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onceuponaprincessworld · 3 years

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This is just getting better!

All In

Summary: Killian Jones has never been much of a gambling man, but after a stroke of good luck at the poker table in a Vegas casino, he's propositioned by James Nolan with an offer he can't refuse. With Killian's skills and James' money, they could walk away with half a million dollars each. The stakes are high, but get even higher after Killian loses and finds out the money he lost is actually James' brother's, a notorious mob boss. Now Killian has to come up with the money he lost and fast, or else he and everyone he loves will pay. Just when Killian gives up all hope, David's daughter, the same blonde siren Killian had an unforgettable night with in Vegas, shows up to negotiate with her father. Not only will Killian be freed from his debt, but his and his loved ones' lives will be spared. All Killian has to do is marry the boss's daughter. A/N: So, I've had a lot of people asking about Mary Margaret, if we'll get to see her, and how David became a mob boss. I'll be honest, I hadn't planned on really delving into a lot of the mob stuff, I was mainly focused on Emma and Killian, but I can certainly include more background about the Nolans in future chapters. We'll see Mary Margaret in this one but very briefly. She'll be in future chapters though.

Thanks for reading!

This story was inspired by and based on one of the storylines from Always Mine and Always Yours by Kennedy Fox. These are books from the same series as Baby Mine and Baby Yours, which Through the Rising Tide is based on. I love these books and I thought it would be fun to see the ouat characters in these roles. If you've never read books from KF, check them out! I know, I know, I shouldn't be starting any more fics. But I couldn't wait to post the prologue of this new fic I'm working on. Don't worry, I plan on finishing up SMSOF, TTRT and TPAHS over the next few months. Seeing as David is a mob boss, he's darker in this fic than normal and he may be the boss, but Emma has him wrapped around her finger haha. Also, this fic will not be a slow burn like TTRT is! Things between Emma and Killian go pretty fast in this one, so brace yourselves ;-) Also Available on: AO3 FF.N Rated: Explicit due to violence, death threats and smut Catch up: Pro // Ch 1 // Ch 2

Chapter 4

They’re still holding hands when they step onto the elevator, but once the doors close, Killian pulls her into his arms and does what he’s been wanting to do since she saved his life.

He presses her against the elevator and kisses her like his life depends on it; he kisses her as though he might not get another chance. But without her, without what she’d done for him, he wouldn’t even have had this chance.

He’d be dead.

She cards her hands through his hair, tugging him closer, her tongue finding his, eliciting sparks when they meet. The moan she produces is exquisite, and he devours the sound as he devours her.

When he tears his lips away, he leans his forehead against hers and cups her cheeks, not wanting to let her go. “You saved my life…” he murmurs, his voice shattered, his heart slamming against his ribcage. “Thank you.”

She smiles and caresses his stubbled jaw. “You’re welcome,” she whispers, her breath heavy and ragged against his lips. “I’m sorry about my father.”

He traces her cheekbone with his thumb and gently shakes his head. “It’s not your fault. You’re nothing like him or your uncle.”

“I had no idea what was going on until Uncle James told me.”

Before Killian can respond, the elevator stops, and the doors slide open to one of the penthouse floors.

When they step into a large room, Killian’s in awe as he looks around. “You live here?”

She nods. “I help run stuff when Daddy’s in New York.” She slips out of her heels and leads him to the kitchen, where she grabs a washcloth, dampens it and carefully washes the blood off his face. She grabs an ice pack, wraps it in a dry towel and applies it to one of his eyes. “Here, hold this.”

He brings his hand to the cloth, keeping the ice pack in place, flashing a small smile. “Thanks, love.”

“Want some rum?”

He chuckles. “Do you really have to ask?”

She smirks. “I figured you wouldn’t say no.” She saunters away and grabs a glass from the cupboard, filling it with the golden-brown liquid.

“Thank you,” he says appreciatively as she hands it to him. He downs the rum, welcoming the burn after David almost killed him. He cocks a brow when Emma doesn’t fetch a glass for herself. “Nolan, don’t make a man drink alone. Or should I say, your fiancé,” he adds with a wink.

She shakes her head and places her hand on her belly, a smile creeping over her lips. “I’m good. I’m not the one who almost died.”

He leans back against the counter, furrowing his brows, curiosity eating away at him. “So, love, why exactly did you tell your father we’re getting hitched?”

“To save your life, you idiot,” she says, amusement in her tone. “Why do you think?”

He cocks a brow, not sure if he believes her. “And that’s the only reason?”

She places a hand on her hip, appearing to be offended. “Why do I need another reason? I know my father more than anyone, and I knew he was going to kill you otherwise. You should’ve seen what his guards did to my uncle after Daddy found out about the stolen money. His face was worse than yours is. And Uncle James is his brother.”

“But why do you care what happens to me? We barely know each other.”

She lifts a brow and smirks, facing him as she crosses her arms and leans her hip against the counter. “I don’t know about that. I mean...it seemed like we got to know each other pretty damn well a couple of months ago.”

A deep blush creeps into his cheeks and he scratches behind his ear, a smile tugging at his lips at the memories. “Touché, love.”

“Look, Killian,” her voice is more serious this time, “I’ll be straight with you.” She sighs. “There are a couple of other reasons. But you have to know, everyone, and I mean everyone, has to believe we’re in love, got it? My father wasn’t bullshitting when he said he’d kill you and your family if he thinks you broke my heart. The same goes if he finds out our marriage is a sham. So everyone has to believe we’re a happy couple, and when we get married, they have to think it’s for the right reasons.”

He nods. “I understand. I have to say, though, I never pegged you as a mob boss’s daughter.”

“Well, as I said, I want out of the family business...which is where you come in.”

And there it is. “Oh-kay...” he says skittishly, and flourishes a hand, urging her to expand.

“Remember how I said it was complicated?”

“Aye.”

“Well, I can only leave after I get married or turn thirty, whichever one comes first. I’ll also have access to my trust fund. And I don’t want to wait seven years to get it. So we get hitched, I get my trust fund and the freedom to leave the family business...and you and your family get to live.”

Killian nods, trying to wrap his head around all of this as he sets down his empty glass and switches the ice pack to the other eye. “But why me? You could’ve married anyone, right?”

Emma’s lips twist and she nods, but he can tell she’s holding back.

“There’s another reason why you saved my life, isn’t there?”

She steps closer, taking his free hand in hers. “I’ll tell you, but you can’t say anything to anyone, not even your family, until after we get married, okay?”

He nods. “I won’t. I promise,” he says sincerely.

“Okay, well, you might want to sit down for this.”

He shakes his head. “No, I’m fine right here. Just tell me.”

“Okay, suit yourself.” She exhales a long, shaky breath, her eyes locked with his. “Killian, I’m pregnant. And you’re the father.”

Killian has to take a step back, his hand slipping from hers as he drops the ice pack on the counter. Now he wishes he would’ve taken her suggestion and sat down first, Emma’s confession knocking the wind out of him.

This day is just becoming too goddamn much. First, his brains almost get splattered all over a hotel room, then he finds out he has to marry the daughter of a mob boss in order to live. Now she’s telling him she’s pregnant.

“Wow, um…” His head is spinning; he doesn’t even know what to say to that as he turns around and paces, dragging a hand over his face. He spins around to face her again. “Uh…when did you...when did you find out?”

“A few days ago. I’d been debating whether or not to tell you. I was conflicted because I knew Daddy wouldn’t be happy if I got pregnant out of wedlock. Our family is Catholic. And I didn’t want to risk losing my trust fund or my freedom, especially now that I’m pregnant. I really don’t want to bring my baby around the family business. But also, I didn’t want this baby to ruin your life, or for you to think you had to be involved. But I thought you should know and that we could discuss it, so I asked my uncle if he knew when you’d be back in Vegas. I didn’t want to tell you over the phone. And when Uncle James claimed he didn’t know at first, I could tell he was lying.”

“Let me guess, he pressed his fingers to his temple.”

She nods and furrows her brows. “Yeah, how did you know?”

“I’ve played poker with him before, remember?”

“Oh, right. Well anyway, when I begged him to tell me what happened, he told me how he stole my daddy’s money and put you on the hook for it. That’s when I came up with a solution that would benefit both of us, and I begged Uncle James to tell me where my father was meeting you.”

Killian still can’t wrap his head around all of this. At first, he thought they would just get married for show to appease her father, and eventually, they would go their separate ways, but now there’s a baby involved. There’s no way he can get out of this. There’s no way he would want to. She’s carrying his child. “So, what’s the plan now?”

“Well, we get married...soon, very soon,” she says casually, as though she’s reading their fortune cookies. “Then, a few weeks later, we announce to my family I’m pregnant.”

“But won’t they find out when you go into labor two months early?”

Emma shrugs. “It won’t matter because by then, I’ll already have my trust fund and my freedom. Besides, twins always come early. And since I’m pregnant, I’ll get even more money, especially with twins.”

Wait, what?!

This day just keeps getting crazier and crazier.

His eyes almost pop out of his skull as he places his hands on his head. “Wait, you’re...we’re having twins? As in two babies?”

She nods. “Yeah, it runs in the family.” Her features soften as she grabs his arms, pulling his hands down. “But look, I have a plan, okay? All we have to do is show my family we’re a happy couple, and then after the babies are born, we can get a divorce and go our separate ways.”

Killian holds up his hands. “Wait, you think I can divorce you after knocking you up...with twins nonetheless?! Your father will definitely kill me.”

“Killian, don’t worry. I’ll take all the blame. I’ll tell him I cheated or something. I haven’t figured out all the details yet, but this will work. Trust me.”

“Look, Emma, if you’re having my babies, I’m not just going to abandon them.” His heart clenches at the thought, and how he and his brother were abandoned by their father.

“You don’t have to. You can visit them whenever you want.”

Killian places his hands on his hips and cocks a brow. “So what, I’d be like part-time Dad or something?”

“If that’s what you want.”

He shakes his head. “That would never work. I live in Maine, and you live here. I have a job, Emma...and a family.”

“Well, now you have a chance to expand your family. And I won’t be living in Vegas for much longer. Like I said, I want out. I want to be as far from this place as possible. So maybe I can move closer to Maine.”

His brows raise, his eyes softening. “You’d really do that?”

She shrugs. “Why not? Then after we get divorced, I’ll tell my father it was my idea and that we got married too fast and just want to be friends. You’ll get to live and be in Maine with your family and we can visit each other so you can spend time with the kids.”

“Emma, I don’t want to be just a part-time dad. If I’m going to be a dad, then I want to do it the right way.”

“Then we’ll stay together if you want. Nothing is set in stone right now. We’ll do what feels right...for all of us, including the babies.”

Killian’s lips tilt into a small smile. For the first time today, he has a little bit of hope. Emma’s right. They can figure things out as they go. That’s what people do when they have a baby unexpectedly. They figure it out. And so can he and Emma. “Okay.”

Emma smiles and grabs his hands. This time, he doesn’t pull away. “Everything will work out, I promise.”

“So what happens now?”

“Well, now we plan the wedding. I’ll just tell my father we want something small and private. Just close family. We want to get married quickly.”

He nods. “I don’t think I should tell my family yet, though.”

She furrows her brows. “Why not?”

“Because my brother knows me. He’ll know the marriage is a sham. Besides, I just saw him yesterday and I was single. He’s never going to believe I went to Vegas, married some woman I just met and got married.”

She shrugs, a small smirk tilting her lips. “Stranger things have happened in Vegas.”

He chuckles. “That’s true.” But he doesn’t want to tell her the real reason he doesn’t want his family at the wedding. Her uncle threatened to sell off his niece, so there’s no way in hell Killian’s bringing his niece near James or Emma’s other lovely family members. Just the thought of having James as his uncle makes him sick. He’ll bring Emma to meet his family after the wedding. He just hates the idea of keeping all this from Liam. But it’s for the best. He’d rather tell them after he and Emma have gotten to know each other better. It’ll be more believable. “He has to be just as convinced as your father if this is going to work, so it’s better to wait.”

She nods in agreement. “Okay.” She yawns. “Well, it’s getting late. We can talk more about this tomorrow.”

Killian follows her out of the kitchen as he scratches behind his ear. He’s not even sure how to act around her now. They slept together once and now they’re getting married and having twins. But he knows her father’s going to keep an eye on him. “So since your family is Catholic, I’m guessing I shouldn’t stay with you tonight...you know, since we’re not married yet.”

She shakes her head and laughs. “Probably not a good idea. I can send a car to bring you where you’re staying.”

Killian nods. “Okay. Thanks again for saving my life.”

She smiles. “Thanks for marrying me.”

He chuckles and leans in to kiss her cheek. “Goodnight, love.”

“Goodnight.”

Killian leaves the hotel, his mind still reeling with everything that transpired tonight. But all he has to do is play the doting husband of a mob princess. Should be a piece of cake. Right?

~*~

Killian adjusts his tie as he looks in the mirror, scoffing at the thousand-dollar tux he’s wearing. He still can’t believe he’s getting married to someone he met only two months ago. He can’t believe she’s having his babies. And most of all, he can’t believe she’s a mob princess. Thankfully, David seemed to buy all of this. And thankfully, James hasn’t said anything. Not that he could say anything. He has no proof the marriage is merely a ploy to get Emma and Killian what they both want. She gets her freedom and trust fund, he gets to live and his family is left alone. It’s the perfect setup. He’s just not sure about all of this. It’s a lot to sign up for in such a short time. It’s a lot to sign up for, period. Even though she said they only had to keep up the act until the babies are born, he has a feeling he’ll be in this for the long haul.

He has to be in this for the long haul. Those are his babies and he’s not about to turn his back on them like his father turned his back on his sons.

“Don’t you look handsome?”

The sound of Emma’s teasing tone relaxes him, and he turns around to face her, thinking she hasn’t gotten ready yet.

His jaw drops to the floor when he lays his eyes on her.

She looks stunning. Breathtaking. Like every bit the princess she is.

She’s wearing a white ballgown with a plunging neckline and high waist to hide her baby bump. The long sleeves are see-through and appliqued with beautiful white leaves. Her court train drags along the floor as she closes the distance between them and straightens his tie.

“You look…” He has no words for just how stunning she is.

She smiles, her cheeks painted a rosy red. “I know.”

He stares into her beautiful emerald eyes, remembering the night they shared. He’s even more enamored with her now than he was then. But maybe it’s because now she’s carrying his babies. Or because she’s about to become his wife.

A gasp breaks their trance, and they turn their heads toward the intrusion.

“It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.” A dark-haired woman with a pixie cut makes her way across the bedroom, placing her hands on her hips.

“Mother, it’s fine. This isn’t exactly the traditional wedding.”

Ah, this is the infamous Mrs. Nolan. The mob boss’s wife. He hasn’t met her until now, but he knows she lives in New York with her husband and plays the role of the perfect mobster’s wife, attending galas and donating to charities.

“Hello, you must be Killian,” she greets cheerfully, extending her hand.

“Case in point. You’re meeting my fiance moments before our wedding.”

He shakes Mrs. Nolan’s hand. “Killian Jones.” She seems much nicer than he imagined she’d be. But that could be because this is her daughter’s wedding day.

The woman gushes and clutches her chest. “Oh, Emma, he has an accent, too?”

She laughs and wraps her arm around his back, claiming him. “Yes, Mama. He’s dreamy, I’m well aware.”

He blushes and leans in, kissing Emma’s forehead, his heart fluttering under her touch as she places her hand on his chest. This is supposed to be pretend, but he knows Emma is actually attracted to him, and he’s definitely attracted to her, which makes all of this easier.

Believable.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Nolan.”

“Oh please, call me Mary Margaret.”

~*~

When Emma makes her way to him with her parents on either side, Killian can’t seem to take his eyes off her; even though he’d seen her before the ceremony, she still takes his breath away. She’s radiant in the sun as it shines over Sand Harbor Beach, and her gorgeous dress matches her pearly whites.

Emma had talked her parents out of a traditional Catholic wedding, claiming she wanted to marry Killian as quickly as possible. So her parents gave in to a simple wedding on the beach with a few close friends and family.

As Mr. Nolan kisses Emma’s cheek, his eyes watering with tears, he actually seems normal. A normal husband and father. Not a mob boss. He even flashes Killian a smile and shakes his hand before he gives his daughter away.

He and Mary Margaret take their seats in the front row as the priest begins.

“Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Emma Nolan and Killian Jones. We rejoice in their delight of finding true love with one another and support their decision to commit themselves to a lifelong relationship.”

Killian tries not to think about the implications of the priest’s words.

True love.

Lifelong relationship.

Even though Emma will always be David’s little girl for whom he would do anything, Killian doubts her father will ever accept a divorce between them if things don’t work out. He made that perfectly clear when he had Killian sign a prenup so he couldn’t go after the Nolan money during the event of a divorce.

He tries not to think about that, though. Instead, he focuses on Emma and how beautiful she is. As she listens to the priest and holds Killian’s gaze, she has a serene look on her face. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps this marriage will be good for them. For their family. Their twins will get to be raised by both of their parents, and Killian will do whatever it takes to give them a loving home. As Emma said, their babies will not grow up around the mob life like she did. And he hopes he can protect them from all of that.

For the first time in a long time, he actually has hope for the future. He never thought he’d have a family of his own, but now he has this chance. The chance to not only give his babies the life he and his brother never had as kids, but the chance to find love again. He may not love Emma yet, but he feels things for her when he’s around her, things he hasn’t felt in a long time, and it goes beyond physical attraction. Their first night together, he couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving. And if the two months after that hadn’t been hell, if his life hadn’t been threatened, he would’ve contacted her or tracked her down.

The priest takes out the rings and hands over Emma’s first. Killian flashes a smile as he recites his vows and slips the wedding band on her finger.

The engagement ring on her other hand practically blinds him. She had originally offered to pay for the rings, but Killian refused and used the money he made over the last two months, since her father released Killian from his debt. Call him traditional, but he couldn’t stand the idea of not buying Emma the rings with his own money. So he bought her the best engagement ring he could find that would show everyone how happy she makes him. He knows money doesn’t equal happiness, but he knows the Nolan family is all about money and power.

Emma seems pleased with both rings, but he has a feeling she doesn’t need flashy diamond rings to be happy. He knows she just plays the part of the rich mobster’s daughter to appease her father.

She smiles at Killian, and her eyes are gleaming with tears as she repeats after the priest. “I, Emma, take you, Killian, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

As she slips the band on his finger, his heart squeezes and his own eyes sting with tears, even though he knows this is pretend. He knows Emma has to put on a show for her family. Both of their lives—their children’s lives—depend on it.

They take each other’s hands again.

“By the power invested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He looks at Killian and smiles. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Killian plasters on the biggest grin and grabs Emma, dipping her back carefully and claiming her lips. Emma wraps her arms around him, and they hold each other tight as he gets lost in the kiss. Everything else around them disappears, and it’s just him and her and their wee ones growing inside her. His heart bursts when he thinks about everything he’s gained since his life was almost taken from him. He was offered a second chance at life. But the thought of Liam or Elsa or Cordelia not being here to share this moment with him makes his heart clench.

After the wedding, they all celebrate at one of the clubs David owns. Killian could tell Emma was nervous at first because everyone would expect her to drink. Before she became pregnant, she’d go clubbing with her friends all the time. But during the limo ride, they came up with a plan. So, when they’re at the table, Killian orders a sprite, Emma orders a vodka tonic and when no one’s looking, they switch drinks.

They all seem none the wiser, but every once in a while, he catches James watching him. He has a feeling James is on to them, but maybe Killian’s just being paranoid.

At the end of the night, Emma’s parents surprise them both by giving them plane tickets to Italy for their honeymoon. And tonight they’ll be staying in a honeymoon suite.

Killian gulps as he thinks about that. With everything going on, he hadn’t thought about their honeymoon night. They wouldn’t leave for Italy until tomorrow, but he’s not sure what to expect for tonight. More importantly, he’s not sure what Emma expects. It’s not like they haven’t had sex before, but they were strangers at the time. Now they’re husband and wife and parents to be.

“Ready to go, hubby?” Emma asks him in a flirty tone, flashing the biggest smile as she runs her hand along his collar suggestively.

She knows they have to make everyone think they’re this happy newlywed couple who are so desperately in love and can’t wait to get to their honeymoon suite and consummate their marriage, but his heart flutters at her affection. He leans in, wags his brows at her and kisses her lips in front of her family. He didn’t think he would actually enjoy her calling him Hubby, but he does. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Wifey.”

And he enjoys calling her that.

Actually, he loves it.

A/N: So I know Emma said they were having A baby, as in one, to Liam and his family, but that's because I wanted the twin part to be a surprise. I cut it off before Killian could add on to it and say they're actually having twins. So don't worry, they didn't lose one of the babies or anything.

Tagging people who might be interested. If you would like to be tagged or untagged, please let me know.

@onceuponaprincessworld @teamhook @artistic-writer@ilovemesomekillianjones @hollyethecurious @gingerchangeling@ultraluckycatnd @kmomof4 @searchingwardrobes @snowbellewells @let-it-raines @wellhellotragic @itsfabianadocarmo @lfh1226-linda @becausetheyrehappythisway @thislassishooked @tiganasummertree @hookedmom @resident-of-storybrooke @xhookswenchx @darkcolinodonorgasm @companion-mala @carpedzem @maguilar1028 @mayquita @courtorderedcake @shady-swan-jones @timeless-love-story @laschatzi @officerrogers @spartanguard @andiirivera @ouatpost @jarienn972 @winterbythesea @winterbaby89 @distant-rose @kateroselin @kday426 @sals86 @lawgeeks @yasbio2015 @xsajx @delightfully-difficult-pirate @wanderingjpg @squidvisious @tenaciouskittynight @biefaless @animatedshorts @lassluna @melsbels @meat-pie-with-sauce @roseyflush @qualitycoffeethings @nikkiemms @oncechicagolove @theonewiththeory @lostinwonderland314

#canada #cs rec ff

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onceuponaprincessworld · 3 years

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Figure of Speech

Summary: Killian has been in love with Emma Swan ever since he was eleven and she was his babysitter. The last time he saw her was the day he kissed her, thinking they were having a special moment… right before she headed off to college with her boyfriend.

When their paths cross years later, he’s just happy she remembers him—because while he’s a talented, free-spirited journalist who takes risks and has a knack for finding trouble, Emma is an accomplished and sophisticated politician who’s planning to run for President of the United States.

Sensing Killian Jones—the boy who once knew her and supported her long before she entered the soul-sucking world of politics—is the key to unlocking a part of herself that’s been dormant for so long, she hires him as her speechwriter. As she travels the world to launch her 2020 presidential campaign, he is by her side, helping Emma find her voice again.

The attraction between them sizzles, but when they eventually give into it, will their relationship withstand the demands of the election and scrutiny of the public?

A/N: Thank you @ultraluckycatnd for beta reading and @onceuponaprincessworld for your help with this! Thank you @captainswanmoviemarathon for starting the event and everyone on discord for all your help!

AO3 FF.N

Catch up: Ch 1

Rated: M

Chapter 2

Emma's in her own world, just dancing to the music, memories flashing through her mind from her childhood when she'd listen to this song.

She's pulled back to reality and remembers where she is when she feels eyes on her. Being the Secretary of State, she draws attention wherever she goes, but this time she has an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Turning her head, she looks across the room, her eyes immediately connecting with a pair of bright blue.

Her breath catches, and she has to turn her head and look away because the intensity of his stare is so intimidating.

Intimidating, but not unwanted.

Definitely not.

Those eyes are enchanting, almost familiar. In fact, the owner of those eyes seems familiar, too. She's seen this man before, but she's not sure where. Thick-framed glasses, messy dark hair, chiseled jaw and black hoodie. He's dressed like a kid, if she's being honest, and she wonders how he got into this event, but he still looks ridiculously handsome.

Emma timidly takes another peek at him, hoping he's no longer watching her, but he is. She observes him for a moment, ignoring the way her heart flutters as she tries to place where she knows him from. Someone with those sea-blue eyes, someone who gives her this same feeling when he looks at her. Someone who's staring at her like he worships the ground she walks on. He's obviously just as enchanted by her as she is by him, because his champagne flute lingers at his lips like he was about to take a sip, but then got distracted.

By her, perhaps?

His attention should creep her out and she should inform her security detail, but there's something about him that doesn't seem threatening; instead, his profile gives her a sense of nostalgia.

She thinks about approaching him, hoping that talking to him would jog her memory or help her understand why she has this weird feeling in the pit of her stomach. It's not a bad feeling. In fact, it's kind of scary how much this man affects her with just a stare when she doesn't even know him.

Or does she?

You can't get this feeling from a stranger. You just can't. Can you?

Emma sucks in a breath, prepared to approach him, but before she can move, he's heading out the door with the man he's with. The man who is actually dressed appropriately. And not in a black hoodie. It's funny because she remembers someone who used to dress like that, but he was fourteen, not a grown man. In fact, she used to babysit him—

Her mouth falls open when she realizes how she knows the man who was just staring at her so blatantly. She knows him because he's Killian Jones.

No, it's not him. It can't be. Can it?

"Why was the Secretary of State just staring at you?" Victor asks as he follows Killian outside.

Killian paces back and forth, trying to calm the nerves in his stomach, trying to force his thoughts back into some semblance of order. He never thought he'd ever see Emma in person again. And if or when he did, he never thought the dormant feelings he had for her as a teen would come rushing back as an adult. "I kind of know her," he finally answers.

When Emma's eyes connected with his, he needed to catch his breath because bloody hell, she took his breath away. Emma, the Secretary of State, was staring at him, her cheeks flushed when she saw him. She was so fucking adorable when she looked away after catching him staring at her. She knows he not only liked what he saw, but she also knows he recognized her. She recognized him, too. Well, he's not sure, but he has a feeling.

"You kind of know the Secretary of State?" Victor asks in bewilderment, not believing him. "Nobody kind of knows Emma Swan. It's like kind of knowing a mermaid."

Killian stops and turns around to face his friend, taking a long, shaky breath. "It's kind of a long story, but basically she used to babysit me."

Victor's eyes widen. "The Secretary of State used to babysit you and you never mentioned this?" He says the Secretary of State like she's a queen. Which she very much is.

"We were also neighbors."

"Again, why did you never mention you knew the Secretary of State?" he asks, offended.

Killian scratches behind his ear, his stomach twisting as he thinks about the times he spent with Emma when they were young. "I don't know. It's just…it was kind of embarrassing how we left things."

Victor cocks a brow, his eyes full of curiosity. "How did you leave things?"

Killian groans when he thinks about it. "With a fourteen-year-old boner and the girl of my dreams walking away with her boyfriend."

Amusement dances over Victor's face, his eyes as big as saucers at Killian's blunt confession. "Wait, what?!" He chuckles. "Okay, this I have to hear."

Killian tells him how Emma used to come over to his house to babysit him and how they watched movies together, listened to music and helped each other with school projects. He also tells Victor about the time she left for college and how he thought they were having a special moment.

"You kissed her?!"

He sighs, the familiar anxiety he felt that day returning like an old enemy. "I thought we were having a moment. I thought she was giving me a goodbye kiss. Then I look down and notice the boner. I was mortified."

Victor dissolves into hysterical laughter.

Killian's face heats. "As if things couldn't have gotten worse, her boyfriend showed up, and I had to hide my erection with a baseball cap. Emma left with her boyfriend, and I'm left standing there with my hard, fourteen-year-old boner. Hard as a fucking rock. That was the last time I saw her in person."

"Oh my God!" Victor's almost on the ground in tears. "Look on the bright side—she said your boner was okay."

"She was being polite," Killian grumbles. "She was trying not to make me feel bad because she's a nice person."

"Come on, man, you see it as a fucked-up memory, but I see it as a beautiful story about a girl you liked who liked your boner. You've been granted this chance to see her again. You need to talk to her tonight. This is fate."

Killian rolls his eyes. Of course Victor would see the most humiliating moment of Killian's life as a beautiful story. "She probably doesn't even remember me, and even if she did, the last thing she wants is having my boner woken up by her again."

"Excuse me."

The deep voice of someone behind Victor startles them.

Whale turns around, and Killian looks over his friend's shoulder to see a big man in a black suit and an earpiece. "The Secretary of State wishes to see you."

Killian gulps and points to himself, arching a brow. "Me?"

"Yes, sir. This way," he says, turning around and heading inside.

Killian can't believe it. Emma Swan, the Secretary of State, summoned him. He has to contain a smile threatening his lips as he follows the man back into the banquet hall. He's excited but also nervous as hell as he scratches behind his ear, butterflies in his stomach, his heartbeat pounding in his ear.

He follows the agent upstairs and looks up to see Emma looking down at him, those beautiful green eyes piercing through his soul. He'd fall down the staircase if he weren't holding onto the railing like his life depends on it.

She looks like an angel, and he feels like he just died and went to heaven.

When he approaches her, he can hear the dark-haired woman next to Emma whisper (though not quietly), "Signal when you need me," before disappearing.

He tries not to let her words discourage him, but when he's standing right in front of Emma, the urge to turn around and run for his life with his tail between his legs is tempting, because right now, he's not even sure if he can speak, let alone form a cohesive sentence.

Fuck.

How can someone still have this effect on him after all those years?

"Hi," he croaks out nervously, somehow finding his voice. Fuck, she's so breathtaking, her beauty almost knocks him on his arse.

"Hi," she greets with a warm smile. The same smile he fell in love with all those years ago.

"You...uh," he scratches behind his ear, trying to find more words from his throat, but her dazzling green eyes boring into his blue ones make it difficult. "You wanted to speak with me?"

"Yeah, uh, I'm sorry to pull you away from your friend."

He waves off her words. "Please, don't be."

She stares at him intently. "I just can't shake this feeling we know each other, and now I'm even more certain after hearing your accent. I just have to ask—are you Killian Jones?"

A huge grin lights up his face.

She remembers him!

Emma Swan remembers him!

"Aye, that would be me," he says playfully, but he's afraid his attempt at being nonchalant is failing him miserably.

She breathes a sigh of relief and closes her eyes briefly, placing her hand on her chest. "Oh good, I'm not crazy. I'm Emma Swan. I used to babysit you."

As if she needs an introduction. As if he doesn't already know who she is. Like that could ever be possible.

"I know," he chuckles.

She laughs. "Right, of course. You've probably seen me on TV."

Yeah, that's the reason. Not because he would remember that smile or those eyes or that face anywhere, no matter how many years have passed or how many miles came between them. He recognizes those dimples on her cheeks, the way her green eyes sparkle, the way she bites her bottom lip, the way her golden blonde hair sways when she moves. Her hair is shorter now and falls above her shoulders, but still reminds him of daisies.

"Oh my God, look at you," she says, looking him up and down. Now he's feeling insecure in his hoodie and jeans and wishing he would have worn a suit. But she doesn't appear to be opposed to how he's dressed. "So, what brings you here?"

"My friend, Victor, brought me here to see Boyz II Men."

"I met them," she brags excitedly.

His eyes widen. What all did he miss while he was outside talking to Victor? "You met the men? What was it like?"

"Don't tell anyone but," she cups a hand around the right side of her mouth, whispering, "it was the highlight of my life."

"I get that," he chuckles casually, trying to mask the fact that on the inside, he's thinking the highlight of his life is this moment right here—running into Emma after how many years?

"It's been so long. How have you been?"

Her question pulls him from his train of thought. "Um, I'm...I've been amazing," he lies, not wanting to tell her he's currently not doing so well, considering he has no job and if he doesn't find a new one quickly, he'll be homeless. But he doesn't want to spoil the mood by unloading that on her.

"What have you been up to?"

"I'm a journalist."

Her eyes light up with intrigue. "Really? That does sound amazing."

"Yeah, it was...until recently. I'm between jobs right now."

Her eyebrows crease, her face clouding over with concern. "Why? What happened?"

He waves off her question. "It's nothing I care to get into right now. What about you? What have you been up to?"

She opens her mouth to speak but appears to be speechless, making him realize his mistake.

He chuckles. "I'm kidding. I know what you've been up to. You're the Secretary of State."

"Yeah, I am," she laughs.

"You know, love, I have to say it's amazing to see what you've done with your life. Many people say they're going to do all these incredible things and they don't do any of it, but you actually did it all." He smiles. "So, congrats."

She shrugs unconvincingly, as though she doesn't believe she's done everything she set out to do. But she was always an overachiever. "Well, I'm trying."

Silence fills the air between them as he just stares at her in wonderment, amazed, but not surprised she's just as nice as he remembers.

A commotion coming from downstairs breaks the silence.

"Well, what have we here?!"

That voice makes Killian cringe, and he closes his eyes briefly, praying that somehow he's not hearing who he thinks he's hearing.

But he knows he's not just hearing things when Emma mumbles under her breath in a bitter tone, "Oscar Walsh."

Killian turns his head to see the arsehole make his way up the stairs, waving.

"I hate this guy."

"You know him?" he asks in surprise as he returns his eyes to hers.

Just when he thinks he couldn't like Emma any more than he already does, he can see her obvious distaste for the same wanker he despises, and it makes him like her even more. He doesn't know why she hates him, but he doesn't need a reason. He understands completely.

"Unfortunately." She buries her face in her hand, as though she's trying to hide from him. "Damn, he's coming over here," she whispers.

"After all this time," Killian can hear Walsh say behind him. "Finally. Secretary Swan." Walsh approaches Emma and invades her space, grabbing her arms and kissing her cheek.

Killian can tell Emma is doing her best to refrain from pulling away, though he thinks she might vomit in her mouth. Killian might, too. The bloke is lanky and old and overall creepy, looking Emma up and down and lingering far too long in her space, making her extremely uncomfortable.

"Oscar, how are you?" she says politely through a tight jaw, offering a fake smile as he takes her hands in his.

Killian's blood sizzles as he glares at Walsh, noticing the way he looks at her and strokes his thumbs over her hands.

"You are looking particularly ravishing this evening," he says, licking his lips and lifting his eyes to hers. "I've been trying to set up a meeting with you for the last few months and um...you've been avoiding me," he says with a frown.

Killian balls his free hand into a fist, ready to strike this man for putting his hands on Emma. It's been many years since Killian's spoken to her, and he has no right to be jealous, but Emma deserves much better than some creep putting his hands on her and making her feel uncomfortable.

She shakes her head. "No, nooooooo...not successfully."

Walsh chuckles, thinking she's joking.

Emma laughs with him, and Killian makes the mistake of joining in, though his is more of a mocking laugh rather than a playful one, drawing Walsh's attention.

"Who's your friend?" Walsh asks her.

"Killian Jones," he replies with a fake smile, trying his best to control himself and not punch this wanker in the face.

"Well, hello." Walsh shakes his hand, and Killian refrains from using all his strength to crush the bloke's hand. "And what is it you do, Killian?" Walsh asks, studying him scrupulously.

"I'm a journalist."

"Oh, a journalist. Would I have read anything you've written?"

Ha! He would've if he actually cared about the newspaper he just bought. "Probably not recently because I'm unemployed at the moment."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

I bet you are, Killian thinks bitterly to himself. That's funny coming from this bloke, considering two-thirds of the staff have been fired since Walsh bought the Storybrooke Advocate. "Not your fault," Killian retorts ironically.

"Excuse me, Secretary Swan," Emma's agent says, coming up behind her. "A moment, please?"

"Okay." She seems relieved to be pulled away. And though he's happy she doesn't have to be in Walsh's presence any longer, Killian's sad she'll no longer be in his presence.

"So, we'll have that meeting, right?" Oscar asks her.

"Yes, of course," she assures with a tight smile, and judging by the look on her face, he knows she's actually thinking in your dreams.

"Okay, good." He looks at Killian. "Best of luck."

"Thanks," he mutters.

This arsehole is being all nice and charming, but Killian doesn't buy any of it. He knows it's all an act, perhaps to impress Emma, the woman who seems to be the object of his affection.

"Things will turn around for you, I'm sure of it." Walsh playfully punches Killian's shoulder a few times. "Darkest before the dawn and all that."

Killian turns his head, glaring at Walsh as that monkey walks away.

"I, um...I actually do have to go," Emma says apologetically.

Killian brings his attention back to her and nods. He knows she's being sincere and not just making up an excuse to walk away. "Of course. You probably do have a lot of things to do...more important than this."

"It was really nice to see you again."

He smiles, this time naturally, considering Walsh is no longer near them. "You, too, love." He sticks out his hand, but instead of shaking it, she opens her arms in invitation. "Oh," he chuckles in surprise. "Okay." He leans in, and they wrap their arms around each other. His breath catches when he places his hands on her back and realizes her dress is backless. "Wow, this dress is backless," he chuckles. "I wasn't expecting that." He immediately curses himself for hugging her, because the second her sweet perfume assaults his senses as he feels her warm body pressed against his and her bare skin underneath his palm, he is taken back to the day she left for college.

He gulps as the memories come rushing back. He remembers her scent, her touch when she'd hugged him so many years ago. He's thought about that day so many times since then. And now that he ran into her all these years later, he's so glad she's still as nice as she used to be, still warm and smiley and kind. She's still an angel. She's still his Wendy Peffercorn. And he doesn't want to pull away from her. But he also doesn't want to creep her out, so he does.

"Have fun at the party," she says after they break the hug.

"Thanks, you too. Great to see you," he says, cocking a brow as she turns around and walks away.

Gods, she is so beautiful, the way that dress hugs all her soft curves, those gorgeous long legs and the way her hips sway when she walks.

He's quickly yanked from his thoughts when he hears that familiar menacing laugh that makes his skin crawl. He turns around, throwing invisible flames at Walsh with his eyes.

He stalks toward him but soon feels a hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, man, what are you doing?" Victor asks, trying to keep Killian from doing anything rash. "What's that look in your eyes? We're here for the animals."

Killian ignores him and instead hands his champagne flute to Victor before making the rest of the way toward his enemy.

He approaches Walsh from behind and taps on his shoulder. "Excuse me…"

Walsh turns around, his eyes dancing with amusement when he sees Killian's face red with anger. "Killian? What's the problem?"

Killian raises his voice. "I'll tell you the problem, mate!" He's loud enough to draw everyone's attention as he jabs two fingers into the other man's chest. "You're everything that's wrong with this country! Because you're an old, rich piece of shite, and your media conglomerate is ruining this planet!"

"That's enough," Walsh says, swatting Killian's hand away like a fly and signaling for security.

"I'm done, anyway. I had more time with you than I thought I would, so the joke's on you." The guard escorts Killian toward the stairs. "Excuse me, thank you," he says to Walsh before turning around. Everyone is staring at him, and some are recording on their phones, which he expected. What he doesn't expect, however, is the staircase being so close.

To his horror, he starts to fall but catches himself by practically flying down the steps at a much quicker rate than his feet can possibly handle, gaining momentum as he descends. Once he reaches the bottom, he falls, landing flat on his stomach and sliding across the floor.

The audience gasps.

Victor hurries down the stairs, though much more gracefully than Killian, and hurries to his side, helping him up. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he groans painfully as he struggles to get to his feet. But as much pain as he's in, he can't help but hope Emma doesn't think he's a complete loser. If she didn't already. He may have bruises in the morning, but they'll be nothing compared to his bruised ego.

With Victor's help, he quickly limps out of the building as quickly as he possibly can without injuring himself any further, not even checking to see if Emma's watching him.

"Oooooooohhh!"

"Ouch!"

"How did he stand up so quickly after that?" Emma asks, looking away from the video Regina is playing on Robin's phone for the tenth time.

The incident has already been turned into a music video on YouTube; basically, the footage of Killian falling down the stairs was put on repeat to the song, Bodies.

Emma's only glad he's okay, but also proud of him for the things he said to Walsh. She's not sure what compelled him to say those things, but Walsh needed to hear them. Not that he would take anything Killian said to heart.

"Thanks, Robbie," Regina says, handing the phone to him over the car seat.

He snatches it from her hand, groaning. "How many times have I told you not to call me that? It's Robin."

"Whatever." She sighs dramatically and looks over at Emma, sensing the distant look in her eyes. "So, tell me, what exactly is your relationship with Captain Hoodie?" Regina asks curiously. "Was he your super or something?"

Emma shakes her head. "No, we grew up next door to each other." She laughs, not knowing where the years went. The last time she saw him before tonight, he was fourteen and his voice still squeaked. Now he's a grown man. "Fuck, I used to babysit him." She misses Killian and the fun they used to have. For someone younger than her, she had always found it easy to talk to him about things, and they had a lot of the same interests. Sometimes she wishes she could go back to those days.

"You babysat him?"

Emma nods. "I did."

"Well, he should not have given up on having a babysitter," Regina remarks, shaking her head.

Emma furrows her brows. "What do you mean?" She knows Regina didn't like Killian the second she saw him, judging by the way she glared at him and how she straight up said it at the fundraiser. Regina has never been one to hide what she really thinks. She's fantastic at her job, but she's snarky and shallow and sometimes they butt heads when their opinions don't align.

"For one, he caused a scene at a Wildlife Benefit. I mean, who does that? And two...well, you saw how he dressed."

"What's wrong with the way he was dressed? I wish I had the freedom to dress like that in public."

Regina gasps in shock. "What's wrong with it? What's right with it?" She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "He looks like he's twelve."

"No, he doesn't," Emma argues defensively. "Believe me, I would know because I knew him when he was twelve."

"God, I can't even imagine how he acted at twelve if he acts this way as an adult."

"He was a strange little kid," Emma admits. "But he was really funny and super smart. He did have this chip on his shoulder though."

"He's actually not a bad writer," Robin adds.

Emma cranes her neck to look at him. She's not surprised by this, though. She always knew Killian would grow up to do great things. "Wait, you've read his stuff?"

"Indeed, I have. Storybrooke Advocate."

Regina rolls her eyes. "Of course, you read that crap."

Emma furrows her brows. "Wait, didn't that paper just get sold out?"

"Yep. Walsh Media just bought them."

Emma turns in her seat, facing forward again as she puts the pieces together. "Ohhhhhhhh, that's why Killian was such a dick to Walsh." She wonders if Killian got fired or if he quit. But if he's as good a writer as Robin says he is, she's guessing the latter.

Regina changes the subject as Emma gazes out the window, a small smile making its way across her lips.

Killian Jones.

He's still that same passionate kid she once knew. He still stands up for what he believes in. And that's one of the things she loved about him. He not only believed in her, but he always believed in doing what was right.

Later that night, Emma is in her office with her feet propped up on her desk, reading Killian's articles from the Storybrooke Advocate website. She's supposed to be looking at the writing samples Regina brought to her, but honestly, she's more interested in Killian's work.

She honestly loves his writing. His stuff is thought-provoking but also funny.

She laughs as she reads one of his articles, titled, "The two-party system can suck a dick. (Two, actually)."

"Did you like any of those writing samples?" Regina asks upon entering Emma's office.

"Yeah, they were good. And, um, Killian's stuff isn't too bad." Emma doesn't tear her eyes from her computer screen but can feel the daggers Regina is tossing her way.

"Wait, not the homeless guy who fell down the stairs?"

She looks up from Killian's article. "He has an authentic voice. And he knows me. I mean, he knew me. That's probably a good thing if he's going to be writing for me."

Regina pops a brow. "You can't be serious?"

Emma nods, her mind already made up. "I am."

Regina sighs and clasps her hands together. "There's a YouTube video of him falling down the stairs. I have to say, bringing someone like him onto the team feels a little reckless."

"His writing is fantastic. And he's funny, which is what we're going for, right? I think he can get that number up by a few points. And if he doesn't, we fire him."

"Okay," Regina mutters bitterly. "If you say so, you're the boss."

Emma flashes a tight smile as she returns her attention to the article. "Okay."

"Killian Jones it is."

"Thanks," Emma says appreciatively before Regina heads out of the office, shutting the door behind her.

Emma rests an elbow on the armrest and perches her chin on her fist, part of her wondering if Regina's right. Would it be a mistake to hire Killian? Judging by his earlier performance, he's not afraid to make public outbursts. But would he embarrass her while she's running for President of the United States?

No, she's sure he would never do that. Not purposely, anyway. Just as he had faith in her when they were teenagers, she has faith in him. She just hopes he doesn't let her down.

Killian has no idea why he's here. One moment, he's in Storybrooke at Granny's Diner, and the next, he's taking a phone call from Regina Mills and told Secretary Swan wants to see him. Then a car was sent to him, and four hours later, he's in Emma Swan's office.

"Sign this," Regina says, sliding a non-disclosure agreement toward him.

Killian arches a brow as he looks at it. "What's this for?"

Regina sighs heavily. "Do I really have to spell it out for you? Seeing as you're a writer, I would hope you know how to read."

He cocks his head to the side. "I know what an NDA is. I meant why am I signing one?"

She looks up at the ceiling and whispers, "Oh my God." Then she looks at him and speaks at a normal volume. "It's so you'll keep your pie hole shut."

Killian sighs and signs his life away, not knowing what he has to keep confidential or why. He's obviously getting nowhere by asking Ms. Mills questions. "Nevermind."

Emma enters the office with a man Killian assumes is another one of her staffers, and heads to her desk in her red pencil skirt and high heels, setting down the items in her hands—a binder, her phone and a pair of eyeglasses. Her presence immediately makes his heart race.

"Killian, nice to see you again," she greets with a warm smile.

"You too, love," he says nervously, scratching behind his ear.

"Have a seat." She gestures to the chair on the other side of her desk as she sits down. "Glad to see you weren't injured from that fall last night."

"Aye, thank you, love." He walks away from the table where an annoyed Regina is still giving him the stink eye and he sits down across from Emma. Regina moves next to the man near Secretary Swan's desk, and Killian glances between the three of them with a puzzled look. "So, why am I here?"

Emma rests her elbows on the desk, clasping her hands together. "What I'm about to share with you is highly confidential."

"Of course, love," he says, making a motion with his fingers to zip his lips.

"President Gold will not be seeking reelection."

"Really?" He's not exactly sure how to respond to this revelation. On one hand, he's happy to hear it, but on the other hand, he's confused about why Emma called him to her office to tell him this. "Wow, that's glorious news! Are you meeting with each American individually to tell them?" he quips, making Emma laugh. "But seriously, did he finally realize how bad he sucks and doesn't want to do it anymore?"

"He's resigning so he can be a movie star," Emma informs him, sounding just as amused by this as Killian.

"Really?"

"Yes, and he'll be endorsing me for president in 2020."

"Wow! That's incredible, love. Congratulations." He's blown away, but not surprised. He always knew Emma would be the first female president someday.

"Thank you. So, we're headed to an environmental summit, hosted by King Gustaf and the Swedish Royal family. At the summit, I'll be announcing the world's three largest polluters have signed on to the most comprehensive and exciting environmental deal ever. It will address rising sea levels, combat deforestation and protect the world's pollinators. I'm calling it the Global Rehabilitation Initiative."

"Internally, we're referring to it as the seas, bees and the trees," Regina adds.

Emma nods and continues. "Soon after that, I hope to announce that a hundred countries have signed on...at which point, I will resign as Secretary of State. Using this initiative as a springboard, I will announce my presidential run in 2020."

"Wow, that's amazing," Killian comments with a small smile. He's happy for her, but still not sure why he's here.

"So, I need some writers to punch up my speeches." Emma collects her things and stands up, rounding her desk. "I read your work and I really like it."

"You do?" He's completely floored. He never thought Emma Swan would actually be interested in reading his articles on the Storybook Advocate website, which was really just a medium where he could go off on tangents. He certainly didn't think she would like his work.

"I did. You mentioned you were between jobs. So it's a really good fit."

Killian stands from his chair and turns toward her, not sure what to think of her interest in hiring him as a speechwriter. "It's so nice of you to think of me...at all, honestly, with everything going on in your head," he says with a nervous chuckle.

"I look forward to working with you." She smiles and places her hand on his bicep.

His heart skips a beat when he feels her warm palm on his arm. "Thank you, love, really, for the opportunity."

When she removes her hand and walks away to grab her jacket from the chair at the table, he touches his arm, reminding himself to never wash his hoodie ever again. Between last night at the benefit and today in her office, he feels like the luckiest man alive right now. Of course, Victor would call it fate, but still. Twenty-four hours ago, Killian never thought he'd be standing here in Emma's office being offered the opportunity to work for the woman he was in love with as a teenager...and perhaps still is.

"Uh, when do you need to know by?"

Emma laughs, as though he's joking. "What?" She drapes her jacket over her arm as she turns around to face him, furrowing her brows. "I don't understand."

"When do you need to know if I'll take your, uh," he stammers, her intense stare almost rendering him speechless, "your punch-up job?"

She gives him a hard look. "Right now."

"Oh." Killian pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose and looks away from her, trying to avoid Emma's intimidating glare. Looking away from her is the only way he can think straight and not immediately accept her offer based on his own feelings for her. He wants to take the job based on whether or not Emma can pull this off, not based on the flutter of his heart when she looks at him. He also has to think about whether this would be a colossal mistake to work for the woman he has feelings for or if this would be a good thing for his career, and thus having to forget any feelings he has for her in order to stay sane. "Uh, then I guess, maybe, uh, no? Maybe, no, I don't know. I don't know," he finally states firmly, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets.

Regina is quick to pipe up. "You know what, Madam Secretary, he's not interested. We tried, but it didn't work out. So I can give you some writing samples—"

Emma puts up her hand to stop Regina from speaking as she steps toward Killian. "What don't you know?"

He gulps. "This whole seas, trees and bees thing...is it actually going to do something? I only want to work for you if it's actually going to make a difference."

"It will make a difference," she replies with conviction. "This is a perfect document."

"They all start out that way, but then they get watered down."

"Killian, not only does this initiative sound good, but it's also gonna do good." She takes another step toward him, staring at him hard, somehow making him even more nervous than he already is. "It's gonna save the fucking planet, not to mention pay your rent. Now are you in, or do you have something more important to do?"

A broad smile slowly crawls over his lips. "More important than saving the planet with you?" He shakes his head and chuckles, his cheeks heating. "No, I don't. I'm in."

Emma lets out a long breath of relief and laughs. "For a second there, I thought you were actually being serious when you said you had to think about it."

Well, he was serious, but somehow Emma's brief speech flipped a switch inside him. Maybe it was the idea of them saving the planet together that changed his mind.

Bloody hell, she's good.

"Let's save the planet!" she calls out, walking toward the door, her staffers following behind her.

He lets out a breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding, not entirely sure what just happened. The Secretary of State just endowed him with the honor of punching up her speeches for her presidential campaign.

Whatever compelled her to think of him for this task is moot. He just hopes he didn't make a huge mistake by taking this job. And it has nothing to do with whether or not he's capable. He knows he is, but he hopes he can contain his feelings for his new boss.

Killian drags his hands down his face, then heads out the door.

Fuck.

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