Disclaimer: The characters are not mine, but the story is. I make no claims on ABC's Once Upon a Time's intellectual property.

Half of My Heart

"...that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time."

-The Sweet Far Thing

Killian woke up to a fist hitting his face, jolting his body. He shot up straight, blanket falling down to reveal his chest, which was naked - presumably from last night's events. Rubbing his hand on his face, feeling the sting and hoping it didn't bruise, he looked down at the sleeping girl - surprised she hadn't woken up at her own violence.

He smirked, imagining that she was quite used to exerting her violence on men, if last night was any example - he could still feel the claw marks on his back from her acrylic nails. One had popped off during the festivities, which had only made her dig harder into his skin, and had made him thrust harder into her, loving how unashamed she was at her passion. Always refreshing, he thought, a woman who takes what she wants.

That is what he enjoyed most about his casual flings and sexual encounters - he was much more likely to find a woman like that, with unabashed sexual urges, in situations like last night when he was at David's bar, enjoying the band and free drinks. Knowing the bartenders did wonders on one's pocket books, Killian thought, grinning.

With one last glance over to the girl to check if she was still sleeping, he rolled out of bed, slipped on some flannel pants, and padded through the hallway to the bathroom he shared with David. As he got closer, he heard a man's groan and cackled despite his own blurry-headed hangover. He casually strolled into the bathroom, leaning against the sink and smirking at the obviously miserable David Nolan. He shook his head, a bartender who can't hold his liquor. The ladies who called him the golden boy of their group would have their reality dashed hard, seeing his pallid face and bloodshot eyes, body sitting against the tub, preparing to go round 815 with the toilet this morning.

"Rough night, mate?" Killian asked, voice quiet but smirk still plastered on.

David just blinked up at him, casually flicking off his friend of three years.

"Well, as you obviously have staked a claim on the bathroom this morning, I'll get started on breakfast - something nice and greasy for you." Killian waited a moment, then shoved off the counter to leave, but not before he turned around and said, "You do like sardines in your eggs and bacon, right?" And with another evil grin, closed the door to the sound of another groan and more of David's night out hitting the porcelain toilet.

Killian walked over to their kitchen, and placed his hand on the cool granite-topped island; he loved this kitchen, as it was the primary reason he convinced them to move into the complex last year. It had clean stainless steel appliances, a deep farm sink, and his favorite - a center breakfast island made of cool black-and-red granite that conveniently hit about waist high.

He stretched out his naked torso on the counter, reveling in the coolness hitting his chest and his back, stretching after last night's activities. Though he loved cooking in the kitchen and having meals here with his friends, he admittedly cherished the thought of doing something far more pleasurable on the black top. He had never quite been able to do it, though; he always filed it away on his mental bucket list.

Shaking his head at the silly fantasy, he bent down to get a skillet for the eggs when he felt lithe hands come around his waist, pulling him into a female body. "Hey baby," she whispered in his ear. "Why didn't you wake me up? We could've had another go." She slid her hands up his still-naked chest, teasing him more than a little.

Placing the skillet on the counter, Killian turned around and pushed her gently against it smiling, "It was a long night, I knew you needed your rest. Now that you're up, though…" He shot her a rakish smile and a wink, "maybe we can go once more."

She smiled back, his good mood infectious, and she ran her fingers through his hair, leaning in to kiss him when they felt the front door slam against the wall and heard a yell, "Hey assholes, what's going down?"

Killian groaned at the sound of Neal's voice and with a consoling smile to his guest, pushed off the counter and went to meet him.

"Hey mate, keep it down - I think Mary Margaret is still sleeping, and David is busy nursing a mighty hangover."

Neal scoffed, looking between Killian and the girl, leering slightly at the latter. "Hey mate, how's about you put on a shirt? Pretty rich boy like you should be able to afford one of those," at that, he breezed by and jogged to the bathroom where David was still camped out.

He opened the door, slamming it much like the front door earlier, and David immediately glared at the unwanted noise. "What do you want, Neal?"

"Oh just wanted to see how my buddy was fairing in the aftermath. You really need to learn how to hold your liquor, dude. Even Killian's bang-of-the-night out drank you and she's out there slipping him a morning handjob right now."

David knew he was needling him, this was Neal's favorite past time - he took great pride in his ability to outdrink and outlast anyone, his greatest life achievement thus far; perhaps forever, David thought with a grimace.

Trying to reign in his quiet anger over Neal's inconsiderate entrance, Killian took a few deep breaths as he walked over to close their front door, double checking that the wall wasn't dented by Neal's exuberance. As he closed it he caught the soft, golden form of Emma walking down the hallway -presumably to find Neal, her boyfriend.

He smiled brightly, anger forgotten at the idea of seeing her in the mornings - though she seemed to have put on actual clothes, he noted with a tinge of sadness. "Hey Swan, your beau is harassing your brother - might want to go rescue him." Killian winked at the stern look she gave him, "Ever wonder why you always have to chase after him like he's a lost puppy?"

Ignoring him, she walked into the apartment as if she owned the place. Carrying herself with severity, she walked over to the bathroom where Neal was still blathering on about the weaknesses of David's man card; when he saw her Neal instantly softened and pulled her in for a kiss. She gave in, but kept it short, feeling Killian's eyes on her.

"Neal, we should probably let these guys recover from last night - I need to get ready for class, let's go back upstairs." Her and Mary Margaret conveniently lived in the same building, just one floor above the guys - it was a perfect compromise for Mary and David, who wanted to be close to each other, but didn't want to break with their roommates and friends.

Killian, who had been listening to the conversation, decided to pipe in, "Actually, I was just about to make some breakfast - you're more than welcome to stay for that, since you'll have to eat anyway."

Emma glanced over at him; she had been trying to ignore his presence, and him not being fully clothed was a distraction. Her cheeks bloomed a bit, lips pursing out of discomfort for the situation. He was just so blasé about his body, she didn't quite understand it and couldn't possibly ever be comfortable with him like that.

Neal decided to pipe in, "Oh that sounds good man, I'll take some of whatever you're making." As if the decision was closed for debate, he walked into Killian's living room and flipped on the TV, just in time for The Price is Right.

It was times like these that Killian was glad for Neal's utter disinterest in cooking, or socializing really - and for the fact that the living room was mostly closed off from the kitchen. He smiled at Emma, who just nodded her acceptance of Neal's decision, before watching Killian walk into his bedroom to put on a shirt. Wouldn't want the Swan to feel uncomfortable, he thought wryly.

As he walked back towards the kitchen, Emma stood there watching him with a blank face. Perhaps he would take her to Vegas some time, she'd be an excellent poker player; at the thought of her with him in Vegas his steps faltered a bit, imagining all the fun they could have.

A throat clear tore Emma's gaze towards the brunette from last night, who was clearly feeling bereft of Killian's attention. He smiled sweetly at her, "Sorry about that lass - I'm sure you remember Swan from last night. She'll be staying for breakfast, and would you prefer pancakes or waffles?"

She scrunched up her face in distaste, "Ew, I don't eat carbs, and I thought your name was Emma?"

Emma rolled her eyes, "It is, he just refuses to call me that." At that, she turned to grab the mix from the pantry as Killian pecked the brunette on the nose and acquiesced, "Perhaps an omelet then, mm?"

The girl grinned at him and nodded, settling into the stool in front of the island as he moved to the refrigerator, grabbing eggs, cheese, peppers, and bacon. David would kill him if there wasn't a good pound of greasy bacon waiting for him on the other side of his hangover.

He whirled around, watching Swan flit about his kitchen like it was her own, grabbing mixing bowls and stealing the milk and eggs from his hands. He always loved watching her get involved in any task, her face always got so peaceful and the hard line of her lips would soften.

"So Swan, have a good time last night? I couldn't tell over the shrill sounds of your karaoke." He winked as she glared at him, yet he caught the smile that was there as she pulled her hair up and started mixing the pancake batter.

"I had a lovely time, thank you. The sixth round of shots might have done a few of us in, namely David over there." She pointed towards the bathroom with the spoon she was using to stir.

Killian grinned as he cracked a few eggs and started whisking them together, adding milk and a tinge of butter and spices to the liquid mixture. "Yes, you'd think he'd learn by now, but there's no stopping him once he gets going. I was amazed Mary Margaret was even able to get him in bed."

"I'm sure that was a good thing for you, though, seeing as how you had other things you were more focused on." She nodded toward the brunette, who was deeply engrossed in her phone - presumably catching up on texts and letting twitter know that she was at the Killian Jones' apartment, and he was making her breakfast.

"Ah yes, she was quite determined last night - and I've never been one to deny a girl's pleasure. Unless, of course, it was all part of the fun." He winked at Emma as her mouth dropped a bit; she closed it and shook her head ruefully.

They had come to a bit of an understanding in the past few years, she knew his flirtations were harmless - he was like this with every girl, and unashamedly so. At first, she was quite distrusting of the charming smile and rakish good looks, but if he had won David's trust and friendship, then she eventually had to fall in line. He had never given her any reason to distrust him, or his loyalty to their friendship - fully knowing he would do anything for her or David or Mary Margaret.

She admired that.

Killian interrupted her thoughts by declaring that she positively must make his pancakes Mickey Mouse shaped.

"I'm not making you pancakes with ears," she sputtered. He was a grown man acting like a child.

Killian rolled his eyes, walked over and tugged on her ponytail, "Yes you are, Swan."

"Why on earth would I do that? You're not that special, and it'd take longer - I have to get to school in an hour!" She set herself firmly against it and Killian thoroughly enjoyed how she always dug her heels into the ground, so stubborn - much like her brother, David.

He came up behind her and whispered in her ear, "Please, Emma? For me?" He leaned around slowly to catch her eyes, giving her the most pathetic puppy dog expression he could muster. Emma huffed, "Fine. Why are they so important to you, anyway?"

His face lit up brilliantly, unable to deny his exuberance - it was such a silly, small thing, but one that Jones was more than willing to put down in the 'win' column of the Swan v. Jones battle. "Because sometimes, you just have to embrace your spontaneous nature - and my nature was positively demanding that I had pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse this morning; and since you volunteered your services, it was only natural I asked you!"

The brunette's scroll through Facebook statuses was interrupted by Emma's laughter and squeal as Killian decided to thank her for capitulating by tickling her, almost causing Emma to drop the batter. The brunette's eyes narrowed at the scene since last time she checked Killian was very much a single man and it was known that Emma was with the notorious Neal Cassidy, resident supplier of recreational meds to the University's populace. Very curious, she thought.

"NEAL CASSIDY WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING TO MY BOYFRIEND?" Mary Margaret's usually soft voice rang out in the hallway as Neal bolted out of the bathroom again, laughing. She helped David up, who now had color back in his face and was getting ready to take a shower.

"Sorry M&M, commercials got boring - wanted to make sure my bro was okay!" Neal ignored her glares as he noticed Killian's girl wander back into his bedroom, presumably to get dressed. Not that he minded, look but don't touch was his motto and it had served him well.

Back in the kitchen, Killian was finishing up the last omelet, bacon still sizzling in the pan. Emma fixed herself a plate of pancakes and settled into the barstool when he quietly placed another plate with an omelet next to her pancakes. Her eyes fluttered up to his, not quite understanding. "I know you like your omelets with pepper jack cheese and ham, hope you don't mind."

Emma was surprised, and quietly murmured her thanks. He was always surprising her like this, with things she liked but never asked for. She wasn't really sure how he seemed to know so much about her nuances - but she couldn't deny she enjoyed it, as she chewed on the first bite of the omelet and grinned at him in pleasure.

Killian was smug as he turned to transfer the bacon to one plate - probably entirely for David, knowing him. His brunette sauntered out of the room, clothes from last night on and looking remarkably fresh and gorgeous for a girl who had gone without a shower and had spent the better part of the night on her back, hair mussed up from his hands running through it.

He smiled and placed another omelet in front of her as she sat next to Emma. He leaned back on the counter, not quite ready to eat the pancakes he had demanded, and observed the two lovely women.

One with glossy blonde hair that fell in soft curls and the other with brunette hair that fell straight and short. Both truly gorgeous, yet so different. Killian kept finding his eyes lingering on Emma's fingers, so delicate - like a Princess' - and wondered why Neal hadn't slipped a ring on her heart finger yet. A gold band with a bright Sapphire, maybe - or Ruby, yes, maybe that's what she'd like; he couldn't imagine a diamond ever being enough for her - everyone has a diamond, but Swan deserved something tailored for her.

Killian shook his head of those thoughts, deciding they weren't worth dwelling on, and dug into his Mickey Mouse pancakes. "Do uf knu what ches remind me oof?" he asked Emma a little later, mouth full. She scrunched up her nose, and before she can respond the brunette announced she was finished and was headed out.

Swallowing the rest of his breakfast, Killian hopped off the counter he was sitting on and escorted her to his door, hand on the small of her back, gently guiding.

Emma watched under hooded eyes, trying to focus on her omelet, but failing as she heard soft giggles coming from the doorway and the distinct sound of wet lips mashing together.

A few minutes later, Killian came back into view, lips bright red and face flushed. "Well, she seems like quite the catch, Captain."

Killian scowled a bit at her nickname for him, but it was fleeting as he noted her own flushed face. "She was lovely, but I'm not in the market for an extended stay, as it were."

"I don't know how you can be so cavalier with their hearts." Emma quipped, obviously uncomfortable with the casual display.

"Ah Swan, I do not lie to them, they come home with me of their own choice, and leave with breakfast and smiles on their faces. I cannot help that I like to live in the moment. It's college, after all!" He spread his hands wide, as if that explained everything. She huffed a bit until her eyes moved up to catch his.

They stared at each other, not sure how much time had passed. His smile had turned into a firm line as he tried to read the emotions flitting about her face, and likewise she was trying to figure out how anyone could be so casual and open about their romances. To Emma, love and relationships were forever, and sex should only be shared within them - not with barflies who enjoyed one-offs in the evenings. Both of them deserved better than that, but that's why she didn't do the same types of things - to each their own, and she and Killian did not see eye to eye on that front. Just another reason they never got along for too long.

Killian just held her eyes, the silence weighing him down - not awkward, but heavy - as if it shouldn't be there, weight placed upon them like Zeus to Atlas, holding the world on his shoulders in punishment. What was Killian's crime? He felt her silence as judgment wrapping around him, and wasn't sure where he fell. And that made him nervous.

After a few moments, Mary Margaret and David finally arrived - both having freshly showered hair and bodies, scrounging for breakfast. Emma broke the connection to Killian and smiled at her friend and defacto brother. David had been with her since high school, her only friend until Neal came along. He had paired up with the quiet teenager, and protected her - as knights do with princesses. David was her constant, her brother, and she wouldn't have it any other way. The fact that his girlfriend of 3 years, Mary Margaret, was one of the kindest souls she had ever met, pleased her greatly. She was so grateful that he had found someone worthy of his soul.

"So, you feeling better David?" She asked, breaking the underlying tension from her conversation with Killian.

David was standing there, flicking his eyes between the two, wondering why the air around Emma and Killian was so thick. He made a shrugging motion, and replied "Oh yes, much better." His eyes sparkled a bit as he put an arm around Mary Margaret, who flushed to a bright red. Emma gave the happy couple a small smile.

"Enough with the gooey mushy stuff, man! It's time to eat!" Neal had clearly torn himself away from watching Drew Carey spout out numbers just in time to break the quiet moment between the four friends. Killian rolled his eyes again - he seemed to be doing that a lot with Neal lately - and waved his hand to the plate of bacon and omelets.

"Swan made pancakes too; mine were delicious by the way, thank you." He winked at Emma, showing his appreciation for his silly shape pancakes, but not willing to admit to their secret.

After the group had finished eating, Emma finally declared that it was time for her to get to class, and promptly dragged Neal out of the apartment - waving goodbye and thanking Killian for her omelet. He winked at her, "Any time, lass."

Mary Margaret decided she would head up to her place as well to get changed for work and kissed David goodbye, strolling out the door.

Once they were alone, and Killian was collecting the plates to clean up after their breakfast, David watched him quietly. "So what was all that about earlier?"

Killian paused a moment, his back to David. "What was what all about? The brunette? You know she was just a pick up from last night, nothing to really know." He started the water in the sink and grabbed the soap, trying to keep himself occupied, not really wanting to look at his best friend's face right now.

"Not about her, I'm not concerned about her. I'm talking about Emma. Is there something I should know about? I may be hungover, but I felt that tension between you two earlier. What happened?" David had his big brother pants on, despite being the same age as Emma.

Killian shut off the water, sighing. "There's nothing you need to worry about, mate. I was just in a good place this morning, and she was on her 'I don't like casual sex' mode. You know how those two things don't play well with each other; she can't keep her opinions from crossing her face."

David eyed his friend, waiting to see if he would admit to anything else. He knew Killian's relationship with Emma had always been a bit tense - for some unknown reason - since they met. "Just don't go falling for her, Jones. It's a bit late for that, she's still head over heels for Neal and happy."

Killian held his eyes for a minute, before dropping them and turning back to the dishes and soap.

"I wouldn't dream of it, mate."

Author's Note: Hi everyone, this is the first story I've ever written and published, so please don't hesitate to give gentle critique. It is also not beta'd by anyone but myself, so small errors are very likely. I intend for this to be a longer story, it is outlined for around 35 chapters of similar length. It was inspired by the bromance that is Captain Charming, so expect there to be a lot of those two =)

But as always, this is a Captain Swan story at heart, and I hope you enjoy their journey as much as I will.

Thanks! Feel free to PM me here or on my tumblr - caishakalianah if you have anything to say - reviews are always appreciated!

~Caisha