Cloudless Skies

Chapter 2

The sounds of the trumpets blared, alerting all the guests that it was time for dinner. Killian didn't feel like going to the dining hall, so he decided to have it sent to his room. He kept telling himself that it wasn't because Emma might be the one to bring him his food. That this was not just an excuse to see her. When the knock sounded at the door, he excitedly ran over to it, exceptionally giddy when he saw Emma with a tray in her hands. Her head pointed towards the floor.

"Come in, Emma," Killian said and opened the door wider for her to get in.

"Uh, it's the ship's policy that I cannot enter your room," Emma said.

He grabbed her wrist and her head shot up. He saw the vibrant green that he already loved so much. He pulled her into the room and quickly shut the door behind her. "No one needs to know." He took a step towards her but she took one back. "Is it against the rules for me to stand near you?"

"Mr. Jones, I hope you enjoy your meal, but I must get back to the kitchen."

Before he could say another word, Emma was already out of the room. He grabbed the tray of food and brought it to the table, but he picked through it, not really hungry. He wanted to know more about Emma and why she was so sophisticated and insisted on calling him Mr. Jones instead of Killian. He wanted to know how her boss treated her, and what the consequences were whenever she broke a rule. He knew she was a girl that took care of herself. He could tell that she was strong, but not when it came to her boss. Killian pushed the tray away and left his room. He walked to the dining hall and saw through the window that the maids were cleaning up now. He glanced up and at the head of the room was Neal. He was observing the work of the maids as they cleared the tables. A tap on his shoulder had Killian turning around. He was face to face with another man in a suit.

"Mr. Jones, it is an honor to have you aboard. May I ask what you are doing outside of the dining hall at this time of night?" He asked in a Scottish accent.

"I was looking for Emma," Killian said, turning back to the window and glancing around trying to find her.

"Ah, Miss Swan is gathering dinner dishes around the ship. If you need to make a complaint, you can tell me and I'll make sure she doesn't do it again."

"No! I don't want to complain about her! She's perfectly fine! I just want her to come and find me after she is finished."

The man gave Killian a confused look. "I'll let her know. I'm Mr. Gold, by the way. I am the head of the staff." He held out his hand and Killian hesitantly shook it. "Enjoy the rest of your vacation," he said and left the hallway.

Killian went back to his room and looked out at the sea through the window in the living area. His heartbeat was fast and loud. He couldn't wait to see Emma again. A part of him wondered why she was working on a ship like this, when she could easily get another job that suited her. He sat at the window seat for hours, but Emma never came. He was growing restless, and he only had one person to blame. Mr. Gold obviously didn't give her the message. He stormed over to the door and opened it, venturing onto the deck.

Many first class people were sitting in chairs, sipping champagne and talking and laughing, while men in suits walked around with trays, serving them more. He dodged past the people looking for the familiar blonde. He liked Emma because she wasn't fancy. She didn't expect anything from him. She wasn't drenched from head to toe in fancy and expensive perfumes. Her face wasn't caked in makeup either. He looked over to the side of the ship and she was leaning on the railing. She was wearing a light pink dress and beige flats. He ran over to her and tapped her shoulder. She turned around and her face remained blank.

"What do you want, Mr. Jones?" She asked.

He shook his head. "I want you to call me Killian."

"I can't."

"Or what?"

"I get fired. I need my job. In case you haven't noticed, I don't have men knocking on my door, trying to get with me. I'm poor. I work on a cruise ship for godsake! I don't want your pity, so go away."

Killian didn't say anything. He leaned on the railing next to her and stared out at the sea, just like she was doing. "I asked Mr. Gold if he could tell you that I wanted to see you, but you never came."

"I never got a summons. My apologies."

"No. You don't have to be sorry."

"But I am."

"When does your shift end tomorrow?"

She turned her head and squinted her eyes. "Why?"

"I want to treat you to dinner."

"You can't."

"And why not?"

"I can't eat with first class."

"Tomorrow, you can. I want you to meet me in the dining hall in the fanciest clothes you own when it is time for dinner. You know what time and you know where to be. If you have a problem, let me know and I will deal with whoever is giving you trouble."

Emma nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Jones."

He laughed and glanced down at his shoes for a moment before looking back at her. "It's Killian." He wanted to hear what his name sounded like on her lips. Emma glanced around at the people around her. Killian put his fingers on her chin and brought her gaze back to his. "Love?"

Emma shook her head. "No."

His smile faded. "Emma, the rules don't apply around me. You can treat me however you want to. If anyone says anything about it, I'll sue."

"Why are you so focused on me?"

"Miss Swan!" A voice scolded. Running footsteps got closer to Emma and Killian. "Mr. Jones, I am so sorry that she was bothering you," Neal said. He gripped Emma's upper arm and glared at her. She put her head down in shame. Her face burning red in embarrassment.

Killian clenched his fists. He grabbed Neal's shirt, which made him release his grip on Emma. "Don't put your filthy hands on her again."

Neal's face remained straight. "Sir, I'm only trying to help you. Maids and waiters aren't supposed to converse with first class guests."

"Make yourself useful and get the bloody hell out of here." Killian let go of Neal, and he walked away briskly. "Are you alright, love?"

Emma nodded and gave him a small smile. "No one's ever stuck up for me before."

"Now you have someone that always will."

"Thank you, Killian."

He groaned dramatically and Emma giggled. "That wasn't so hard now, was it?"

"No, I guess not."

He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow at dinner."