The doorbell rings just as Killian is slipping on his jacket. He adjusts how it sits on his shoulders, before crossing the room and pulling open the door. Emma is standing there in a dark red dress that hugs her figure perfectly, as well as her favorite pair of black high heels.

He has to close his agape mouth. "You look stunning, Swan," he manages to say.

Emma smiles shyly. "So do you. Anyway, let's get going."

"Of course."

Killian shivers as they step out into the frigid parking lot. He guessed that the temperature had dropped since he'd been out earlier. Thankfully, once Emma started up the bug, the heat came on full blast.

"So," Emma starts after a few moments of silence, "Ground rules. One- Let me do the talking. Two- as little romantic, physical contact as possible. Just enough to make it believable. Three-"

"Swan, I understand. Everything will be fine."

"I just want to make my parents happy with me."

"I just want my parents happy with who I am."

"They are, Emma," Killian says softly.

Emma slows the car down as they approach a red light. "They were acting weird the other day. They tease me about not having a boyfriend all the time, but this felt different- like they were disappointed with me. That's when I told them I had just starting dating you and wasn't going to tell them until Christmas."

"There's nothing wrong with not being in a relationship, love. Just look at me. I've been single for years. I doubt your folks are disappointed in you because of that."

Emma smiles sadly. "Thanks, Kil, but I'm not so sure."

The light turns green, and Emma goes back to driving. As the car gains speed, Emma reaches over and turns on the radio. Some kind of indie rock comes on. Killian takes that as signaling the end of their conversation. He closes his eyes, trying to focus on the music, instead of thinking about Emma.

Emma parks the car, then turns to Killian. He's slumped in the seat, his eyes closed and snoring softly. She nudges his arm. His eyes open.

"We here?"

She nods. Killian pulls himself into a sitting position, and then slides out of the car. Emma is already halfway down the cobblestone walkway that leads to the quant little cottage of Mr. and Mrs. Nolan. Being here felt strange. He'd been here many times of course, he was Emma's best friend after all. But he'd never been here as a boyfriend, pretend or not.

Killian reaches the door just as it's pulled open. David, Emma's father is standing there, wearing a Santa hat. He smiles as he sees his daughter, pulling her into a tight hug. During their embrace, David's eyes go to Killian. His eyes are filled with love and admiration, which isn't new, but also something else that he had only seen David use when strangers tried to flirt with Emma in front of him.

Oh no, he thinks to himself.

When the hug ends, Emma turns back to look at Killian, who sticks out his hand in the direction of David, smiling nervously.

"Hello, Killian." David takes his outstretched hand, giving it a firm shake.

Once Killian lets go of David's hand, he reaches up and scratches behind his ear. "Happy Christmas," he tells Mr. Nolan nervously.

Noting the obvious awkwardness between the two men, Emma grabs Killian's hand and pulls him past her father and into the house.

I know Emma's a it OOC in the car ride, sharing her thoughts so easily like that- but it's because in this AU she's lived a pretty normal life, and she's also know Killian for about twenty years. So yeah...

Comments (especially ones with constructive criticism) are loved and appreciated!