It all started when she was 13.
School was finally over for the summer, and Emma Nolan had no plans but to relax. It kind of helped that her parents owned the nicest resort in the state of California where she could hang out for free, and that she was basically treated like royalty by the staff. Having grown up with them her whole life, the workers were like a bunch of aunts and uncles who spoiled her, but now that she was old enough, Emma's parents, David and Mary Margaret, had allotted her more freedom while enjoying the resort's facilities.
Emma was also ecstatic because for the first time, her best friend, Ruby Lucas, would be staying with them for the entire summer instead of just the final two weeks. They couldn't wait for nights of campfires on the beach just down from their seaside suite, and the long, sweltering days made for lounging in one of the resort's five crystal clear pools.
And that is exactly what they did. Sipping their sweetened iced tea while dipping their toes in the cool water, ogling the cute lifeguard, Graham, that Emma's father had hired two years prior, and tanning on the beach while the sun beat down on their backs… life was pretty good. The best friends also had time to discuss their plan for their favourite part of the summer, the insanely popular golf tournament that was held at the resort that Emma had managed to qualify for.
Emma's grandfather had been a professional golfer and after having retired, he took his earnings and built a 500-square kilometre resort and spa. Because of his love and passion for golf, he created a special tournament unlike any other in the world that lasted two weeks, and there were 4 different categories: youth, amateur, retired, and professional. Over the final two weeks of August, 20 golfers in each category competed, and the winner at the professional level won one million dollars to donate to their charity of choice. While there were no direct winnings for anyone in any of the categories, it was a great event to raise awareness for charities, to network, make connections, get noticed or even collect sponsors. The youth and amateur categories were always bursting with new talent and many found it inspiring to stay and watch the professionals and retired pros battle it out on the greens in the final week.
This year marked the first year that Emma could qualify to participate at the youth level. With both her parents being golfers, having competed against each other in a co-ed tournament only to end up falling in love by the end, Emma had had a golf club in her hand since she could walk. She practiced on her parent's course all the time and had made them extremely proud when she announced that she wanted to train to qualify for the tournament that year.
Ruby was the obvious choice for a caddy; she'd grown up right beside Emma on the course, knew the greens inside-out and Emma trusted her completely. Although Ruby never considered taking golfing to the competitive level, she enjoyed the outdoor aspect of the sport and just hanging out with Emma in the sun. The pair bonded together and qualified in the youth category, which ranged from ages 13 to 20, where they would finally be able to be on the course instead of cheering from the sidelines as they'd done throughout their childhood.
But that was over a month away, and while the stress was beginning to creep up on her, Emma still wanted to enjoy her summer.
"You know what, Ruby?"
"Hmm?" came the reply from the brunette lazing beside her, her voice muffled by the bright orange beach towel.
"This is going to be the best summer ever. Can't you feel it? Nothing could possibly go wrong."
Looking back, she probably shouldn't have jinxed it.
That was the summer she first met Killian Jones. Met… more like crashed into. She wished she'd never passed by the pool that night.
Emma was making her way to the recreational room in the main building of the resort to kick Ruby's butt at ping pong, and she decided to take a shortcut across the pool deck. Yes, it was technically closed late at night, but being the daughter of the owners had to have some perks. So she quietly opened the gate and was making her way along the edge of the water, watching the way it rippled peacefully in the warm wind when suddenly she collided with something and went flying into the water, letting out a loud screech. Sputtering and gasping, she grabbed onto the edge of the pool and looked up only to come face to face with a boy around her age. He had raven black hair and his blue eyes looked piercing in the dark night.
"Apologies, lass, I…" Great. An annoying accent to match his annoying face. He reached his hand out to help her out of water, but when Emma caught sight of the small smirk he wore on his face, the one that indicated that apparently, there was something funny about this situation, she grabbed his hand and yanked him into the water. When he broke the surface, Emma was pleased to see that his smug smile had been replaced with a scowl.
"Was that really necessary?" He asked as he hauled himself out of the pool, shaking off as much water as possible.
"Did you have to knock me into the pool?" She spat right back, climbing out as well.
"In case you hadn't noticed, I was carrying a large stack of towels and couldn't see."
"No I didn't notice, actually," Emma replied, "And it's not my fault you made a stupid decision."
"How could you not see, I.." the boy faltered. "Wait a minute, how are you even in here? Patrons aren't allowed in past 11:30. I could report you, you know." Clearly thinking he'd gained some ground in the argument, he puffed his chest slightly and stared her down.
"You want to go tell my parents that I'm in one of their resort's pools past visiting hours, be my guest. I think I can handle them." Now it was Emma's turn to be smug, and the shock on the boy's face was worth pulling the parents card, something that Emma usually hated doing. She'd known this boy for all of thirty seconds and he was already bringing out the worst in her.
"So you're Emma, then," he recovered quickly. Emma momentarily forgot her ire when she found out he knew her name. "I'm Killian Jones. Your father mentioned we were the same age and may potentially become friends while I work here over summer." Emma scoffed loudly. If there was any way her father thought she could be friends with this self-righteous, stupid boy, he was sorely mistaken.
"Friends? Are you kidding? After you knock me into the pool and then sass me? I don't think so." Emma crossed her arms and gave him her best glare.
"That's fine with me, princess." He shot back. "And just because your parents own the place doesn't give you the right to be rude. It was an accident." The boy bent over to pick up all the towels he'd dropped.
"I am not a princess," Emma growled.
"Perhaps not, but as you so elegantly flailed into the pool, I must say you're as graceful as a swan."
How was it possible that this Killian Jones already knew just which buttons to press to piss Emma off? Seething, Emma turned without a reply and headed back towards her suite to change.
"Until next time, Swan!"
Emma wanted to rip his head off.
And this dynamic continued for years. Every summer, Killian and his friend Robin, who the Nolan's also hired, would bug Emma and Ruby to no end, but they also cheered the loudest for the two of them in the golf tournaments. Sometimes, they would even play two on two when the guys had an evening off. The girls always won, but the British boys improved drastically over the years.
When they were 17, things started to change. The teasing and taunting began to lose its ill-heartedness and they became friends, in a way. Emma and Robin became very close, but it was harder for her to connect with Killian. Maybe it was the way one of them would always take the argument too far, or the way they would storm off without resolving their issues. Whatever it was, Ruby and Robin didn't dare come between the stormy mess that was their relationship.
There were other changes too, inevitable changes, at 17.
Emma was jogging along her favourite path, the well-maintained one that ran along the outside of the golf course, her music blasting in her ears. It was a hot, July morning. Emma had no idea how it could be so hot when the sun had just barely peeked over the edge of the trees, but she knew wearing a full shirt would be way too uncomfortable. Instead, she wore her regular jogging pants and opted for her tricoloured sports bra. It made way for a nice breeze to cool the sweat that formed on her back.
Jogging in the morning also meant that no one else would be up to disturb her. Or so she thought. Which is why the sharp cry of "Fore!" almost made her fall over, but after getting over her initial shock, she knew exactly where it had come from. Yanking her ear buds out, she turned around to see none other than Killian swaggering slowly towards her with a grin on his face.
"What the hell, Killian!" Emma marched up towards the sand pit where he had been raking. She grabbed the rake from his hands and threw it to the ground. She didn't care if it was childish, he was the one who was acting like a child. "What is your problem?"
Emma hadn't realized how tall Killian had grown over the last 4 years, but suddenly standing so close to him, she had to look up just to meet his eyes. She also realized that she was now standing in front of her sworn enemy in nothing but some leggings and a sports bra. And he wasn't exactly backing away.
"No problem here, Swan," Killian replied cheekily, his eyes darting down for but a moment before flickering back up to hers. The nickname has stuck, unfortunately. Emma rolled her eyes and shoved him in the arm before promptly turning around and continuing her run. There were plenty of other paths at the resort, she would just have to find another route.
Later that summer, Emma found her payback. While wading in the shallow end of the pool one night, she and Ruby spotted the guys sitting in the hot tub, soaking after a long day of caddying, and they felt like they were 13 again with the plan they were hatching. After a quick trip to the kitchens, ever so quietly, Emma and Ruby snuck up behind them and dumped ice water on the boys' heads. They shouted and shot out of the hot tub, whipping around to see the girls shaking with laughter.
"Lucas! Swan!" Killian and Robin chased after the squealing pair on the pool deck, careful not to slip on the wet surface, before tackling them both into the deep end. As they all clambered out of the pool, Killian didn't know what possessed him, but for a brief moment, he couldn't help but watch the way Emma gracefully pushed herself out. She really had grown into his nickname for her.
While Robin and Ruby went to get towels for everyone, it was inevitable that Killian and Emma began to bicker. But for the second time in two minutes, for some strange reason, he tuned out whatever nonsense she was spewing at him this time and noticed the little goosebumps from the cold that appeared on her chest and arms that her bikini did little to cover. And the way her wet hair framed her face. And the tiny water droplets that clung to her eyelashes. He realized that she was actually quite beautiful.
Not that he would ever tell her that for fear of getting punched in the face. Instead, he responded as usual with a snippy remark that caused her to storm off before Ruby and Robin could return with the towels.
Since her parents lived at the resort year-round, that's where Emma lived when she wasn't attending boarding school, and the resort Christmas party was one of Emma's favourite times of the year. They threw a huge holiday bash for all staff, guests and family that lasted all night long on December 23rd. There was dancing, Christmas-themed mini golf (because of course golf was incorporated), and more food than anyone could eat in a lifetime. Emma was particularly excited this year because it was the first time she would be bringing a boyfriend to visit the resort. She couldn't wait to show Neal all of her favourite places, and she knew he would love the gigantic Christmas tree that was always decorated with various golf-related ornaments.
As they rode into the parking lot, Emma spotted a head of familiar black hair manning the entrance to the resort lobby. It hadn't even occurred to Emma that Killian would be here. Sure, she saw him every summer, but that was as often as she could possibly tolerate the guy. It didn't surprise her, though, that he would have been invited to the party and probably to work that week. He was David's favourite employee, for some reason Emma couldn't comprehend, and was always his chosen caddy, even when there were others with far more experience.
But Emma was here to enjoy herself with her boyfriend, and she would not let one annoying staff member ruin her holiday. She linked her hand through Neal's and stuck on a smile.
"Killian," she nodded at him civilly as he opened the door and helped them inside.
"Swan," he replied, equally pleasantly, eyes dropping to her and Neal's joined hands before back up to her eyes.
The party was a huge success, and as the guests meandered back to their rooms, the staff could finally relax and do a bit of partying on their own. Soft Christmas music swayed in the background as people milled about the games room where they seemed to have congregated. Robin and his new girlfriend, Regina, moved gently to the music, wrapped up in each other and the holiday spirit. Killian looked around to see if the blonde was anywhere in the room, though she didn't appear to be.
Killian was stationed at the snacks table, and although he wasn't technically on duty anymore, he still wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. So when there were no more cups next to the eggnog supply, he put it upon himself to replenish the stack. Having rarely worked inside the main building, Killian had no idea where to find such items, but he thought he'd start with finding a supply closet. Around the corner, he heard voices, but thought nothing of it until he came to the end of the hallway. As he turned the corner, he realized he'd heard the word "mistletoe", and it was very obvious he shouldn't have come this way. Under the hanging plant, a couple of teenagers were making out; the lady was reaching up to grasp at the guy's hair and the man's hands were tangled in her blonde curls. Blonde curls? Killian couldn't help that his stomach suddenly dropped at the sight, but he could choose to ignore what that meant.
"Emma?" He meant to vocalize his shock at her disregard for public decency, it was somehow more of a croak.
"Killian?!" She quickly shoved Neal away and straightened her shirt. She was blushing a beautiful Christmas red.
"Apologies, I'll just be…" Killian turned to head back the way he came when he heard the guy he'd learned to be named Neal pipe up.
"Dude, what the hell? Why would you…" Neal started angrily, taking this way more seriously than Killian was expecting, but Killian was never one to back down from a fight. He turned back around, ready for whatever Neal was about to say when –
"Neal," Emma said softly, trying to calm him down. She glanced at Killian before facing her boyfriend once more. "We're in a public place, that was kind of inevitable. It's fine."
"Emma, it's not fine. He didn't have to…"
"Please, Neal. Just let it go?" she pleaded. They looked at each other, not saying anything. Watching the scene before him, Killian's chest felt unnaturally tight. Finally, Neal sighed and let a scowl settle on his face.
"Goodnight, Killian." She gave him a rare sheepish grin, took Neal by the hand and walked down the hall. Killian watched them turn the corner before continuing his search for the cups. He didn't get see Emma again that holiday.
A few days before Emma had to head back for her final semester of high school, her mother found her sitting with her feet in the pool, tracing lazy circles.
"Hey there, honey! Did Neal head back?" Mary Margaret wondered as she hadn't seen her daughter's beau at breakfast.
"Yeah, he went home last night so he could be with his dad for Christmas." Mary Margaret nodded and stared into the pool. "Anything else, Mom?" Emma prompted when her mother made no move to continue the conversation.
"Oh! Yes. This was left for you at the front desk," Mary Margaret explained, procuring a small package from her pocket. "No one knows who left it there. It says: 'From Santa.'" Emma took the carefully wrapped present from her mom and twisted it in her hands. It was light, red, and finished with a tiny golden bow.
"And it's not from me or your father, if that's what you were thinking. We already spoil you rotten," Mary Margaret added with a laugh. Her daughter, however, was unnaturally quiet.
Maybe Neal left her a small gift before he left? He'd already given her two great books and some chocolate, but maybe this was a little something extra. Neal was sweet, but this just didn't feel like something he would do.
Slowly, Emma undid the bow and slid off the ribbon. She peeled off the red wrapping and pried open the small lid. Her heart slammed into her throat. What the hell? This was definitely not from Neal. Inside lay a delicate, silver pendant with an engraving of a swan.
Killian.
Sorry, who is this?
It's Emma.
Ah. How did you get my number?
That's not the point. This necklace is beautiful and way too expensive. I can't accept it.
What necklace?
Don't be stupid, you're the only person who calls me Swan.
Look. I saw it, it reminded me of y0u, it was Christmas time and so I got it for you. What's the big deal?
The big deal is that I hardly said two words to you the whole holidays, we're hardly even friends, I didn't get you anything, and this must have been very expensive.
I never expected anything in return, and your father tips very well so I had some extra cash. I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable.
I just… I feel bad.
Don't, Swan. Does it fit okay?
Yeah, it's beautiful. I still feel bad though.
I'm glad it fits. Just forget who you got it from, if you want. Maybe that will help?
Emma didn't respond. For some reason, she didn't want to forget. She told Neal it was from her parents.
When they were 19, fresh out of their first year of college, Emma and Ruby were determined to win the golf tournament. Emma had a month and a half to get back to her peak performance, although she'd been training throughout the year to keep up her skills. After breaking up with Neal, she spent as much time on the fairway as possible and threw herself into the sport. The asshole had only been dating her because of her rich parents and had kept nagging Emma to take him back to the resort. Amidst their final fight, he admitted that that was the reason he asked her out in the first place and that no one could actually love the "Nolan princess."
With Neal out of her hair, Emma could concentrate on what she loved. She and Ruby were itching to get their first round of the summer going, and they knew exactly who they wanted to beat. Taking Emma's golf cart, they wound their way down to the staff suites at the other end of the beach from their room. Playing pranks on Killian and Robin through the years had gotten them well-acquainted with the staff area. Ruby knocked on their door while Emma waited in the golf cart. She heard the brunette talking with Robin, his accent thicker in the early morning.
"We tee off in 10," Ruby called as she made her way back to the cart. "Don't be late!"
The girls were just cleaning their clubs as Killian and Robin made their way to the tee. Emma couldn't wait to show off her skills and kick the guys' asses, but as they approached the girls, she couldn't help but notice something different about Killian. His eyes seemed bluer than usual, and a thin layer of scruff replaced the shadow that usually framed his jaw. The t-shirt he wore clung to his toned biceps, and Emma wondered how she'd never noticed it before. Killian was kind of hot.
Emma focussed back on forcefully putting her clubs back in her bag and shaking those thoughts from her head. Wherever the hell those came from, they needed to go right back. Just because he was very attractive didn't make him any less of a nuisance. In fact, it just added to his repulsion.
After a long morning of golf, and Emma's final punch to their guts on the 18th hole (a birdie, placing her 11 strokes below the rest of them), they went to the clubhouse for some lunch. Just like old times, Emma sat diagonally from Killian as to minimize her interaction with him, but before they sat down, she felt his breath tickle her ear.
"Well played this morning, Swan," he whispered huskily. "And nice necklace," he added with a shy smile. Her stomach swooped involuntarily. Around her neck lay the swan pendant she'd rarely taken off in the last year and a half. She scowled at him and took her seat.
Over the next few weeks, day in and day out, Killian must have seen Emma play over 50 rounds of golf. Part of his job was to maintain the fairway, the greens and the traps as guests used the course, so she passed him every so often. Whenever he saw the blonde, he would kick her ball backwards or call out right when she was about to swing. In turn, Emma would drag her clubs through every sand trap Killian worked so hard to rake flat. When he was close enough, he would give her suggestions which only resulted in tees flying at his head and some choice words from Emma. Though they were older, they fought like children.
With Emma so focussed on winning that year, Ruby found herself alone to enjoy the other aspects of the resort. She didn't mind, though, because she knew Emma had a very good chance of winning and that this was something she'd been striving towards forever. As for her own golf game, Ruby had also improved drastically over the years, and had really begun to enjoy the sport.
This was why she found herself at the resort's driving range one sunny afternoon with nothing but time and a large bucket of golf balls. She'd observed Emma's technique over the years and gained more confidence in her own swing as time went on. Ruby loved the way the ball would soar when she hit it just right and the sound her driver made when it connected. She was pleased when she hit one ball particularly far, and she heard slow clapping behind her.
"Beautiful drive, lass!" Killian came up to her tee and offered her a large smile. "You have excellent form." Ruby chuckled and poked at the balls in the bucket with her club.
"Thanks, Killian. I know we didn't get to talk much yesterday, but how was your year?" Ruby inquired. Emma hadn't allowed much time for conversation on the greens yesterday, but Ruby still wanted to catch up with her friend.
"It was great!" Killian elaborated on his first year at college and they exchanged similar dorm room horror stories. Ruby recounted a tale of Emma getting a little too tipsy at karaoke night, and showed him a video that Emma would surely murder Ruby for having.
"And Emma, did she have a good year as well?" Ruby's eyebrows shot up at the thought of Killian wondering about Emma's year, but she secretly harboured a hope that the two of them would stop being idiots and get together.
"It was… interesting. She did really well in her classes, but she broke up with Neal right when school started. He said was only dating her because so that he could come to the resort."
Killian had never really liked Neal from the beginning, something had always seemed off about him, but this was taking things to a whole other level. As much as he and Emma had their differences, Killian felt sick to his stomach in hearing that she had been mistreated and made a fool of by this man.
"What a bloody git," Killian mumbled. After talking for a little longer, Killian realized that he should probably be doing his job, assisting whoever was in need at the driving range, and offered to give Ruby some pointers. She happily accepted and they worked on her swing for the next hour.
Emma was just stepping out of the shower when she heard her phone ding. Ruby had texted her that she would be finishing up at the driving range in the next half hour and wondered if she wanted to go for lunch. Quickly typing a reply, Emma agreed to meet her at the range and they could head out from there.
Emma pulled a brush through her wet hair and yanked on some shorts and a t-shirt before heading up to the driving range. As she walked, she inhaled the cool air that breezed through the resort from the ocean. There was something comforting about the familiar smell of the freshly mowed grass that she'd missed during her year at college.
Examining the first level of tees at the driving range, Ruby was nowhere to be found so Emma climbed the wooden stairs up to the higher set. She made her way down the long row, until in the distance she spotted Ruby's red-streaked hair beside… Just ahead of where Emma was standing, Killian had his arms wrapped around Ruby from behind, his hands on hers as he adjusted her grip on the club and brought it back to start her swing. Emma could hear Ruby giggling and out of nowhere, Emma felt something white hot surge through her chest and settle in her gut. Since when were those two so close? Why did she even care?
She tried to swallow, but the lump in her throat made it hard. What the hell was wrong with her? Just because her best friend and the guy she hated were touching didn't mean anything. He was just helping her. And even if it did mean something, the only feasible explanation for what she was feeling was out of concern for her friend. That was it.
"So, you and Killian looked like you were getting pretty close there today," Emma commented, a weird tone in her voice as she picked at her grilled cheese. Ruby looked up from her salad and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on there?" Emma asked. Ruby laughed so hard she nearly snorted onto Emma's fries.
"Oh my god, Emma. Nothing! There is absolutely nothing going on between me and Killian. He was just helping me with my swing," Ruby supplied, her cheeks aching from the laughter. She expected Emma to laugh with her, but when she looked across the table, Emma's lips were ever so slightly curved downwards, and she was concentrating on the poking her fries with the edge of her sandwich. "Wait… are you…" Ruby teetered off, and Emma finally raised her head.
"Am I what"
"Are you jealous?" Ruby asked in an incredulous whisper. Emma thought back to the driving range and the feeling she'd felt in her stomach. It wasn't jealousy, it was anger, or betrayal. It couldn't possibly have been jealousy. That would mean she liked Killian, and that was absolutely preposterous.
"Why would I even be jealous? That makes literally no sense. I just want some warning if you ever decide to have feelings for that bozo." She went back to sorting through her fries, needing something to do to keep her eyes away from Ruby's questioning gaze. Ruby decided to go for the kill.
"You mean the bozo who gave you that necklace you've been wearing every day for the last two years?" Emma sputtered and gaped at her friend as she closed her hand around the necklace in question. She'd told Ruby that her parents got it for her and hadn't let Ruby take a close look at it. "I'm not that stupid, Emma. I saw the swan on it. Why would you lie to me about who gave it to you?" Ruby appeared to be more intrigued at Emma's impending answer than hurt about her friend not confiding in her.
"I- I don't know… I just…" But Emma was at a loss for words. Why had she lied? It felt like so long ago that she had received it and now, the necklace just felt like a part of her. She spun it gently in her fingers, trying to come up with some sort of answer.
"It's okay, Emma. I'm not that upset, but if there's someone here who's catching feelings for Killian, I think it might be you. You know, he's really not such a bad guy…"
"And we're stopping right there," Emma deadpanned. "He's a pain in the ass and that's that. Now let's talk about the tournament."
Sure enough, Emma Swan got her name engraved on the first place trophy for the youth division. The press had been following her progress all week and the fact that she won the tournament her grandfather created made for a great story. It hadn't been easy with two bogeys in the front nine, but she somehow managed to pull an eagle on hole 14, something she'd only ever done once while playing against the Ruby and the guys.
After sinking her last shot on hole 18 for a birdie, just like she'd done in their first round of the summer, Emma knew she'd clinched the title and Ruby ran over to celebrate. She hugged her best friend tightly, all of their hard teamwork had finally payed off. When her parents came onto the green, cameras everywhere began flashing. Her mother was crying, which wasn't a surprise, and her dad buried her in a giant hug, telling her how proud of her he was.
Next thing she knew, Robin ducked under the rope, onto the grass and swept her up in a hug. He spun her around and set her back down on the ground, a huge smile splitting his face.
"I knew you could do it! I'm so happy for you!" He enveloped her in another hug before letting her breathe for a moment. Emma finally had a chance to process what just happened and she couldn't stop smiling. Looking over at Ruby and Robin, she couldn't help but wonder where Killian was. She thought he would have… Maybe he didn't want to be in front of all the cameras? Emma scanned through the crowd and her smile fell slightly. Where was he?
Ruby and Robin exchanged glances and went to Emma's side.
"He's not here, Emma. He had to leave after hole 16," Robin explained quietly.
"Oh, I wasn't…" Emma faltered when she saw both of her friends raise their eyebrows. She felt faint tears prick behind her eyes. "Why did he have to leave?" she asked, her voice thick. The biggest moment of her entire life and he wasn't there.
("You triple-bogeyed three holes, I beat you by a mile."
"Well, love, if I'm going to lose, I'm glad I lost to the champion."
"Killian, I've never even won the tournament."
"Not yet, Swan, but you will, and I shall be there to say I told you so."
"Just shut up and go rake some sand or whatever.")
"He didn't say," Ruby answered. "He just got a phone call, left immediately and wanted you to text him the results."
"Oh." Emma stared hard into the crowd until she felt herself go back to normal. "Well, I'll text him later. Right now, we get to party!"
And party and party and party. There was a massive celebration in the clubhouse to honour the winners of the youth and amateur divisions, and to wrap up week one of the tournament. The following week, the resort was going to be insanely busy as people flew in from all over the world to watch the professional and retired pro categories of the tournament.
Emma couldn't keep track of how many congratulations she received that night, how many hands she shook, nor the number of cameras that flashed her way. It was a bit overwhelming, but having Ruby by her side helped. Her best friend loved the spotlight and helped Emma answer questions. And she had only won the youth tournament! Emma had a moment to step back and observe the amateur champion who was being smothered by even more press than she was and wondered if maybe one day she would reach that level.
After a few more hours of her parents parading her around and Ruby trying all the different snacks in every room, Emma was beat. She left early and headed back to her room. She'd lost track of Ruby at some point during the night, but Emma assumed she was still with one of the competitor's caddies, a cute brunette she'd been flirting with all tournament. At least that answered her assumptions about Ruby and Killian.
Speaking of Killian, Emma just couldn't seem to shake the disappointment she felt when he wasn't there to share the win with her. Which was so stupid, because why did she even care if he was there or not? She didn't really want to text him, but she felt like she should tell him the good news.
Btw I won.
It was just after midnight, so she was most definitely not expecting the fast reply.
Told you so. I'm proud of you, Swan.
And just like that, Emma wanted to cry all over again. What was wrong with her? This was Killian. This was her worst nightmare wrapped up in human form. Why did she care what he thought?
Why did you leave?
Before her mind could register what her hands was doing, she'd pressed send and then immediately wished that she could crawl into a hole and never come out. The sudden sound of her ringtone made her jump. She stared at his name as it shone on her phone. Walking over to her bed, she let it ring and chewed on her lip, debating whether she should answer.
"Killian?" She hated how pathetic her voice sounded.
"Swan, I'm so sorry I couldn't be there. You have to know that there was nowhere else I wanted to be than there cheering you on." His voice was pleading, but there was a heaviness to it, a desperation that made Emma realize it may not have been his choice to leave.
"Why did you have to go?" Emma tried her best to keep her voice even, but now she was worried about him. She heard sniffling coming through the phone and the sound broke her heart. "Killian, what happened?"
"My- my brother… he died in battle across the seas this morning and- and I had some business to attend to right away…"
The line went silent, and all Emma could hear was his ragged breathing. She was stunned. That was not was she was expecting and she felt like the biggest idiot for feeling upset that he'd missed her moment when he had much bigger issues to attend to. Why didn't he tell any of them when he got the phone call? He probably didn't want to ruin the tournament for them. He was an idiot.
"Killian, I…" Emma didn't know what to say. "Where are you?"
"Just about back at the resort, love. The cab driver is just turning into the gates." Emma heard a sob escape his lips before he gasped in a few breaths.
"Do you want to come over? To talk, if you want." She doesn't know why she said it. Talking wasn't something they did. They fought, or bickered, or snapped at each other until they felt like punching the others' face. This raw, emotional side of Killian wasn't something she'd ever experienced, and she'd certainly never made any efforts to help him in any way.
"I'll be there soon." The line went dead and suddenly Emma was nervous. She figured she'd be the last person that he'd want to see to cope with everything he must be going through. She supposed that they'd become friends over the years, and while they weren't arguing, it was possible that she'd learned to find his presence comforting.
Emma was shaken from her thoughts at sound of knocking at her door. Leaping to her feet, she ran to the front and there stood Killian, as handsome as ever, but thoroughly disheveled and distraught. Without saying a word, she took the bags he was carrying and set them inside beside the door. Then, she grabbed Killian's hand and gently led him to her bed. She sat up against the headboard and patted the space next to her, waiting for Killian to climb up next to her.
Before he'd managed to settle in, he was already crying and his head fell onto Emma's lap. She still didn't know what to say, but she brought her hands up and down through his soft hair and along his back in soothing motions. Emma wasn't sure how long he stayed curled up like that, but eventually, he straightened up and took a few deep breaths.
And that was how Emma and Killian spent the next few hours, talking and crying, and Killian letting out some of the stress and pain he'd been feeling since he found out. Emma learned that Liam was Killian's last living relative and that now he was alone in the world.
("You still have Ruby, Robin, my parents, and you can't get rid of me that easily, Jones. I'm kind of stubborn.")
She also learned, over the course of the night as they talked and became more and more tired, that Killian Jones was a snuggler, something she never ever thought she'd discover. At around three in the morning, listening to Killian's soft breaths, Emma felt her eyes begin to flutter shut. She shuffled down, not realizing that doing so would line her body up perfectly next to Killian's nearly sleeping form. However, even once she did realize this, she was too tired to care.
Emma rested her head on Killian's chest and felt his arms wrap around her waist. He was very warm.
After that, things changed between Emma and Killian. Where their banter used to end in screaming and hurt feelings, it now had a flirty edge to it and more often than not ended in heated looks between the two of them. They became good friends, and Ruby, Robin and the two of them became a tight-knit group. Killian now lived and worked at the resort full-time when he wasn't attending college, and Emma was pretty certain that her parents weren't charging him any rent.
For the next few years, their dynamic worked. Whether they were playing golf or hanging out at the beach in the summer, trying to outdrink each other in eggnog at the Christmas parties or sneaking swims in after hours, the four of them always had a good time. They were also there for each other when they needed it the most; helping Emma study for her criminology exams, Ruby with her relationship problems, and even convincing Robin to propose to Regina.
When they were 23, that dynamic began to falter.