Under Lock and Key #Wattys2016

Chapter 17

Emma woke up early and decided to clean the house. The dishes were starting to pile up and it had been bothering her since. She put some yoga pants on and one of Killian's shirts and went down to get started. While she was doing the dishes, she had the washer running doing some clothes.

After doing the dishes and several loads of laundry, Killian was still sleeping. She smiled at the thought of not being interrupted so she could sweep and mop the floors. She had began to mop the kitchen floor after sweeping it, and she heard someone clear their throat. She knew it was Killian because he was the only one in the house.

"What do you think you're doing?" He asked playfully.

"Cleaning." She said and placed the mop bucket on the floor.

"No."

Emma looked over at him. "What?"

"You aren't cleaning. Not alone at least."

"You're just going to get in my way. Go into the living room and watch tv. I'll make you breakfast as soon as I'm done here."

"You are a stubborn one, Ms. Swan." He grabbed the broom and disappeared into the foyer.

She rolled her eyes and finished mopping the kitchen. She sat down on the couch to take a break, when she noticed that the living room was spotless. Killian was sitting in the chair looking at her.

"I was wondering when you'd come out." He stated.

"Why?" She asked.

"Why what? Why was I waiting or why is the living room clean?"

"Both."

"Well, you wouldn't let me in the kitchen to help you, so I straightened out the living room and the foyer. You aren't going to be doing things by yourself anymore." He stood up and sat down on the couch next to her, pressing a kiss to her lips. "I wanted you to see what I did."

She giggled and licked her lips. "Thank you."

"Now, the other reason, was because I wanted to be the one to make you breakfast." Killian stood up really fast and ran to the kitchen. Emma laughed at his immaturity and followed him.

When she got there, he was cracking eggs and had a pack of bacon out on the counter. She went to open it and placed the meat in the pan.

"So, I decided that it's time for you to meet some of my friends." Killian said finally breaking the silence.

"I don't know. It's too soon."

"Swan, it's been about two months. Your picture hasn't been posted anywhere. Your case is cold now."

"I don't think we should. Let's wait another six months or so."

"The only people you have seen is me and Walsh. Wouldn't it be nice to make some friends?"

"I don't want to get you in trouble."

"You won't. They won't even notice. Please?"

"No. I love you and I'd rather not have my boyfriend go to jail because of me."

Killian sighed. "I won't force you. But my friend from Florida is coming to visit. He won't know about your disappearance. Will you meet him?"

"Who is it?"

"His name is Neal Cassidy."

Emma thought about it for a moment. She saw the pleading look in Killian's eyes. He only wanted what he thought was best for her. "Fine, I'll meet him. But if he recognizes me, you're going to be dealing with the consequences."

"I know, I know."

After eating breakfast, Emma went into the bathroom to take a shower. She hadn't noticed that Killian was following her until his arms wrapped around her. She jumped and he laughed.

"I didn't mean to startle you, love. Just showering with you was just too good to pass up." He whispered seductively in her ear.

Emma rolled her eyes. As much as she loved getting attention from her boyfriend, she just didn't want it right now. She rinsed her hair and stepped out, leaving Killian confused.

She went into the bedroom to get dressed and was digging through the closet.

"When is Neal getting here?" She yelled.

She heard the water shut off and knew he was finished. "Today!" He shouted back.

Emma stormed to the bathroom and almost broke the door off the hinges. "Today? And you tell me this now? Why didn't you tell me last week? I would have had the house clean and- you're so irresponsible!"

Killian had a smirk on his face. "It's hard to take you seriously when you aren't wearing anything except a towel."

She looked down and blushed but kept her face away from him. "Can't you take anything seriously?"

"Nope. I'm a guy, remember?" 

"Ugh!"

Emma slammed the door and got out a black sweater and jeans. The door opened while she was putting her boots on.

"I didn't mean to make you upset, love. Can you tell me what's bothering you?" She looked over and his hair and body was wet, and he only had a towel around his waist.

She sighed and put her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands. "I don't know. I guess it's just a lot to take in. I have to make dinner for your friend and I don't even know him. We are risking our safety because of this, I just don't want to lose you."

"You're not going to lose me. Everything is going to be fine. Neal is only staying for two weeks, and after that, we'll be okay." Emma sighed in response. "I know you're scared, but I know what I'm doing."

"Okay."

She sat up and went to fix her makeup and hair. Killian stood up and went to the dresser. Emma watched as he shook his head, and water went everywhere. She suppressed a giggle and watched as he got dressed.

The doorbell went off downstairs and butterflies flew around in her stomach. There was no denying that she was nervous. Killian however was as calm as calm can be. He ran downstairs and let Neal in, leaving Emma to finish getting ready.

"Calm down, Emma. Everything is going to be fine." She told herself as she headed for the stairs.