Fragmented Lies

Chapter 2: The Face Behind the Mask

A/N: So we're jumping into the deep end here, hope I manage to make the angst/action believable in this. I also hope I manage to update soon, I haven't written the next chapter yet, still lurking up in my mind. I'm currently engaging in NaNoWriMo and my main project is an original story idea. I try to put as many words as I can in the book I'm writing. BUT I do jump over and write on my two OUAT fics. (the Hope fic will be updated within the week too)

PS the collage is my inspiration map for how this next chapter was going to unfold. The upper right corner to be specific. 

Chapter 2: The Face Behind the Mask

Emma Swan knew how to make herself sparkle and shine, but right now her hands were shaking so badly she couldn't even apply her own mascara. "Fuck this," she grumbled and glared at her reflection in the mirror, her hair already styled to perfection, thanks to the joint effort of Mary Margaret and Ruby.

"Need help out here," Ruby asked, her long reddish brown hair falling over her shoulder in styled waves, the usual bright red stripe of colored hair standing out in the fluorescent light.

"Yeah," Emma sighed, "I don't know why I'm so nervous, I've been doing this crap for years, even back when I did the bail bond work." She held out the mascara pen towards her friend, who also worked at the CIA. Ruby had joined the team not long after Killian came to the US. Nemo realized that both men needed dates if this was going to be pulled off with success. Ruby, ever the party girl, and a little wild at times, had jumped right in on the game. Being an undercover agent for the CIA had given her the experience they needed for this mission.

Ruby grinned knowingly while she took the mascara from Emma, she pursed her lips in concentration and moved Emma's head so she was at the right angle. Once done Ruby smiled and wondered, "Could it be because of a certain MI6 agent that we're joining forces with?"

"Shut up," Emma grumbled while taking a look at her friend's handiwork in the mirror. She was feeling more ready now that her makeup was all done. Smoothing her hands over the shimmering silver dress she wore, she twirled to her friend and asked, "Do I look like some blond bimbo who could pass as some rich dude's chick?" This was their cover for the night; she would be acting as David's wife, and Ruby and Killian were their friends. Emma tried to forget the hurt look in Killian's eyes when she'd downright refused to be his partner. She'd talked with David about it, and he'd understood her reasons. All four identities had been faked and invites for the gala had been obtained. They all would act as rich philanthropists trying to gain some new business ground in the industry. On paper they all oozed money, and this would give them access to the inner circles of the party. They could only hope that they would gain access to where Mr Gold was located too.

"You look, smoking hot baby," Ruby purred and made a fake growl and clawed her fingers in a cat-like gesture.

"You're nuts," Emma said and pushed past her friend, also dressed in a shimmering cocktail dress, only Ruby's was red, matching her colored hair streak.

"Come on Ems, I've seen you and Killian making funny eyes at one another for the past week," Ruby chirped as she followed Emma downstairs. They had gotten ready out in David and Mary Margaret's house.

Emma ignored her friend while she walked into the living room, where she saw her daughter watching a cartoon on the tv. When her darling daughter spotted her, the little girl's mouth stretched into a huge smile and she forgot all about the funny cartoon.

"Mommy," she squealed and rushed over, then stopped to take in her mother's appearance. "You look bloody fantastic!" she exclaimed with a grin.

Emma gasped at her daughter's words. She knew they'd spent a few evenings with Killian here with their friends, but she had no idea the kid had picked up his British curse words. Squinting her eyes at her daughter, she admonished, "Where did you learn that word?"