Author's Note (part 1): I can't apologize enough for updating this late. I've been busy settling into life in Nanjing. Expect updates more frequently, with both of my stories, from here on out.

Author's Note (part 2): I know I promised many of you angst, but I just couldn't do it just yet. The moment isn't right. Until then, here is some nice simmering fluff. I highly recommend listening to the songs as they appear in the chapter.

Ed Sheeran - Don't; Nickelback - Burn it to the Ground; Laurel - Fire Breather

If you do anything, LISTEN TO FIRE BREATHER.

"It is great to finally hang out again, just the three of us," Regina said as she poured shots. The three girls were gathered at Ruby's apartment, ready for a good time. So far, so good: they had a handle of Fireball Whiskey for shots and were already nursing their second round of screw drivers.

Ruby nodded. "Agreed. What's it been? A few months?"

Smiling, Regina looked between her two best friends and said, "What matters is that we are here now. Here's to the future, more moments like this, and the years to come."

Regina and Ruby looked at Emma. There was a minor pause while they waited for her to weigh in. She lifted her glass, grinned, and said, "Bottoms up, ladies."

The trio cheered and thumped their glasses on the table before tossing back shots of Fireball whiskey.

"So, Emma, spill," Regina said and filled the shot glasses once more.

She shrugged. "About what?"

"Killian of course."

Emma choked on her drink.

"Please," scoffed Regina. "Robin found you two in bed this morning looking very cozy; he may have fallen for the cover story, but not me. Details."

"Well, that's really what happened." She blushed and knew it wasn't helping her case. "I was stumbling over drunk at a party last night when Killian happened to find me. He drove my car to Robin's place where I passed out in his bed and spent the morning hung-over. Killian is a saint for letting me impose on him without one complaint."

"And you're still okay with each other? Please."

At Emma's doubtful expression Regina explained herself. "I don't care who you are—you throw up in front of another person, or witness the throwing up, there are three options: you never want to see each other again, you're related, or he is so head over heels that he is willing to overlook the fact that you tossed your cookies and stole his bed."

"Bull," countered Emma, "We're friends. That's it."

Regina and Ruby laughed. "Uh huh. For now."

The night wore on and eventually Ruby let her friends dig through her closet. Emma emerged wearing a purple glittered, form fitting dress. It ended just above the knees with one shoulder that flowed from shoulder to wrist.

"Where have you been hiding this number?" she asked and spun around enjoying the glitter sparkling in the light.

"I picked it up on sale, but once I got home decided it wasn't really my color."

"Seriously, I've never seen you wear half of these." Regina said then exited the walk-in closet wearing a strapless, red and black leather dress.

"A lot of it doesn't fit, or were bought on impulse. You two look smokin'." Ruby tapped her lips in thought. "Be a shame for it all to go to waste."

"I think you've got a point, Red; we deserve to be seen tonight."

Emma frowned; she wasn't sure she liked the direction they were taking things. "I was just playing dress up. Isn't this ladies night? I thought we weren't going anywhere."

Regina hauled Emma over until she stood staring at herself in the full length mirror.

"We are too gorgeous to stay inside. Plus, a night out will be fun and take the edge off." She smiled when Emma bit her lip, a sure sign she was about to cave. "Put on your make up, borrow some heels, and take a few more shots; we're going dancing."

When Emma disappeared into the bathroom, Regina picked up her phone and dialed Robin. She looked at Ruby and said, "Call Victor because none of us are driving anywhere right now. Tell him when he's ready we're ready."

"Okay, but who are you calling?"

Before she could answer, the other end picked up. She said, "Robin, love of my life, what are you up to?"

Killian and Robin waited in line outside their usual night club, The Jack Daw.

"Remind me why we're here, mate?"

Robin clapped Killian on the shoulder and said, "Because we can't spend every night playing Halo and Call of Duty."

Ed Sheeran's voice filled the air:

She told me I was never lookin' for a friend
Maybe you could swing by my room around ten
Baby, bring a lemon and a bottle of gin
We'll be between the sheets 'til the late AM
Baby, if you wanted me then you should've just said

They showed their IDs and entered the packed club. Inside the dark building, flashes of colored lights illuminated gyrating bodies at random points along the dance floor. Lounging against the bar, they each ordered a rum and coke. Their position at the back bar granted them a view of the stage and the surrounding dance floor. The dancers were a living breathing mass undulating with the music. Killian noticed one or two attractive women, but he wasn't fond of club hook-ups because they never lasted.

Don't fuck with my love
That heart is so cold
All over my home
I don't wanna know that, babe

The music changed; Ed Sheeran's voice gave way to rough guitar chords. The ocean of people rolled and roared, thrilled at the upcoming song. An enthusiastic trio in particular caught his attention: a blonde and two brunettes linked hands, tugging one another on stage. Front and center stood the blonde woman wearing a slinky purple shimmery dress. His heart pounded double time as Emma flipped her hair with the downbeat of the song.

Well it's midnight, damn right, we're wound up too tight
I gotta fist full of whiskey the bottle just bit me
Ohh
That shit makes me bat shit crazy
We got it no fear, no doubt, all in balls out

She jumped, fist pumping, in heels to the beat. When she began mouthing along and rolling her hips Killian turned to Robin.

"Tell me you see who is on stage."

"A sexy vixen." He looked at Killian and said, "Emma and Ruby are up there too."

"Did you know they'd be here?"

"No, but Regina was quite interested in our plans for the evening. I can only assume she is behind this." He raised a glass toward the stage; Regina blew him a kiss in return. Emma didn't catch the exchange, still too busy yelling and dancing on Ruby and any other nearby bodies. "I do believe she is planning something."

"Clearly," Killian commented.

We're going out tonight, to kick out every light
Take anything we want, drink anything in sight
We're going til the world stops turnin'
While we burn it to the ground tonight

"I hope she doesn't fall," Killian commented when Emma teetered on the stage, but another admirer reached her side before he could decide if she needed assistance.

Robin chuckled. "I think she's covered."

A curly haired man slid his hand onto her hip, pressing her away from the stage edge. They locked eyes and smiled.

"Thanks," Emma yelled over the music.

"Anytime," he yelled back with an accent tinged voice, though she couldn't detect which accent with it being so loud. They grinded together, enjoying the simple satisfaction of shared movement.

Town crier, village flyer
Got a skull and crossbones on his chest
And I can't resist when he looks like this

The song had changed again, but into something slower, sensual. It quieted enough for them to share names.

"Graham," he told her confirming his Irish lilt. Nice, she thought. Graham felt warm, seemed sweet, but it wasn't enough; Emma's attention wandered. She looked out through the thick club air, took in the fact most everyone's eyes were trained on her. Emma's body stayed pressed against Graham.

All his other girls face on magazines
Big blue eyes, oh I don't know what it means, no
What does he want from me?

Her eyes roved over the crowd, a hint of a smile visible in the dim glow of blue-red lights until she found him, watching from a far. Emma let her rhythm change, flow from generic into a more alluring sway of the hips. Their eyes crashed; Killian licked his lips while his hot gaze waltzed over her form.

We're hanging in the bars running after cars to get home
Wishing on star the stars, wonder what you are I just don't know
he's beautiful
maybe he shines a little more than me

When she found Killian staring at her she expected him to look away, embarrassed at being caught. Instead he held her gaze, until she felt it flow down her form. Killian's perusal felt like an actual caress: warmth traveled along her lips, chin, shoulders, her breasts, and then smoothed over her hips, calves, and ankles. Emma gyrated slowly, giving Killian the full picture.

Graham's hands continued roving over her body; they were warm and not at all unpleasant, but she didn't feel anything for him: he was merely another spectator feeding her addiction. Nothing could reach her through the feeling coursing through her veins, the high from being the center of envy and desire.

No

It's too much

Burn my sun

Tired of Graham, Emma lifted his hands up and twisted out of his grasp. The move exposed her back to the room and she froze as strong arms lifted her off stage down onto the dance floor. She whirled around to find herself in Killian's embrace. He brushed a burning finger down her face, all the way to her collar bone. Emma closed her eyes and leaned into the caress as pleasure lit across her skin, blossoming in low places. Close, he was so close, and hot; she shivered.

Fire Breather, breath in fire into

Fire breather, trying to survive inside your heart

Flamethrower, at the show

Make my heart melt in the middle of the room

No, I can't stay away

Now I'm begging you to stay

Killian whipped her out from his arms, but kept a grip on her hand; she writhed and he pulled her back into his arms. Again and again; round and round they went, never breaking eye contact until, as the music reached its peak, Emma paused with her back to his front. Still holding hands she lifted her own overhead, swayed her hips, and ground back against Killian. His hands drifted down, traced her outline—made her burn. Emma clasped her hands behind her around Killian's neck; pulling his mouth close enough that his nose nudged her. She felt out of control, on a high more intense than before; everyone couldn't take their eyes off the two of them, but Killian was a drug all on his own. His lips coasted against her ear.

Maybe you shine a little more than me

"You play a dangerous game, Swan," he said and nipped her skin.

Turning around, Emma held a hand to his chest, her steps in sync with the tempo, and drove him back, chased him in a small circle around the floor.

No

It's too much

Burn my sun

Up in flames we go you fire breather

Ash and dust on my door

smoke rise, trying to survive inside your heart

Then they were on the move and Emma felt as if she were a flame and Killian the candle; she shimmered and dance and flickered in his arms until in a rush they stopped and the song moved on again. As the crowd applauded Emma grinned and stepped out of Killian's space. She posed for her admirers, reveling in their praise. The crowd swallowed her and she darted back on stage. This time she knew Killian was among the throng; the thought fueled her, made her feel alive.

Killian returned to his drink and found Robin conversing with Victor.

After an awkward cough Victor said, "I'm off to find Ruby."

The bartender refreshed both their drinks as Killian took a seat; rum burned down his throat, a hot cold pleasure. Emma danced like a goddess and he couldn't look away. When their eyes collided over and over, he knew she danced for him.

Robin scowled into his tumbler. "Just friends, hmm? Not interested?"

"Everything I said this morning was the truth, mate," Killian replied. This morning he had no real intention to pursue Emma Swan, but after this evening that was going to change.

"Then what the hell was that?" His friend hissed through clenched teeth.

"In my defense, confidence is a terribly sexy quality in a woman."

I've added on to the chapter!

Regina watched Robin and Killian arguing across the club. When Robin stormed off, she slipped away from her friends and followed him. A few minutes later she found him standing outside on the back patio leaning against the fence rail. She fidgeted with her skirt for a minute before moving toward him. Nearing his side, she placed a hand on his arm.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" he asked.

"I didn't think it mattered," she said. "Why are you upset? Did Killian do something?"

"He lied to me about Emma. Did you see the scene they were making out there?"

"What does it matter if Killian and Emma start seeing each other? I think he's the perfect distraction, exactly what she needs right now."

"Except he's leaving."

"Why would Killian do that? He's head over heels for Emma, and if she wasn't this morning then she is after that one on one dance lesson." She fanned herself. "I almost ran for the fire extinguisher. Are we ever going to dance like that?"

"It doesn't matter; he's joined the navy. Killian will be shipped out to sea by August."

At work, hung-over and overtired, Emma spilled several drinks and kept taking incorrect orders. It didn't help that after years in the foster system her skills had less to do with working in a restaurant and leaned more toward sleight of hand, running, picking locks, and a couple other tricks of the trade. Mr. G, her manager, glowered from the register after the third wrong order of the day.

"You're a good girl," he told her while she stood outside on break. "But I can't have you messing up orders and breaking dishes and coming to work with a hang-over. I'm sorry, Emma."

Emma nodded and handed him her apron. She ran her hands through her hair in frustration. It seemed futile at this point; there was no way she would raise enough money for school this fall, even if she managed to keep two jobs all summer. Outside under the blinding sun, she checked her watch: still an hour until her bartending shift started at Amigos.

"I couldn't help but notice what happened." A few feet away, Neal leaned against the building.

"You've got some nerve."

"And you've got no job."

"Fuck you." Emma walked past him, heading toward the parking lot. He followed and she mumbled, "What is it with men and following me around lately?" In a louder voice she said, "Look, I'm not in the mood for whatever this is, Neal. I've got another shift starting in less than an hour."

"Ems, would you put aside what happened? I've got an offer."

"Not listening." She opened her car door and hopped inside.

"Really? Because not many turn down job offers, especially ones that rake in this kinda dough."

Emma closed the door and put the keys in the ignition. As much as Neal creeped her out, she needed more income; it couldn't hurt to hear him out, see how much money he was talking about making. She started the car; the window rolled down with a slow, electric buzz.

"Who says I need the money?" she asked.

Neal glanced at the trunk and said, "You work two jobs and if I had to guess most of your life is boxed up on your backseat." He crossed his arms. "So tell me you don't need the money."

"Why me?"

"Because your looks are exactly what the position calls for, and I'd like you to consider it an apology. My behavior the other night was out of line—too many beers, not enough sense."

Emma must have been more desperate than she realized because she nodded and said, "You have my number."

His smug look haunted her all throughout her second shift.

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