Home

Chapter 24

After the recording session on Saturday, Emma came out of the building with a smile on her face as she was bouncing with excitement. Killian chuckled beside her as they walked back to his car. They got in and he started the drive to the restaurant. He still hadn't told Emma that they were going to meet up with all of their friends from their high school years. He knew she would like to see them again, no matter what. She looked over to him.

"That was so much fun! Thank you!" She exclaimed with a huge smile on her face.

"You're welcome, love. Maybe we can sing more songs together and then record them, and you can become a member of the band."

"I don't know. I'm still not sure. Let's just see how the viewers like how we sound first."

"Fair enough," he chuckled. They pulled into the parking lot and he could see Ruby's red car, Regina's black one, Robin's green one, and Mary Margaret and David's station wagon. "Let's go in. I'm starving." He quickly got out and opened the door for Emma. He could see their friends through the window, but none of them saw him. Emma wasn't even looking in that direction.

"Me too," she said, and they walked inside.

The music pumped in Emma's ears as they went in. There was a bar that a few people sat at. Booths were against the walls all around the room. A pool table was in the center of it all. A pinball machine and jukebox sat next to each other on the wall near the exit. Killian led her to a booth where a bunch of people sat. She was confused for a moment, as to why he was bringing her to a table that had already been occupied, but then she saw the faces of all the people. Mary Margaret and David sat next to each other at the end of the half circle booth. Robin and Regina were seated next to each other, and Ruby was next to a dark haired woman that she didn't recognize.

"Hey, guys!" Killian shouted happily. They all looked up and scooted out of the booth. They all hugged Emma, except for the brown haired woman who had been sitting next to Ruby. She stood next to Killian. "What am I? Chopped liver?" He asked, pretending to be offended.

"Sorry, Jones, but we see your stupid face all the time," Regina said, giving him a playful glare. "It's nice to see you again, Emma."

"You guys too." She laughed as she hugged everyone.

"You owe us an explanation," Ruby stated as they all sat down again, making room for Killian and Emma.

"I know a person who owes me one as well," Emma said, glancing over to Killian.

"Us first. Why did you leave all those years ago?"

She sighed. Her head hung low and she avoided eye contact with anybody. "I didn't want to be kicked out again."

"Why would Liam kick you out? Because of the drugs? He knew they weren't yours," Mary Margaret cut in.

Emma shrugged. "I don't know." Killian ran a hand up and down her back, soothing her.

"It's alright, Swan."

"Now, when did you plan on this little meeting?" She asked, leaning back in her seat, hopefully changing the subject.

Killian scratched his head behind his ear. "That day I showed up at your apartment. When you got up to go to the bathroom, I called Ruby and we set all this up."

"Guilty!" Ruby said in a sing-song voice as she held up one of her hands. "Oh! Emma, I can't believe I forgot to introduce you to Dorothy."

Emma reached over awkwardly to shake the woman's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"You too," Dorothy replied with a smile.

"Let's get some beers!" Robin shouted, slamming his fist on the table, making it rattle.

"And food," Killian cut in as he handed a menu to Emma. "Order whatever you'd like, darling. It's on them." He winked and she blushed.

After they had ordered and eaten their food, the group of friends went over to the pool table. David, Robin, and Killian played against each other while Regina, Mary Margaret, Emma, Dorothy, and Ruby stood back to watch. Emma loved the look of concentration on Killian's face. She had never seen him so relaxed. Even when he was writing and playing his music for her.

"So, what are you and Killian?" Mary Margaret asked with a smirk as she took a sip of her beer.

"It's complicated. When I got back, we got into a little relationship, but then we fought because I was moving out, but I think we got back together after he showed up at my apartment," Emma explained. "I don't know if that's what he still wants or not."

"Of course he does!"

"I'm not sure."

"Are you going to pretend that there are no yearning looks and doey eyes between you two?" Regina asked.

"I don't yearn," Emma protested.

"You do. And so does he. You both love each other, so why pretend that there isn't anything there between the two of you?"

Emma shrugged. Killian stood up abruptly and pumped his fists in the air. "I win!"

"Whatever, man," Robin said. He reached for his wallet and put ten dollars down on the table. David did the same. "I bet Emma could beat you."

"I bet I would win," Killian said as he put the money in his wallet.

"Cmon, Emma. How about you show Killian's place?" David asked with a smile. He held out his pool stick for her.

Emma smiled and handed Ruby her beer. "How much?"

"Ten dollars?" Killian asked, holding out a bill.

"Deal." She grabbed the stick and let Killian set the balls up into a triangle formation.

"Ladies first," he mocked, taking a swig from his beer.

Emma leaned over the table, surely giving him a few down her blouse. If Killian was as crazy about her as he said he was, she would definitely win. As long as she used her body to distract him well enough. The game began and Emma was sinking the balls faster than Killian was. The effects of their game were obviously showing as it continued. Not only was she winning, but she was turning him on, making it harder for him to concentrate on his shots. As she dunked the last ball, she gave him a smirk.

"Pay up, pretty boy," she said, holding out her hand. He placed the ten dollar bill in her hand. "Well, this has been fun, but I should be going. I have work in the morning." Emma hugged all of her friends and went outside. She knew Killian wouldn't be too far behind.

"You bloody siren!" He shouted when they got outside. "You knew exactly what you were doing to me, didn't you?" He asked as he pinned her to the side of the building with his hips playfully.

"Oh yes I did. I can see that it worked."

"You tortured me with your teasing looks and movements. Did you want me to take you back to my place and screw your brains out?"

"Maybe I did." She looped her arms around his neck. "Aren't you glad I lied to them to get us out of there sooner?"

"Fuck yes," he breathed on her lips. "Do you want me to bring you back to my place so we can have some fun of our own?"

"Let's go." She dragged him to his car and they both got in. Killian drove a little bit faster than he should have, but neither of them were complaining. Emma looked over to him and grabbed his hand and brought it to her lips. She kissed his hand and he looked over, smiling at her as they drove back to his house.