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snowbellewells · 3 years

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Self-Promo Sunday: “A Litter More Than They Bargained For”

Hey there friends and shipmates! I’ve taken a couple of weeks off on the Self-Promo Sunday posts, but I was looking back through some of my older pieces and found this fluffy one shot offering from a couple years ago. (It was part of the amazing @cspupstravaganza event in 2019.) I didn’t make it any cover art before, so I’ve added that to it as well. Taking place sometime post- season six; Hope is present and a toddler, but Henry is still there as well. That makes it canon divergent future fluff, I guess? Apologies if you’ve read this one before, but maybe you’ll get a little smile from revisiting it.

Also available on both AO3 HERE and on ff.net HERE

“A Litter More Than They Bargained For”

One pet she could have handled. One pet would have been perfectly manageable. A single, sweet-natured, reasonably well-behaved small pet - maybe a cat or a rabbit or even a hamster - wouldn’t have really changed anything about their lives in the seaside house or their daily routine that much. In fact, she and Killian had already been discussing a surprise for Hope in the form of a kitten from the litter her mom and dad’s barn cat had recently birthed, completely charming their pre-schooler upon her first visit to them at her grandparents’ farm.

Somehow, instead, all of Emma’s best-laid plans had been inverted and overturned, as so often seemed to happen in their chaotic magical town. When they had gone into the station that particular morning, they had found a large, mud-caked, burr-riddled dog tied to the bike rack and whining pitifully upon first sight of them. Emma was too disgruntled at the culprit for figuring out that their whole three person department were soft touches for strays as she charged foward to untie the poor beast, to even realize that the critter was already rooting into her affection. Needless to say, rather than their intended adoption, they had managed to take in a shaggy, slobbery mixed breed almost as large as a Shetland pony, with at least some Irish Wolfhound in its ancestry, according to the shelter attendant.

Gleefully mimicking that last declaration in her toddler voice, Hope had leaned over out of Killian’s arms to reach for where the huge hound lounged panting on the exam table, tongue lolling and tail thumping happily as she babbled, “Wolfie! Wolfie!” and patted along the dog’s back and shoulders as well as she could.

The thick, scruffy grey fur covering the animal’s lanky form did indeed resemble a wolf to some degree, and Kililan chuckled good naturedly at the easy moniker their daughter had seemingly bestowed. “Well, it would seem our little love has already christened her, Swan,” he commented lightly.

Emma wasn’t fooled by the casual demeanor covering her True Love’s words. She felt her last chance of finding a more suitable home for a dog of that size outside the town limits (preferably with acres for it to run) fade as she realized that her husband, as well as her little girl, was already attached. Killian wanted this dog more than he would admit.

Reaching out to stroke the gentle giant’s head resignedly, Emma reluctantly admitted to herself that the poor stray really was a sweet dog, despite her astonishing proportions and the amount of extra responsibility she herself would no doubt be taking on. “Hear that, Wolfie?” she questioned, looking the dog in the eyes rather than either member of her family, whom she could feel nearly vibrating with excitement beside her, “I guess you’re as good as ours.”

Henry only confirmed the permanence of the decision when he got home from the high school after his editors’ meeting for the school paper. Though a dog had never been something he had particularly asked for - they had spent so many of his growing up years being flung from one realm to another, either trying to rescue some member of their family, or seeking the needed magic item to fight some new villain, that it hadn’t left a lot of time for house training puppies or taking one for leisurely evening strolls. Still, as Henry came up the walk and saw Wolfie stretched out on the porch, Hope cuddled against her side and Emma and Killian curled together on the porch swing, the way her nearly adult son’s face had lit up and he’d rushed forward in excitement had shown Emma that kids didn’t really grow out of loving dogs, no matter their age.

Ruby, or perhaps the irrepressible brunette’s inner wild animal, seemed to find their new addition, and the rather obvious name Hope had latched onto, especially entertaining. Due to Wolfie’s size, the Jones clan now ate outside at the patio tables when they stopped for breakfast on the way to drop Hope off at Ashley Hermann’s Pumpkin Seeds Daycare, and before Henry took off for class and they headed on for the station. Her mother’s best friend didn’t even try to hide the fact that she saved back either bacon, sausage, or ham especially for Emma’s pet each day, laughing when after about a week Wolfie came to her the moment she exited the diner’s front entrance, before she could even reach their table, and began nosing at her pockets for the expected bounty.

However, it was Granny herself who startled them with a matter of fact question about a month after Wolfie had joined their family. The diner’s proprietress had come out to wait on them herself that morning, a real nip in the air as November neared, and explaining that Ruby was lying in for a while after the full moon the night before. Her half-spectacles perched on the very end of her nose, eyes sparkling with every bit as much pep and mischief as her exuberant granddaughter when she neared their table, sleeves rolled up to her elbows despite the chill and a pencil tucked behind one ear.

“The usual, Captain?” Widow Lucas asked with a playful nod to Killian, “or are you and your crew feeling adventurous this morning?” While awaiting their answer, she reached into her apron for her order pad, also pulling out a juicy ham bone for Wolfie.

“Here you are, darlin’ girl,” she continued, bending to offer it to their canine companion, much to Wolfie’s approving delight as she barked a ‘thank you’ and took the treat into her drooling jowls with an almost humorous care, then immediately dropped to hold it between her massive paws and began gnawing away.

When Granny stood to face them again however, a knowing smirk was painted across her face, taking their breakfast order seemingly long forgotten. “You don’t have a clue that dog is carrying a litter of pups, do you?” she asked, shaking her head at what she seemed to think was their dense naivete.

Crossing her arms, Granny watched a variety of reactions cross the four faces before her. Henry looked awed and curious, while Hope practically bounced on Killian’s knee asking, “Puppy? Puppy! We having a puppy?”

Killian’s brows rose in surprise, and Emma was already shaking her head in disgruntled exasperation. “Really?” she sputtered, narrowly eying the diner owner as if she might be playing some sort of elaborate joke at her expense.

Then, plunking her head down to rest on her arms crossed on the table, she sighed as her daughter contiuned to chortle in delight and Henry and Hook laughed heartily, in spite of their manful efforts to hold back for her sake. “Why am I even surprised?” Emma muttered. “Of course, she is.”

***

From there, they learned that apparently the shelter owner did not have it out for them, but that it can be genuinely hard to tell when a dog is expecting until they are quite close to their due date. It also turned out that Granny’s lupine sixth sense had been right on the money. Within another couple weeks, they could see for themselves that Wolfie’s stomach was rounding and she was nesting in corners throughout the house, particularly favoring the warmth of the laundry room between the dryer and the wall. Seeing as how canine gestation was only eight or nine weeks from start to finish, and their mother-to-be was already showing, it was a bit of a scramble to prepare, knowing the litter of pups would soon be on its way.

As had become typical since Wolfie’s arrival, this too went well beyond what they had expected. On the night they returned from Hope’s Thanksgiving Play at the preschool to tiny yips and whimpers greeting them the second the door opened, the entire Jones family was stunned to discover eight small wriggling bodies jostling for place against Wolfie’s exhausted form where she lay curled into the mound of old blankets and towels they had created for her once her fixation on her laundry room nest become plain. Various rather wetly bedraggled and squirming balls of grey, black, white and mottled mixes of those three colors in coat greeted their eyes, prompting Killian to comment rather drily, “Well, now there are nearly enough of us to crew a pirate ship.” He chuckled, shaking his head, as he added, “Mayhap we can give them proper nautical names this time, rather than letting Hope call them the first word that pops from her mouth.”

“Paaa-pa!” their daughter protested indignantly, stomping her little foot on the linoleum tile and placing chubby fists on her hips. “I did not!” In her two braids, beaded headband, and fringed brown “Indian” dress from the play, she made more an adorable than a threatening sight as she intended, but Killian nodded to their daughter dutifully all the same. “My apologies, little lass. Of course you didn’t. I must have been mistaken.”

Emma rolled her eyes and shook her head at his mannered playfulness with Hope, though her heart warmed inside her as well, loving that their little girl had never known anything but a devoted, adoring, present father, who might have to be pulled back from spoiling Hope at times, but would never let her down or abandon her. The two of them could melt her every defense, just as Henry had always done. Even if it did sometimes leave her trying to be the voice of reason, Emma didn’t truly mind.

Henry, for his part, snorted inelegantly at their nonsense, crouching to pet a nervous-looking Wolfie on the head and scritch under her chin the way she liked. “Don’t worry, girl,” he mumured soothingly. “We won’t hurt them. You’re all safe here.”

Her son grew thoughtful for a moment, mulling something over, then looked up when he asked excitedly. “What if we did pick nautical names for them all? Like Jack and Jib and Scurvy?” He was grinning from ear-to-ear now, as his Author’s love of wordplay awakened - an expression Killian quickly mirrored.

“Aye, lad, those are great! And perhaps Scoundrel and Buccaneer as well?”

“Hey, hey, guys,” Emma broke in, trying to stop their now-steaming train before they got any more carried away. “Let’s not get too into naming them. The families who adopt them may not be looking for pirate dogs.”

But her husband and son were already on a roll, adding Barrie (in a nod to the Englishman who had created Killian’s literary counterpart) and Doubloon to the list of potential puppy monikers, and not paying her words the slightest bit of attention.

***

Finding homes for their doggie brood proved more difficult than Emma had hoped. If nothing else, it had worked out that they were being weaned just in time to join a family for the perfect child’s Christmas present. And, much as she had intended for them to have a quiet little tabby kitten padding after her through the house rather than a train of panting, yipping, running and tumbling balls of shedding fluff, the pups were sweet and incredibly cute. So she couldn’t understand how every time she thought she had someone poised to take one home, it fell through at the last moment.

With a sigh, she turned away from the sidewalk where old lady Hubbard was walking away. Still cradling Cutlass and Matey to her chest, one in each arm, Emma crossed the porch to sink onto the porch swing with a dejected air. She bent to press a kiss into each of their soft, fuzzy foreheads, murmuring what good babies they were and that it wasn’t their fault. Intellectually, Emma knew it was rather ridiculous to be trying to comfort two puppies who were now playfully rolling and tumbling in her lap, not the least bit concerned at the interview’s outcome. They really had been particularly good as their potential new owner had arrived to meet them; sitting calmly without barking or jumping up, sweetly licking the elderly woman’s fingers affectionately when she offered them, and looking even more adorable than usual with their coats freshly bathed and brushed, so black and silky that their fur nearly shone. All their neighbor had seemed able to focus on though was that they might get under her feet and cause her to fall. When Emma had spoken to her before, the older lady had seemed so anxious for some company now that the last of her many children had left the house, but once she had arrived to see the puppies, all she kept saying was, “I’m all alone out there. If I fell, I might lie for days, unable to get up, and no one would know.”

Emma shrugged her shoulders and ruffled the pups’ fur once again; annoyed, but not sure what to make of the situation. Standing, she was about to take the two little rascals back inside when Killian arrived home for the evening.

“They’re both still here?” he asked curiously, one eyebrow arched in question.

Something niggled at the back of Emma’s mind with his question, whispering that he didn’t seem especially suprised. Shaking her head in silent answer, Emma ushered man and dogs back into the house and headed toward the kitchen, where she still had all of the dog dishes to fill.

“Ah well, Love,” Killian replied, something about his voice just a shade too nonchalant. “Perhaps it’s for the best. As energetic as these scalliwags sometimes get,” he laughed and scratched Matey’s belly when she rolled over to bare it in supplication, “they might have proven a walking hazard to one of advanced years.”

Emma was about to question him further, shocked that Killian had hit on exactly what had stopped the potential adoption, but at that moment Wolfie and the other six of her offspring burst into the kitchen and set up a chorus of barks and howls for their dinner, toenails clicking on the floor and tails thunking against the cabinets. So it wasn’t until later that night, as she was speaking to her mother on the phone, bemoaning yet one more failed attempt at finding the pups permanent homes, that the niggling puzzle piece at last slid into place.

“Well,” Snow offered hesitantly, “I’m sorry it fell through, Sweetie, but you know Mrs. Hubbard isn’t all that steady on her feet these days…”

Suddenly, it all added up: Mrs. Hubbard’s unexpected concern with puppies tripping her up around the house, how Ashley had at first thought they might take one of the puppies, only to be convinced by someone that mice would be much more fitting for class pets at Cinderella’s daycare, and how Aurora and Philip’s second child, Hope’s little friend Rory, had suddenly decided she wanted a white Persian kitten whose hair she could put a pink bow in, “like ‘Rie from ‘Ristocats” Aurora had explained in her daughter’s own words when she’d called to tell Emma.

“Oh my word!” Emma shouted, startling her husband, kids, and the pile of dogs sprawled over them in the living room where they were watching tv. “It was you all, wasn’t it? My whole family has been working against me this entire time!”

Looking sheepishly guilty, Killian and Henry both wordlessly shook their heads in denial. Her mother floundered for a defense for a few seconds and then simply fled by ending the call. But when Emma’s eyes came to rest on her daughter, Hope merely grinned widely, a shameless glint of mischief in her green eyes, and nodded her head in confirmation.

“Why?” Emma sputtered.

“Then the puppies are all ours!” her toddler chirped happily, falling back against Wolfie’s shoulder with a giggle, to which Wolfie merely huffed at the impact, then nosed Hope a bit further from the edge of the couch, as if she had one extra pup to watch out for and was making sure the child didn’t fall.

“We’ll see about that,” Emma grumbled, staring each of them down in turn. But, when she flopped down on the armchair in the corner, trying to hold onto her righteous indignation, and Scoundrel came over to check on her, pawing at her leg until she picked him up, and then nudging his grey snout flecked with white patches into her armpit as he stretched out across her chest and promptly fell asleep, Emma was smart enough to know when she had lost the fight.

They were the family with nine dogs now - an entire seaworthy crew.

Tagging a few who may enjoy (or enjoy again!): @searchingwardrobes @kmomof4 @jennjenn615 @thisonesatellite @artistic-writer @hollyethecurious @whimsicallyenchantedrose @laschatzi @thislassishooked @therooksshiningknight @spartanguard @shireness-says @ohmightydevviepuu @ohmakemeahercules @scientificapricot @gingerchangeling @teamhook @revanmeetra87@resident-of-storybrooke @elizabeethan @tiganasummertree @optomisticgirl @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @xsajx @donteattheappleshook @darkcolinodonorgasm @winterbaby89

#self promo sunday #cs oneshot #ouat canon divergence #future fluff ff #a litter more than they bargained for

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killiansprincss · 3 years

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Could This Be Us?

This is my work for @csjanuaryjoy this is my first year taking part and I’m excited to share with you all! I’ve made it my goal to write more this year and this seemed like the best way to do that goal! This is just a cute fluff missing scene that I hope brings you joy!

Also on A03

Summary: set in the few weeks before 4b when everything was clam, Emma and Killian agree to babysit Neal and Emma slowly begins to let down her walls and Killian becomes vulnerable. Pure fluff. Babysitting adventures.

___

Emma was happy. The Snow Queen was gone and Gold was banished to the real world. There was nothing and nobody that could hurt them anymore. They could begin their normal life, well as normal as a town filled with fairytale characters could be. Her parents were Snow White and Prince Charming and her boyfriend was Captain Hook, so it was a little crazy, but for the first time in her life, Emma was truly happy.

She goes downstairs to see her parents cooing over her baby brother. Again, still weird that she was 30 and the same age as her parents, and had a newborn baby brother. Even weirder that he was named after her dead ex boyfriend, but his death did allow them to defeat Zelena. And she couldn’t tell them the horrible things Neal did to her, it would only ruin their sense of hope and belief that everyone could be a hero.

“Morning Kid, want me to drive you to school?” Emma asks her son, as she pours her coffee.

Henry spent 4 days at the Apartment Lot with Emma and his grandparents, and the other 3 days at Regina’s. It was their best attempt at normality, and Henry seemed to like spending time with David, dropping not so subtle hints that he wanted to take up sword fighting lessons.

“It’s okay Mom. I think I’ll walk, Ivy is meeting me early as we’ve got our science project due today so we need to go over everything.” He tells her. He was getting pretty friendly to this Ivy girl, Emma was sure he had his first crush, but wouldn’t say anything in case she ruined anything.

Checking the time and realises she’s late, she takes a final sip of her coffee before saying, “I’ve gotta go. Killian’s helping out at the station today and I’m meeting him at Granny’s for breakfast.” It had become a weekly tradition to meet Killian for breakfast, she was getting him to try everything on the menu, and this week was Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup.

“Wait, Emma before you leave.” David says, picking up Neal from his crib. “We wanted to know if you and Hook would babysit tonight. We haven’t had a night to ourselves in a while.”

Emma smiles, “We would love to. And since when do you approve of Hook babysitting? Does this mean you like him now?”

David rolls his eyes, but can’t stop the smile from his face. Truth is he was warming to the fact that a pirate was dating his daughter, he was a good guy, he cared for Emma and he was proving day by day that he wasn’t the man he was years ago. “He’s still a pirate dating my daughter, so he’s under careful supervision. But if he makes you happy I’m not standing in your way.”

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

“Morning love.” Killian waits for Emma outside the lot, which he really didn’t have to do seeing as he lives in the room he rents at Granny’s.

She gives him a quick kiss, and takes his hand as they start walking. “So my parents have asked us to babysit my brother tonight. I told them we would, I hope that’s okay.”

Killian gives Emma a worried look. “Just so you know Swan, I know nothing about babies, I’m not so sure how helpful I can be.”

Emma smiles at her boyfriend, he could’ve easily said no, but he didn’t. “That’s okay. I didn’t raise Henry, I also don’t know the first thing about babies, so it’ll be an adventure for both of us.”

Killian was so lucky. He truly was the luckiest man in the universe. He never imagined Emma would be with him in the way that she is. He also never imagine he would help look after her baby brother with her. If Liam could see him now, he hoped he would be proud.

They walk into Granny’s hand and hand and sit down in the booth. Emma orders them both Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, and waits patiently to see what he thinks of them. She shows him that he has to cut into the fluffy circle stack and pour the syrup all over them, the more syrup the better.

His eyes go wide as he chews and realises it’s delicious. “It’s so sweet. This is breakfast food?”

Emma laughs as she digs into her plate. “Oh yeah it’s breakfast all right. I don’t know what you eat for breakfast in the Enchanted Forest but we have many sweet options in this world.”

“Much better than the things I was eating whilst at sea.” He says as he pours even more syrup onto the pancakes.

“And what was that, Rum and more Rum?” She teases as she takes a bite off her plate.

“Ha-Ha Swan. Contrary to your belief, I did eat actual food as a pirate. Not nearly as sweet as this though, it consisted of dried fruits and nuts, then once we docked into port, we were able to have bread and other fresh pastry delicacies.” He chooses to leave out that in Neverland his diet did consist mainly of Rum and non poisonous fruit from the Island.

Emma smiles. This is what happiness looks like. Watching her pirate boyfriend eating Pancakes for the first time. She could get used to it.

/\/\/\/\/\/\

That night, Killian comes over around 6. Her parents had decided to go to a restaurant in town that wasn’t Granny’s, but after constant reminding that Emma had their number to call should anything go wrong. Not that it would. Hopefully.

Emma’s donned her leather jacket for some comfy clothes, leggings and an oversized hoodie, hair in a messy bun. Not her usual sheriff, or saviour look. Killian however is still in his modern leather jacket and jeans, not quite understanding that babysitting would be much easier in comfy clothes.

“Here, put these on.” She tosses him a pair of David’s clothes, sweatpants and a grey t-shirt, hopefully her dad won’t mind, he did say he was liking Hook more and more every day.

“Swan, the clothes in your world are utterly ridiculous.” He says as comes out of the bathroom, looking a lot less like a pirate, and more like a man.

Emma smiles, she had to say he looked good in sweatpants. “Trust me if Neal pukes all over you, it’s a lot easier to get it out of an old t shirt that it would out of leather.”

Killian looked vulnerable. For the first time really. She’d seen him in a lot less clothing before, but she never noticed how vulnerable it makes him look. Underneath all the leather, was a man who had been broken before.

He looks down at his Hook, “do you want me to take this off?”

Emma immediately tells him no. “I don’t see why you should. It’s a part of you, and he’s gonna have to get used to it.”

Killian smiles, the little prince will have to get used to it. Because he’s not going anywhere, he’s sticking around. He will never leave Emma like all those before.

“So where is the Little Prince then?” He asks.

Emma leads him over to the crib in the corner of the room, “Do you want to hold him?”

Emma trusts him. Wholeheartedly. So he agrees to hold the baby.

Neal fusses at first in Killians arms, but he fusses with everyone. He just needs to get used to it.

“Am I doing it okay Swan?” Killian asks as he fusses, but he isn't crying which is a good thing.

“You're doing great.” Emma smiles at him. This was a rare sight, Captain Hook in sweatpants holding a baby. Emma was getting butterflies in her stomach looking at it. She and Killian had been together for a few months now but she could already see a future with him. Being with him was so different than it ever was with Neal, even Walsh, despite it being all fake, was so different to Killian. He never tried to shower her with gifts or presents or big romantic gestures like Walsh. Killian was just there, by her side. And that's all she wanted.

“I think the Little Prince likes me.” Kilian beams as Neal starts laughing at the faces Killian was pulling.

It was scary. Emma was sure she was in love with him. She just couldn’t bring herself to say the words out loud. Because as soon as she said them, things would change between them and it would become real. When she told Neal she loved him, he left her. Killian wouldn't leave, she knows that. But it still scares her.

“Oh no. No. Swan. What’s happening, why is the little lad crying?” Killian asks frantically, starting to panic that he was doing something wrong.

“He’s hungry,” Emma tells him, grabbing his bottle from the counter. “This should be warm enough by now.”

Killian takes the bottle and gets Neal to drink.

“You gotta make sure you’re holding his head, it’s sensitive at this age.” Emma says making his arm support her brother's head.

“You’re good at this you know.” He says as she helps him. “How is it you know all this?”

“Just watching my mom do it really. Also, my cursed memories of me raising Henry. Even though it didn’t happen, I remember learning everything from the books. I remember staying up all night when he cried, and learning how to be a mother at barely 18.” She decided to confide in him, she’s never told anyone about her cursed memories, or about her time in prison, but she feels like she can confide in him, tell him anything without being judged.

“I was 17 when I gave birth, cursed or not, I turned 18 a month later and a few weeks after that I was released from prison. It wasn’t my finest moment, but in my cursed memories I had Henry to keep me going. When I woke up and got my memories back, it made me wish I never gave him up. Because those 12 years were the best 12 years of my life.”

It feels good to open up. She’s letting him in slowly, but it feels nice. He doesn’t pry, he doesn’t ask too many questions, he just listens to her.

“After our father abandoned us, Liam practically raised me. I felt empty and hurt, but Liam, he was there even in my darkest days. The best years of my life was when we were in the Navy together, before it all went wrong.”

They were two halves of the same coin, both abandoned and lost everyone they ever cared about. But together they were healing, both themselves and each other.

“I think he likes you!” Emma says wiping her tears away as Neal becomes fascinated with Killian's Hook.

Killian looks down at the little prince in his arms to see him trying to grab his Hook with his tiny little fingers. “Everyone likes me Swan. I’m not surprised your brother does too.”

“I didn’t like you at first.” Emma teases.

“Aye but my charming wits and looks won you over eventually.” He teases back, causing the smile that he loves to see.

It would be so easy in this moment to say the three words. Killian knew it the moment she kissed him back in Neverland, and in the missing year he realised how much he loved her when he thought he’d never see her again. But he knows better. If he said the words right now, it would cause a rift, and maybe cause her to run. So he doesn’t, he will wait for her to say the words first. He’ll wait forever to hear her say it, it doesn’t matter. As long as they’re together.

“I think I’m getting the hang of it Swan!” He speaks too soon as he begins to rock the little prince to sleep, he decides to bring up the contents of his tiny stomach all over Killian.

Emma tries not to laugh, but she can’t help it as laughter fills the lot.

She takes Neal from Killian so he can clean the sick off his shirt, “told you this would be a better idea, imagine trying to get that off your leather vest. There's another one of David shirts on top of the dryer, you can put the dirty shirt in the basket with the other dirty laundry.”

Looking after her baby brother with her 300 year old boyfriend is honestly not even the weirdest thing about her life at the moment. But it’s something that she never thought she would be doing, she was 17 when she gave Henry up and she thought she would never want kids, or even be ready after that. But just seeing how good Killian was with her brother, it got her thinking could she want this life? It wasn’t off the table. A baby with her hair and Killians eyes. Maybe one day.

___

“He won’t stop crying. Why won’t he stop crying?” Emma cries. They had been trying to settle him for almost an hour now and she’s getting tired. If this was a recurring thing then maybe having a baby of her own wasn’t something she wanted. Especially as it was barely 8.30.

“What else can we try?” Killian asks with Neal in his arms trying to send him to sleep by rocking him slowly.

“I don’t suppose you know a lullaby?” Emma asks, half joking, not really expecting him to.

Except he starts to sing, or hum a melody. It’s quiet enough that she can’t hear the lyrics properly, but Neal seems to like it. So much so that it stirs him off to sleep.

Emma’s really impressed. “That doesn’t sound like a sea shanty. Since when does Captain Hook know a lullaby?”

“My mother used to sing it to me and Liam. Before she died that is.” He tells her, putting Neal down slowly into his crib.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don't be, love. It was a long time ago.”

“Can you tell me about her?” She asks.

“I was 5 when she died, Liam was 8. I don’t remember much about her, Liam probably remembers more. But I know she was tough, she wouldn’t have taken my fathers bullshit. She used to sing that to Liam and I every night before we went to sleep. I sang it to myself sometimes on the Jolly in Neverland after Liam died. It comforted me.” He brushes it off as if it’s nothing, similar to how Emma talks about her past. She takes his hand and interweines their fingers as she leads them back to the couch.

“I like hearing stories about your past. About your pre-pirate days. Reminds me you weren’t always cursed.”

She wraps her fingers around his Hook, she’s never been afraid of it. Or afraid of the man attached to the Hook. She can’t help but imagine one day a baby with her hair and his eyes fiddling with his Hook the way her brother did tonight. And that’s scary.

Emma has a way of seeing the good in him, despite his cruel actions she sees beyond it, sees the pain it’s caused him in the past few years as he attempts to better himself. “I certainly was cursed with bad luck but sadly my actions were of my own accord. But I’ll tell you one story of the time Liam and I got caught in a storm at sea. Liam was a Lieutenant at that point and wanted to prove he could handle it, the stubborn arse.”

And so he tells her stories of his time in the Navy. He tells her anything she wants to hear, and he realises this is the first time anyone has really asked about Liam, or his past. The women he spent the night with back in the Enchanted Forest, well they never did much talking. And with Milah, she was focused on forgetting her past so didn’t care much to ask about his.

“I wish you could’ve met him. He would’ve loved you.” It’s nice, speaking about Liam, telling her the stories he hasn’t really ever told anyone-or thought about in centuries.

Snow and Charming return a few hours later, to find their daughter and Hook asleep on the couch, Emma’s head resting on the Pirates chest. Snow smiles at the sight, and even David isn’t appalled at the sight either, appreciating that his daughter is happy. Snow grabs a blanket and covers the two of them.

“Is that my shirt?” David whisper screams at his wife seeing the pirate wearing his clothes.

#cs January joy 2021 #csjj 2021 #captain swan #killian jones #Emma swan #cs ff #captain swan fanfic #my writing

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let-it-raines · 4 years

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What a Wicked Game {14/15}

Killian met her in a pub on a rainy night in March. Going inside was only supposed to be a way for him to avoid the rain and fight off the demons in his head. It was a place for him to pass through, not stay. But then he was charmed by a blonde woman with a quick wit who had absolutely no interest in him or who he was.

That was a first. It was also the beginning of Emma Nolan helping to bring him back to life. It was the beginning of everything.

Five years later, with their worlds crumbling around them, Killian can’t help but wonder if this is the end of the peace they have known now that his family knows about his relationship. It wouldn’t be a problem if his father wasn’t the King of England.

rating: mature

a/n: all my thanks to @captainswanbigbang, @resident-of-storybrooke, @captainsjedi, and all of you! I hope you enjoy this nice little snapshot to the future that is 100% a homage to the original insane “epilogue” 😘

ao3: beginning | current

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-/-

December 2020

Emma’s in a white dress made of ornate lace and the most intricate beading work she’s ever seen. The material hugs her body, accentuating the curve of her waist and falling to her wrists where they stop so that the rings on her hands are visible. There are three now, two on the left hand and one on the right. Her hair is falling down her back in long, perfectly curled waves, and half of it is pinned back with a diamond barrette that almost perfectly matches the tiara gracing the top of her head. A veil is attached to it, and it wraps around her body and all the way down to the ground, the lace surrounding the edges of it.

She’s wearing a tiara.

Like, a tiara worth hundreds of thousands of dollars that she wore on top of her head for hours.

It was a year and a half ago and she’s worn plenty of nice jewelry since, but there’s something about looking at the pictures hanging in their hallway that still makes Emma stop in her tracks to stare at them.

It’s the nice clothes at first, her wedding dress and Killian’s black Naval uniform that he looked so handsome in, but then it’s the smiles on their faces, the true happiness written into their lips. Their foreheads are pressed together in this one, and while their lips aren’t touching, they nearly are. Killian’s eyes are crinkled, the lines prominent, and Emma remembers him telling her some awful dirty joke that had the photographer blushing and Emma laughing until tears were flowing from her eyes.

(They’d had to touch up her makeup, and it took forever because she couldn’t seem to stop laughing at her husband.)

Their wedding was on a sunny day at the beginning of June, and most of it was a blur. Emma’s stomach was in knots for the majority of the day, not because she was nervous about getting married. It was more over having to be in front of hundreds of people in the Chapel and millions more on television, as well as having to spend half of her day with Brennan. Thankfully, he stayed away from them as much as he could, seemingly respecting them enough to let them have their day without his disapproval and overall shitty attitude. It’s the nicest thing he’s ever done for her, letting her have that day.

It was a great day.

“Who the hell is that handsome bastard in the portrait you’re staring at, darling?”

Emma huffs and turns to look at Killian only for him to come up behind her and wrap his arms around her waist, tugging her back into him before laying sloppy kisses all across her jaw and down her neck that has her stomach flipping. He’s always doing that.

“You’re so conceited.”

“Confident.”

“Eh.”

He nips at her ear, and she sighs back into him, letting heat simmer in her belly even if she knows that they can’t do anything about it right now. They don’t have time.

“You have to learn that my confidence is warranted. How could it not be when my wife makes noises like you just made when I barely brush my lips over her jaw?”

“I’m not helping your ego grow by answering that.”

Killian rolls his hips into hers, grinding into her ass, all while kissing her ear again, lavishing the sensitive spot that causes her flesh to pebble, and she just knows that he has a dumb joke in his brain about making something else grow. He’s thirty-one years old, and the amount of erection jokes that he makes is ridiculous. Granted, ninety percent of the time she wants to hear them, but that’s entirely beside the point.

“Killian,” she moans when his tongue licks along the shell of her ear while his fingers ghost over her stomach and up toward the underside of her breast, “we don’t have t-time. We’ve got to go to Sandringham in fifteen minutes. The car is scheduled to take us to the train station.”

“Fifteen minutes is plenty of time.”

“I haven’t finished packing.”

“I suppose you’ll simply have to walk around in the nude since kissing you is the only thing I can think of doing at this moment.”

Emma laughs, but then she’s turning her head to kiss him. Their lips collide together softly, and Emma twists her body until her hands are grabbing onto the lapels of his shirt, pulling him closer to him. His mouth is warm against hers, and it sends another thrill down her spine, curling around each inch of her. His erection is hotly pressing into her thigh through his jeans, and she feels it even more when Killian backs her up to the wall behind them. When she parts her lips for him, his tongue quickly flickers into her mouth, she follows his lead, eager to feel him in every way that she can.

It’s been eight years of this, eight years of her entire body thrumming and of Emma wanting him, and while there are days that it wanes and days where just looking at his face annoys her, it’s mostly like this.

Loving him is the easiest decision she’s ever made.

Choosing to be with him despite all of the insane highs and deep lows is the best choice she’s ever made.

Killian’s a good one. No, the best one.

(And she’s not biased at all.)

She grinds into him and groans against his mouth when he hits a particularly good spot, and in the haze of his fervent kisses, she reaches down between them until she’s fumbling with the button on his jeans and popping it open all the while Killian mutters filthy curses into her mouth.

“What happened to not having time?”

“Shut up.”

“I love it when you speak to me like that.”

“You are - ”

He doesn’t let her finish, not when his lips are slamming back into hers, and he’s kissing her so deeply that Emma can’t breathe or think or even focus on anything other than the feel and smell of Killian and the way his fingers are tugging her leggings down until the warm air of the apartment is hitting against her skin.

“God, I love you,” Killian murmurs into her jaw while his hands hook under her ass and urge her to wrap her legs around his waist.

“What are you doing? Are you seriously trying to show off athletic prowess right now?”

His hands squeeze on her ass, and he feels her smirking into her skin. The bastard.

“Absolutely, I am. I can’t wait to be sore tomorrow.”

Emma’s head tilts back with her laughter even as Killian slowly enters hers, stretching her the slightest bit while her arms tighten around his neck and her legs curl even further around his waist. He better not drop her. One time he did, and they should really find a couch or something. They’ve got at least fifteen in this damn place.

But then it just feels too damn good just like this. It’s hard and fast, their bodies completely pressed together, and all of Emma’s thoughts are blurred and mixed in with Killian’s muttered curses and her harsh pants and then their mouths finding each other once more. They’re close enough that Emma’s on edge already, each of his thrusts brushing her exactly where she needs him, and her eyes squeeze more tightly shut when she begins to fall, letting Killian’s encouragements guide her until she’s there.

Damn, Jones.

He must finish quickly afterwards, his legs nearly collapsing so that the both of them fall to the ground, but he manages to keep hold of them, supporting her.

“Thanks for not dropping me on my ass.” Killian huffs into her neck at her words, and she feels him loosen his grip on her so that she’s tightening her legs and gasping as he tries to drop her. “That’s not funny!”

“I found it funny.”

“How is dropping me to the ground funny? Aren’t you supposed to love me and cherish me or whatever?”

He leaves a warm, open-mouthed kiss on the side of her neck before pulling back so that she can see the ridiculous blue of his eyes. She’ll never quite get over them. “I do love you, which is why I haven’t asked you to get down yet even though my legs feel rather flimsy right now.”

Emma kisses the top of his head before unwrapping her legs and slowly falling to the ground, her own legs shaky. “I love you, too. We should probably go clean ourselves up and pretend that we weren’t just fucking five minutes before we got in the car to go to your family’s Christmas celebrations.”

��‘Tis the season and all.” Killian kisses her again, this time slow and unbelievably soft. Those are always her favorite. “Thanks for marrying me, darling. You’re just as beautiful today as you are in all of these pictures.”

“I’m not currently wearing pants.”

“That’s the way I like you.”

He’s an idiot...who she loves so damn much.

-/-

Celebrating Christmas with Killian’s family is weird.

There’s really no other way for her to describe it. For one, they spend at least five days having to circle around Brennan, which is hard enough as it is. He’s never going to approve of her and never going to love Killian the way a dad should, but at least he isn’t outwardly hostile to them anymore. It’s more of a quiet simmer with subtle rude comments that are made when Allison is out of earshot, and as awkward and uncomfortable as it is, Emma will take it. This is how it is, and there’s so much more to Killian’s family than his dad.

Allison, for one, is the sweetest woman alive who tries to make up for all of her husband’s downfalls (Emma still thinks she should divorce Brennan, but she knows it won’t ever happen. Appearances and all that. It’s also none of Emma’s business), and she’s taken Emma under her wing in the past two years, teaching her everything there is to know about royal life even though Killian and Emma both decided to not be as prominent as Liam and Elsa. They still work, are nearly always out and about working with some kind of charity they’re passionate about, but they’re not into all of the frills and the publicity.

Her accident still haunts her, the attacks of the media that occur every day following right behind, and it’s the reason they’re having a house built in Bucklebury so that they can have some privacy away from all of the business of living in Kensington. Emma’s doing her best, but she does not accept having to stop caring for her own life and her own wants simply because of who her husband’s family is.

It’s still so odd, Emma thinks. She fell in love with this wonderful, normal guy, and now she’s wandering around on an estate in formal wear to celebrate Christmas instead of lounging around in her pajamas eating junk food with her parents.

Her parents who are never invited to come for the holiday celebrations and who she misses dearly and will be going to see on the night of the twenty-fifth.

But besides having to spend time with Brennan, Emma also has to spend time with all of Killian’s cousins and aunts and uncles who she can never remember the names of despite her best efforts, and follow even more insane rules about what to wear and what silverware to use and what kind of presents to give. Killian held her hand throughout this entire week last year to help her learn, and he’s having to do the same this year. Though, she’s better at it now. She’s not a total fumbling fool.

Just a little one.

But she does know to always find Killian or Liam and Elsa, and if all else fails, she can spend time with Alex and Lizzie and be completely and totally charmed by their adorableness. Seriously. Emma thinks they might be the cutest kids alive, and she’s not biased at all because she’s their aunt. Alex is somehow four now even though she swears he was just two, and he’s the funniest child Emma has ever met. Lizzie is much quieter, more of an observer than anything else, but whenever she sees Emma, she runs to her and stretches her arms out so that Emma can scoop her up into Emma’s arms.

It absolutely makes Emma’s heart swell.

“Darling,” Killian calls out to her, and Emma’s head twists around to see Killian standing across the dining room from her in his tux, “would you come here for a moment?”

Emma turns back to the cousin - Rachel, she thinks - she was just talking to and excuses herself from the conversation to walk toward Killian, who is undeniably saving her before she got swooped away to talk to someone else.

“Thank you,” she whispers into Killian’s ear once she’s close enough, pressing her lips to the underside of his jaw and leaving a mark of red lipstick.

He kisses her temple and lazily loops his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Darling, I was just telling Liam that you were going to be on my football team tomorrow, and that he can’t draft you for his team first.”

Emma tilts her head and looks at Liam and Elsa. “Isn’t it Liam’s turn to have first pick? You had it last year.”

“Liam gave it to me last year,” Killian says, his eyes pointed at Liam, “even though it was his year. This year is technically still my year.”

“Rubbish. When I gave you first pick it was a gift because you were a newlywed, but we’re still supposed to switch off years.”

“No, this is still my year. Last year was a gift, and I did not agree to give up my pick.”

“I’ve just said that it’s not!”

Elsa rolls her eyes, and Emma brings her bottom lip between her teeth to bite. Seeing the boys be friends is never not refreshing, but it’s also obnoxious. They bicker all of the time in this friendly but obnoxious way, and if Elsa and Emma were to walk away, neither of them would notice.

“Babe,” Emma laughs, rubbing her hand up and down Killian’s back, “just give Liam the first pick. He’s not going to pick me. He’ll want to pick someone who’s actually good so he can beat you.”

“She makes a good point, little brother,” Liam says.

“Younger. It’s younger, and fine, you can have the first pick.”

-/-

Liam picks her first for the football game the next day.

Killian plays the entire game with murder in his eyes even if he immediately picked Elsa so Liam couldn’t have her on his team.

All’s fair in love and annual Christmas football matches.

(She and Liam totally kick Killian’s ass.)

-/-

When Emma wakes, she rolls over and checks her phone.

3:01 AM, December 25th, 2020.

It’s the middle of the night...or the morning, and she shouldn’t be awake. She’s got at least four more hours left of sleep, and she should not be awake. It’s been pretty much non-stop for the four days they’ve been at Sandringham, and she should be exhausted. Mostly, though, she’s hungry.

“Killian,” Emma whispers, reaching across the bed to poke his bicep. “Killian, wake up.”

He grunts and twists his head until she can see one eye open while the rest of his face is squished. “What?”

His voice is gritty and deep, and she’s really got to wake him up more if he’s going to sound like that. “How do I get to the kitchen?”

“What?”

“Where’s the kitchen?”

Killian twists again until he’s blinking at her and rubbing his hand up and down his face. “What time is it?”

“It’s three in the morning, and I’m starving. I have never figured out how to get to the kitchen in this place.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I’m not.”

Killian grunts and rolls over, throwing the covers off of him before standing from the bed and pulling his pajamas up on his waist so they’re not hanging indecently low any longer. “Come on. I’ll take you down there.”

“You’re my favorite person in the world.”

He grunts again and starts walking away, not bothering to find a shirt or shoes, and Emma quickly follows. She’s also got to pee right now, but asking Killian to wait might not be her best option when he doesn’t seem too thrilled about her waking him up in the middle of the night. She gets it. She wouldn’t be thrilled either.

All of the hallways are dark, but Killian easily navigates them, twisting and turning and taking several different staircases until he’s pushing through a set of double doors and they’re entering an industrial kitchen that doesn’t at all mix with the rest of this house.

Emma literally has no idea how they got down here.

“What do you want to eat, love?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“Nope. What do we have?” He opens the fridge, and she steps into his space until she’s looking inside as well at what looks like a hell of a lot of baked goods that they can’t eat. They’re probably for something else. “Can we eat any of this?”

“I think the baked goods are Mum’s gifts to the staff to take home to their families, but I can make you something. Do you want a grilled cheese sandwich?”

“Do you even know me at all?”

Killian laughs, but then he’s reaching forward and grabbing cheese and butter and moving away from the fridge, shuffling around and getting everything that he needs. When she offers to make it herself since this was her idea and Killian doesn’t even like grilled cheese, he tells her that he’s got it if she can make him some tea. They’re probably not going to sleep again, so they might as well get some caffeine.

Caffeine and maybe some cookie dough that she found in the freezer.

(She can’t help herself.)

“You know,” Emma yawns, “I used to be up at three in the morning all the time, but now I can’t do it.”

“It’s because you’re getting old, darling.”

“Says the man who is in his thirties, meanwhile I can still say that I’m in my twenties for ten more months.”

“And then once you hit that thirty mark, you’ll officially be old.”

“I will not be old. Thirty isn’t old. That’s a social construct.”

“It’s too early in the morning to be focusing on things like that.”

“True,” Emma sighs, taking a sip of her tea while Killian plates her sandwich, sliding it over to her with a napkin. It smells freaking amazing. “Thank you for this.”

“It’s no problem. You’ll burn your mouth if you eat it right now.”

“Some things are worth the risk.”

Killian chuckles and leans forward to grab his own tea, taking a large gulp. “I wouldn’t get up at three in the morning to cook for anyone else. I hope you know that.”

“I do know that. I wouldn’t wake anyone else up to make me food at three in the morning. Though, I really only needed you to show me where the kitchen was. I didn’t need you to cook.”

“It’s not a problem. You’re suffering through Christmas with my family for the second year in a row. This is literally the least I can do.”

Emma finishes chewing her bite before leaning forward over the counter to press her lips into Killian’s. “I’m happy to do most everything that I have to do as your wife. It’s weird and definitely not how I ever imagined my life, but I wear a hell of a lot of Spanx for you. That’s true love.”

His eyes crinkle, and Emma is so incredibly charmed by him and his stupidly mussed hair and sleepy smile. It’s kind of ridiculous, but she loves that smile and the way his hair can’t be contained when he hasn’t combed through it.

“And I make you the grossest sandwich in existence.”

“It’d only be the grossest if it involved mayonnaise and tuna or something.”

“This is true.” It’s Killian’s turn to lean over the counter until his lips are brushing across the tip of her nose. “I truly am thankful for you and not simply because you wear Spanx for me and heels that make your feet scream.”

“Yeah, babe,” Emma sighs, her heart content. “I know.”

“Merry Christmas, Swan.”

“Merry Christmas, my love. Should we steal some more cookie dough?”

-/-

February 2021

“This is weird.”

“What is? Being here?”

“Yep,” Emma hums as she looks out the window and sees the congested streets of Manhattan. “I don’t know...I knew it would be different to be back in America, but it’s just - I don’t know. I’ve only been to New York three times, so it’s not like it’s somewhere I spent a lot of time. Driving on this side of the road is kind of freaking me out.”

Killian huffs, but then his fingers are twining together with hers and he’s pulling her knuckles to his lips to kiss right above her wedding band. “We’ve been in America for a week, darling. I feel like you should be used to it by now.”

“Yeah,” she yawns, “I know, but honestly, I can’t tell you what we’ve done this week. It’s all a sleep-deprived blur. What are we even doing today?”

“I believe we’re going to a basketball game to meet with some children and promote the North American opening of Kidding A Goal, and then tomorrow we have several charities we’re visiting before a meeting with our U.S. diplomats.”

“And then we go home?”

“No, then we have the function at NYU. I’m giving a speech, but after that, I believe we’re going home. We’ll have to ask Ariel when we get to the hotel. I’m sure she’ll have everything mapped out to the exact minute.” Emma yawns again before her eyes flutter closed and she’s lulled into drowsiness. “Emma?”

“Mhm?”

“Do you need to stay in the hotel tonight and sleep? No one would blame you if you missed the game.”

She scoffs. There are literally thousands, probably millions of people who would blame her. Brennan would be the first person, and then all of the people who already hate her would be right in line after him. She’s been hailed as some kind of American princess for years now, and all of their aides and publicists have been marketing this visit with her returning to her roots or something.

Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York City aren’t exactly her roots.

But this is her life. She loves it even when she hates it. She can roll with the punches.

“I’m fine,” Emma promises. “Of all of the things we’ve had to do on this tour, I think going to a basketball game might be the easiest.”

-/-

The basketball game takes forever.

Seriously. How can a game that’s slated to last a certain amount of time exceed that time by hours? Either be like tennis where you have no idea how long it’s going to take or like football (soccer) where when the time is set, it usually stays that way.

This is why she’s never liked this sport.

And really, the entire time that they’re there, one of the publicists from the team talks down to her like she doesn’t know what’s going on. Granted, she doesn’t know all the rules, but there’s a difference between explaining something and talking down to someone. But it’s all fine and good, and she and Killian have a nice experience sitting courtside and stuffing their face with popcorn while sweaty men with squeaking sneakers run by them. Afterwards (and during honestly) there are a million and two photo ops, but Emma likes getting to talk to all of the kids that are there for them and for the game. They’re all adorable, and they give her and Killian matching jerseys that she feels like Killian is definitely going to be wearing more often than he should.

He seems to like basketball more than she does, but maybe she’d enjoy it more if she wasn’t so exhausted that she could fall asleep standing up.

They probably don’t get back to the hotel until two in the morning, and when they do, Killian promptly kisses her goodnight and then falls asleep.

Emma doesn’t.

Because, of course, she can’t fall asleep, and when their alarm goes off the next morning and Killian rolls over in bed to kiss the side of her neck, lingering there as he whispers sweet words against her skin, all Emma can think is that she only got two interrupted hours of sleep.

Her makeup artist is going to kill her.

If Emma doesn’t fall out from exhaustion first.

Several cups of coffee and a hell of a lot of concealer later, however, she’s good to go for another day of representing her new country to her old country.

Life gets weirder every day.

She’d do it all over again in a heartbeat for Killian.

-/-

“Love, have you packed our toiletries already?”

“Love?”

“Emma?”

There’s a tap against her shoulder, and Emma jumps, blinking several times until Killian’s blurry face comes into clearer view so that she can see the blue of his eyes and the scar on his cheek.

“Emma, darling, are you alright?”

“Yeah,” she says, waving him away and grabbing a pair of leggings out of the drawer. There’s no way she’s flying home in actual pants. That’s too long of a flight for anything that doesn’t have a soft elastic waist. She’s also wearing comfortable shoes because she’s going to boycott heels for a month. “Did you need something?”

Killian’s head tilts while his brows furrow. “I was asking if you’d packed away our toiletries. I’d like to brush my teeth again after drinking coffee, but I can’t seem to find the bags.”

“Really?” She begins to walk across the suite in their hotel room toward the bathroom. “Because they should be on the vanity. I haven’t packed them up yet. I - ”

Her feet catch in the carpet as her head suddenly begins to spin, and not for the first time in the last few days, Emma feels light-headed. But this is different. She can’t focus on anything, every object around her a pixelated version of itself, and before she can grab onto a blurred version of a dresser, she’s falling to the ground with the sound of Killian’s voice echoing behind her.

-/-

I did say this was pretty much like that original epilogue, didn’t I? Sorry to all of you newbies 😘🙈

tag list: @mrtinski @klynn-stormz @jonirobinson64 @snowbellewells @therealstartraveller776 @thejollyroger-writer @sherifemma @shardminds @captainsjedi @galaxyzxstark @galadriel26 @idristardis @karenfrommisthaven @teamhook @spartanguard @searchingwardrobes @itsfabianadocarmo @owlways-and-forever @jamif @shireness-says @ultimiflos @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @onepunintendid @bluewildcatfanatic @397bartonstreet @killianswannn @carpedzem @captainkillianswanjones @mayquita @jennjenn615 @onceuponaprincessworld @a-faekindagirl @scientificapricot @scarletslippers @xellewoods @ultraluckycatnd @stahlop @kmomof4 @tiganasummertree @singersdd @tornadoamy @captainswanbigbang

#what a wicked game #cs fic #cs ff #cs fanfic #captain swan fic #captain swan ff #captain swan fanfic #captain swan #csrt #captain swan rewrite a thon

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seriouslyhooked · 4 years

Text

Feels Like This (Part 8)

Emma Swan is a once lost girl who is now making good. She has made a way in the world for her and her young son, Henry, and after years of hard work, Emma is in her last stretch of schooling for the career she’s always wanted. Unexpectedly, she finds herself in a tiny nation no one’s ever heard of for her last year of study. She knows nothing about the place except that it’s beautiful, has a world-renowned child life program, and is filled with possibility. Meanwhile, Prince Killian is hardly happy with the title he received at birth. As the second in line for the crown, Killian has long tried shaking his royal duties. He built a career in the royal navy, and has stayed out of the limelight, but his ship has been called to port indefinitely at the request of his brother, the King. Fate (in her many forms) brings Emma and Killian together and the resulting fic is a cute, fluffy, trope filled romp featuring heart felt moments, a healthy dose of insta-love and an assured happily ever after. Story rated M and will have 12 parts. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7. Available on FF Here and AO3 Here.

A/N: Hey everyone! So I was writing this chapter before and during the angst of posting the parade chapter, and I want to just say, that while I knew many of you would be stressed, I imagined this chapter (and chapter 7) as a healing remedy. This is filled with first date fluff and cuteness and also some more needed disclosures between Killian and Emma. it represents a real beginning, and hopefully you’ll all enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Anyway, without further ado, here goes!

Okay, Emma, don’t panic. It’s just Killian. You like Killian. Actually, you really like Killian. And yes, he might be a prince, but that doesn’t have to mean so much when you think about it. A date is a date. Sure you haven’t been on one in years, and certainly not with a man you actually cared about. But it’s fine. It’s so fine. You got this. It’s not like he’s taking you to the palace for the date. Oh Jesus, he’s not taking me to the palace is he? I know he said he wasn’t but –

“I can practically hear you overthinking things through the door, Emma. Cut it out!” Anna scolded with her ever present affection laced into the sharp words. The censure snapped Emma’s focus back into the moment and reminded her that time was ticking, and she had others waiting on her. “Now come on, we want to see your dress, don’t we Henry?”

“Yeah, Mom. Open up!”

Anna and Henry’s headed back down the hall, and Emma heard their footsteps loudly thumping in a purposefully dramatic way. They hadn’t even waited for her reply, they just commanded her to get a move on. Emma smiled at their antics, despite her flurry of nerves, and looked back to the mirror one last time. She smoothed out the lines of the delicate dress she’d chosen for tonight, recalling Killian’s promise that they would have complete privacy and no expectations. With that assurance, she went with something pretty and yet still comfortable. Her chosen sun dress reflected the seasonal heat they’d been experiencing, but the pretty pink color was not her usual choice. It was different, but it felt special, and as she’d been choosing from the hordes of outfits Anna and Elsa offered when they arrived, Emma couldn’t help remembering Cecelia’s words at the center’s picnic. She’d said pink was for princesses, and though Emma by no means thought herself a princess, she wanted to feel a bit surer of herself in a not so normal situation.

“All right, I’m coming out,” Emma announced, swinging the door open and heading out for the big reveal.

Elsa, Anna and Henry were all gathered by the television, plotting out their movies to watch and snacks to consume while she and Killian went out for the night. Emma was so grateful to have new people in her life who would give up their one night off from work to help her care for her son, but when she tried to thank them, Elsa and Anna waved off her gratitude as unnecessary. Already they considered her a ‘dear friend’ and they were thrilled to spend more time with Henry. Henry was equally excited, but when he knew this was happening so Emma and Killian could go out, that excitement was compounded. He’d loved every minute they spent with Killian yesterday, and he’d reaffirmed that all day long. Henry had also been very clear of his approval and his want for Emma to give this a real chance.

When she came into view of her friends and her son, Emma felt a bit of lingering uncertainty, but it faded in the sight of everyone’s reactions. Elsa and Anna were so expressive, both of them clapping and smiling immediately.

“Oh, it’s perfect, Emma, just perfect,” Elsa said happily while Anna gave her own assessment.

“I really thought you should go with something more formal, but you were so right. This is the one.”

Emma smiled at the thought and looked to Henry. The softness of his expression made her throat tighten unexpectedly, and in seconds she was ready to cry. He looked so sweet and filled with adoration, and then he said the most beautiful words that always made a mother truly happy. “You look beautiful, Mom.”

“Thanks, kid,” she said, gesturing for him to come over. He ran to her, giving her a big hug that made her teeter slightly on her wedged shoes. She held on tight though, cherishing this love from her son and taking strength from his love for her. “You sure it’s really ok?”

“Killian’s not going to know what hit him,” Henry agreed with a grin. Then that smile faltered and Emma grew worried.

“Everything okay, Henry?” her son nodded.

“Yeah, Mom. Everything is great. You know I like Killian. He was so cool yesterday, and he makes you happy. I saw that.”

Emma couldn’t disagree. Even with all the unknowns and the questions and the hurt yesterday she had been happy. Spending time with Killian and Henry together had been easy and fun. It felt natural, and she’d loved that. It scared her, but she wanted it, and that was part of the reason she’d chosen to forgive Killian and still try despite everything that happened. Still, she felt there was something Henry wasn’t saying, and she waited her son out to see if he’d tell the full truth.

“You deserve this, Mom. I know you’re nervous still, about getting back out there after what happened with my Dad,” her heart stopped. They rarely ever talked about Neal, but when they did Emma always worried. Her priority was Henry and she never wanted him to feel like he was missing something. But in this moment, Henry quickly put those worries to rest. “But this is different. Killian is not like that.”

“You seem pretty sure about that,” Emma said, trying for lightness in tone, but not quite getting there.

“I am sure. You always told me to follow my gut, and my gut says that Killian is good for you. Good for us. Don’t you think?”

“I think…” Emma said, weighing her words carefully. Because yes, she did think that might be the case, but it was still very early on in whatever this relationship was, and she didn’t want to build up hopes too high for her or her son. “I think that I am excited for this date. So, what does that tell you?”

Henry grinned. He looked poised to say more but then a knock sounded at the door. Emma’s stomach flipped in anticipation and all the butterflies came back full force. Oh god he was here. This was actually happening.

“Look at that,” Anna said gleefully, gesturing to her watch. “He’s three whole minutes early. Someone’s certainly eager.”

“Anna,” Elsa said, chastising her sister, but only in jest. Elsa then came to stand and took Emma’s hands as a means of reassuring her. “You got this Emma. You can be totally certain we’ve got things handled here. Your only job is to go and have a marvelous time, okay?”

“And then report back all the details to us later,” Anna said. Elsa rolled her eyes, which made Emma laugh in spite of her anxiety, and then smiled.

“Any and all detail sharing is up to you.”

“Thank you. Both of you,” Emma said to Elsa and Anna. “Now Henry, you be good, okay?”

“You got it, dude,” he said sticking his thumbs up and quoting a show from her childhood that he’d taken to as a kid when it was on constant reruns. She laughed again, and allowed that laughter to carry her to the door. She didn’t give herself a chance to second guess, she just went for it, and then she saw Killian on the other side and she was spellbound, caught in a web of how handsome he looked.

“Emma.”

His voice sounded out in a deep rumble, gruff with feeling as his eyes took her in. She barely noticed though, distracted as she was by his outfit. Damn, it should not be legal for a man to be that hot. He was that perfect mix of formal and casual, and she momentarily forgot her audience. In fact, she forgot about everything except Killian, and by the time her eyes met his again, he was smiling this sinful smirk that lit her up inside. Crap, he’d caught her ogling him, but when he stepped towards her and filled the air around her with the scent of him she was lost again. She wanted to melt into him right now, but he held back, teasing her but never quite following through.

“I’ve no intention of waiting to the end of the evening to taste you, love,” he whispered, low enough that only she would hear. “But at the present moment we’ve got an audience, and I won’t put you through that.”

Emma nodded, thinking he meant Henry, Anna and Elsa but then she looked over his shoulder and saw the detail he’d had to bring. She blushed at the fact that she’d forgotten herself, but Killian didn’t give her any time to linger in that. Instead he took her hand in his gently. She assumed they’d leave straight away, but he surprised her by asking how Henry was.

“He’s great actually. Elsa and Anna are already spoiling him and I haven’t even left yet,” she said and Killian’s amusement was so genuine it touched her heart. “Do you want to say hi before we go?”

“I would love that,” he confessed and Emma brought him inside, realizing too late that this could be the equivalent of bringing him to the Spanish Inquisition. Her kid already asked a lot of questions, but with Elsa and Anna here, there was simply no way of knowing what would be asked or said. As if he could sense her worry, he squeezed her hand lightly and pressed a reassuring kiss to the top just before they came into view of the others.

“Hey, Killian! I didn’t know you were coming in. I hoped you might, but then Anna said people on dates get all heart eyes and stuff, whatever that means, and maybe you might forget.”

“Couldn’t possibly forget you, lad. Not when you introduced me to the world’s best pizza.”

Henry’s smile at that and his easy hop up from the couch to slap Killian’s hand had Emma absentmindedly rubbing at her heart. She watched the two of them catching up on the day, and also saw how easy Killian was with Anna and Elsa. Both of them lobbed a few sassier questions or comments his way, but he handled it all with grace, and every time he looked back at Emma, which was often, he had a smile on his face, like he was genuinely glad to be here, jumping through all these hoops.

Finally, after a a little visit with all of them, Killian made their excuses, while still keeping their end destination a secret. He offered Emma his hand once more and she took it, following him as he lead her out her front door and to the car. With sure and steady movements, he handed her inside carefully, acting every bit the gentleman. He then came around to the driver’s side and only when they were off and driving did she realize how not normal this must be.

“So what did you have to do to convince Jefferson to let you drive?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Killian said honestly before flashing her a smile. “He’s a smart man. He knows a losing battle when he sees one, and any iteration of this date where I sacrifice alone time with you is definitely a losing battle.”

Emma loved that he’d made this clear, and through the rest of the ride they talked and fell into an easy pattern together. It wasn’t long before they’d reached their destination though and Emma gawked when they pulled up to the magnificent, high, wrought iron gate.

“I thought you said we weren’t going to the palace,” she said, stunned at the size of this place. From the outside it looked like a castle, at least to someone who’d only ever lived in cramped apartments (at best) her whole life.

“This isn’t the palace. It’s another of my family’s estates. Actually, if you want to get technical, it’s mine.”

“Yours,” she said, dumbfounded, but entranced as they were let through and she looked at the stone façade. It was beautifully crafted, and maybe it was smaller than a palace might be, but it was a gorgeous home on a sprawling bit of perfectly manicured land. In a word it was intimidating, but she couldn’t deny the beauty, or the immediate charm of the place.

“Aye. I haven’t spent much time here though. I’ve always been home with my family when on leave. Historically if I so much as mention leaving, my Gran gets cagey and my mother grows quiet, two things you do not want to happen.”

“Bad signs?” Emma joked, and Killian nodded.

“Most definitely. Now though I don’t anticipate any push back.”

“What’s changed?”

“Everything.”

The way he looked at her when he said that told Emma so much. He was talking about her and about them. She felt a flare of heat and appreciation at his affirmation. Knowing he took this seriously made her happy even if she was still not ready to fully jump in. But it begged the question, did his mother and grandmother know about them? Did his brother? What did they think? Did they approve? All these thoughts ran rampant in her mind until Killian drew her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Immediately any worries fled and she was just here, with him, in this glorious moment. It felt just as good as she remembered, and she loved the taste of him and the feel of his hard body against hers. Emma never felt more secure or safe than she did in his arms, and she didn’t ever want to draw back. Fear was never on her radar when she kissed this man. She was simply free, free to be herself and to believe in something greater.

“I told you I couldn’t wait for the end of the night,” Killian said, his words a low warble that brushed against her skin when they broke apart. Her eyes opened and she took in his sexy as sin smile and felt her heart skip a beat. Damn this man for being so distracting. He was just so smooth and effortless, but underneath that swagger there was some not so hidden insecurity. He could be this and still be vulnerable with her, and that helped Emma feel like all of this was that much more real.

“Who said you needed to?” she quipped, teasing him with an almost kiss of her own and a soft nip at his lip. He growled and she pulled back, chuckling lightly. “Actually, on second thought, a little waiting never hurt.”

She should not have taken so much pleasure at his groan, but he respected her wishes, taking her hand and leading her inside. His hold on her was sure and strong, and she followed him, intrigued by a place she’d never seen the likes of before. The walkway inside was immaculately gardened. The cobblestone was ancient and even, and the vines along the walls were green and full and bright. There were flowers in the hedgerow, and the glass of all the windows glinted with the remaining sunlight. It was a gorgeous façade, and she was eager to see what beauty lay inside.

Walking into the manor home, Emma was struck by the design and the aura of the place. This home was pristinely kept and yet classic in all ways, but where Emma expected sterile, spacious garishness and overblown luxury, she found none. The mood inside was warm, there was plenty of natural light thanks to all those windows, letting in the dimming summer sun, and historical accents that blended with much more modern fare. Room by room she tried not to gawk at how beautiful it all was. It was wild because it was so different, but there was so much she liked, and so many parts of the house she saw and actually desired. It was a royal getaway but it was still a home, and that was beautiful. Thankfully they did not go on a full tour. That would have been kind of mortifying, and a reminder of how truly different their lives were, but what she did see was stunning. She could imagine Killian here, and for a moment she allowed herself to think if she would like it here and if Henry would too.

But she was getting way ahead of herself. She shook away the thoughts as they entered the kitchen, and once they were inside, she saw the first unkempt part of the house to date. It wasn’t messy, per se, but there were ingredients out and utensils and things for cooking. Actually, it looked like someone had already cooked half of a meal. Some things must be in the fridge, but there was enough on the counters for Emma to be curious. Yet there was no one in the house that she’d seen so far. The staff, Killian informed her, had all been given the night off. The only people on the property were his detail and they were at the gates. This was a secured place so aside from regular rounds, there would be no one walking about, and Killian assured her no one would be in earshot or view of either of them. She looked at Killian quizzically and he explained.

“I thought I might cook you dinner tonight, love, but then I realized, as a relative novice, some parts may take too much time. Between reading the recipes and consulting the videos I found online, it was a rather long process. So, I got what I could done earlier before picking you up. I didn’t want to keep you waiting.”

“Killian, you didn’t have to go through all the trouble,” she said shaking her head. No one had ever done anything like this for her. Certainly not someone who had so many other calls on his time and attention.

“It wasn’t any trouble, love. And I hope, when you find out what exactly is on the menu, you’ll be pleased.”

Emma didn’t know what she was expecting him to feed her, but his menu, as he put it, was a mix of elegant refinement and casual things that showed his attentiveness. He had a few courses mapped out, and most were unfamiliar and native to the Montennaran coast, but every one smelled delicious and tasted even better. It was a languid pacing, with Emma offering to help and Killian insisting he could do this. This left her to relax with a glass of some of the best wine she’d ever tasted, and gave the two of them space to talk, all while Emma took in his determination and sheer power of will. He was a beginner in all of this, and some elements took a bit more time because he was new to them, but his carefulness and attention told her so much about him, and all of his patience was well rewarded.

They stopped to share each plate together, and those moments felt especially intimate. They were seated close together, with barely any space between them, sharing each dish and enjoying each other’s company. Of course it was only a matter of time before that closeness got the better of them, but every time Emma thought they’d give in to the crackle of heat between them, Killian would say there was another course left. He’d press a gentle kiss to her cheek or her neck or her lips and be back up cooking once more. Now it was time though for the final course and she was eager to see what he had lined up for dessert.

“So let me guess, this dessert is going to somehow factor in those Montecarri things right?”

“What makes you say that, Swan?” Killian asked, amused at her question, but giving nothing away as he pulled some items from the cabinets. She was so distracted by his smirk she didn’t take stock of what he was gathering.

“Well this has been essentially a culinary tour of this country, and I hear Montecarris are the specialty to end all specialties. Seems fitting to include them.”

“Perhaps it would have been,” Killian hedged, his expression now the tiniest bit unsure. “But I actually had other plans.”

Emma was about to ask what they were when she looked down at the ingredients he’d brought out. Marshmallows, vanilla ice cream, and wait – was that chocolate chip cookie dough? If her eyes did not deceive her, that was chilled dough of a totally American staple, which also happened to be her favorite baked good bar none.

“Okay, I’m intrigued, what are you making?”

“Can’t you tell?” he asked curiously. “It’s your favorite. Well unless I’ve misunderstood.”

Killian explained his intention to bake these cookies and then to move outside to use the outdoor fireplace. He produced two perfect roasting sticks for marshmallows, and suddenly it dawned on her.

“Cookie s’mores,” Emma said in awe. They were her favorite summer treat, and as she looked closer at the dough she could see that there were graham cracker flakes in the mixture. Holy cow, he’d really done his homework for this one. “But how did you know?”

“My first week at the center, you were caught up in the children’s favorite game,” Killian said, alluding to how the kids loved to ask all of the adults about their favorite things. It had apparently been a staple since the older kids watched The Sound of Music. Now all of them loved compiling lists of favorite things as well as a list of things to try and to dream of one day seeing and doing. Thinking back though, Emma couldn’t understand how he would remember something like this. It was weeks ago, and it was such a small moment, but from her handful of words he’d created a road map to something thoughtful and perfect just for her. “You told them about this particular delicacy, and they were fascinated, as they are by damn near everything you say. I’ll admit, I had some trouble sourcing these graham crackers, though. They’re not a staple around here, but a lieutenant of mine from the navy can get anything from anywhere so I called in a favor.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Emma admitted. She found it hard in this moment not to cry, and the reasons for the feeling were all good. She was just a bit overwhelmed at how much he’d really been paying attention and how serious he was about making her happy. And it was working. She felt so good being with him, and for the first time in her life she was scared in a relationship, not because she didn’t want to trust, but because she didn’t want to let go.

“Perhaps you should save any declarations one way or another until after they’re made?” Killian teased and she knew he was looking for a smile, but she couldn’t just stop there. Instead she moved around the counter and pulled him in for a kiss, showing him how much this gesture meant to her in the scheme of an already beautiful night.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered when they came up for air. His eyes were filled with admiration and want, and she could see he was barely holding back, even as his cursed words sounded more like a prayer than anything else. Emma grinned and let out a low laugh as she ran her fingertips along his jaw.

“I think it’s safe to say that I love this, but just in case there was any doubt…” Emma said, and she purposefully left her meaning ambiguous. To him he might think it was just the s’mores she was discussing, but it was actually so much more. She loved being with him, on this date and just in general. She loved this snapshot he’d provided at a perfect quiet moment. And she loved the passion and the hope this man brought forth in her life so often. Despite yesterday’s uncertainty, she felt firmer in herself and in this new relationship than she ever had, and that was thanks to Killian and his kindhearted ways.

“You’ll never know what it means to me to hear that, love,” Killian admitted and she smiled at him once more. “I only hope you like the rest of the evening as much as you’ve enjoyed all this.”

And as they finalized things here in the house to make the rest of their dessert out back, Emma knew that she would enjoy whatever was coming down the pike. Because with Killian at the helm, she could have total faith in what was coming, and that feeling of safety and excitement that had been with her all evening would continue in the best and most wonderful way.

…………………

Sitting beside the outdoor flame, watching Emma laugh in the flickering fire light as she tried not to set her marshmallow ablaze, Killian knew he had never been more at peace.

Tonight was a revelation, just as many of his moments with Emma had been, but this was different. This time, Emma knew he was a Prince, and though he saw her eyes widen at the ostentatious gates and the vastness of this house, she never made him feel different or otherized. It may not be her norm, but there was no judgment from Emma or expectation. She had rallied and clearly chosen to be herself despite all of this, and that allowed him to do the same. It was a remarkable feeling, and a pleasure he never believed he could have as long as he lived here in Montennaro.

For the past few hours, Killian had done his best to memorize each moment. He kept tabs on all of Emma’s words and expressions. She was touched by his cooking for her, and though he was somewhat overwhelmed by all the things that could go wrong, she seemed to have complete faith in him. She also cherished all of their closer moments together, and he felt her wanting and the way it mirrored his own. There was so much brimming underneath the surface, a tantalizing knowledge that their chemistry was bound to combust sooner rather than later, but still he held back, savoring Emma the best way he knew how and trying to treat her to the perfect first date that she deserved. He wanted to carry all these little pieces of this evening with him for the rest of his days, even while dreaming of making a million more memories like this in the weeks and years to come.

Tonight had also solidified his hope for a future with Emma. He had known for some time that that he was in love with her. Interest and infatuation grew surely towards love early on for him, and now he cared for Emma in a way that would outlive his time on this earth. There was no denying how connected he was to her, and how enduring this bond he felt was becoming. She had his heart and his hopes tied so effortlessly around her, he stood no chance at getting either back again. But seeing her here, in his home, and in the place he was expected to build his future, changed something, taking things even further than they’d been before.

For the first time Killian could imagine Emma with him in his world. He could see a path for them to meet in the middle and to carve out a life they both could love. He had duties and responsibilities as Prince, some of which would require Emma’s participation if they continued to be together, but he would fight tooth and nail to give Emma everything she wanted and deserved outside of royal expectation. He couldn’t give her a fully normal existence, but he could give her love, support, and opportunity. He knew she’d want to work with the Institute still, and likely do even more for children all around the country and the world and he’d see to it that she could. He’d move mountains for her to help her feel fulfilled, because all he needed to feel that way was her. She was his home and his purpose, first date or not, and he prayed that someday she could see a home with him here. If not, he didn’t know what he’d do. All he knew was that living without her was not an option.

“You’re making that face again,” Emma said and Killian looked to her, grounding himself in the feeling of his hands on her lithe form as she turned their sugary treats until they were a perfect toasty brown.

He’d had his hands on her as much as he could tonight, and he was addicted to the feel of her. He did not know how he could go another day without touching her. Even a few hours felt too long a stretch. Emma soothed him and excited him at once, his heart raced but his demons stayed away. Feeling so much and having those feelings be good was something he’d never known before, but yes, sometimes worries crept in. He couldn’t help fearing that somehow she would leave him, and his hands were tied at the moment. He couldn’t tell her everything he felt so early on, but he’d never feel fully comfortable until he could. Still, the way she looked at him, like she knew him even better than he knew himself, should terrify him. Emma saw into his soul and could read him fully, scars and all. But instead of running from the attention like he did with anyone else, he was filled with pleasure. To know that she cared and that she was in this with him meant everything, and that eased the pain of his thoughts and worries being so obvious.

“What face is that love?” He feigned ignorance, though he knew exactly what she was getting at.

“The one you get when I’m leaving, or when you’re worried that I will,” Emma said, pulling out her golden treat from the fire and offering it to him. He absentmindedly took it as she continued on. “You had it yesterday at the parade, and then before we talked. Sometimes you get a version of it at the Center when it’s time to say goodbye, or when our tasks take us different directions for the day. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s a pretty persistent expression.”

“I’m not a fan of being parted from you,” Killian admitted and Emma looked at him with a softness in his eyes that spoke to understanding.

“That makes two of us. But luckily we’ve still got time, right?”

We have forever, he thought to himself but he bit the words back as he nodded and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

From there they managed to create Emma’s favorite summer sweet, and he had to admit that it was delicious, especially when he tasted it on Emma every time he stole a kiss. It was decadent but simple, and though s’mores were not a custom here in Montenarro, he felt young again. Like a kid in the summer months. It was peaceful and rejuvenating, and he wanted to extend that as much as he could.

“What are your thoughts on stargazing, love?” he asked, and Emma looked surprised before casting her eyes above.

“I haven’t had much chance to do it, honestly. We’ve always been city people so the light makes it hard to see. But out here… wow, I didn’t realize just how much you can see.”

“This is nothing,” he said, standing up and tugging at her hand. “Here, let me show you.”

As they left the stone walkway, Killian grabbed a nearby lantern, lighting the flame so they’d have enough light to guide their way. With languid steps the two of them walked from the fireside down a path in the back greenery. It was dimly lit with tiny lights along the path on the ground, but by now the sun had long since set and the night was out around them. Only the pale yellow glow of their lantern cast anything substantial enough to help them see. Emma held his hand tightly, and he checked to make sure she was comfortable. Her expression, even in the dim light, told him everything he needed to know. She was excited for this, and unbothered by the darkness they needed to get through to see the sea of stars.

Soon enough they came upon the back villa, a structure meant to house any guests, which had long been dormant. Since Killian was not here, he’d had no visitors, but someday he hoped that would change. What the house did boast, however, was something essential for stargazing, and he was glad he’d had the foresight to pull it out before Emma’s arrival.

“Wow,” Emma said when their seating area came into view. “That’s some telescope.”

“One thing you’ll learn about my brother is he does nothing by half. I mentioned the stars once when home for a deployment and the next day this was in my rooms. I had no real need of it at the palace, so I had it brought here. Needless to say, it’s a bit more powerful than anything I might have expected.”

“Henry would love this,” Emma said and Killian warmed at the mention of her son. Her boy was special to be sure, and even though he’d only met him yesterday, he knew Emma was right. Henry would take great joy in learning about something like this, and Killian felt a strong need to be the one to teach him how.

“He’s welcome any time, love. You and he both. You know that.”

Emma nodded, running her fingertips across the telescope thoughtfully. Killian knew she was thinking of that possibility, and he saw no signs of discomfort on her face. She just appeared to be thinking about what that might be like and what it would mean to bring her son to this place. Eventually Emma looked at him again, and when she did there was a light in her green eyes not provided by the lantern or the nearly full moon. It was something else, something warm and wonderful. A moment passed where there was so much left unsaid, but then she smiled and asked him to show her what to do. He was eager to do so, finding with relative ease all the big constellations and visible planets on this clear, summer’s night.

“Which constellation means the most to you?” Emma asked. He noticed that she hadn’t asked which one was his favorite. She had purposefully worded her query with the intention of understanding him. Tonight they both wanted to learn as much as they could about each other. It had been a theme throughout dinner and beyond, and for the first time he felt able to give that openness to someone. She may not realize how much this particular question meant, but he wanted to share it all the same.

“Aquila,” he replied, aiming the telescope to where it should be in the inky night sky. It took a few moments, but he found it sure enough, and he passed the scope to Emma with careful fingers so as not to move the lens. She took it in, looking at the stars, some brighter than others. She wouldn’t be able to see the design, or the lines that star maps always filled in, but that wasn’t important. It was the story behind this choice that mattered.

“It’s beautiful,” Emma said quietly. “What does it mean to you?”

“Aquila is the eagle constellation, part of the Herculean star systems. You can see the wings up top, and the bulk of the body below,” Emma nodded, her eyes staying trained in the telescope, giving him a bit more time to rein in his feelings before carrying on. “Aquila has long been associated with warriors, and so being in the navy, that connection always drew some attention. But it’s not the only fighting symbol. It’s not the strongest or most dominant. Most people who know of stars appreciate the constellation, yet cite others as more impressive or important.”

“But not you,” Emma said, looking back at him and coming to sit beside him on the outside lounger. Her hand came back to his and she gave a soft squeeze, pushing him forward.

“My affinity for this particular constellation has to do with the number in the grouping itself. There are ten stars in the assemblage.” He took a steadying breath and said the rest. “The same amount of sailors I’ve lost on my watch.”

Killian took another pause, steadying himself as the faces of those soldiers graced his memory. Despite the effects of time, he remembered each one of them, and sadly he vividly recalled their passings too. None had been easy losses, almost all had been in active combat, and most never had real resolutions. The killers got away, or were untraceable. There was no avenging these fallen brothers and sisters, there was only forward motion. Survival dictated they all carry on, but Killian’s heart required that he carry the fallen with him. He would not let them be forgotten. Indeed, the smallest thing he could do was see them in the stars each night.

“On a ship or on deployment, there are lots of open spaces. The night sky is a constant. Clouds may come, and so does fighting, but if you live through the day, the stars remain. They teach all sailors in the royal navy about the stars. Navigating by them might not be necessary anymore, but it’s a skill we’re expected to harness. The stars were also familiar. I had gazed upon them as a boy, not so unlike tonight. Liam and I used to enjoy such things, in the summer especially. For a long time, when I saw the stars, I thought of home. I thought of my family, and I took strength from that.

“But as much as the stars were a comfort, they were also witness to some of the worst moments of my life. When I experienced real fear and real loss in the field the first time, it was dark out, the peak of night, where stars are brightest. We were ambushed, a number of us were wounded, and we lost a life. Lieutenant Smee was nearly finished with the service. He had three weeks left, but death doesn’t respect such things.”

As he remembered that first lost, Killian still felt the weight of that realization. He’d known going into the service that risk was a part of things, but it made it all so much more real to have someone die in front of him. At that time he couldn’t understand why things happened that way, and he’d felt completely unmoored from any concept of a higher power. If endings were arbitrary and life came crashing down so unexpectedly all the time, what did that mean for the rest of them? What were they fighting for? And was any of it worth it?

“The next night I couldn’t sleep. I felt too much guilt,” he explained, looking down at Emma’s hands on him and using that as a lifeline in these murky feelings from his past. “We were sleeping and a man was dead, a family was broken, a dream was erased. I looked at the stars all night. This time I felt my ties back home and I also saw the scars I was forming. But even still, every night thereafter I looked at them. Loss came at any time, under the night sky, in a rainstorm, or in the blazing sun. Every time it did, I added a face to see. Soon I had enough to merit picking a specific group. At one time I prayed I would never come to need Aquila, and when I did need it, I prayed to never need another. Ten souls lost was ten too many.”

By now Emma was wrapped up beside him, her embrace having grown more supportive as he continued on, and despite the weight of the memories, he didn’t feel overwhelmed. There wasn’t darkness in full. It was like the sky tonight. There was deep, obscure patches, but light overall. That’s what Emma did for him. She lit him up and made his world so much brighter in the process. It also helped that as he continued on, telling stories of the people he’d lost she never flinched. She sat there calmly, attentively, and supportively. She held him, and when he felt he could say no more tonight she looked at him, with unshed tears and true affection that helped him feel like everything might be okay.

“That was the first time you’ve told anyone any of this, wasn’t it?” he nodded. She curled up closer to him, quietly telling him that she knew how much that meant.

“Aye, but it won’t be the last. I’ve made arrangements to meet with a naval counselor. I never intended to, but today I made the call.”

“What changed your mind?” she asked, clearly glad for his choice but holding off on her opinion.

“You,” he said honestly. “I would really like the chance to be in your life, Emma. You and Henry both. I hope I’ve made that clear by now, but I need to know for myself that I can give you everything I want safely. I still have nightmares and bad moments. I have scars as you now realize, and I want to understand them so I can be better for you, and for me.”

“You’re already more than enough, Killian.” Again she cupped his face, looking at him with what could only be described as love. Whether it was said or unsaid, Killian knew that Emma loved him, and that she was proud of him, despite everything he’d seen and done. It humbled him to feel that, and he knew he could never go another day without it. She was everything and so much more. “As someone who has needed help for my own demons though, I know how good sharing your stories will be. I used to be so afraid about being enough for Henry, about messing him up because of what I’d been through. I know you know the basics, but the truth is I was in more than a dozen placements in sixteen years, and that kind of constant change and upheaval and rejection takes a toll on a kid.”

Killian could not imagine how anyone could meet Emma and not want to keep her. To think of all the places that she’d landed that didn’t fight for her, that didn’t realize what a good and honest person she was made him sick. He knew she’d been through agony as a child, but he never imagined it could be so bleak.

“When I finally split, I still couldn’t find roots, no matter how hard I tried. I was desperate for them. I had no money and nowhere to go. I just… wandered. I’d have given anything for a family or even just friends, but I didn’t trust anyone enough to really let them in. I just needed to survive, and I couldn’t get to a stable enough place to feel like I could take a breath, never mind live a real life. Neal was the first person who helped me, and I made an exception for him. I let him past my walls, and I trusted in him.”

It wasn’t easy to hear Emma speak of a past love, but the look in her eyes told him there was no lingering emotion for this man he knew was Henry’s father. She may have loved him at one time, but that love was now gone. There wasn’t anger or hurt either, there was just calm, like she’d already made peace with every part of this sad story.

“It was good between us for a while, and I was young and I wanted to love and be loved. As soon as I let him in, that was it. He had my loyalty and my heart. I’d have done anything for him. I thought he could be that connection I was needing, but my desperation clouded my judgment. I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. I knew he wasn’t always on the right side of the law, but he always did right by me. I could see past his choices because he loved me and because he did these things for us. That’s what he always said, ‘I’m doing this for us.’ He also never involved me, and he made me feel protected. The world was a rough place, but we’d make it through. He’d get us through, that’s what he said. By the time I realized what kind of man he really was though, everything had gone wrong. He got caught stealing all sorts of shit, and he ran. Not only did he run, he tried to set me up for what he did to get the heat off of him. I almost went to prison. Not jail, but prison, for grand theft.”

Killian could understand more and more now why she had felt extra sensitive to the differences between them. As a Prince, his life and the lives of his loved ones would be under scrutiny always. She probably worried he would hear this and resent it, but he never could. He was livid at the fact that a man had ever hurt Emma this way, that he’d been coward enough to let her take the fall. But he was stunned at her perseverance. Somehow she’d gotten through that, and he was awed by the strength such growth must take.

“The only reason I was let go and my arrest was never recorded was because a good Samaritan called into the cops and provided my alibi. I had been in the park all day, studying for the last of my tests I needed to pass my GED. She and her dog were out there and the dog got off leash. I helped her wrangle the little guy at the same time as the robbery clear across the city. With her testimony they had nothing on me, and they realized they were going to charge me with something I had nothing to do with. I was let go, but yet again I was left with nothing. I had to start over again and it was so hard to do. Then a few months later I realized I was pregnant with Henry. I was so scared. I really didn’t think I could do it, but my state sponsored counselor ended up being a great help. She got me on the road to making things better, and she helped me see the circumstances of my life were out of my control. She said something I thought was unique, but it’s something I hear Anna say to the kids all the time at the center.”

“All you can do is the next right thing,” Killian echoed, and Emma nodded.

“I don’t think I always get it right, but I try to, and looking back I can honestly say that I’m proud of the last ten years. It wasn’t always easy, but we are here and here is…” Emma’s face colored with a soft, thoughtful smile and he could tell that she was thinking of her boy and how their life together was. Killian couldn’t help but feel tremendous pride in Emma and awe at all she had done. She was truly a survivor, and it was clear that the choices she’d made since then had all been guided by a want to do right by herself and by her son.

“Here is…?” Killian hedged, wanting to hear her put it into words. Now her eyes met his and they flickered, turning warm and sultry.

“Here is proving to be better and better, in no small part because of you.”

It was difficult to tell which of them started the kiss they shared then, but Killian savored every moment of it. They were out there together, under the stars and enjoying the quiet peace here away from the world. He wanted to get lost in it, to hold Emma tight from this point on and never have to pull back. Before their evening began he’d already envisioned his future lay with Emma, but now he could see it all here. The two of them together, choosing each other, building a life. Henry was here, and maybe someday other children. He’d be with his family, but they’d live on their own. He didn’t know how, but he felt that he could. He could craft a story for them here, and he just prayed that Emma felt inclined to do the same. Her actions tonight stoked that hope, and the taste of her kiss and the feel of her hands on him revived anything that he’d lost in his recent journey back through the past. Soon enough he was restored, feeling better than he ever had, and content that after so long he truly had found everything that he wanted.

“I wish this night never had to end,” Emma said wistfully some time later. Her lips swollen from their interlude and her golden hair bearing a slightly different shape from where his fingers had twined through. She was more beautiful than ever, here under the moonlight and in the lantern’s golden glow. And though they’d done nothing more than typical first date customs would allow, Killian would never know. He’d never felt so satisfied, and he shuttered to think of what he’d feel when they truly came together.

“I feel the same, love, but I promise – ehrm rather, I hope – that it won’t be the last.”

He shouldn’t have been so presumptuous as to assume she’d want another date with him. Of course he felt her desire and her want to be with him, but this situation was different than most other couples giving things a try. Perhaps she would realize she didn’t actually want to date a prince, undeniable attraction be damned. But God if she ended this then –

Before his thoughts could spiral, Emma pulled him for another searing kiss, one that left no room for outside worries or despair. There was only Emma, and god she was a wonder. He was dizzy from her by the time they broke apart, and his heart lurched at the seductive smile she tossed his way.

“Any chance you’re free on Tuesday?” Emma asked, filling his heart with relief before adding an even sweeter sensation directly thereafter. “Henry’s going straight from camp to dinner at a friend’s house but he’ll back for dessert. We’re having…” she trailed off and blushed and now Killian was too curious to be polite.

“What is it love?”

“Apple pie and ice cream.”

“How endearingly American.”

“I swear we’re doing our best to immerse ourselves, but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants,” she said with a shrug and he chuckled, running his hand along her cheek and watching her green eyes darken with the immediate interest that flared once more.

“I can think of nothing I’d like more than to see you and Henry again, love. Dessert sounds divine, whatever is on the menu”

“And dinner?” she asked, licking her lips and making him want another taste even though he’d had one just moments ago.

“If you’ll place your trust in me, I have just the spot in mind. It’s in the city, and we’ll be assured of total privacy.”

“Perfect,” she whispered, leaning into him as they stood and as he took her hand, leading her down the outdoor path once more.

And though it hurt to say goodbye when he drove her back home, so much so that Killian couldn’t bear to say the words, opting instead for a ‘See you soon, Swan’ and a final stolen kiss, he was comforted in knowing that this night was not the end. Instead, it was a beautiful beginning, one his instincts told him would lead him to the best moments of his life for now and always.

Post-Note: So there we have it – another CS first date in the books. I hope that you have enjoyed this chapter. For me it was a real relief to write this, both because I wanted to get to this moment, but also because I crafted it in the midst of a maddeningly busy part of my program. The good news is I have moved to my final stage and successfully passed, so I’ll soon be out of the thick of my crazy time consuming studies. Still, I may be sporadically posting for a little bit as I settle into my new normal post-school. All that being said, this chapter helped me destress and surround myself in fluff, even while dealing with some harder issues in Emma and Killian’s pasts. Please rest assured that Emma and Killian move forward from this moment with nothing but hope and good vibes. My plan for this fic has always been about 12 chapters, and I think I will land right there when all is said and done, and I promise to get back to this fic as soon as I can. In the meantime, I appreciate all of you so much for your continued support and kind words. They mean so much to me and I carry them always. Thanks again and hope you have a great rest of your weekend!

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swanqueeneverafter · 4 years

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Sins of the Past Pt.17

Storybrooke. Sheriff's Station. (Grif sits alone inside one of the cells while Hook and David talk in the Sheriff's office.) David: "I'm the one who caught him, so I should be the one who gets to talk to him first." Hook: "That's all very well and good, mate, but you're not the one who's wife and daughter are missing. In fact, they're both sitting outside this office. So why don't you go and be with your family because lord knows I would if I could!" Rumplestiltskin: (Leaning in the door way:) "Do you really think he's going to tell either of you anything? Even if he did there's no way of verifying the information." Hook: "Rumple's right. Lily and Mal don't have that kind of time." David: "Then what do you suggest?" Rumplestiltskin: "A simple truth serum ought to do the trick. I believe I still have a vial or two knocking around in the shop." David: "Great, get it. Ordinarily I wouldn't approve of such measures but Grif's our only lead and he's not talking. (Rumple nods and leaves to fetch the serum. Sighs:) I'm sorry, Hook. Of course you should be the one to interrogate him. It's just..." Hook: (Nods:) "I know, mate. Powerful as she might be, your daughter's being hunted. Speaking as a man who's face has been on his fair share of wanted posters, I know exactly how she feels." Bullpen. (Snow watches David and Hook shake hands from afar.) Snow White: "Oh, look at them, two concerned fathers." Regina: "Yes, they're a credit to all men who re-enter their daughter's lives when they're in their late twenties. Now can we please concentrate on what our next move is? If Lily and Maleficent weren't in the dungeons of Camelot, where could they be?" Elsa: (Standing by Lily's desk:) "We don't know they weren't there. (Turns to face them:) Guinevere said Morgana had separated the prisoners as much as possible. The dungeons are vast." Emma: "Well it's not like I can go in there with a search warrant." Snow White: "You're not going anywhere near Camelot, not with two sorceresses out for blood." Regina: "Hey, if it comes to a magic fight, I think we know who'd win. But yes, Snow's right, we can't go back to Camelot right now. If possible we need to face them on neutral territory." Elsa: "You may not be able to go, but I most certainly am." Regina: "And what are you going to do, sing them into submission?" Elsa: (Ignoring this:) "Whenever one of our allies names a new leader, it is customary to send an envoy with words of congratulations. Well, as Queen of Arendelle, I can think of no one better suited to formally welcome Morgana." Emma: (Knowingly:) "And to snoop around her dungeons." Elsa: "Precisely."

Cave. Location Unknown. (Lily continues to pace inside her cage, slamming her hands against the walls as Balinor, her captor, calmly watches. The sound of hoof beats is heard outside. A man, dressed all in black, drives a horse-drawn carriage with a cage in the back. Stopping at the mouth of the cave, the man jumps down and walks slowly towards them.) Aredian: "Did you miss me?" Balinor: "Where have you been?" Aredian: "Dealing with this one's mother. She's proving to be much more... spirited. We were right to keep them separated." Lily: (Shaking the bars of the cage:) "If you've harmed her in any way I swear I'll-" Aredian: "How does it feel to be in a cage? It's where you belong, you know. In a cage where civilised people can come and stare at you. Along with all the other freaks of nature." Balinor: "Aredian, please. I don't like this. Why must we wait so long?" Aredian: "I have not yet been able to procure a buyer for our latest stock. Apparently in these parts, dragons are to be feared, revered and respected. (Scoffs:) Tolerance of magical creatures is almost as dangerous as the beasts themselves. Unchecked, it spreads like a disease. It seeks out the young and the old, the weak and the able, the fair and the foul of heart alike. The people of the realms have grown lazy, Balinor. They’ve grown idle. They stand on the brink of dark oblivion. (Putting his arm around Balinor:) It is up to us, my friend, to remind the world that man is superior to these creatures in every way. The thought that these half-breeds can be considered our equals must be extinguished. (Slapping him on the back:) Now, I’ve had a long journey, so what’s for dinner?” (Lily watches their interaction carefully, taking note of the power dynamic between her two captors. Storing away the information to use to her advantage, Lily decides to bide her time until the chance to escape presents itself.) Wonderland. (Ella and Will hurry through the forest. Since the early hours of the morning, they've been tracked.) Ella: “Someone's following us.” Will: “By the sounds of things, I'd say several someones.” (They duck down behind some bushes.) Ella: “Do you recognize them?” Will: (Peering out:) “They work for the Caterpillar. They're Collectors.” Ella: “What are our options?” Will: “Well, basically, we could die, or we could run.” Ella: “I don't particularly care for the first one.” Will: “Me, neither. Left or right?” Ella: “Left.” Will: “Okay.” (They run. The Collectors right behind them.) Collector 1: “Where'd he go?!” Collector 2: “After him!” Collector 3: “He's getting away!” (Will and Ella run, jumping over tree branches and along uneven terrain. Will tosses a knife at one of the Collectors, taking him down and causing others to trip over the fallen man.) Collector 2: “He’s getting away!” (Will and Ella hide inside a large tree trunk.) Will: “I'm the one they want. We should split up.” Ella: “We should stay and fight.” Will: “Or, better idea you stay, I go. (Stands and calls out to the Collectors:) Oi! Over here!” Ella: “Will, no!” Will: “I'll be fine. I know these woods like the back of my hand. (He immediately turns and falls over a branch. Jumps back up:) I'm fine! Meet you back in Tulgey.” (He runs off, the Collectors following hot on his heels.) Ella: “Will! (Clasping her necklace:) It's okay, Mother, This is just a detour. I'll be with you soon.”

Storybrooke. Sheriff's Station. (Hook stands arguing with Grif.) Grif: "For the last time, I don't know what you're talking about." Hook: "You're a terrible liar." Grif: "Why would the Queen let me in on her plans? I'm just a lowly soldier." Hook: "You know more than you're letting on." Grif: (Smiles:) "Do I?" Hook: "Where are my wife and daughter you son of a bitch?!" David: (Stepping in:) "Hey, Killian, easy. I know you're upset but don't let him rattle you." Regina: "You could let me talk to him. I can be very persuasive." David: "Oh, no. Using a truth serum is one thing but I won't allow the use of torture." Regina: "Won't allow? I’m sorry, I don't remember you rejoining the sheriff's department." Emma: "She's right, Dad. You're not a cop anymore." David: "Maybe not, but emotions are running high here and I'm not about to leave that man alone right now." Regina: "So you don't trust me, is that it?" Emma: "Dad!" David: (Defensively:) "That's not what I meant. I just think someone who's not prone to flying off the handle might be useful at this time." Regina: "And you chasing a man down in your pickup truck was being level-headed was it?" Emma: (Standing between them:) "All right, let's just take it easy." David: "I agree. Look, Snow's already taken Maria for the afternoon, why don't you two go and enjoy yourselves for a few hours?" Emma: (Shrugs:) "We are still technically on vacation." Regina: (Motions toward Grif:) "What about him?" David: "Rumplestiltskin will be back soon with the potion and we'll know for sure if he's telling the truth. I'm just going to be here to make sure Hook doesn't do anything he'll regret." Hook: (Glaring at Grif:) "Trust me, mate, I won't regret it." Emma: (Trying to keep the peace:) "See? sounds like a plan to me. Killian? I know this isn’t too much of a comfort right now, but I wouldn’t worry about Maleficent. Robin said she personally saw Mal kick three pretty powerful witches out of the bar not too long ago. I think she can handle two without too much problem. ‘Gina, shall we?” Regina: "All right. (Walks over to David so they are face to face:) But make no mistake, I'm leaving because I want to, not for any other reason." David: (Knowingly:) "Of course." Regina: (Keeps her eyes on him for a long moment before turning to leave:) "Come on, Emma. Let's go home... (She takes Emma's hand and, pivoting on her heel, speaks into Emma's ear while looking at David:) and see if I can't make you call me 'Daddy'." (Turning scarlet, Emma gives one mortified glance backwards while allowing herself to be lead out of the station.) Wonderland. Grendel's House. (Amongst the wreckage, the Grendel sits alone at the dining room table. He doesn’t even move at the sound of footsteps coming towards him.)

Morgause: (Now standing before him:) “Good evening. You're looking well. Just like I left you. Although, (Looks around:) what happened here?” Grendel: “Bandersnatch attacked.” Morgause: “Did you kill it?” Grendel: “No.” Morgause: “Who did?” Grendel: “I had guests.” Morgause: “Guests? More than one? Tell me who. Tell me who, and I can help you.” Grendel: (Slowly looks up at her:) “You can bring back my wife?” Morgause: “Perhaps.” Grendel: (Stands:) “But that is impossible.” Morgause: “There is no such thing as impossible.” Grendel: (Hesitates:) “It was a young woman. And a man.” Morgause: “Who was this man?” Grendel: “She called him ‘Knave.’” Morgause: “Thank you for your honesty. You've been of great assistance.” Grendel: “Now... You will reunite me with my wife?” Morgause: “With pleasure.” (Morgause draws her sword and stabs him through the heart. The Grendel falls to the floor, dead.) Camelot. Throne Room. (Aredian stands before Morgana with a proposal.) Morgana: "Dragons?" Aredian: "Yes, Your Highness." Morgana: "You wish for me to purchase dragons, from you?" Aredian: "Why, yes. Just think of the grandeur their presence will bring to your coronation. Really start your reign off with a bang." Morgana: "You mean send it crashing down in flames, more like. You are aware of my father's legacy? How he sought to rid this land of all magical creatures and those who wielded it?" Aredian: "I am, My Lady. I'm also aware of how you seek to distance yourself from that legacy." Morgana: "And you believe the best way to do that is to have fire-breathing dragons under my command?" Aredian: "What better way, Your Majesty? Let the people marvel at their new leader's supremacy. Queen Morgana: She who walks with dragons." Morgana: "You would have me show dominance over these creatures? To have them be seen as nothing more than pets for my amusement?" Aredian: "Well, I-" Morgana: "You disgust me. (Stands:) As Queen I seek to heal the wounds inflicted upon the people of Camelot by my father and his heartless nature. I shall welcome all those who practice magic, everyone who has ever been ostracized and belittled by those too blinded by fear and hatred. Camelot shall be a haven to every man, woman, child or beast." Aredian: "My Lady, if I have upset you then please forgive me. I merely-" Morgana: "Guards! (Two guards close ranks on Aredian:) These men will accompany you to wherever it is you are holding the dragons and you will release them immediately. (Aredian begins to protest:) If you do not, mark my words, you shall have me to answer to. Now go!" (Aredian glares at Morgana while he is escorted from the room.) The Enchanted Forest...Pub. (Henry and Richard enter.) Richard: “Oh, this place is fabulous! It's all men. A real gentleman's club. (Waving:) Hello. (To Henry:) Get used to the attention, son. This is what happens when you hit the mainland with King Rich.”

Patron: (To Henry:) “Haven't seen you around here before. Trust me... I'd remember. The Queen's gonna want to get a look at this one.” Queen: (From the staircase:) “I do!” Richard: “Oh, no.” (Dance music plays as the Queen emerges from behind several men.) Queen: ♪ You trespassed upon my kingdom ♪ ♪ And now you are in my sway ♪ (Descends the stairs assisted by two men:) ♪ Which basic'ly means, as the queen of all queens ♪ ♪ I'm going to make you pay ♪ Patron: ♪ Will we be throwing him in the dungeon? ♪ (Two men, dressed in leather, dance inside a very small cage.) Patron 2: ♪ Or tossing him to the bear? ♪ (A stout, hairy man lifts his tankard and winks.) Queen: ♪ Well, one thing for sure ♪ ♪ We'll settle the score ♪ ♪ And trust me, it's more than fair ♪ (Runs to stand directly before Henry:) ♪ Off with his shirt ♪ Men: ♪ Yeah! ♪ (Two men remove Henry’s doublet:) ♪ Strip him down ♪ ♪ Don't be shy, boys, go to town ♪ ♪ I'll bet that chest is heaven-blessed ♪ ♪ So firm and pert ♪ (The Queen is lifted back towards the stairs:) ♪ Off with his top ♪ Men: ♪ Yeah! ♪ (Henry’s shirt is stripped away from his body:) ♪ Let it fly ♪ ♪ Check that six-pack, it's to die ♪ ♪ Tell ev'ry Lance and Bruce and curt ♪ ♪ Off with his shirt ♪ Richard: “Oh, this is so fun! I want to fly like her, too. (Spreading his arms:) Someone pick me up.” (Instead, the men pick up Henry, carrying him to the bar, which they deposit him behind.) Queen: ♪ Ooh, so now that you're in my power ♪ (The men flood the bar asking for drinks and Henry serves them:) ♪ We'll put you behind these bars ♪ ♪ And there you will stay, taking orders all day ♪ ♪ Till Mars is aligned with Mars ♪ ♪ And for our pleasure, we'll keep you waiting ♪ ♪ Who knows just how long you'll serve ♪ ♪ But, baby, you bet ♪ ♪ You're gonna get ♪ ♪ The punishment we deserve ♪ ♪ Off with his shirt ♪ Men: ♪ Yeah! ♪ Queen: ♪ That's the deal ♪ ♪ You're our beefcake happy meal ♪ ♪ Go on, you guys ♪ ♪ Just feast your eyes ♪ ♪ Until they hurt ♪ ♪ Off with his shirt ♪ Men: ♪ Yeah! ♪ Queen: ♪ Till the dawn ♪ ♪ Dig that lush pectoral lawn ♪ ♪ Drink in those lats and traps and delts ♪ And after that, who knows what else? ♪ ♪ So save some room, boys, for dessert ♪ ♪ Oh, off with his shirt ♪ Men: ♪ Yeah! ♪ Richard: (Tosses Henry his shirt:) “Put this back on. You'll catch your death.” Henry: “Well, I have had a blast. You know, I've never been to one of these places before.” Richard: “What, a pub? Oh, don't be stupid. You've been to a pub before.” Henry: (To Patrons:) “Anyway, uh, I'm gonna head out. Got to get him back to his kingdom. I've got to return to finding my one true love. She's, uh...” Men: “Awwww!” Henry: “Yeah, she's waiting for me, but thank you for everything. And thank you for not feeding us to the bear. Goodbye, Bear.” Bear: (Waves:) “Laters.” Henry: “Richard, vamos.” Richard: “Sí.” Queen: “Where do you think you're going?” Henry: “Uh...” Queen: “We just had our best night in years. You'll be staying here forever. Or at least until those abs go soft.” Henry: (Chuckles:) “But...” Queen: “Guards!” (Henry and Richard are surrounded by guards.) Richard: (Chuckles:) “At least Bear seems happy.” Storybrooke. Recent Past. The Dragon's Lair. (On a rowdy night at the bar, Emma, Regina, Lily and Zelena are having a girls night out.) Emma: (Downing a shot:) "Woo! Another round!" Barman: "Are you sure?" Lily: "Hey! You heard the Sheriff, another round!" Emma: "We are armed and dangerous!" (Emma and Lily break down into a fit of giggles.) A Short Time Later... (As their drunken state worsens, all four women find themselves laying on their backs on top of the bar, allowing the barman to pour shots directly into their mouths. To the delight of all the male patrons watching, the women begin dancing with each other on top of the bar.) Happy: "Yeah! Ladies, take it off!" (Putting their arms around each other, the four women stand in a line on the bar and proceed to can-can. The resulting kicks hitting Happy square in the face as he's knocked back and forth.) Much, Much Later. (With the bar mostly cleared out, Regina bursts through the doors, riding a motorbike with Emma on her back. Lily, waving her top in front of them like a red rag to a bull, sidesteps them at the last moment as Regina revs the engine and drives by. Zelena, for her part, has taken to sliding across the floor on her back under tables, with her bra on her head.)

The Final Straw. (With Lily looking on, though barely conscious, Emma pours a bottle of tequila over Regina's chest and is about to start licking it off, when she is grabbed by her hair and pulled upright.) Maleficent: "That's enough!" Emma: (On wobbly legs:) "Whassa matter? (hic) Jealous?" Regina: "Yeah, Mal... Jealous? (Chuckles, before falling off her bar stool. From the floor:) Whoopsie. Ow!" (Regina rubs her head, having collided with Zelena on her 10th sweep of the bar floor. Mustering all the patience she has, Maleficent picks up Lily's shirt from the bar and throws it to her daughter.) Maleficent: "Cover yourself up. And as for the rest of you, since I very much doubt you're going to remember this night anyway... (Suddenly, Maleficent grabs Emma and pulls her into a deep, steamy kiss. Releasing her after a long moment, Maleficent watches Emma stumble, a dazed expression on her face. Shrugging:) I'm sorry, honey. I just don't see what all the fuss is about." (With that, Maleficent walks away. Blinking rapidly, Emma stands confused and looks down at Regina who's also in shock. Before either of them can process what just happened however, Emma's feet are taken out from her by Zelena and she falls, landing in a Mills sister heap on the floor. Unable to get up, the three women soon find themselves drifting off to sleep. Halfway through pulling her top back on, Lily stumbles backwards, crashing upside down in one of the comfortable leather chairs by the fireplace before she too dozes off.) Wonderland. Present. Forest. (Will ducks down behind another tree trunk, in an attempt to evade capture.) Collector 1: "We must have missed him! You go this way! I'll go the back! Look along the bank!" (Will smiles at this, then hears sounds of men being beaten. Peering through the trunk, Will sees the Collectors all lying on the ground unconscious. Stepping out from behind the tree, he stares at the carnage.) Will: "Ella?" Anastasia: (Standing behind him:) "Did you really think that she could do this all by herself?" Will: "Bloody hell." Anastasia: "Hello, Will." Elsewhere. (Morgause stands talking to an unseen person.) Morgause: "I hear from the Caterpillar that you're one of his finest Collectors. Well I happen to have a very special job in mind for you." (Morgause's eyes glow as she casts a spell over the person in front of her.)

Storybrooke. Swan-Mills House. (Regina and Emma arrive home.) Emma: "I wish you wouldn't give people the wrong impression about our sex life. Especially my father." Regina: (Chuckles:) "He was asking for it, shooing us out of the station so the men could handle things. (Tossing her keys into the bowl beside the door:) I mean since when have they managed to solve anything by themselves?" Emma: "Well, that may be true, but I was referring to who calls whom, Daddy." Regina: (Scoffs, removing her coat:) "I was trying to make a point." (Suddenly, Regina feels a harsh slap to her backside.) Emma: (Whispering in Regina's ear:) "So am I. (Proceeding to nibble on the brunette's ear, begins unbuttoning her blouse:) I want you to walk to the living room while removing all your clothes. (Moving to Regina's other side to nibble her other earlobe:) If you don't do it in such a way that pleases me. (Another slap to Regina's behind:) There will be consequences. Do you understand? (Silently, Regina nods:) Now go." (On shaky legs, Regina begins to walk across the hall, removing items of clothing along the way. After a few paces, Emma begins to follow her, removing her own clothes as well. Peppering the relatively short walk with words of approval, Emma enjoys the sway of her wife's hips as she makes it to the couch. Standing in her underwear, leaning against the door frame, Emma watches as Regina turns to her for instruction.) Emma: "Sit. (Regina obeys. With a slight lift of her chin:) Show me. (When Regina reaches behind to unclasp her bra:) No. Not yet." (Regina nods and moves her hands down to her waist, lifting her hips to slowly ease her panties down her legs. Leaning back against the couch, Regina allows her underwear to slip down over her ankles and onto the floor. Smiling to herself when she hears Emma's footsteps coming towards her, Regina closes her eyes and waits patiently for Emma's next command.) Sheriff's Station. (Rumplestiltskin returns to the station holding a bottle.) David: "Is that it?" Rumplestiltskin: "The strongest truth serum there is." Grif: (Now worried:) "Drug me with whatever you wish, I still don't know anything, I swear!" Hook: "Well we'll soon find out." Rumplestiltskin: (Approaching the bars:) "I need you to drink this." (Rumplestiltskin opens his hand a little, revealing the luminous green substance contained in the bottle. Recognition dawns on Grif's face.) Grif: "There must be some other way." Rumplestiltskin: "I wish there was. Truly, I do. You told me you always dreamed of sitting at the round table one day. Well, now I'm offering you something greater. Your death will be the cornerstone of a great new kingdom. If you take this." David: "His death? What are you-" Grif: (Snatching the bottle:) "For Camelot." (Grif takes the potion. Gagging, he falls to the floor and disappears in a cloud of green smoke.) Hook: "What the hell was that?!" Rumplestiltskin: "Poison from the Agrabah vipers." (Before their eyes, Rumplestiltskin transforms into Sir Mordred.) Mordred: "Something your Mayor is very familiar with and would have prevented me from using, if you hadn't sent her away.” (With one last satisfied grin, Mordred disappears.)

#sq #swanqueen #swan queen

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donteattheappleshook · 4 years

Text

Seal of Approval

Tumblr ate my answer so I’m gonna post the story this way. This is a response to an anonymous prompt for a CS/Snowing double date combined with an Ao3 prompt for a CS date set during the six week gap in season 4.

Big thanks to @xhookswenchx and @teamhook for looking this over when I was pulling my hair out! (also sorry if you accidentally get tagged twice because of this lol)

Also on Ao3 as part of my new CS Prompt Collection

-/-

Emma gets up quickly, sets down one of the giant muffins her mom made and heads in the direction of the crib when she hears her brother crying. Damnit, she’d only just gotten him to sleep, only just gotten to sit down and have a bite to eat. Babysitting sucks. She loves baby Neal - even if she isn’t the biggest fan of his name - but anyone that comes between her and a snack is going to have something to answer for.

“Hey, man,” she says, picking him up out of his crib and bouncing him on her hip. “Couldn’t hold in the waterworks until Mom and Dad came home?” Neal stops crying and smiles up at her, grabbing a fistfull of her sweater and leaning his head on her shoulder. Okay, maybe he’s not so bad. He could be worse. He could be a giant ice monster, or a dragon, or the Dark One.

She shudders. It’s been three weeks since their last crisis, since the Ice Queen sacrificed herself and since Belle banished Gold from Storybrooke. Emma still can’t believe she did that, can’t believe the amount of guts and backbone that it took for her to do that despite the love she’s sure Belle will always have for him. But he’d gone too far, threatened too many people, lied to them too many times, and he’d had to pay the price.

Since he’s been gone it’s been, well, quiet. It’s strange - for Storybrooke anyway. Emma and her dad take turns working at the station, Mary Margaret is back at the school regularly now that there’s no monster to fight. Killian has been spending his time working alongside Belle to help free the fairies from the Sorcerer’s hat - that’s a friendship Emma hadn’t seen coming, but she’s glad that Killian has someone else in town to spend time with besides her and David. He’s really starting to feel like a part of the community.

Today is her day off, and while she’d have liked to spend it hanging out with Killian on his newly returned ship - not that they really ever leave the cabin but that’s besides the point - he and Belle are pretty sure they’ve had a breakthrough and Granny had to cancel on babysitting. So she’d agreed to do it. How much trouble can a kid be? She has fake memories of raising one after all. Neal spits up in her hair. She sighs. How much longer until her parents get home?

“Hi Sweetheart,” Snow says, walking through the door just as Emma has set Neal down with a few of his toys and is attempting to wash baby vomit out of her hair in the kitchen sink. “How was your day?” she asks, picking the baby up. David walks in behind her.

“Great,” she lies. Her mom doesn’t need to know. “He already had his supper but I didn’t give him his last bottle yet.”

“Thanks,” David says, kissing her forehead. It’s still a bit weird, knowing that David and Mary Margaret are her parents, that they’re the same age as her. But it’s weird in the same way that it’s weird that everyone in town is a fairytale character. She’s starting to get used to it and if she doesn’t think about it too much, she can forget it. Mostly. Usually.

“How was the station, Dad?” she asks.

“Quiet,” he says. “Just some teens graffitiing the alley behind Granny’s.”

“Did you use your scary prince face?” she asks.

“I don’t have a scary prince face!” he insists. “But no, I sicked Granny on them,” he tells her with a knowing smirk.

Emma laughs. “How was school?” she asks Mary Margaret.

Mary Margaret goes on to tell her about her day, about the work the kids are doing, how they’re adjusting to everything. She also mentions that she saw Killian and Belle on her way home and that they were finishing up at the library from the looks of it.

“Killian was walking her home,” she tells her. “It was sweet. I think he worries about her.”

Emma smiles a little. “Yeah, well, Killian has a history with women who’ve loved the Dark One.” Both her parents frown and she realises this is not a backstory she wants to get into - or one that’s hers to tell. “I think I’ll head over,” she tells them. “Go meet Killian on the Jolly if he’s done for the day.”

“Again?” David asks and the way he says it makes her pause.

“What do you mean ‘again’?”

“Well you’ve - you’ve been there almost every night this week,” David says.

“Yeah, it’s Regina’s week with Henry. What’s your point?” she asks with a raised brow.

“David,” Snow interrupts. “She’s a grown woman. If she wants to spend her time at her boyfriend’s that’s totally up to her.”

“Boyfriend?” David demands, shock and disbelief and a hint of panic in his tone.

“David...” it’s a warning this time.

“Do you have a problem with me dating Killian?” Emma asks. She thought her dad was starting to like Killian. Had she been wrong?

There’s a long, tense moment before David speaks. “No,” he says finally, shoulders falling on his exhale. “I just… didn’t realise you guys were so serious.” He’s trying really hard to sound casual and she appreciates that.

“Yeah, well,” she says. It is serious. She thinks. They date and spend most nights on his ship together, they’re sleeping together and as far as she knows neither of them are sleeping with other people. He tried True Love’s Kiss on her for god’s sake and as terrifying as that idea still is… well, yeah, she’s pretty sure it’s getting serious. More serious than she’s let anything get in a long time. Walsh doesn’t count.

“Then I think we should meet him,” David says and both Emma and Snow turn to him in confusion. “Properly.”

“Dad, you know Killian.” Was there another curse that came through town that she didn’t hear about?

“I don’t mean meet him I mean…” he searches for words. “If we were back in the Enchanted Forest, or even if we’d been able to raise you here, if you were dating someone seriously you would have brought him over, for dinner or something, so that we could meet him properly, as your boyfriend.” He nearly chokes on the last word.

Emma frowns at him, skeptical. “Is this some weird thing so that you can ask him about his intentions or something?”

“No!” he insists quickly. He clears his throat. “Besides, I already did that,” he adds quietly.

“You did what?”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“No, he didn’t tell me!”

“Huh,” is all David says.

“Probably because he knew it would make me annoyed at you. He wouldn’t want that.” David’s face softens and looks guilty all at once. “He’s changed.”

“I know he has. I just… we didn’t get to raise you and meet any of your boyfriends. This time, if it’s something real, I want to get to know him better,” he says and Emma lets her hackles down a little. “Why don’t you invite him over for dinner tomorrow night?”

“Are you planning to interrogate him?”

“No… I mean I have some questions,” he starts and holds a hand up when Emma starts to protest. “But they’re normal questions. The kind a dad should be allowed to ask the man who’s dating his daughter.”

Emma sighs. “I get it, Dad. I do. But, I’m not a kid. We’re the same age and bringing my boyfriend over for some formal, meet the parents dinner just feels… weird.”

“Why don’t we do something else then?” Snow chimes in, ever the peacekeeper. “Maybe… a double date!”

“A what?” Emma and David answer in unison.

“Like you said, we’re all the same age. Why don’t we all go out and do something fun together? That way, we can get to know Killian better without so much pressure. Emma has a point, Sweetheart. The age thing makes it weird so maybe, this way, we can work on being friends,” she finishes very diplomatically, her hand stroking David’s arm.

“But I…” David starts.

“Honey, our daughter is a grown woman. Killian is older than you. We can’t pretend she’s a little girl that needs looking after. Besides, it’s been a while since we had a date night.”

David sighs, caving. “Alright,” he agrees and Emma shares a thankful look with her mom. David looks up again. “But can I at least -”

“No,” Snow and Emma cut him off.

-/-

“So listen,” Emma says, propping her chin on Killian’s chest, her fingers drawing patterns through the hair there. “I need you to do something for me.”

Killian’s smile is obscene as he pulls her in closer, hand wandering over her naked back. “Anything,” he promises as his fingers trace over the skin at the curve of her hip. He’s gonna regret saying that, she thinks. She really wishes she didn’t have to ask him what she’s about to ask him because she knows it’s going to stop the trail of his hand cold.

“I need you to go on a date with me and my parents.”

He freezes, blinks. “I’m sorry?” he asks with a small shake of his head, eyes wide. “What?” He’s frowning at her now and it’s really almost funny to watch all the emotions play across his face. She pulls back, sits up, letting the sheet fall around her waist and taking a moment to appreciate the way his eyes drift down despite his confusion.

“David and Mary Margaret want to go on a double date with us.”

“They want to spend an evening out with us? With me? With the man who is currently engaging in sexual congress with their daughter?”

She smacks him on the shoulder and he laughs, catching her hand and pulling her back down on top of him. “Oh my god. You cannot make reference to the fact that we’re having sex! I think my dad is still trying to convince himself that I’m a virgin.” Killian smiles wickedly again and she glares. “Don’t,” she warns and he bites his lip.

“So what exactly would this evening entail? Would they care to join us for a night on the Jolly Roger?”

Emma shakes her head. “It’s too cold. We just don’t notice it because we stay down here.”

“That’s not true,” he insists. “There was that one night on the deck. I believe we managed to keep quite warm.” She rolls her eyes. “So what then? Dinner at Granny’s?”

She shakes her head again. “They said that wasn’t special enough since we eat there all the time together. And the whole town would be there.”

“Alright. Then what did they suggest?”

Emma shuts her eyes and buries her head in his chest, not wanting to say her next words. “They want to go for drinks at the Rabbit Hole,” she mumbles against him.

“The Rabbit Hole?” he asks and she can hear the raised eyebrow in his tone. “Why the devil would they suggest that?”

“Because I told them we go there,” she groans. He’s looking at her when she finally lifts her head, waiting for an explanation. “They had another one of those ‘we’re not old, we’re fun’ moments and they asked me what we like to do with our time together and I panicked because I couldn’t tell them what we actually do when we spend the night together so I just blurted out that we like to go hang out at the Rabbit Hole and they just jumped on the idea and well, here we are.”

Killian looks equal parts like he wants to laugh and jump overboard at the idea of going to a bar with her parents. It’s not her fault! She had to come up with something and the truth of the matter is that she and Killian are still in the honeymoon period of their relationship - though she doesn’t really see it slowing down anytime soon. This is the first quiet moment they’ve had since they really got together. This is the first time they’ve been able to really be together and not just find a few stolen minutes when her parents are out of the loft or when they could steal away to his room at Granny’s. It’s nice, just being able to enjoy each other.

“Well,” Killian finally says. “I suppose it has been a while since I took you out properly.” Emma looks up at him, relieved and hopeful. “Besides,” he shrugs, his hand resuming its path again. “It could be fun.”

Emma does not appreciate the look in his eye when he says that - well, okay she does, a lot, but not the implication of what that look could mean for tomorrow night. “Behave yourself,” she warns him.

“I don’t know what you mean, Swan,” he insists. “I will be the picture of propriety.” Yeah right. She doesn’t believe that for a second.

“My dad still has a sword.”

Killian smirks, rolls her over onto her back and settles his hips into the cradle of her thighs. He gives her a wink. “So do I.”

-/-

When Emma and Killian arrive at the Rabbit Hole, the place is already nearly packed with people. Emma’s not surprised, the town only has one bar and, well, there’s not much else to do on a Friday night here. She’s broken up enough fights at one in the morning when she works the night shift to know how rowdy this place can get. Which is why she still can’t believe this is where her parents wanted to have their date. Here. Of all places. She sighs, maybe she should have let them just have Killian over for dinner.

“What’s wrong, Love?” Killian asks, nudging her shoulder and leaning down so he can whisper in her ear. She’s sure the volume in this place has something to do with it, but not everything to do with it as the goosebumps rise up on her neck and she feels his lips against her skin. So much for best behaviour.

“Just thinking that I’m definitely going to need a drink if I’m gonna make it through tonight.”

“Aye, you and me both,” he smirks, directing her towards the bar. Emma can’t actually remember the last time she came here for a drink and not for work. It’s weird, people keep looking at her like they’re expecting to get arrested. What’ll they think when the King and Queen walk in?

“Two rums please,” Emma orders and the bartender heads off to get them their drinks.

“Crowded in here, wouldn’t you say?” Killian asks, sliding in closer and wrapping his hooked arm around her so that her back presses into his chest. Cheeky, she thinks. Not that she really has any issue with him finding a reason to press up against her. If her parents weren’t about to walk through that door any minute, she’d roll her hips back against him, just to get him worked up. But they are coming. So she doesn’t.

They’re handed their drinks and toast, to surviving the night, and then throw them back in one shot, ordering a second round. Those are thrown back too. She doesn't intend on getting drunk, just a little loose, enough that she can get through the social awkwardness of dating with her parents - but not so much that she might say or do anything to give herself away.

Killian leans in under the guise of making room for someone squeezing by behind them. Suddenly, his lips are by her ear and she can feel his smile against it, the one he gets when the rum is just starting to warm his blood.

“Killian,” she warns when his lips close around her earlobe, and then start trailing slowly down her neck.

“Hmm?” he hums, playing innocent.

“My parents are going to be here any minute.”

“Indeed,” he speaks against her neck and then continues, unperturbed. “But they aren’t here yet, are they?”

Fine then, if that’s how he wants to play. She pushes back against him, her ass pressing into the front of his jeans and his lips fumble against her skin. He clears his throat and when he speaks again his voice is rougher, a little bit of an edge to it.

“Careful what game you’re playing there, Swan,” he warns. She smirks.

“You started it.” She sees the door open, sees who comes in as they scan the room, looking. Emma grabs her third drink in one hand and then reaches back to brush her fingers against the hardening length pressing against her back. Killian growls. “Mom! Dad!” she calls then, waving them over. The sound Killian makes is priceless. She knows she’ll probably end up paying for it but it’s enough to see him so thrown off his game when she looks over her shoulder.

She steps forward, out of the circle of his arms and into her mom’s embrace. “Hi sweetheart!” Snow says, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Hi Killian,” she says, looking over Emma’s shoulder. Killian coughs awkwardly and raises his glass in greeting. Emma bites back her smile.

David leans in for a hug too and then reaches out to shake Killian’s hand. Emma notices that he keeps the majority of his body behind her as he takes her father’s hand. Maybe she was a little too mean. He really was asking for it though.

After a second, he recovers flawlessly, smiling at her parents with that charm she knows has gotten him through more challenging situations than this one. “So, what will you have?” Killian asks, waving down the bartender.

“Beer for me,” David says, pointedly speaking to the bartender rather than letting Killian order for him. She sees the slight smile on Killian’s face. “Snow?”

“Beer,” she says and four pairs of eyebrows raise.

“Beer?” Emma asks

“I drink beer!” Snow insists. Even David doesn’t look convinced. “It’s a night out! I’m having fun!”

Emma cringes. All she can hear is ‘I’m not like the other moms. I’m a cool mom,’ echoing in her head. Even when she and Mary Margaret were roommates, her mom never drank beer. Wine, yes, sometimes even hard liquor if the situation called for it. But never beer. But then again, her mom did just have a baby. Maybe she’s trying to take it easy.

“Okay then,” Emma says. “Make it four. She throws back her last drink. This night is already off to an interesting start.

David suggests they find a table and they manage to trudge their way through the crowd towards a small booth in the back of the room. Emma’s pretty sure that booth had been occupied a second ago. She doesn’t know whose presence led to it being vacated: the royals, the sheriffs or the pirate. What a freaking weird bunch they are tonight.

They squeeze into the booth, she and Killian on one side and her parents on the other and then… nothing. An awkward, long, heavy silence hangs between them, the kind of silence that’s always dreaded when it comes to new social interactions. Twice Mary Margaret opens her mouth and Emma hopes she’ll say something but both times she closes it with a frown. David keeps alternating between clearing his throat and taking sips of his beer. What is going on? They’ve all spent time together before, they’ve all spoken to one another… but that was usually about a crisis… now with no crisis there’s just… quiet. She hates it.

The TV switches to a hockey game and David perks up. “Oh, this should be a good one,” he says and Emma realises those are the first words that have been spoken in five minutes. Mary Margaret nudges him in a not so discreet way and he looks at Killian and Emma. “Do, uh, do you like hockey?” he asks Killian lamely.

Killian scratches at a spot behind his ear. “Alas, I’m not familiar with it. I don’t know the rules.”

“Oh,” is all David says.

Before the next silence can last too long Mary Margaret speaks. “So, Killian, how are things going with Belle?” she asks with a smile. “Have you made any progress?”

“Very little,” he sighs. “We keep getting stuck with translations. Those magic boxes can do much but they can’t decipher the spells.”

“That’s too bad,” Snow says and Killian agrees. Another silence follows as they all nurse their drinks and half-watch the game.

Emma startles suddenly when she feels Killian’s hook on her knee. His hand is around his glass, perfectly proper, but his hook is starting a slow climb. She kicks at his foot, trying to ignore the sparks shooting along her skin. He is not actually going to try this with her parents sitting right in front of them. He hides his smile in his drink. Her parents remain unaware and Killian grows more daring until suddenly Emma is distracted from trying to bury her fingernails into her palm by her dad speaking to Killian again.

“What games do you know?” he asks. Emma smiles a little. She can tell he’s really trying.

“Few from this world,” Killian admits, his hook has stopped it’s journey for now but it’s still on her thigh. “There was little opportunity for sport on the sea but I fancy myself quite good at cards and dice. And of course swordplay and shooting.”

David actually smiles. “I miss a good sword fight for the sport of it,” he says. Snow catches Emma’s eye and gives her a little grin, clearly thrilled that they’ve found something to talk about.

“Perhaps we ought to have one someday,” Killian suggests and Emma tries not to laugh at the idea of two of the most competitive people she’s ever met sword fighting ‘for fun’. She can see the concern on her mom’s brow too. “Actually,” he says, looking over at the dart board. “I’ve quite taken to darts.”

“Really?” David perks up. “Why don’t we play?” He asks, looking excitedly at the three of them.

Killian looks at Emma and she shrugs. “Sure, why not? I’m a little rusty though.”

“Then we’ll just have to get you loosened back up won’t we?” Killian teases with a smile that’s way too suggestive for present company.

He’s really enjoying this isn’t he? She shakes her head at him and his brows waggle. Her dad is looking at them with a little less enjoyment but also like he doesn’t have the ground to stand on to protest anything. She remembers the way Killian had teased David when he picked her up for their first date and she wonders exactly how far he’s going to push this. Well, he wouldn’t be a pirate if he didn’t crave a little danger, would he?

They wait for the current game to end and then head over to claim the board. Emma can’t help but notice the way her dad’s eyes shift when Killian wraps an arm around her shoulders as they walk, keeping it there as David grabs the darts. He looks at them.

“Do you want to go first?” he offers, pointedly looking at Killian’s arm.

“I’m fine,” he waves him off. David clenches his jaw and Emma raises a brow at him. Apparently his overprotective dad mode has been initiated. And Killian’s hook is in a much more respectable place now than it was a few minutes ago. David turns to throw his first dart and Emma looks up at Killian, flashing him that same raised eyebrow.

“Be nice,” she tells him.

“I’m always nice,” he smirks.

“No, you’re trying to give my dad an aneurysm with your PDA.”

“I don’t know what either of those things mean but I’m certain your father can handle his daughter being shown a bit of affection.” He’s at least keeping his voice low.

She shrugs. “Your funeral.”

“I can think of no better way to perish than by showering you with my attentions. Well, maybe one.”

She rolls her eyes and he laughs, leaning in to press a kiss to her temple. Emma sinks in against his side a little, leaning her head against his shoulder and looping her arms around his waist. It’s nice. The whole sweet, boyfriend-y, little touches and cheek and forehead kisses and stuff. It’s new and she’s not used to it, but she likes it.

David clears his throat and Emma raises her head to see him pointedly holding out the darts for one of them to take. Really? She casts a desperate glance at her mom who is trying and failing to hide her amused smile. But Mary Margaret steps forward and plucks the darts from her husband’s hand. David looks at her like she’s betrayed him.

“I’ll go next,” she announces, actually winking at Emma as she walks by them.

“But shouldn’t one of -”

“Nope!” Snow turns to the dart board and throws three bullseyes in a row without flinching. Killian’s arm falls slightly from Emma’s shoulder as he swallows, eyes going a little wide.

“Woah, Mom,” Emma gapes. Snow shrugs but Emma can see her preening, a little bit of a daze working its way into her smile and she can tell that the drink might be starting to hit her already. That really just makes the bullseyes more impressive. She walks over to David who smiles proudly and kisses her. Oh, so they can show affection but she can’t?

“My turn,” Emma says, giving Killian’s waist a squeeze before heading over to pull the darts out of the board. “Wish me luck!”

She stands at the line and sets herself in the right posture, but before she can throw the dart, Killian’s hand is on her back, his cheek brushing her ear. “Good luck,” he whispers before pressing his lips to her neck. Her dad’s throat clears again. “You feeling alright, Dave?” Killian asks with a smirk. Emma elbows him.

She throws the dart and it misses its mark. Although, she’s pretty sure that it has more to do with the pirate whose lips are curling against her ear than with her actual skill.

“You need to adjust your form, Love,” he tells her, finding an excuse to wrap his hand around her hip and pull her back a little against him. David coughs again and she swears Killian’s face is going to split if he smirks any wider. “You should really get that checked out, mate,” he says. Killian actually does adjust her form, pulling her hip back and lining her shoulder up more squarely with the board. The next dart hits the bullseye.

“He’s not wrong,” Snow says softly and Emma doesn’t look but she can just picture David seething beside her. The third dart also hits the center and she and Killian both walk over to pull them from the board.

“You need to behave yourself,” Emma whispers to him. He only smiles.

“We’re on a date, Swan. Is this not how people are supposed to behave on dates? It would certainly seem so if the movies your mother recommended are to be trusted.”

“You actually watched those?” she asks, surprised.

“Aye,” he nods. “And those Henry and your father recommended as well. The Widow Lucas showed me how to use the black box in the room I rented.” He looks at her. “What?”

“I’m just surprised I guess.”

He shrugs. “They took the time to share something they enjoyed and hoped I would too. It would feel rude not to.” Emma smiles at him. It’s kind of sweet to see the effort that he’s making to befriend her family - even if he is currently trying to give her dad a heart attack. “Besides, it gives me something to talk to them about.”

She laughs. “We could have used that when we were at the table,” she jests, nudging him with the dull side of the dart. The corner of his lips pull up salaciously.

“I was otherwise engaged.”

“I think you got them all,” David says impatiently and Emma hangs her head, a small laugh escaping her. They make their way back to her parents and Killian takes his turn, hitting two bullseyes. In the end, Snow destroys them all and while he’s proud of her, David still shakes his head and laughs.

“Well,” he says, hands on his hips. “My ego is thoroughly bruised.” Snow smiles at him and pats his chest placatingly. “What do you say we try another game? Maybe pool?”

Killian agrees and she and her mom shrug. Why not? It’s better than sitting in awkward silence back at the table.

“I must say, Your Majesty, I could have used someone with your aim back on my ship. Not only in scuffles but it’s always good to have a shark when gambling and sailors often make the mistake of underestimating a woman.”

“Men, you mean,” Snow quips and Killian laughs.

“Aye.”

“But we know better don’t we?” David chimes in. “I only needed to learn that lesson once,” he laughs, rubbing at the scar on his chin.

“I know exactly how you feel,” Killian smiles, his arm snaking its way across Emma’s shoulders again. David looks surprised.

“What do you mean?”

“Did your wife not tell you?” Killian asks, then looks at Emma. “Did you not tell him?” She shakes her head. “When Emma and I first met, when we were fighting to get here from the Enchanted Forest, Emma knocked me out with a rather impressive blow to the jaw.” He rubs at his chin.

“Aw, sorry, babe,” Emma says, rising up on her toes to kiss the spot where she hit him so long ago. He had it coming back then, but she feels a little bad about it now.

“You did?” David demands, looking at her with some kind of fatherly pride she’s still getting used to. She doesn’t fail to notice that he doesn’t seem quite as scandalized by her kissing a man in front of him as she expected. She nods. “Huh,” is all he says.

“Like mother, like daughter, I suppose,” Killian ventures. David actually laughs.

“Yeah, I guess so!” He looks at Emma. “Good for you,” he says before casting a slightly guilty look at Killian. “No offence.”

Killian shrugs it off. “None taken. I was… different back then.” He looks a little ashamed and David nods.

“Yeah,” he agrees and Killian’s shoulders straighten. Emma squeezes at his waist, trying to sooth him, but she doesn’t need to when David speaks again. “But you’re not that person anymore.”

Emma doesn’t know who is more shocked, Killian, her mother, or herself. Killian coughs, scratches behind his ear. He’s trying to play it cool but she can tell how much even this small acknowledgement from her dad of how much he’s changed affects him.

“Right,” he says finally. “Shall we play some billiards?” David nods and Emma starts to follow them but Snow stops her.

“Why don’t you boys play,” she suggests. “Emma and I will go get another round.”

“You don’t want to play?” Emma asks, frowning. She knows her mom has a competitive streak. Snow shrugs.

“Pool isn’t my strong suit,” she says. “And I think I’d like to go out on a victory.” David checks once more that she’s sure she doesn’t want to play and she assures him she doesn’t. Emma’s pretty sure that her dad receives the same hint that she’s getting: Snow wants him and Killian to spend some time alone together, she’s giving him his chance to talk. Emma’s weary but she’s also getting the sense that her mom is also trying to lure her into some kind of weird mother-daughter talk under the guise of getting drinks.

They push their way through the crowd - Emma swears it’s even more packed now than it was when they first got here - and make it to the bar. It takes them a while to get the lone bartender's attention and Mary Margaret takes that time to look back at where the guys are playing pool.

Emma looks over her shoulder. She can’t help but laugh. They both have the same cocky swagger to their mannerisms, showing off with every shot. She can’t hear what they’re saying but she’s certain there’s a little trash talk going on. It looks like Killian is winning though, if the smile on his face and the frown on David’s is anything to go by. David says something that makes Killian laugh and David raises an eyebrow as he leans over the table to take his shot. She’d never noticed that little quirk of her dad’s.

“I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Snow comments and Emma turns back to her.

“What?”

Snow nods towards the guys again. “I just think you might have gotten your taste in men from me,” she smirks.

“What? Ew,” Emma says but then she looks over at them and oh my god. “Oh my god!” she says. “Oh, gross.”

“It’s not gross!” Snow laughs. “Your father is confident and kind and supportive - and so is Killian. And he looks at you like you hung the stars - that’s an addictive feeling, believe me, I know. But it’s not a bad thing,” she says quickly and Emma realises her panic must be evident on her face.

Things are going well with Killian. She likes him. A lot. More than she’s liked anyone in a long time but… he traded his ship for her, his home, and to hear Snow tell her that he looks at her the way her father looks at her mother.. they’re true love and well, it’s a lot. And it’s a little scary.

“I know it’s not,” she admits. “It’s just -”

“Intense?” Snow asks with a smile.

Emma laughs a bit. “Yeah.” Her mom nods. “Intense is the right word. Killian is really kind of all or nothing and all in and I like it but it’s… a lot.”

“Just give it time,” she says, reaching out to stroke her back gently. “I have to say, as your mother, it’s nice to know that you’re lo-” she cuts herself off. “That you’re cared about so much.” Snow has a small dreamy smile curling her lips and Emma asks her what else she’s thinking. She shrugs. “Your dad is like that too. All or nothing. Like I said, the apple doesn’t fall far…”

Emma raises an eyebrow, biting back her smirk. “Yeah, well, I never slept with Whale so…”

Snow bursts out laughing and actually smacks her arm and Emma starts laughing too. For a moment, it feels like before the curse broke, back when Snow wasn’t her mom but just Mary Margaret, her friend, her roommate. She misses that sometimes. She’s happy she has her parents, that she finally found them, but sometimes she misses her best friend.

Emma manages to get the bartender’s attention and orders their drinks. “So,” Snow asks as they wait for their order. “How are things going?” She’s still got that lighthearted, slightly coy smile on her face that reminds Emma of simpler times and so she answers honestly, speaking to her friend rather than her mother.

“It’s going… it’s going really well actually.” Snow’s smile is going to split her face. She nudges her with her elbow.

“Tell me!”

“I dunno. He’s sweet, like really sweet. With me but also with Henry and I guess I never realised how much fun he is to be around. He’s always teasing and playing around and he’s got all these great stories and these little quirks that I didn’t know about. And he asks me about myself and he just listens - like, actually listens.”

She looks over at where Killian’s playing pool. He catches her eye, raises a brow. “And it doesn’t hurt that he looks like a freaking Calvin Klein model. And oh my god the s-” She stops. Suddenly remembering who she’s talking to. Snow doesn’t look phased, only smirking at her a little wickedly and Emma wonders if she’s feeling the same nostalgia she is or if it’s just the one beer already hitting her.

“You’re blushing,” she teases.

“I am not!” Emma insists.

“Hey, I don’t blame you. He is very hot.”

“Mom!”

“What? I’m married. I’m not blind.”

Emma only gapes at her in disbelief as Mary Margaret shrugs dismissively and grabs the four bottles when they’re set down in front of them. The bartender also sets down a bottle of rum giving her a smile.

“On the house,” he says. “You being here has people on their best behaviours. I haven’t had to throw someone out all night.”

“Is this a bribe?” Emma asks with a raised brow.

“Absolutely,” the man says and Emma laughs, accepting the bottle and the glasses but throwing in a large enough tip that she doesn’t feel like she’s committing a felony. When they reach the pool table, there’s some sort of heated argument going on.

“I’m just saying, when I win, I want to win fairly,” David says.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Killian insists.

“What’s going on?” Emma interrupts.

“Killian is cheating.”

“I’m not cheating! I’m offended you would even suggest it.”

“Why do you think he’s cheating?” Emma asks, feeling protective of Killian but also fully aware that him cheating is absolutely a possibility.

“Because five minutes ago he was sinking everything and then I missed a few in a row and suddenly he hasn’t managed to sink a single ball.”

Emma bites back her laugh. “You think he’s cheating to let you win?” Emma looks at Killian, sees the smirk on his face. Oh my god, he’s cheating to let David win.

“Emma,” David says. “Please tell your boyfriend that I can win on my own, thank you very much, and that this isn’t going to earn him brownie points with your dad.”

Killian laughs but he reaches out and grabs hold of her hand, squeezing it when her dad refers to him casually as her boyfriend. She brings his hand up to her lips and presses them against his knuckles. His eyes widen slightly in surprise while her father rolls his. She wonders at his surprise. Maybe she’s not the best at showing affection. Maybe she should work on that.

She steps forward into his embrace and he wraps his hooked arm around her as he reaches for his cue that’s leaning against the table. She presses herself against him and puts her hand on his chest. There’s still that bit of surprise on his face but his smile tells her it’s the good kind.

“Killian,” she says seriously, tilting her head up to look at him.

“Yes, Love?”

“Stop letting my dad win,” she smiles. He laughs, nods, but leans down quickly to kiss her, brief enough that David can’t really complain. It doesn’t stop him from frowning though.

“Alright then, Dave,” Killian says when Emma walks back over to her lean against the wall with her mom. “Let’s have a real game shall we?”

The game gets pretty close, by the end it comes down to David having only the eight ball left and Killian having one of his own to sink. David misses the shot and they debate the rules as to whether Killian wins by default or if they keep playing. David insists that he’s lost and that that’s better for Killian since he’d still have two balls to sink to win. Killian insists that he loves a challenge and wants them to continue.

Snow rolls her eyes and shoots Emma a knowing look. Shit, they really are alike. She’s trying not to be grossed out by that. In the end, Killian sinks both his ball and the eight and wins the game, but in a way that David can respect and he offers him his hand to shake, insisting that they’ll have to have a rematch sometime. Killian’s smile at the offer and the way his cheeks go a little red warm her heart.

“How did you get so good at this?” David asks. “They didn’t have this game in the Enchanted Forest. Do you and Emma play a lot when you come here?”

Killian shoots her a smirk and she glares at him. “No, we usually enjoy ourselves in other ways when we spend an evening together.” He’s really pushing it, she thinks. But as far as her dad knows they hang out here on their nights together so hopefully he thinks that Killian just means they play other games, and not that Killian spends most of his nights with his head between her legs, playing in a whole different way.

“It was Belle, actually,” he adds before David or Snow can put any pieces together. “She’s quite the shark and sometimes we play to blow off steam when the research gets to be too much. She taught me a trick or two. There are quite a few games she’s taught me that we didn’t have in our realm. I must say this world has a certain advantage when it comes to entertainment.”

“Yeah,” Snow says. “I have to say I’d miss reality TV and the Food Network if we ever went back.”

“And video games,” David adds. “And ESPN.”

“Look, the Enchanted Forest lost me at no indoor plumbing,” Emma chimes in and there’s a shared laugh of agreement.

“I do miss some things,” Snow admits. “Like royal balls. There’s nothing here quite like the dances we used to have at the castle.”

“I miss riding horses,” David says. “Cars are great, but you can’t bond with a car. What about you, Hook? Do you miss anything from your old life?” Emma tenses, almost worried about his answer. He gave up his home for her, she reminds herself. But that doesn’t mean that he’ll never regret it, that he’ll never resent her for it.

“Can’t say that I do,” he shakes his head, reaching for her as though he knows exactly what she’s thinking. He probably does. “Particularly now that I have my ship back. I missed the sea.” He looks at David pointedly then, his fingers tightening on her hip and she knows that the message is for her too. “But I have no plans of leaving. I’ve found a call that’s stronger than hers.” He looks at her out of the corner of his eye and she tenses a little, a natural reaction to such an overt admission of feelings, but then lets out the breath she’s holding and smiles at him, lets herself be happy about it. She catches David’s nod of approval. Mary Margaret’s practically swooning.

“I do miss the music, though,” he adds after a moment. “There’s something about the sound of a crew singing under the hot sun while they work, or late at night under the stars that nothing here has managed to live up to. The music in this realm… leaves something to be desired.” Emma bites back her smile, remembering his distaste for most, if not all of the music Henry insists on playing loudly whenever he’s on the Jolly Roger with Killian.

“Although, I will admit that some of the music Emma has shown me is more... palatable.” Emma smirks as David and Snow ask what music he means.

“I showed him classic rock,” she tells them. “I thought with the whole leather and eyeliner and earrings it might be up his alley.” She was honestly shocked when he’d liked it. She’d been showing him a bunch of different genres and he’d made faces at nearly all of them, all but folk - which she expected - and classic rock - which she had not.

David’s eyes go wide but not in shock, in excitement. “And you liked it?” he demands.

“Aye,” Killian answers. “They have melodies that encourage singing along and that feel like they should be sung in groups. It feels nostalgic.” Emma can’t quite make the connection between something like Queen or Led Zeppelin and sea shanties out on the water, but she’s never been there so she assumes it’s more of a feeling thing than a technical thing.

“I love classic rock! I was born in - well, David Nolan was born in - the eighties! I grew up listening to that stuff! At least, I have memories of growing up listening to it, of my mom playing records for me. It’s complicated.”

“Sounds like it,” Killian laughs.

“Don’t they have a jukebox here?” David exclaims, scanning the bar. He clearly spots one because he grabs a very confused Killian’s arm and drags him across the room. Emma looks at her mom who seems equally as surprised before she bursts out laughing. Her dad is acting like a little kid - or like a nerdy dad - and poor Killian is apparently going to be subjected to a hell of a musical education.

Emma grabs the bottle of rum and the glasses and holds them up before she and Mary Margaret head off after the guys. “I think we’re gonna need this,” she jokes. Snow only nods, smiling.

When they reach their significant others, Emma is surprised to find them in a heated conversation, debating the merits of AC/DC versus Aerosmith. Emma can’t even keep track of who prefers who as they speak over one another and take turns - sorta, they kinda push and shove really - filling the jukebox and picking songs.

“Swan,” Killian turns to her for the first time in nearly ten minutes and she looks at him with an arched brow. “Do you have any of those blasted quarter-dollars? My dubloons won’t fit in the bloody machine.”

Emma laughs. “They’re just called quarters and no, I don’t. But I have rum,” she offers as a substitute.

“Aye,” Killian says. “That will help too. Especially if your father is going to continue to insist on playing REO Speedwagon.”

“Hey!” David cries.

Emma and her mom try and coax the guys over to the table nearby but neither of them are willing to step away from the jukebox, both convinced that someone else will choose a terrible song. They also can’t stop suggesting songs and the way David keeps excitedly shouting ‘oh man, yeah I love that one’, and Killian keeps referring to songs as ‘bloody brilliant’ has her pretty sure that she and Mary Margaret have lost them for the night.

So, she fills her and her mom’s glasses and they head to the table that is literally less than six feet away, leaving the bottle and the two other glasses for David and Killian. The women sip their drinks, watching in amazement as the two grown men continue speaking so fast she can’t keep up with what they’re saying and bouncing on the balls of their feet.

Emma loses track of what happens really after that, David and Killian become a bit of an entertaining blur, both of them laughing and talking and drinking rum - they’re really drinking quite a bit, she realises at one point - and singing along. That’s right. The two of them are belting out classic rock songs, drawing annoyed and weary looks from everyone else in the room. But what can they do? It’s the king/sheriff and a freaking pirate. Who's going to stand up to that?

“At least they’re getting along,” Snow comments, wincing as David and Killian butcher a song she can’t recognize - probably because they have the words wrong.

“Of all the things that I thought might bring them together, I never thought it would be this.” Emma shakes her head. “Do you really think -” she starts but then feels silly for asking. Snow gives her an encouraging look. “Do you think dad likes him?”

It shouldn’t matter. She’s a grown woman and she can be with whoever she wants to be with. She’s never needed anybody's permission or approval and she doesn’t need it now. But just because she doesn’t need it doesn’t mean she doesn’t want it.

“I think,” Mary Margaret starts, choosing her words carefully. “I think that were it any other situation, if Killian wasn’t the man dating his daughter, he and your father might be best friends. I think he does like him, but he’s trying not to like him too much because he’s stubborn and overprotective and he feels like he needs to be on your side.”

“There aren’t any sides,” Emma says. “We’re together. We make a good team.”

“I see that. And your dad is starting too also. You just need to give him some time. But I think that they’re making some serious strides if tonight is anything to go by.” She winces again as David fails to hit a particularly high note that should be reserved for only Freddy Mercury. But he laughs as Killian pours him another drink, clinking his glass against the other man’s.

“And you?” Emma asks hesitantly. “Do you like him?” She’s never thought to ask. Her dad has always made his opinion clear. Mary Margaret is different though. She plays things closer to the chest. She’s never really worried about her opinion of Killian until now, now that she realises she doesn’t know what it is.

Snow smiles. “I do,” she says, placing her hand over Emma’s reassuringly. “I didn’t always, but even when we first met him I could tell there was something going on between you. It scared me back then because of who he was. But he’s changed, become someone better, someone who might actually deserve you.” Emma opens her mouth to protest, to defend Killian but her mom stops her. “I just mean that I have trouble believing that anyone deserves you. But the way he looks at you, and the way he supports you and encourages you. Yeah, I like him.”

Emma smiles, looking down to hide the effect of her mom’s words, which she’s sure are written all over her face. “Good.”

"Emma," Killian says, suddenly right beside her. She turns to find him looking down at her, hand out and a slightly dazed, happy smile on his lips. "Dance with me." His eyes are heavy-lidded and there's the slightest sway to his stance. She bites her lip. He's drunk.

She notices David there too now, having more trouble standing upright than Killian is, but still pulling Mary Margaret to her feet. "It's no royal ball," he says. "But will it do for now?"

She doesn’t hear what her mom answers. She’s too distracted by the arched eyebrow and upturned lip that’s just shy of Killian’s usual swagger, slightly softened by his current state. But he looks so sweet and she remembers dancing with him at the ball in the Enchanted Forest and thinks it might be nice to do it again without the threat of never being born looming over her.

She puts her hand in his and he gives her a goofy grin, pulling her up and wrapping his arm around her, holding his hook out for her to take hold of. Oh right, he waltzes, she nearly laughs. He leads her to the little space between the seats and the jukebox, they’re in their own little corner here, away from the rest of the crowded bar, some eighties balad blasting through the speakers. Emma swears she sees David shoot him a thumbs up over Mary Margaret’s shoulder.

She knows it’s probably not proper dancing form but she lets her fingers slide from his shoulder up to the nape of his neck so she can play with the ends of his hair. He leans into her touch. She’s impressed when he actually attempts to lead them through the steps she can barely remember. He’s honestly not too bad at it, less graceful than he’d been last time but, considering the nearly empty bottle of rum, she gives him credit for standing right now.

He stumbles over his own feet eventually and chuckles softly, lightheartedly, and it’s nice to hear. “I fear I might not be quite up to the task at the moment,” he says, shaking his head. She laughs with him.

“That’s okay,” she tells him, pulling his hook around her so it can join his hand at her back. She slides her other hand up around his neck. “Why don’t I teach you how we dance here this time?” She steps into him, pressing her chest to his, and starts to sway.

His arms tighten, pulling her in closer. “So many wonderful things about this realm,” he starts, laying his forehead against hers. “But this might be my favorite yet.” She laughs a little, the slightly mumbled way his words come out betraying him again. She’ll tease him tomorrow. But right now he’s soft and warm and happy and he smells so nice, so she lays her head on his shoulder and dances with him in a dingy bar with her parents right next to her. It should be weird. But it’s not. It feels right. Probably because it’s him. No, definitely because it’s him.

Killian’s hand moves over her back, playing with her hair as he turns his head to nuzzle against the back of her neck. She’s pretty sure he doesn’t even mean anything by it when his fingers trail down her spine and settle on her backside. She’s not surprised, she’s well aware that he’s a fan of that part of her, and he’s still swaying with her gently. She is surprised that her dad isn’t causing a scene over it though.

She peeks over Killian’s shoulder and really wishes she hadn’t. Her dad isn’t saying anything because he didn’t notice, because he’s too busy making out with her mom, who is giggling and playfully swatting at his wandering hands. Oh god. She’s gonna be sick.

She makes a sound and Killian’s head pops up, follows her gaze behind him and a shit-eating grin spreads across his face. She glares at him.

“I cannot believe you got my dad drunk,” she hisses.

“I did not get your father drunk! He got me drunk!” Emma rolls her eyes and he smiles even wider. “I think I’m winning him over,” he winks. “And I think he would make a good drinking buddy.” Emma pulls back to look at him, her brows shooting up to her hairline.

“Where did you even learn that term?”

He just smiles. His hand gives her ass a squeeze - definitely intentional this time - as he pulls her in closer, pressing her hips to his as he runs his nose and then his lips along her jaw. Her heart rate picks up, it’s automatic at this point, her skin prickling everywhere it’s touching his, but she tilts her head away, enjoying the very put-out and slightly confused expression on his face.

“I am not making out with you next to my parents.” She looks over at them again, grimaces. “Even if they seem to have no problem making out in front of their daughter.”

Killian takes her chin between his thumb and finger, drawing her eyes back to his as he leans in, his lips a breath away from hers as he speaks, that wicked grin coming back. “Actually, Swan, I had quite a bit more in mind…” he trails off. Emma swallows.

“Then maybe it’s time we get out of here,” she suggests. And he nods so enthusiastically it makes her laugh.

“That’s a brilliant idea,” he tells her. “I always said you were brilliant.”

She turns them so that she can look over at her mom without having to leave his arms because she really doesn’t want to at the moment - and maybe she wants to save him the awkwardness of hiding the growing hardness she can feel against her stomach. Thankfully, her parents have stopped making out and are now just gazing dreamily into each other's eyes. That might be worse, really.

“I think we should get these two home,” she says and Snow looks over at her, confused at first but then nods, laughing as she takes in the state of their dates.

“Goodnight, Lady Snow,” Killian says. “Until next time, mate,” he says to David. Emma holds her breath but to her surprise, David smiles, reaching out to give Killian one of those weird, bro-ey handshakes where they just kinda clasp hands like they’re going to arm wrestle. David turns to Mary Margaret then.

“One more song,” he insists. “I picked the next one.”

“Okay, one more song,” she agrees, patting his cheek.

“Goodnight, Mom. ‘Night, Dad,” she says as she turns in Killian’s embrace to head out. He practically presses himself against the back of her as he follows.

“Night, sweetheart,” David says. “This was fun,” he adds - slurs.

Emma smiles. “Yeah, it was.” She waves goodbye to her mom who gives her one of those touched, happy smiles and then she leads Killian out of the bar.

His hand is on her waist the whole way through the crowd, fingers dancing along the edge of her shirt, sneaking under it, hot against her skin. His breath is on her neck and every few steps he leans down to brush his lips against it too.

They’ve barely made it outside before he’s pulling her out of the reach of the lone porch light above the door and pressing her against the wall. His lips fall over hers and his hand slips under her shirt, flattening against her stomach and sliding higher. Emma groans into his mouth, reaching up to grab hold of his hair, pulling him closer. His hips press against hers, pinning her to the wall as his hand finds her breast.

Emma gasps, throwing her head back and he takes the opportunity to trail hot, open-mouthed kisses down the column of her throat. She needs to get him back to his ship now. But she also doesn’t have it in her to pull away, not when his hips are rolling against hers in a dirty grind and his fingers are shoving her bra out of the way.

She hikes her leg over his hip and he groans this time, grabbing hold of her thigh with his hook and keeping her there, the blunt curve of it digging into her ass. His mouth finds hers again, open and heady as he drags his tongue over hers, his breathing ragged. Her hands reach down to slip into his back pockets, pulling him harder against her and holy shit she’s definitely debating letting him fuck her against this wall when suddenly -

“Hey! Hands where I can see them, Hook!”

Her father’s voice is like a bucket of ice water being dumped on her. Killian freezes for a moment but doesn’t pull back. His lips curl against hers, his laugh puffing against her skin as he removes his hand from under her shirt and holds it up and out over his head.

“Hand and hook!” David calls again and Killian drops her leg to hold his other arm up as well. He kisses her again though and it’s so ridiculous, him standing there with his arms in the air while his lips and body are pressed to hers, her father threatening him from twenty feet away. She feels like a teenager and it should annoy her but it doesn’t, it makes her laugh. She never got this. She’s not saying she wants this kind of thing to happen all the time but she supposes there are still opportunities for her to get those childhood memories she missed out on.

“Good man,” David says before letting himself be dragged away by Snow. His own hands start to trail a little too low on her mom’s back and Emma shouts at him.

“Hands where I can see them, Dad!” David’s hands shoot straight up, like a perp, and she laughs. This whole thing, this whole night, has been ridiculous.

She slides her hands up across Killian’s back, wraps her arms around him and he kisses her once more, softer this time. “Thank you,” she says when he pulls back, tilting her head up to press her lips to his cheek. He bites his lip, smiling.

“Hmm. Well, perhaps some gratitude is in order…”

“You’ve used that line before,” she teases him.

He sighs. “Swan, your father poured an entire bottle of rum into me, forgive me if I resort to tried and true lines I know will work.”

“Pretty cocky,” she tells him, arching a brow and then regretting it immediately when she realises the opening she just gave him - well, not really regretting it.

He ruts his hips against hers and her breath hitches. “Oh, you have no idea.”

“Actually,” she answers, her voice catching a little. “I have a very good idea. So how about you take me home, sailor?”

“You’re full of good ideas,” he says, leaning in.

“Even date night with my parents?” she jokes and he halts before his lips touch hers, huffing out a laugh.

“Aye, even date night with your parents.” He kisses her softly and smiles sweetly at her. “It wasn’t so bad. I think your father might even be beginning to approve of me.” His grin turns sinful then and his fingers come up to brush over her bottom lip, continuing a trail down her chin to her neck and chest and stomach.

“Although right now,” he starts, brow ticking up at the way her stomach flutters under his touch and her back arches slightly. “I think I’d like to take you back to my ship and do a few things to you that he definitely would not approve of.”

#cs fanfic #cs one shot #cs fluff #snowing #snowing fluff #captain swan #smut adjacent #so goddamn fluffy

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teamhook · 4 years

Text

A Chapter a Day... Savage Heart CS AU

This story will be finished by the end of the month. :)

A love story between a pirate and his savior. An innocent, beautiful, selfless woman meets a man with no manners, no formal education and not even a last name. Will Emma fall in love with Killian once she discovers that beneath his tough exterior lies a heart-wild, but a heart of gold? This is a Captain Swan AU

Beta-ed by the wonderful @ilovemesomekillianjones

|AO3| |FFN| previous chapter

|AO3| |FFN| current chapter

Chapter 9: The Launch

The following day all seems peaceful and calm. Emma is pacing in her small room at the convent. She was unable to sleep the previous night as she'd worried about the situation with Milah. Could she trust her cousin to do the right thing? Should she have made an attempt to extend her stay longer at the Booth Estate? She hopes Milah will heed her warning, no her plea.

What could Milah possibly see in that despicable man? Sure he is a very attractive man, she's not blind, but other than looks, what could it be? What did he have to offer? His reputation is horrible. Even someone as sheltered as she has heard of him.

Tink arrives at Killian's cabin and becomes irate when he explains the reason for the meeting with Archie.

"I don't want to be a nun, Killian!" Tink screams.

Killian sighs and patiently massages the bridge of his nose. "Tink you are not to become a nun. This will only be temporary until Archie finds a nice home for you to work in."

"I don't understand why I cannot stay here with you. I can help you keep the cabin nice and clean. I could cook for you too," Tink says hopefully.

"It would not be proper for you to stay here alone with me. Someday you will find a man to love and eventually marry, and I don't want to be the reason you can't have that."

"I have already found that man," Tink says. "You."

"Tink, sweetheart I'm not that man. You deserve someone far better than me. This will be good for you. Trust me," Killian implores.

"Fine, but when the nuns kick me out because I'm too much trouble, I'm coming to live with you. No matter if it's proper or not, got it!"

"Bloody hell, alright I agree. Now let's go, Archie must be waiting for us."

"Good morning, Killian," Archie greets as he opens his door ready to go. "Tink it's always a pleasure. I assume Killian informed you of the reason for the visit to the convent?"

"Yes, I'm not happy about it," she pouted.

Archie provided Tink with a soft smile. "Your stay will not be long. That is not the only reason for my visit. I'm also going to deliver a letter to Emma Nolan. Perhaps, I will introduce you to her. She is a lovely young lady."

Killian scratched behind his ear at the mention of Emma's name. She had returned to the convent, he mused.

"Archie, perhaps it would be wise for me to not go inside with you and Tink. My reputation will no doubt be off-putting."

"Nonsense Killian, it's a place of worship. You have as much right to be there as anyone else," Archie assures him.

The truth is he is not ready for another meeting with Emma. Especially since she knows of his relationship with Milah, and most likely of their plans.

"I will wait outside. I want Tink to make a good impression," Killian insists when they arrive at the convent.

"Fine, it shouldn't be long," Archie says.

Killian leans against the wall as Archie and Tink walk through the convent doors.

Archie and Tink are guided to an office where Mother Superior looks up from the stack of papers on her desk.

"Good morning Mother Superior. I'm here for two reasons. I would love to deliver this letter to Emma Nolan on behalf of her father," Archie says, holding up the envelope, "and I'd like to speak with you about this young lady."

"I will get one of the sisters to get Emma, please take a seat," Mother Superior says as she stands and leaves the room.

Archie nods in agreement and motions for Tink to take a seat next to him. Not two minutes later she returns. "How may I be of assistance?"

"I was hoping that I could request asylum for Miss Greene," he says, gesturing to the young woman beside him, "she prefers to be called Tink. Her stay would be temporary, and I will pay for her expenses."

Mother Superior nods her approval and the three of them wait for Emma's arrival. Soon there is a knock on the little office door. "Emma, please come in."

"Good morning Mr. Hopper, Mother Superior," Emma says and smiles at Tink.

"Emma, meet Tink. She will be staying with us for a bit." Mother Superior smiles as she makes the introduction and adds, "Mr. Hopper also has a very important delivery for you."

"Nice to meet you, Tink," Emma says and smiles.

"Emma, I will be showing Tink and Mr. Hopper around, please feel free to read your letter here in privacy."

Archie takes out the envelope and hands it to Emma

Staring at the envelope, Emma smiles and decides she'd rather be outdoors to read it. There is a big tree on the side of the convent that shades the window to her room. That spot is so calming to her. She reaches the tree, sits on the grass, and starts reading.

My Darling Princess,

I miss you and your mother so very much. I wish I was there. I have missed so many milestones in your life already. I'm writing this short letter to let you know that I will, in fact, be arriving at Misthaven soon. Hopefully, within a month we will be reunited. I was hoping I could ask for you to reconsider your decision of taking vows. Sweetheart, I believe your heart is broken now, but I know you are so resilient and strong. I know you will find the happiness you deserve. Please don't give up on love just yet. Please, let your mother know we will soon be together again.

Love,

Dad

Emma can't stop the tears from slowly falling. She looks around her new home, and that is when she sees him. She stands and walks toward him, intent on questioning his reasons for being here.

"What are you doing here?" Emma asks coldly.

Killian had not seen Emma approaching him; he had been lost in thought. "Good day to you too, Saint Emma, I'm here waiting for a friend, or is that not permitted to a man like myself," Killian replies.

Emma looks at him and asks, "Who can you possibly know that would have any business here?"

Killian smirks and pushes himself off the wall before he leans into her space. "Well, I know you. Would you rather I visit your lovely cousin? I would gladly comply."

Emma's breath hitches as he sways into her space and she takes a step back. She glares at him and says, "I told you to stay away from her!"

"Calm down. That is unless you would like to draw the attention of the lovely nuns. Would you like the whole sordid story of how a Countess fell into bed with a lowlife pirate revealed? I'm dying of curiosity. May I ask you a personal question?" Killian asks as he stares at Emma.

"What do you want to know?" Emma hisses. She has backed herself up against the wall as Killian continues to encroach on her personal space.

"Why do you still have such loyalty towards someone that simply discarded you? I know you are desperate to protect Booth."

Emma looks at him. "I'm not protecting him. I'm protecting my family."

"I know you are protecting him. 'Tis bad form to lie," Killian says confidently as he licks his lips. He is standing so close to her now he can feel the heat of her body. "What a shame, such devotion wasted on someone that obviously didn't see your value."

"Even if I was to admit that what you say is true, and the only reason I'm asking you to stay away from my family is because of August, that is none of your business."

They are at a standoff and fail to notice Archie has exited the building and is headed their way. Killian is blocking Emma's view as he is standing between her and the rest of the world. Emma's back begins to ache and she realizes she is pressing herself hard against the wall as Killian's body scorches her with the heat that rolls off of him.

"Killian, everything is taken care of," Archie calls out.

Killian slowly turns around to face Archie. "Thanks, mate. Were there any problems?"

"No problems, as predicted. Tink will be sharing a room with Emma," Archie paused as the blonde behind Killian was revealed, "oh, I wasn't aware you two knew each other."

"We don't. I was just making conversation with the lass," Killian answers to quickly

"We were just making small talk. I had just come outside for a little privacy is all," Emma agrees.

"Oh, I assumed that you two must know each other, you looked quite engrossed in conversation," Archie says still looking at both of them.

"Thank you for the letter, Mr. Hopper. I should go inside and continue with my chores," Emma says and smiles softly before hurrying to the safety of the convent walls.

That girl is special, Killian. She has such a beautiful soul. It is a shame August called off the engagement. Don't misunderstand me, Milah is a beautiful girl, but Emma is an angel. She is the type of girl that I had hoped you would fall in love with and be lucky enough to marry."

"Sounds to me like the lass already has an admirer." Killian winks at Archie.

Archie turns beet red and says, "I only meant to say that she is a special young woman. If anything, I believe she could be the kind of girl to tame the beast within your heart. Too bad she is adamant on taking the vows."

"I believe the lass would object to the assumption that she would make a good wife for a man like me. I had no idea you were so adamant in playing matchmaker, besides, I told you I've met someone already, and if things work out with August Booth, then I will gladly answer whatever questions you may have."

Killian looks in the direction Emma just headed. If he were an honorable man would Emma look at him with the same fondness as she had Archie? He had only seen contempt in her eyes. He was no stranger to that kind of look, but for some reason coming from her, it made him question his life.

"Before you ask, Tink seemed fine. Let's go to my home and send August a note requesting a meeting. Let's get you started on the right path toward a new life," Archie says fondly.

"Aye mate," Killian replies.

Emma walks into her room later that evening to find Tink sitting on the other bed in the room. "Are you okay?" Emma asks.

"Yes, I hope I don't have to stay long. This place brings back bad memories," Tink answers.

"Oh, if you ever want to share your burdens I will gladly listen."

"Thank you. I can see why Archie thinks so highly of you."

"Well, he has always been very kind. I have known him since I was a young girl. My parents are very fond of him. How is it you know Archie?" Emma asks.

"Oh he is a very close friend of Killian's," Tink says with a dreamy look on her face.

"You seem very fond of your friend Killian."

"I know he doesn't have the best reputation, but he has always been good to me."

Emma just blinks and arches her right eyebrow. "That is good to know." Sensing that she should tread carefully as it might be a sensitive subject, Emma decides to change the subject "How did you like the tour of the convent, Tink?"

"I will only be here for a short time, so it doesn't matter if I liked it or not. How long have you been here?" Tink asks.

"Almost 90 days. At the beginning of next month, I can take my vows."

"I have no idea why you would want to become a nun. You are very pretty and refined. I'm sure you can find someone to marry," Tink says.

"Thank you for the compliment. I was betrothed from a very young age, but things didn't work out. To be honest, I want to help and I feel this is the best way to do that," Emma says.

Tink looks at Emma and smiles softly. "I believe that man is an arse, and there are other ways to help without becoming a nun." Tink likes Emma, she's never had any other friends besides Killian. The girls share a giggle before Emma comments, "Colorful language for such a nice young lady."

"Killian would have said something like that. And I would have told him the same thing I am going to tell you, I'm not a lady," Tink responds.

Emma thinks maybe she has upset Tink. "I was teasing. I've had a long day and I have a feeling yours wasn't any better. Maybe we should turn in already?"

"It takes more than that to upset me, but you are right, today was a very long day."

As they get ready for bed, Emma takes a glance at Tink and wonders if perhaps Killian Jones is not a complete scoundrel like she thought. Emma drifts to sleep and dreams of getting lost in the bluest of oceans.

Tagging:

@hookedonapirate

@kmomof4

@searchingwardrobes

@seriouslyhooked

@profdanglaisstuff

@let-it-raines

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#Captain Swan #teamhook SavageHeart #cs ff #CS Crew #CS Mafia

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welllpthisishappening · 5 years

Text

According to Sources

Yesterday @optomisticgirl told me she heard about a KHL player who was a coach, but his team had a ton of injuries and there were reports that he was going to play again. We were both, like, huh, that’s very Blue Line-esque and being an adult is very stressful challenge, so to combat that, I wrote nearly four thousand words of exceptionally fluffy hockey dad Killian who loves his kids a lot and doesn’t really want to play in the NHL anymore. Also shout out to @shireness-says keeps reading all my words even when I’m like “I don’t know if I’m ever going to post this.”

-----

He kept mumbling under his breath.

He knew it. He could hear himself.

He needed to stop doing that. Partially because every quiet question ensured that Peggy’s chin dug further into his chest when she tilted her head up and partially because Killian was fairly certain talking to himself was very likely a sign of impending insanity.

And yet.

He couldn’t understand how this one kid actually moved up the ice, a skating style that wasn’t like anything he’d ever seen before and maybe that just meant he was old.

Or tired.

Neither one were very appealing options.

He was very tired.

Every inch of him felt exceptionally heavy, as if his muscles were hanging off the bones instead of what they were supposed to be doing. His mind absolutely could not process the idea of anything muscle related at the moment, could barely stay focused on the video in front of him. His phone buzzed.

Again.

Incessantly.

Killian restarted the video.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” he muttered, slumping further into the chair in his office. His left knee objected to that somehow, stretched out awkwardly across most of his desk and the vaguely impatient hand he waved over his shoulder when he heard the footsteps approaching his open door was more movement than he was entirely prepared for.

That couldn’t have been good for his shoulder.

Peggy looked up at him again — a chin that was starting to feel like it was actually made of marble and definitely leaving bruises on Killian’s chest. He curled an arm around her, trying to keep her in place, but that was like trying to understand how this kid from Sweden moved and that appeared to be absolutely impossible.

So.

“You’ve got to stop squirming, little love,” Killian said, cheek falling to the top of Peggy’s hair. That didn’t help either. He hadn’t expected it to.

“What’s he doing?”

“Who?”

Her knee joined the fray, clamoring up so she could sit straighter and the footsteps had very quickly turned into a voice that was also a laugh and Killian did not have enough hands to flip Robin off. That was disappointing.

“We’re bringing up a new kid,” Killian explained, Peggy’s eyes narrowing while she watched the film intently. Maybe his heart was just going to explode.

“Because of so many bad things?”

He hummed, tugging her closer to his chest in a misplaced effort to avoid being kicked in the spleen. It didn’t work. And he wasn’t really entirely sure where his spleen even was. “Exactly. Because people like to hit each other—“

“—But the hitting is fun!”

“Oh, God, you’ve created a monster, Cap,” Robin laughed.

“Shut up,” Killian snapped, swinging his legs off the desk in an attempt to look more paternal. That probably didn’t work either. Henry was supposed to drop Matt off soon. “Not all hits are good, Peggy. Sometimes the hits hurt and then the guys can’t play.”

Peggy scrunched her nose, thoughts playing out clearly on her face as she did her best to grapple with the idea of injuries and a Rangers roster that was forced to call up an 18-year-old kid with ridiculous skating abilities because they could barely field four lines at this point.

“So,” Killian continued, “sometimes the hits hurt and then—“

“—They have to go see, Red!”

“You’re a genius, you know that?”

She giggled, burrowing her head into Killian’s shoulder when he peppered her face with kisses. And Robin was moving into the office now. “Will he score lots?” Peggy asked, the words barely that when she kept laughing.

Killian’s spleen was a lost cause.

He tossed the tablet back onto his desk.

“We can only hope,” Robin said, eyes flashing Killian’s direction with something that felt like impending doom. That was very dramatic.

He hadn’t slept through the night in far too long.

Chris appeared to be nocturnal.

“Bonus points if you can say his name,” Robin continued. He pushed the still-playing tablet closer to Peggy, her expression shifting into something that could only be described as Emma-like determination when she looked at the letters on the screen.

Killian sighed. “Why are you here?”

Robin made a face, a shrug and head tilt and it really was far too many bodily movements at once. Something was going on. Killian hooked his chin over Peggy’s shoulder.

Her hair got in his mouth.

“Jarn—“ She grit her teeth when the rest of the syllables got lost in, quite literal translation, and some of Killian’s muscles settled. Rewrapped, or whatever.

He kissed the top of Peggy’s head.

“It was very close. You’ve got to kind of get the emphasis on that a, though.”

“Jaaaaarn-karock.”

Robin clicked his tongue. “Closer. You’re adding extra syllables.”

“Krok.”

“Getting there.” He hummed when Peggy kept enunciating vowels that weren’t actually in the name, digging the toe of his shoe into the carpet Killian only kind of hated. Emma despised it. Vocally. Since he’d taken the job. “And, the new kid does something ridiculous with the back of his skates, I can’t figure it out.”

“Oh, that’s what it is,” Killian nodded. “How does he get any power if he’s not pushing off?”

“The future is now or something.”

“Maybe you’re the one who’s sleep deprived, what—“

“—Ok you have to promise not to check me in front of your kid.”

“What?”

Robin held both hands up, widening his eyes. “Right now. Because this is—I have to talk about stuff on TV and you were just waxing poetic—“

“—Who was waxing anything? What are you saying?”

“You’re not making this any easier, Cap.”

“I genuinely have no idea what you’re talking about,” Killian admitted, shifting in the chair again and maybe Emma had been right for several decades. The seating arrangements in these offices were bordering very close to torturous.

He was going to have to talk to Ariel about the state of his spine.

It shouldn’t have kept popping like that.

“You see a paper today?”

Killian shook his head slowly. That only led to more hair in his mouth. “Just move your leg a little,” he murmured, glaring at Robin when he made another noise. “Seriously, what’s going on with you? You look like you’ve seen several ghosts.”

“Nah, just—ah, damn.”

The latest round of footsteps was closer to a dead sprint than anything else, heavy footfalls and something else that was the undeniable sound of an equipment bag being dragged down the hallway.

Killian’s eyebrows lowered. He’d started breathing through his mouth at some point.

“Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad,” Matt chanted, barely slowing down when he all but threw himself through the doorway. Robin leaned forward before he could actually crash into the far wall, curling an arm around Matt’s waist and the equipment bag had apparently been forgotten in a very loud string of the same word screwed over and over.

Henry squeezed one eye shut when he leaned against the doorframe. “I refuse to take responsibility for this.”

Killian genuinely could not move his eyebrows anymore.

“This is not my fault either,” Robin promised. Peggy had started watching other training videos on the tablet.

And Matt was still talking a mile a minute — Killian straining to make out the words like he was trying to translate Swedish again and—

“Dad, Dad, Dad,” Matt continued. He spun on the balls of his feet, barely keeping his balance, an even more impressive feat considering where Robin’s arm still was and—“Is it true?”

“What?”

“Are you going to play again?”

Killian was glad Peggy was holding the tablet. He absolutely would have dropped it.

Henry squeezed the other eye closed.

Like he didn’t want to watch the fallout.

Which was a very good word for it, honestly, because Killian’s stomach felt like it had dropped out of his body entirely, those same muscles that had already been through some sort of metaphorical and exhausted wringer, drooping even more, threatening to yank him through the floor.

That would have been better, probably.

He’d never seen Matt’s eyes that wide.

“Not my fault,” Robin repeated, soft and a little imploring. “Let’s just—we’ll blame the New York media. Like, as a whole.”

Henry nodded in approval. “That seems reasonable. Also, uh, Matt’s team was just—“

“—Just what, exactly?” Killian asked sharply, a quick shake of his head when Peggy tensed. “Not you, little love. What do you think about the kid’s stick handling?”

“He moves really quick. Good wrists.”

He grinned, only a little forced considering the location of his stomach, but Matt was still as wide-eyed as ever, breathing heavily with the almost audible force of his want.

“Is that Järnkrok?” Matt asked, near-perfect pronunciation that wasn’t all that surprising. He probably understood how the kid got power off the back of his skates.

Killian nodded. “Coming up for the Canadian swing.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow.”

Matt clicked his teeth — his own nose scrunch that was only a little off-putting because it looked so much like Emma, but then his right hand moved and immediately found the back of his hair and Killian couldn’t glare at Robin and Henry at the same time.

Will was going to be very disappointed he’d missed this.

“Because everyone’s hurt?”

“Yuh huh,” Killian said. He picked Robin to glare at. Mostly because, even in his absolutely exhausted state, he was starting to figure out what was happening and Ruby was going to be furious.

“And you’re not—“

“—No, kid.”

“But Uncle Robin said that—“

“—Matt,” Killian interrupted, glad that his stomach had already dropped. The force of his kid’s sigh was enough to make him actually wince. “That’s—ok, Locksley what did you say?”

Robin groaned. “Can I see the tablet, Pegs?”

That worked about as well as Killian expected it to — cries of frustration and disappointment that she couldn’t keep watching film, which was just…a lot for him to cope with at the moment, particularly when it looked like Matt was actually bent in half and—

“Here,” Henry muttered, holding his phone out and the video was already playing. It was very loud.

Or so it seemed.

God, he was tired.

And with another Rangers player expected to miss time when the Blueshirts head north this weekend, there’s been some discussion about who the team will call on to fill holes. Teenage sensation Elias Järnkrok is expected to get his official call-up from Hartford, but I don’t think we can assume that an 18-year-old will be able to jump into top-line minutes. With that in mind, there have been some reports that front office may turn to a familiar face and recent retiree who could add some experience to the Rangers roster while they try to maintain their hold on a Wild Card spot and…

Killian didn’t hear the rest.

He didn’t want to hear the rest.

Matt was barely standing up anymore.

“No, kid,” he said again, voice hardly that. His throat might have been collapsing too. “That’s—“

“—But you could,” Matt cried. “You could, Dad! You’d—you’d be able to skate and play and—“

“—Did I apologize for this at some point?” Robin muttered.

Killian rolled his eyes. “What reports were you talking about?”

“Couple of tabs. That one guy at The Daily News seems to think he’s got sources.”

“Are you not a source?”

“People are talking, Cap,” Robin shrugged. “It’s—well, you know, Matt’s not the only one who thinks you could do it.”

“I’d have to sign by the deadline. That’s like…in three weeks.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“I have a kid who won’t sleep at home.”

“Also true.”

“And, I—“ Killian huffed, not quite disappointment because he couldn’t have really asked for a better end than another Stanley Cup and his kids on his parade float and—his lips had gone very dry. Probably from breathing through his mouth. “Mattie,” he continued, not surprised when the shoulders got even lower. At least his stomach would have company on the floor. “You know I’m not going to play again, right?”

Matt didn’t respond, but he shook his head slowly and that was, somehow, ten-thousand times worse.

“I can’t, kid.”

Henry sounded like he winced.

Killian couldn’t bring himself to look back.

“It’s—“ He took another deep breath, only to let it out almost immediately and Peggy didn’t move. Small miracles. “Ok, come here.”

Nothing.

“Matthew.”

That got a disgruntled noise and pointed scowl, Henry’s laugh muffled slightly when he presumably covered his mouth with his hand. Matt barely lifted his feet when he walked forward.

“Ok,” Killian started, bending his neck awkwardly to try and stay in the eye line of a nine-year-old who looked like the world as he knew it was ending. “I know you think I could play again and I—that’s pretty fantastic, honestly. But I don’t want to.”

Matt’s eyes bugged. “What? Dad, are you serious?”

Killian hummed, glancing Robin’s direction and he hadn’t been a rookie in a very long time, hadn’t skated in, at least two weeks, but the expression on his friend’s face was reminiscent of both, something like pride and understanding and knowing when to walk away.

Kind of.

He had more film to watch.

And his kid’s practice to dissect. Matt liked to report back. Regularly.

“I played for a really long time,” Killian continued. “And it was good. Great. The—the absolute best, you know that, right?”

Matt shrugged.

“It’s like watching the same person in two different spots,” Henry chuckled, clicking his tongue when Robin sighed.

“But you don’t want to play anymore?” Matt asked softly. “Dad, I don’t—“

“—I know that doesn’t make any sense to you. And it wouldn’t have made any sense to me when I was your age either. But now I—I did everything I wanted to do, kid. All of it and then some, and you and your sister got to see it, so it’s different now.”

“Why?”

Killian’s laugh was part sigh, not quite frustrated, but more understanding because it was a bit like two versions of the same person. He had to shift Peggy’s weight to lean forward, tugging on the team-branded t-shirt Matt had on. “Things can’t be the same forever. They shouldn’t be. Other people have to play. The team’s got to—“

“—Oh, say it’s got to grow,” Robin laughed.

“I didn’t ever actually accept your apology for this. And how did—Matt, how did you find out?”

Matt blushed. “I, uh—one of the kids saw it before the game last night and he asked and I—“

“—There’s a rather large support group for your imminent return to the ice,” Henry finished.

That noise was more frustrated anything else.

Matt’s cheeks got redder.

“I just—“ he started, rocking his weight between his feet like he was getting ready for puck drop.

“I know,” Killian said. “I do. But it’s not going to happen, kid. For several reasons. Mostly that no one has actually asked me yet, so The Daily News should probably check its sources. And also because I—I will literally fall over on the ice if I try and skate that long and then I’ll never hear the end of it from Uncle Will.”

“He’s probably all those text messages you’re ignoring,” Robin added.

“I had film to watch.”

“And a kid to distract so Emma could get some sleep.”

“That too.”

“You’re very gallant, Cap.”

Killian made a dismissive noise in the back of his throat, turning his attention back to a suspiciously silent Matt, still shuffling back and forth with extra emotion and energy and—“The only hockey playing I am interested in talking about is this kid from Sweden that you apparently know a lot about—“

“—He’s really good, Dad. That’s just…everyone knows that.“

“—And how that juke move we practiced last week worked out.”

Matt froze. Killian grinned.

His stomach felt like it flew back into his body.

“You score?”

“Dad.”

“Not an answer.”

“Three times that I saw,” Henry muttered, and Killian didn’t have to turn that time either. The force of his smile probably did damage to the paint or something.

“I scored twice before you got there,” Matt grumbled.

Robin threw his whole back when he laughed, Henry’s soft chuckle echoing between Killian’s ears and his lack-of-sleep addled mind and Peggy did not appreciate when he all but lunged forward. His arm wrapped around Matt’s shoulders, pulling him forward as well.

“You make the defender fall over?”

The top of Matt’s hair bumped Killian’s left ribs when he nodded. “And got both goalies to go the wrong direction.”

“Quick wrists?”

“Dad.”

“Right, right, that’s insulting to the reputation of your wrists.”

Matt sneered — and his nose was probably going to get stuck like that, eyes hardly more than absurdly competitive slits when Killian crouched in front of him. His right knee cracked.

Ariel was going to be insufferable.

And even the idea of getting back on the ice was almost comical at that point, but he hadn’t been lying — he had no interest in skating or scoring or doing anything except discussing the state of his nine-year-old’s exceptionally quick wrists and—

“I could score on MD,” Peggy said, one of her feet balancing on Killian’s thigh. Her arms had gone very tight around his neck.

“No, you could not, Mar! That’s not—“

“—Ok, ok,” Killian shouted. Robin hadn’t stopped laughing yet. “What are you doing right now?”

“Probably telling Scarlet to meet us on the ice, yeah?”

“Yeah, that.”

Any sense of lingering disappointment seemed to almost melt off Matt, shoulders rolling back and spine straightening and Killian knew he probably shouldn’t have congratulated himself for either of those things. And yet. Again.

“We’ll make Uncle Robin stand in goal, huh?” he asked, another tug to Matt’s shirt before the kid was halfway to the door and the discarded equipment bag.

“Ah, c’mon, Cap, seriously?”

“Get better sources. Journalism one-oh-one.”

“He’s not a journalist,” Will said, draped over Henry’s body and his hair was still damp from his post-practice shower.

“Did you teleport here?”

“You were ignoring me.”

“That’s not threatening at all.”

Will stuck his tongue out, stepping to his right so he could bend his knees, bracing for impact as soon as Peggy launched herself at his chest. He grunted anyway. “Didn’t I see you like—four hours ago?”

“Uncle Will, Uncle Will, Uncle Will, I’m going to score on MD!”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she yelled. Directly in his ear.

“Cap, we’ve got to work on this kid’s diction. And, uh—did we talk about it yet?”

Killian nodded. “How many of your text messages were just gifs of various people laughing?”

“A few animals too.”

“Right.”

“You’re old. Plus,” Will added, hiking Peggy up his side and jerking his head back when what sounded like several sticks were pulled out of Matt’s bag, “the future belongs to the youth or whatever, right?”

“Something like that,” Robin mumbled. He sighed once, resigning himself to being pelted with softly hit hockey pucks for the next forty-two minutes. At least. “Alright, let’s go help the legend of the wrister grow.”

Matt scored almost every time he took a shot — and the few times that he missed only inspired more practice, a streak of determination that was like watching a memory and something else Killian couldn’t quite wrap his head around. Mostly because it was far too similar.

To him.

And a game that wasn’t entirely his anymore, but might have been theirs and that was better than he thought it ever could have been.

The apartment lights were dim when they walked back in, hours later, with Peggy half asleep in his arms and Matt dragging the equipment bag behind him. “Hey,” Killian hissed, a quick shake of his head and that one, very specific glare that almost always worked.

Matt sighed. And grunted when he trudged down the hall, the bag bumping on the wall twice and the side of his door once and for, approximately, fourteen seconds Killian was sure it was going to be fine, precious silence stretching out in front of him and Peggy’s quiet breathing in his ear, but then—

The kid did have very impressive lungs.

“What is that?” Peggy mumbled into the side of Killian’s neck. “It’s loud.”

“Yeah, that’s kind of how it works. C’mon, let’s—“

“—Too late,” Emma announced, moving into the living room with a squirming and crying Chris. “It was a valiant attempt to get him to lift the equipment bag.” She dropped into the corner of the couch, Peggy’s annoyance at the overall volume of her younger brother increasing with every passing second. Emma closed her eyes. “So, like…on a scale of one to complete meltdown how bad was it?”

Killian blinked. “Are you a mind reader?”

“Ruby’s really annoyed with that guy.”

“Ah, that makes more sense.”

“I feel like I should be offended by that.”

“Nah,” Killian objected, all but falling down next to her and his muscles felt more like they were supposed to now, but he was also impossibly sore and, somehow, even more tired. Emma’s head fell on his shoulder almost immediately. “And, uh—it wasn’t that bad.”

“No?”

“No. Easy to dispute totally unfounded rumors.”

“Check that vocabulary.”

“Peggy was very close to pronouncing Swedish last names, so I’ve got to step my game up.”

“You’re funny.”

“Delirious, maybe,” Killian amended, and Emma’s arm bumped his when she laughed. Chris quieted for a moment, but he didn’t actually stop moving and maybe Killian could close his eyes too.

Just for a moment.

“That too. You’re sure, though?”

“Swan.”

“Im serious, I—“ She didn’t lift her head, probably didn’t open her own eyes, but Killian heard the question for what it was — double checking and making sure and his heart expanded enough that he was briefly worried for his ribs.

“No, love. I barely even moved today and I feel several thousand years older.”

“You score?”

“That was more insulting.”

She scoffed, nosing at the curve of his shoulder. “Who’d you get in net?”

“Locksley.”

“Ah, serves him right.”

“That’s totally true,” Killian agreed, shifting a little bit and that made it easier to kiss Emma’s temple and—he genuinely did not remember falling asleep. Strictly speaking, it was a little irresponsible, a tangle of limbs on the couch and another kid who really needed to take his dirty clothes out of his equipment bag, but then Killian’s eyes were fluttering open and that same kid was sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, leaning back against the couch with the TV on.

Watching film.

Killian’s smile tugged at the muscles in his face, more absurd biological thoughts. Matt didn’t turn around. He looked very focused, head at an angle and arms moving every few seconds, quick twists of his wrists and a bend to his elbow that was as familiar as anything else.

And it took a moment to realize.

He’d blame the sleep thing.

Killian wondered if he was maybe still asleep.

Because the film wasn’t new, was several decades old and the jersey he was wearing wasn’t Blue. It was maroon. And gold.

Matt was mumbling under his breath, trying to mimic Killian’s college-age self and a goal that won a national championship.

He considered saying something — maybe even suggesting a few goals that were a bit better or more fundamentally sound, but the erratic sound of his own heart thudding in his chest made it impossible and he was far too comfortable anyway. He didn’t want to wake Emma up.

So Killian took a deep breath and let his eyes flutter shut again, certain he’d see that move on the ice sooner rather than later anyway.

#cs ff #captain swan ff #captain swan #captain swan fic #cs fic #blue line one shots #this is tooth rotting fluff

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hopeduckling13 · 5 years

Text

Find My Way Back To You: Chapter 35

Summary: Hope Swan-Jones is the product of the product of true love and her true love, so her having very powerful magic was always in the cards. Luckily she lives in a town where everyone is very familiar with magic, so nothing can go wrong, can it?

Or so everyone thought, but then one day as a newborn Hope accidently travels back in time with her mother Emma.

How will the past population of Storybrooke react to their Savior having another kid and being married? And more importantly will the Savior and her baby daughter find a way back home to all of their loved ones?

- - -

Catch Up:

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14857127/chapters/34395467

FF.NET: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12964592/1/Find-My-Way-Back-To-You

Tumblr: [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13] [Chapter 14] [Chapter 15] [Chapter 16] [Chapter 17] [Chapter 18] [Chapter 19] [Chapter 20] [Chapter 21] [Chapter 22] [Chapter 23] [Chapter 24] [Chapter 25] [Chapter 26] [Chapter 27] [Chapter 28] [Chapter 29] [Chapter 30] [Chapter 31] [Chapter 32] [Chapter 33] [Chapter 34]

Reblog to be tagged in future chapters

Taglist: @capswantrue @captainoffantasy @momontheice @youlxlshit

~~~ DAVID’S POV ~~~

“No, he isn’t just a friend. Killian is Hope’s dad and he’s pretty damn great at that.” Emma says with a soft smile on her face.

Both me and Mary Margret suck in a sharp breath.

How can this be true? He’s a pirate! Is Emma really okay with that? She can’t be, right? She’s just protecting him from our wrath. But she can’t. I’m going to kill him the next time we cross paths either way.

He knocked up my sweet little girl and he’s going to pay for that.

As if Mary Margret can feel my unease about the whole situation, she reaches for my hand. I interlock our fingers and give her hand a slight squeeze to give her my support. I know she’s probably not dealing well with this either.

“You had a baby with Captain Hook?” my wife says quietly. She is clearly still in disbelief.

I’m not. I heard Emma the first time she said it. I don’t really need to relive that moment. It causes pictures to form in my mind – pictures of Emma and Hook I really hate to see. It’s a wonder I haven’t emptied the contents of my stomach, yet.

“Yes.” Emma only says and I’m thankful for that.

Mary Margret looks down at the floor, then. She seems pretty upset. More so than me even, which is quite the surprise. I glance at her worriedly.

After a while, I hear her mumble “How?” under her breath.

Obviously my daughter heard it too, because I see her raise her eyebrows in my peripheral vision. Her face probably mirrors mine right now. That’s not the greatest question Mary Margret could’ve asked. I really do not want to hear the particular answer to this.

It’s not something a father needs to know, so I quickly say “We don’t need to know that!” I sound quite agitated and that’s exactly what I feel right now. I don’t want to imagine my daughter with that pirate.

Ugh.

If I wasn’t nauseous before, I sure am now.

Suddenly, Emma chuckles and smiles lightly at me. She really does seem happy. I have to admit that. But is that really because of Hook?

A minute later Snow says “I’m so sorry, Emma.”

Emma snaps back “Why? I’m not.”

“You had a baby with Hook. I’m sure your husband isn’t happy about it. I mean how could you be so careless as to hook up with a pirate and not think about the consequences? Did Hook force himself on you?” Snow asks.

How haven’t I thought of that, yet? I must respect the pirate more than I thought and maybe that’s because my daughter does seem happy. Her happiness is all I ever wanted. She wouldn’t be happy, if Hook violated her, right?

“Of course he didn’t. That’s not who he is. He’s a good person and if you would listen for a second, you’d know that. Killian is a good man, a great father, and an amazing husband. I love him and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He made me happier than I’ve ever been.” Emma says partly angry, but nonetheless with a big smile on her face. She seems to be proud to call him all these things. She’s proud of him.

My jaw connects with the floor, but I can still see that she is saying the truth.

She has seemed very happy lately and if it’s because of Hook, then I can only be grateful to him. He managed to make something happen, that I wished for every single day since I got reunited with my daughter…putting a constant smile on her face.

Trust doesn’t come easily to Emma, so I’m sure she gave Hook quite a hard time. But he seems to have stuck around. He wouldn’t do that, if he plans to hurt her, right? Unless it’s all about the conquest. That does sound like him, right? I surely hope not. I want my daughter and granddaughter to be happy and I fear, that if Hook left them, they’d be crushed.

That’s why I have to ask Emma if she’s a hundred percent sure about Hook. I can’t take the chance that she’ll get hurt again. She’s been through too much already.

“And you’re a hundred percent sure that Hook has your best intentions at heart?” I ask. I feel Emma get angry again, so I continue in an attempt to calm her down. I put my hand up. “I’m just asking to protect you. I’m scared he’s going to leave one day - go back to pirating. Maybe one day family life won’t be exciting enough to stick around for. Are you sure you can trust him?”

“Yes. Of course, I trust him. I wouldn’t have married him otherwise.” Emma says. A small smile momentarily covers her face. She must think back to a happy memory. Their wedding, perhaps? “Look, I know you guys are worried about me because you love me, but there’s no need to be scared here. Killian would never abandon me. He literally gave up his ship twice just to get back to me after we’ve been separated. That ship is the last thing he has of his brothers besides this ring.” Emma pulls up a necklace from under her shirt. A ring is attached to it. “And he gave me this to protect me and so that I would always have a reminder that he loves me. Hope, Henry and I are his whole world. In my timeline you guys know that. So, please, trust me when I say he’s a great person.”

I want to be believe her. I really do. She seems so happy.

I turn to Mary Margret and give her soft smile. She returns the gesture and also nods softly. I’ll take that as a sign, that we can trust Emma’s judgment. Trust isn’t easy for her after all, so I’m sure she’s right. If Hook managed to get her to trust him, his intentions must be pure. I suppose, he really does love my daughter.

“If you trust him, then so do we, Emma.” I say to my daughter and she smiles brightly.

“Not that I need your approval or anything, but thanks, dad.” She returns and nods softly towards Mary Margret and I.

“So,” Mary Margret starts curiously, “This was always supposed to happen? You hung out in your timeline?”

“Yeah, but not this early to be honest. This is actually my plan to get home right now. I took Hope to see Killian earlier to calm her down. It helped, too, she is delightful once again and not crying 24/7. But he accidently saw my engagement ring and it’s his mom’s, so he put two and two together. I just had to tell him then. I hate lying to him. Anyway, we figured that Hope’s magic brought me here, so maybe we can reverse the spell with true love’s kiss.” Emma shrugs.

True Love’s Kiss? But that means – The pirate is my daughter’s true love? She has the same kind of love as her mother and I?

No wonder she didn’t care much about our approval. I never would’ve listened to anyone either, if they tried to separate me and Mary Margret.

If it’s true love between them, then I don’t even want to stand in their way. It’s what Emma deserves. The pirate has changed and I’m sure, he treats her well. Otherwise she wouldn’t be this radiant.

#find my way back to you #emma swan #killian jones #hope swan jones #emma swan jones #ouat #cs #captain swan #cs fanfic

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thejacketandthehook · 5 years

Text

Before Dawn 5/?

Title: Before Dawn

Author: thejacketandthehook (aka everystareverywhere)

Summary: Emma Swan and Killian Jones only had one thing in common: Emma’s best friend and Killian’s brother were dating. But Emma and Killian could not get along. That was, until the day they had to work together through a tragedy that no one saw coming.

Rating: General (but that will change to Mature in later chapters)

Word Count: 17,631

Disclaimers: I own absolutely nothing.

Author’s Notes: So, I’ve been in the mist of writing this particular story for almost two years. And I’m hoping that if I have support, I’ll be more motivated to finish it. So my story is based off of the movie “Life As We Know It” starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel. And below is the first chapter. I hope you enjoy.

You can also read it here: A03

@searchingwardrobes

Living with a baby brought on challenges that neither of them expected. Almost a month and a half after Elsa and Liam's death, and Killian and Emma still had no idea what in hell they were doing.

True they made their schedule, and they stuck to that. Emma was free Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday nights and Killian was free Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday nights. Thursdays were their night to both be with Henry.

But even with nights off, they were more exhausted than either had ever felt in a long time. Henry was getting better at sleeping during the night, but those occasions when he just won't go to sleep were the nights that Killian and Emma both wondered what they got themselves into. They tried everything, from long car rides (where Emma would continually nod off, even when Killian, who was driving, was practically shaking her awake) to soft music to singing lullabies to just walking around with him. Once, when they were really desperate, they called Mary Margaret, since she was up to date on all the baby tricks. God bless her, she came over and helped them settle Henry in. (Emma got her a foot massager the next day at the store, as a thank you).

Part of the problem, at least for Emma, was that this wasn't her home. Even though they had both been living there for some time, Emma had no idea where Elsa or Liam kept half of their stuff. And she felt weird taking down their pictures, or moving their furniture. She couldn't feel like she could actually settle herself in because this wasn't (and probably would never be) her home.

And that didn't helped Emma feel better.

~*~

Almost two months in their arrangement, Killian asked if he could have friends over. Emma didn't care, as long as they didn't make too much noise so Henry could sleep. What she wasn't expecting was a man, woman, and a small child appearing at their door one Thursday night.

"Emma, this is my best friend Robin Locksley and his wife Regina. Oh, this here is their son, Roland. Hey mate!"

Emma smiled politely at Robin and Regina welcoming them to the house. Killian, meanwhile, got down on his knees and hugged the little three year old before picking him up and carrying him in.

Still holding Roland, Killian sat down on the couch as Henry poked up from his playpen.

"And this is Henry," Emma said, going over to the playpen and picking the baby up. Regina and Robin made all the right cooing noises, getting a small, shy smile out of Henry before he looked away, burying his head in Emma's hair.

"He's adorable," Regina smiled before looking over at Killian. "I think he looks like Liam."

"See, I see more of Elsa in him," Robin said before sitting on the opposite couch, pulling Regina down with him.

"He's a good mix, I think," Killian replied, bouncing a laughing Roland on his knees. "He's certainly has my brother's lungs. Especially at two in the morning."

"Now how does that work?" Regina asked as Emma went to sit next to Killian. Though they were sitting at least a foot apart, once the boys saw each other, Henry started fidgeting in Emma's arms, wanting to meet the other boy. "Do you trade off on who's going to get Henry, or do you decide before you go to bed?"

Emma was trying to hold onto Henry, but he was starting to fuss, wanting to be let go so he can go play. She put him down on the ground and Killian let go of Roland, who insisted that he wanted to play with the baby.

"Oh, er, we just decide when we get to the bedroom," Emma replied as she sat back up, pushing her hair behind her ear.

"Maybe we should make a schedule or something."

"Our whole life is a schedule now," Emma muttered.

"It's not a bad idea."

Emma sighed. Her whole life was on that bloody calendar and she hated it. Hated that she couldn't go out, simply because she wanted to. It's not like she hated Henry, or resented him. She could never do that. But she hated the fact that her life now had to be written down and approved before she could leave the house for the evening.

It has been close to two months by the time Robin and his family stopped by to see Killian. And while she and Killian weren't at each other necks anymore, there was still a "coldness" about them, something he liked to point out from time to time. She didn't know what exactly he was looking for. A wife? A sympathetic ear? She was none of those things. And if she was going to choose anything first, it would be mother. Henry was her priority now, no matter what else was going on in her life.

After a half hour of listening to Killian, Robin, and Regina talking about people she didn't know or situations that didn't include her, she got up and muttered about making coffee. She practically ran towards the kitchen and sat at the table.

Emma was running her fingers through her hair before rubbing them over her face. She let out a breath before she heard, "Roland's not mine."

Popping her head up, Emma looked over to see Regina standing in the doorway of the kitchen, arms crossed. She looked so professional in her black pantsuit and high heels, Emma briefly wondered if the woman even owned a pair of jeans.

"I'm sorry?"

"Roland. He's not my son. He's my stepson," Regina clarified before walking further into the room. She leaned on the counter opposite the table Emma was sitting at. "Killian introduced us as though he's my son. Though I consider him to be my son and don't usually correct people, I feel I should. With you."

"Why?"

Regina shrugged. "Maybe to give you someone to talk to. Getting a child when you weren't completely ready is a major task, no matter how glamorous movies make it look. It's like taking on a job 24/7. One where you need to read all the manuals, and yet you didn't."

Emma looked down at all the baby books she found in the house. They were piled neatly on the table (thanks to the neat-freak that is Killian). "Those books are shit," Emma muttered.

Regina chuckled. "Yes, they are. Like all jobs, they can't prepare you for everything. Most of the time, you're making it up as you go along."

"How old was Roland? When you married his dad?"

Tilting her head up, Regina thought about it for a moment. "Well, when I married Robin, Roland was just over two. But when we started dating, Roland was a little younger than Henry. Granted I wasn't living in the same house as them, but there were dates where Roland joined us. At first I was terrified. I mean, look at me," she gestured to her outfit. "Do I look like the type of person who gets down on the floor and play cars? Kids were great, as long as they were someone else's, you know?" Though it was rhetorical, Emma nodded. "But, things were getting pretty serious between Robin and I. We started talking about the future. Together. And suddenly, there was a kid in my life. And I had to make a decision: should I give up Robin--whom I love with all my heart--and have freedom, or except the fact that if I married Robin, I was also going to become a mother in the same day? Well," she cocked her head to the side, "you can guess which one I chose."

"Yeah, but you had choice. Killian and I didn't. You had a choice of whether or not you want to be with the man you love, with his child! I didn't. Do you know what I was doing when I got the phone call that changed my life? I was having dinner with my boyfriend. And the night was going so wonderfully. And then I got a phone call from Anna and it was...Everything changed. I went from a small apartment where I was lucky if I had milk and bread in the fridge to this!" She gestured to the house, her life, in general. "To living in my best friend's house with her brother-in-law, whom up until a few months ago, I could barely stand. To having a kid. I'm not this kid's mother, but I might as well be! At this point in time, he probably thinks I am his mother! So you can try to understand me, but you don't!" Emma pushed her chair back so hard, it scraped the floor. In some distance part of her mind, she knew Killian would give her hell for that later. Without another word, Emma ran out of the kitchen and up to her bedroom.

Killian and Robin walked in, both holding a child. "What's going on?" Killian looked over at the staircase that Emma just ran up before looking over at Regina. He was bouncing Henry, but his eyebrows were knitted together and he bit his lip, a sure sign that he was concerned.

Regina placed both hands on her hips before turning slowly to the men. "I was trying to make Emma feel better. Obviously, I failed." She pushing back some of her hair before sighing deeply.

Killian looked at Regina before saying, "She's just a bit emotional right now. We both are. We're trying to get used to this life now. Don't take it personally. She snaps at me every chance she gets."

"She's right though," Regina commented. "You two...your lives changed so dramatically in short amount of time."

"Maybe what you need, what you both need, is to get away for a while," Robin suggested. Killian and Regina both looked at him with raised eyebrows. "Well, I don't mean together, unless you want to. But like Regina said, you were both thrown into this and it's complicated and it's frustrating and it's not easy. Maybe a long weekend away from Henry and from each other might make everything a little bit better. Come back renewed or something."

"Maybe you're right," Killian agreed. "Some time away might help."

"We can watch Henry," Regina suggested.

"Of course we can. Just make sure you check with us before you guys go."

"Well, if we're taking separate vacations, which would most likely happen, then we wouldn't need babysitters. But yeah, I'll talk to Emma. See what she thinks."

~*~

Unsurprisingly, when Killian first brought up the idea of each of them going on a small vacation for a couple of days, Emma turned it down.

"Absolutely not," she said as she picked up a toddering Henry who has lately become fascinated with Emma's pocketbook and often could be found either dragging it on the ground or going through it. Emma has since learned that Henry cannot really work zippers yet, though she still takes out any pills or her wallet when she gets home. Or she puts her purse in the closet all together. "We've only been with him two months, and we need a break from him? How stupid is that?"

"Ba-ba," Henry chimed in.

"See?" she said, using her hand that wasn't holding Henry to gesture to the baby in her arms. "Even he agrees with me."

"It's not that bad of an idea when you think about it. Or is this one of those, I'm-gonna-hate-the-idea-because-Killian-suggested-it type of thing?"

She sighed before she placed Henry in his playpen. "Killian, this is important to me..."

"What? You think taking care of Henry is not important to me?!" he flared.

"No, of course not. Of course it's important to you too. But--"

"How many times have you seen Walsh? Since this all started I mean."

She shifted her feet and looked down before looking back up and crossing her arms. Uncertain to defensive in two point three seconds. That has to be a new record, even for her. "What do you care?"

He crossed his arms too and said, "I'm asking because if I was Walsh, I would want to spend some time with you."

"Things have been difficult here, and you know it. We're still trying to adjust. Killian, a child was dropped into our lives when we least expected it--"

Killian point a finger at her. "And that's why we both need a vacation." Dropping his hand, he continued. "Emma, people who are expecting children have time to plan everything out. They can figure out how to get the house ready and read up on all of those books and...They have time. Nine months, years, whatever. The point is, we went from both being two adults with little responsibilities to bam! Parents! And yeah, our friends have been supportive and Mary Margaret deserves a bloody award for all the times she has come over to help. But at the end of the day, it's the two of us. This is our life now, for better or for worse."

She bit her lip and her fingers fiddled with the top of the chair. He could tell she was thinking it over, seeing how right he was. He knew that he, for once, was winning the argument.

She sighed. "Fine. For, like three days at most."

He smiled. It was nice to finally have a victory. "Of course. Just to clear our heads a bit, that's all."

~*~

They flipped a coin on who would go first. Killian won. He planned a three day trip to Atlantic City, with a two friends from University.

("You have friends besides Robin?"

"Shut up.")

A few hours after he had left Emma and Henry was when the anxiety kicked in. Not anxiety, exactly, more like....He was continually concerned. He kept checking his phone, making sure that Henry was alright. His friends, Will Scarlet and William Smee, were both getting bored with his behavior. The three of them, back in University, were known as the Three Musketeers. Even Robin would shake his head when he saw the three of them in action, and Robin didn't exactly have the best track record. But now, there was Killian, having to leave the casino because he wasn't getting good reception, and "I just need to make sure Emma doesn't need me."

"Wha 'ould ya do if she did?" asked Will, shaking his head. "Gonna get some pixie dust and fly home?"

"Don't be ridiculous. She hasn't been alone with Henry in a while. I just...I want to make sure he's okay."

Smee shook his head. "I think our Captain is getting whipped."

"'nd over a woman too!" Will smirked. "Or is he gonna keep saying it's baby 'Enry."

The long weekend didn't go exactly as he had planned. It was a good thing he had unlimited text messaging, because he's pretty sure he messaged Emma almost every hour.

Emma had messaged him after he asked for probably the hundredth time if everything was okay. If there's a problem I'll let you know. Have some faith in me.

It wasn't that he didn't have faith in her, which actually made that the scariest part. He had complete faith in her. It was more like...He just needed to make sure everything was okay. That neither Emma or Henry had fallen through a portal or that an Earthquake didn't tear apart the house or that they weren't abducted or anything. He was confident that Emma would be okay. It was the rest of the world toward Emma and Henry that made him nervous.

He finally breathed a sigh of relief when he pulled up to Liam's house and saw that it was indeed still standing. Emma's yellow bug was parked out front and he smiled at the sight of it.

Emma, however, was convinced that she would be more relaxed on her short vacation than he was. However, just like with Killian, Emma got antsy and needed to know exactly what Henry was doing at all times. She even had a nightmare that Henry stopped breathing and before she thought better of it, called Killian at one o'clock in the morning. (Neither Killian, nor Walsh who took her to Cape Cod, were happy about that).

Walsh even took Emma to the beach. Since it was the start of September, it was just warm enough to actually enjoy the cool water and sandy shores. That didn't stop Emma from continually checking her phone.

"Emma, the point of this vacation was to stop worrying about Henry. Now, put down the phone and come join me."

"I will, I will. Killian is gonna message me when..."

"Killian is a grown man who can take care of a child for seventy-two hours. Less than that now. I'm sure they are both fine."

"But this isn't like him to not message back. Maybe I need better signal."

Before he could say a word, Emma got up and walked back towards the car.

She too took a sigh of relief when she saw the house. And a bigger one when she was holding a perfectly safe Henry in her arms.

The vacations, all in all, weren't necessarily a bad idea. Both Killian and Emma did enjoy themselves for the few hours here and there that they actually let themselves relax. But they both realized that at this point in time, neither of them were willing to let go of Henry, even if it helped in their own sanity.

~*~

"I've been dying to go see a play, but I can't get comfortable sitting for long periods of time." Mary Margaret shifted in her seat, ready to pop at any moment. Emma half expected to see David running around with a bag, waiting for her drop the baby that is due any day.

"Oh, I love plays. Tragedies are my favorite," Regina commented from her seat. "Can really understand the human emotions, you know."

Emma, Killian, David, Mary Margaret, Regina, and Robin were sitting on the back porch of Liam and Elsa's house (Emma still refused to acknowledge it as her house). Henry was playing with a few toys on the grassy area as Roland sat by the adults with an iPad on his lap. Neither Emma nor Killian planned on hosting a BBQ; it just sort of happened. Killian was trying to figure out how to work the barbeque itself when David's head appeared over the backyard fence. He nicely asked if he could come over to look at it, and he appeared a few minutes later with Mary Margaret, who apparently was dying to get out of the house for a little while. Robin (along with Regina and Roland) had come over to give Killian...something, Emma didn't really know what, when he noticed that neither Killian nor David could get the barbeque working. Suddenly they were hosting a barbeque, and Emma was biting her lip wondering if they had enough food.

"Why see a tragedy when comedy is so much better?" David asked before looking over at Killian. "Wait, no, that goes over there I think. Where are the instructions?"

"I don't bloody know," Killian cursed. Emma bit her lip, trying not to laugh, but it was truly a battle. She had never seen him so ruffled, and it was amusing to watch. His usually combed black hair was all standing up, thanks to him continually running his fingers through it. Instead of rolling her eyes, as she would have done only a month earlier, she was instead trying so hard not to laugh.

She walked over to the three of them, all crouched down looking at all the different levers. "Swan," Killian said when he noticed her. "Take a look. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes is what we need."

Emma got down as well and looked around. "Did you guy try turning the propane on? Remember, this is an old grill." Silence. She smirked. "That'd be a no." She leaned over Killian and turned the gas on. Within minutes, there was a nice fire going.

"Thanks Swan," Killian muttered as he got the hamburgers set out.

David was leaning against the low brick wall, a beer in hand, when he said, "I don't think I know the story of how you two met." Emma looked over and realized he was talking to them.

"Oh, us!" Emma gave a small laugh. She and Killian looked at each other and smirked before Emma looked back. "We met through my best friend."

"And my brother."

"They set us up."

"It must have went well, I take it."

Emma and Killian both laughed. David looked at his wife, who must have known their story, since she shook her head with a small smile.

"Oh, no, it was terrible, mate. Just got through one date before we called it quits."

"It was only up to a month ago that we could actually look at each other. We didn't like the other for a long time."

"Speak for yourself," Killian interjected. while flipping the hamburgers. "I quite fancy you from time to time, when you're not yelling at me."

Emma hoped her face didn't blush, even though she could certainly feel it burning. Ignoring his slight flirtation, she retorted, "I'm always yelling at you."

"Hence why I said 'time to time,'" he smirked.

"But--" David looked at Henry who was nibbling on one of his toys. "You're raising Henry together. If you two couldn't get along, then why--?"

"That's a question we are both wondering, mate."

"Elsa and Liam made us Henry's legal guardians. They never told us why."

"They never told us, period."

David shook his head before muttering something Emma couldn't catch as he walked over to his wife and rubbed her stomach.

"You know what I love," Mary Margaret said later, when everyone had a plate of food. They had just enough for everyone enjoy either a hot dog or a hamburger. Luckily, the kids didn't eat that much, though Henry really liked the hot dogs. "Musicals. I love musicals."

"Yes! Classics like The Music Man!" Robin added. "Can't go wrong."

"Even newer ones, like Wicked and Hamilton are breathtaking."

"You've seen Hamilton?" Emma asked Mary Margaret.

"Well, no, of course not. But I've heard good things. I did see Wicked on Broadway. And David has seen The Lion King."

"Liam and I saw Mary Poppins with my ex-wife," Killian added. "She loved that nanny."

"Oh, Annie! I love Annie!" Mary Margaret added.

"I don't like that one," Emma muttered.

"Annie?" Regina asked, her eyebrow raising. "You don't like Annie? What's not to like? There's singing, there's dancing, there's happy ending. It's a musical, for God's sake!"

Emma moved her shoulders, almost hunching them in, as though armor from Regina's words. However, just like the sharpest knife, it pierces right through and got her where she's the weakest.

Trying not to sound too defensive (and probably missing by a mile), Emma simply stated, "I don't like Annie."

She doesn't notice Regina giving Robin an odd look, like she can't quite believe her ears. Emma didn't notice Killian leaning over, trying to look at her. She didn't see Mary Margaret and David giving each other looks. She only saw her food, trying with all of her might to block out the song Tomorrow that suddenly popped into her head.

Later, once everyone had left and Henry was put down for the night, Killian found Emma gulping down a glass of wine.

She tried to ignore him, but when he leaned on the doorframe and crossed his ankles, his body language pretty much told her he was going to say something.

"So, what's wrong with Annie?"

"God, it is a crime to hate a musical?!"

"No, of course not," he replied softly. They were silent. Emma put her empty glass in the sink and the leaned her two hands on it, head bending down. When he spoke again, it was still soft. "It's because she's an orphan, isn't it?"

She didn't reply. Then she, just as softly, quoted, "'No one cares for you, a smidge, when you're in an orphanage.'"

He sighed. He didn't say anything, and if he was giving her any kind of a look, she didn't see it. She was still staring down into the sink, watching excess water falling into the drain.

"I didn't even have that." She didn't know why she was telling him this. Emma preferred keeping things to herself, not letting anyone know her weaknesses. But with Killian...

Maybe it was because they lived together. Maybe because when you start raising a child together, it just brings people closer. Or maybe it was because he got her at a valuable moment. She didn't know why she was suddenly telling him about how awful the foster care was and that she would die herself before she let Henry get put into the system.

"Annie...it just reminds me of that time of my life. A time where..."

"Where no one cared for you." He wasn't asking a question. He knew that's what she was talking about.

She shook her head.

She heard rather than saw him move. Suddenly he was wrapping his arms around her and all she could smell was the aroma of food still on his clothes. She wanted to push him away, but for a moment she let herself be weak. Just for one moment. Then she pushed him away, telling him that she didn't want his pity.

"It's not pity," he informed her.

"Of course it is. People always pity me once they learn my back story. No mother. No father. No one ever wanted Emma Swan. And that's fine, I don't need anyone--"

"Well, that's a lie."

"It's not!" Now she was being defensive "I don't!"

"You do, Emma, and that's not a crime. It's okay to feel weak."

"I can't. Besides, you'll just show pity again, and I can't-"

"I don't pity you. I know what you're talking about."

She scoffed. "People always say that, and they don't know. They can't possibly know what it feels like to be unwanted by the people who made you!"

"But I do!" It was the first time in their conversation that he raised his voice. "Emma, I know."

When she looked up at him, she didn't see pity staring back at her. No, she saw the same look that had haunted her mirror for years, before she met Elsa. That look of being lost.

"Liam and Killian's father abandoned them. I told you that. Didn't I?"

It had clicked, a few minutes too late. Elsa had told her that, during Henry's party, Emma thinks. Elsa told her that Killian and Liam, that they were unwanted. Unloved. By the very person who was suppose to protect them.

"My mother died when I was born," Killian continued with no prompting. She wasn't sure if he saw the recognition in her eyes, or if he was just trying to inform her of his past. "And my father...he didn't take it too well. Fell into a depression. Started drinking and gambling. And when I was seven, I woke up one morning and he was...He was gone. He just left Liam and I on our own, trying to figure out what the hell we were going to do.

"The only difference between us, Emma, is that I had Liam. Otherwise...I know exactly how it feels to be betrayed by those who are supposed to love you."

Emma opened her mouth, but quickly closed it. She knew that he was abandoned, knew it in the back of her mind. Yet, unlike her, he never seemed to bring it up. Emma let it consume her, made her grow thick skin and to push away any one who dared to come close to her. But Killian...He was pretty much the same boat as her. He was abandoned as a child and has lost the closest thing to family. When he said he knew exactly how she felt, he wasn't kidding. The details of their story may be different, but the overall theme was the same:

They were both, for lack of a better term, lost children.

However, unlike her, he never let his past define his future. He didn't push people away. Hell, he got married! Emma could barely keep a relationship for a year, and Killian practically told someone he wanted to spend his whole life with them! (The fact that it didn't work out was preside the point. He tried). He knew, from their meeting in front of the lawyers office, that she was abandoned. What did he say to her? That he saw how defensive she got when the lawyer suggested taking Henry to a foster house. He knew it, saw it. She could barely see past her own grief to notice that he was grieving too.

At a loss for something to say, which was very unlike her and kind of shook her a bit, she just looked up at him from under her eyelashes.

"I'm sorry," she said. What she was sorry for, whether it was the death of his family members, being abandoned, or anything she had said or done to hurt him, she wasn't sure.

He gave a tiny grin. "I don't want your pity." She gave a small smile in return before looking up fully. He held out his hand, ready to shake hers. "How about we start over?"

She looked at his hand before saying, "No." He lowered his hand, his face falling. "No, we shouldn't start over. We should just turn over a new leaf. Not start over, exactly, but just understand that we both...We can help each other if we just let the other one in."

She saw him bit his lip, like he wanted to say something, but knew better. She kind of wanted to know what he was going to say, but before she could ask, he continued. "I'd like that." He went to the fridge and pulled out two beers. Cracking them both open, he gave her one before holding up the other one. "To new leaves!"

She clicked the bottles. "To new leaves!"

#csfanfiction #captain swan #cs ff #emma swan #killian jones #once upon a time fanfiction #once upon a time

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everything-person · 5 years

Text

Not All Talk

Summary: Best friends every so often planning their living together. It was all just pretend for fun until it wasn't. They are between high school and college age.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

"We have to take our kids to Disney."

"Okay but we have to wait until they're like 6 or 10."

The friends felt eyes on them. Emma looked up from her phone and saw Ruby staring at her and Killian. They were all hanging out at the park, it was cold enough that they were the only ones out there.

"What?"

Ruby battered her eyes and shook her head. "Did I miss something? When are you guys having kids?"

"Oh never." Emma replied simply before go back to her phone.

Ruby squinted her eyes. Still not quite understanding what happened.

Killian decided to elaborate, "Its a hypothetical thing we do. Almost like when people make marriage packs but more specific."

"Okay so where am I in this hypothetical life?" Ruby asked though she wasn't sure she fully understood.

"Your Auntie Red. You come over every birthday and holiday with sweets." Killian shrugged as if it's the obvious thing in the world.

"Your the fun aunt that lets the kids curse and they feel comfortable telling you stuff." Emma piped up.

"I can live with that."

---------------------------------

Bzzzzzzzzzz

Emma jumped at the sudden vibration. She has been staring at her damn textbook for a good half an hour and she still wasn't finished. Rubbing her eyes she picked up her phone. The screen light up showing she had a message from Killian. She put in her password deciding she needed a break.

Captain- we are getting a cat.

Swan- umm... no we are getting a dog

Captain- love, dogs are crazy and are a lot of work. Cats are simple and lazy. Dave can have a dog we go and visit.

Swan- cats are mean and hate people dogs are loving

Captain- cats aren't mean

Captain- how about a fox?

Swan- .....you can have a fox as a pet?

Captain- aye and apparently they are lazy and can go in a litter box but you can take it for walks and play

Swan- we are getting a fox

----------------------------

Killian was just got out of his shower when his phone rang. He picked it up and put it on speaker.

"Hello?"

"All of our kids are going to know how to fight and defend themselves. And we will be teaching them it's okay to bite."

Killians face scrunched up at all the information being thrown at him. He stayed the first thing that came to his mind, "biting is bad form."

"It's also bad form to grab a kid."

"Swan what brought this on?"

His phone went silent for a moment before she sighed.

"I just.... I keep seeing all this stuff about kidnapping, sex trade, pedos, and rapists."

Killian didn't say anything waiting for her to continue.

"Remembering the shit I went through before the Nolans. The thought of little little kids going through worse. And then thinking what if I have kids. And I wasn't able to protect them. It's just..."

Killian picked up his phone, wishing he was able to comfort her, hoping what he was about to say was enough.

"Swan. I promise nothing will happen to our children. I will make damn sure of it. They will be the most ass kicking badasses the world has ever seen. Little terrors they'll be."

He heard her let out a breath, like he just lifted a thousand pound weight off her chest. They both went silent for a bit before Killian decided to break the tension. "So how many little heathens will we be having?"

He heard a small chuckle come through his phone speaker. A smirk broke across his face and he counts it a victory.

"No more than three," Emma finally answered.

"Three is the worst number of children, love. If we are going to have three than we should at least make it even at four. I wouldn't mind at least one girl."

"Okay one girl with three older brothers. But no family names. Can you imagine how big David and Liam's head would get if we named a kid after them?"

"No Davey Jones or Liam Swan."

"Ugh absolutely not. Hey I gotta go see ya tomorrow."

"Aye I will see you tomorrow. And Swan?"

"Yeah."

Killian smiles into the phone saying, "you'll be a great mother one day." Not waiting for a response he hung up the phone.

---------------------------------------

Emma was munching on her grilled cheese when her phone went off. It was a picture message from Killian.

The message said if I was ever going to propose the ring would look something like this.

The picture attached was a silver band with a simple diamond cut into a shape of a heart. It was pretty.

She simply texted back the word approved before going back to her sandwich. She couldn't even pick up her sandwich before she got another text.

Captain- Is David going to be my best man or is he giving you away?

Emma gave this some thought before responding.

Swan- I think he'll walk me down the aisle but he can still be a groomsman. What about Liam?

Captain- Who do you think is marrying us love?

They went back and forth like that for a while. Emma's sandwich all but forgotten.

Ruth walked in the kitchen to see her adoptive daughter sitting at the kitchen table. "Who are you texting so vigorously?"

"Killian we are planning our wedding."

"Oh. Tell him I'm not getting sick on a boat or getting sand filled heels to watch my only daughter get married."

Emma chuckled, "okay."

Swan- Ruth says we can't get married on the beach or on a boat.

She got an immediate response. "What about a peir or dock?"

"That I can do."

--------------------------------

Emma just got to Killians house when she was nearly tackled by someone.

"Emma! Killian said I can't babysit your kids," Killians little sister whined.

"Sorry Alice I agree with Killian."

"Thank you." He shouted from somewhere inside.

Alice pouted at this, "why not?"

"Killian is going to be a stay at home dad."

"Oi!" He appeared in the open doorway, "When was that decided?"

"Just until their five and in school. Then you can do whatever you want."

"But why can't I babysit?" Alice stomped her foot.

"Alice your going to be a great fun aunt but your also a yes person. And if a kid says let's make a fire you have to say no."

"What if it's a small fire?"

----------------------------------

Killian was laying in bed waiting to fall asleep when a ping caught his attention. Grabbing his phone not surprised at all when it was from Emma.

Swan- I just found out you can have an Aladdin themed bathroom. I'm talking towel, shower curtain, shower hooks, trash can, rug, toothbrush holder, the whole thing. Now I want our bathroom to be Aladdin themed.

He couldn't help the smile that spread cross his face. Captain- Only if we have a Beauty and the Beast Kitchen and a Peter Pan themed room.

Swan- I can live with that.

Captain- If we are going to do this we also need at least one Mickey Mouse in each room

Almost immediately after he sent the message he fell asleep with a smile never leaving his face.

------------------------------

It was a couple of months after graduation. Killian called Emma in complete distress.

"I'm going to break Swan. I love my family but they are driving me mad. I need to get out of here."

"What happened now," Emma asked concern edged her voice. Every week Killian seemed to have another five reason be mad at his family and leave his house.

"I had food in the fridge. I was planning on eating it today when I got home. I came home to find my food missing. I go to ask if anyone moved it, only to find William sitting in front of the tv eating my food."

Emma let her friend get everything that was bothering him of his chest. Though the issues seem minor she understands the need to break free.

"Hey. You got a job right?"

"Aye."

"Do you want to start looking at apartments?" Silence followed her question. She waited a minute then two. She thought for a moment she might have lost him. "Killian?"

"I'm sorry love. I think I misheard you."

"I asked if you wanted to get a place with me? We both have jobs I'm sure we can find something that could work."

"I would love to get an apartment with you. One condition. No Aladdin bathroom."

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This was the best I can do at 1 am. Hope it was passable.

#ouat #once upon a time #emma swan #captain hook #killian jones #captain swan #cs ff #cs fanfic #cs fanfiction #cs fic #captain swan ff #captain swan fanfic #cs au #cs au ff #cs au fic #ouat fanfic #ouat fanfiction #ouat ff

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killiansprincss · 3 years

Text

Never Forget You Chapter 9/20

Summary: Emma Swan is happy. She has finally found her family and has a great relationship with her son. She also has her boyfriend who means the world to her.

So it’s great right?

Wrong.

The Evil Queen is still at large in Storybrooke and when she casts a curse on Emma, she is turned into a toddler. Her family are forced to watch her grow up not remembering anything of her former life. So Henry and Killian run off to Neverland, and when Emma finally remembers, will it be a happy reunion? Or will there be challenges in this Neverland that is no longer ruled by Peter Pan?

Also on A03

————

Henry Mills was not a fan of Neverland.

The first time he arrived here, he was kidnapped by his evil great grandfather's minions and then manipulated by that great grandfather.

Now he was here with his almost step father waiting for his mother to break a curse that made her a toddler.

Henry had tried keeping track of the days, but he gave up after probably 8 years. The days all blend into one, and 25 years was a long time to wait. Time moves differently in Neverland, one day can feel like 2 hours and another day can feel like 5 months. You had to keep focused, Neverland would play mind tricks on you, and make you see and believe things that weren’t actually happening.

This was exactly why seeing his mother was so hard to believe.

For years he had been seeing her, many different versions of her. He saw the version he knew and loved, he had seen a teenage Emma, the same age as he was which was very strange. He had even seen a much older version of her, in which she never broke her curse and completely forgot about him.

Seeing her, when he had no idea she was coming and was on his way to help the lost kids of the island like every other night, it was a shock. “Emma” normally would say things like Henry we’re going home’, or ‘I’m here to save you’. She didn’t normally say things she knew about him, the tricks Neverland played on you didn’t know he liked cinnamon on his hot cocoa or about Operation Cobra. But he couldn’t be too sure. That's why he chose a riddle to see if it were really his mother. He really wanted it to be.

Seeing Killian that night and not saying anything was hard. He so badly wanted to say that Emma was here and they were going home, but if it wasn’t really her then getting his hopes up only to let him down would make him sink into a depressive state.

Killian was in a really bad place. Henry was having a hard time, but he always had hope. Killian on the other hand, was hopeless. Henry knew he had spent over 300 years in this place, and while another 25 years did not seem as long, Neverland played so many tricks on your mind that 25 years could feel like 300 years and 300 years can seem like an eternity.

Killian spent a lot of his time between the Jolly Roger and his Island home. At first, Henry would always be welcome on the ship-they were in this situation together and the least Killian could do was teach him how to sail like he did his father, and tell him things about his father that he wanted to know.

The way Henry would keep himself sane was using the author's pen. Every day he would write something, or the pen would write something. And Henry knew though that his time on the Island was almost up that night after he saw his mother when he was writing with his authors pen and he wrote,

The Charming Family, Snow White Prince Charming and their two Children, Emma and Neal arrive on the Island of Neverland upon their daughter breaking her curse. They come to Nevelrand to search for the loves she lost during her curse.

The pen never lied. His mom was really here. His family.

Now he had to figure out how to save Killian from anymore fairy manipulation.

And he could go home.

__________

“Cecelia, what a charming surprise.” Killian comments as he successfully saw Neal leave in a puff of smoke.

The fairy smiles and tucks her violet wings in, “Hook. I wanted to see how you were doing! You seemed off before, I hope everything is okay now.”

Cecelia knew very well that his long lost love had now returned to the Island, in hope to get him back. Not if she had anything to do with it. But Cecelia didn’t know that Hook already knew Emma was back for him.

Seeing he youngest Charming had confirmed that the Emma he had seen before was in fact his Emma. It really had been 25 years. She was here to collect Henry and himself and go back. To Storybrooke.

But did he deserve to go back?

It had been 25 years. The 25 years had been good to Emma, she had grown up in the family that she deserved. She was no longer a lost girl. She deserved better than the man Neverland had made him.

And even if she still wanted him, would Cecelia let him. Or would she kill Emma to make sure he stayed on the Island?

“Ah nothing to worry about Cece.” He kept her sweet by using the nickname to keep her distracted. “I was just thinking about a poor lost boy I met previous nights ago, sad story that's all.”

Cecelia smiled, she wanted to believe him. But she knew he was thinking about his lover. “Neverland playing tricks on you again?”

“Something like that.” Killian nods, “If you don’t mind I was going to head to my ship. I haven’t slept well and the sound of waves calm me.

The fairy saw an opportunity, “I could join you. We can have some fun. That always used to calm you down.” And flirtatiously caresses his hook.

Killian is suddenly taken aback. He recalls the times Emma would do the same to his hook. And his thoughts travelled back to her. He wanted to see her, he wanted to take Neal up on his offer but he couldn’t. It was too dangerous.

“CeCe as much as I would love that. I really need sleep. But another time perhaps. After all this is Neverland”

Killian hated to admit that he had spent nights with the fairy during his time in Neverland. Both in the reign of Pan and now. He hated himself for it, but there was something about the damn fairy that as much as he wanted to say no he couldn’t. And now the thought of Emma being back for good, he was sick at the thought of doing anything with the fairy. But he had to keep good terms with her, if he broke things off immediately she would know something was wrong.

Cecelia looked hurt and angry, but agreed and went out the door and flew away.

He needed to figure out how to keep Cecelia sweet whilst also seeing if Emma would want him back after seeing what these years in Neverland had done to him.

He needed to find Henry.

_____

Neal reappeared in the camp within seconds after his first encounter with Hook.

Emma is the first to question what he got up to.

“Well what happened? What did you see?” She asks her brother.

He looks over at his sister, “I met your boyfriend,”

Emma practically falls to the ground. “What? What happened? What did he say? What did you do?”

Neal studies his sister for a moment before saying. “I don’t get it. He’s so cool, way cooler than any guy you’ve dated before. How does he like you?”

Emma rolls her eyes and shoots a tiny fireball at her brother's feet.

“Ow!”

“Oops,” Emma smirks. “Now tell us what happened.”

Neal rolls his eyes as he steps away from where he nearly got burned. “I’m serious though, he’s so cool he’s a pirate with a hook for a hand! Like how did dad ever approve of him?”

Emma smiles softly as she recalls the not so easy journey her father and Killian had. “Believe me, he didn’t, he almost got punched a few times. But dad grew to love him as much as I did.”

“He acts all tough but he’s a big softie.” David offers. “Now back to what he said and what happened.”

“Nothing really. I was walking around the jungle looking for something to happen. Then Hook comes and interrogates me. He took me back to his home on the Island to see if I really was Neal, son of Snow and Charming, and sister to Emma. He was telling me stories about how you two fell in love when you went back in time. OH and he told me I was almost sacrificed by my best friend's mother to create a time portal-I’m gonna need more information on that later!”

“We were going to tell you eventually. Once Emma broke her curse.” Snow offers, hoping her son will believe the lie.

“So then he starts recalling stories about how the two of you babysat me and mom and dad said it was practise when you two had a baby of your own.”

Emma cuts her brother off before he can continue, “I’m sorry, for when we had a baby of our own?” She asks directed at her parents, “you said you got us because you didn’t have to pay us!”

“We had good intentions!” Snow objects, “we just thought, you were on that track. And well,” Snow can’t quite seem to finish what she was saying, all she wanted was for Emma to finally find happiness, and she had no idea Captain Hook would be the one to give that to her. Killian really became part of the family after showing how much he cares for Emma, and snow eventually welcomed him with open arms.

“Anyway, back to the story,” Neal interrupts. “So he’s telling me all these stories, and he’s pretty drunk by the way, is that normal? I said that I could bring you to him, or take him to us, but he kept saying it was too dangerous. And then a girl named Cecelia started calling his name and he was rushing me to leave, saying she couldn’t know I was here.”

“Cecelia, that’s the name he kept saying when I saw him. He said something about it being one of Cecelia tricks.” Emma says connecting the dots, trying to figure out what was going on with Killian.

“What is she? A demon? A human?” David asks his son.

Neal shrugs, “I’m not sure, he didn’t say and I didn’t see her. But she clearly runs this Island.”

Emma grabs her sword from behind her back and stands up, “I’m going after him, I need to see him. And I don’t care who this Cecelia is, I can take her.”

Neal grabs his sister before she can go anywhere, “I wouldn’t if I were you. I don’t know much about your boyfriend but he seemed scared of this Cecelia and I’m guessing that doesn’t happen much. We still don’t know what of who she is. If you go there and you’ll ruin everything you’ve worked for.”

“He’s right Emma. We need to keep a close eye on him. We need to seek out Henry, find out what he knows and what we can do to stop her.” David says, and she knows he’s right.

“Okay fine.” She says setting her blade down, “I won’t do anything. I need to find Henry though, anyone got an idea on how to do that?”

David and Snow look lost in thought whilst Neal looks like he’s onto something. “Okay here me out, remember during our training, Blue would get us to communicate with each other by our minds. Do you think you could do that with your son?”

“But Henry isn’t magical. Doesn’t it work only when 2 people have magic?” Emma asks, even though right now it is the best option they have.

Neal shrugs, “I don’t know, I’ve only tried it with you,but isn’t blood magic strong? Because he’s your blood it could work.”

Emma silently swore, she hated when her brother was right. “Okay. I’ll try,”

Emma sits down on the ground and closes her eyes. She invisions Henry in her mind, she invisions when he first arrived at her door in Boston all those years ago, after 28 years of being alone, with Henry she finally found her home. Slowly and bit by bit, Stoyrbrooke gave her a home and the family she craved.

HENRY! HENRY! CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Emma called out in her mind.

Henry, it’s me, it’s your mom. Are you there?

Mom? Is that you? Henry replies in Emma’s mind. Yes she did it!

It’s me kid! I need to see you, I’m not sure how long I can keep this connection going and I need answers.

I’ll try and answer as much as i can. Are you able to come now? It’s easier to hide and escape during the daytime.

Sure kid, where are you?

A tree house near where Pan’s camp used to be, the northern part of the Island.

Hang tight Kid, I’ll be there soon.

Emma practically leaps off the ground. “I connected to him! It worked. I mean I actually spoke to him! Neal you’re a genius! Okay, Mom and Dad hold tight to Neal and I are going to take us to Henry.”

Neal looks at his sister. “We are?”

Emma nods, “Trust me. Connect to me and I’ll tell us where we need to go.”

Neal takes his mother’s hand while Emma takes their fathers, and puts blind faith in his sister as he connects to her mind.

And then all of a sudden they’re travelling round the Island and land outside by a bunch of trees. There’s one that has a ladder and a hut attached to it, Neal assumes this is where his nephew lives.

Emma begins to walk up the ladder, knocking on the hatch and whispers ‘Henry’

“Mom!” The 15 year old teenager opens the hatch. He’s skinny, a lot skinnier than when he was in Storybrooke and Emma immediately feels guilty. She didn’t take much of a look at him the last time she saw him she was just so excited to see him. But now seeing him in his home on the Island, with baggy clothes and a look of malnourishment.

His home was a tree house similar to the place Tinkerbell lived during Pan’s reign. It was pretty dark, just a hamper of clothes and a bag of food filled with nuts and berries. The walls were covered with pages of writing. I suppose that was one way of knowing what was happening. It made her feel terrible, Henry was always so loved. He shouldn’t have to live like this, in a tree house. Emma grew up not knowing how loved she was, she knew all about a makeshift home. Henry was always so loved and he always knew that, it must’ve broken his heart seeing her turn into a toddler.

“Henry! I’m so glad you’re okay!” She cries bending down to hug him. Tears roll down Henry’s eyes too.

Henry was so worried about being caught the last time he saw his family, but the fairies knew not to intrude Henry’s personal home. He also had more of a chance to tell his family what exactly the dangers of Neverland are, and how to escape.

“Gramps!” Henry’s face brightens up when he see’s his grandparents, they’re really here. “Gramps, you look so old.”

David slightly offended just laughs, “It’s good to see you Henry. We have missed you so much.”

“Mom how did you communicate like that with me? I didn’t know you could do that.” Henry asks.

“Growing up in Storybrooke was a lot different than how you grew up there. I was taught magic by the Blue Fairy and I’m confident in using it now. It’s all light Henry too, no need to worry about me going dark again.”

“What about your other life have you not told me? You went dark?” Neal interrupts his sister, curious to know what actually went on when he was a baby.

Snow gives her son a look that says “not the time.”

“Henry I came here for answers. I was naive to think getting you and Killian would be easy. But I need to know what I’m up against and how we can stop it.” Emma tells her son, everything the last few days has been so confusing and uncertain, but the one thing she was certain about was that she wanted her son and her love back.

Henry sighs, “Neverland has been dangerous, I’ve been lucky to stay out of the way. Hook hasn’t been as lucky though. What do you need to know?”

Emma has a million and one questions, but what she wants to know most is, “Who the hell is Cecelia for one? It’s all I hear Killian saying.”

Henry takes a deep breath, “Cecelia is a fairy. She was born in Neverland thousands of years ago, long before Pan. She was exiled and returned a few hundreds years later when Hook was here. She and her sister rule the Island, they have magic stronger than the fairies in Storybrooke, they have old magic. They manipulate you and make you see things that aren’t there. She won’t let us leave, she wants my blood so the Island can make humans immortal here and she can play with them as toys. The only way we can leave is by killing her.”

Emma just sits there feeling so stupid. She was no match for a fairy, how was she going to kill her?

Not that Emma asks, but Henry continues. “As the author I’ve been able to keep my mind as my own, everyday I write things down so I know it’s real life. Hook’s mind is vulnerable though, he’s suffered so much here and he isn’t good. He’s suffering and Cecelia takes advantage of it, she’s beautiful but I think she’s part siren or something, she lures people in, Hook especially, he doesn’t want to do what she asks, but he has no choice.”

On the edge of tears Emma asks, “Killian? What? Is he really not doing well?”

Henry looks at his mother not wanting to hurt her. “He’s suffering. I don’t want to diagnose him I’m not a doctor, but I think he has ptsd.”

“As in..”

Henry nods “Post traumatic stress disorder. Think about it, he lost you when you were the Dark One and then he saved you by sacrificing himself thinking he’d never see you again. Then when we went to the Underworld and you realised Hades would never let you leave and you said goodbye for real. And then he got saved by Zeus. You two are literally soulmates and he was planning your future together when he lost you again. This time there wasn’t saving you, he would have to watch you grow up and you not know who he was. The only way around this was facing the Island he spent 300 traumatic years where he lost his brother. He’s been hurting so much without you, he’s drinking and not sleeping. He won’t even let me on the Jolly anymore.”

Emma is practically in tears now, she didn’t want to cry, she hated showing her emotions before, but now that she’d grown up loved, and wasn’t hurt the way she was in her first life, it was okay to cry.

“I’m such a horrible person. It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have gone face to face with the Evil Queen. And now Killian is suffering I-I shouldn’t”

David quickly interrupts and consoles his daughter, “Emma don’t say that. It is not your fault. Your curse was not your fault at all please do not blame yourself. None of us could have stopped her.”

The Charmings' thoughts are quickly interrupted when they hear a familiar voice from outside.

“Henry, lad, are you in here?”

Killian.

He opens the hatch and almost falls down the ladder when he sees his company.

“Swan.”

“Killian!”

#never forget you #Captain Swan #cs ff #captain swan fanfic #my writing

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let-it-raines · 4 years

Text

Catch Me If You Can (32/40)

298 days. That’s how long Killian Jones was away from a baseball field. It’s less than a year, only part of a season for him, but it might as well have lasted a decade as he alternated between physical therapy and spending an excessive amount of time sitting on his couch.

But then he came back and won the World Series.

It’s something no one saw coming, and it’s certainly not something anyone who knows about his arm would predict. Now it’s a new season with new possibilities, and anything could happen. On-field reporter Emma Swan will be there to cover it all even if she is not his biggest fan right now.

Asking her out live on-air will do that.

Rating: Mature

a/n: all of my thanks to all of you for reading these words and enjoying them and to @resident-of-storybrooke for reading all of these words beforehand to make sure they make sense ❤️

Found on AO3: Beginning | Current

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Tag list: @stunningswan @eala-captian @galaxyzxstark @xellewoods @mariakov81 @ultraluckycatnd @royalswan @shey-starsfury @superchocovian @sals86 @iam2307 @ashley-knightingale @karenfrommisthaven @scientificapricot @captswanis4vr @ultimiflos @jamif @idristardis @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @tiganasummertree @bmbbcs4evr @onceuponaprincessworld @jennjenn615 @mayquita @captainsjedi @teamhook @notoriouscs @kmomof4 @ekr032-blog-blog @cs-forlife @andiirivera @jonirobinson64 @qualitycoffeethings

-/-

Killian’s shoulder is stiff when he wakes up. It’s not necessarily painful which is more than good considering how it’s been for a few weeks now, but it is definitely stiff. He’s sure that it has to do with spending most of yesterday stuck in a car with the Nolans because there were photographers waiting for him at the airport, and he immediately told David to turn around because he was not going in there with vultures waiting for him like that.

That decision may as well have screwed up his shoulder that little bit more, but sitting in the safety of Mary Margaret’s SUV is probably exactly what kept his mind intact.

No one in that car asked him any questions about his dad or his injury or Milah. No one there brought up everything he’s trying to forget. It’s simply a little hard to forget it all when he was trying to watch his team’s game last night and thirty minutes was spent talking about an article that is apparently determined to take over his life.

Fuck Walsh Osborne and fuck Brennan Jones.

They deserve nothing.

All he’s trying to do is play baseball and live his life. He never wanted any of this. He never asked for any of it.

The past two days of his life have been hell, and he’s been away from it all where it couldn’t honestly and truly get to him. Killian’s been in Maine trying to have a good time with his girlfriend and her family, and he’s avoided his phone as much as possible so as to not see all of the backlash. Emma has done the same.

Of course, he did have an extremely concerned brother who was also torn apart by their shitty excuse of a father lying and finally using them for money he’s probably already gambling away. He also had Elsa and Anna worried sick. That’s not even mentioning Will and Robin or Eric and Ariel.

God, Ariel.

She’d gone absolutely ballistic. Killian doesn’t think he’s ever actually heard that many curse words come out of her mouth, but in the hour that he spent talking to her (it was pretty much fifty minutes of her talking, ten minutes of him, and that’s being generous), he learned about an entirely new side of Ariel Fisher.

Or, at least, her mouth.

She is willing to go to war for him. All of these people are, and as flattered and grateful as Killian is for that, right now he is exhausted. Simply thinking about everything that’s going on in his life is exhausting. Hell, he’s just woken up thirty seconds ago, and his brain has already focused in on these catastrophic parts of his life in the damn article and his damn shoulder.

He’ll have to do some of his exercises before he goes into the stadium to meet with Archie for his physical therapy.

Physical therapy before physical therapy. What a concept.

He’ll also have to read the press statement that Ariel has written to be released. It’s all carefully thought out and lawyer approved and absolutely everything that he doesn’t want to say. He wants to say that the people spreading lies about him are the fucking scum of the earth. Instead he has to release a statement politely stating that while he doesn’t usually give out comments on his personal life, he will say that there are parts of his past of which he is not proud but they are in the past. They are not part of his present.

There’s some shit in there about his father and how his words were untrue, but he left that part to Ariel and some of the team’s PR managers to write. Killian knows that he’s too emotional about that to say anything that is even remotely acceptable.

The one part of the statement that he carefully crafted himself is the one at the end where he states in very clear words that Emma has earned every bit of her success in her career, exemplifies the height of professionalism every day, and that insinuating that a woman has advanced in her career because of who she is dating is a form of sexism that he will not tolerate. He may have screwed up in the past when he asked her out, but he’s learning that stupid questions and games aren’t always okay no matter how well-intended they are. Other people should learn too.

That’s all that he cares about the world knowing. They can think all kinds of shit about him and his past and what he did to his father, but they’re not going to get to think that Emma has slept her way up the ladder.

There’s no way in hell.

Slowly, Killian moves to sit up in bed, the covers barely draped over his waist, and starts doing a few short movements with his arm. Emma is still asleep on her side of the bed, nearly all of the blanket bunched around her, and he has to be careful not to wake her up. She is not a fan of being woken up for anything other than food or sex. And sometimes not even those two.

(She always wakes up for food.)

He pads out of his bedroom and down the hallway to the room where he keeps his gym equipment. It’s supposed to be a spare bedroom, but since he already has one of those, he didn’t see the point in having two when he has more use for a bit of a personal gym. Slipping into his sneakers and tying the laces, Killian gets dressed to go for his morning jog. He’s still half asleep, is still wearing the sweatpants that he slept in, but this is going to have to work. He turns on the television so that he has something to distract himself, finding whatever morning show that it is that airs for what seems like ten hours a day, and then he starts a slow jog to try to loosen himself up a little bit.

And to make himself forget.

Focusing on the different ways that his body aches and on the way that he’d rather be in bed usually keeps his mind off of everything else that’s in there fighting for dominance.

Nothing like killing himself with exercise to calm himself down.

It’s an hour run, no more and no less, and sweat is dripping down his entire body by the time that he’s finished. Killian has to towel himself down, wiping away the sweat from his chest and his back before running the cloth through his hair. His shoulder is still stiff, so he picks up the free weights and runs through a few repetitions until he knows that he can’t push himself any further.

In the past, Killian has always pushed himself past his limits, especially when his mind is the one attacking him, but he can’t do that anymore. That’s how he ends up in situations like this.

That and lying his ass off about the kind of pain he’s in.

By the time he finishes exercising, the sun has risen outside, sunshine shining brightly through the glass windowpanes. Having such large windows everywhere is great until he has a bit of a headache and needs a large cup of coffee, about a gallon of water, and something to eat.

Water. He desperately needs water right now. And food.

Killian takes off his socks and shoes and wanders into the kitchen, fixing himself a glass of cold water to drink before making himself some oatmeal. It’s not really what he wants, but it will have to do for this morning. He’ll eat something more filling in the clubhouse.

Soft hands wrap around his stomach, gentle fingers trailing up and down the hair on his chest, and Killian can feel Emma pressing into him and nuzzling her nose in between his shoulder blades. He smiles and puts his spoon back in the bowl on his countertop before placing his hand over both of hers and patting against his abs. Her lips are smooth when they press against his skin in response.

“I thought this a few days ago,” she mumbles, and he can practically hear the sleepy smile in her voice, “but I’m incredibly happy with my life choices right now.”

“And why’s that, love?”

“You’re really damn hot.”

Killian snorts, unable to help himself, and chalks up the heat in his cheeks to him still being warm from exercise. “And by that you mean incredibly sweaty and gross from my workout.”

Emma hums against his skin and tightens her arms around his stomach. “You know, that is exactly what I was trying to say.”

“I thought so. How’d you sleep?”

“Really good actually.” She kisses his back once more before releasing him and stepping around to the side so that he can see her rumpled hair and the way that the t-shirt she’s wearing is falling off of her shoulder. Emma hops up onto the counter, something she’s been doing a lot lately in the mornings, and lets her legs dangle. There are red pillow marks against her cheek. “Your bed is about a million times more comfortable than the one at Ruth’s. I think it hurt my back.”

Killian chuckles and moves to take another bite of his oatmeal before the remaining bit gets cold. “So, you turn twenty-eight in a month, and you’re already preparing to be an old woman. I like that you’re ahead of the game.”

“Twenty-eight is in no way old. Plus, you’re, like, nine months older than me, so you’re not allowed to ever call me old.”

“Nine months is not a long time.”

“Tell that to a pregnant woman.”

“True,” Killian admits, scooping up some more oatmeal. “Do you want something to eat before you go get ready for work?”

“Not hungry.”

“You are always hungry in the morning, Swan.”

She shrugs her shoulders. “There’s a first time for everything.”

The pieces click together in Killian’s mind, and he sighs before stepping in between her legs and reaching his hands up to push all of her stray hairs behind her ears so that he can look into the emerald of her eyes. “So, you’re nervous then?”

“Nope.”

“Emma.”

“I’m nervous as hell,” she admits. That didn’t take much coaxing. “I don’t think…I mean, no one is going to say anything to me. I’m almost sure of it, especially because the only people I’m working with today are Ruby and Jeff and the guys…but I feel like.” She sighs, and he runs his thumb over the apple of her cheek to get her to look back up at him. “I feel like I’m going to have to start over again.”

“You’re not going to have to start over.”

Emma nods her head and leans her cheek into his palm while her eyes close, blonde lashes landing against freckles. “I know. I’m just – I never got to have anything that was simply mine until I was older. I always had to share everything, if there was anything to share. But my work: that has always been mine. Having to deal with people trying to take that away from me is terrifying.”

“No one,” he starts, tapping his thumb, “is taking your job away from you. Are the comments you’re inevitably getting going to suck? Yes. But they’re not true. You know they’re not true, and I know they’re not true. My Emma is too strong to let the words of some misogynistic assholes bring her down.”

She chuckles and opens her eyes before leaning forward and pressing her forehead against his. Her lips brush over his, nothing more than the lightest of fleeting kisses, but her lips never leave his long enough for him to feel her falling away. Emma’s hands ghost over his neck until they’re landing on his shoulders, nails digging into skin, and her lips start moving over his in a slow, lazy kiss that has him tasting the mint of her toothpaste and feeling the warmth of her tongue.

Killian hums into it, tilting his head to the right to deepen the kiss, and Emma’s hands pull him closer into her while the hairs on his arms stand at attention. He doesn’t think he’ll ever tire of kissing her, not like this. And not when her lips trail along his jaw and down his neck, tongue flat against his pulse.

“Darling, as much as I want you, and trust me, I always want you, we don’t have time.”

“I have time,” she mumbles.

“Aye, you do, but what I have in mind takes two of us.”

Laughter passes through Emma’s lips as she pulls back from him, and Killian immediately misses the warm press of her lips. “I’m going to go take a shower in the guest room because I think I’m going to need you to drive me to work.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because there’s a hell of a lot of photographers outside your apartment, and the only way out of here without me punching a camera is through the garage.”

“For fucks sake,” Killian groans, stepping out of Emma’s legs and walking over to the kitchen window to look at the small mass of people waiting outside his apartment. “I’m a baseball player. I literally throw a ball for a living. It’s not that interesting.”

“So, you’ll drive me then?”

“Yeah, Swan. I will. I’ve got to leave in thirty minutes so be quick.”

-/-

A few teammates and managers are in the clubhouse when Killian walks through, and while the room does quiet a bit when he initially walks in, everything goes back to normal as Killian goes through his locker, most of his gear untouched for two weeks now. He’s been here a few times, not every day like he usually is, but it’s still odd to show up for physical therapy and strength training while not actually playing.

His teammates rely on him, and yet he is a bit of a mess right now. They probably all are too. Their lives simply aren’t splashed across the pages of tabloids and on Instagram. He hasn’t seen most of it, all of the apps shut down on his phone, but Ruby has been keeping track and talking to Emma about it.

It’s…a lot.

And everyone now knows more about him than he ever wanted them to.

But it’s fine. It has to be fine. He’s simply here to have his shoulder worked on, and nothing else is going to bother him. He hopes Emma’s day goes much the same. Honestly, that’s what he’s most nervous about especially with how nervous she was this morning and on the car ride over. Her leg never stopped fidgeting.

Today is a huge game with the play-offs being on the line, but he’s not going to still be around the stadium this afternoon. He thought about it and wanted to be there, still kind of wants to, but just being in the locker room today is a little overwhelming. Plus, he doesn’t want to make today any harder on Emma by having her have to interact with him at work. He’ll be around for all of the other big moments to give awful hope-induced speeches and celebrate in the post-game high. Today, he’ll simply watch in the comfort of Liam’s home.

“Oi,” Will greets, slapping Killian’s back. “How was Maine?”

“Fine.”

“Did you impress Emma’s mom?”

Killian almost corrects Will, but he knows it’s not necessary. “I mean, besides her learning about all of my dirty laundry, I do think she genuinely liked me.”

“Well, if she can get past all of that, you’re golden, ponyboy.”

He laughs and rolls his eyes, looking over to Will and the big cheesy smile on his face. “I mean, you got past all of that and are still joking around with me.”

Will shrugs his shoulders. “We’ve all got shit going on in our lives, but my face isn’t handsome enough for me to be a celebrity outside of baseball. I’m just good at my job all on my own.”

Killian reaches out to punch Will’s shoulder but he dodges it, sticking his tongue out. “Asshole.”

“Pretty much. Can you practice with me today?”

“Nah, not today. My doctor’s appointment is in two weeks for him to check up on my arm. I might get to come back then, so you guys better clench the playoff’s spot today so that I can finish this season out on the right note.”

“I’ll try my hardest. Keep your chin up, Jones. You’re prettier that way.”

-/-

Killian works with Archie on his arm for an hour before doing some more strength conditioning for his core, and by the time he’s out of the clubhouse and the locker room, it’s nearly two in the afternoon.

A part of him wants to go see Emma and check on her since the game won’t start for another hour and she’s been here for as long as he has, but he knows that today of all days, he might as well leave her alone while she’s working. They haven’t talked about how they want to interact around the team quite yet, mostly because he isn’t technically back to work, but also because in the three days since his life has blown up, all he’s done is talk. He’s a bit tired of it.

They’ll discuss it later.

For now, he texts her to have a good game before walking through the tunnels to the garage and getting into his car to head back to Midtown so that he can pick Addy and Lucy up from their school.

Uncle of the Year, obviously.

Twenty-five minutes later, he’s pulling into the parking lot of their elementary school, thankful that no one seems to be following him, and slamming his car door shut to walk up the front pathway of the school and pressing the buzzer to the front door to get in. it doesn’t matter how many times he picks them up, the front office secretary always seems to forget who he is.

“Name,” she says through the speaker.

“Killian Jones.”

“Who are you here to pick up?”

“Addison and Lucy Jones.”

It takes a few seconds, and he’s sure that she’s typing in their information. “You’re not one of their parents.”

“Aye, I know,” he sighs, rolling his eyes a bit. “I’m their Uncle. My name is on their approved list. It’s – ”

“Oh, I see you now, Mr. Jones,” she interrupts like clockwork. “I’m buzzing you in. Please wait in the lobby, and the girls will be brought to you.”

Killian nods his head and opens the door after it clicks. Addy and Lucy usually have their nanny pick them up from school since Liam and Elsa are at work, but in the few times he’s done it, he’s quickly learned the routine. He knows that their teacher is currently standing under an awning on the other side of the school with all of the children who are being released to their regularly scheduled guardians, and the teacher’s aide will be the one to bring the girls to him at the front of the school. It always takes about five minutes, and sure enough, after a little over four minutes, he sees two blonde heads of hair come into his view, their backpacks nearly as large as they are.

Out of instinct, he squats down to their level because he knows they’re about to tackle him with an embrace. Sure enough, they do, and Killian swears that his heart grows three sizes like he’s the damn Grinch.

“Why weren’t you at dinner last night?” Addy immediately asks him in leu of a hello.

“I was in Maine. Do you know where Maine is?”

“Nope.”

Killian grabs both of their hands, squeezing Lucy’s a little tighter, and the leads them out the front door so that they can walk toward the parking lot to his car.

“Maine is another state, like New York, and it’s where Emma was born. I spent my weekend there with her.”

“Where is Emma?” Lucy asks.

“She’s at work.”

“Why aren’t you at work?”

Isn’t that the question?

“I hurt my shoulder, Luce. Remember?”

She nods her head.

“Is Emma coming to dinner tonight?” Addison asks him as he opens the back door to his car and lets her climb across to the booster seat that he had to put in his car this morning.

“She’s supposed to, but she might be a little late.”

The girls continue to ask him questions about Emma. Their brains never cease to stop coming up with new ones, and it honestly makes him laugh that they’re so interested in what she’s doing and where she is. It only stings the slightest bit that every time they see him, all they truly care about is seeing Emma.

Then again, that’s exactly how he is too.

They ask for ice cream, and while he would usually stop, Killian is under strict instructions from Elsa not to give them sweets since they’re having some with dinner tonight. So, ever the bearer of bad news, he has to tell them no as they drive through the city on the way to their house. Traffic is surprisingly good, especially for the time of day, but they don’t have to travel far until he’s pulling into the garage and helping the girls grab their things to go inside.

In the ten minutes that they were in the car, they somehow managed to lose all four of their shoes, a hair bow, and Lucy’s favorite stuffed animal.

Just amazing. Honestly.

Killian fixes the two of them a snack, slicing up an apple and some peanut butter, before giving them glasses of water and listening to them both go into very detailed instructions about their days. Addy is obviously more talkative, but they used water colors in Lucy’s preschool class today and the girl is hyped over them.

Seriously. He doesn’t think she has ever been so excited about anything. She may very well be taking after her grandmother in the artistic skills department.

For the next hour, he helps Addy through her few assignments so Liam and Elsa don’t have to deal with it when they get home, but then they’re finished with all of that (thank goodness because getting a six-year-old to focus on school when she’s just left school is damn difficult), and he’s able to turn on the game.

It’s the bottom of the third, and both teams are still scoreless. Arthur is currently up to bat, and while he makes Killian’s jaw clench, he’s a damn good baseball player who they need. You simply can’t win everything.

“Are we winning?” Addy asks before she crawls up next to him and cuddles into his side.

“Not yet, little love.”

“It’s because you’re not playing. They’re not as good without you.”

“Oh, that’s not true,” he sighs, having to bite back his laugh. “We’re a team. They need all of us to be good.”

“Yeah, but you’re the best.”

“You only think that because I’m your uncle.”

“Maybe. All of my friends think you’re cool except for Billy who likes the Red Sox.”

She shifts against him and Lucy does the same, and he swears their elbows are the sharpest objects on the planet. Arthur’s bat makes contact with the pitch, and it flies to the outfield only to be caught and end the inning. Damn. They had two people on base. That could have been huge. The camera changes from the field to Emma where she’s standing just outside the dugout holding a microphone in her hand talking about how today’s game can officially clench their playoff spot. They’re going to make it. All they have to do is win one of their next ten games, and even then, they’d still qualify based on how everyone else in the league is doing.

He’d kind of like to be the number one seed going in, though.

“Do you and Emma have any babies?”

What the hell?

Killian blinks several times before looking down at Addison, who doesn’t seem to realize what she’s just said. She’s simply looking at the television screen still watching Emma.

“No, sweetheart,” he stutters out, “we don’t have any babies.”

“Why not?”

“Um, because it’s not time for us to have babies yet. Babies are loud and messy, and they smell bad, you know? I think it’ll still be a few years before Emma and I have any babies.”

Holy shit. Did he just say that?

How does he get out of this conversation?

“Okay,” Addy shrugs. “I’m going to brush my teeth. They feel fuzzy.”

At that, she gets up from the couch and moves to walk away. Okay, so that’s how he gets out of that conversation.

Kids are so damn weird.

Each inning in the game seems to go on for more than forever, the outs slow to come for each team, and the Yankees finally score in the bottom of the sixth with Booth’s single. It’s a relief, even if there is still a lot of game to be played, but Killian gets distracted by it all when Elsa and Liam walk through their garage door and there’s a bit of chaos with the girls immediately having to tell their parents everything they’ve already told him about their day.

Including the fact that he and Emma don’t have any babies. That gets him quite the look from Liam. Eventually, though, Elsa moves the girls to the kitchen, leaving him with a not-so-subtle wink. She’s very obviously giving he and Liam time to talk, and as much as he appreciates that, Killian also doesn’t want to talk anymore. He wants to lay on this couch and watch this game and not do anything else.

Liam obviously has other ideas.

“I have been contacted by no less than fifteen people today asking me to give my statement or appear on one of those inane morning shows to tell, and I quote, ‘my side of the story.’ It simply makes me wonder how many of these shows Brennan has offers to be on.”

Killian scoffs. “I imagine all of the seedy ones, but I don’t think he’ll do it.”

“No?”

“No.” Killian crosses his legs over each other and props his hands behind his head. “I’ve thought about it a hell of a lot, and I think he did this to hurt us more than the money. Walsh couldn’t have paid him that much. He doesn’t make much money. And it’s not as if there were a lot of details. If he wanted money, he would have gone to a bigger publication. Maybe he’ll do that if there’s enough interest, but I think it was more about hurting me.”

“Do you really think he’s that petty?”

Killian arches a brow. “Brennan Jones? We’re talking about the same man, aren’t we? Of courseOf course , he’s that petty. He only cares about himself. Always has. That’s not going to change.”

Liam sighs and taps his fingers against the wood of the side table. “How are you handling things?”

“Just peachy, thanks.”

“Killian.”

“What?” he sighs, propping himself up on his elbows so that he can actually look at Liam. “I’m pissed. I’m upset. I’m angry. There are so many emotions swirling around in my head that I can’t even keep track of how I feel. And there’s nothing I can actually do about it, you know? The damn thing has spread like wildfire, and I can’t stop it. My statement can’t stop it either. The only real option that I have is possibly suing that bastard for libel, and all that will do is drag both Emma and me into a legal battle that’s simply not worth fighting.”

Liam doesn’t say anything. There’s nothing to be said. They hashed all of this out over the phone. Killian ranted before Liam took his turn. Brennan deserves absolutely no space in either of their minds, but he manages to find it anyways. It is exactly the thing that has fire burning in the pit of Killian’s belly.

“I’m going to be fine,” Killian says to fill the silence that the sounds of the baseball game on the television aren’t filling. “You will be fine. Emma too. It’s just…I hate that it happened, but I can’t change it. I can’t change it, and I can’t fix it. Hopefully things will calm down as the days pass. I imagine that once I start playing again, this will simply be a footnote.”

“You know,” Liam begins, “a man unwilling to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets.”

Killian can’t help but roll his eyes. He’s heard that line a few times before, and it’sit’s always so damn pompous no matter how true it is.

“Yeah, well, the only thing I’m currently willing to fight for is the woman on that TV screen right there. She’s sticking by me because she loves me, and I am not dragging her through the mud anymore.”

“I think I’d likely do the same.”

“I know you would.”

“Daddy,” Lucy screeches as she runs into the room, loose curls escaping her braid and framing her face, “Mommy says that you have to come and put the steaks on the grill outside.”

“Well,” Liam starts as he stands and walks over to Lucy to pick her up and rest her on his hip, “if Mommy says so, then I guess I must.”

The two of them leave the room, and Killian is left to his own thoughts once more. One day, his life won’t be this complicated. It will be complicated in other, different ways, but it won’t be complicated quite like this. One day he will be carrying his own child on his hip, hopefully one he’s had with Emma, and all of the struggles of the day will be put so far in the past that he barely remembers them.

There’s a loud cheering coming from the TV, and Killian twists his head to look at Will running around the bases after hitting a home run.

“Damn, Scarlet,” he mutters under his breath with a smile on his face.

That smile grows a little more when the camera pans to his entire team jumping up and down in excitement, practically shaking the entire stadium. The shiver that runs over Killian’s body makes him feel like he’s there.

God, he’s missed the feeling of being a part of the team like that.

He’s missed playing.

But he’s going to get back to it soon. He has to. His arm is going to get better and be better.

Emma comes onto screen then, a beatific smile on her face that causes his to grow too. “Well,” she starts, laughing at something off screen, “it looks like we’re going to the playoffs.”

#catch me if you can #cs fic #cs ff #captain swan fic #captain swan ff #captain swan

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