Ruby plopped down onto the vinyl seat next to Belle. "Hi, sorry. I've been listening. Too good not to! I agree." She helped herself to one of her seatmate's fries.
"No." He pointed at the waitress. "No. Go away. It's bad enough that I'm talking to Belle about this. I sound like a teenage girl lamenting over some boy who won't give her the time of day. Now please. This is a private matter."
"No. You need help. Who else would know how to make a woman jealous?" She nudged Belle gently.
"It's a moot point. She's listening, I'm sure. She's got enchanted listening devices all over the place." He grumbled.
"Fair enough. I'm sure you'll figure out something. Have a good day, guys!" She hopped up to leave, but before she did, she squeezed Belle's shoulder and gave her a look. Belle nodded and threw a wink at Killian.
"I don't know what to tell you." She sighed. "I wish I could help. I guess the only thing you can do is give in. It's what I wish I had done. Maybe it's better to be isolated with the person you love."
They finished their meal, paid, and left the diner. As they walked back to the shop, she leaned in and whispered. "Is this safe?"
"Should be."
"Great. You're going to go out with Ruby and I tonight. You need to remind her exactly how she feels. Seeing you with someone else will do it. Underneath the rough Dark One exterior, she's still a woman. If I learned anything from being married to Rumple, possessions are everything. To Emma in her current state, you are hers. Threaten it." The passion in her voice startled Killian. "Let me help you do what I couldn't."
He nodded and threw an arm around her shoulders. "Thank you, Belle. It's nice to have someone who understands."
They reached the shop and Belle mouthed "follow my lead." He nodded and followed her through the door.
"Look," Belle said in her normal voice, "Will is sweet and everything, but it's not what I want anymore. And Rumple…he still hasn't woken up. I need a night out, and you're coming. No excuses."
"Alright. Maybe you're right. Emma can't be jealous of something that isn't hers anymore. Our relationship died when she absorbed the power."He winced as the words passed his lips, but his voice remained steady. Belle gave him a smile and squeezed his hand.
"Good. Rabbit Hole, eight tonight."
"See you tonight, Belle." He lifted her hand to his lips and softly kissed it.
He wandered down the street, not really heading in any direction. He had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, but he knew that Belle's plan just may work.
Without warning, Emma appeared in front of him. She grabbed his arms, and in the blink of an eye, they were on the front steps of an unfamiliar house.
"Get. In. The. House." The outrage in her voice was clear.
"I don't think so, Swan." He said, taking a step back. "I've got plans this evening. We can catch up another time."
"I don't think so, Pirate." Again, the scenery changed, and he found himself in a small kitchen. Emma stood in front of him. "Like it or not, you're mine."
He stormed out of the house before she had a chance to say anything else, and surprisingly, she didn't stop him.
Killian paused outside of the Rabbit Hole, staring at the double red doors. The bad feeling in his stomach had only intensified after his run-in with Emma. Sighing, he pulled open the doors and stepped inside.
By day, the Rabbit Hole was full of barflies and unsavory types, but at least it was quiet. By night, the music was loud, the bass up, and full of party types. Something that Killian was quite unfamiliar with.
He glanced around and saw the two women waving at him from a table off to the left. After sitting down, Ruby grinned at him. "You excited?"
"No. I'm worried about the two of you making the Dark One angry."
Ruby snorted. "You don't have anything to worry about. Rumple cast a spell on her heart ages ago, and Dark Ones don't mess with wolves." She howled quietly and he couldn't cracking a smile. "Now, come on." She took his hand and led him into the large group of people dancing to the beat of a loud pop song, leaving Belle nursing her drink with a smile.
The woman grinned at him. "So, this is not ballroom dancing. Look around you." He did as instructed, taking in the people around him. "Now, just feel the music and let it happen." She began to move her hips to the beat, arms raised above her head. After a few moments, Killian followed suit.
As the night went on, Killian began to relax and have a bit of fun. Ruby was the perfect dance partner; respectful yet flirty. Belle joined in every now and then, but spent most of her time talking to Will at their table.
The beat changed again and Ruby's eyes narrowed at something across the room. She leaned in, resting her face against his neck. "Don't turn around. Trust me." She pulled him by his hips until he was flush against her, swaying them to the music.
After a few moments, Killian felt himself being yanked backward. He spun around to face a seething Emma. However, she didn't immediately transport him again.
"Killian." She managed through her rage. "May I speak to you?"
He glanced at Ruby. "Thank you for the lovely evening. I hope to do it again soon." Turning back to Emma, he shrugged. "Yes, we can talk."
"Good." And they were gone from the Rabbit Hole, this time in an unfamiliar kitchen. A single votive candle sat on the table, casting a shadowy glow over the room.
"So, Swa-" His words were cut off by Emma descending on his lips. She twined her fingers in his hair, pulling his head back to give her better access to his neck. She kissed a line down to his collarbone, nipping at it, drawing a tortured moan from him.
He yanked her flush against him, as he'd been with Ruby at the club, and backed her toward the island. His hands slid down to cup her ass and lifted her onto the cold granite. He made quick work of the buttons on her leather blazer and threw it off somewhere to the left.
"You want me, Dark One?" He growled. "You've got me, at least for tonight."