several years. She remembered first grade on the playground when the older kids knocked her around for wearing glasses. After escaping their torment, she hid under the old wood castle watching other kids swing on monkey bars. Then this older kid appeared, wiggling himself under the steps and through the sand to reach Emma. On his stomach, he had to look up at her, a first at her age.

She swatted at her tears and said, "Leave me alone." This time she was ready with a fist full of sand and leg pulled back to kick in his nose.

The boy lifted his hands in surrender, one of which held her black horn rimmed glasses. "Just returning what they stole."

"Oh."

"Yes," he said, "It wasn't very nice of them. I was late to recess or I would have stopped them. I'm sorry."

Emma looked him over, deciding if he meant it or not. "Okay." She snatched back her spectacles. "Thank you. I'm Emma."

"Robin."

And that was the beginning of the end—even though he was three years older they managed to keep their friendship strong. They grew up spending time together for days and months and then sometimes not at all but eventually they always reconnected. Most recently was during Emma's freshman year of high school. During lunch early in the fall semester he bumped into her and gave her that smile of his.

Robin said, "Emma, about time you got here. Sit down with us and weigh in: Xbox or Playstation?" And just like that, lickety-split they were once again thick as thieves, brother and sister, the two confided in each other about everything: relationships, drama, family, etc. And thankfully, after he graduated they stayed close friends as she finished high school and he began college.

Emma thought on Robin and the past they'd shared before she said, "We've known each other for a while, yeah. And I've seen him date and hook-up, but this is different. I think this is the first time I've seen him in love. I bet he doesn't even know it yet."

So far, so good, thought Killian. He'd finally been able to talk with some of Robin's friends at length. Victor talked his ear off about plans for vet school with such enthusiasm it was hard for Killian to be irritated about it. Eventually, Robin and Regina made their way over to rescue him.

Regina said, "I see you two are getting along. Not overdoing the vet school talk, I hope?"

They all laughed. Victor waved his hands nervously and said, "Sorry, sorry, Killian. I get carried away—just do what everyone else does and stop me while I'm ahead."

"Or," came Ruby's voice from behind, "you can learn something from his mini lectures." She moved into their circle and winked at Victor. "Victor is super smart; top of the class."

"Miss Ruby," said Killian. "We meet at last."

Ruby smiled and shook his hand. "Yes, finals are over and things have settled down, at least for the next two or three days."

He chuckled and joked with her. "Good to hear; I was beginning to think none of you wanted anything to do with me."

"Don't be too offended: none of us have seen each other outside of class in weeks."

"No offense taken."

"Good. You should be excited; you even get to meet Emma—" Ruby looked around wide eyed. "Where did she go? I swear she's here; we drove together. Emma!"

Killian was interested in meeting Robin's longtime friend. He'd already heard a few stories about the girl. Emma was dependable, hardworking, and put her friends above all else. At least, that's what he gathered.

"I'm here, I'm here," Emma said and came into view opposite him, between Victor and Robin in the standing circle of friends. "I got your drink and myself a beer. What'd I miss?"

"Me," he said unable to help himself.

She exhaled loudly and frowned at him. "I'm trying to enjoy tonight with my friends—that doesn't include being hit on. 'Kay thanks."

"No, I—"

"Please," she huffed out. "Drop the fake accent. And what is with the one earring; are you some sort of pirate hipster?" Everyone stared open mouthed. She shrugged her shoulders. "What?"

"Wow, Emma," Regina said. "Could you be a little more self-centered? He is joking. This is—"

"Killian Jones," he interrupted, extending a hand for her to shake. "Robin's new roommate who, for future reference, has an Irish accent and doesn't hit on immature, high-strung high school teenagers."

"Whoops," she said. Just her luck. Robin gave Emma a look that said fix this now. "It has been a really long day. I shouldn't have jumped down your throat."

"Right, the stressful life of an eighteen year old. It is called manners. Didn't your parents teach you any?"

The low blow, whether he knew about her past or not, wiped the smile off her face in a flash. "You don't know my life and I don't owe you an apology. I'll see you guys outside."

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