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thereddeadredeemed · 3 years

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An Ironwood meta that just randomly popped into my head.

So I’ve been skimming over a lot of the observations on RWBY from @bionic-jedi and aside from the glurge of absolutely adorable Nuts ‘n Dolts stuff (Which I appreciate, I ship it now), the part that really got my attention was all the shit going down around Ironwood. I don’t watch the show anymore, not that I hated it or anything I just sorta lost interest in the show itself, decided it ultimately wasn’t really for me and mainly just enjoy it through fanart and shipping now, but from what I gathered from bionic-jedi’s Let’s Watch Ironwood sounds absolutely fascinating in all the ways that I don’t think was intentional by the CRWBY but is still pretty awesome that it’s there.

Forgive me if I get the details wrong since I haven’t kept up with the show and all my info is coming second hand from @bionic-jedi, but from I could gather Ironwood comes across as a man who:

- Is an experienced veteran fighter who individually is very badass with a proven tactical record on the battlefield

- Has the natural charisma to instill genuine loyalty and belief in his cause into his subordinates (To paraphrase Mass Effect 3 for a bit, you can pay a man to fight, you can pay him to charge up a hill, but no amount of money in the world will ever convince a man to believe in you), and does possess a genuine care for the troops under his command

- Will nonetheless still engage in abusive behavior if a subordinate is not performing in a way he believes is proper for their duty (Yeah I would consider forcibly hacking a sapient being to count as that)

- Carries around a very cool badass revolver as a signature weapon

- While brilliant tactically, possess horrible long term strategic assessment skills that if allowed to be acted upon could have/did end in disaster

You know what that sounds like? Ironwood is almost a perfect RWBY equivalent for George R. Patton (with maybe a bit of Bernard Montgomery thrown in).

Like, I think that the CRWBY may have accidentally written a scenario that asks “What if Patton was the Supreme Commander of the Western Front instead of Eisenhower?” And the results are an absolute clusterfuck unfolding in real time, but I feel I gotta clarify this.

Patton is one of America’s most celebrated and respected generals, and for good reason. Dude was a badass with a keen sense of armor tactics and mobile warfare that proved repeatedly that he could beat the Germans at their own game. His personal bravery could also never be called into question, having proven his mettle in direct combat during both the Hunt for Pancho Villa and WW1, as well as putting his own life in danger being very close to the front lines numerous times during WW2, one time even riding a tank into a German-occupied village to inspire his men. He also did genuinely care for the lives of his men, only ever seen openly weeping when mourning for the lives of his fallen soldiers, treating his wounded troops with the highest respect, and properly giving praise when they did a good job.

For all of Ironwood’s faults, his own mettle is certainly not into question given he suffered such grievous injuries that half his body is now cybernetics, and the man for sure knows how to fight and fight well, so that’s one similarity with Patton. He has also inspired real loyalty in Winter and the Ace Operatives, and in turn he does seem to actually care for them, and he had no real reason to give Yang a new prosthetic arm (and rather quickly fast tracking her an incredibly advanced one at that), so he’s not completely heartless or devoid of empathy.

However, Patton was a man focused on the tactical short term in lieu of long term strategic planning, and possessed with some horrendous character flaws that bit him in the ass on several occasions. One of them being the, even by the standards of the 40′s, deplorable manner in which he treated soldiers wracked with what we in the modern day would diagnose as PTSD. The man flat out did not believe PTSD was a real thing, thinking of it as cowardice and...you know what? I’m just gonna let the Wikipedia quotes say it all, I bolded some choice quotes for convenience:

Private Charles H. Kuhl, of L Company, U.S. 26th Infantry Regiment, reported to an aid station of C Company, 1st Medical Battalion, on 2 August 1943. Kuhl, who had been in the U.S. Army for eight months, had been attached to the 1st Infantry Division since 2 June 1943. He was diagnosed with "exhaustion," a diagnosis he had been given three times since the start of the campaign. From the aid station, he was evacuated to a medical company and given sodium amytal. Notes in his medical chart indicated "psychoneurosis anxiety state, moderately severe (soldier has been twice before in hospital within ten days. He can't take it at the front, evidently. He is repeatedly returned.)" Kuhl was transferred from the aid station to the 15th Evacuation Hospital near Nicosia for further evaluation.

Patton arrived at the hospital the same day, accompanied by a number of medical officers, as part of his tour of the U.S. II Corps troops. He spoke to some patients in the hospital, commending the physically wounded. He then approached Kuhl, who did not appear to be physically injured. Kuhl was sitting slouched on a stool midway through a tent ward filled with injured soldiers. When Patton asked Kuhl where he was hurt, Kuhl reportedly shrugged and replied that he was "nervous" rather than wounded, adding, "I guess I can't take it." Patton "immediately flared up,” slapped Kuhl across the chin with his gloves, then grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to the tent entrance. He shoved him out of the tent with a kick to his backside. Yelling "Don't admit this son of a bitch," Patton demanded that Kuhl be sent back to the front, adding, "You hear me, you gutless bastard? You're going back to the front."

Corpsmen picked up Kuhl and brought him to a ward tent, where it was discovered he had a temperature of 102.2 °F (39.0 °C); and was later diagnosed with malarial parasites. Speaking later of the incident, Kuhl noted "at the time it happened, [Patton] was pretty well worn out ... I think he was suffering a little battle fatigue himself." Kuhl wrote to his parents about the incident, but asked them to "just forget about it." That night, Patton recorded the incident in his diary: "[I met] the only errant coward I have ever seen in this Army. Companies should deal with such men, and if they shirk their duty, they should be tried for cowardice and shot."

Private Paul G. Bennett, 21, of C Battery, U.S. 17th Field Artillery Regiment, was a four-year veteran of the U.S. Army, and had served in the division since March 1943. Records show he had no medical history until 6 August 1943, when a friend was wounded in combat. According to a report, he "could not sleep and was nervous." Bennett was brought to the 93rd Evacuation Hospital. In addition to having a fever, he exhibited symptoms of dehydration, including fatigue, confusion, and listlessness. His request to return to his unit was turned down by medical officers. A medical officer describing Bennett's condition

And yet another incident like this:

The shells going over him bothered him. The next day he was worried about his buddy and became more nervous. He was sent down to the rear echelon by a battery aid man and there the medical aid man gave him some tranquilizers that made him sleep, but still he was nervous and disturbed. On the next day the medical officer ordered him to be evacuated, although the boy begged not to be evacuated because he did not want to leave his unit.

On 10 August, Patton entered the receiving tent of the hospital, speaking to the injured there. Patton approached Bennett, who was huddled and shivering, and asked what the trouble was. "It's my nerves," Bennett responded. "I can't stand the shelling anymore." Patton reportedly became enraged at him, slapping him across the face. He began yelling: "Your nerves, hell, you are just a goddamned coward. Shut up that goddamned crying. I won't have these brave men who have been shot at seeing this yellow bastard sitting here crying." Patton then reportedly slapped Bennett again, knocking his helmet liner off, and ordered the receiving officer, Major Charles B. Etter, not to admit him. Patton then threatened Bennett, "You're going back to the front lines and you may get shot and killed, but you're going to fight. If you don't, I'll stand you up against a wall and have a firing squad kill you on purpose. In fact, I ought to shoot you myself, you goddamned whimpering coward." Upon saying this, Patton pulled out his pistol threateningly, prompting the hospital's commander, Colonel Donald E. Currier, to physically separate the two. Patton left the tent, yelling to medical officers to send Bennett back to the front lines.

As he toured the remainder of the hospital, Patton continued discussing Bennett's condition with Currier. Patton stated, "I can't help it, it makes my blood boil to think of a yellow bastard being babied," and "I won't have those cowardly bastards hanging around our hospitals. We'll probably have to shoot them some time anyway, or we'll raise a breed of morons."

There were serious cries for Patton to get sacked after theses incidents, his reputation and job only saved because Eisenhower knew his tactical command abilities were simply too valuable to give up and so was only temporarily relieved of duty instead. Point I’m trying to make here is that while Patton could definitely hold sympathy and understanding for his men, it was contingent on them acting in a way he believed was properly honoring their duty. If they erred from his ideals of a how a proper soldier behaved, he could lapse into some seriously abusive behavior disturbingly quickly.

I can’t be the only one that sees some parallels between this and Ironwood hacking Penny am I? A man who cares for his troops but as soon as Penny acted in a way he deemed to be out of line, immediately sought to violate her autonomy and rights as a sapient being to force her back into line and back into his ideals of how a proper soldier should behave. Perhaps he wasn’t as violently physically aggressive about it as Patton, but arguably what Ironwood did was ethically much worse than slapping the shit out of and threatening people.

Patton also wasn’t the type to worry about the long term consequences of his actions. Before he died in a car accident shortly after WW2 he was unceremoniously sacked from his job after making one too many aggressive comments towards the Soviet Union, potentially nudging towards a potential Operation Unthinkable, and carelessly allowing former Nazis back into political power. Both of these were unthinkably horrible for obvious reasons.

There is one key difference between Patton and Ironwood however. Eisenhower was keenly aware of Patton’s potential shortcomings and he was kept on a leash and out of the highest levers of power, thus preventing him from ever being in a position where his worst traits would allow him to truly fuck up. Ironwood however I feel got Peter Principle’d hardcore and was promoted way above his level of competence (Always a risk for men who gain a reputation as “fightin’ generals”, see: John Bell Hood), where his positive qualities of personal physical bravery, combat skill and tactical leadership is wasted and his worst qualities of hyper-focus on short sighted tactical victories over long term strategic goals, paranoia and distrust leading to an excessive need for control, and moral cowardice are allowed to flourish.

And we see the consequences of it. He may have started with solid pragmatic ideas, but his insanely one-track minded obsession with short term strategic goals like making sure he has control over the Winter Maiden is costing him big long term strategically by burning bridges with potentially valuable allies and isolating himself and his command. Valuable time and resources that could have been spent coordinating forces against Salem wasted on various shenanigans involving Penny, RWBY and JN_R. Especially devastating given that Atlas is the only industrialized military power worth a damn in this world and isn’t reliant on mostly independent and unorganized Hunters and Huntresses (individually skilled but too few in number and takes far too long to train each one to reliably stop a Grimm invasion), and he’s just wasting the resources of the world power best able to hold the line against the Grimm.

Next part is a bit of a non-sequitur and really long so I put it in between the dotted lines if y’all ain’t interested and want to skip on over to the relevant Ironwood parts.

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Getting a feel for the strategic situation in Atlas, I get a strong sense that what Atlas needs more than anything else right now is a Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower the the exact man needed to lead the Western allies, and I can’t see anyone else doing as realistically as good a job as he did, this is a hill I’ll die on. It wouldn’t look like it at first, the man had never once commanded a unit in battle (a fact that made many of his “actually seen combat” rivals bitter), and his softer, more easy going disposition would seem at odds with the alpha-male take charge image cultivated by men like Patton and Montgomery that would be stereotypically expected of a general, much less a Supreme Commander.

However, that calm exterior hid a man with a sharp eye on the necessary strategic goals needed for victory, expert resource and personnel management skills, the humility to listen to his subordinates and admit his own mistakes, and most importantly, both the smooth negotiating skills and the iron will necessary to deal with larger than life figures.

The western allies were made up of many different nations and factions and filled to the brim with what I would call (to put it lightly) strong personalities. This was an organization that involved:

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

- Winston Churchill

- Charles De Gaulle

- Bernard Montgomery

- The aforementioned Patton

- Occasional dealings with Stalin even

All of them larger than life personalities, all of them strong willed and possessed of their own ideas of how to win the war as well as their own political/personal motives, and all of them vying for dominance in the strategic decision making of the Western Allies. It was like herding a clowder of cats, but all the cats had frggin tanks and bombs. Eisenhower actually managed to cut through the bullshit and resist all the arm twisting and actually got all the different countries, armies and leaders together to act upon a united plan. He did this while still being able to control his subordinates worst impulses and (mostly) was able to resist the shitty plans put up and embrace the good ones (for the most part, Montgomery did manage to convince him to approve of Operation Market Garden, and it was the last major German victory of the war mostly due to Monty’s mishandling). Tactical battle ability was largely irrelevant for Eisenhower’s role, and his ability to see the big picture clearly and being able to maneuver through the internal politics meant everything to his success as a Supreme Commander.

If Eisenhower or an Eisenhower-esque figure was in charge of Atlas during this latest season, you’d probably get a drastically different turn of events. An Eisenhower would not be so quick to drastic action as Ironwood was. An Eisenhower would probably sit down with their subordinates, hear out all their arguments for why or why shouldn’t a specific action be taken, then calmly consider their actions. An Eisenhower would probably then say “Working with an enemy agent to hack into the Winter Maiden is a dumb idea” and proceed to create plans on how to coordinate all available forces in Remnant to best fend off Salem.

Atlas as a whole doesn’t really strike me as the type of organization that would raise an Eisenhower though. Militaries are always offshoots of the cultures that create them, and I don’t believe it to be a coincidence that a Supreme Commander like Eisenhower would be American. The country was literally founded on democratic ideals and it was enshrined very early into its history that the military would always be subordinate to the civilian government. This precedent makes it necessary that anyone that rises high enough in the military must be able to respect a strong civilian presence and be able to work with both internal and external politics. Any general that rises high enough must be half-general half-politician by necessity (there’s a reason why former military often do have successful political careers after retiring from service, including the aforementioned Eisenhower who eventually became the 34th President of the United States).

Atlas just doesn’t strike me as having that same sort of cultural framework. If anything the Atlas military strikes me as having a cultural framework closer to WW2 Germany where tactical efficiency and high tech weaponry/tools is prized above all else, often at the cost of long term strategic goal setting. Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan never set realistic goals for themselves and predictably got steamrolled eventually. Occasionally you’ll get an online thread asking “What if Germany/Japan had smart top leadership during WW2?” But that’s a trick question. A WW2 Germany/Japan with sensible leadership...just isn’t WW2 Germany/Japan at all, it was intrinsic to the identity and character of those nations in that time period. Similarly, I just don’t see an Atlas military that sees a potential Eisenhower in their ranks and thinks to promote them to High Command as opposed to just shuffling them off as an aide to some random officer and never consider them for higher promotion. An organization that prizes short term tactical victory over long term strategic goals just isn’t the type of organization to do that.

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Thing is though, I think just from what I gathered, Ironwood just shot up to be my favorite RWBY character because of how frigging fascinatingly horrible he is. He’s not an entirely awful person (at least not at first), but his own paranoia and fear combined with his habit of confusing short term tactical advantage with long term strategic goals leads him down the path of utterly despicable actions while convincing himself that it’s all for the greater good. All while being an idiot and wasting the legitimate game-changer resources of having an actual army when everyone else is still dicking around with hunters and huntresses as their only defense.

Smart money is he’s gonna die, it seems to be where he’s heading. If CRWBY’s writing staff has some serious cajones however, it’d be really cool if they pulled a Catra on him and see how low they can make him sink before making him hit rock bottom, realize his mistakes and force him to work hard for a redemption arc. I dunno, maybe I’m giving him too much slack but I actually do feel for him a little bit. The dude was clearly an alright guy that had the world fall down on him and just wasn’t suited for the massive responsibility that circumstances forced on his shoulders. He’s still a soldier that genuinely wants to protect Atlas, he’s just too short sighted to see how his actions just aren’t what Atlas is gonna need in the long term. Maybe a harsh talking to by Glinda would do him some good (I still ship IronWitch don’t @ me). I dunno, I just think that a redemption arc would be a lot harder to write than just killing him off, and thus would be that much more satisfying to see it pulled off right like what Noelle Stevenson did with Catra’s character in She-Ra.

#RWBY #bionic-jedi #ironwood #rwby meta #long post #george r. patton #dwight d. eisenhower

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ryik-the-writer · 4 years

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Note: I started this fic way back in 2016, and had this Thanksgiving-themed chapter planned in advance.

Over four years and several bouts of depression-induced writers blocks later, I’m glad to finally get it out.

I present to you: Marinara Main - Burnt Bits I . Feat. Rumbelle and a big dash of baby! swanfire.

A03

Mr. Gold pulled into Belle’s next stop, smiling at her apologetic grin as she jumped out and grabbed two pizzas from the back and bounded up the stairs to her customer’s home.

It had been two months since Belle’s French Bread’s business car had burst into flames, setting off a chain of events that involved him lending his assistance, or just his vehicle really, on her deliveries and them dating on the side. It was where they could be together without the mocking or overbearing look from the town. It was theirs, and even if Belle was delivering pizzas and Gold was just watching from the window, they were together and having the seats smell like melted cheese was worth every second.

“How’d it go?” he inquired when she jumped back in the front seat.

She leaned in and kiss his 5 o’clock shadowed cheek. “$6 tip.”

“Hmm. I should have glared at him a little more, make him drop a full $10.”

Belle gave him an unamused look. “I asked you not to scare my customers.”

“Just making sure they’re not gouging you, dear.”

Belle sighed. She knew her sweetheart meant well, but she valued her independence. She swallowed her pride when he offered her his car for the sake of her family’s business, and held her head tall when she moved into his spare room after her accident, but drew the line with him bullying her customers into paying her sums she wasn’t offered.

It was there last delivery of the night so Belle decided to drop the disagreement for now. She had other things to worry about anyway.

“Didn’t you say Bae had an old bike gathering dust in your garage?”

“I’ve began using it as a garden decoration it’s been sitting around for so long. Why?”

“How much would you want for it?” she hated equating money into their conversations. It was gross reminder of their status difference, something he swore up and down he kept forgetting about but haunted her.

Mr. Gold slowed to a stop at the stop light. “Belle, I apologize for earlier. I was just being facetious, I swear.”

Belle paused. “Thank you for that, but what does that have to do with the bike?”

“You don’t want me to drive you around anymore.”

Belle cringed at the accusation. “That’s not it at all!”

He sagged in his seat with relief and Belle couldn’t help but laugh, relaxing when he joined her. They really needed to work on not jumping to conclusions.

“What do you need a bike for then?” He inquired.

“I don’t want you working on Thanksgiving.” She answered.

Gold looked at her. “Your father is making you work on the holiday? Is he mad?”

Belle rolled her eyes. She wondered sometimes if her father really was.

“No, just blinded by dollar signs. I read him something about how in China people have fried chicken instead of turkey and now he’s convinced that if we’re open people will forgo the turkey and order a pizza.”

“Logical.” Gold deadpanned, speeding up at the green light. “As for the bike, never you mind. You can borrow my car.”

“Won’t you and Bae be going away for the holiday?”

Mr. stared at the road ahead. “It’s always been just the two of us. Not much to celebrate really.”

Belle felt her heart sink, knowing that story all too well. After her mom died, Belle had her father spent many holidays in their quiet home with TV dinners in their laps and a game blaring. After he opened the business, holidays got livelier but there was still this sickening loneliness that bounced around in her gut.

“Well, I’ll just have to convince my dad to close shop early.”

Gold blinked from his gaze and turned to her. “Why’s that?”

“Because I’m going to need his help turkey shopping if we’re having you and Bae over.”

Gold startled back the horn, his hands flinching around a he tried to grasp the proposition.

“I…no Belle really. We couldn’t impose.”

“You’d be doing me a favor actually. I haven’t had a proper Thanksgiving meal in years.”

Gold pulled into the parking lot of French Bread. He wanted to say know, wanted to save her the burden of having him invade her home on a day that was restricted for family. However, he couldn’t resist the hopeful gleam in her eyes.

He sighed and nodded. Belle squealed and nearly jumped into his seat, kissing him roughly on the cheek.

“This is going to be great! I got to go make out a menu! I’ll call you tomorrow!”

He said nothing as she charged from his car to her business. He waited until the light came on before he made his way quietly home.

After checking on Bae’s homework situation, he stepped into his office and discretely pulled out the antique ring he had planned to offer Belle.

He wanted to be excited, and in a way, he was. His son would be able to have more festive holiday and he’d be able to spend more time with Belle, and hopefully find the right time to ask her the big question.

But crowds were not his forte, and he still wasn’t sure how her “boys” felt about him, let alone her father. He did not want to face another kidnapping escapde like he did on “poker night.”

Sighing, he left the ring alone for now, making a mental note to stop by the liquor store on his way to Belle’s tomorrow for two bottles of wine: one for tonight and another for the holiday.

-,-,-,-,-

Belle double-checked her table setting as fidgeted around the small kitchen of her and her father’s apartment.

Five plates were set: her and her father’s, Mr. Gold’ and Bae’s, and a guest her father had invited that may or may not show up.

Jefferson and Grace were heading to Jefferson’s in-laws, whom they both hated but had to visit at least once a year to avoid a nasty custody battle (which often lead to a week of pre-panic attacks from Jefferson; thank God they put that cot in the backroom).

Merlin was heading to dinner near Boston for a football game, and then to a children’s hospital, and Will was meeting Anastasia’s parents for the first time and asked only for prayers.

Belle checked the clock; it was just past 12:30 and “dinner” started at 2:30. She never quite understood this tradition of eating so early, but decided not to argue when she had five stomachs to worry about.

Belle hummed as she thought about her father. He had left early in the morning to pick up their “mystery guest”.

Thank Gods.

Moe French had started their pizzeria on a whim all those years ago, and really had no legit culinary skills. If it weren’t for her and Merlin jumping in and secretly taking over, French Bread’s would have literally burned to the ground. All his recipes had to be seriously revamped, but thankfully Moe was out half the time, handling the books or the equipment or something else that kept him far away from the food.

Just as Belle was checking the turkey’s temperature, a knock thundered through her father’s tiny apartment. Belle panicked a bit. Whoever was at the door was extremely early, and the she had no idea how she would entertain them for two hours while she tried to finish the meal.

She threw her oven mitts on the table and rushed to answered the door before anything burned, blinking at who was there.

“Hey,” Jefferson smiled shyly.

“Hi Jeff,” Belle greeted, stepping aside to allow them entry. “What can I…”

She glanced around him and noticed Grace wasn’t with him, which wasn’t a surprise, but he was supposed to be with her.

Belle asked bit urgently. It was no secret that Jefferson had major issues with his late-girlfriend’s family. They never thought he was good enough for her, and all but disowned her when she fell pregnant. Following her death when Grace was just over a year old, they suddenly wanted sole custody. Pinning down a job at French Bread’s had been the first step to securing Grace’s future, and Belle had been so patience with his back-and-forth court dates while he sorted himself out.

She only hoped something wasn’t stopping him from attending his mandatory dinner.

“What’s going on?”

“They um…” Jefferson shrugged. “I…decided not to go.”

Belle eyed him carefully, seeing the bags under his eyes.

“Ah,” Belle said with an affirmative nod, knowing now that she couldn’t turn him away, holiday or not. Her and the rest of the French Bread’s crew were all he really had.

She stepped aside. “You’re on dishes duty.”

“Deal!” Jefferson gasped, pulling her close and giving her a smack on the cheek so loud it made Belle’s ears ring.

“Down boy!” Belle hissed, giving him a playful smack. “You stir the beans while I move the table around.”

Belle had just placed two more plates down when someone knocked on the door yet again.

She answered it with a huff, and was a bit surprised to see Merlin enter, a brown bag in his hand.

“Hi,” she greeted a bit uneasily. Merlin had left after closing yesterday to make his trip, and wasn’t due back until Sunday. By the look on his face, he hadn’t stopped to rest.

She ushered him to the kitchen where Jefferson pulled out a chair for him to sit.

“What is it?” she asked earnestly, unnerved to see her strong-minded friend in such a state.

“Nimue was at my hotel,”

Belle and Jefferson both paled. Belle didn’t know all the details about Merlin’s borderline insane ex-girlfriend, but did know that he came to Storybrooke to get away from her.

“How did she know you were there?”

“I have no idea,” Merlin sighed, exhausted. “I saw her before she saw me, and I got out of there as fast as possible,”

Belle nodded, sharing a look with Jefferson.

“How about you stay for dinner,” Belle insisted. “We’ll walk you home tonight.”

Merlin began to stand, muttering something about not wanting to impose, and Belle had to stand on her toes to weigh him down.

“You’re imposing as much as Jefferson over here is,” Belle joked. “Help me figure out this new table arrangement.”

As her friends helped her in the kitchen, Belle glanced down at her phone. Nothing from Gold or Bae yet.

Belle frowned, wondering what was keeping her kind-of boyfriend and his son, and more importantly if she was going to be able to fit them in her tiny apartment now that there were so many extra people.

Just as she about to pull out the chair she had in her bedroom, the doorbell sounded once more.

“I’ll get it,” Merlin volunteered. Like Belle, he hoped it was the Gold’s.

The resounded “oh” he released afterwards gave Belle the answer she needed.

“Hello darlings!” came a high accented voice.

Everyone turned as a tall blonde woman head to toe in scarlet entered Belle’s tiny living room, wearing sunglasses that left only the tip of her nose exposed.

She gasped and inspected Belle’s home like a tourist who has stepped foot onto Time Square for the first time, even looking at her and her guests like they were performers.

Merlin and Belle exchanged curious looks, and just as she was about to ask who the tell was in her home, Will came bounding through the house, throwing a series of suitcases into her entryway.

He collapsed against the door, looking up with her a nervous smile.

“Hey…”

“Hi,” Belle greeted, eyeing the blond as she examined her father’s dusty shelf of knickknacks. “What’s uh…what’s going on, Will?”

Just as she said that the woman turned around, approaching Belle with a wide smile.

“Darling, thank you so much for having us,” she said as she kissed Belle’s cheek.

Belle stared at her wide-eyed, shooting another at Will.

“You remember, Belle,” Will said with a strained smile. “You said you wanted Ana and I here for Thanksgiving and you wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Belle’s eye twitched. “Of course…” she said, her mind going into overdrive as she struggled to think how she was going to fit nine damn people at two-person table.

She snuck a calming breath. This is what holidays were about, and there was no way in Hell she was turning Will, a man she saw as a brother, out the door.

Besides, she and the other men of French Bread’s were wondering about this mystery girl Will would take weekends off to see, would take extra shifts for so that he could make a few extra bucks. The four of them had everything on the table when it came to each other, all their past and present secrets.

Or so Belle thought.

Still, she smiled whole-heartedly. “It’s great to meet you, Ana,”

Ana offered a wide, glass-like smile. “Thank you, your home is so,” she glanced around. “…simple!”

All the goodwill Belle was ready to extend crumbled around her, and it was then all the little details Belle had noticed about her had gathered together.

High quality clothes and accessories, gawking at simple, working people.

She was a rich bitch. Like Regina, like countless other people who turned her nose up at people like them.

Belle glanced at Will. Did he know? Did he care?

His gaze was pitiful, begging her not to say anything.

He did know then. Belle felt a bite of betrayal on her heart. Why would he deliberately associate with someone like her, someone who would only hurt him.

A calming hand met her shoulder, and Belle met Merlin’s warning glare.

“Ana,” he greeted. “Please make yourself at home. Belle, Will and I are going to work on the seating situation.”

Ana nodded, a pleased gasp escaping her lips when she studied her father’s tacky decorations.

Merlin steered Belle and Will into the kitchen where he and Jefferson had watched the exchange.

“Thanks for the heads-up, Will,” Belle sighed exhaustedly.

“It was really last-minute, I’m sorry,” Will said.

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it,”

Will’s gaze melted into a glare. “And just what is that supposed to mean?”

“Okay,” Merlin said, moving between them. “How about we try to get through dinner before we start class warfare, okay?”

Belle and Will glared at each other, but it was Belle’s whose gaze lowered first.

“You’re right,” Belle agreed. “We have to figure out this seat issue before we all end up in the park.”

Will met her smile. They’d work it out, but now they had to make an already stressful day suitable for everyone, including his unexpected guest.

“What if we ate on the floor, Chinese-style?” Jefferson suggested.

They all chuckled, the sour mood broken some.

“That might be our only option, hands in everyone,”

Four hands piled on each other as a plan came into place. They were putting on Thanksgiving dinner even if a wall had to be torn down.

“One…”

“Two…”

“Three!”

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Meanwhile…

“Stop moving!” Emma gnashed Baelfire as she glared at his puffy finger under the high-powered magnified glass in his father’s study, the glistening stone of Belle’s hopefully-soon-to-be engagement ring glistening.

“Sorry,” Bae sniffed, and Emma sighed.

“Hold it together, Bae,” Emma warned gently, reaching out to pat his son’s shoulder. “This isn’t…well actually this is your fault.”

“It’s as much as my fault as it is yours,” Bae barked. It had been a joke, when he tried on the ring he found on his father’s desk. He’d brought it to Emma and the two gushed and joked at the engagement that was to come, ready to giddily tease Bae’s father when he came out of the shower, and get the details about the obvious proposal on the way. But when Bae had slipped it on—just as a joke mind you— he knew instantly there was a problem. It was too tight, and his finger began turning pink from the strain.

Now they were struggling to get the thing off, half dressed in their holiday best for Thanksgiving dinner.

Emma released an aggravated sigh. “We’re going to have to go to the hospital.”

“But we’ll lose the ring!”

“I think your dad would rather lose the ring than your finger!” Emma argued.

Bae pondered quickly. This would ruin everything.

The ring had belonged to his dad’s Aunt Genevieve, one half of the spinster aunts that raised him. They died long before Bae was even born, but with all the stories he told of them, of how much they loved each other during a time where the law and world wouldn’t see them as one, he already knew them.

The ring was one of love, one that his father had held onto and hadn’t even given to Bae’s mother (she was more of a diamond person). But Belle would appreciated the story behind it, and she would wear it with pride.

No!

Bae jumped up and began desperately searching for anything that could be used to slide off the ring.

“Let’s go get some dish soap,” Bae began to suggest when the sound of his father leaving the bathroom echoed from the hall.

“Well, we’re screwed,” Emma shrugged.

“Not yet,” Bae denied, mind reeling with thought. If his dad caught them, they’d be at the hospital with a saw before they knew what hit them!

“Check the desks,” Bae suggested in a hoarse whispered. “Maybe he has ink or oil from his antiques or something!”

Emma gasped. “We have baby oil at my place! We can sneak it out before my parents catch on!”

“Yes!” Bae hissed, heading to the door.

“Bae, where are you?” Gold called close by, causing Emma and Bae to shrink back.

Emma glanced around and made a b-line to the window. She opened it and made a quick survey of the distance and began stepping out.

“What are you doing!” Bae hissed, panicked.

“What does it look like?” Emma hissed back. “We should be find if we jump from here.”

“Jump! Off the roof?” Bae squeaked.

Emma glared up at him from her place near the gutters. “You want to risk it or you want to wait for your dad to find us and kill you for sure.”

Bae glanced back to the door where he could hear his father moving about. With a groan, he stepped out of the window, gripping the tiles for dear life as Emma led them to the draining pipe.

“Hold on tight and slowly slide down,” Emma instructed, easing onto the pipe.

“How do you know about this?” Bae whined as he watched her slide down like a firefighter on a pole.

Emma gave him a look when she hit the ground, placing her hands on her hips and waiting for him expectedly.

Gulping, Bae took hold of the pipe, trying to steady his breathing as he tried to gain a hold. He tried to up it with his shoes, but slipped instantly, having to grab the gutter to keep from falling.

“Shit, shit!” Emma gasped as Bae hung from the gutter. “Just…don’t think about the ground!”

“Thanks for the adv—”

The gutter snapped, and Bae managed to hold onto the bending metal until it started snapping off the foundation and Bad landed head-first into a neatly trimmed shrub.

“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!” Emma panicked, grabbing hold of Bae’s leg. “Please be alive, please be alive…”

Bae groaned and slowly sat up, his face scratched and eyes unfocused.

“Anything feel broken?” Emma asked as she carefully picked leaves and twigs out of his curls.

“My brain’s still shaking, hang on,” Bae groaned.

“Bae?” Gold’s voice echoed from the office above.

“Break’s over!” Emma hissed, grabbing Bae and dragged him through the back garden and down the street.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Mary Margaret Nolan was –understandably – quite surprised when she answered the door and found the young Baelfire Gold and her daughter standing on her steps.

“Hi Mrs. Nolan,” Bae greeted with just the lightest air of nervousness.

“Hi, Bae,” Mary Margaret greeted uncertainly. “I…wasn’t expecting you. Emma, it’s nearly dinner time. Your grandparents are here…”

“He won’t be here long,” Emma cut in, grabbing Bae’s arm and drug him up the stairs.

“Hold it,” Mary Margaret called after them. “You know the rules, Emma…”

“We’re not going to my room!” Emma called back, rolling her eyes. She never understood why her parent’s suddenly put the “no boys in bedroom” rule in place earlier that year. Bae’s dad let them be by their selves at their place, especially on their video game-movie-pizza nights in the basement.

Oh well.

Keeping a glance over her shoulder, she led Bae to baby Neal’s room, watching every step to avoid making even the slightest noise.

“Maybe I should do it,” Bae suggested when they stood outside his room.

“No,” Emma resisted, slowly turning the knob. “If he sees you, he might freak out. Just be quiet.”

Bae rolled his eyes but stayed outside the room, waiting impatiently as Emma tip-toed into her baby brother’s room to grab the baby oil.

His father was bound to start calling him or the Nolan’s soon. They needed to get the ring off and back to his place soon.

“Find it yet, Emma?” Bae hissed as he opened the door a crack, meeting baby Neal’s large green eyes.

Bae grinned nervously at the babe, not entirely sure how to act around children. Apparently it wasn’t the right thing because Neal burst out screaming at the site of him.

“Damn it Bae,” Emma cursed, grabbing his arm and pulling him from Neal’s room as Mrs. Nolan called up the stairs.

Emma dragged him into the bathroom just as Mary Margaret sped up the steps to comfort Neal, leaving the two teens holding their breaths and listening to every step she took.

Emma snatched Bae’s hand to hold over the sink, dousing it with baby oil and trying desperately to yank the ring off.

“You’re pulling my whole damn finger!” Bae cursed, yanking away hard and hitting the door.

Emma dropped the baby oil, the plastic echoing through the small bathroom sounding like a bomb.

“Emma?” Mary Margaret’s voice rang, knocking on the door a second later.

Emma quickly locked it, flinching when her mother gasped and began wriggling the knob.

“Emma Ruth Nolan what is going on in there!”

Bae muttered a word that his father would have grounded him a month for while Emma began pushing open the tiny bathroom window.

“We’ve got to risk it,” she gasped, her blond locks flying wildly as she judged their distance.

“Oh…no!” Bae shook his head, stepping back. “I am not going through another window!”

Mary Margaret continued to pound on the door, shaking the knob profusely.

“That’s it young lady…David!”

Emma and Bae stiffened. David Nolan was a great man, but as a father he was more terrifying than a rabid bat in a Halloween haunted house when it came to his children’s well-being.

As they heard the Nolan patriarch’s boots shake the house, Emma and Bae scrambled to the window, now suddenly eager to make a quick get-away.

“Me first, he wants my blood!” Bae hissed.

“No!” Emma seethed, pushing Bae away by his face. “Me first, and watch me this time so you don’t die!”

Bae reluctantly stepped back and helped Emma ease out of the small bathroom window legs-first, sweating profusely as Mrs. Nolan relayed the locked door situation to Mr. Nolan.

“Hurry it up!” he begged as Emma grabbed his collar to pull him unceremoniously through the tiny window as her father began banging on the door.

“You have a big head, Bae!” Emma snapped as they struggled to get his shoulders through the window. Hearing Mr. Nolan’s booming voice threatening to break the door (and Bae’s legs—thought that may have been his anxiety spiraling), Bae wormed his way out until he clutching the tiles of Emma’s roof.

Emma had already located the steady gutter near her room and called out to Bae to follow her lead.

“Slowly…slowly!” she instructed as Bae struggled to grasp onto the gutters with his swollen finger. “Our gutters are cheaper than yours.”

Bae growled as he slid down the tiles, the toe of his shoe sliding over the metal of the gutter.

Just as he thought he had a chance to get off this damn roof without injury, the tell-all sound of the bathroom door bursting open shocked him to the point that he lost his grip on the roof and went spiraling down.

Emma released the drain and flew down the extra five feet, hitting the ground hard.

“Bae?” she cried, helping her friend turn over.

Bae groaned, holding his head as he looked at his best friend.

“We’re having a talk about all this when this is over.”

Emma smirked and helped him up. “Let’s get to Belle’s.”

Just as the words left her mouth the two youths heard a loud bang from upstairs.

They managed to squeeze behind a hedge before Emma’s head shot out of the window, his murderous gaze burning into the ground.

“Baelfire Gold you better have one hell of an explanation for this or I’m going to shake one from you!”

Sweaty bullets ran down the young Gold’s back, his body numb even as Emma began dragging him away.

“We got to go!”

“I…I think I’m having a heart attack…”

“Move it!”

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Gold searched the misty streets of Storybrooke as calmly as his racing mind would allow.

Bae had snuck out for some odd reason, and if he didn’t have the explanation of his lifetime he’d be grounded until he graduated high school!

To add to the mystery, he could have sworn he’d heard Emma in his office as well.

The pawnbroker sighed and wondered if he had to give Bae the old birds and the bees talk again. His son was a few months shy of 15, and had been more than responsible when it came to such matters since the last time they had that talk last year, especially when it came to Emma Nolan.

He trusted his son to mind himself around the Sherriff’s daughter, and had shown any romantic interest in her. Why Gold didn’t want to jump to conclusions, he was worried that those interests may be changing if they were locking themselves in rooms now.

Just as he was about to turn around, the all too familiar sound of police sirens wailed behind him, the mulit-colored lights instantly causing his head to throb.

“I don’t have time for this!” he cursed, jumping out of the car as they both pulled to a stop.

Sherriff David Nolan stepped out, looking unamused.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you never to leave a car when a cop pulls you over?”

Gold glared at his sometimes acquaintance. He and David got along like sheep and sheep dogs: they did much better a part, and there wasn’t a promise that teeth wouldn’t be used during their encounters.

“When an actual cop pulls me over, I’ll remember that,” Gold snarled.

David frowned. “Okay, enough niceties, I saw your son and my daughter jump out of my bathroom window. I want to know why and where they are now. I have angry in-laws and an even angrier wife, and I am not going back to them without my daughter.”

Gold’s eyes widened. It was worse than he thought. Something was going on with them, and he needed to get to them before they got into any more trouble.

And there was really only one person he could think of that his son would run to.

“I’m not sure, but I will find them,” Gold said, returning to his car.

“Hold it,” David said, placing a hand on the hood of Gold’s car. “You know something, so either I come with you or we can settle this at the station.

Gold gave him a bland look. They both knew David wouldn’t dare, but like Gold, he was a terrified parent and would make any threats necessary to ensure the safety of his daughter.

He motioned to the passenger door, hoping Belle wouldn’t mind an extra guest for the holiday.

“Get in.”

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Belle managed to hold her tongue as the blonde bombshell gawked at her cooking. It was cute in a way, honestly, her general interest, but Belle couldn’t decide if it was out of delight or judgment.

She glanced into the living room where Will and the rest of the men were rearranging furniture to accommodate for all the extra people. He looked at her as well, begging her to accept Ana.

Belle sighed. “Would you…like to help?”

Ana’s well-manicured hands shot up. “Oh no, darling. I’ve never worked in a kitchen before.”

Belle held back a snort and helped Ana position the bowl of sweet potatoes she had been mashing and showed her how to hold the masher.

“Just keep crushing them until their smooth, no lumps. Then we’re going to put them in a dish and cover it with brown sugar and marshmallows for a casserole.”

Ana’s eyes widened as she awkwardly mashed the potatoes.

“Is this…a meal…all people eat?”

Belle bristled a bit. “It’s pretty popular for this holiday, though I don’t mind eating it whenever sweet potatoes are on sale.”

Ana paused. “You eat discounted food?”

Belle gripped the counter. “Yes, some of us can’t afford lobster and steak every night.”

“What was that?”

“I said I need to check on the turkey,” Belle replied, and it was both the true and a distraction.

Belle opened the boiling oven and poked at her crisping bird. It was the first she had made that wasn’t from a bag, and she wanted it to be perfect…as perfect at her pizza making skills would allow that is.

As she was reapplying the tin foil, Ana came to look over her shoulder.

“Oh, it’s so hot!” she laughed, the sound light and chirpy.

“Maybe don’t get so closed to it,” Belle muttered, slamming the oven shut.

Ana jumped back, tensing when Belle brushed past her.

Belle returned to cutting vegetables for the dressing, Ana coming beside her to continue smashing the smooth potatoes paste.

Belle glanced to the living room at Will’s pleading glance and continued to force conversation for his sake.

“So, what do you do for a living?” Belle inquired.

“Oh,” Ana answered cheerfully. “A little of this, a little of that. Usually I’m in a plane being catered off to some event or another.”

Belle hummed, unsurprised. “Sounds nice.”

“Will tells me you own your own business,” Ana offered.

“You’re standing above it,” Belle returned, chuckling a bit. She was rather surprised to hear Ana return the sediment.

At least she had a sense of humor. Maybe she wasn’t so bad after all.

“Of course, business would be charitable at best.”

Belle’s knife stilled, the small hairs on the back of her neck standing on end.

“I…beg your pardon?”

Ana giggled, not yet knowing the beast she was about to unleash.

“Oh, it’s a sweet little hobby, darling, but you can’t possibly find it profitable,” Ana said, sweet as overly sugared coffee.

Belle gripped the knife she was holding, struggling to hold back all the nasty instincts she had to smash the blonde in front of her.

Yet…Ana was right.

French Bread had been operating in the red for years, but they’d always been pretty well off. Moe managed to keep everyone employed however, and were overall comfortable.

Belle had never looked at her business as a hobby. She saw it as a lifeline, one that she liked at that.

She made something that people liked. She offered her business for fundraisers for the local schools, and took pizzas to families after a loss or birth.

She was a member of this community, and damn it she was a business owner, no matter what she made.

Before she could defend her very livelihood—or even throw Ana’s arse out—Baelfire and a panting Emma Nolan came bustling in, slamming the door and locking it as if they were being chased.

“Bae?” Belle gasped. “What on earth—”

“You got to help us!” Emma gasped, grabbing Bae’s hand.

“No,” he protested, squirming in her grip.

Emma dragged him to her level, glaring fiercely.

“My dad’s probably on his way here with a hatchet, and I do want to jump out of another window!”

“Wait, what?” Belle demanded.

Emma snatched Bae’s hand up, showing Belle his swollen finger.

Belle gasped. “Bae, why are you wearing this?”

Bae gulped, glancing at Emma. “I…well…you see…”

Belle shook her head and led him to the couch.

“Merlin, can you grab my first aid kit? It’s under the bathroom sink.”

Merlin nodded and set off.

“Will, I need some ice, we need to get the swelling down.”

“I’ll get it!” Ana volunteered, practically skipping to the kitchen. “Oh, ice trays, how cute!”

Belle’s eye twitched. “Will…”

Will quickly got the ice from Ana, handing it to Bae without meeting Belle’s eyes.

“Crazy day, eye lad?”

“Yeah…” Bae said, wincing as Belle examined his hand.

“What happened, and where’s your dad?” Belle inquired.

“Probably right on our asses,” Emma muttered. Jefferson chuckled.

Merlin handed Belle the kit and winced at the purple digit.

“Maybe we should get Whale down here?

“NO!” Bae and Emma shouted.

“He’ll cut it,” Bae said. “Then it’ll be ruined.”

“I think your dad would be more concerned about Whale cutting off your finger than a ring from his inventory.” Belle said.

Bae looked down guiltily at the ring unknowingly meant for his possible future step-mother.

A family heirloom and a proposal would be lost today on his account. It was almost too much to bare, especially after he nearly died trying to save them both.

It’d hurt to tell Belle, but he was going to be grounded until after new year’s anyway. Might as well attempt to save one.

“Wait, Belle,” Bae begged as she was dialing the number. “I need to tell you—”

A loud pound on the front door cut him off.

“Baelfire Gold,” came David Nolan’s booming voice.

“Shit!” Emma and Bae hissed, instantly searching for a window.

“What on earth…” Belle began as Merlin began to open the door, only to have David push it open with his weight.

His heated stare instantly fell on Bae, and then on his sweating daughter.

“What is going on with you two?” he demanded.

“Dad, I can explain!” Emma swore as Bae shot up to stand behind her.

He looked back and forth between the two teens, and then finally the ring on Bae’s finger.

“Oh hell no!” he exclaims, jumping to the most severe conclusion.

Bae and Emma followed his glare, paled, and then looked at each other.

“Whoa, no, no!” she burst.

“You two are too young to get married have you lost your mind!” he yelled.

Belle stepped in front of the teens, trying to bring peace back into her living room.

“David, don’t be ridiculous,” Belle instantly defended, ducking beside Bae. “Right?”

“No!” Bae burst, pulling away from Belle. “This whole thing is because—”

The door flew open once more and Mr. Gold burst in, panting like he just ran a marathon.

“I told you to wait for me, Nolan!” he barked. “There’s three flights of steps to get through!”

“It’s a good thing I’m here, they were about to run off together!” the deputy fought.

Gold looked at his son, eyes instantly drawn to his swollen finger and the ring suffocating it.

He paled a bit, and looked at a frazzled Belle, and then the other guests in her home who looked just as confused as she (except the blonde who looked amused —who was she?)

“Belle,” he began, gripping his cane tightly. “I can explain.”

“You explain in the station,” David said, heading to Bae. “We’re going to have a talk young man—”

Gold stepped in front of him, snarling like a wolf protecting its cub.

��Like hell you are!”

“Oh this is exciting!” Ana cheered.

“For god’s sake.” Belle groaned.

“Okay, everyone calm down,” Merlin tried to sooth as Gold and David went at each other.

“Your son is a menace!”

“Your daughter was the one who was dragging him out of windows!”

“Oh my god I want to die!”

The piercing sound of the ancient fire alarm screaming through the air.

Jefferson fist-pumped the air. “Yelling feels really good right now!”

Belle looked around at her chaos-filled living room, her heart clenching.

All she wanted was a nice dinner with her friends and family – the first real nice dinner she’d had in years at that!

Jaw clenched, blood boiling, she turned to step into the kitchen, Will and Merlin watching her carefully.

Grabbing her broom, she aimed the handle at the screaming fire detector and promptly stabbed it, the thing slowly dying with a low whine.

The room became quiet, all eyes turning to the fuming woman. Even Ana had stilled, this part of the simple life mostly unappealing.

Belle turned to turn off the stove and donned oven mitts, glaring at Merlin when he offered to assist.

She removed the scorched bird, taking a moment to mourn what could have been, before turning to her terrified onlookers.

“You,” she growled, pointing at Gold. “You said you could explain, so tell me, what the everlasting hell is happening here tonight?”

Gold gaped at her, his heart pounding. He couldn’t tell if he was utterly terrified of her or madly in love.

Well, the later was a no-brainer. That was the whole reason he had delicately cleaned his great-aunt’s ring. He wanted her in his life as long as she would have him.

He looked at his son. The boy was no doubt facing a very long probation for putting him through all this, but he very honestly looked remorseful.

Gold looked at Belle, beautiful, bright, brilliant Belle. The woman he loved. The woman who’d brought so much life into his gray world.

Belle continued to stare at him expectantly, and Gold knew he needed to act now if he didn’t want to get sent through a window.

He turned to his son, frowning, and held out his hand.

Confused, Bae reached out his ringed-hand, and gasped when his father represented his whole hand to Belle.

Gold carefully got down on his good knee, the spectators in the room alighting when the realized what was occurring.

Belle’s face as well melted, her cheeks pinking.

“Belle,” he began. “I love you so much. These last few months have been some of the best of my life and I want to have so many more, years in fact.”

Belle’s knees began to shake. She hadn’t planned for this. She wasn’t ready. They should be somewhere nicer than her dingy apartment. She should be in a nicer dress. They should…they should…

“So as soon as a I pry this ring off my son’s finger…”

Bae winced.

“Clean and resize it, I…I would very much like you to be my wife.”

Belle could only stare, all words lost. Is this what true, unabridged happiness felt like?

“Well?” Jefferson urged, causing Will and Merlin to shush him harshly.

David had already brought out his phone and was recording dutifully.

“For mom?” Emma chuckled.

“Oh yeah, she loves this stuff.”

Belle released a wet laugh, tears building behind her eyes.

“I…I…”

The door swung open before she could answer, her headset father clambering in and shivering.

“Sorry I’m late Be…” he looked around and the myriad of strangers in his living room.

His eyes particularly zeroed in on Gold—the man who almost ruined his business not too long ago—who had hastily released his son’s hand and was slowly rising from his knee.

“What on earth?”

“I…think the market might have one more turkey we can grab,” Merlin suggested, clutching Jefferson and Will’s shoulders. “Let’s go see.”

The two men dared not protest. Will quickly took Ana’s hand and led her from the apartment before Belle went off on them all.

“It was lovely to meet you darlings!” she said, not seeing Belle exaggerated eye roll.

David stopped his phone and poked Emma’s shoulder, motioning that they really needed to leave.

“Bye Bae,” she whispered, signaling for him to text her later as Moe and David nodded awkwardly to each other.

“Well that’s different, the former Australian citizen said.

“I swear dad, there’s a reason for all of this,” Belle gasped, feeling a bit calmer once Gold was straight by her side.

There was a sound outside, and Moe peeked out the door, saying something so soft that Belle nor Gold could pick it.

“We can talk about this later,” Moe said, chirpier than he was a moment ago. “I really need you to meet someone.”

Belle blinked, wondering if this someone was the reason her father had been so absent from his business—and her life—for the last several months.

She glanced at Gold, who was frowning sulkily. A beautiful, abet odd, proposal had been smite, he was hurting.

Belle took hold of his hand, smiling when he met his eyes.

It’s okay, she said, we can try again.

He smiled back, thankful.

Moe stepped aside to allow, to Belle’s slight surprise, a woman enter.

Like Ana, she was elegantly dressed, though didn’t stand out quite like she had.

There was almost a familiarity to her, the way her shoulders straightened and her hands clasped over her hips, like someone in charge.

However, her attention was brought back to her current boyfriend. His hand had fallen from hers, leaving her cold, and confused.

“Belle, I’d like you to meet—”

“Why Mr. Gold,” the woman greeted, carefully.

She stepped forward, and Belle suddenly felt like she was being advanced by a wolf.

“How lovely it is to see you.”

Belle shot to her boyfriend. He was pale, trembling just enough that she could feel the vibrations in the old wood of her apartment floor.

Gold couldn’t find the words he needed. Couldn’t even scream if he so chose to.

The very world around him—years of healing, of running—gone.

All because one woman had returned into his life.

“Cora.”

#rumbelle #rumbelle fic #swanfire #belle french #mr. gold #jefferson #merlin ouat #will scarlet #baelfire #emma swan #ouat #ouat fic #marinara on main #ryik's fics #hope to have a pt 2 out for november!

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winterbaby89 · 7 years

Text

As Destiny Has Its Eyes on You Chapter 16/16

Summary:

Princess Emma Swan of Misthaven has been prophesied as the Savior since before her birth. Now with the help of a Lieutenant from her past she is going to take her destiny into her own hands, to defeat the Evil Queen.

A/N:

This story is inspired by ’Destiny has its eyes on you’ by the lovely @seriouslyhooked (EmilyBea on FF), my chapters 1-4 are based on her chapters 1&2 (with her blessing).

@ilovemesomekillianjones has graciously agreed to be my beta on this entire project, her works can also be found on: AO3, and FF.

I want to start by thanking everyone who has stuck with this story, reading, reblogging, and commenting. Thank you. And I want to apologize for the delay in getting the chapter published, this is a bittersweet chapter for me. Completing this final chapter closes out a chapter for me as well, having spent the last 15 months working on this story, the muse did not want to finish, because I didn’t want to have to say goodbye to it. This is the longest chapter to date for Destiny, so I do hope you enjoy.

I also want to thank @hollyethecurious, and @kmomof4 for talking to me and helping me get through my blocks on this chapter. And as always a big thank you to @seriouslyhooked, and @ilovemesomekillianjones for going on this journey with me and convincing me to publish it for the world to read.

This story is rated ‘M’.

AO3 FF.net 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

“So, what say you sailor, ready to greet my parents?” Emma asks as she gently lays her hand over Killian’s heart, looking into those crystalline blue eyes, swirling with love and hesitation.

“As ready as I’ll ever be my love. Shall we?” Killian gently kisses her forehead before pulling her protectively into his side as they make their way towards the gangplank to disembark from the ship. They slowly make their approach, the royal family is standing on the docks waiting for them; flanked by guards.

Now that the time has finally come and she is actually standing in front of her parents again, Emma’s nerves return full force, under the pressure of the news that she and Killian have to share as well as confronting the way she left. She feels Killian’s hand gripping her hip tighter in a reassuring gesture and a silent show of his faith in her. As they get closer Snow opens her arms allowing Emma to rush into her mother’s embrace. After the comforting embrace Emma pulls back to look at her family, “Mama, Papa, Leo, I’ve missed you.” As Emma’s talking she notices her mother has an odd look on her face, but ignores it for the moment to hug her father.

“Mama, Papa, I believe you remember Captain Killian Jones... my husband.” At the word husband all of the royals turn their attention to Killian, who has started rubbing that spot on the back of his head.

Killian sketches a slightly anxious bow, hoping his nerves aren’t showing outwardly, because now is not the time for perceived weakness. “Majesties,.” he states respectfully returning to his full height.

Emma bends down to be on eye level with Leo as she hugs him, and he hugs her back with exuberance, telling her he missed her.

When what her daughter has said sinks in, in conjunction with the bump she believes she felt while hugging Emma, Snow begins to speak, “Emma…” but trails off as David’s slightly maniacal, and indignant shout can be heard.

“Husband?!” David shrieks. He advances in Killian’s direction, his hands reflexively balling into fists, and teeth clenching, “It would appear we have a lot to discuss-”

Snow cuts off her husband's impending tirade by grabbing his arm gently, and firmly but lovingly speaks to him, “Not here David, we can talk back at the castle. Let’s all go to the carriage, and we can get caught up over a nice dinner.”

As soon as Leo releases his big sister from their hug, Emma’s hand is immediately outstretched reaching for Killian. Leo in all his innocence looks up at Killian, “Didn’t you used to be a Lieutenant? I thought your brother was the Captain, because Emma really liked the Lieutenant.”

Killian kneels down to be at eye level with his much younger brother-in-law before responding, “You remember correct young sir, I was a Lieutenant last time I was here, and maybe when you’re older I can tell you about how I became Captain.”

Leo nods his head excitedly, then runs off to catch up with his parents as they are making their way into the carriage.

As Emma and Killian follow her family to the waiting carriage, a thought occurs to her. “How did you know to be on the docks? How did you even know I was coming home today?” Killian helps Emma into the carriage, with Leo squeezed between Snow and Charming, the front bench is open for Killian and Emma to settle onto. As is his custom, Killian wraps his right arm around her shoulders, while extending his left hand to grasp both of her dainty hands in his. When they’re seated comfortably on the bench across from her parents, Emma looks at her mother and awaits an answer.

“Well, we didn’t know it was today specifically, until Grumpy notified us that Killian’s ship had been spotted sailing into the harbor.”

“But still. How did you even know I was on Killian’s ship?”

“Oh, that’s simple. We got Elsa’s letter telling us that you were headed back home on the Jolly Roger.”

“Of course… Elsa.” At that revelation, Emma begins to wonder what all Elsa said in her letter, but quickly dashes that train of thought having faith that her best friend wouldn’t spill her news for her. Especially since they had all seemed genuinely surprised at the pronouncement that she and Killian were married, and Elsa would not likely declare the other, more sensitive, announcement without disclosing that bit of news first.

With that question put to rest, everyone in the carriage falls quiet. Despite their audience Killian leans his forehead against Emma’s temple trying to soothe her anxieties, knowing she is worried about how her parents are going to react to their next announcement, especially since the first went over so well. No one in the carriage speaks for the rest of the ten minute ride through the village to the castle, all opting to silently process what would happen next.

Snow observes her daughter and this man she has announced as her husband, studying their familiarity. She witnesses their genuine affection for each other in the contented smiles they wear, and the way they silently speak to each other with their eyes. This man, Killian, Captain Jones, is much changed from the shy Lieutenant they met all those years ago. He carries himself with an air of confidence, he exudes a protectiveness for their daughter that is palpable in the air around them. Snow smiles softly to herself, her daughter finally looks really and truly happy for the first time since she had to say goodbye to her former Lieutenant all those years ago, and it makes her heart lighter to know Emma has found her own true love.

After arriving at the castle everyone heads for the private family dining room, while David heads to the kitchen to let the cooks know to prepare something quick, but special for their daughter’s return. He takes another moment to come to terms with the fact that his baby girl is now supposedly married. Once he rejoins the family in the dining room he sits down between Snow and Leo, and across from Emma and Killian.

“It’s nice of you to finally join us David. Was there a problem with the cooks?” Snow gives her husband an assessing glare, knowing exactly what took him so long to join them.

“No Snow, no problem at all, the food should be here momentarily.”

She looks away from her husband as the footmen chose that exact moment to start making their way around the table pouring the wine chosen to be served with the meal. “Wonderful, then let’s have a toast,” Snow begins, raising her full goblet and looking in turn at each person seated at her table. “A toast to family reunited, and the end of the war.” With a raise of every goblet and a murmured to family everyone takes a drink, everyone but Emma. Snow’s earlier suspicions that something is off with her daughter is all but confirmed now, and she can no longer stave off her curiosity. “Emma dear, is there a reason you didn’t drink? Would you prefer a different wine?”

“Well, this isn’t how I was planning on broaching this...” Emma pauses long enough to gather what courage she can. She inhales a deep breath as she turns to look at Killian, squeezing their entwined hands under the table.

David is more than a little perturbed by the look his daughter is sharing with this man in front of him, and the much too long pause for his comfort bites out, “Broaching what?”

“We were planning on waiting until after dinner,” she begins, a slight quiver in her voice, Killian wraps his right arm around her shoulders again to calm her. Emma looks back at him quickly taking another deep fortifying breath before finishing, “I am unable to drink at the moment, because Killian isn’t just your son-in-law, he’s also the father of your grandchildren.”

David jumps out of his seat bellowing, “WHAT!” loudly enough the entire kingdom is liable to have heard him. The only thing keeping him from drawing his sword and running this stranger through is his wife’s iron grip on his forearm.

“I KNEW IT!” At Leo’s excited shout every head turns to stare at him in disbelief.

“Leo? What did you know?” Snow is trying to diffuse the situation with David’s anger bubbling over and Emma looking like she very well may cry, she’s hoping whatever Leo has to say will help, and not make things worse.

“I knew those dreams couldn’t just be dreams Mama, they felt too real.”

“Dreams? What are you talking about sweetheart?”

“My dreams. I had dreams about Emma while she was away. I didn’t see much, or often, but enough that I knew she was still alive. She and Killian went to a beautiful meadow filled with all kinds of roses in more colors than I knew existed. I saw her with Killian on a ship, and he was asking her how the baby was treating her. I also saw her crying when she thought she had lost Killian, I could feel her heart breaking.” Leo looked back up finally, seeing a flabbergasted expression on every face, with a bit of trepidation mixed in on Emma and Killian’s. “How did I have dreams about Emma that weren’t dreams, Mama?”

Emma clears her throat before speaking, “Leo, that is how my magic started manifesting, back before I could control it, before I knew what it was. I still have the dreams from time to time, but they have become much less frequent since I left to defeat Regina.” Every eye now swings around to gaze at Emma as she answers her brother’s question. “We should talk to Tink about training you, so you can control and understand your powers as they develop.”

David’s bluster seems to deflate a bit as he processes what Emma has just said, he never knew she had prophetic dreams, but given the look on her face they weren’t enjoyable ones, probably more aptly called nightmares. With Snow’s hand still firmly gripped around his bicep, grounding him, he sits back down in his seat and removes his hand from the hilt of his sword.

Emma looks back at her father, strengthening her resolve to continue on.

“I know that all of this is a shock Papa, to you and Mama both, but please hear me out. When I left home all those months ago, I left with the sole intention of ending the conflict with Regina. I wasn’t looking for love, I wasn’t even sure I’d survive, but I knew it needed to be done. I have been living with the nightmares our people were experiencing, with the war, and I couldn’t in good conscience continue to act like there was nothing wrong. It would appear that destiny had other things in mind for me when it came to my love for Killian, and if I’m being honest, were it not for Killian and our love for each other, I don’t know if I would have succeeded. But I did. We did. I hope that you and Mama can come to love and accept Killian as a member of our family, I will not apologize for marrying the man I love, and starting a family. I do regret that you couldn’t be there when we wed, I do regret that you feel so angry, but I love Killian, just as you love Mama, and I can’t live my life without him. So, if you can’t or won’t accept us, then we can go back to the Jolly and make our life somewhere we can raise our family surrounded by love, I won’t bring my children into a home where my husband is not welcome. I love you, Papa, and Mama, and Leo more than I can say, and being away from you these past months has been hard, but I will leave again if need be.” Emma stands as she finishes her impassioned speech to her father, with Killian rising to his feet next to her, all thoughts of their proposed dinner forgotten. “I truly do love you Papa, and I hope you can see past your anger and hurt to see how much Killian loves me. We will stay in my old room tonight, if we hear nothing else from you, we will leave before breakfast so as not to impinge upon your hospitality any longer; we will keep the Jolly in port for a week to give you time to think.” Turning away from her family Emma grabs Killian’s hand and wraps it around her waist as she leads the way to her childhood chamber.

“Leo, honey, can you go to your room and get ready for bed? I will be up shortly to tuck you in.”

“Yes Mama.”

Leo heads out through the door closest to him, Emma hears it close behind him, as she is opening the door of the formal entrance to the room, and as the dining room door is swinging shut behind them she can hear her mother beseeching her father. “Do you want to push her away for your pride? Can’t you see how much you hurt her with your actions, she still looks at you like you’re her hero, for heaven’s sake, David. You need to think about this situation long and hard. Consider what Leo said he saw in his visions of her, she believed she lost him and her heartbreak was powerful enough for him to feel it.”

“I will make this right,” David vowed, feeling extremely chastened, and embarrassed by his actions.

Taking him at his word, Snow sweeps out of the room to look after Leo, leaving David alone with his thoughts.

Actually taking a minute to stop focusing on the thought that this man, Killian, is trying to take his daughter from him, he feels ashamed of his behavior. As he sits looking back at everything he has seen since his daughter stepped off the ship, David comes to the realization that their devotion to each other rivals that of his and Snow’s. Needing to fix the situation, David searches for a pen and parchment to write a note to Emma and Killian, requesting that they join the family for breakfast in the morning, to be delivered at first light.

◊◊◊

Four Weeks Later

The time since they arrived in port all those weeks ago has flown by, and has been progressively better since that first night. David did take them both aside to apologize for his boorish behavior, and has actively been making attempts to get time each day with Killian while Snow whisks Emma away for this or that wedding to-do.

Between the remodeling and decorating of Emma and Killian’s suites and nursery that they will be occupying after the wedding, Snow had become quite the grandma extraordinaire.

Finally their second big day is here, their official royal wedding in front of the dignitaries of most of the known kingdoms, most notably the reunited ruling family of Arendelle.

The morning of the wedding Killian is kept company by David, Kristoff, and Leo as the men all get ready for the day.

Down the hall in Emma’s childhood suite Snow, Elsa, and Anna are helping Emma get put together, and into her dress. Emma opted out of the traditional Royal pomp and flair for her dress, wanting something simpler. She chose a silk, empire waist, a-line dress with lace overlay on the bodice and wide straps across her shoulders. A silk sash gathers at the back of her shoulders draping down to the small of her back accentuating the lace detailing climbing up her shoulder blades forming a sweet ‘v’. Her hair is gathered in a complex up-do behind her right ear with half a bouquet's worth of flowers woven into it.

With the time finally upon them, the women start departing to take their places in the throne room, leaving Emma to her thoughts as she awaits her father’s arrival to walk her to her beloved. After a few minutes she hears a gentle knock on the door frame, reminiscent of how he found her the night of her birthday, before she left.

The only thought that comes to David’s mind is how grown up his baby girl is, and it is all he can do to keep his tears at bay. “Emma… you look… you look stunning, baby girl.”

Hearing the utter sincerity in his voice, she feels the tears begin to well in her eyes, but she refuses to let them fall as she responds, “Thank you Papa. I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Let’s get you to your husband before he loses his mind from being away from you for so long.” They both have a good laugh at that thought, since Killian has made it apparent he does not like being away from Emma for too long. Despite them already being married Snow and David made them sleep in different rooms the night before, and the preparations that day had not allowed for them to see each other at all before the ceremony.

Emma takes her father’s proffered arm and allows him to lead her down to the throne room where she will officially marry the love of her life.

Killian is up on the dais where Emma will be meeting him to reaffirm their vows to each other in front of their family, friends, citizens of their kingdom, and foreign dignitaries he couldn’t care less about. He is doing his damndest to not pace or jump off of the dais to go in search of Emma himself. Hearing the grand doors opening to admit his princess and her father, he turns to get his first look at her. Feeling as though the air has been knocked out of him, all he can think is that she is the embodiment of the word breathtaking. Unable to pull his eyes from her, Killian drinks her in like a man dying of thirst, as she gracefully ascends the stairs to join him.

Finally he thinks, when he is able to reach out and take her hand in his, the clergyman steps forward to start the ceremony. Killian is unable to pay attention to what is being said, too busy mapping the lines of Emma’s face and smile as she stares back at him. They finally make it to the end, the recitation of their vows.

Emma had requested ahead of time to be able to read her vows first. She worried that the overwhelming emotion always caused by Killian’s declarations of love and devotion would prevent her from being able to clearly speak her vows.

“Killian. It has been a long road traveled for you and I, and finally we are here, announcing our love to the world. You had faith in me when I had none in myself, you have been my safe harbor in the storms. All my life I have always been the princess, the beacon of hope for everyone else, but you have always been my beacon of hope, even in the darkest of times, you were there to show me the way. You're the one who saw me through it all. You were my strength when I was weak. You saw the best there was in me, even when I couldn’t see it myself. I will forever consider myself blessed to have you love me, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. I love you.”

Killian is absolutely stunned by this woman once again, and her ability to temporarily render him speechless in the face of her words of love.

“Emma. My love, I still struggle to believe this is real, and not one of my dreams. For so long I hoped we’d make it here, even when I wasn’t certain it could ever be. I will never understand how I got so lucky to have you love me, but I will always cherish it. I admit to being overwhelmed at the idea that the entire world is now witness to the love we share, but I shall endeavor to prove my love for you each and every day. I made a promise to you once that I wish to vow anew; I will move heaven above and earth below to ensure that you are happy, and never want for anything. You’ve had my heart in the palm of your hand since the moment we met, and it belongs to you forever more. Know that I am yours body, heart, and soul. I love you.”

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, Killian lunges forward, pulling Emma towards him at the same time, into a sensuous and demanding kiss, decorum be damned. He is so wrapped up in the kiss he doesn’t even notice if the clergyman pronounces them husband and wife or not, but as soon as they pull apart he realizes everyone in the assembly is on their feet clapping.

Emma is on cloud nine the entire evening, not remembering anything outside of being wrapped in Killian’s arms on the dance floor. Before she even realizes it, they have said their goodnights to her parents, and Killian is whisking her off to their new rooms, finally getting to stay in them now that they are “properly” wed. Just like their first wedding night, once they reach the door to their room Killian sweeps her up into his arms to cross the threshold.

“This again, really?”

“Yes, my love. This again. Just because this is our second wedding night, does not mean I want to invite bad luck anymore than I did the first time.”

With a very put upon sigh, Emma rests her head on his shoulder, and tries to hide her smile, “Fine.”

As they make their way over the threshold, Killian kicks the door firmly shut behind him. “Since we were denied the opportunity last night, I do hope you were not planning to go straight to sleep, because I need you tonight.”

“You’re not going to let me live down the fact that I acquiesced to my parent’s request, are you?”

Killian has made his way to their spacious bed, making sure she is positioned over it, before dropping her without warning. Leveling her with a mocked expression of disgust, he says, “Darling there are a great many subjects I am willing to discuss tonight, your parents… not one of them.”

“If you want to be that way, fine. Take me.” Emma looks up at him from her prone position, with a devilish smirk, that rivals his own, plastered upon her face.

“Demanding this evening, aren’t we, Princess?”

“Please. You know you love it.”

“Indeed I do, darling.”

“Now, are you going to take me or not? Pirate.”

“Well, if the lady insists.” Without ceremony Killian starts pushing Emma’s dress up her thighs as he drops to his knees before her. He breathes out an appreciative sigh when he discovers she isn’t wearing knickers again.

A little bewildered by her husband’s actions, Emma leans up on her elbows to get a better look at him, where he is positioned between her thighs. “Killian, aren’t you going to undress me first?”

“No, I am not. You demanded I take you, and take you, I shall. Gods above Emma, you are absolutely soaked, do you truly want me to wait any longer before pleasuring you?”

“Hmm, I suppose you make a fair point. Carry on, Captain.”

“Yes, my love.” Killian just gives her his best devilish smirk before his head disappears back under her skirts. He inhales deeply, savoring Emma’s sweet scent, mumbling, “You smell divine my love.” Finally swiping his tongue through her drenched folds, he’s unable to keep his moan of pleasure from escaping the back of his throat. Killian is diligently working Emma higher and higher trying to get her to that first oh-so-craved release. “My love, I’ll never get enough of your nectar.”

Emma, now more confident in telling her husband exactly what she wants tangles her hand in his hair and pushes him closer as she grinds herself against his mouth. “Right there, just like that,” she pants. As Killian redoubles his efforts with her persuasion, Emma feels herself fall over the edge into the bliss of her orgasm.

Killian watches her from his position, admiring her as she comes down from her high. “Shall I undress you now, princess?”

Still reeling from the earth shaking orgasm, all Emma can muster is a nod of her head. Killian helps her to get up from their bed, and back onto her feet, making sure to keep a steadying arm around her waist, since her legs are still a bit wobbly.

“Turn around for me princess, and I’ll get all of your beautiful body exposed for my eyes.” Slowly and sensually taking off her dress piece by piece until she is completely bare, he appraises her in all her turned on, flushed glory. “Love you must be an angel incarnate, because I can’t imagine heaven being any less than you in front of me like this.” His hands are not idle as he speaks, they map the curves of her body, especially the swell of her belly where she is carrying their babies. After drinking in the sight of her he continues speaking, “Hop up on the far side of the bed for me love, on your hands and knees, facing away from me.”

Emma isn’t entirely certain what he is planning, but since it is Killian she knows that she will be enjoying the experience immensely. Getting positioned on the bed per her husband’s request, Emma looks back over her shoulder, to give him her best come-hither look. Killian looks every inch the predator at the moment, and it sends a shock of want through her body. Where she expected him to come up behind her on his knees to thrust into her needy quim, Killian gets almost to her before flipping onto his back and sliding the rest of the way under her. He wraps his hands around her thighs, and gently pulls her core to his waiting mouth.

Killian sets a leisurely pace this time, taking his time to explore every inch of her, teasing thrusts with his tongue inside her, sensuous strokes across her folds, and maddeningly delicious circles around her clit. Emma lets him keep this perusal up until she can’t take it any longer, needing that all consuming release again, she starts to grind herself against him, but with his arms locked around her thighs preventing her from doing so, she whines out in frustration.

“Killian. Please. I need to...” Emma’s words fall off in her delirium.

“If you insist, my love.”

“I do. I really do.” Killian relents his teasing, and sinks two fingers into her quivering channel as he focuses the attentions of his mouth on her clit. Having been so close, it takes her no time at all to fall apart around his fingers, and he works her through completion. “Thank you. Now get up here, I need you in me, now.”

Killian pulls himself out from below her, intending to roll her to her back, but Emma halts his progress as she gets to her side, and speaks up again. “I want you from behind. I need to feel you deep. Please.”

“If that is what my princess needs, then your wish is my command. Your pleasure is mine to ensure.” Scooting up behind her, Killian gets himself situated, propping her left leg over top of his. With one fluid thrust his engorged cock slides easily into Emma’s drenched and swollen channel. The sudden stretch causes her to release a deep throaty moan. Killian pauses a moment to adjust to the feel of the tight squeeze of Emma surrounding him.

When he circles an arm around her to grasp at her engorged breast, he hears her pleasurable hiss, and feels her walls grip him tighter. He lovingly rests his other hand over her swollen belly. Killian begins to thrust his hips, and feels her walls start to pulse around him, signaling that Emma isn’t too far off from another orgasm. Sliding his left hand from her belly down her body, he rubs circles against her clit, while steadily thrusting. He begins to feel his release building at the base of his spine, and wanting Emma to come with him, Killian focuses his efforts to send her over the ledge for a third time.

“Come for me love, come again. I need you to come with me.” The only response he receives is the tightening of her walls around his throbbing cock. Emma cries out as her release surges through her, and Killian allows her to drag him with her into bliss.

Regaining his senses after that awe inspiring orgasm, Killian shifts the two of them on the bed so he can drape the coverlet over their bodies. They drop off to sleep wrapped up in each other, happy and sated.

◊◊◊

Five Months Later

Emma’s screams can be heard reverberating throughout the castle halls. Snow and David rush from their wing to Emma and Killian’s rooms anxiously waiting as their grandbabies are brought into the world, and also wanting to be close at hand should any problem arise. They can hear the muffled sounds of Dr. Hopper’s strained attempts to get Emma to cooperate, and breathe.

Killian is seriously contemplating whether or not he will ever regain the use of his left hand, and is ever grateful that he hadn’t given his wife his dominant hand to crush. Having wrapped his right arm around Emma’s shoulders to help her lean up as she pushes, he is perched on the edge of the bed next to her. He listens to Emma screaming obscenities at Archie and the midwife Snow had insisted assist him with the pregnancy care and delivery. Finally deciding he can no longer let Emma’s verbal lashing of the good doctor and midwife continue, he decides to put himself on the front line and act as the cannon fodder for her ire.

“Love, you are going to have to breathe, I understand it hurts, but you will be of no use to the children if you pass out from lack of air.”

“Screw you pirate! You’re the reason I’m in this mess.”

“Now, now love. We both know I’m not the one that started this.” He gives his wife his best flirtatious wink, as he continues, “Or, do you need me to remind you, again?”

Emma wants to throttle her too-handsome-for-his-own-good husband. Her breathing does become easier though as she fixates more on him, and less on the pain. She can’t let his needling pass without retort, “I don’t need a reminder, Captain. Maybe, I just need to punch you, in the face.”

“A bit hostile today, aren’t we, love?”

Emma is intending to respond with more snark, just as another contraction overtakes her, and all that escapes her mouth is an ear splitting scream, quickly followed by a shout from Archie telling her to keep pushing.

“You’re almost there love, you’re doing perfect. I’m right here, squeeze my hand to a bloody mangle if you need to.”

“And the first one’s here!” Archie shouts just before a tiny, yet powerful, and angry cry can be heard throughout the room. “A boy! It’s a boy.” Archie hands the newborn lad to the midwife, to swaddle as he tells Emma to keep pushing, he can see the crown of the other’s head.

“Hear that love? We have a little lad.” Killian is practically beaming ear to ear down at his exhausted wife. Emma tries to return the smile, but it is cut short as another wave of pain crests with this newest contraction as it hits.

“Come on Emma, I can almost see the shoulders, keep pushing. I know you’re tired, but you’re almost there, just push a bit more.” A few moments later another angry cry can be heard in the room. “A girl! You have a beautiful son and daughter.”

“I’m so proud of you love. You did so well, you delivered our two beautiful children into this world.” Killian leans down to place a loving kiss on Emma’s forehead. “I love you Emma, more than I can ever express. Thank you for every gift you have given me.” He tightens his grip around her shoulders as she slumps into his side, utterly exhausted from the day’s exertions. They look into each other’s eyes and lose track of how long they are wrapped up in each other like that, they only look away from each other as Archie and the midwife approach with their two bundled babes.

“Many congratulations to the both of you, they are truly precious. Emma, be sure to get rest. We shall take our leave, so you can meet your little ones with privacy.” Unsure of how much strength Emma has left, Killian helps her lean back on the pile of pillows, before setting their little lad in her lap. Then he takes their wee lass from Archie who puts a comforting hand on Killian’s shoulder before leaving the room. Archie turns around just before the door shuts and pokes his head back in the door. “I shall inform the king and queen that the babies are here and healthy, but to give you a few hours before coming in to greet them.”

“Thank you old friend, for everything.” With the click of the door resounding throughout the room, Killian looks down at the precious bundle in his arms, before looking back at his exhausted but beautiful wife. “So my love, now that we know that we have a lad and a lass, what are your thoughts on what we should call our little prince and princess?”

Emma looks up away from the serene face of her sleeping boy, to gaze upon the little girl resting just as peacefully in her papa’s arms, before finishing the trek to her husband’s face.

“Actually, I like William James, and Eva Elizabeth. What do you think?” Emma can see that Killian is about to speak, but rushes along to explain why she wants these particular names. “I thought it only fitting to name him after the beloved brothers that were lost too soon, yours and Papa’s, and I felt she should be named after the grandmother I never got the chance to meet, and the mother that you didn’t have long enough with.”

With a bemused smirk at his wife asking a question of him, but not letting him answer, Killian nodded in agreement. “I think they are perfect. Perfectly beautiful names for our perfectly beautiful babies. Our little Prince and Princess.”

“Oh, I don’t know, I imagine they’ll have a bit of pirate in them, just like their papa.” Emma, trying to be mindful of little Liam still nestled in her lap, leans over gently to give Killian a sweet kiss. “They’ve just got here, and I already don’t know what I would do without them. I love them, and you so much I don’t even know what to do with myself Killian. How is it possible?”

“My love, I have no idea how it is possible, but I feel it all the same. I can’t even fathom my life without you, Eva, and Liam in it. I am thankful everyday that you tracked me down all those months ago.”

“Did I ever tell you, that when I went to find you, I was afraid that you wouldn’t remember me?”

“Darling, I have no idea how you could think I could ever forget about you, before the wee ones, you were the best thing in my life, and now all three of you are. I am a very blessed man, all because you love me.”

After letting Emma and babies sleep for a few hours, Killian goes to speak with his in-laws. He doesn’t want to risk waking the babies, or disturb her more than he already had fawning over his beloveds. When he comes back into the room, unable to leave them alone too long, he sees that Emma is starting to stir.

“Hey there beautiful. Did you sleep well?”

“As well as could be expected I guess. Where are Eva and Liam?” Emma ask, alarm clear in her voice. She sits up a bit too fast when she realizes the babies are not in the bed next to her.

“I moved them both to their cradle after making sure they were well, and deep asleep. They are perfectly fine my love. I can bring them over to you if you’d like to make certain for yourself.”

“Yes. Please, Killian. I need to feel them.” Killian walks the few feet from their bed to where the babies are still sleeping, he picks up Eva first, gently carrying his precious little princess and placing her in her mother’s arms. Once he’s sure that Emma has a solid hold on her, he goes back to retrieve Liam. With Liam in his arms, Killian climbs into bed next to his wife and daughter, for a family snuggle.

Killian enjoys the luxury of just being in the moment with his family, but does let Emma know that her parents and brother eagerly await seeing her and the babies. Once Emma is truly ready to welcome her family, he sets Liam on the bed next to her. Opening the door, he quietly beckons Snow, David, and Leo in to see the newest members of the royal family.

The first sound in the room once they are all over the threshold is Snow trying to contain her happy tears at the sight of her daughter propped up on the pile of pillows gazing at the sleeping babes. She walks up to the edge of the bed to get a better look at her grandbabies. “They are absolutely precious my dear! What are their names?”

“The little prince here is William James, and our little princess is Eva Elizabeth.” Upon the pronouncement of their names, Snow loses her battle of containing her tears as they are streaming fast and hard down both of her cheeks.

Before moving over to console his wife so she won’t startle the babes, David claps Killian on the back telling his son-in-law and best friend, “Congratulations son. You did good.”

“Can I hold one of them Emma?” Leo is so excited that he now has new friends to play with he can barely contain himself.

Snow, ever the worrier, shuffles out of David’s grasp to hover over her son, telling him, “If Emma lets you hold one of them, you will have to sit down and sit still young man, and you will have to be sure to support their little head.” With the nod to go ahead Killian scoops up Liam from the bed and carefully transfers Liam into Leo’s embrace.

Surrounded by her family to celebrate these two tiny little lives, Emma is still mystified at her good fortune.

◊◊◊

Two Years Later

Aboard the Jolly once again, headed for Arendelle to visit Elsa and Anna, Emma is standing at the helm with Killian watching as her father and Leo chase the giggling and squealing twins around the deck. Her mother hasn’t quite gotten her sea legs yet this time out, and is laying down in the cabin they commandeered from Smee. Emma remembers a time when this was an all male ship except for her. Since those days, Pip and Melanie have settled down and are pregnant with a baby of their own.

Eventually pulling her gaze from the spectacle before her to admire her husband, who in all honesty looks even better now than he did all those years ago, Emma mentally prepares herself to begin a much needed conversation. Anxiously, she asks, “So, do you regret it at all? I know you have missed this.”

“Not even for a moment. I wouldn’t trade the life we have for anything, my love. Why?”

“I know we kind of talked about it a little before, when I was pregnant with the twins, but how would you feel about having more?”

“Like I told you back then darling, I will be happy to have as many children as you’d be willing to give me, though if we continue at this rate we may have to permanently oust Mr. Smee from his quarters to house them all when we travel on the Jolly.”

“Well, we may want to start preparing him for that eventuality then… we have another little royal on the way.”

◊◊◊

Tagging some lovelies to enjoy: @kmomof4, @seriouslyhooked, @laschatzi, @hollyethecurious, @ilovemesomekillianjones, @flslp87, @jennjenn615, @ultraluckycatnd, @xhookswenchx

#cs ff #cs ff au #Lieutenant Duckling #captain duckling #Captain Swan #As Destiny Has Its Eyes On You #Winterbaby89writes #cs smut #CS fanfics #Killian jones #Emma Swan

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wolfdiaries · 5 years

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A childhood of travelling Mediterranean Spain has made me a sun baby and after a decade in England, I have some serious wanderlust. Here’s my current bucket list of places I want to explore ASAP (in order of most to least desperately) and why.

1. Bali, Indonesia

I’m actually planning a trip to Bali next year and I couldn’t be more excited. To me, Bali is a dream come true: its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and dirt cheap luxury villas spell paradise. I’m hoping to explore Ubud (made famous by “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts), Canggu, the numerous religious temples and art galleries like Anang Rai art gallery and Neka Art museum.

Bali is a well-known holiday destination among Australians for its surf as well as its natural beauty. It’s also popular for yoga retreats, so I’m hoping to go away for some well-needed aerial yoga to practise my trapeze and silks as well as catch some waves in the sun. *sigh*

2.Thailand

Another country I’ve been gagging to explore for years. I was very jealous when my close friend went travelling across Thailand for a few months with his then girlfriend, so I’ll definitely ask for some tips when I go and hopefully it’ll be some day soon.

I get the impression that the UK is somewhat conflicted in its stereotypes of Thailand as a travel destination. With the image of numerous idyllic islands like Phuket and Ko Tao sporting dazzling beaches and rain-forests set against the image of seedy city strip joints, prostitution and dangerous, sweaty traffic, I think Thailand scares some people. This reaction fairly understandable, however wherever someone is considered rich simply from the area they come from is going to be harder on the locals than the tourists.

Pai, in the Mai Hong Soon province is a small town that is considered a bubbling goldmine of culture, beauty and cheap activities, including hot springs, markets, hammock cafes and waterfalls. It’s very laid-back. I’d also be very keen to visit Railay Beach on the west peninsula, go island hopping and visit Bangkok for a bit more of a buzz.

3. Budapest, Hungary

I was going to visit Budapest this summer for the music festival Budafest, however it clashed with Boomtown in Hampshire, UK. Budapest is widely renowned for its decadent architecture, food, as well as its rich and exciting cultural attractions. I, like anyone else, travel for three main reasons: food, nature and culture. To me, Budapest is an irresistible city, with its famous thermal winter baths, markets full of street food and bright, gothic castles.

Hungary’s mistreatment of the refugees that attempt to pass through it is very upsetting, however they aren’t the only country guilty, the UK especially have their role to play. It’s quite hard to find much information online on the the current refugee situation there now so when I go, possibly in January 2019 if I can gather the funds, I’d really like to get a picture of what’s happening.

Hungarian culture isn’t something I’m very knowledgeable on, so researching and learning a bit of Hungarian in preparation for a visit to its capital city would be a wonderful opportunity to soak up its culture and history, most of it shrouded in mystery to the average Brit.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a really special place to me; it’s my home-city. My parents moved when I was two. I’ve only been there twice since, but it’s the coolest city I’ve ever been to. It feels like home as soon as you step off the plane. Everywhere you look you’re greeted with music, art, architecture and food. Among its most famous attractions are Gaudi’s church of the “Sagrada Família” (along his many other works), Primavera Sound festival, the Gothic Quarter known for its in tact medieval style buildings, and La Rambla walk; a renowned boulevard full of street performers and market stalls. Unfortunately, La Rambla is now famous for its terror attack in 2017, but is generally considered very safe, even from pick-pockets.

Despite Cataluña’s ongoing political conflict with the Spanish government and frequent riots, Barcelona is home to a wealthy range of different cultures and music festivals. It has become very touristy all year round which is a source of anguish for most the locals but I couldn’t recommend it more. It’d be impossible to go and not get something out of it, no matter what you go looking for. Another unmissable attraction is the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. Also, due to it’s growing multiculturalism and university, Barcelona has become vegetarian and vegan friendly, which is uncommon for the Spanish region, even now.

5. Japan

What isn’t there to do in Japan? I’ve wanted to go to Japan ever since learned what a capsule hotel was. Of course there’s so much more to see than itty-bitty hotel pods, such as Mount Fuji, Kiyomizu-Dera temple and national parks like Hokkaido and Chubu region. Tokyo in itself, is a big attraction.

A mirror of New York or London, Tokyo is familiar and yet anything but the same. I have always wanted to try out a ramen vending machine and visit its stunning contemporary art galleries like Mori Art Museum and Tokyo Metropolitan Teian art gallery.

Japan has such a rich and varied culture that its hard to say what is most appealing. To me, it’s nature and art, for others it’s the technology and consumerism of many of its cities. Culturally, I would say it’s best attractions are Okunoshima, “Rabbit Island”, Hirosaki Castle, its gourmet sushi restaurants like Sushi Yoshino and Kamata Sushitoku and the magical Ashikaga flower park, which looks like it could be straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.

Being one of the world’s leading pioneers in technology, Japanese culture does have its dark side. A lot of tourists visit Japan for other “attractions” like Hiroshima and Aokigahara “Suicide Forest”. Similar to many Western cultures, social media and the internet as a whole takes back what it gives and many young people are becoming vulnerable to its pressures.

Japan has a very low crime rate and a fairly introverted culture, the main social problem that plagues the locals isn’t social at all: people are lonely. That being said, from a traveller’s point of view, these problems are small in comparison to most countries.

Being the birthplace of two of my all-time favourite artists Ando Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai, even if it didn’t have its wealth of culture and natural beauty, I still wouldn’t be able to resist it.

6. Greece

Earlier this year I was planning to quit my day job and go island hopping round Greece with my boyfriend. The dream. It ended up not happening like most of this year’s travel plans and half of the country ended up setting on fire around the time I was hoping to go anyway. Despite this Greece has been in heart for nearly a year now, ever since I set my sights on it.

Travelling the idyllic Greek islands has been a popular choice for all sorts of travellers for decades now. It’s warm, beautiful and affordable. Due to Greece’s near-collapsed economy, like Spain, it has become heavily reliant on tourism as an income. The accommodation is cheap and varied, as well as the cuisine. It’s hard not to be tempted by the dirt cheap flight prices coming up to summer especially when you start googling and see the beaches in the peak of summer.

Like Hungary, I know very little of Greek culture, but I’ve already fallen in love with the idea of backpacking round Mykonos and Crete. Many people are tempted by the ancient Greek ruins and history of Athens or the buzzing night-club culture aimed at British tourists. I mostly want to get lost in the small towns and villages of Milos, the pink beach of Elafonisi, Crete and the Messalina lake, Kefalonia. The only problem would probably be staying alive on a vegan diet, considering lamb and feta are the main components of Greece’s gorgeous dishes.

7. Norway

Norway’s current main attraction for me, is my friend Ane, a native Norwegian I used to live with in England, now residing in Oslo with her partner. Being a Nordic country, Norway seems less like travelling and more like stepping into the game Skyrim. Though maybe with less wolf attacks.

While Norway is expensive to visit, it’s more a place one would visit for its “outdoorsy” stuff. This would be its famous ‘Fjords’, Northern lights and extreme sports winter sports like snowboarding and skiing rather than shopping or clubbing. It’s hard not to be sporty in Norway, there seems little else to do apart from appreciate the country’s vast beauty.

Trondheim, Norway’s third largest town is popular to visit, containing the Nidaros Cathedral and Nidelva River, alongside which are beautiful multi-coloured waterside houses on stilts. Husedalen “Waterfall” valley and Sognefjord are also popular, the latter being Norways largest glacial sea valley. Another attraction among hikers is Trolltunga, a tough climb to reach a cliff jutting out 700 metres horizontally in midair above lake Ringedalsvatnet.

While the price of living is higher, the quality of life is much better all round, Norway has few socio-economic struggles as a nation and is is one of the world’s leading countries for renewable energy and recycling.

Norwegian culture is conservative and quiet, but one of the most advanced and forward thinking in Europe. I find the language fascinating and would love to learn more than just the commands I had to learn to walk Ane’s dog, Dokki, though I doubt I’d have the opportunity to get much practice since most Norwegians are proficient, if not fluent in English.

9. Sri Lanka

Famed for its nature and diverse landscapes, Sri Lanka has had my heart since I was a child. What appeals to most is the animal sanctuaries and conservationist opportunities, as well as the numerous Buddhist ruins like Temples of the Tooth and Dambulla Cave Temple.

A main point of interest would be Sigiriya, the ruins of an ancient city and rock fortress nestled in forest and Yala National Park. The multitude of opportunities to work in animal conservation charities like the Kalametiya bird sanctuary and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage are unmissable.

Other landmarks are Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak and Pidurangala Rock; Sri Lanka is famed for it its variety of climate, ranging from rainforest to desert and home to a multitude of beautiful geological formations.

Until 2009, Sri Lanka had been stuck in civil war for over 25 years. With newfound peace, it is considered very safe to travel. Theft and violent crime is nearly unheard of, but credit card fraud and harassment from street vendors or scammers is common. It’s recommended that poorly lit beaches like Negombo and Hikkaduwa are best avoided at night by single travellers. These areas considered more dangerous for women.

Colombo, the capital city, is a diamond of culture and colour. With over 70% of the Sri Lankan population being Buddhist, there are numerous sacred and world heritage sites all over Sri Lanka, providing opportunity to learn about Theravada Buddhism, directly translating to “School of Elders” and inspired by the oldest of Buddhist scriptures; the Tipitaka.

*Edit: I originally wrote this in December 2018 but didn’t publish it. While my knowledge on these topics has expanded, I thought it would be best to leave the original text relatively untouched and do a more updated version in the weeks to come.

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Travel bucket list 2019: where to go and why A childhood of travelling Mediterranean Spain has made me a sun baby and after a decade in England, I have some serious wanderlust.

#article #blog #Culture #europe #feature #holiday #journal #southeast asia #spain #Travel #travel blog #travel journal #travelwriting #Writing

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fadingpersoncollectorstuff-blog · 6 years

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Fresno California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 93786

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Car insurance for honda civic 2006?

so I'm getting my own car and paying for my own insurance and i'm not sureh wo much insurance is and would just like to get a rough guestimate so that I am able to prepare for it financially. I am getting a 2006 Honda civic with 133k miles on it. I am not getting insurance under my parents or anything and would just like to get some insight. Anymore information needed i'll be happy to provide. thanks.

Anyone here have car insurance with a company called 'Ladybird'?

How much insurance do you pay and on what car?

How does car insurance work??

Is it a monthly thing or do you pay it all at once? How much will it be AVERAGE for a 17 year old girl in canada? I know other things apply but just give me a rough estimate cause I have to idea if it's $200 or $5000.

Does full coverage motorcycle insurance cover other riders on my bike if they have an accident?

Car Insurance Cancellation Fees? (UK)?

So i'm probs 2 months away from passing my driving test, and i was thinking about insuring my car on a provisional licence for these few months to actually get a few steps ahead and more experienced. I was wondering how much it would/if it would cost to say stop the provis insurance after them 2 months? People from the UK preferably please, cheers!""

Cheapest Car insurance ?

I'm a 16 year old guy getting license in 2 days and im staring to wonder which car insurance is the cheapest. I've been told aaa is the best, and my parents are on some aarp thing and it might be cheaper to get my own policy. SO any company names that you use would be great!""

Health insurance question?

I would like to go to the doctor but i don't want my parents to know about it. i have an insurance from my father's work. Will they know about me going to the doctor, since i will use the family's insurance?""

Would insurance for a mustang cost alot for a 16 yr girl with a B average?

i would be on my dad's insurance. i wouldn't get a new one; the one i'd get would probably be from the 80's or 90's. and if it would be alot, is there another fast-looking (it doesn't have to actually be fast) that wouldn't be too expensive for insurance?""

Should I take a term insurance rather than home mortgage insurance?

Normally many banks want the home loan borrowers to take mortgage insurance. Here there are controversies since many suggest borrowers should take term insurance instead. But do term insurances always give better protection than term insurance? How does a mortgage insurance compare with term insurance in terms of premium amount, premium payment period, risk cover of death, disability, chronic disease, surrender value, survival benefits etc? Apparently the term insurances are cheaper but have to be paid for a much longer period than mortgage insurance (generally paid for about 1/3rd of loan period.) So which options is better? I would specifically like to know about such products available in India. Thanks.""

How much would the insurance cost for a 2004 Subaru impreza wrx. Not sti.?

Im 17... So it normally costs more for me anyway. My dad and mom has had geico for a while now. My dad says I can't get it cuz the insurance will cost too much on a turbo car. I can't live without a turbo car!!!!!

How Much do you pay for your insurance or how much is it for new cars and teens?

Could I make my own car insurance?

What makes a car insurance legal. If I were to have my own company and say I ensure myself could I be legal

How much would an individual health insurance plan cost for me?

Obviously I know it can vary but I just want an idea. I am a female in my 20s and I was wondering what a policy would cost if I didn't go through an employer for health insurance. Can someone provide a ballpark area for the cost? Thank you

In NY there is freelancers unions and other ways to get affordable health insurance. anything similar in SoCal

I want to start freelancing but learned that health insurance will cost me $1400/month. Anything creative I can do? Any unions or groups I can join in SoCal? Need PPO.

Can you swap your bike for a hire bike with insurance?

I have a hire bike with my insurance while my bike is in repair, the hire bike is perfect and really fits my needs perfectly, is it possible they could swap mine for the hire bike even if it means paying money for it""

SR-22 Insurance only exists in Washington state?!?

Is this true? I have to get one of them expensive insurance in order to get my license back, but soon I'm leaving this ugly state of Washington. is it true that SR-22 only applies to residents of Washington state?""

If I got a 1000cc+ for my first bike and restricted it to a 125cc would the insurance be cheap?

the bike would be restricted to a 125cc. This would also be my first bike and I would be 17 yrs old.

Which cars are cheap on insurance for a 17 year old?

How much would car insurance cost for me?

How much does it cost to get my first car insurance under my parents insurance living in NV, USA? Also: I'm 18 yrs old, Just got my driver's license, White male Caucasian, Drive a black 1996 Honda Civic, been in no accidents, got good grades from High School, had no bad records in general, I live in a safe area, but will drive about 80 miles a week .""

Why do we need basic health insurance?

Health insurance should be for serious issues that require surgery or hospitalization. Why do I pay insurance to get a checkup or for routine visits? The problem with health insurance is it is too broad; therefore, it is too big. The idiots who say that car insurance is mandatory as an argument for mandatory health insurance leave out that it is only LIABILITY insurance that is mandatory. You are not required to insure fixing your own car if you choose not to. Think about how much more expensive it would be to take care of routine things like car maintenance, appliance replacement, etc., if they were handled through an insurance company. The answer seems to be to eliminate most of the unnecessary insurance and shrink it to only what is required. That along with serious tort reform would eliminate much of the red tape and cost. The person who abuses their things pays more to replace and fix them. Same thing with the fat people, who suck up most of the insurance money the rest of us pay.. If you choose to be fat, then you will pay more to repair your health. It seems pretty simple, but then again the current proposal is not really about health care is it???""

What is the cheapest way to get insured on a Ford Fiesta 1.2 for an 18 year old?

Hey, I just passed my driving test and the trouble is insurance :( I've found the perfect car for me which is a Ford fiesta 1.25 studio, 2006 model which has done 49000 miles and is valued at 3800 pounds. The insurance is nearly triple the amount of the car which is something I simply cannot pay. I was considering coverbox or insure the box but I'm not too sure. I've been researching online for a good few months now and all price comparison websites and insurers' websites seem to be suggesting the same price. So please if you know how to get cheap car insurance for a 18 male who has 0 months no claims, I would appreciate your help :)""

Can I use whole life insurance issued in my name for collateral on a loan?

If it has no value to the insured person then why can you borrow money off the whole life insurance?

Do you think teen drivers are the only ones with trouble getting cheap car insurance?

There was mature man who was very successful in business. I think he was 35 or 40. He finally got his new drivers license and decided to buy a $90,000 car. He bought it for cash, to save on interest on the loan. When he tried to get insurance it was $10,000 a year for liability and collision insurance. He asked if he could return the car, but since it was no longer 'brand new' he would loose $10,000. If he kept it the insurance would be $30,000 for the first 3 years! He kept it.... too bad he didn't know anything about insurance before he bought it! He should have had a cheap car in his name with just liability insurance, for 3 years before he went out and bought his dream car. This would have created insurance history . That together with his over 25 years old status would have cut insurance expenses way way, down.""

Cheap motorcycle insurance company for young riders?

Anyone recommend any companies? I have blasted a fair few, including BikeDevil and Lexham (Lexham is in the lead though it does have a 600 excess). If you know any good companies of which are cheap please let me know, as being 17 makes insurance hard to find. Thanks""

Should i get insurance for my first car? Where can i get CHEAP car insurance? I live in Aus.?

Should i get insurance for my first car? Where can i get CHEAP car insurance? I live in Aus. I am looking at buying a s13 non turbo at 11k. when i looked for a quote the minimum was like 5k which i do not have the money seeing as i am going to have to get a loan for my car.

I am a 16 year old male I want to know how much insurance on a 1995 Honda civic would cost me. Thank you?

I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and I would also like to know what the cheapest insurance company is""

Is there a big jump in insurance between a 600cc sports bike and 650cc?

I see a lot of bikes that are 600cc, and I'm trying to keep insurance cost down. I have been stuck on Kawasaki because it seems there models have the best gas mileage an comfortable seating positions. The 250r is just out of the question, even though I'm a first time rider. I'm 35 years old and do not plan on racing, but i also don't want to be stuck with a 250cc bike when i purchase, as I plan on keeping whatever I buy. I'm looking at the Kawasaki ZZR600 and the Ninja 650, but not sure if the insurance will be that much of a difference from 600cc to 650cc.""

What car insurance providers are NOT on comparison websites?

How much can i sue and get from car insurance for pain and suffering for $6000 worth of medicals?

Will insurance pay if someone crashes into a salvaged car?

I was wondering what happens if someone crashes into a car with a salvage title. Will the other person's insurance pay the normal amount for it, or do they only offer a reduced amount because it is salvaged? This is obviously assuming the other driver is at fault.""

Health Insurance and Hospital?

I'm not quite sure how to say this w/o getting too deep into it,but there seems to be a Communication problem between Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach and my Insurance company united american. They(the hospital) tell me they never get paid by my insurance Company and i have been back and forth between the two of them. Once Mount Sinai's business office sent me a correspondence saying my insurance company told them that i should pay the bill. I think the hospital is lying...anyone have any problems with this hospital when it comes to business etiquette and what came of it..what did you do about it. They don't have their heads screwed on right""

How much would it cost for 3-5 million dollars General Liability Insurance?

I work in various chemical plants and refineries repairing/maintaning/calibrating the laborotory instruments in these places. I'm currently working as a sub-contractor through another company but that is about to change, as my business partner and I are breaking away from them to start our own business. Most of these plants require between 3-5 million in liability coverage to my knowlege. I need a ballpark figure of what that kind of coverage costs in the Louisiana/Gulf coast region. Last year we did $150,000 in sales between 3 people and the revenue has been growing substantially each year (~20% or so). Thanks in advance for your answer.""

Car insurance confusion?

so my dad bought a car for my sis and I to share. I have liability that my mom pays. My sis has insurance my dad pays. Can I still drive the car my dad bought for us or do I have to be under his plan? btw my parents are divorced

Could affordable government health insurance help stimulate the economy?

Services like water treatment, police, fire departments, and schools are supported by taxpayers dollars because it saves money in the private sector in the long run. Affordable government health insurance may also saves families thousands in expenses each year, giving them more money to spend in the general economy. Would this not be a way to help stimulate the economy?""

I hit a dog last night with my car what should i tell my insurance company now that its the next day?

I don't care about paying a deductible just need it fixed asap so I can get back on the road damages will cost to much to pay on my on

Cheapest car insurance - 17yr male?

Pretty much says it in the question - what insurers do you go with, how much does it cost you, what car do you have. Full license.""

Can other people drive my car with my insurance?

I am going on a road trip with a friend but I don't want to drive the whole way. I have AAA insurance, will it cover my friend if she drives my car part of the way? She has state farm insurance if that makes any difference.""

Insurance company drug test for a lower rate?

I am clean right now, I just took a drug test today at home and passed. I was just wondering what Farm Bureau Insurance or any car insurance company may test for in a teenager whose parents are looking to get a lower rate? How extensive would the test be? Would they test for LSD or LSA? I AM NOT POSING AS A MINOR! IT'S JUST A QUESTION! WILL PICK BEST ANSWER! thank you for your help! :)""

How much would the car insurance be if i get a first car for 20k? UK?

Is classic car insurance cheaper?

thinking about buying 1967 Camaro and was wondering if it was my primary vehicle would the car ins. be cheaper? Anyone know?

My daughter gave permission to an unlicensed driver to drive my car. will me insurance co pay the damages?

she is on my policy. he hit another car. will my insurance company pay for the other persona car and mine?

What would my insurance be for a supra?

i will soon be 16. i get As and Bs occasional C. i will be insured with my mom and brother she is 51. My idea is to get a very cheap car and after about a year when im 17 i want to buy a supra with a salvaged title. nothing to bad done ive seen a few go for about 10k. so what do you guys/girls think will be the total insurance for the supra and the cheap car?

Would insurance be cheaper then normal for this car?

Would insurance be cheaper then normal for this car, its a 1993 ford mustang 4 cylinder auto, because its old and a auto 4 cylinder? Plan is to insure it with the auto four banger in it, then do an engine swap imported v6 turbo, with manual transmission, new drive shaft, differential, exhaust, etc.. what they don't know.. they don't know lol""

What happens if u get caught driving a car without insurance?

what fines or punishments do u get driving a car without insurance or registration in ontario? Also, what happens if you get caught driving with a g1? and both?""

Where should I look to insure a child in another state?

I am currently doing research to find an affordable health insurance plan for a child in California, I live in Colorado. I'm not sure how to go about finding insurance in another state, especially for a child. She will be 12 in October. Any suggestions?""

Would the insurance be too much?

My mom gave me her Audi TT RS this week because she bought a new car. The deal was I get the car but I have to pay for insurance and gas. So, will the insurance be a back-breaker? I'm 17 right now and I've had my licence for well over a year. I haven't been in any accidents or altercations with the law.""

Can I cancel my auto insurance because I am leaving the country for 3 months?

I am leaving the USA for 3 months so I was wondering if it would be possible to cancel my auto insurance for these months and not pay the monthly premium. I will not be driving the ...show more

Can I use whole life insurance issued in my name for collateral on a loan?

If it has no value to the insured person then why can you borrow money off the whole life insurance?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-much-does-pediatrician-cost-without-insurance-anthony-johnston/"

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