Seven rolled around, and Emma stood outside the entrance to Charming Family Racing. The sun had set and the Boston skyline glittered in the distance. She checked her watch once more and saw that the time read 7:03.

"Apologies, lass," a voice said from behind her. Emma turned around and saw Killian exiting the building, a jacket and set of keys in hand.

"You know, it's ironic that you're late when you were the one who mocked me for being late earlier," she replied.

"It's only three past. It's not like I made you wait too long," he said.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Late is late, Killian. Three minutes in a race would be worse than a DNF." She stood about a foot away from him with her arms crossed, and she looked up into his sea-colored eyes. "But I suppose you would be used to those by now." Her tone was a challenge, and Killian took it.

Killian leaned in so that they were inches away. "Not a chance, love," he whispered. In the darkness, he flashed a cocky smile.

Emma shuddered at their closeness and stepped back. Killian did the same and scratched behind his ear. They stood for a moment and said nothing, tension filling the space between them.

"I guess we should get going," Killian said, breaking the silence.

Emma nodded in response and followed as Killian led her towards his car. Silence found them again as they walked beside each other, arms brushing and Killian continuing to scratch behind his ear. Emma realized it was a nervous tic.

When they arrived at the car, Killian opened the passenger door for Emma. "Oh, so you're a gentleman," she said.

Killian closed the door and slid into the driver's seat. "I'm always a gentleman," he replied, slamming the door shut. Emma rolled her eyes and watched as he easily maneuvered the car out of the parking space and onto the road. His hands flitted between the clutch and the steering wheel, turning the wheel with his palm.

—

After they had driven for a while, Emma asked, "Where are we going? I thought we were getting drinks.". Killian glanced at her once but kept his eyes on the road.

"You'll see, love," he said.

"I'm not your love. Tell me where we're going, Jones."

"Patience." He rested his hand on her leg and looked at her once more. "Swan."

Emma scrunched her nose. "Swan?"

Killian nodded and gestured at her neck. "Your necklace. It has a swan on it. Seems fitting, does it not?" His voice was quiet and raspy, something she only noticed then.

"I guess so," she agreed. Her hands found their way to her necklace, fiddling with the charm.

They sat in silence for the rest of the drive, the city's bright lights illuminating Emma's golden hair. The radio played faintly while Killian hummed along to some of the music.

—

The car eventually came to a stop outside of a little pub on the outskirts of the city. Killian got out of the car quickly and opened Emma's door. She rolled her eyes at his antics and said a small "thank you" as she stepped out of the car.

"Well, shall we?" Killian said. He led Emma to the entrance of the building and once again opened the door for her.

The pub Killian had chosen was a cozy space with a bar in the center and booths surrounding it. It wasn't very loud, like most bars, and everyone inside was chatting quietly with each other. The place instantly felt warm and welcoming, which put Emma at ease.

With a quick nod, Killian gestured toward the bar, and he raised one eyebrow at her to ask if she was okay with sitting there. Emma nodded and let a small smile flash on her face, and with that, they sat down beside each other at the bar.

As they sat down, Killian waved to the bartender, who shuffled over to them, rolling his eyes. The man had curly, light-brown hair and eyes that matched Killian's. He also had a bit of a scruff, but it was better maintained than Killian's.

"Ah, little brother, you've brought a girl!" the man said, grinning.

Killian's cheeks instantly turned a remarkable shade of pink, and he muttered to himself, something along the lines of "younger brother".

"And this isn't some girl, this is Emma. She's my new teammate, the one I told you about?" Killian said to Liam.

The man nodded and offered his hand to Emma. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Liam, Killian's older brother."

She shook his hand and grinned. "The pleasure is mine."

"I am sorry that you have to deal with this one all season. He's quite fast, but I don't think he knows how to shut up yet."

Emma laughed as Killian rolled his eyes and sighed. "He hasn't been too bad yet. I guess we'll see, though."

"Indeed," Liam said, standing up straight. "I suppose I should take your order. What'll you have to drink, Emma?"

Emma and Killian ordered their drinks, and after serving both of them, Liam left to attend to other customers. They sat and talked about everything: their history as racers, stories from their childhoods (Killian's being frequently interrupted by his older brother), and even their worst dates.

"You're telling me that Graham, who was your teammate, took you out, saw his friends, and abandoned you? On the date?" Killian asked in disbelief, his blue eyes wide.

Emma nodded and chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He did. I had to call and ask my mom for a ride home. Then we both had to show up for work the next day, and it was terrible!"

"I can't imagine anyone preferring their mates to you, Swan," Killian said with a small smile.

—

When Liam finally informed them it was time for the bar to close for the night, Emma realized just how late it was.

"I'm really sorry, Killian, but we should probably get going. I have to get home so that Regina can actually get some sleep."

Killian nodded. "Of course, Swan."

They stood up from the bar and made their way to the exit, Killian waving one last time to Liam. Once they were in the car, Killian began the short drive to Emma's apartment.

—

Emma opened the door to the car and shuddered at the frigid winter wind. She turned to her well-lit apartment building and started walking when she heard soft footsteps behind her.

Killian was behind her, following her into the building. Emma scrunched her eyebrows in confusion and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Walking you to the door, like a gentleman," he said, as if was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I'll be fine, Killian."

"Nonsense! I won't have you mauled just because I took you home so late," he protested. Killian gestured towards the entrance to the building and followed Emma as she entered it. He continued to follow her as she got on the elevator, which took them to the third floor.

Emma walked to her door and stopped outside of it. She turned to Killian and smiled.

"What, Swan?" Killian asked.

"I just had a really good time tonight."

He grinned at her. "As did I."

Emma hugged him and said, "I'm glad you're my teammate."

"Me too, Swan. Me too."

When Emma let go of him, Killian's arms felt like reaching out to her and taking her into his arms forever. But he restrained himself as she opened her apartment door, turning back to face him one last time.

"Goodnight, Jones," she said, closing the door.

"Goodnight, Swan."