#i jst. he’s SUCH an ass. he reminds me of another crush i have on a jackass book character

[shippingtheswann]

MODEL BEHAVIOR A Captain Swan modern AU  by @shippingtheswann​ for the @captainswanbigbang​ 2017 year!

SUMMARY: Emma is an up and coming model living in LA with her best friend Ruby. Killian is a star baseball player for the LA Dodgers. Their families are close - and they grew up together. However, what happens after not seeing each other for 6 years - when they are forced back into a situation that requires them to reconnect and explore what was once there.

RATING: Explicit

WARNING: There will be smut later in the story, some mention of violence, hard language, mention of pregnancy loss

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

Hello everyone! Sorry for the slight delay in the time of the posting - but from now all, most of the story will be posted Friday evenings JST. However, this will be the last post for a while. October 13 is when I plan on being back from maternity. I will of course keep everyone updated if something changes. 

Special shout out to Monica @acaptainswaneternity​ - the artist with this story. I have loved everything she has done for me - so make sure to check her out! She made an amazing cover and the best image sets for each chapter. 

Another huge shout out to Nicola @alocin209​ who beta read everything and tried to keep me on target!

Can also be found on FF - Chapter One; Chapter Two; Chapter Three; Chapter Four

He really didn't know what he was thinking. Their flight had been going pretty well and he was enjoying his time reconnecting with the girl he almost gave up his future for. She was the same girl he once fell for, but so much more now. However, when he finally questioned her about her high school love life, everything changed. He knew she once had a crush on someone, but she never told him who. To say that he was floored by her confession of her once liking him was a bit of an understatement.

He knew there was an attraction between them, even if they weren't in the same state and couldn't actually see each other. He knew there had been a connection that was nothing like he had ever felt before. He knew he once liked her, as more than just a friend. However, he never would have guessed that she reciprocated those feelings, or at least feel them as deeply as he did.

In the back of his mind, he knew there was a possibility of her having the same feelings as him - hell, it was the reason he was going to show up at her graduation and put everything on the line.

His heart deflated a bit when she confessed to letting those feelings pass. Sure, he had to push those feelings to the back of his consciousness when Milah showed up, but they were always there, even if he didn't want to admit it. There would always be a pull towards Emma, always be a connection that would never be made with another person. So it hurt him that she had pushed him away in the way she did.

He called bullshit on her not feeling anything towards him anymore though; he could feel that there was something still there. It was as simple as that. If he could feel the electricity and heat spark between them each time one of them came close to the other, then she definitely could. He watched her breath hitch as he moved closer to her. He felt her body stiffen as there was contact between their hands. He saw her staring at his face as he moved closer to her. He noticed her drinking in his features, something he thought would have been a sight she had dreamt about before. He certainly knew he had dreamt about her lips on his before.

He knew he had to do something, anything to show her that he knew she was lying. He was always able to read her like an open book. He knew she still had feelings for him, even if she didn't quite know what those feelings were. He knew there was attraction there. In that moment, as he stared at her lips, he knew what he was going to do.

"I do," she replied to his previous question.

"Alright, my turn," he started, "I'm choosing dare this time. I dare you to kiss me. Prove to me you no longer have any feelings for me."

He watched the emotions run over her face. It seemed as if twenty emotions waved over her features in a matter of seconds. He knew she was confused about his dare, he was sure she was wondering what on Earth could have prompted him to dare her to kiss him.

As he watched her, he began to doubt himself. What was he thinking? He could potentially ruin everything that they were now working towards, if it was anything at all. He was enjoying being around her again and he would be lying if he said he wasn't hoping they could pick up where they left off. Whether or not it became a friendship or relationship, he didn't care, he just knew he wanted to be back in her life and wanted her in his.

Now, all of that could be ruined, simply because he allowed his old attraction get the best of him.

All of a sudden, he felt hands on his shirt pulling him forward. Before he could put together a coherent thought, Emma's lips were on his. It startled him for a moment. He couldn't move, couldn't think, hell, he wasn't even sure he breathed for a moment. Her lips on his overtook all of his senses.

It was if the moments in time had slowed down, but sped up all at the same time. Thankfully, he was pulled out of his frozen state and pulled Emma closer to him. The kiss had sparked something inside of him that he didn't realize he had. He had never felt this kind of electricity in a kiss before. When he kissed Milah in the past, there was passion, but never anything like kissing Emma. It was if he needed her to breathe.

He normally wasn't the aggressive type of man when he kissed a woman. However, with his arms wrapped around Emma's slight frame, his personality changed. He couldn't get enough of her. Her lips were already becoming an addiction to him, better than any rum he could ever taste. He parted her lips and deepened their kiss. He noted that their lips molded perfectly together.

Their bodies were separated by the armrest between them and in that moment he hated that stupid mechanism. He wanted to be closer to her and every moment that passed, every moment their lips were fused together, every little moan that escaped her throat was torture to him. Torture yes, but it was the best torture a man could endure.

His hands moved over her body with a purpose. One hand clutched at her hair and the feeling of each strand of hair that moved through his fingertips was magic. It reminded him of the feeling he got when he held a ball in his hands. Something was always special about holding a baseball to him and he never felt that way about anything else. Sand between his toes was never something he wanted, the feeling of silk underneath his skin wasn't something he looked forward to, but the touch of a baseball was comforting and exhilarating all at the same time. He never knew he could feel that way about another touch.

Her skin was soft in the places his other hand could touch. Her tank top allowed him unabided sources of skin. Emma was never really tan, but the soft glow of her skin accented her well. He hadn't noticed during his brief touches how warm she was, but now that his hands were roaming over her arms, he could feel the heat radiating from his touch. Her hands moved over his shirt, over his chest and down his arms. The way her fingers played with his arm hair was almost too much to handle. If he couldn't get enough of her, he knew she couldn't get enough of him.

She was pulling towards him in the same desperate manner than he was pulling towards her. Her frantic state was all he needed to keep him going. He wasn't quite sure how long the kiss, or was it kisses, lasted. He hadn't made out this way since he was a teenager and the passion that was flowing wasn't something he was ready to let go of.

Thankfully, she must have felt the same way. She broke the kiss, if only for a moment, for her to move the blasted armrest out of the way before she was back on him. Fuck, she was amazing. Her hips were now pressed against his in a odd way since they were still sitting on an airplane on their way home for the summer.

However, the removal of the device allowed him more free range of her body and his hands couldn't help but move farther down. The skin right above her pants was bare, thanks to the work of his hands on her tank top earlier. Never before had an area of a body been so important to him, but his hands didn't want to leave her lower back.

Emma had other ideas though. She moved quickly, placing herself higher than him, making his hands slip to her ass. Yes, he was aggressive with their kiss, but she was taking things to the next level. He never thought in a million years that he would be making out with Emma Nolan, on an airplane, with her practically sitting on his lap and his hands caressing her ass. Emma had always had a great body and he was perfectly content to continue to feel her up like a horny teenager on a second date.

A loud cough came from next to them right as Emma began to sink down onto his lap. They both moved back from each other quickly, Emma's face showing a bit of embarrassment. Her lips were swollen and her cheeks pink from excitement. Her hair was a bit disheveled from their session and he was sure he looked the same. They looked at each other for half a second before turning their attention to the cough that came from in front of them.

The stewardess stood a few paces from them with a look of displeasure but behind her stoic features, the woman actually seemed to smile at them. He was sure this wasn't the worst thing the stewardess had had to break up on a flight, but he was embarrassed by the situation. He would never regret kissing Emma. No, he would never regret anything that happened with Emma but he did feel bad for those who had to witness what had passed between them.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, but we are preparing for landing so if you would please take your seat," the stewardess said passively before moving towards the coach section.

Killian tried to make eye contact with Emma again as she slipped off his lap and back into her seat. However, she immediately looked out the window. He was staring at the back of her head, taking in her blonde hair while praying that she would turn and just look at him. He didn't want her to regret what they just did and he certainly didn't want to ruin what they may have been building.

He didn't regret what they did, but he couldn't help but feel bad about the circumstances in which it happened. They were both drunk and he knew that people make bad decisions while drunk. He didn't think this was a bad decision, but he couldn't help but feel that Emma was thinking that. It hurt him that she could think he would use her, or that he would regret the whole thing.

"Emma," he said in a whisper, trying to get her to turn around. He saw the deep breath she brought in as her name left his lips. She didn't move though. She kept her interest on the window. He didn't really know what to do, but he couldn't move back to his original seat. He didn't really want to though, he wanted to stay next to her no matter how awkward everything was. He wanted her to notice that he was there, that things weren't like years ago.

"Emma, please look at me," he begged, reaching to grasp one of her hands that sat on her knee. His plea didn't do anything though; she kept her face towards the ascending ground but she didn't move her hand away. Maybe she was just embarrassed by being caught up in the moment. Maybe she didn't regret the kiss. It wasn't like they were actually friends again, it wasn't like she would be able to just tell him that.

They had opened up a bit to each other during their game and even though it felt like their friendship was one that could pick up years after not speaking, he didn't think they were at the point yet where Emma would feel comfortable telling Killian what she was feeling.

Killian tried to stay calm during the plane's descent. He just wanted to talk to her, to let her know what he was feeling, to clear the air. If he was going to be staying next door to her house, they needed to get past whatever was between them. He knew they would be seeing each other often, his mother and hers were close friends and he knew there would be countless dinners they would have to attend.

The plane landed on the ground of Reagan National Airport, landing with a lot of bumps, causing Emma to squeeze Killian's hand a bit. That gave him a bit of a boost. Sure, she may have just been using him in a moment of weakness, but he knew in his heart it wasn't just that. Maybe it was a small sign that she wasn't upset or disgusted.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Washington DC…" the Captain came over the intercom but Killian wasn't paying too much attention to what he was saying. He was too busy waiting to see what Emma was going to do. He knew he had to get up and get his stuff, but he really didn't want to leave her side.

"Well, welcome home Swan," he said as he stood. She finally took his prompt and looked at him. Her face was blank, emotions wiped away. For the first time in his entire life, he was unable to read his neighbor. He couldn't place where her mind was. Her book was closed, hidden away behind it's simple, yet beautiful cover.

"Walk with me to baggage claim?" she asked in a meek voice. He could hear the nervousness behind the question. He knew she wasn't looking forward to seeing her mother. She was always daddy's little girl; her father understood her in a way her mother couldn't. Her father was always 100% supportive of her, where her mother wasn't always the most understanding. It wasn't that Mary Margaret didn't love her daughter, it was just they had different ideas for what Emma needed out of life. He understood her trepidation; he had the same feeling about his father.

"As you wish," he said, before he walked to the stewardess to get his coat and items that he left in his previous seat.

He watched in awe as Emma was given her jacket, a bright red leather one that fit her like a glove. She looked like a vision standing in front of him and it shocked him how in tune with her he was. He had only reconnected with her a few hours ago yet here he was, completely captivated by her. It wasn't something he was thinking was going to happen when he came home for the summer but it was going to be something that would change his entire outlook of this suspension.

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He was relieved when baggage claim finally came into view. The long walk from the farthest gate in the airport, through security and finally down to the area was difficult to say the least. They walked together but they couldn't have been farther apart. There wasn't much physical space between them, there really couldn't be in a crowded airport, but the emotional space was palpable. He knew they had to talk about what happened and he knew it needed to happen sooner rather than later.

"Emma, can we talk?" he asked, placing his hand on her lower back and leading her to the side of the walkway, out of sight from the waiting throngs of people at baggage claim.

"We don't have time for this," was all she replied with, back to refusing to make eye contact with him.

"I just want to let you know, I don't regret anything. I don't want things to be weird between us. I've missed you," he explained, pulling her chin so she would actually look him in the eyes. Hopefully she would see his sincerity, his desire and his need for their relationship to continue.

"OK," she whispered, keeping eye contact. There was a slight apology in her eyes and he knew he was right in his thoughts about hers.

"Alright then, let's go meet our parents," he finished, but before he moved away, she grabbed his arm, bringing his attention back to her.

"I don't regret it either," she said with a smile, before walking off towards baggage claim.

He followed her like a lost puppy. He relaxed as he followed her towards the carousel with their luggage. She wasn't remorseful about their interaction and from the twinkle in her eye, he knew for a fact that she felt something towards him. He could only hope it was what he was beginning to feel.

Sure, things would be messy from here on out, but maybe Emma coming back into his life was just what he needed to get his life and his career back on track. Emma revived something in him that had been missing since Milah, since his life went to shit. He smiled as he watched Emma pause and look around the area for anyone she knew.

"Darling, there you are!" A familiar voice came from in front of them, both of their heads snapping to the area.

Adelaide Jones was pushing her way through the crowd towards the pair. Her bright smile instantly made Killian feel a million times better. His mother always held herself with a certain confidence and she hadn't changed since the last time he saw her. That was over two years ago. He always found some excuse not to come home or not to see his family when he was in the area playing ball; but two years ago, his mother surprised him in Baltimore when they were playing. Thankfully, she had come alone. She still had shoulder length auburn hair that was straightened perfectly and he knew that would never change. She was dressed to the nines, like always. She never left the house looking anything less than professional and he actually loved that about her. She was always the picture of perfection yet was approachable and loving.

His mother's comforting smile grew ten sizes when she saw Emma standing close to her son. Killian knew she loved Emma, calling her a daughter on more occasions than he could count. It was the way their families always were, treating each other like family rather than neighbors. Adelaide was there when Emma got ready for prom her junior and senior year, she was in attendance opening night of every single play Emma was in, she was at Emma's graduation and she was someone who would pick Emma up from school if she was sick and her mother couldn't leave work. He was touched to see Emma's smile grow upon seeing his mother as well.

He was surprised though, when his mother bypassed him to embrace Emma first.

"Emma dear, it's been too long! I am so happy you are home, I've missed you!" she cried, pulling Emma into a tight embrace.

"Mrs. Jones, it's so good to see you!" Emma replied with nothing but admiration in her voice.

"Darling, you look tired, have you been sleeping? Your eyes are a bit puffy, I hope you aren't getting sick. You let me know if you need anything OK?" Her mothering tendencies were coming out, making him chuckle beside her. He hadn't really noticed what his mother was pointing out. He knew she wasn't criticizing Emma, more just being concerned but he didn't see it. Emma looked lovely.

"I'm fine, I've just been busy. It will be good to be home," she answered, Killian's internal lie detector going off, but he wasn't going to bring it up now. He made himself a promise though, to get to the bottom of Emma's sadness.

"Well, we are glad you're here. Killian, how are you dear?" his mother asked, finally paying attention to her actual child, pulling him into an embrace similar to the one she gave Emma.

"I'm fine mom, just a bit tired. The flight was long," he added, hoping to distract his mother from questioning Emma more.

"I'm sure it was," she said in response, her eyes darting quickly between the two.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Jones, but do you know where my mother is?" Emma interjected, looking around the area with a small frown on her face.

"Oh yes, we had breakfast this morning. She is so very excited to have both of her children back in the house," his mother began, and Killian knew he was in for a story. His mother never explained something quickly. "She was telling me about your flight when I got a call from Killian telling me he was coming home. Of course, I was so excited to hear my son would be back under our roof. We then found out that you two were on the same plane, so I offered to pick the both of you up. Your mother jumped at the opportunity, she has just so much on her plate with Henry's party, with your homecoming, with the event next week for the DAR, plus your father's retirement party coming up. So, she is at home getting dinner ready and I am here."

Killian started to feel angry towards the story. Of course, he would never be upset with his mother. The woman was always willing to go above and beyond for anyone, anytime. His mother always put her family first, always dropped everything to do something for her kids. Emma's mother however, always seemed preoccupied with other things. Parties were Emma's mother's thing. In fact, Killian could remember Emma telling him stories of her mother passing on important life milestones of Emma's because of a party. He looked at her and saw her face fall as his mother finished her story. While Emma didn't get along well with her mother, he knew she must have been looking forward to someone from her actual family picking her up.

His mother must have felt her disappointment, because she reached over to grab Emma's hand and give it a squeeze.

"She really did want to be here sweetie, but she wants to make sure everything at home is perfect for you. Come, let's get your bags and get you home. Besides, Evie is waiting in the car," his mother said, coaxing a slight smile out of Emma.

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Standing next to his mother's BMW was his sister. Aibhilin Jones was a force to be reckoned with, just like his mother. While not technically his sister, his parents adopted her fifteen years ago when she was four. She was really his cousin, her mother being his father's sister. Both of her parents passed away in a car accident in Ireland, leaving Evie an orphan. Thankfully, his parents stepped in and took the young girl in. Her traditional Irish name was difficult for most Americans to say properly but Emma corrected it quickly, giving her the nickname everyone called her to this day.

His sister was one year older than Emma's brother and looked up to Emma. When she saw Emma walking towards the car, his sister let out a shriek that could probably break glass, flinging herself into Emma's arms.

"Evie, I've missed you!" Emma exclaimed, pulling the girl into her arms.

"Thank God you're home Emma, this place is utterly boring without you. Why did you have to leave me for so long?" she whined as Killian loaded their luggage into the trunk of the vehicle, inwardly cursing that his mom couldn't have borrowed the Nolan's large SUV.

As the girls caught up, Killian was having a hard time not thinking about what happened on the plane. Every time Emma moved, his mind turned perverted, especially remembering the way she felt under his hands. How was he supposed to sit in the back seat with her for the ride home? Sitting in the front was out of the question, as his sister always sat in the front seat, having horrible motion sickness if she sat in the back. He knew his mother would never let him drive, which was probably a good thing. However, he really didn't want to be confined with Emma in the tight back seat. Well, he did, but not in this situation. Not with his mother and sister in the front seat.

"Hey brother," his sister finally said to him.

"Hey squirt." He knew she hated the American term that big brothers sometimes lovingly used towards little sisters, but it was their little joke. She quickly hugged him, placing a quick kiss to his cheek. They weren't as close as Evie had been with Emma, but he loved his little sister dearly.

The back of the car became increasingly muggy as they drove the short five miles to the Nolan residence. Even though their parents lived five miles from the airport, the traffic in Northern Virginia was almost as bad as LA and took 30 minutes to get there.

He could smell her perfume as they sat there. She had freshened up as they left the plane and he hadn't noticed the scent before. Now though, the smell of strawberries accosted his senses. There was something else in her perfume, or wipes, whatever she used, but it was almost as intoxicating as the kiss they shared.

His mind couldn't help but wander back to their kiss on the plane. He couldn't help but reminisce about her lips on his, the slight moan that escaped when he became aggressive. He was having the hardest time forgetting the feel of her skin under his touch. He was craving the touch of hers too. He wanted to pull her close, to wrap his arms around her, to make everything better. If that meant kissing the pain away, then he would do it. Yet while he knew it would be unwelcome in that moment, he couldn't help but daydream about it.

There was construction on the one, so every time a bump in the road was hit, they touched and it set him on fire. He was having a hard time not leaving his hand on her leg, as he kept having to put it there to steady himself every time his mother hit an unfriendly pothole. The electricity buzzed in the air every time his mom hit a corner and their legs would brush against each other.

These next three weeks would surely be the death of him, but in that moment, while he sat next to her, smelling her sweet scent and admiring her fine features, he didn't mind. He would never mind, as long as it meant Emma was near him and he could get his fix.