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mercy-burning · 3 years

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Win Me Back

Pairing: Spencer Reid x fem!Reader

Summary: When Reader’s ex-boyfriend comes back to town, he finds a way to make amends— with a little help from her niece.

Category: FLUFF

Warnings: None other than a few swears :)

Word Count: 3k (I barely made the limit, folks, that was hard lol)

MASTERLIST

NOTE: This is my entry for @homoose ‘s 2k Celebration!! And if this fic seems familiar, that may be because it’s a re-telling of the car-wash scene from Ramona and Beezus 🤭😂 It’s one of my favorite movie scenes of all time, it never fails to make me squeal, and I had SO MUCH FUN writing this!

Also! I tried very hard to find the scene for you to watch incase you haven’t seen the movie, but the ones I did manage to find on YouTube cut out THE BEST PARTS, so I’m sorry 😭 But in case you want to know the ~vibes~ I tried to capture and don’t feel like watching the movie, I made THIS post last night with some dialogue/background from the scene if you’d like to read it! Obviously it’s not required since what I’ve written is quite different, but it is encouraged 😊

I hope you like it!! And if somehow you haven’t followed Moose yet, you should! She’s the sweetest ❤❤❤

***

Y/N found an abundance of upsides to taking neighborhood walks with her niece. For one thing, it gave her a distraction, something to focus on as she made sure eight-year-old Piper wouldn't wander too far from the sidewalk. She found solace in quizzing her on the multiplication table as they made their way around the block, an activity in which Piper enthusiastically flaunted her love of numbers.

It was also nice to stay outside and take in the warm sun and soft rustling of the trees, though every once in a while all of it wasn't enough to keep the memory of Spencer at bay.

After all, it was kind of hard when he was back in town, and after all these years he was reaching out to her like he hadn't broken her heart in the first place.

"You seem sad, Auntie," Piper said, grabbing Y/N's hand as the turned the corner.

Y/N swung their arms together gently, smiling down at her with a tilt of her head. "Why d'you think that, hon?"

Piper gave a little shrug, her ponytail blowing softly behind her. "You don't smile as much. And you always smile when you're with me... And you asked me the same times equation 3 times in a row just now. You're distracted."

Y/N couldn't help the breathy laugh that escaped her. You sound just like Spencer... Instead, she told her, "Aw, I'm sorry, Kiddo. My mind is just in a... confusing place right now. But I'm very happy that you got to come stay with me this weekend, you always brighten my day." She punctuated her sentence with a little boop on Piper's nose, to which she giggled and asked for another math equation.

The two of them continued around the block a few rounds, though on their fourth and final one, Y/N noticed very familiar car parked just outside her house.

Heart jumping into her throat, she stopped in her tracks, and Piper kept going only to be pulled back slightly. The girl turned to her aunt and furrowed her brow. "Auntie, why did we stop?"

"Um... I just wasn't expecting any company today besides you..."

Y/N certainly wasn't ready to discuss everything that was going on with Spencer to anyone, let alone her eight-year-old niece who wouldn't probably understand or care anyway. So she explained it the best way she could, quickly coming up with a plan to avoid him as long as possible.

"See the car parked over there?" Y/N asked, and Piper nodded. "Well, that's an... old friend of mine... And we haven't talked in a long time because we don't really get along anymore. So when we get up to the house, he might try to talk to us, and I'm going to tell him that we're busy."

"He's not mean, is he?"

Sensing Piper's reservations, Y/N reassured her while letting her own contempt for her ex fuel the conversation. "No, but... He broke my heart. And he—"

"Y/N... Hi..."

She nearly jumped, mostly from surprise, but also at the fact that hearing her name coming from his lips and his voice and just him brought back a flood of feelings she'd rather have forgotten. Still, she turned to him and cleared her throat. "Spencer... Hi."

Piper suddenly let go of Y/N's hand, a small scoff escaping her. "Oh. Spencer..."

The two adults turned to look at her with surprise, though it was Spencer who spoke up. "You... know me?"

"Mhm," Piper returned with a nod, crossing her arms. "I heard Mom and Auntie talk about you yesterday, and she says you have a stupid, beautiful face."

"Piper!" Y/N screeched, heat rising to her face. "I... You can't tell people that, I— That's not... I..."

"Oh... I'm sorry, Auntie," the little girl said quietly.

Y/N was fully prepared to dig a hole and stay buried in it forever, and her embarrassment grew even stronger when Spencer spoke up again. "It's okay," he reassured gently, a small laugh sounding from his throat that regrettably gave Y/N butterflies. "You're auntie's definitely right, I do have a stupid face."

Before Y/N could stop the conversation altogether, Piper cut in quickly, being sure to add, "And beautiful."

Spencer's eyes flicked up to Y/N, drawing her in with amusement and charm, a fact which she hated to her core. Because it was working, and that was annoying as hell. "Yep," he said, never taking his eyes off of her. "And beautiful."

And then the corner of his mouth turned up slightly, flashing her the most amused, stupidly perfect smirk.

Piper started talking again, and for the second time that day, Y/N wished she hadn't even said anything at all, keeping this whole situation to herself.

"But we can't talk to you, because you broke Auntie's heart, and we're busy. C'mon, Auntie. Let's go." Piper grabbed Y/N's hand and led her up the rest of sidewalk until they got to the driveway. And even though it might have been childish to completely ignore Spencer as they walked past, not giving him a second glance, quite frankly she was quick to abort the situation as soon as possible.

Unfortunately for her, Spencer was persistent.

They were almost to the steps up to the door when he called out. "Piper! Can I ask you something?"

The little girl turned around, losing grip of Y/N's hand and greeting his gaze without batting an eye. "Sure."

Damn kids and their willingness to be nice to strangers, Y/N grumbled in her head.

"I know... your auntie is an important person to you, right?" Spencer inquired, walking up the driveway with his hands in his front pockets. Y/N swallowed, most certainly not noticing how the sun perfectly highlighted him in a glow that made him look more beautiful than stupid.

Piper nodded.

"Well... She's important to me, too. And I really hurt her feelings, but I want to make it up to her. Would you be kind enough to let me try?"

Damn him, Y/N grumbled yet again. Damn him, damn him, damn him to hell... Why was he so charming?

He'd always known that kids were a soft spot for her, and when they'd dated, they talked a lot about having some of their own one day. Every time they took a walk in the park and they passed a kid, they always gravitated to Spencer, giving him the biggest smiles, and in turn he would give them a high five or perform a little magic trick to make them smile even wider. And Y/N melted into a damn puddle every time.

He knew exactly what he was doing, using Piper as a means to win her back, but even still, she knew that because of his gentle nature, most of it was... well, nature. Deep down, as much as she hated to admit it, she knew that he was a kind person. They may have ended things on bad terms, sure, and Y/N could pretend he was cruel all she wanted— The truth was that no matter how their relationship ended, he was a good man at heart.

And that's why it hurt so much.

Y/N thought for sure Piper would fall into his web, but she was pleasantly surprised when the girl responded with, "I don't know... I don't know if I trust you yet."

You and me both, Kiddo, Y/N thought to herself.

Spencer laughed again. "That's fair. Look, you can say no, but... How about I give you something in return?"

"Spencer, that's no—"

Piper crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side, interrupting Y/N before she could finish protesting. "How much we talking?"

"Piper!"

"Well, I was going to offer to show you a magic trick, but I suppose I could work you a deal... I only have a hundred bucks on me, would that be enough?"

Sure enough, Spencer pulled a one-hundred dollar bill from his pocket, and the young girl's eyes went wide. Y/N's did, too, but more likely than not it wasn't a means of excitement.

"You have yourself a deal!" Piper squealed with a jump. She ran over to take the money, meanwhile Spencer looked up at Y/N with a smile.

She didn't return it.

"Is there somewhere we can talk?" he asked softly. Kindly.

"Well, I'm babysitting Piper today, so you'll have to come back another time," she returned a little coldly, hoping that she and Piper had just scored a free Benjamin to pig out on ice cream while Spencer was left waiting forever for a conversation that was never going to happen.

Funny how eight-year-olds always had a way of making things more difficult for you.

"Auntie, Spencer and I made a deal. He gave me money, and now he has to make it up to you. Remember?"

Y/N groaned. "Yeah, yeah, I remember..."

"Well, how about I... take you guys out for lunch? My treat? If it's alright, we can go to McDonald's..."

"The one with the play place?" Piper gasped, immediately turning to Y/N. "Oh, Auntie, please can we go? Please, please, please?"

She looked up at Spencer, shaking her head in exasperation as he smiled at her, those sparkling honey eyes reeling her in whether she wanted them to or not. Then she turned to Piper and sighed.

"How fast do you think you can eat?"

***

Y/N was surprised Spencer didn't try to talk to her more on the drive over. Though, Piper did most of the talking, telling Spencer about how much she loved numbers and math, and he even quizzed her on some multiplication equations on the way.

If she wasn't so annoyed with him, Y/N would have melted completely.

It was the getting into the restaurant that worried her the most, though. She knew that once Piper ran off to play while they waited for their food, he would spend whatever short amount of time he had trying to win her back. And she was afraid of two things, mostly that she would end up crying in the restaurant, making a scene and wishing she'd never agreed to go, no matter how heart-broken Piper might have been. But there was also a small part of her, nestled deep into her heart, that was afraid she'd fall for him all over again.

He certainly made falling easy.

When the three of them stepped into the restaurant, it was easy to see how excited Piper was to be there. She gently tugged on Y/N's sleeve before looking up at her. "Nuggets, fries, and Sprite?"

"Apples, too, and you've got yourself a deal," Y/N said.

Piper nodded, not really caring but eager to go and play. So she sighed and nodded, leaving her with a, "Be careful!" as she saw the girl quick-walk over to the play area. There was a decent crowd that day, but thankfully no one in the restaurant seemed to have any grievances or knacks for trouble.

Spencer on the other hand... Y/N scoffed to herself, thinking how he was the most troublesome person in the area.

He proved her point by nudging her with his elbow. "She's a fun one."

"Yeah, she's somethin' alright," Y/N grumbled. "I can't believe you bribed her just to talk to me... If I didn't know better, I'd have thought you were being romantic. But I do know better, and you're just stubborn."

Spencer laughed, but she refused to look at him. "Aw, come on, give me some credit. You know I can be a little of both."

This time Y/N did look at him, squinting in a glare, like she was contemplating. "Eh... five to ninety-five. Leaning in favor of stubborn, of course."

"Obviously." The amusement in his voice made her hate his stupid, beautiful face even more than usual.

Thankfully he kept the conversation short after that, at least until they ordered. Since it was Spencer's treat, she milked his wallet for as much as she could afford to on fast-food. She ordered a large chocolate milkshake and enough food for her and Piper to share for dinner later— and probably lunch the next day, too. The amused chuckle Spencer let out as she was ordering did have her believing maybe she was being a bit childish. But the longer she thought about it, the more she stood by her actions.

He did break her heart after all. The least he could do was compensate through chicken nuggets and French fries.

The only thing she didn't count on, though, was how long it was going to take to make all her food, not to mention getting things done for other people. As she and Spencer made their way to the table, she realized she'd have to talk with him longer.

Spencer took advantage of this, naturally.

"So... How've you been?"

Y/N scoffed. "You show up out of the blue five years after you break up with me, and then have the nerve to ask me how I've been, in a McDonald's? Yeah, I've been great."

He sighed, his eyes flitting down to the table. "I know, I'm... I'm sorry. And I know I should have—"

"Spence, please don't... Look, I know... I know why we broke up, and I came to terms with the fact that your job was just to dangerous for us to be together, but... I mean, you weren't even willing to work it out, you just... ran away. That hurt."

"Y/N... I'm so, so sorry that it happened that way. I think about it almost every day and how much I wish I could have changed it..."

"But you can't change it. And now you... you show up here after all this time to—to what? Win me back? Use your kindness and your charm to reel me back in, like that'll somehow make everything better?"

He looked up at her through his eyelashes, the sight almost breaking her. "Maybe..."

"It's not that I don't appreciate the thought, Spence, because I do... I've dreamt about the day you'd come back and apologize, begging me to take you back... But I can't get hurt again. And you have to understand that."

"I do... Just..." His hands reached out across the table, gently touching hers. The feeling sparked something in her, something nostalgic and warm...

Something that felt a lot like home.

He was going to continue his speech, but a knock on the glass separating them from the playroom on the other side jolted them apart. It was Piper, a stern look on her face. "Don't try anything, Mister... You're still on thin ice."

She turned away then, running back to the slide when Spencer sighed. "I thought we had a deal."

Y/N laughed, nodding at Piper through the glass. "Even a hundred bucks and free food isn't enough to win someone's trust." Spencer looked over at her and waited, visibly swallowing. But Y/N flashed the smallest of smiles before finishing, speaking quietly, yet with all the truth and firmness in the world. "You have to work harder than that."

"Duly noted," Spencer replied, his gaze never straying from hers. "Looks like me and my stupid, beautiful face have some work to do."

Y/N rolled her eyes, leaning back in the chair as Spencer grinned like a fool... A stupid, beautiful fool. "Oh, alright... You know what... If you weren't paying for my mountains of food and giving me a ride home, that thin ice you're on would have just shattered under the weight of that comment."

"Oh, come on, it was funny."

"No, it really wasn't."

"Yeah, it was."

He stared at her, smiling until her forced frown slowly and reluctantly transformed into a smile of her own.

***

"Thank you for lunch, Spencer! And for the hundred dollars!" Piper skipped past him and up the driveway, stopping to turn and wave with her Happy Meal toy in hand. Y/N was carrying a bag of leftover food and half a milkshake, her stomach already regretting every choice she'd ever made.

"You're welcome, Piper," Spencer said, smiling at the girl. "And thank you for letting me get a chance to set things right with your auntie. You really helped me out today, I appreciate it."

"Sure thing. Just don't break her heart again, or I'll break your stupid, beautiful face. It'll turn into a stupid, ugly face then."

Y/N mentally face-palmed herself, turning to Piper and telling her to go inside and wash up. The girl gave Spencer one final wave and a smile as she did so, leaving the adults alone once again.

"Thank you..." he said quietly, shifting on his feet. "For giving me a chance. I really want to make things right with us... Make up for the way I hurt you, and... try harder. You deserve that much."

Years of heartache and trying to get over him begged Y/N not to believe it, but deep down she knew he was being truthful. He wasn't the type of guy to come around like this—especially with all the work travel he did—just to manipulate her into heartache again, with empty promises and hurtful intent.

She knew he was really willing to try to make things right, and that was a big start.

"Thank you... for saying that... And for making Piper's day. I know you didn't really mean to bribe her, but the fact that you did it anyway is absurd, so... I guess I have to give credit where credit's due."

Spencer laughed, and this time Y/N didn't hate the feeling of the butterflies in her stomach fluttering at the sound. "Well, I'm glad I could at least amuse you today. Does... this mean my romantic to stubborn ratio shifted a little bit?"

Y/N rolled her eyes affectionately, taking a sip of her milkshake. "Hmm... twenty to eighty."

"Still leaning in favor of stubborn, I suppose..."

The smile they shared in that moment felt more like the ones they used to share back then, officially kickstarting the slow, meticulous mending of their love.

"Obviously."

***

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zargsnake · 3 years

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Knightkiller: Anakin and Obi-Wan’s First Adventure

Chapter 8: Priorities

Word Count: 2565 Links: Chapter 1, Table of Contents

* * *

Anakin hears the cheers for Obi-Wan turn sour, and he soon figures out why. It is no fault of his master's, who fights beautifully -- but there is a transparent dome-shield around the arena, and whenever someone in the angry, heavily-armed audience shoots at it, ripples of white electric shocks cross the dome and obscure the fight. Anakin is relieved that the audience is booing each other, not his master, though he worries that Obi-Wan will think they're booing at him.

Obi-Wan looks over his shoulder, trying to locate Anakin in the audience, and a blade suddenly whizzes by his neck. His reflexes protect him and he jerks out of the way, but a moment later he feels hot blood on his skin. He hadn't moved quickly enough -- the blade cut him sharp and swift. It hurts a lot more than he expected. It could have easily killed him.

He was so focused on finding Anakin in this crowd that he forgot Anakin's own words to him, his warnings about this opponent. Obi-Wan hadn't taken Anakin seriously about Tiango. Of course it was sad about Anakin’s “cool” gladiator friend, but Obi-Wan defeated a Sith lord not long ago. The experience buoyed his confidence to a fault. This Tiango -- not a Sith, not even a professional, just an ex-science experiment, just a Yooro -- landed a blow on him -- a pretty good one, too.

Obi-Wan rapidly teaches himself a lesson. Connecting with Anakin doesn't mean knowing exactly where he is. It means listening to him. Believing him. That's what teachers do. It's what friends do.

This isn't the Outer Rim, but these people are. This is Anakin's haunt. Obi-Wan will train it out of him, will make him a man of the Core. But for now, Anakin is the expert here, and his words must be Obi-Wan's textbook.

With his heart opened wide for Anakin, and his guard up because of Anakin's warning, Obi-Wan realizes he will have to hunker down in defense for a while. Tiango's assault is brutal and inhumanly quick, though Obi-Wan remembers that Yoroos do get exhausted -- eventually. What Obi-Wan lacks in comparative strength, he makes up for in endurance -- patience and energy, the long game, care -- these are Obi-Wan's secret weapons.

Anakin watches Obi-Wan deflect the same moves that once ruthlessly whittled down Crix Spartak, the gladiator who he had loved. The memory of that death match sends chills up his spine. He is certain that some of these blows must hit his master. Part of him is certain that Obi-Wan is doomed, too. Anakin had believed Crix would win, and he had been wrong. It is asking too much to have hope again, against the same, utterly evil man.

Though Obi-Wan has great endurance, his vibroblade does not. Out of habit, he treats it as roughly as if it were a laser weapon, depending on it for deflection, as a shield. Tiango's barrage strikes the metal and bends it back and forth into a zigzag, then into a knot. Obi-Wan is slowly disarmed as his blade becomes less and less tenable as a weapon. He has no choice; he has no other shield. The biggest bother is his own hand: the damn vibroblade is aptly named -- it quivers like a leaf in the wind, wearing out his wrist and weakening his fingers.

The crowd cheers enthusiastically for the graceful Jedi, chanting, "Kenobi! Kenobi!" Anakin does not join in. Obi-Wan could almost be dancing with his expert moves, but Anakin is not in the mood to learn from him. He gazes in hopeless terror at the duel. He watches bullets, lasers and slingshotted electrostones bounce off the dome, as well as gifts, toys and even people’s underwear. All such wild debris from this crazed crowd trying to reach out to their beloved or hated athlete, his poor, wonderful master.

The fastest or biggest bullets send fuzzy waves across the dome, but the dome quickly repairs itself. Anakin follows the arc of the dome, calculating the sources of its projection points from subtle distortions in the waves.

He moves the layers of fur in his stolen disguise to peek at the recharging screen on his hidden acid-blaster: 52%. No other weapons are making a dent in the dome. But no other weapons are quite like this one, and no one else seems to have figured out where to shoot. Could he crack the dome? What would he do then?

Anakin looks away from Obi-Wan for a second and scans his narrowed eyes over the happy rabble. He does not understand them. Are they seeing what he's seeing? They all shout and cheer, laughing and clapping, as if Obi-Wan is triumphant, as if he is playing. He looks back at his master. He sees that Obi-Wan is in great pain. Dying, even. How can the information from his senses, and the conclusions from his feelings, be so different from everyone else's?

Is he connecting, mentally, to his master -- using his supposed Jedi powers to see things for how they truly are? Is he seeing the truth, better than they are, because he is a Jedi, a Jedi Padawan? Is the Force giving him a special message -- because he, unlike the rabble, is a Jedi -- because he, unlike everyone, is the answer to a prophecy -- because he is closer to Obi-Wan than anyone else is?

Or ... is he, Anakin, wrong? Is everyone else right? Is his sight blinded by irrational fear, brought about by his utter dependence on this man? Did Obi-Wan really stumble, just now? No one else seems to have seen it.

Is he, Anakin, perhaps, confusing the past for the present? Crix for Obi-Wan? Death for life?

Is it all in his head? Or is it real?

* * *

Below the arena, Zlinky has memorized the map from the computer. With Jane, she trespasses through the employee quarters. They reach a large, important-looking office which Zlinky guesses is Knightkiller's.

She hears voices inside and shouts at the door, “Hey boss! There's fried fluunies in Rec Room 3!”

She backs off as the door opens and two people exit. Zlinky creeps inside and Jane blusters along behind her. Too soon, they hear the people coming back and Zlinky shoves Jane under the slick metallic desk; the robot is so big that two of the desk legs lift a few inches from the ground. There isn't much room left for Zlinky; she has to nestle right up against Jane's bazooka. A belt of detonators falls across Zlinky's lap.

She peeks over the edge of the desk and sees the people more closely. They look more decorated than the other guards, with sashes and medals, as if there was some kind of made-up military ranking among Knightkiller's cronies, a worthless army dedicated solely to this evil entertainment.

“These fluunies are great,” says one crony.

“I’ve had better,” says the other.

The hidden Padawan hears the gross sounds of chewing, and then the rather more alarming sound of Jane powering up her neutralizers. Zlinky quiets her and gestures for her to stop. Stealth has worked so far; it would be best to avoid violence, especially since these two seem important.

“I can't wait to run the missing Jedi kids through with this,” says the first one, as he ignites a lightsaber.

Zlinky stops gesturing, but Jane has already powered down.

“The Jedi kids must still be on the ship. No one's been allowed to leave and no shuttle pods have activated.”

“You think Jedi could survive in space?”

“No. Only the boss can do that. You saw them in those Coruscanti space suits, idiot.”

“Oh right.”

The second crony ignites another lightsaber. Even without looking, Zlinky recognizes the sound as her own. She feels something very powerful and uncomfortable. Taken aback, she identifies it as jealousy, one of the very worst emotions. Afraid of her own feelings, she is frozen, unable to act, unable to know if she is behaving rationally, according to the light side, or irrationally, which will lead her off the narrow path into darkness.

“They're real nice suits. I called dibs on the man-size one for me and the little one for my daughter.”

“Yeah...the gigantic one and the lady-size one are pretty useless.”

“I'll take the lady one for my kid to grow into.”

Zlinky thinks, I'm twelve! I’m not a lady! Though I am much taller than Anakin. So they say Anakin is missing, too? That means he's not dead! If only I was strong enough to detect his presence!

Jane pokes Zlinky and gestures to her blasters. Zlinky shakes her head.

We can't kill him! He's a dad!

They hear the two men walking closer and closer. One of them accidentally hits something with the lightsaber; the girls hear them cursing and smell melting plastic.

Zlinky feels time running out. This hiding spot is bad. She ran in here without a plan. She knows her decision-making is impeded by fear, jealousy, and access to a murder-droid, but she must decide something.

Zlinky quickly examines the settings on Jane's weapons. All these numbers and charts are too confusing to parse right now. She dials one dial back, but it only causes some numbers to rise and others to fall. She puts it back where it was, though the numbers are still not the same. The last time Jane shot someone, it wasn't fatal. At least not immediately.

The girl feels tears pressuring her eyes and throat. She doesn't want to hurt anyone. She has learned through stories and lessons that the darkness within is far worse than the darkness without. She is more frightened of doing wrong than she is of dying. There is no death. But there is evil.

She can't get out of her head a discussion she overheard from some of the older Padawans. This group of twenty- and thirty-somethings is the pride of the whole Temple. Everyone adores them -- the strongest, most beautiful, best students in school. Once they are knighted, then they leave the young people’s social circle to rub shoulders with the teachers, and have no time for their old friends -- but before they are knighted, they rule the school from the inside, and everyone lets them get away with a little more fun than knights are allowed. In those last years of Padawanship, they are the most free a Jedi can be.

Just last month, when Zlinky fetched the group snacks from the mess hall in order to bask in their presence, she found them in a very strange state. When one of them returns from a mission, the others crowd around to hear the stories and see the new scars. The latest conquering hero, a human named Sara Chid-wun, did not have a physical scar. But she had such an aura of bitterness around her that the whole group was affected, including the young interloper Zlinky.

Sara explained how she and her Master Kayji were caught in various difficult situations, and each time Kayji had neglected to act, so each time Sara had been forced to act herself, often with violence. It felt like a test that she continuously failed. And yet, ultimately, they succeeded in their mission. Sara claimed that Kayji would not address her concerns with anything beyond platitudes.

The whole experience led Sara to, hesitantly, conclude that Masters often take advantage of their students. Masters refuse to move, and claim they are trusting in the Force, or allowing evil to collapse in on itself, or some such excuse, while in reality they are leaving the sensible but nasty work to the impure, young Padawan tagging along.

The group discussed each example, and more from their own adventures, each trying to explain away their masters’ -- sometimes -- confusing actions, each unwilling to support Sara’s conclusion -- including, of course, Sara herself. But the group found that, if they were being honest, she might be right. Sometimes. So they had moved on to finding the moral lesson in this seemingly cruel behavior -- something about knightly violence being worse than non-knightly violence, something about power and purity.

And maybe they came to a satisfying explanation among themselves; Sara herself seemed as cheerful as normal the next time Zlinky saw her. But Zlinky hadn't felt comfortable sitting in on their important big-kid conversation any longer, so she had left at the darkest part of it.

Tila has never forced Zlinky's hand before. Zlinky has never had to kill anyone before. But now the master is indeed the one sitting out, while the student is the one doing the work.

Is it okay to stray off the path when you are only a Padawan? Is it, in fact, expected, and necessary? Must she walk in the gray area beside the light, until she is a master herself, and can savor the light all the time, and never have to do any more wrong? When she is knighted, then she can delegate that dark stuff to someone else, someone young and obedient?

The thought occurs to Zlinky that she is not the one who would do the killing -- that would be Jane. But she knows that is a flaky excuse. Jane is her responsibility. Just as she is Tila's. The blood is on all their hands.

Zlinky turns to Jane and nods. Jane immediately stands up and neutralizes the guards. Zlinky pokes her head over the desk, sees the smoking bodies, and fears the worst.

“Are they dead?”

“ɪ ᴅᴏᴜʙᴛ ɪᴛ. ꜱʏꜱᴛᴇᴍꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ʜᴀʀᴅʟʏ ᴀᴛ ꜰᴜʟʟ ᴄᴀᴘᴀᴄɪᴛʏ.“

“I'm pretty sure your full capacity is overkill.”

She tiptoes over to the guard's bodies. One seems to be breathing. The other, she can't tell.

She can't alert anyone to the danger, and she doesn't trust the medical facilities here anyway. But she has nothing to give them, to help them. She puts her hand on the soft, sandy hair of the one whose life is unclear to her, the one who has a little daughter.

“May the Force be with you.”

Her voice is a shaky whisper, but she's never meant those words so much as she means them now.

Please, please, live.

She pulls the lightsaber from his hand and turns it off, and does the same with the other guard. She finds three more lightsabers on their belts. She recognizes hers and her master’s; two of them must be Anakin’s and his master’s; the last one could be Glagret’s, a.k.a. Knightkiller’s. It's green, and of the same old fashion as her master’s. She is surprised and glad that it isn't red. But maybe Knightkiller carries her red one on her person. Or maybe, just maybe, the Sith are not at all involved. She prays that they aren't.

Zlinky and Jane hide the bodies behind the desk and lock the door behind them. Zlinky turns away from the door and does not look back.

They were gonna kill me. They still will kill me, if they figure it out. I have to act in self-defense. And I have to save the other three Jedi. These people may be people, but they are low-lives, murderers, and lawbreakers. It wasn't my choice that they got in my way.

Chapter 9: Crix Spartak

#my story #my art #star wars #knightkiller: anakin and obi-wan's first adventure #anakin skywalker #obi-wan kenobi #chahlee tiango #zlinkgwal zalt #jane #scifi #adventure #drama

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bublp0pr · 7 years

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you know, sometimes i take a step back and wonder what i’m doing sticking around in a fandom that i’ve been obsessing over for a little over a year now and then i take a moment and look at my life and go...

DAMN IT FEELS GOOD TO BE SILLY INTERNET UNDERTALE TRASH.

Papyrus is bae and goals and everything great and pure and perfect in this word. I will never forget our date my sweet skele-dove your spaghetti riddled its way to my heart from the word ‘boondoggle’ and every second in this world since you rejected me is that of a half life, a cursed life, and empty life. And yet, I forgive you. Truly you are a skeleton of unspeakable honourable standards and I respect that. You are the greatest Papyrus. The greatest.

Undyne is my spirit animal and thinking about her when no one else is around make me want to stand up, yell at the top of my lungs and roar like some beserker-mode she-hulk from hell and crush my opponents into the ground so hard they pulverise on contact. It makes me want to release all the energies of my soul in a punch of passion that leaves destruction in my midst and drives in me some warrior instinct I never knew i had.

Sans and Papyrus are the BroTP that i never knew my heart needed to survive but it most DEFINITELY does just... just take my soul already. The feels have melted it anyway. Take it. I don’t need it anymore, these skeletons are my heart. Their love is my love. Their life is my life.

Chara and Asriel’s back story gives me feels so hard i break out the dramatic single tear whenever i hear His Theme and the full magnitude of every single shred of their implied history i hold in the most sacred of gravity, appreciating how their actions directly are interwoven into the entirety of Undertale’s main storyline.

Though their words come out like loud nasal clicking from an old-school gameboy system I can hear every word, every tone, every inflection, every hesitation, every last drop of emotion in those lines and their voices live on and resonate with me long after that text finishes loading or I press X.

Toriel. Asgore. Sans. Papyrus. Alphys. Undyne. Mettaton. Naptsablook. Asriel. Frisk. Chara. Flowey. Monster Kid. Muffet. Dogamy. Dogaressa. Moldsmall. Migosp. Whimsun. Vegetoid. Loox. Mad Dummy’s cousin (~you are the apple of my eye ;D). Specifically the Froggits who teach Frisk about showing a little mercy, showing respect for monsters by not skipping through all their dialogue all the time, contemplate the amount of frogs in the room and can arrange for all the monsters to change their names pink instead of yellow as a favour if you want. Not to mention the poor Froggit that Toriel gave a full on death glare when we tried to compliment lol. Snowdrake. IceCap. Gyftrot. Chilldrake. Doggo. Lesser Dog. Greater Dog. Snowman. Grillby. Nicecream Guy. That bunny who walks her brother bun on a leash. The bunny who finds that disturbing. The monster who spends all their time rearranging presents under a decorated tree. Mysterious person behind the door who loves the sound of me knocking their door. That wolf who constantly throws large blocks of ice from a machine into the water knowing it will cool down the core. The fish monster who threw out a pick up line. The dog who’s playing poker against himself and losing. The monster who talks about crowding in New Home and how people will start moving to Snowdin and slip on their butts. The bear who goes ‘thaaats politics’ and should really be elected mayor (I’d vote for you). The librarian who has to put up with the spelling mistake for their Librarby sign. The monster who wasted all of their school life on wordsearches to realise that it was actually worth it after all. The ladies who write the newspaper including the one who’s still in the process of writing a book. The rocks who play human and monster. The shopkeeper who makes the classic cinnamon bunnies and greets a traveller. The inn keeper and her kid who are kind enough to not charge you without staying the full night and give you a refund. The annoying dog. Shyren. Aaron ;). Woshua. Temmie. Jerry (ok... maybe i don’t appreciate him. But still. He’s memorable) Moldbygg (i respect your space). That little monster who doesn’t know what a star is. That monster that just wants you to step on their face. The small bird that carries me over a disproportionately sized gap. The two monsters who must have made wishes to the echo flowers and laughed when they realised their dreams were one in the same. Gerson, who has the guts to stare a homocidal maniac in the eye and know they can’t do a thing to strike him down while he’s like this and actually calls the little demon out on it too; respect dude. Tsunderplane. Vulkin. Pyrope. RG01 and RG02 you crazy dragon and bunny lovers you ;D. Heats Flamesman (of course I can’t forget). Okkkkkkkkk clam guy (you’re such a poser). The Mettaton fans that couldn’t make it to work who were actually quite well-informed about what Mettaton’s demographics like. The school kid monsters who loitered around and celebrated the time off because of those activated traps even though they were already in summer holidays anyway lol. The poor sucker who spent all their money when they walked past Muffet’s sales bench. The lion who wanted to wear a dress like mettaton and looked fabulous wearing it btw. The dragon with a wife back at home he desperately had to call because of the broken elevator. The slime who, as a slime, had a legitimate disliking to the situation. Bratty and Catty. The poor janitor perpetually cleaning forever but never taking a break either (now that’s dedication). The fathah of the Snowdrake and his amalgamate wife, happily reuinited and accepting their son for the aspiring comedian he is. The monster who makes reservations for literally everything in the restaurant. The totally relatable guy who stuck it out with that plan like a socially awkward pro in there. The monster who loves his job and puzzles. The monster who hates his job and puzzles. Burgerpants, my man you bring cred to the minimum wage class. (...i’ll admit all the NPCs started to blur together by the time i reached the core but i’ll give it my best shot. *deep breath*) All dem mercenaries hired by Mettaton, the ones who looked like bananas as silhouettes, you know who you are. Night night Knight Knight, sleep tight (don’t let the bedbugs bite). Madjick. My mystical friend Final Froggit. Whimsalot. Astigmatism. In particular that one dude who liked the fire room and would try to find it when the core reshuffled itself and chill in there sometimes, something about that story really stuck with me. All those monsters in New Home kind enough to fill me in on the story of the dead prince and human. Alphys’ amalgamates: the bad memories, the one whose ‘attack’ was getting themselves attacked by bees and then setting them off on me, Endogeny, the one whose speech was overlapped from all the different people in them, the one with the giant monster mouth attack, the one who put a blanket over us that was absolutely adorable, the one that Frisk tried to check out in the shower that weirdo (good for you disappearing on us when we open the shower curtain and respecting your privacy, i’d get progressively more panicked if someone was trying to perv on me too) and the ones that disguised themself as a SAVE point and shock bubble symbol (classic but meta at the same time, really inventive you guys). And i’ve probably missed people... but yeah. Lots of memories. Lots of friends. Gotta love em all.

DAMN IT FEELS GOOD TO LOVE UNDERTALE. AND I DAMN WELL DO. I DAMN WELL LOVE IT. AND I WANTED TO SAY THAT DAMMIT.

#i am just feeling the feels and needed to get that pure UT off my chest #because sometimes i just take a moment and realise #i really do #i really just loved undertale #and even if some days being tied to a fandom is weird or boring #most days #it's really just fun #and i like it #and i'm not 'tied down'#i just genuinely like interacting with it #otherwise why the hell would i be so obsessed #eh #undertale trash #trashcan #it makes sense we go together #trashcan is owning up to it

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seriouslyhooked · 7 years

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When Love Reigns (A CS AU) Part 22/23

A Princess Diaries/What A Girl Wants inspired, CS fic where Emma is a senior in college who discovers her father is not just a random stranger her mom never really knew, but the King of a country called Genovia. Yet when it rains, it pours and as Emma comes to terms with what it means to be a princess, she also must face what it means to fall in love with her father’s trusted aid, Killian Jones. This story is filled with fluff and rated M.

Ch. 1 , Ch. 2 , Ch. 3 , Ch. 4 , Ch. 5 , Ch. 6 , Ch. 7, Ch. 8, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 11, Ch. 12 , Ch. 13 , Ch. 14 , Ch. 15 , Ch. 16 , Ch. 17 , Ch. 18 , Ch. 19 , Part 20 , Ch. 21 : Also on FanFiction here.

A/N: As promised this chapter brings the proposal and I will warn you all it is fluff to the extreme. Hope you all enjoy and thanks so much for reading!

Dear Diary,

It’s been a little over a year since I learned the truth about who I am and how my story is more complicated than I once assumed. It’s also been exactly one year since the day I found him, one year since my heart decided on who it wanted most of all. I’ve had more adventures in that year than I ever thought possible, but the best one was following this love and building something that will last for now and always.

…………

There could be very few incentives for Killian to ever want to leave this bed. It was a sacred place to him and these moments that he had with Emma before their days started and the calls of the world returned were what kept him going in the hours apart and through whatever challenges or issues he was facing. When he needed solace he thought of these moments, when Emma was sleeping peacefully, a small smile playing at her lips even as she dreamed.

But today was different than the average, run-of-the-mill morning, and though his body and heart still longed to stay right here beside his Swan, he had to get going. If he was going to successfully pull off this plan he’d been working on for months now, he had to let go, even if the thought of it struck him to his core as wrong and undesirable.

He considered just leaving without a word and letting Emma rest some more in the light of this new day, but he hated the thought of waking up without her, and he knew she felt the same. Instead he ran his hand along her back, his fingers trailing along her soft skin, until her eyes fluttered open.

“You are insatiable.” Emma’s words were gruff from sleep but she also wasn’t wrong. She assumed correctly that he wanted her, he just hadn’t woken her up to ravish her as he might desire.

“If memory serves you were right there with me last night, love.”

“Always.” Her reply and the kiss that she planted on his lips warmed through Killian and urged him to push this further but he stalled, pulling back and looking into her perplexed green eyes.

"I’ve some things to attend to this morning, love. I’m afraid our usual activities will have to be saved for later.” The pout that appeared on Emma’s face was utterly adorable and further proof to Killian that she would miss him as he would miss her.

“Will you be at breakfast?” Killian shook his head as he hopped out of bed and moved to get some clothes on. He’d be back to change before long when everything he had envisioned was actualized, but he didn’t want Emma suspecting that anything was amiss.

“Alas I won’t be there for the great debate, Swan. You’ll just have to fill me in on what I miss this time.” Emma smiled at his title for her family’s breakfast gatherings, which always came bearing some sort of discussion on random issues, before letting out a yawn. “Sleep, love. You’ve hours left before breakfast. Don’t stay awake on my account.”

“It’s harder without you.” It was the same way for him, but Killian needed to be sure she would sleep. His plan practically depended on it.

“You’re never without me, Emma.” She sighed contentedly at his more than true statement. Wherever he may go, he left his heart here with her always.

“And you’ll make this up to me later?” Emma teased, the sleepiness returning to her voice.

I’ll make it up to you our whole lives, Killian thought to himself but he didn’t dare risk giving away that the reason he was leaving was to set the stage for a long-overdue proposal.

“Aye, love. Any way you like.” She hummed out a pleased sound as her eyes closed.

“I always like what you do to me.” He growled and her eyes popped open again. Damn it, it he was succumbing to her charms, but he had to be strong. So instead of falling back into bed with her, he pressed one last kiss to her lips.

“I’ll keep that in mind. I love you.” Emma murmured that she loved him too and Killian held that promise close, letting it drive him out of the house they’d come to share and into the early morning light. He’d no sooner shut the door behind him though, than his brother was before him with a smirk on his usually dower face.

“There you are. Here I was thinking perhaps you’d changed your mind.”

“Never.” Killian knew that Liam was teasing but his reply was still instantaneous and determined.

“Careful brother. Emma might doubt your affections with talk like that.” Killian shoved Liam’s arm as the two of them set off across the gardens to one of the tool sheds used by the staff where Killian had been hiding most of the things he needed so that Emma wouldn’t find them.

“I should probably thank you for helping with this now and not later. Too many more jokes at my expense and all my goodwill will be gone.” Liam laughed heartily.

“It was either me or Ruth, brother, and we both know who is more likely to keep the secret.” Killian knew Liam was right. Ruth might be a world-class schemer, but she lacked some of the discretion that today called for. She knew of course that the proposal was coming, but he hadn’t given her details, despite her asking over and over and over again.

“Ahem.” Both brothers froze, knowing instinctively that the Queen was the one who had made that sound and they turned slowly to see her just beside them.

“Well there goes that plan. Might as well turn back now.” Liam was kidding, but he took it far enough to start to turn and Queen Ruth barely kept her countenance.

“Liam Jones, you turn back around this instant! I know you think yourself to be humorous, but you are sorely mistaken. And really – having the audacity to question my abilities in subterfuge… well it’s ridiculous.” Killian grinned at that and hugged Ruth to him, surprising both her and his brother.

“Thank you, Ruth. Whatever Liam says we could use all the help we can get.” When Killian pulled back Queen Ruth looked thoughtful and she patted his cheek softly.

“You were always the smarter brother.” Liam scoffed behind him but the Queen ignored him. “After all, you’re the man who is going to marry my granddaughter. That says more than anything else ever could.”

“Only if she says yes,” Killian countered and Ruth simply tutted in response.

“Oh Emma will say yes. You’ve practically guaranteed that with this lovely plan of yours.”

Killian appreciated that Ruth approved. The woman was very particular especially when it came to Emma and her affairs of the heart. Killian needed to arrange more than a few flowers and some lights to achieve something worthy of Ruth’s praise, but all of it would be worth it as long as Emma liked the finished product.

“And how exactly did you find out about this plan, Ma’am?” Liam asked and the Queen rolled her eyes in a move stolen from Emma.

“I know everything, my dear. The sooner you realize that, the sooner we can all get to work on giving Emma and Killian their moment.”

Before Liam could continue the back and forth banter, Killian herded these two people he loved back to the task at hand, opening the shed and revealing the materials he’d been working on for weeks. It was quite a task ahead of them, but he knew they’d get it done. Killian had set all of this up with everyone across the palace, both family and staff, to see to it that things went off without a hitch, and only when the time was right would Emma find this moment he had in store for them.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get to it!”

Ruth’s words spurred them all to action, and though it was a monumental task before them, Killian was more than up to it. After all, he was only hours away from the moment when he’d get his chance to ask Emma to be his in every way once and for all, and it felt like he’d been waiting for such an opportunity his whole damn life.

…………

“You two are relentless. A full kitchen staff, a chef who trained in Paris, Vienna, and Sicily yet you want coco pops for breakfast again?” Mary Margaret feigned annoyance, but Emma could see the light in her mother’s eyes. Meanwhile Emma and her father looked at each other before shrugging and a nodding at the exact same time.

“Truth be told if I didn’t think we’d have a full blown, country-wide meltdown I would propose that we change the Genovian national food to coco pops today,” David proclaimed.

“And I’d second that,” Emma agreed, smiling at her father. When her little brother babbled from his new highchair right after, they took it as further affirmation.

“Fine. I can admit I’m out numbered. But someday this little guy is going to come to his senses and admit that it’s Belgian waffles all the way.” All of them laughed at that, and Emma melted into the peace and comfort of being with her family this morning.

Their breakfast was filled with catching up and random, out of left field discussions as so many mornings with her parents were. Emma laughed as they debated the merits and downfalls of 80s rock bands and then seamlessly glided into a royal function they were all expected at next week. These crazy back and forths made for a lot of entertainment, and the only way it could have been better was if Killian and her grandmother were here. As it was though the meal was a happy one and over just a little too soon for Emma’s liking.

“Well, as much as I might love to pretend there aren’t a million things to do today, I’ve got a country to run.”

David pressed a kiss to Emma’s forehead and then one to Mary Margaret’s lips and the crown of her baby brother’s head. Her father looked lovingly at all of them, but Emma noticed his eyes softening as he stole one last look at her. She wondered what he was thinking, but he was gone then, leaving the three of them alone.

“Don’t mind your father. It’s a big day today and he’s just a little…”

“Off?” Emma offered and her mother shook her head.

“Preoccupied. But I think those coco pops helped, even if I can’t wrap my brain around how.”

Emma smiled at the way her mother eased around criticism in any way and that word, preoccupied, actually spoke to Emma’s current state as well. Things were going remarkably well in her life, and she was happy, truly she was. But if Emma were honest with herself completely, then she’d admit that these past few months had been… surprising.

After what could only be described as a fantastic month away with each other, Emma expected the next step to be taken between her and Killian. There felt like dozens of opportunities for him to ask her to marry him, both on the trip and when they were back home, and she knew that he knew she was ready. Still he waited, and she was left to wonder why. What was going on in his mind to make him want to pause when she was so ready and willing to move forward?

“Everything alright, honey?” Emma looked back up to her mom who was watching her curiously. She debated not saying anything, but her mother had always been her first and surest confidant so she decided to just go for it. Maybe it would help to talk it out with someone.

“I love Killian.” Her mother smiled genuinely.

“Yes, Emma. That much has always been clear.” Emma felt herself growing red at the observation.

“Right. Well I want to move forward and take the next step. I’ve been thinking and planning so much of what my life is going to be like, but the one thing that matters most is that whatever I do, Killian is with me.”

“So you’re ready then? For marriage and everything that follows.” Emma nodded.

“I’ve been ready for a long time. I know we’re young and that -,” Her mother raised her hand and shook her head, her smile clear as day.

“You don’t have to tell me about giving your heart away early, Emma. I know how quickly love can happen, and I also know that you are smart and more honest than anyone I know. I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t your grandmother and her continued scheming,” Emma rolled her eyes even as she smiled, because the meddling never ended with Queen Ruth. Emma loved her grandmother, but it was a little much at times.

“But if you’re sure, Emma, then I’m sure.” Emma smiled at her mother’s faith in her and Killian.

“And Dad?” Emma had heard her father joke a time or two about him wanting her to be fifty before she married, and though she knew that was an exaggeration, this was definitely not waiting, at least not by King David’s estimations.

“Your father loves Killian. The two of them are already family. We all are. Trust me, Killian has your father’s blessing.”

The thought made Emma smile because in her mind Killian was already family too. He was the person she wanted to spend forever with, to build a life with, to face each milestone with. When she closed her eyes and pictured forever he was there. Killian was always there, loving her and letting her know that come hell or high water he would be at her side and on her team.

“I’m going to ask him.” Her mother’s eyes lit up with amusement.

“Is that right? Well, you can do anything you set your mind to, Emma, and I hardly think Killian would refuse. His love is true and it always has been.”

Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that her mother found this entertaining, and though it perplexed Emma, she was mostly happy to have someone validate her want. She would always stake out her own path regardless, but knowing her mother thought this was the right choice meant something. For her whole life her Mom had been her guide, helping her face the world and showing her how to follow her heart. It only made sense to see what she thought on what would arguably be Emma’s most important decision in love.

“Any thoughts on how I should do it?” Emma asked and her mother took her hand and offered some sage advice.

“All you have to do - all Killian will ever want - is for you to be yourself. Trust your instincts, Emma, and follow your heart.” Emma stood and rushed around the table to hug her mother close.

“Thanks, Mom.” Her mother held her back just as tight.

“Anytime, honey. Anytime.” Emma appreciated the promise and said goodbye to her mom and brother quickly before setting out to find the man she loved.

Emma started by checking her father’s study, but Killian wasn’t there and neither was her Dad. Then she searched all through the palace in every corner from top to bottom, but still Killian evaded her. Finally she ran into Jefferson when she was about to exit onto the grounds and he pointed her in the direction of the garden house but he insisted on escorting her. Emma found it odd when they took a roundabout way through the gardens, but Jefferson said there was some landscaping going on and that that portion of the grounds was best left undisturbed.

“At least for now,” he insisted and Emma sized Jefferson up trying to get a read on the often stoic man.

For months now he had been the main person guarding her and keeping her safe but sometimes his poker face was too good even for her. Emma thought there might be something up, but she couldn’t be sure, and by the time they reached the house she didn’t really care anymore. All she could think was that this was it – her moment was here.

But unexpectedly, there was something awaiting her at the front door, a note with her name on the front in Killian’s handwriting, and a single rose attached to it. She looked to Jefferson for insight but he stayed quiet, only offering her a small smile. It was unusual for him, and as such it was a clear sign that something was coming, but Emma didn’t know what to say. All she could do was open her letter and barely say goodbye as Jefferson took his leave.

Emma, Everyday since we met one year ago today, I have tried to find the proper words to tell you how I love you. I’ve searched high and low, scoured every source for hint or inspiration, but the language I seek never seems to appear. Many words have already been written and said about love, all by smarter men and women than I, and in those turns of phrase I see you and only you. They will never be enough, but you should have them Emma. You should have them and know that I mean every word and that I love you now and forever. With all my love, Killian

Tears gathered in her eyes and Emma moved to wipe them away, bringing the rose up to catch its sweet scent. She didn’t fully understand what this letter meant, not until she looked across the way and saw a sign of some sort. It was beautifully crafted, with words that appeared in an enlarged version of Killian’s script moving through the hedgerow. She moved to them immediately, seeking to follow whatever sort of path he’d made for her. It wasn’t lost on Emma as she did that all of this would have taken so much time and attention, and she knew instinctively that Killian would have carried the bulk of that work, wanting to be sure every last detail was in order.

“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.” – Austen

If Emma were any less well versed in Austen she might be alarmed by this quotation, but as it was she loved it, running her hands along the words until they ended at a white pillar bearing a folder. It was clearly meant for her to open, and when she did she found a file all about her. Emma wondered what it could be but then she read a note from Killian on the inside of the cover.

You guessed correctly a long time ago, love, that there was a file on you from the moment your ties to your father were unveiled. What I neglected to say was that you haunted me from the moment I saw that enigmatic smirk of yours in this photo. We had yet to meet but I felt your smile engrained in every thought. It represented hope in every way, and the agony came from knowing that to you I was a stranger, and worse a stranger who worked for your father. Things seemed stacked against us then, but I should have known better. I was always meant to find my way to you and we were always meant to find our way to now.

Emma bit her lip at the words, and she didn’t bother to read much past the first page of information in her file. It wasn’t particularly interesting that Liam managed to find the scholarship she won to school or her major or dorm address. Instead Emma caught herself wondering about Killian in that moment. Was he really as entranced as he said? She had to believe he was because Killian would never lie to her. Emma knew in her heart that every word he said and every word awaiting her he would mean, both the ones of his creation and those belonging to others.

"She was more than human to me. She was a Fairy, a Sylph, I don't know what she was - anything that no one ever saw, and everything that everybody ever wanted. I was swallowed up in an abyss of love in an instant. There was no pausing on the brink; no looking down, or looking back; I was gone, headlong, before I had sense to say a word to her." – Dickens

Emma recognized the words and smiled, knowing how Killian saw her as light in his life, as hope that there could be more, and that he had felt that way since the start of their knowing each other. Her eyes tracked from the off-white letters to a picture just beside them. It was of the two of them, smiling together in the overlook where they’d been seated at the symphony. It was their first night of knowing each other, and Emma didn’t know who had taken the photo, but there it was clear as day on both their faces that they were in love. Underneath the picture Killian wrote a simple little line to bring her joy:

Ever since the first moment I was yours, Emma. You’ve had my heart in your hand since the start.

“He’s had mine too,” Emma whispered to herself, knowing that no one was around to hear her, but needing to say it aloud as she followed the next quotation.

“He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking.” – Tolstoy

Emma moved to the next item that trailed the well-known words and found a pad of paper. It appeared to be notes on Genovian policy, but there were scribbles everywhere and things had been crossed off a dozen times. In short it was madness and terribly unlike Killian. He was so organized, so on top of things and so capable. Emma was eager to read the note that followed and to try and understand.

I’ve never known distraction until I met you. I fancied myself driven and unshakeable, but then we met and I knew it was all an illusion. I got the chance to watch you all those days when you visited your grandmother, before anything even had the chance to happen with us, and you bewitched me. I was useless, sorely lacking at my job, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was you, and the smiles you sent me, the words you gave me, and the promise in your eyes that there might be something more between us someday.

That was ever the understatement. Looking back Emma knew that there had been uncertainty. There had been moments when she doubted if this could work or if her life would be conducive to finding this deep, soulful love, but now, with the benefit of hindsight, it felt like everything was destined to turn out this way. She couldn’t picture a life without Killian in it. He was so integral to everything at this point and Emma was glad for that in every way. She moved on, hungry for more moments and more words that he had found for her.

“Whatever our souls are made of, [hers] and mine are the same.” – Bronte

With this quotation there was not a picture but a flyer, one Emma recognized as an insert from her favorite pizza place back in Boston. It was the same place that they’d gotten dinner from on their first date, and the thought that Killian kept it fundamentally moved Emma. She was speechless seeing this, and yet part of her wasn’t the least bit surprised. She’d fallen in love with a thoughtful man, one who saw and remembered everything and gave her so much just by being himself.

I knew after our first date that there would never be another person in my life who mattered as much as you, Emma. I also knew that from that moment on I would always defer to your good judgment when it came to pizza. Best meal I ever ate.

Emma laughed, the wateriness of her tears audible in it, but she had to keep going. Even if she could linger in these snapshots he was making, Emma was desperate for more. Because she knew in her heart already that at the end of this journey he was taking her on, she’d be getting exactly what she wanted. Today she was getting her proposal and she wouldn’t be the one asking like she once thought.

She continued on, wandering through the hedgerow that twisted and turned. It was filled with flowers, some that belonged there naturally and many others that were added. They came in every shade all beautiful and soft filling the air with a sweet fragrance, but nothing was sweeter than Killian’s gesture and the words that he’d chosen and found for himself.

"Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love." – Shakespeare

At the end of this line there was a scrap of paper that she recognized. Emma had ripped a page from her diary to write him a note during one of the lengthy stints where they couldn’t steal a moment together. Back then it felt like they’d never be alone, and every second they did have together was precious. She said as much in the note but the most intriguing part wasn’t that Killian had kept this, but how worn it was. It was clear to Emma that it had been read and read often. When she saw his words scrawled on another piece of paper beside it she smiled wider.

I kept this note and a number of others you’ve written as close as I could for a long time. They were a poor substitute for you, but they were a reminder that the girl at the heart of every dream I have wanted me as much as I wanted her. Whenever I had any doubts of that, whenever fate seemed set against us, you found a way to keep me going, to keep me believing that we’d find our way with just a little time.

Emma thought to herself how she would be keeping each and every one of these notes from him forever, and how even when Killian was beside her in the flesh she’d remember this. This sincerity was life affirming and the surest proof that he loved her. Not that he wasn’t constantly showing her, but Emma was still in shock as to just how elaborate Killian had been in this. She had no idea how far this would go, but she was torn between wanting him now, and wanting to linger amongst the beauty he’d bestowed on her.

"All this gladness in life, all honest pride in doing my work in the world, all this keen sense of being, I owe to her! And it doubles the gladness, it makes the pride glow, it sharpens the sense of existence till I hardly know if it is pain or pleasure, to think that I owe it to one - nay, you must, you shall hear - to one whom I love, as I do not believe man ever loved woman before." – Gaskell

Emma moved to touch the invitation to the gala that appeared at the end of this particular quote and she remembered back to that night that Killian and her father had given her. Attached there was a picture of Emma with the kids from the League, excited and happy, suspended in the perfect moment in time and there, watching on with nothing but love in his eyes, was Killian.

Nothing compares to the fulfillment I find when I’ve helped to put a smile on your face, Emma. There isn’t a mountain I wouldn’t climb to grant you joy, yet you make the work so easy. You give so freely, and so in turn I’ve given you me. Everything I am and everything I have is yours to keep.

That was it. Emma was beside herself with every good feeling, but she couldn’t do this anymore. She had to see Killian, even if it meant skipping ahead, but then she noticed a tiny arrow at the bottom of the page telling her to flip it over.

P.S. The rest of this will keep if like me you’re growing anxious for this next part. Should you be so inclined you’ll find me in the place we shared the best dance of my life.

Emma moved through the garden at almost a run, seeing that there were more quotes along the way, many more in fact, but Killian was right: she wanted to see him now and maybe later they could tarry through this gift he’d given her. For now though she just wanted to answer the question that was coming, and to make her own promises about how she’d always love him.

When Emma broke free from the wandering paths in the garden and made it to the gazebo, she saw Killian waiting for her. He looked a little worried, pacing back and forth, and for a moment he didn’t realize she was there. She stalled only for the briefest of pauses to take him and to marvel at how after all this he could still be worrying. Only Killian could walk through life with this kind of romance and this hold over her heart and wonder if it would be enough. Someday, Emma vowed, she’d assure him for good. Someday he’d never have a single fear when it came to her being completely and irrevocably in love with him.

“Looking for something?”

Immediately Killian twisted around to find her and Emma beamed at him, which set off a similar expression on his face. The relief was profound in the moment and it only grew the closer she got to him, until her hands were in his and her lips had pressed a gentle kiss against his cheek. When she pulled back he had that same funny expression he had months and months ago when they’d steal kisses from each other back at the consulate.

“Surely you’ve realized by now, Emma, that I found everything the day I found you.” Her heart fluttered at the words but she couldn’t help but tease him.

“You know you really sold yourself short at the start of this. You said you didn’t have the words, but all evidence points to the contrary.”

“I’m glad you haven’t found this lacking in any way, love. Hopefully that will make this next part easier.”

Emma knew in her heart what was coming, she’d known the moment she found that note on the garden house door, but it didn’t change the fact that the whole world stopped in that instant. She felt everything click into place, and seeing Killian bend down on one knee and pull out the ring she knew belonged to her grandmother brought those happy tears rushing back to the forefront.

“Emma, I’ve known since the very first moment that you were different than any person I’d ever met before, but I never imagined how spectacular life could be with you by my side. Every day you blow me away with your strength, your resilience, your kindness, and your love. Before you I didn’t truly know what any of those things meant, but you’ve my opened my eyes and my heart in a way I never imagined.

“I love you, Emma. I know you’ve likely gathered that by now, but it’s the most important truth of my life. I love you and I will always love you. There’s nothing that could ever change that, and I promise that no matter what my heart will forever be yours. You have all of me, Emma and so I have to ask if you’ll let me have you too. Will you marry me?”

Killian barely got the question out before she responded with a resounding yes. He moved up to his feet, but before he could give her the ring, Emma pulled his mouth down to hers, needing him more than she could ever need a symbol. She would gladly wear that ring from now on, but in this moment the only thing that could feed this beautiful ache inside her chest was him. And Killian met her in that, kissing her with all the passion and love that she could want before she finally pulled back and said a few key words of her own.

“I love you too.” Killian grinned, sliding the ring on her finger without taking his eyes off of hers.

“I was hoping as much since you’ve agreed to be my wife.” The words sent a rush of pleasure through her. She could hardly wait for that day when she made good on that agreement.

“Even if I’d wanted to I could never refuse. Look at all of this.” Emma waved around the garden and took it in again. “This is easily the most romantic thing, ever.”

“I can’t take all the credit, love. I only stumbled upon the idea when I remembered how your father asked for his own forever with your mother. With them it was pictures, with us words.” It touched Emma even more to know that her parents were in a way the foundation of this incredible moment. To have a tie to a love like theirs meant so much. But the mention of her family also had her wondering if everyone was already in on this.

“They know.” Killian answered a question Emma hadn’t even asked aloud, and his hand came to cup her cheek. “I’ve been planning this for months now. Since the day we got home from the trip. Truth be told I spoke with your parents even before.”

“So where are they?” Emma asked, looking around knowing they had to be somewhere. There was no way that her nosey family wasn’t pouring over a display like this.

“If I had to guess? The observatory most likely. It’s got a rather good vantage of this very spot.”

Emma looked up and saw that there in the window were not only her parents, brother, and grandmother, but Liam and others as well all watching on. She couldn’t see their faces exactly, but she knew in her heart they were all happy in their varying ways. Emma glanced back at Killian and found that his eyes had never waivered from her. He was still watching her, holding her close, like she might slip away if he ever let go.

“You know the sooner we face them, the sooner we can be alone, and the sooner we’re alone the sooner I can show you just how much I loved all of this.” Killian grinned at her bit of flirtatiousness before kissing her again, this time with just as much searing heat as before and when he pulled back Emma had almost forgotten about any plan to see her family at all.

“As you wish, love.”

With that Emma took Killian’s hand and followed her fiancé (God it felt so good to say that!) back into the palace. And though it was hard to leave this beautiful scavenger hunt of their story that he’d made for her today, Emma knew that they would bake their way back. Besides, they had their whole lives ahead of them and Emma was certain they were made to find such precious moments in the bright, happy future that awaited them.

……………

There were roughly a thousand questions and well-wishes to be faced after asking Emma to marry him, and had Killian not been so perfectly happy, he might have resented that. As it was, however, Killian was thrilled, even through the constant queries about themes, and guest lists, and the merits of spring or summer weddings from Queen Ruth. The woman had actually shed tears of joy today, yet she was still unsatisfied. Killian would wager that she would never be totally without want until Killian and Emma had married, and produced a few heirs. Maybe then she would finally retire from her days of scheming, though he wasn’t about to hold his breath.

Emma’s parents were likewise animated. Her mother was teary-eyed when they found her as both Killian and Emma expected and though there had been a good amount of hesitation on King David’s part at first about them being very young, his worries subsided the second he saw how happy Emma was. And Emma was happy – gloriously so – that much could not be denied. She laughed more, smiled more, and held his hand through the bevy of attention, all the while whispering that she loved him in the moments when they weren’t actively being watched by the others.

Finally, after a celebratory lunch that Ruth insisted on, and some more family togetherness, Emma and Killian got the chance to slip back outside to finish the rest of the course he’d charted out for the proposal and he was thrilled to find that Emma came to meet him at that very first card that offered his location. There was still another half of their story to get through and words from his own heart and the thoughtful minds of others, but Killian was so glad he got to see Emma’s reactions. Seeing the pleasure she took in all of this, and finding that his goal of granting her a tailor-made proposal to suit her wants and needs was reached did wonders for his heart. He also cherished every comment and subsequent memory that Emma brought up to, for they showed how reciprocal this thing between them was.

And while they were out there in the gardens, Emma mentioned all the places they still had left to go. The wedding of course was on it’s way, but there was more there too. Raising a family, helping Emma become queen, making a difference and leaving a legacy they could both be proud of: it was all coming for them in just a matter of years. The thought thrilled Killian more than he could say and he found himself pondering all these little details only to realize that the future could wait. For now he was more than content to live in the present and to rejoice in the good fortune he had in procuring Emma’s love at all.

Despite their mutual wish to get lost in each other and slip back to the garden house to make good on all this love roiling between them, Emma proposed that they do one last thing before going home: a sunset on the beachfront at the edge of the lake. They’d spent similar moments together before, spread out on the sands still warm from the day on a comfortable blanket, but tonight was different. Everything was different now, even if they’d both given their hearts to each other in full a long time ago.

“I was going to ask you, you know.”

Emma’s words were soft and wistful and they came as Killian watched Emma instead of the setting sun around them. She sent him a knowing smile, obviously aware of his being distracted by her and she nuzzled closer into his chest that she was currently propped against.

“Ask me what, Emma?”

“To marry me.” Killian chuckled at that as his hand moved through the soft tendrils of her hair.

“A little impatient were we?” Emma shook her head.

“More like very impatient. I couldn’t understand why you were waiting so I figured I could do it. Though to be honest my ideas weren’t nearly as romantic. I was basically between seducing you into a yes, and… well actually that was pretty much the whole plan.” Killian brought her further into his arms and pressed a kiss to her temple, unable to stop the flare of arousal that shot through him at the idea of her seducing him.

“All you’d have to do was ask me. That would be all I ever wanted.” Emma smiled.

“You know it’s the same for me, right? You made a beautiful memory today, Killian, one I will never forget, but the most memorable part was that one question at the very end.”

“Aye, love I know.” He did know that, and he’d considered such a path before. There was something to be said for simple, but since his Emma was so special, he reasoned she deserved something more befitting of who she was and who they were together.

“You just love spoiling me,” she quipped happily as she turned around fully to face him.

“And I intend to do so for the rest of my days, Emma. That’s a guarantee.”

Her eyes took on a heated look and in a moment they’d shifted from a more innocent sincerity to wanting more. Killian knew they were both teetering on the edge and that soon enough they’d give way to what they wanted. A sunset was nice in theory, but what was nice when they had the magic that came from this love they shared?

“Two can play at that game, you know.” Emma’s hand ran from his chest down lower until he stopped her, stepping up and sweeping her up with him.

“That’s what I’m counting on.”

With that Killian carried Emma back from the lake to their home and he made it clear to his future wife that this was an equal love between them, one grounded in the simple need to see the other happy in any way they could. And of course they found their ways to do just that. After all, every truly great tale of remarkable love ends with a happily ever after and for Emma and Killian, their unique and magical story was no exception.

Post-Note: First and foremost I want to thank all of you for reading and for your kind words of support and appreciation. This story has been so fun to write and the response to it over the span of my writing it has been overwhelmingly awesome. This is the final chapter, but I do intend to write an epilogue at some point. It likely won’t be for a number of weeks, but it will include some glimpses into the happily ever after (wedding, kids, Emma’s coronation, etc). I never like to leave a story without those snapshots of the impending happy ending. Anyway, thank you all so much and I hope you have a lovely rest of your day!

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