#I’m super sappy right now and I really hope none of this crosses a line

[rosicheeks]

hey it’s late but i think i might as well say something happy in this inbox, so: i honestly feel good about my appearance right now, and i can look in the mirror and really believe that i’m desirable, and pretty, and somewhat androgynous. and i hope i can still believe in that tomorrow. 🥺💖

-🌸

[anothertimdrakestan]

A Lovely Intervention  -  Damian Wayne x Jon Kent & Tim Drake x Conner Kent

Words: 2.3k

Requested? Yes! From a lovely anon!

“Can you make a fic out your short where Damian is taking after his brothers? Maybe like an intervention or something? I love your shorts I basically binged them😁😁”

LINK TO PROMPTS  -> REQUESTS ARE STILL OPEN!

I LOVE THIS! TimKon is my everything and we love Damian and Jon secretly taking after their brothers and it turning into a whole family moment. This req made me soft, thank you so so so much and I’m glad you like my shorts hehehe 💓 Hope you enjoy!

“We gotta talk get here asap.” Dick called his family, needing to investigate the current problem.

“I’m bringing Kon if you’re interrupting my day” Tim buzzed in, and Dick smiled, everything was going exactly to plan. “Yeah Red that’s fine, I want him here anyways” Dick replied, hearing the whoosh of Tim and Conner take off towards their rondevu point.

“Kay gang’s all here except the demon, you hiding him here somewhere?” Jason mocked, eliciting a harsh look from Dick.

“No, this meeting is actually about him, or about us. Have you guys noticed Damian and Jon trying to imitate us recently?” A lightbulb went off for Conner as he stole the floor, recollecting his most recent interaction with the boys.

“Oh my god yea, wait get this: I’m at the farm gettin’ work done so I could hang with Timmy - don’t blush babe everyone knew we were out together - yeah, then I see Damian tearing across the field with one of Ma’s horses. And I’m like ‘Hey Punk! She isn’t yours!’ and the kid gives me this shitty little smirk like he knows something, and he keeps going! Then he has the balls to flip me off! In my house?!?” Kon was waving his hands around trying to get the point across. “Is this gonna go anywhere airhead?” Jason interrupted, and Tim grabbed Conner’s hand, pulling him down back onto the ground after he began floating with anger.

“Shh babe lemme finish I was there too” Dick looked taken aback “TIM YOU SPENT THE NIGHT AT CONNORS? YOU TOLD BRUCE YOU WERE WITH THE TITANS” Tim quickly blushed and kept talking “Well yeah, but that’s not the point! I was watching Damian cuz he wanted to go over and ‘watch the stars’ which seems lame but the kid’s messed up enough maybe he needs some star gazing” Jason rolled his eyes, tapping his wrist to hurry his younger brother up. "Shit I took Kori star gazing a few weeks ago!" Dick mumbled before Tim got back to explaining.

“Sorry, sorry, so I wake up before Kon and go down and Jon is showing Damian pictures of all his pets then he ruffles Damian’s hair [ Dick audibly gasps ] yeah I fucking know, he let him touch him. Then it gets worse. Jon was wearing your jacket Kon. With the fucking spikes. The. Spikes. And Damian complimented him like I always do like he said ‘looking sharp Kent’ and that’s literally my line. So I have to do some recon but you’re right Dick, the kid’s a robot or something, not the demon” Kon nodded, finishing his story right after Tim “Oh my you’re right, Jon told me that he wanted to give Damian something to cement his feelings, like how I give you some of my clothes and souvenirs babe, except he gave the punk a whole ass horse!”

Dick realized it was getting worse that he thought. “This is good info guys, Tim I don’t think Damian is a robot but I think he’s taking after us, remember when I caught you trying on my Nightwing outfit? Jay you did it too, do I need to remind you about the Robin suit? And Kon you know what it’s like” The three boys shifted, uncomfortable with being called out by Dick.

“Alright so what do we do? Jump off a bridge and see if the demon follows? Kid doesn’t take after me so I don’t know why this is a problem?” Jason crossed his arms, still a little hurt by the robin reference. “Shut up Jay you’re with Tim running interference while Conner and I take the lead” Dick looked at the group explaining his plan. “Conner you’re talking to Jon about being himself, don’t roll your eyes they’re teens they need shaping in the right direction, it’s the least we can do. I mean look how well Jason turned out, you don’t want that happening to Jon!” Conner nodded, glancing at Jason who was openly scowling at the group. “Shut up Jay you’ve got the easy job unless you rather take mine and try to talk to Damian about his feelings. That’s where you guys come in, if Damian tries to make a break for it you’re security.” Tim and Jason high fived, excited at the possibility of having to cage a demon.

“So, plan A is the civil plan, plan B is caging the bird and then trying to be civil what happens if plan B fails?” Tim was well aware there were odds Damian wouldn’t want to hear it. Dick sighed, “well, plan C is disgusting Jon and Dami with Kon’s sappiness” and Kon cheered. “Plan C it is!” And it was time to set the plan (s) in motion.

“Dami look! I’m like a bat!” Damian tried to suppress a smile as Jon grinned, hanging upside down on the tree he’d climbed. “C’mon I can see that smile come hang with me!” Jon cooed and Damian easily scrambled up the tree, sitting on one of the limbs with his back against the trunk. “TT Kent I’m Robin not Batman, besides shouldn’t I be trying to impersonate your father?” he joked, tracing an S on his chest.

In a flash, Jon was pulled from the tree by his big brother. Damian jumped up, not sure what had taken Jon. “At ease soldier, it’s just Kon!” Tim walked up to the base of the tree, gesturing Damian down. Sliding down the tree Damian mumbled “your Kent stole my Kent” and Tim nudged him “so you’ve staked a claim huh?” and Damian blushed, looking down and walking towards the house. “Dames Dickwing needs you for something I think he’s waiting outside. “And you’re not coming? Gonna spend another night with Conner, who is your excuse this time?” Damian sneered as it was now Tim’s turn to flush with red. “Hey you wanted to go too! Don’t pretend like you didn’t hold Jon’s hand on the way over” Damian didn’t turn around, flipping Tim off as he raced toward’s Dick’s car.

“What’s with the super-snatching?” Jon huffed while Conner set him down on top of the family barn, the view of their home from on top of the barn was a favorite spot of theirs. “Well, uh, I’m never good at these but I’ve noticed you and Dames getting really close, and that’s really cool ya know”

Jon gagged and tried to begin climbing down from the roof, “oh god Kon no. I don’t want whatever talk you’re trying to give me. You really? Aren’t you already with a bat yourself?” Kon snorted “so you admit you wanna be with the bat?” and Jon huffed, sitting down again. “Maybe a little bit - what does it mean to you!” Jon refused to make eye contact with Conner. “Kid nothing’s wrong! But if you are I just wanted to give some advice, one SuperBat to another!” Jon shook his head at the cringeworthy ship name but eventually gave him attention back to Kon.

“What I’ve learned is that each of those boys is their own person, and so are we. And you know how hard that was for me to learn especially! So, I guess we’ve noticed you kinda trying to act like me and Tim but I just wanted to tell you that Damian isn’t Tim and you aren’t me, you gotta make your own path bro” Kon nudged Jon as he nodded, “yeah, I mean you’re right Damian is nothing like your coffee addict, he’s strong and passionate and really cares if you actually look deeper and - uh, yeah. I get what you’re saying.” Kon smiled, it wasn’t often they had a good “bro moment” but it went well. “Okay good talk bud, I’m gonna take ya back over now, but remember I’m here to give advice. You know Damian is emotionally constipated and so’s Timmy sometimes so I’m here when ya need me, okay bud?” Jon rolled his eyes “okay there we go, too sappy Kon, let’s go back... Oh no, are you guys trying the same thing with Dames?” Conner nodded, and Jon groaned knowing Dami was gonna be in a bad mood now if he hadn’t torn one of his brothers to shreds yet. “Let’s go back now”

“What do you need Grayson” Damian slumped in the passenger seat while Dick began driving. He noticed Dick locked the doors and noted all the ways he could escape if Dick wasn’t who he seemed to be. “Not much little-D just wanted to chat n grab some food, I’ve missed ya!” Damian narrowed his eyes, “I thought you liked Kent, you let Tim sleepover too and he had significantly more fun with the clone than Jon and I, who knows what they were doing while we traced star patterns” Dick cringed, noting that he’d have to talk to Tim later. “Well this is actually about Jon! You’ve gotten really close huh?” Damian shifted in his seat, getting a clear view of the car’s side mirror which showed none other than Red Robin trailing a couple hundred feet behind Dick’s car. “What is happening Grayson, we’ve done nothing wrong, not to mention nothing the clone and replacement haven’t done,” Damian couldn’t fathom why he was being tortured by his mom brother.

“That’s just the point baby bat, you and Jon haven’t done anything for yourselves. You invited Jon to star watch, Kori and I did that two weeks ago, Jon’s ruffling your hair the way Kon does Tim, and you’re saving news clippings from your adventures with Jon just as Tim does with Kon. It’s time to be your own guy Dames!” This was too much emotional intervention for Damian. Noticing Tim had fallen behind he pulled the lever on the car seat and use the momentum of it flying forward to push himself out the car’s side window. Never without his tool belt, he grabbed his grapple but cursed Smallville for having nothing good to swing towards. He heard cars honk and a child threw themself out of a window, rolled smoothly on the grass beside the road, and took off.

He was in the clear until he heard the rev of Red Hood’s motorcycle. Muttering under his breath he pulled out the comm he and Jon had exchanged just a few days before, he’d seen Jason do it with his teammates why shouldn’t he? As he signaled Jon he let his thoughts divulge for just a second at how similar he was to his brothers, and how Jon really liked to copy Kon as well. “Might have a point but this is good fun” he mumbled as he radioed Jon.

“They try the intervention?”

“I think I’m still being intervened for lack of a better word. Care to give me a lift these damn Smallville buildings aren’t big enough to swing from.” Damian heard Jon chuckle. “I would say ‘I’m on the way bird-brain’ but I think that’s Kon’s line and we aren’t supposed to do that anymore” Damian groaned at the realization they’d already gotten to Jon and knowing him he’d want to talk about it with Damian. There truly was no escape, but Jon was better than getting captured by Jason and Tim.

“C’mere you little shit!” Jason screeched as he saw Damian pick up the pace. Damian would usually know when he’d lost and go in for a fight but the kid kept running. “Something’s up, he’s not fighting” Jason lookup up to see Tim soaring down towards Damian. “Wings aren’t flapping Drake you’re not airborne much longer” Jason noted as Tim cascaded through the air. “Long enough idiot, pick up is on the way”

“of - fucking - course it is” Jason stopped in his tracks when he saw not only Jon but Conner flying in, Conner on Jon’s tail. “So is this just a fun exercise now? I think the kids got the message” Tim had connected Kon to the group. “Leave ‘em be let’s go for plan C” Dick told the group and the comms filled with Tim’s groans and Kon whooping. “Nah I’m out but I still wanna give ‘em a run for it. Dami is smart he’ll figure out what he and Jon are” Jason tried to sound caring and thoughtful, but really he wanted to chase Damian and not have to watch Conner makeout with his brother. “Alright we can talk later, go get them” Dick gave the go-ahead and the three took after their younger brothers who had quite the head start.

“Clone is on our tail, can’t you go faster?” Damian complained. “Good one Rob but if I’ve got this correctly I’m the one carrying you.” Damian rolled his eyes, using his wrist computer to find the quickest hiding spot. “Left here, hard turn” Damian instructed as Jon dove into a field of grains. “Not that hard idiot” Jon laughed and Damian couldn’t contain a giggle. “Well they won’t find us... what should we do?” Jon poked at Damian.

“Sometimes I wonder how I befriended you”

“So you admit we’re best friends!”

“Glad that’s what you got”

“Well now that we’re here wanna talk about our..... feelings?” Jon waggled an eyebrow at Damian.

“Forget it, Jason finding me is better than this” Damian began to get up when Jon grabbed his hand, stopping him dead in his tracks. “Stay with me Dames, just for a little” and though Damian wouldn’t admit it, he was glad Jon asked him to stay, because he was never good at the feelings thing but with Jon he kinda wanted to try. He wanted to find what the feeling of his heart pounding out his chest and his brain being fuzzy was, and just how he could feel it just a little more often.

[shebeafancyflapjack]

Consequences

Follow-up to What She Needs, because who doesn’t love make-up fluff.

*

She wakes to the sound of eggs sizzling on a frying pan, the greasy smell of bacon wafting over her. Her stomach rumbles but she’s not ready to get up just yet, snuggled into the sofa beneath the shirt that’s been laid over her.

It’s not a bad position to wake up in but it leaves her a little disoriented.

What time is it? If she’s on the couch then it must be the afternoon but...they wouldn’t be having fried eggs and bacon this late - not that either of them gave a fork about eating routines, it just wasn’t usual. She doesn’t recall practicing walking or swimming earlier, her hair isn’t damp, her calf muscles aren’t cramping...

Ten seconds is all it takes for the time to rearrange itself properly in her head, for the barrage of memories to slot in place like a magical jigsaw and recall why she’s waking up alone, on the sofa, in the morning. And why she shouldn’t be calling the nearby chef over for a good morning kiss. He doesn’t deserve one...not yet. So she stays quiet, pretending to stir and mumble to show she’s awake, but keeping her eyes and mouth shut.

At least he left a nice, warm indent for her to lay in for as long as she wants to stay there and let him wait on her.

She barely remembers the nightmare that forced her to seek out Michael’s comfort, it’s been dissolved by the peaceful sleep and sanctuary she slept through until a minute ago. When her mind attempts to recall it, against her will, all she catches are the worst sensations of fear and loneliness, absence of all hope, her skin crawling as if covered in dung beetles. Again. Eleanor inhales, letting the scents and sounds of the beach house return her to the present.

Michael places her mug on the coffee table. Fork, she’s gonna have to give in and sit up now. She’s prepared to wait until she hears him move back to the kitchen. Then his fingers stroke some of her hair from her face, then brush against her cheek. Forking...

“Y’know I could bite your hand right now.” She murmurs, eyes still closed.

“It’d be worth it.” Michael tells her, softly; “Plus Janet would just grow it back.”

“Ugh, gross.” Eleanor wrinkles her nose; “You’re like a lizard.”

“Oh so it’s fine when you call me a...” She opens her eyes in time to see him bite his tongue as he kneels beside the couch; “Never mind.”

Indeed. She’s glad to see he’s smart enough not to dig his hole even deeper than it already is.

He gives her a humble smile; “How you feeling?”

“Still annoyed with you. I’ll update you when that changes, bud.” Eleanor pushes herself up and yawns.

“I figured that. I meant after...Last night...”

Oh.

“You can just say ‘nightmares’, man, it’s not a forbidden word.” She accepts the coffee when he passes it to her; “And I’m okay...Don’t even remember it. Just is what it is.” And it sucks; “It’s not like you can take them away or anything.”

“I could. I mean...” he takes a breath, “I could always...take the memories away...It’s crossed my mind more than once.”

She takes a sip of her drink, studying the conflict on his face.

“...Could you do it without erasing our time together?”

Michael shakes his head.

She shrugs; “Then it’s not an option, dummy.” Her eyes harden when he dares to look touched by that; “And don’t assume that means I like you again!”

They don’t say another word to each other until she’s nearly finished her breakfast, sat the kitchen island, stomach ravenous after eating nothing but Janet-delivered snacks with her drink instead of dinner the previous night. Michael sits opposite, slowly making his way through his hash browns, eyes cast downwards, almost unnaturally quiet.

He nudges a couple of baked beans with his knife, looking pensive. He takes a deep breath.

“I’m sorry.”

Eleanor glances up, still chewing her eggs. Wow, was that really so hard? To be fair, she’s hardly one to talk. It was hardly a word she was used to saying in life, unless it was something along the lines of ‘Oh I’m sorry you can’t handle how hot I am’ or ‘Sorry...not sorry, psyche!’. 

Michael puts down his knife; “I don’t think of you...Of any of you guys as cockroaches, not really. Humans have always astounded me with how...resilient you guys are. You’re like rubber, everything that hits you just bounces off...I’m sure there’s some kinda great intellectual saying with that analogy...” He waves his hands; “Anyway...Truth is, I’m never been good with handling anyone being better than me...It took me two hundred years of being an apprentice until I got my own neighbourhood. Do you know that’s the longest any demon was in training for? Most fly solo after the first fifty years or so! And even before that, no matter how good I thought I was at torturing, there was always another demon wo was better and getting more praise...I was never strong enough to compete so I would take it out on...” His jaw clenches with shame.

Eleanor swallows the last of her food. She keeps watching, not saying a word, letting him get out everything he’s been clearly rehearsing in his head as he cooked.

“Having someone be better at my old job was one thing...But when there’s someone better at being what I truly have always wanted to be...and never will. Someone who also gets to spend more time with the woman I love...Who knows how to be a better...person,” Michael reaches to sip his own coffee; “The truth is...I’m the one who feels like an insect between the two of you. I feel...scared...” he clears his throat; “Scared that I’ll always fall short of the rest of you...I don’t have anything that compares to your strength or Chidi’s wisdom. Fork, I don’t have Tahani’s confidence...even Jason seems to understand some lessons more than me, with those inane stories he tells which always seem to somehow be on point!”

It’s true, every nonsensical ramble about the DJ’s life seemed to neatly tie in to some ethical thought experiment. He had a talent for it. That and firing spit balls around the chalkboard. 

Michael manages a smile, his cheeks turning pink to match his shirt; “You’re not small and gross to me. You’re...magnificent. And gigantic. Like...mammoths.”

Eleanor snorts.

“That the best you can do?”

“Oh c’mon!” Michael scoffs; “Mammoths are awesome! They....Oh, I forgot, you haven’t seen one. Would you like to? I can get Janet to-.”

“No, no....Well, maybe later, I’m sure Jason would love to ride one, but...” She sighs and slides off her stall.

It’s impossible for her to resist those puppy dog eyes anymore. She moves around the island and shifts her butt onto his lap, throwing her arms around his neck. He blinks, stunned, as she moves in close. One of her hands unhooks to run her fingers across his soft, white hair, smiling as her nose touches his. Michael dares to put his hands on her middle, holding her tight and secure.

She presses her lips to his, lightly at first, before cupping his jaw and moving her tongue to massage her demon boyfriend’s, sharing the taste of bacon between them. It’s been over a week since they’ve had a chance to hold each other and kiss, properly, like this. Having to hold off on the good stuff out of keeping to her newfound principles and to teach him a lesson was not easy. 

But totally worth it.

Eleanor hums as she pulls back, holding onto his shoulders; “Apology accepted. And as for that whole, ‘having nothing that compares to us’ schtick...You know that’s bullshirt, right?” 

Michael looks puzzled. What a dingus. Eleanor touches his face, thumb stroking across his cheekbone. 

“You care, dude. That’s your virtue. It’s why I’m so in love with you, even when you drive me crazy. None of us taught you that...It was right there, locked away inside of you, but you brought it out and you cared for me when I needed to....And you kept on doing it, even when you could’ve stopped...You tried to sacrifice yourself to save me and my friends....You keep putting your neck on the line for us...Don’t ever think that’s worthless, okay? We’re all super grateful to have the most caring, if a little immature and arrogant, demon on our team.”

There’s a wetness growing on his blue eyes, making them shine behind his glasses. She should really add ‘sappy’ to that list. Eleanor kisses his cheek as one tear leaks.

“Maybe that’s why you sucked at torturing. You only went so far to prove your worth. Your heart was never really in it?” She wonders.

He shrugs; “Possibly...Mostly because I don’t have a heart.”

She slaps his chest, lightly; “Y’know what I mean. Do I have to make you one like you’re the forking Tin Man just so you get the point?”

“...Yeah, okay.” He seems excited to have another trinket for his collection.

“Well, I ain’t crafting shirt that’s more complex than another paperclip bracelet, so ask Janet for one.” Eleanor smiles, leaning in to hug him tight around the neck. He squeezes her back, no doubt feeling the same relief as she had, to be back in each others arms without a worry for the weekend.

He hesitates before asking the next question.

“Am I allowed back in the bed tonight?” He says, sheepishly.

“Well....I suppose it will save me the walk if I have another bad dream.” She slips off of his lap; “...Only on one condition of course. You apologise to Chidi.”

His face falls, like a little kid who just had his candy snatched away.

“What, today? He’s not even here! How am I gonna...Can’t I just repeat what I said to you to him?”

“No, that’s cheating.” Her voice turns stern, ‘tutor’ mode activated; “You gotta think of a way to say sorry to him in a way he’d appreciate.”

Michael sighs and taps his fingers on the surface.

“I...I suppose I could...write him an essay on Consequentialism, drawling parallels it to this whole situation?” He suggests, looking to her for the go ahead.

“That’s....actually brilliant. He’d love that! Go for it.” Why are the two men she’s closest to in this afterlife the biggest dorks?

And, worse, she’s pretty much one herself now.

Michael grins, perking up from her approval; “Oh, great! I’ll get right on it and...Then what, do you want me to go back and read it to him?”

“No, just say it to Janet and she can repeat it to him back at my house.” Eleanor waves off; “...But you gotta have her disguise herself as Chidi while you’re reading it, so it feels like you’re saying it to him.”

“That’s gonna be disturbing as well as awkward.” He shifts, frowning.

Eleanor kisses his head before whispering; “That’s consequences, baby. Now get to writing. I’mma gonna go ask speedboating with Janet on those waves until you’re done. Then we can have the couples getaway this is supposed to be.”

As he gets up to put the dishes in the sink, she makes sure to give his butt a good slap, just to add in that incentive. She adores the startled, giddy look on his face that it always leaves him with. Damn it’s tough to stay mad at someone so cute.

After changing out of her PJs and into her bathing suit, sunglasses resting on her head, she goes to head out the patio doors.

“Hey, babe...” Michael stops her, having finished washing up. She turns to see his smile; “...Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. Chidi’s gotta accept your apology so don’t half-ash it.”

“I wasn’t just saying thanks for that...” He stares at her, adoringly; “....I mean for everything, Eleanor. Thank you.”

She tilts her head to the side. Then a smile.

A quick skip towards him, leaning up on her toes, hands on his shoulders to reach that mouth of his again. Fork, it’s more effort to reach him when he’s upright. She gives him another kiss, a little motivation, something to remind him of what he misses out on when acting like a deck.

“You’re very welcome...Now make your hot girlfriend proud by doing your homework.” She smirks, one hand stroking down his chest; “Then come fork me into the sand, ‘cause I’m horny as Here - and if you don’t, I’m gonna get Janet to make me a clone of Jason Statham to spend this weekend with.”

If that doesn’t force the dumb demon to get his ash into gear then nothing will.

[vagrantblvrd]

so i started watching The Old Guard because of your posts and mashes so well with the Immortal!FAHC so i was wondering, what are your thoughts on that, like who is the oldest, which era is each member of the crew from, how did they die the first time, and so on :3

Yesssss. >:D

But, no I hope you liked it, friend!

The first time I watched I was thinking that too!

As to Immortal!FAHC I have many thoughts on it from before watching this movie.

I’m also no good at history, and get my eras mixed up? (Like oh my God I had that intense focus thing going on as a kid for a while for WWII warplanes after watching Memphis Belle with my dad, but aside from that, yeah???)

(All of this is to say please excuse inaccuracies as most of what I know is from media and Wikipedia. Also, some of these are more well thought out than others, so pls to keep that in mind.)

Presented in no particular order:

My favorite take on it though has Gavin as the oldest, right? (Pretends he isn’t, but the others find out over time because he stops trying to hide it when he realizes it’s not an issue with them the way it’s been with other immortals he’s run across for whatever reason.)

Born during the Bronze Age and the person he was back then was just awful, horrible little asshole without redeeming qualities to speak of whatsoever.

Came from a wealthy/important family which is something that’s people can still tell to this day even if he’s not a bastard about it anymore.

He died alone and unloved (no reason to love the person he was back then, something he freely admits to anyone asking who wants the real answer) to thieves/bandits or some wasting illness, idk.

From there he learns how not to be a complete piece of shit and honestly, it takes him a long goddamned time.

Lifetimes, really. (Not his, of course, but as time goes and all that.)

Watching and learning from the people around him from the poor farmers and so on who take pity on this dirty traveler on the verge of starving to death to emperors and kings and queens and other puffed up royalty and such.

Favored Italy and England enough that he’s woven both into the Golden Boy’s persona with the accent and references to this grandfather of his that he makes to people who don’t know he’s an immortal.

(Definitely has ties to the mafia, if not served as the head of the Italian mafia for a time, making a comeback as a long-lost/bastard descendant recently discovered with a remarkable likeness to a former mafia head who’s since moved to Los Santos, because of course he did.)

To be fair, he’s still learning with the Fakes, found family and all, and he’s the happiest he can remember being? (Because sappy feels and the whatnot.)

Jack I picture as a viking, because the beard and uh, not much else reason for that line of thinking.

Just this great warrior/peacemaker among his people who dies in battle. (Possibly betrayed because jealous fellow viking at how well-liked and respected Jack is and so on.)

He’s “mellowed” over time, likes to play friendly and affable and so on, will let himself be insulted if it serves the crew’s interests and such? But oh, wow, watch out when he’s angry? (Especially if it’s due to someone hurting someone he cares about.)

Ryan I see as medieval times with the whole kings and queens and knights. (Possibly due to the influence of Kings AU???)

Noble born and served as a knight before being killed in battle or spot of ~intrigue by a political rival/enemy.

Totally got his revenge before realizing the kind of trouble he’d be in if he tried to reclaim his life - unnatural and all - and ended up living a nomadic lifestyle after that. (A vagabond, if you will, because that never not stops being funny to me.)

He gets tangled up with thieves and the like for a while, did some murder for hire that’s been his main career path ever since.

(And okay, if one of the thieves he worked with for a while was this skinny bastard with a big nose and the most ridiculous questions that’s possibly a thing that happened, because reasons. And Freewood.)

Michael I see coming in around the Revolutionary War?

Family moved to the colonies when he was a kid and so on. Signing on to fight against the British and dying in a battle against them, still remembers what it felt like bleeding out in the mud. Has nightmares about it sometimes.

There used to be this whole Thing about it when he met Gavin whenever he leans hard on the British bit that gets even more involved after Jeremy joins the crew.

(Also, also. If Michael and Jeremy collude together against that British asshole, well. That’s a thing that happens. Along with smooches, because none of your goddamned business about that, okay?)

Jeremy comes in during the whole cowboy era, because of the Rimmy Tim getup and I think it’s hilarious as hell.

Originally from Boston (hence the dumb running joke with Gavin and Michael)and moved to the ~wild west as a kid because Adventure and then shenanigans?

Died in a train heist gone horribly wrong and just. He doesn’t like to talk about it, but since he mentioned once it has something to do with his fear of heights, just.

Yikes, you know?

Also, also, the whole bit about cars becoming a thing just before he died (I’m trying not to make a joke about it being of dysentery on a certain trail, but it’s so hard), which is part of why he’s got a Thing about cars now.

(Vroom-vroom fast and that armada of his.)

Trevor, okay, Trevor.

Based pretty much on what his GTA V character used to wear and Trevor himself makes me think of Prohibition-era gangster along with Alfredo?

He and Alfredo started out as street kids in Chicago and the fastest/easiest way to make money for kids like them involved the mob and it was just.

A thing that happened? The two of them coming up in the ranks and BFFs (possibly something more, who can say???) before getting gunned down by rivals one day.

Would have woken up together if the morgue hadn’t fucked up so they went a few years thinking the other had died before accidentally running into one another again, because reasons.

They’ve been together ever since, a pain in Geoff’s ass before he managed to get them to sign on with the crew.

(Trevor kept the fashion sense he had from back then, because of course he did. Doesn’t always dress like he used to, but sometimes he gets the urge and Alfredo laughs at him for it, but he never says a word against it because Trevor looks good like that, you know?)

Speaking of Geoff?

Born around the time Trevor and Fredo were running from Elliott Ness and his Untouchables.

Lied about his age to join the Army and served overseas in the European theater in WWII. Infantry, saw his share of battles that took the shine out of things (what there was to the stupid he kid he was) really damn fast.

Actually survived through the end of the war and made his way back to the US, did some odd jobs here and there for a while as he tried to figure things out.

Listened to the wrong friend (or right one?) and ended up working for some criminal-types, got dragged into the life before he knew it.

Managed to stay alive, learning the ins and outs of being a criminal and all that up until his luck ran out and he ran afoul of some corrupt cops.

Woke up in a ditch somewhere coughing up bullets and freaked out as hell - anyone would be - and then, uh.

Kind of kept going?

Figured shit out as he went, and ran into Jack sometime in the fifties, sixties? Whenever and it was them for the longest damn time before Geoff got the idea to set up in Los Santos for a bit, see how that worked out for them.

(Regret. So much regret because look at all the assholes fucking up his life after that, you know? Really, Jack, stop laughing at him because you’re part of the problem, jackass.)

Lindsay I see as being either relatively young - died in the 80s, 90s? - or as old as if not older than Gavin, depending on the day? (My day??? Idk, I love both a hell of a lot.)

Died in a bank robbery when the asshole responsible for setting the charges to get into the vault miscalculated how much explosives were needed and it was just.

Messy.

Super, super messy.

Fiona is absolutely the youngest, someone Gavin ran into in Europe when he pulled the thing about being his own descendant.

Met her in Paris on his way to the US when she got so goddamned angry at him for accusing her of picking his pocket (a thing she totally did, btw), but she cased such a scene she managed to escape before the cops or Gavin could do anything about it.

She dies in Liberty City working for some assholes who never deserved her, and Gavin happens to be there when she makes the mistake of picking pockets to get enough money to get the hell out of the city before anyone realizes she’s not as dead as she could be?

Terrible disguise of baseball hat, big sunglasses and a scarf over her face, but her response at being caught out as a thief is too similar for Gavin not to realize it’s her.

And then, you know.

He mentions this crew out in Los Santos that would be interested in someone like her? Not as a pickpocket because she’s clearly awful at it - “Hey!” - but they’ve chatted a bit and she mentioned something about sniping - or maybe just perked up when he brought it up.

(Visiting a sniper he used to work with and so on.)

Anyway, why not look them up if she’s ever in Los Santos?

And then she does, of course, and then shenanigans???

Also, also, some of them definitely crossed paths over the years. Ran into one another and are all, “Oh, this asshole again,” maybe work together for a while before going their own ways

They all have this story about meeting Gavin for the first time that no one, no one puts together for the longest damn time.

Like.

How the hell could Jack have met Gavin back when he was being a viking when Gavin claims he died in the 60s?

(Claimed to know the Beatles personally, because of course he did.)

Ryan and that thief he met that one time, got all these FEELS for him that had them being partners in crime for a long, long time before circumstanced forced them apart.

...And then met him again a century or so later and on opposite sides before Gavin did a heroic “sacrifice” to save him at the expense of his current cover. Like, they totally picked up where they left off afterward, because not that stupid? But they got maybe fifteen, twenty years after that together before they were forced apart by circumstances again.

Pattern repeats for a long goddamned time before they happen to meet up again around the time Geoff and Jack get to Los Santos and so far their luck seems to be holding steady. (I just. Man, I love the idea of them being the kind of assholes who are stupid in love with one another but the universe at large is like, lol and tosses a wrench into the works every once in a while for the hell of it and them eventually finding one another again. Because DELICIOUS ANGST.)

Or Michael when he was marching to the next battle and some asshole asking him the stupidest question imaginable next to him? (British accent, sure, but he wasn’t the only one on their side with one, so yes.)

Jeremy and that one Pinkerton agent that one time???

Lindsay and that asshole working for a rival gang who didn’t kill her even though he could have? (When she asks sometime after joining the Fakes he’s just ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  even though he didn’t like the asshole he was working for at the time and actually engineered the bastard’s death, but yeah, sure, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ .

Fiona, well.

Everyone knows that story because she’s like “YOU MOTHERFUCKER,” when she sees him at the penthouse the first time he strolls through the door after she joins the crew.

And just.

Yes.

They put the pieces together at some point and are like son of a bitch because they figured Gavin’s story about being a beatnik or whatever he said he was when he died was the truth?

And Gavin’s like, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  because technically it wasn’t a lie.

He was a beatnik when he died in the 60s, it’s just that that wasn’t the first time he died.

Eventually he tells them about it in bits and pieces, because they don’t push, demand an explanation. (God knows they’ve all got their secrets and reasons for them and such.)

He tells them because he trusts them and they prove he’s right to by not betraying his trust in them and I’m just, like. Full of FEELS right now, so yes.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

ALSO.

Bonus?

But I seriously love the idea of Meg being the inspiration behind the Morrigan.

Just.

Yes.

And if she happens to meet Ryan and Gavin while those two idiots are thieving their way across Europe sometime? That’s definitely a thing that happened.

Also, also, you know she checks up on them in Los Santos from time to time, because old friends (possibly more?) and gets along with Lindsay and Fiona like a house on fire.

Sometimes literally, the three of them >:DDDDDDDD while Geoff’s back at the penthouse shut up in his room because no, no, do not tell him how much of his city’s on fire, Trevor, no.

Idk whether I like former Roman soldier Dan or medieval knight Dan, but whichever one it is he and Gavin go way, way back and they delight in shenanigating about almost as much as Meg and her terrors do in that Geoff is very much :(((((((((((((((((((((((((( when they get together because some part of the city is guaranteed to be on fire at any given point.

[kimmietea]

A Right of Passage (Joe Mazzello x Reader)

Summary: Joe and Reader show their nephew Nate, Jurassic Park for the first time. 

Warnings: None. Just fluffy goodness and maybe a bit sappy at parts.

A/N: Could be a continuation of Old Jokes but can also be read alone. Please don’t be shy. Let me if you like it or don't. If there is anything you’d like to see let me know.

********

“Lynn come on! What 9 year old boy hasn’t seen Jurassic Park?” You tried to reason with your over protective sister. Your nephew Nathan was having a sleepover at you and Joe’s place so your sister and brother-in-law could have a date night. The 3 of you had ordered pizza, popped some popcorn and built an awesome blanket fort in front of the T.V. ready for a night of movies and fun. You had the idea to show Nate Jurassic Park after your sister had already dropped him off so now you were doing your best to convince her over the phone.

“What if he has nightmares?” She worried. You looked over to Joe and Nate who were on their knees on couch peeking at you from under the back sheet of the fort, hopeful looks on their faces and their fingers crossed.

“If he has nightmares, he has nightmares. He’ll live. Plus he’s sleeping here so you won’t even have to deal with them.” Nate nodded excitedly in agreement.

“Oh I don’t know.” You could tell she was biting her nails.

“For the love of god just let him watch it!” You heard Scott tell your sister from the other side of the phone.

“Would you listen to your husband.” You laughed. “It’s a right of passage Lynn, every kid has to go through this.” She sighed.

“You’ll have Joe explain everything as it’s happening so he won’t be as scared? Like how they filmed it and it’s not real.”

“Yeah of course.” You lied. You and Joe had talked about it before and you decided not to tell Nate that Joe was actually the little boy in the movie, that way you guys would get his true feelings on the movie.

“Fine.”

“Really?!” You asked excitedly and spun around to look over at the boys who now had giant smiles on their faces and were gripping the back of the couch.

“Yeah i guess so. But if he gets too scared please tell me you’ll shut it off and if he does have nightmares and you need me to come get him please call me.” She stressed.

“Absolutely! But I promise he’ll be fine.”

“Ok, just text me when it’s over and keep me updated on how he is after it.” You agreed and said your goodbyes.

“She said yes!” You yelled. Joe and Nate yelled in excitement and jumped up and down on the couch almost knocking down the fort.

*******

“Ok so Jurassic Park is about a theme park, kinda like Sea World but with dinosaurs, and they get out.” You gave a brief description getting comfortable on the couch with Nate sitting in between you and Joe. Nated nodded almost shaking in his seat with excitement.

“I know you’re excited bud, but in all seriousness, it could be a bit scary and if you do get scared and want us to shut it off you have to tell us, ok? We won’t be mad, we just want you to have a good time and be comfortable here.” Joe explained.

“I promise Uncle Joe, but i'm gonna be okay, Im 9 nine now.” Joe laughed.

“I know buddy, you’re gonna do great.” He said ruffling his hair and staring the movie.

*******

Everything was going great, you had all eaten your pizza and were now slowly munching on some popcorn. Nate was super into the movie, which of course made you very excited. It was one of your favorites way before you met Joe.

The part where Dr. Grant and Ellie see the brachiosaurus for the first time was coming up and the look of awe on Nate's face was better than you could have hoped for.

“Woah” he said quietly as the camera panned over the massive dinosaur. You smiled and glanced over to Joe who wore a proud grin on his face.

********

“That is one big pile of shit.” Ian said on the movie and Nate let out a hearty laugh.

“Gross!” He laughed shaking his head. But his smile didn’t last long. A look of complete disgust and horror crossed his face as Ellie was elbow deep in the pile.

“Oh god! Gross! Ellie noo!” He yelled. Joe laughed at his reaction, tossing some popcorn at him.

********

The part you were most worried about Nate being scared of was approaching quickly. You watched Tim climb over the seats to look out the back window of the car with the binoculars.

“Cool” Nate said seconds before Tim did. You looked over to Joe and you two shared a smile. Nate was so into the movie that he was now sitting at the very edge of his spot on the couch, blanket wrapped around him.

The classic water ripples shot comes on and Nate pulls the blanket up under his chin, eyes unblinking and never leaving the screen. Joe placed his arm over the back of the couch and Nate sat all the way back. As the scene progressed your eyes kept darting between the screen and your nephew. You noticed that Nate had absent mindedly inched his way closer to Joe. By the time Tim notices the goat is missing Nate was tucked up under Joe’s arm, pressed into his side. Joe moved his arm from the couch to around Nate’s shoulders knowing what was about to happen.

The goat leg hits the roof and you see the T-Rex’s claw over the fence. Slowly the camera pans up and you see it, the T-Rex, eating what's left of the goat. You glance down at Nate who was now pressed so far into Joe’s side and the back of the couch you thought he might end up behind Joe. But his eyes never left the screen. Gennaro runs from the car and into the bathroom.

“Bad idea” Nate whispers to himself. The lines in the fence start to snap and it falls. The T-Rex bites though the loose wires and steps out of the inclosure. It lets out a roar and Nate’s eyes widen and he grabs Joe’s arm pulling it so it now wraps over his shoulder and across his chest, almost like a seat belt. Joe gives him a pat on the chest with his hand, silently telling his okay. Tim is now yelling at Lex to turn off the flashlight when the T-Rex bursts through the sunroof. Nate jumps a little and grips onto Joe’s arm that’s still wrapped across him.

He watches the full scene, eyes never leaving the screen or letting go of Joe’s arm. He lets out a little squeak when Gennaro is eaten. You finally see him blink a few times a let out a deep breath as Dr. Grant approaches the tree Tim was in. Nate didn’t release his grip on Joe’s arm until after the car chase when Ian says “Think they’ll have that on the tour?”. Joe went to move his arm back to the couch but Nate grabbed it quickly, keeping him in place.

Joe looked up at you with a dopey grin on his face. You knew that little move meant so much to him. He was always worried that Nate only saw him as a buddy not as a real Uncle since the 2 of you weren't married. A thought one of Scotts relatives put in his head a few years ago. You reached over Nate to brush your hand across Joe’s cheek, he smiled and leaned into your touch, placing a kiss on your palm before you pulled it away.

When you look back at the screen you saw Dr. Grant and the kids safe in the tree. Tim tells his joke and Nate looks up at you.

“That’s that joke you taught me!” You laughed and nodded.

“Yeah bud, that’s where I got it from.”

*******

The movie has about 20 minutes left when Tim, Lex and Dr. Grant approach the electric fence. He still hadn’t moved from his safe spot nestled next to Joe. He laughs when Dr. Grant pretends to get electrocuted by the fence. His face drops a little when you hear a roar in the distance, his arms that were relaxed at his sides, move to hold onto Joe’s arm again. They start to climb the fence and Ellie is looking for the breaker. She finds the box as the others reach the top of the fence, the music building. You look down at Nate and his eyes are wide, taking in every little thing on the screen.

Ellie pumps up the power, pushes the green button and an alarm blares scaring Tim and Nate who jumps a little in his Uncle’s arms and gasps when Time drops a rung down the fence. Ellie slowly starts to push the red buttons, turning the breaker back on. Lex and Dr. Grant start to encourage Tim to jump from the fence before the electricity gets turned back on. Nate schoches up the couch little by little, back to his spot on the edge. As he moved forward Joe’s arm retreated back to Nate’s shoulder.

Dr. Grant says he’s going to come up to get him when Tim starts counting to 3, ready to jump on 3.

“1” Ellie hits the button for the T-Rex paddock. As Tim counts 2 Ellie hits the button for the Perimeter Fence, there is a zap and some sparks as Tim gets shocked and is flung backwards off the fence and into Dr. Grants arms.

“NO!” Nate yells and flys off the couch landing on his knees in front of the tv, desperately trying to get closer. You were shocked by his reaction and it melts your heart. You put your hand over your chest and looked to Joe. His hand was over his mouth just as shocked as you were.

“Am I that good?” He whispered to you.

“You WERE that good.” You joked back. He gasped in moked offence and crossed his arms over his chest. You nudged him playfully and he smiled back at you with a wink. You hear Dr. Grant tell Lex he’s not breathing.

“No no no.” Nate says in a hushed voice shaking his head. Ellie says we’re back in business as a Raptor jumps from behind her. Nate yells in surprise and springs back to his spot on the couch, next with Joe and grabs his arm to put it back across him. Mr. Arnold’s arm falls over Ellie’s shoulder and he makes a grossed out face. Robert Is focusing on the Raptor in front of him, getting his gun ready and holding it up to aim.

“They attach from the sides.” Nate says more to himself than to the 2 of you. Remembering what Dr. Grant says to the boy at the start of the movie. The iconic “Clever Girl” line is spoken and he’s gone. Dr. Grant is giving Tim CPR and Nate is gripping Joe’s arm so tightly that his little, knuckles were turning white.

“Come on, come on.” He whispers. It was clear he was enjoying the movie and it made you so happy. You remember when your sister told you she was pregnant and all you could think about was this. Spending time with your nephew and showing him all your favorite things. You were so thankful for him.

Dr. Grant gives Tim a few breaths before he starts coughing and sits up. Nate let out a sigh and relaxed his grip on Joe.

“Thank god.”

*********

The rest of the movie goes on and Nate remains in his spot and says nothing. As the credits start to roll you and Joe look down at him.

“So, how did you like it?” You ask. He jumped up and stood on the couch.

“That was amazing!” He yelled. “Oh man that was so good! I can’t wait to tell Alex and David that I got to see Jurassic Park and they didn’t. Oh they are gonna be so jealous.” You both laughed and Nate sat back down.

“Why can’t they see it?” Joe asked.

“Their parents said they are too young and it’s too scary. Too bad they don’t have an awesome Aunt and Uncle that show them cool stuff.” You and Joe share a small High five over Nate’s head. Suddenly Nate’s face lights up and he’s off the couch again, standing in front of the two of you.

“I want to be Tim Murphy for Halloween.” He states with his hands on his hips and a quick nod of his head. You hear Joe take a shuddering breath as he turns to look at you. His eyes are a little glassy with tears and he’s biting at his lip. You chuckle and shake your head.

“It’s only February Nate.” You laugh and pick up the remote and start to rewind the movie back to the beginning but pausing it as they are all getting into the cars and Tim tells Dr. Grant that he read his book. The entire screen now a 9 year old Joe.

Joe gets up and stands next to the T.V. so he’s side by side with his younger self.

“Do you know who this is Nate?”He asks. Nate looks confused.

“It’s Tim Murphy.” He says. Joe covers his face with his hands. Should have expected that one. You laugh and decide to capture this moment and pull out your phone to record.

“Right. But do you recognise him at all?” Nate looks at the tv and tilts his head. After a few seconds he says.

“Nope.” Joe sighs.

“It’s me! I’m Tim Murphy. I mean I played him. When I was your age, that’s me!” He stressed and gestured to the T.V. Nate walked up and squinted at the T.V. then back to his Uncle and back and forth a few times, not really believing what he was hearing. His eyes grew wide and he stepped back from the T.V.

“Holy shit!” He exclaimed.

“NATHAN!” You yelled shocked, trying to hide your laugh. Joe did nothing to hide his laugh.

“Sorry Aunt Y/N.” His shoulders slumped slightly but not for too long.

“I can’t believe that my Uncle is Tim Murphy! Alex and David are never gonna believe this. I have the coolest Uncle ever!” He yelled and launched himself at Joe, wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug. Joe grunted as Nate basicly head butted him in the stomach and he wrapped his arms around him and held him close. That's where you ended the video and sent it off to your sister with a text saying how he loved the movie and was fine.

********

After a few more movies, some ice cream and a pillow fight, it was time for bed. Nate insisted that Joe be the one to tuck him in. So you said goodnight, hugged and kissed him before he climbed up on Joe’s back and they headed off to the guest room that Nate claimed as his own room. You cleaned up the fort and the mess in the living room before heading off to bed yourself. You climbed in just as Joe came strutting into the room with a smug smile on his face.

“Oh my stars! Is that THE Joe Mazzello? Actor extraordinaire, Tim Murphy from award winning Jurassic Park!” You gasped and for some reason used a bad southern accent.

“Hey just because i'm the cool one now doesn't mean you have to be jealous. I'm sure he still loves you.” He said as he changed into some pajama pants and a white t-shirt.

“Excuse me!”

“It’s okay, love. I'm not going to gloat about it just because he likes me better.” He snuggled down into the covers. You gaped down at him trying your best not to laugh.

“Alight Uncle of the year, you get to wake up early tomorrow and make your nephew breakfast.” You said matter of factly and rolled over in bed, your back to Joe. He moved closer and threw his arm over you and pulled you closer to him.

“You say it like it’s a punishment.” He mumbles into you neck. “I think of it as practice for when I get to get up early and make breakfast for our kids and my beautiful wife.” You smiled to yourself and leaned back into him.

"Love you" You whispered.

"Love you, goodnight."

********

The flash of light and massive boom woke you up. The rain pounded against the window. You groaned and rolled over, snuggling into Joe.

“Stupid rain.” You muttered. Joe moaned in agreement. Another flash of lightning lit up the room and a loud crack of thunder shook the windows. Joe’s eyes shot open and his entire body jumped.

“Christ, that one got me.” He laughed, trembling slightly like after a good jump scare in a horror movie. You laughed and opened your mouth to tell him to grow a pair when you caught sight of your bedroom door slowly opening. Nate stood there with the dinosaur stuffed animal Joe got him for his 5th birthday.

"You ok?" You ask gently. Joe rolled over to see him.

"Did you have a nightmare pal?" He asked. Nate shook his head.

"No I didn't. The thunder woke me up but the storm made me think of the T-Rex breaking out and…" he trailed off, looking down at his feet. He had scared himself.

"Nate could you do me a big favor?" Joe asked. Nate looked up at him and nodded. "Well that big thunder just scared me and I'd feel a lot better if you slept here with us."

A smile stretched across his face and he raced over to the bed, jumping up and snuggling in between the two of you.

"It's a good thing you came in here, Uncle Joe was really scared." You said brushing Nate's hair back, off his face.

"Really?" He asked quietly turning his head slightly to look at Joe.

"Yeah! You heard that right? My heart almost jumped out of my chest. But now you're here and I feel much safer." Joe said snuggling into Nate as if he was a teddy bear. Joe gave you a look and you took the hint and did the same on his other side. Nate sighed contently and wrapped his arms around both of you.

"I love you guys."

[hookedonapirate]

Give Me Some Sugar

This is my CSSV gift for the lovely @hopeandbeans. I hope you have an amazing Valentine’s Day!

During our conversations over the weeks, you mentioned baking and fluff, so here is a light-hearted, baking-themed AU I wrote for you. It was a pleasure getting to know you and I truly hope you enjoy your gift. 

Your CS Secret Valentine,

Hannah

Summary: Owning a cupcake and candy shop has always been Killian's dream and managing a Hallmark Store was far from a fairytale for Emma. But when piercing blue-eyed Irish man meets green-eyed, sassy blonde, it just might be a match made in heaven. Every holiday and special occasion, they both buy product from each other for their family and significant others, until one year when they both end up single on Valentine's Day and exchange more than just cards and sweets. 

Rating: F for friendship and fluffiness

Word count: 5,275

Also on AO3 and FF.N

It was Emma's first week as store manager and she was pulling her hair out trying to learn the register and figure out where everything went while restocking and setting up displays. She had experience with managing convenience stores and gift shops back in Boston but Storybrooke was something quite different.

Nestled in Northern Maine, the citizens of the quiet town all seemed to migrate to this one shopping center - the Storybrooke Mall. Which Emma guessed was understandable considering that it took up almost half of Storybrooke - okay, that might be exaggerating a bit. But still, she couldn't fathom where all of these people could be coming from. And she was pretty sure the water was contaminated with some kind of happy potion because they were all super exuberant and enthusiastic and just overall way too giddy like they were all hopped up on caffeine and sugar. And for some reason they all decided to do their shopping at the Hallmark Store. It wasn't even a holiday.

Emma had finished up most of her final tasks of the day and was anchored behind the front counter after she had sent the last employee home. Being on her feet for a little over twelve hours and taking in everything that was thrown at her during her training that week was enough to make her want to go home, crawl into her comfortably warm bed and sleep for a month.

She was already regretting her decision to come here. To leave Boston with the hopes of starting fresh seemed a little ridiculous now. Nevertheless, she promised her best friend, Mary Margaret, that she would give the place a chance. She exhaled a heavy sigh. Why did she always make promises she knew she couldn't keep?

The customers dwindled down to none and it was nearing nine o’clock. Emma was literally counting down the seconds when she looked over the counter displays and caught a glimpse of someone entering the store. Emma was cursing under her breath and praying that the last-minute customer would just make their purchases and leave, when a pair of blue eyes came into her line of sight. Emma was not the type of girl to get flustered or all googly-eyed over a man. She didn't easily get swept off of her feet and she certainly didn't swoon. Real life was not a freaking hallmark card for crying out loud.

But Boy Oh Boy.

The vision before her was something to appreciate, that much she would admit. His hair was artfully mussed and his eyes sparked with something that immediately drew her in. He seemed to be excited but also nervous for some reason and there was something adorable about the hint of a smile that was framed by a three-day scruff. To sum it up simply, he was ridiculously too handsome for his own good.

“Evening, lass. You must be the new manager I've heard about.” His Irish accent caught her off guard, sending shivers down her spine as he approache. And somehow she found it difficult to breathe and was absolutely certain that she was having heart palpitations.

She shifted a bit and folded her arms, attempting to hide the smirk threatening her lips. “And how did you ever come up with that conclusion, mister perceptive? The nametag that says ‘Store Manager’ on my shirt? I mean I could have stolen this and locked the actual manager in the back room and instead of stealing money from the till I decided to stand behind this counter just to appear to be working. I bet you were too busy trying to come up with something oh so clever and crafty to say that the thought never crossed your pretty head.” Her voice was thick with sarcasm, but the broad smile it created was well worth the effort that she put forward given her exhausted state.

His eyes drifted to said nametag and reverted back to her gaze. “Honesty, though I am quite perceptive, I didn't even look at your nametag at first. I saw you working from the window.” The man casually leaned on the counter as she held her sarcastic glare. “And I should be offended that you think I'm just a pretty face but I can only imagine that a woman as beautiful as yourself is used to being hit on by handsome men so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.”

Emma felt blush creep into her cheeks and the smile she had been holding back pulled at the corner of her lips. “Ah, peaking through shop windows. So you're a stalker? Got it.”

He chuckled. “Sorry, I should have clarified. I own the cupcake and candy shop across from here.”

Emma gave a nod, reluctantly accepting his answer. Ever since the day she started, she had been curious about the place. She often caught the waft of wonderful smells when she passed during the day and got a peak of the delicious looking chocolates and cupcakes through the window. “So you're Killian?” The name of the shop was ‘Killian’s Candies and Cupcakes’ after all.

“Aye. Killian Jones. You're quite the perceptive one yourself,” he taunted and she responded with an eye roll.

“Well, you never know. You could have just locked up the actual owner and stole his shop like a pirate and are just posing as him.”

He gave her a bemused expression. “You're right, lass. Between the two of us, we could start a fraudulent managers club.”

“You know, that's actually not a bad idea. Free cupcakes and cards for everyone.” They both laughed. “So what is it I can do for you, other than entertain your muse after you felt the urge to come over and pester the new fake management?” she asked, the laughter still lingering in her throat.

He offered a charming smile, his light features never fading and the lilt in his accent and the sarcasm in his tone never letting up. “I actually came here as a potential customer seeking a card, if you're still up for pretending to work. I wouldn't want to interrupt your little scheme you've got going on here.”

Emma pursed her lips in thought. “Well, I might be able to help you with that, seeing as the selection is plentiful and stocked full of cards with sayings and poems that hold a certain cheesiness that matches your pickup lines,” she teased playfully. There was no harshness to her words, but she figured this was the best route to take to cover up the effect he had on her.

He chuckled, suddenly appearing to be a little shy. “Well, now that we’re on the same page… I was wondering if you had a card for a lass who I've just started dating. It's our one month anniversary tomorrow and I'm not even sure if she'll like my gift but I wanted to get her something and express my affections without being overzealous.”

Emma was a little disappointed if she were being honest, but quickly convinced herself it was a good thing and reverted her attention back to the problem at hand, making her way around the counter. “Let's see… I think I might be able to find something.” She quickly transformed into customer service mode and carefully looked through the selection of cards in the ‘for her’ section of the anniversary cards. She found something within minutes and handed the card to him. “How's this? It’s simple and expresses your interest without being overly romantic.”

His eyes lit up as he read the card. “It's perfect. Thank you.”

“Not a problem. Why don't I pretend to ring you up, unless there's anything else you need.”

“No, that's it. I already got her a necklace and was dreading getting her a card because I didn't want to scare her off by being too sappy.”

“Well, unless you got her a heart necklace and confessed your love in the card, I think she will like them both. And that's coming from a woman who has a fear of commitment, so I think you're safe,” she assured him with a laugh, hiding the regret of her words. God, why did she have to tell him that?

Killian lifted a brow, his expression full of intrigue as she rang up his purchase. She was hoping he wouldn't elaborate as he stood at the counter, running his hand through his hair. He started to say something but then paused briefly before saying something else. “Good to know that you approve then.” His voice was light and playful as he smiled and handed her cash to pay for the card.

Bagging up his purchase, she smiled back warmly, relieved that he didn't press her further about her confession.

“Thanks again, Emma.”

“You're very welcome. I hope you enjoy your anniversary.” It took her about five seconds to realize he had used her name and her face contorted in confusion. “How did you-?”

“And here I thought we agreed that I was quite perceptive.”

She looked down at her nametag before lifting her eyes to his again and gave a soft shrug. “It's not really my name but I kind of like it.” she joked as he handed her cash for his purchase and she put the money in the drawer. “It was very nice to meet you, Killian Jones… or whoever you really are.”

“You as well, Emma...”

“Swan,” she finished.

“Emma Swan. It suits you,” he smirked and gave her a parting nod. “If you'd ever like to stop by the shop that I pretend to own and try some of the chocolates that I pretend to make, you're more than welcome.”

Her smile was beaming as she finally released his hand. “I will definitely keep that in mind.”

Killian turned and headed for the exit, looking back at her once more while waving goodbye. “Evening, lass.”

“Goodnight.” Emma watched as he left before she closed the entrance gate with a smile still lingering upon her lips.

It was ten minutes into opening his shop when Killian placed the final cupcake on the the third tier of the display that consisted of an array of chocolate and vanilla cakes with blue icing finished with the fondant of the day - little sailboats. Killian was proud of what he had created five years ago in this little space inside the mall. It was a place that put a smile on people's faces and provided them with sugary treats and perhaps even sweeter customer service.

It was busy for the most part. Even if it wasn't a holiday, people still came in to satisfy their sweet tooth with some of his decadent chocolate truffles after a long day at the office or they came in to order cupcakes for a birthday or other special occasion.

“For a guy who pretends to own this place I must say it's much better than I expected. You must run a tight ship here, Captain.”

A smile blossomed over his lips as he looked up from his task and saw jaded, green eyes and long, golden hair. It had been a week since he'd met her and she was rather a sight for sore eyes at nine in the morning. She was holding a warm smile and what appeared to be a coffee in her hand from the Starbucks on the lower level. “Well, I do my best.”

She laughed and approached the counter, handing him the beverage. “I figured since we’re part of the same club and all, a fellow member could use some caffeine.”

Killian accepted the coffee appreciatively and flashed her a smirk. “Thanks, lass. It’s rather quite draining pretending to own a shop.”

“Probably just as draining as pretending to manage one.” He nodded in agreement as he took a slow sip, savoring the taste of the hot liquid hitting his tongue and awaking his senses. And it turned out, she somehow knew how he liked his coffee. “I hope you don't mind a little sugar in your coffee.”

After he swallowed the liquid and licked his lips, he smirked again, speaking in a whimsical tone. “Ah, so you assumed that since I reduced myself to fake-owning a bakery full of sweet and sugary confections, that I wouldn't be opposed to a little sweetness in my coffee as well. Bold move, love.”

She seemed to shudder at his use of the word. “I may have asked the barista at the Starbucks and she was more than happy to divulge such pertinent intel.”

He lifted an amused brow. “Ah, I see you have the same stalkery tendencies as I do. We make quite the dynamic duo.”

She laughed again and the sound was quickly becoming one of his favorites. “And okay I'll admit I initially decided to get you the coffee because I was hoping you might be able to do me a favor?” Emma bit her lip, a hopeful glint in her emerald depths.

“Ah, I should have known that there was a price for caffeine and good company.”

Emma blushed as she swiped a strand of hair behind her ear. A mixture of guilt and shyness was quite becoming of her.

“What can I do you for you, malady?”

“Well, I was hoping I could order some cupcakes at the last minute. They're for my nephew’s birthday. Well, technically he's not my nephew… he's my best friend’s kid and she's practically like a sister to me. And I kind of promised I would help her out and pick up cupcakes for her son's birthday party this evening... and it sort of slipped my mind until this morning, so I was hoping maybe you could whip up a couple dozen?” She clasped her hands together gave him a pleading look, her lips forming an adorable pout that he just didn't care to resist.

“Ah. You make it sound so easy. Let me just get out my magic mixer and sprinkle in some pixy dust,” he quipped.

She rolled her eyes and looked through the cupcake case before her gaze fell upon the countertop display. “What if I bought those sailboat cupcakes and then you made a few more to complete the order? Please, I'll pay you double if you can have them ready by five o’clock.”

He drew his hand to his chin as though he had to consider it carefully. “Okay, I accept your challenge. I will have two dozen sailboat cupcakes by five o’clock… and because I'm such a such a nice guy, I will charge you the regular price.”

She practically jumped up and down in excitement. “Thank you so much! If this bakery case wasn't in my way I'd kiss you on the lips right now.”

It was Killian's turn to blush as a smoldering smirk took over his features. “Well, as much as gratitude is in order, I’m afraid my girlfriend might not take it so well if I were receiving kisses on the lips from other women.”

She lifted a brow in surprise. “Girlfriend? So, I take it your anniversary went smoothly.”

“Aye. And thank you. Milah loved the card along with the gift. Either that or she's quite the actress.”

“Well, she's still with you, so that's saying something, right?”

“Oi, what are you trying to say, love? That there are no other reasons for being with me?”

“Mhmm, exactly.” She stepped in front of another display case, this time eyeing the truffles inside. “You wouldn't happen to have any hot chocolate and cinnamon-flavored truffles would you?”

“That's quite an odd request but I'm sorry to say that I don't.”

“I figured,” she said shaking her head in disapproval.

“Apologies, Emma. But may I suggest the Mocha or Espresso chocolates? Normally I have Irish cream truffles but I'm fresh out until my next shipment of ingredients.”

The smirk she flashed him sent a shiver down his spine; it was a mixture of sweet and salty. “No Irish creams either? Very disappointing.”

“Well, love, since you're that much of a fan of Irish cream, I'd offer myself but I'm afraid I'm off of the market as you know.” He gave her a wink and was rewarded with the sight of her mouth parting and the blush that took over her cheeks. “Or maybe some rum flavored truffles. Those are my personal favorite.”

“That's good to know but I think I'll just take a pound of the Mocha,” she decided.

“Mocha it is.”

As he gathered some of the chocolates and weighed them before placing them in golden tin box, Emma slipped her hand into her pocket to retrieve some cash. He rang them up and handed her the box, accepting the payment.

“Enjoy, love.”

“Thanks, I will. And I'll be back to pick up my order.” She flashed him a smile before walking out.

When Emma entered the shop at five o’clock, he had twenty-four cupcakes baked and frosted all ready to go in a white bakery box.

He walked around the counter, raising the lid to show them to her. “Here you are, love. Two dozen sailboat cupcakes for the little lad. She flashed him a grateful smile, her eyes sweeping over the baked goods. “This is amazing, thank you.”

He tilted his head, wagging his eyebrows as he pointed to his cheek. “Well… I've been reconsidering your gratitude and decided I would take that kiss now.”

Emma looked at him, confused. “What about your girlfriend?”

“Well, I said she wouldn't like if I were kissed on the lips, I didn't say anything about on the cheek.”

A smirk pulled at the corner of her mouth and she leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. His breath hitched as he felt her warm lips on his skin, but just as soon as she kissed him, she was pulling away. “Thank you.”

“Not a problem, love.”

He went back behind the counter, trying to hide the smile threatening his lips or the fact this heart was racing as he brushed his thumb over his cheek.

Emma paid for the cupcakes, thanking him again and bidding him farewell before she left.

“Do you have a card that says ‘I'm sorry that I was acting like an absolute arse, please forgive me?’” Killian asked Emma, bearing a to-go cup of hot chocolate and cinnamon.

“Hmmmm…. let me check on that,” Emma happily accepted the beverage and went around the counter in search of such a card. After finding one that would do, she brought it to the counter to ring it up.

“You're a life-saver,” he said appreciatively, not even looking at the card to see what it said.

“No problem. Although I'm contemplating getting her a sympathy card,” she teased with a playful smile.

He shot her a sarcastic smirk. “Funny lass.”

“Can I get two cupcakes with royal blue frosting?”

“Anything for my partner in crime. What's the occasion this time?”

She gave him a sheepish look as she bit her bottom lip. “Well, I've kind of been seeing someone and tomorrow's his birthday.“

Killian looked at her, surprised. “I see. What happened to the girl with the fear of commitment?” The question flew from his lips before he could stop it.

“Well, I decided to take a page from your girlfriend’s book. If a woman like her can find happiness with an Irish man who's sweet and charming, then so can I.”

He stuck out his hand to take the coffee from her and she shot him a look of confusion. “I'll need to check your cup to make sure there's actually coffee and not alcohol.”

She looked at him in mock offense. “What? I can't hand out compliments?”

“You can, but I only chose to believe that it's inspired by a little splash of whiskey or rum, perhaps some Irish cream?”

A wicked grin crossed her lips. “Actually, I already got me some Irish cream. I told you I was taking a page from your girlfriend's book.”

“So, you found an Irish lad, aye?”

“Aye, matey,” she said in an failed attempt at an Irish accent. “Graham, the town Sheriff asked me out on a date and I said yes. So, we've been dating for about two weeks. And I didn't want to get him something too grand for his birthday because it's obviously not serious yet. And as much as the stereotype is true about police officers and pastry, I thought he'd appreciate a cupcake instead. The other one is for me so I don't eat his on the way home.”

Killian chuckled and retrieved the cupcakes from the case. “Coming right up. I also got something else for you.”

She raised a curious brow as Killian handed her a golden tin box. She lifted the lid, revealing a dozen chocolate truffles with dark red sprinkles.

“They're hot chocolate and cinnamon flavored,” he explained.

Her eyes lit up as a bright smile spread across her face. “You made these just for me?”

He nodded. “Aye.”

“How much?”

“They're on me. Consider it an early birthday present.”

She immediately removed one from the paper lining and took a bite. The pleasing look on her face and the soft moan that escaped her throat was all the payment he needed. (Also, another kiss on the cheek didn't hurt either).

For his birthday, she bought him a bottle of rum and a wall decoration from her store that read ‘Work like a sailor, drink like a pirate’. He hung it up proudly in his shop.

“Do you have a birthday card for an older brother that says in more subtle words ‘I love you Liam but I would never say it to your face because you might let it go to your head’?”

Emma laughed before she helped him find a card for his brother who Killian had mentioned was a Naval Officer. She found the perfect one and Killian gladly purchased the card, signing it ‘YOUNGER brother’.

It became tradition. Every holiday, special occasion and odd day in between, they came into the other’s shop with hot beverages, seeking product from the other. For Killian, it was cards and roses for his girlfriend on their anniversary or Valentine's Day. Killian would always ask for Emma's assistance and she was always more than happy to oblige.

In return, Emma would come into his shop, asking for some sugar in pursuit of chocolates or cupcakes for her boyfriend or the people who were family to her. She had told Killian that she had met David and Mary Margaret college years ago and moved to Storybrooke to be closer to them.

On Valentine's Day, she came in seeking red velvet chocolate truffles because she had a hot date (since Graham had to work that night, her hot date turned out to be her nephew who she was looking after while Mary Margaret and David went out to dinner).

When they weren't seeking gifts at the other’s shop, they were engaged in friendly competition. Killian would challenge her to see which chocolates were sold the most - Killian's handmade truffles or the Russell Stover chocolates from Hallmark that Killian insisted was ‘not real chocolate’. He always won, and Emma would say it was because he ran a tight ship but the truth was that she knew it was because she cheated, suggesting to her customers that they buy his chocolates instead (she would never tell him that though). And he would never mention the fact that every time customers ordered birthday cupcakes from him, he would suggest they stop at the Hallmark Store across the way for quality service and a birthday card.

“Can I get five boxes of truffles that are anything but Irish Creams please?” Killian started to greet her as she walked up to the counter, but his heart immediately ached in his chest when he saw her. Emma's shoulders were slumped, eyes red and swollen.

“Love? What's wrong?”

She let out a long, depressing sigh. “Oh, you know, the usual story. Girl meets boy. Boy puts on a charming act, making girl fall head over heels. Boy cheats on girl. Girl’s heart gets broken into a million pieces. I wonder if I have a Hallmark card for that.” Emma shrugged. “No, on second thought, I’ll just drown my sorrows with chocolate and alcohol while watching old movies in my bedroom until I fall into a sugar and alcohol-induced coma,” she groaned, her voice small and strangled.

Killian's jaw clenched at the idea that anyone would do that, especially to a woman like Emma. “Or how about I just punch the bloke in the face?”

“Thanks, but I'll just take the less satisfying route because apparently I don't deserve to be happy like all of the birthday cards I've ever received say I do.”

Killian came around the counter and pulled her into a hug, wrapping her up in his arms. “Not true, sweetheart. You deserve so much more,” he whispered and let her sob into his shirt to her heart's content.

It took three months, lots of tissues, (non-Irish cream) chocolate and alcohol for Emma to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. As sure as her heart had mended, she found out that Milah had dumped Killian, saying that he cared more about his business than her. Or maybe he cared too much about the manager who worked at the Hallmark Store. Either way, he was in her shop the morning after with the same gutted expression, seeking comfort from his best friend and partner in crime.

“Do you have a card for a poor lad who just got his bleeding heart ripped out of his chest? Or maybe one for the woman who broke said lad’s heart that reads ‘You're an ungrateful bitch’?”

Emma had to laugh at that one because it was completely unlike him. She then came around the counter to pull him into a warm, comforting hug, offering him some Russell Stovers chocolates, because it wasn't really possible for Killian to feel worse than he already did. But she got a small laugh from him at least.

On the following Valentine's Day, Emma was relieved when it was almost over. She just didn't understand why everyone had to wait until the last minute to make their purchases for this dreadful day. If she had to look at one more stupid red, white and pink gift bag with tissue paper and a singing teddy bear holding a heart, then she was going to scream. Okay, maybe she held on to some lingering resentment for her cheating ex-boyfriend, but she had never been much of a fan of the holiday anyway.

She had closed the shop, her purse strapped to her shoulder when she found a crystal vase full of red roses sitting on floor, with an envelope sticking out. “Really?” Emma sighed and mumbled to herself, wondering why someone would just leave a bouquet of flowers like that. She picked it up and before she took another step, she noticed that her name was written on the envelope. Removing it from the bouquet, she tucked the vase inside her left arm to open it. When she pulled the card from the envelope, she let out a small laugh. It was a handmade card with two halves of a heart drawn on the front. She opened it up and read the hand-written words.

My Lovely Emma,

I know this is not as good as one of your sappy Hallmark cards, especially considering the fact that I did not acquire your skills and expertise and it's certainly not as beautiful or breathtaking as you, but I didn't think there was a card that could precisely describe exactly what you mean to me (unless you have one for an Irish shop owner who's head over heals for the blonde manager from the Hallmark Store but is too foolish to say so to her face) so I’m hoping maybe a fellow member of the same club would take pity on a lost soul. After all, we've both proven to be failures at relationships that could very well be attributed to our stalkery tendencies and the fake-managing of our shops so clearly we're destined to be together. And don't worry, I'm not asking you to be my Valentine, only asking a lass to spend time with her other half.

Your best friend and partner in crime, Killian

P.S. apologies for the awful drawing but I figured two broken hearts equal a whole one, right?

Emma's eyes were welling up with tears and she lifted her head over the card and let out a small gasp. Killian was standing in front of his shop gazing at her in admiration. And in his hands, she saw that he was holding one of his tin boxes. He gave her a pleading expression as he lifted the box and removed the lid, revealing an assortment of chocolate truffles.

She laughed in response and tucked the card and envelope in her purse as she walked over to him. Her strides became quicker and was soon closing the distance between them.

“So I take it your answer is a yes?” he asked in a hopeful tone.

“That's not fair. You know I can't resist your sugary sweets.”

“I was hoping that if the flowers and card didn't reel you in, my chocolates would. And I've got a variety of all of your favorites, except of course Irish creams,” he chuckled, replacing the lid.

She flashed him a smirk when his gaze met hers again and took the box from his hands, setting her items on the nearby bench. She came back to him and leaned in, speaking in a whisper as she grabbed the collar of his shirt. “You're all the Irish I need.”

She pulled him in for a kiss, swallowing his groan as he cupped her jaw in his hand, parting his lips against hers. He wrapped his other arm around her waist and she melted into the kiss, sighing happily as her fingers weaved through his hair. Her heart was beating rapidly as he found her tongue and just as she predicted, he tasted even sweeter than his Irish cream chocolates. Emma angled her head to deepen the kiss, letting the scruff on his chin scratch pleasantly against her skin.

Killian caressed her cheek and they broke for air, panting breathlessly. She licked her lips to savor the taste, trying to regain some semblance before removing something from her purse and handing it to him.

He opened the envelope, pulling out the pink card that had a picture of Captain Hook and said ‘I'm hooked on you’ in one heart bubble and ‘Be my Valentine’ in another. He looked up at her, a mixture of shock and amusement falling over his features.

“I know it's not much...”

He raised his hand to caress her cheek, capturing her lips briefly. “It's perfect.”

“But I feel bad… you got me roses, a thoughtful handmade card and chocolates and all I got you was a cheesy Hallmark card.”

Killian chuckled softly as he brushed his nose against hers, taking a moment to breathe her in. “You’re right,” he agreed softly. “I guess we’ll have to figure out a way for you to make it up to me.”

She lifted a curious brow. “What would you like?”

He pursed her lips in contemplation. “Hmm… I will accept countless cups of coffee with sugar and more of your kisses as payment,” he smirked.

“You've got yourself a deal,” she breathed before leaning in and claiming his lips again. That was a promise she would certainly enjoy keeping.