#OUAT Ruby

[florida3exclamationpoints]

ouat text posts: pt. 3/?

[wingzoffeather]

I gotta hand it to the Bridgerton (Netflix) writing team

Eloise feeling like the sibling with the most potential to come out as wlw (lots of us were feeling some Creloise vibes) & then surprising us with Frannie being the wlw of the family was great fun! Gives me the same vibes as when Once Upon a Time confirmed Mulan's bisexuality with her unrequited love for Aurora (& maybe Phillip too) & then seemed ready to pair her off with Merida. And then, instead, we got the reveal that Ruby (Little Red Riding Hood) is bi too! And she ended up with Dorothy Gale (Wizard of Oz). True love's kiss & all lol.

[oautincorrectquotes]

Regina: *mouthing something to Emma*

Ruby: Did she just say I love you?

Emma: Nope she said 'i own you'.

[booksteaandtoomuchtv]

Witchy Woman (0.5/10)

AO3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

LOOK AT THIS STUNNING ARTWORK BY @cocohook38

Summary: When Emma came into her position as Storybrooke Coven Leader, she ended things with the powerful Vampire Overlord, Killian Jones. She’s spent over a decade working alongside him and ignoring the growing tension between them.

During his best mate’s wedding, Killian decides he is done waiting. He is ready to have his mate back in his arms (and bed) again. Emma is not an easy woman to woo, but Killian has never backed down from a challenge.

When Emma’s jilted ex-boyfriend returns to town and Emma goes missing, Killian will stop at nothing to get her back and ensure that nothing can ever separate them again.

Rating: E

CW: Mention of domestic abuse, blood and blood drinking (vampires), threatening situations, minor violence, death, mention of parental death

Entry for Captain Swan Supernatural Summer 2023 (@cssns)

Tagging: @kmomof4, @undercaffinatednightmare, @jrob64, @zaharadessert, @elfiola, @anmylica, @tiganasummertree, @stahlop, @xarandomdreamx, @teamhook

Author Notes: Some aspects of this are based on the Stay a Spell series by Juliette Cross. If you haven’t read them, the books are very fun paranormal romance novels that you can devour in a week and apparently keep thinking about them for a few years until you do a rewrite and make it your CSSNS fic. (For clarity: The storyline is new, but the relationship arc is loosely Ruben and Jules.) I hope everyone has had an incredible Captain Swan Supernatural Summer. It has been such a treat reading everyone's amazing stories and seeing all the lovely art.

I could not have written this without the cheering and support of @kmomof4 and many other ladies on the CSMM Discord. They continue to be the most encouraging group. I am always excited to share my silly words and little sketches with them.

A massive thank you to @ultraluckycatnd for her time, patience, and feedback. Beta-ing is always hard work. Beta-ing for a self-conscious tinkerer is all the more challenging. Thank you!

A tremendous thank you to @cocohook38 for the beautiful artwork. I have always adored your work and having something drawn by you that was ‘inspired’ by my silly words is a bit of a dream come true. (I squealed with utter delight upon seeing your initial sketches the first time. AMAZING!!) Thank you! <3 <3 <3

As always, a thank you is owed to my spouse for being "volunteered" to be the alpha-reader and writing partner for this fic and for bringing so many cups of hot tea and snack plates at odd hours.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fifteen Years Ago…

Emma’s breath caught at the beauty of the vampire before her; the waves of his dark hair begged her to run her hands through it, his sharp jaw, framed by auburn stubble, was softened by a crooked smile that was melting her resolve. She didn’t think she would ever get used to the way just the sight of him affected her. It wouldn’t be a problem much longer.

They’d only been together for a few weeks, but Emma felt lost in the depth of the connection that she shared with Killian. He seemed to read her moods and her thoughts as naturally as breathing and she felt him as if he were an extension of her own heart and mind.

As she approached where he worked, she tucked those thoughts away.

When he looked up at her and cocked his head, eyebrow raised, she savoured the adoration and openness that she saw in his eyes. She wasn’t ready for him to stop looking at her as if she were the most incredible thing that had ever happened to him. Just rip off the band-aid, Emma.

His expression changed to one of concern as he took in her erratic heartbeat and the sour scent of stress radiating from her. “Swan?”

The gentleness of his voice and the worry in his tone made her eyes prickle. She held on tightly to the tears; she would not cry. Not yet.

“Killian, I can’t… we can’t…” Her voice was stronger than she expected, but the words tore at the depths of her soul and shattered her heart. She took a breath and stored her heart away - the burning and ripping sensation too much to bear - before she continued. “We’re done.”

“Do I get a say in this?” Killian asked. The words were mild and light as if he were asking after their supper plans, but his eyes were narrowed- gauging the situation and seeking out alternate avenues.

Emma let out a humourless laugh. “It won’t change anything. We can’t be together.”

He stared at her for a long moment, before he replied. When he did speak, his voice was broken with emotion, “One day, Emma, you will have to open your heart for someone. If ever you are done playing the coward, I hope that you will find whatever it is that I couldn’t give you. And, I truly hope that you never feel even a quarter of the pain that I feel now.”

A storm of emotions flashed in his eyes, but he quickly hid it away beneath the calm and collected demeanour he had honed over the centuries of his long life. He kissed her gently on the forehead before he vanished into the evening.

Once he was too far for her to sense, her knees buckled and the ground rushed to catch her. His warm embrace was replaced by the damp grass soaking through her jeans. As her tears fell heavily down her face, she balled up against the sobs slamming through her. She was in too many pieces scattered about too effectively to ever be whole again.

[the-idiot-17]

I need help finding a fic

so there's this one swanqueen fic that's like a college au where emma works at a coffee shop and regina is her bell and ruby's new roommate and regina races horses idk

But like it is mostly angst and there's a whole thing with Killian whatever whatever

I have NO clue what it's called and haven't been able to find it in forever, if yall know what it is pleeeaaassseeeee tell me I'm dying.

(Btw a really good one is 'go sit on the ice rink like the silly goose you are' it is hilarious and I love it)

[cattapz037]

Apparently Ruby x Graham was canon at one point

There is a graphic novel “Shadow of the Queen” that according to the wiki is canon and Ruby x Graham was a part of that

[timaeuslover001]

Once Upon a Time Playlist

(In no Particular order or deiced to one character but songs meaning one or several character for just even the theme of the show or even situations )

[if you aw this before, its a Repost from my OLD account since Tumblr deleted my last account and ashen replaced my account count in yet 3 months🙃]

"A Dream Is A Wish You're Heart Makes" ~ Disney Channel Stars

"Seasons Of Love "~ Rent (movie version)

"Neverland"~ Zendaya

"Find Your Grail"~ Sara Ramirez (Spamalot)

"The Call" ~Regina Spektor

"There's music In You"~Whitney Huston (Cinderella Movie Rogger Hammerstiens)

"Impossible "~ Brandy (Cinderella Movie Rogger Hammerstein)

"Let it Go"~ (Frozen)

"Miracles Happen "~ Myra

"You'll Be in My Heart"~Phil Collins

"Can't Help Falling in Love"~(A*Teens ver.)

"Can I Have This Dance"~ High School Musical 3

"Take Me As I Am"~ (Jekyll and Hyde )

"Tightrope"~ The Greatest Showman

"Know who You Are" ~ Moana

"Let Me Be Your Wings"~ Thumbelina

"Keep Your Mind Wide Open"~ Anna Sophia Robb

"Queen Of Mean"~ Descendants 3

"What's My Name"~ Descendants 2

"Stand in the Rain" ~Superchick

"Ever ever after" ~ Carrie Underwood

"The Waltz"~ The Princess Diaries Soundtrack

"I Still Believe"~Hayden Pannettiere

[zoerocksand1]

i know i watched Once Upon a Time when it was first coming out, but i remembered practically none of it

and i've been rewatching it with my mom and sister

the ONLY part i remembered perfectly clear was my mom's crush on Hook

and now i have crushes on Ruby, Archie, Belle, and Gold

Ruby is so cool and i would be so intimidated by her and as a little ace i would be like wow respectfully i will stare at you and never do anything about this

Archie is so nice and he's like just some guy, dog dad, just there, so nice, i just wish he understood HIPPA laws

Belle is so pretty, 10/10 would read next to her, she'd have some lovely classic literature and look all fancy like a renaissance painting, im just in pajamas reading a comic book

Gold sucks. garbage man. but also a pathetic wet cat? pathetic and murderous. i would flirt with him in the most confusing way either of us have ever seen. i would either be killed immediately or brushed off like im crazy. (*i try to befriend him* *he says something about how horrible he is, calls himself a monster* me: "do you know what a monsterfucker is?" *i am quickly stabbed, i die instantly*)

so yah, i said "he's so pathetic. i like that in a man." about Rumple in front of my mother.

[beanswritingcorner]

The Queen’s Stupid (Lovely) Alpha

Purring was the first thing Emma heard when she was waking up.

OR

Emma and Regina having a family day with Henry, and overall just cuteness.

Love them, So I made a story for them.

SwanQueen/Alpha Emma/Omega Regina

Purring was the first thing Emma heard when she was waking up. The source was coming from her mate. The sound was beautiful and comforting and was music to the alpha’s ears. Her Queen only purred when she was content, felt loved, and was safe. So, Emma was always happy when her mate released that sound. It means she was doing something right to make her mate feel blissful.

Emma checked the time and it was a bit later than they would wake up but it was their day off so who cared? The alpha snuggled back into her mate and let out her own purr.

"This is the life," Emma thought.

A bit later, Emma woke up again but now Regina was awake and staring at her.

Emma smiled goofily, “Good morning, baby.”

Regina indicated she heard the blonde and climbed up on her lap, “Good morning, darling,” she finished with a kiss on her mate's lips.

Emma nuzzled her nose against Regina’s, “Did you sleep well, my Queen?”

The omega nodded yes, “I did, and how about you, Emma?”

“You know I always sleep well next to you, baby,” they both smiled at that and went for another kiss.

After a bit (a lot) of making out, they both decided it was time to get up since they were both sure Henry was hungry and so were they, honestly.

They both got dressed with a few distractions along the way and headed downstairs towards the kitchen.

To their surprise, Henry was already awake, “Morning, Moms!”

“Morning, my prince,” “Morning, Kid,” both mothers said as they hugged their pup.

Henry snuggled against both of them, “What’s for breakfast?”

Emma laughed and Regina chuckled, “You are your mother's son, that's for sure.”

Her alpha and son nodded in unison, and Regina rolled her eyes lovingly, “Well, darlings, I believe a late breakfast or brunch is needed, so what shall we do?”

Both mother and son thought hard but came to the same conclusion, “Granny’s!”

The Queen should have known that would be their answer. The little family prepared to head to their favorite (only) diner. Henry went to his room to change out of his pajamas and his mothers did the same.

Emma was already done and was waiting for her mate, “How did I get so lucky?” the alpha asked while holding Regina from behind.

The omega hummed while enjoying the embrace of her alpha, “Maybe it was your charming genes?” she teased.

Emma grumbled, “Yeah right,” the alpha muffled into the omega's neck as she tightened her arms around her even more.

Regina turned to face Emma, “We are both lucky, darling. We have our little family, and that's everything.”

The alpha smiled, “I couldn't agree more,” they kissed once more, and then Regina finished getting dressed.

Their pup was patiently (impatiently) waiting for them downstairs, “You guys took forever! Can we go to Granny’s now?”

Emma ruffled his hair, “Sure, kid, let's go!”

The little family huddled out of their home and headed toward the diner. When they reached their destination, the alpha and son duo raced to the front door, “I win! Take that, Ma,” the pup bragged.

Emma huffed, “I let you win, kid (she did, but he doesn’t need to know that),” she said as she was holding the door open for her mate.

They took their usual booth, and a certain wolf was already on their trail, “Hey, guys!” Ruby exclaimed as she was walking toward their table, “Late start to the day,” she finished with a smirk and wink.

Emma stayed silent like a good mate while Regina got at the wolf, “Honestly, Ms. Lucas, do get your mind out of the gutter,” the Queen dragged her words and her eyes glinted, “And don’t even get me started about you, and Belle. A little birdie told me you two had a late start this morning,” she teased.

Ruby blushed, “Who was it?!”

Regina smiled, “A Queen never reveals her secrets (It was Kathryn),” she finished with a finger over her mouth.

The wolf huffed and was about to take a stab at her again until Granny yelled at her, “Ruby! Get your ass back to work!”

Ruby sighed, “Yes, Granny.” The little family laughed, and so did the wolf.

After she took their orders, they all promised to catch up later since Ruby had to work (sadly). While they were waiting for their food, Regina asked Henry what he wanted to do next, “What do you want to do after breakfast, little prince?”

The pup scratched his head the same way as Emma does when she’s thinking, “Maybe we can go to the park and play around for a bit and then have a nice picnic?”

Both parents smiled, and Emma replied, “That’s a great idea, kid!”

“Of course, it is, I thought of it,” he smirked (he knew what he was doing).

Emma rolled her eyes, “Alright, smart-ass,” Henry stuck out his tongue, and then, in turn, Emma stuck out hers as well.

“Alright, children, settle down,” the omega scolded, “And that sounds lovely, Henry. We’ll get some picnic supplies here, and I’ll poof the rest of the items we’ll need.”

The alpha and pup beamed, and Emma added, “Sounds great, baby!”

While they were all finalizing their plans, the food came, and they all dug straight in. Regina ordered some light food for their picnic, and when they were all done, they bid Granny’s goodbye and set off to the park.

They enjoyed jamming to some tunes on the way and had some good ole car karaoke. When they arrived, they set forth to the park. Emma and Henry were set on playing some frisbee while Regina watched because she didn’t want to get dirty, and she’s not the sports type. She’d rather ride horses; that’s just the Queen she is.

The little family walked around the park and enjoyed each other's company, “I’m glad we did this. I always love when we can all spend time together as a family,” Emma said. The alpha never got to experience this before she came to Storybrooke, and she soaks up every chance she can get with her mate and son. Regina and Henry know this to some extent, “I’m glad too, Ma. It’s always fun.”

That made the alpha smile, “I love you, Henry,” the alpha always made sure to tell the people she loved that she loved them. Especially her son.

“I love you too, Ma,” the pup replied and hugged her. Regina looked at them with so much love. If you asked her a long time ago if she thought her life would end up like this, she would’ve told you that you were crazy. Now though, she loves it.

The sheriff and son look at her and hold their arms out so she can join their hug, “I love you too, Mom/Gina,” they both say. When she was holding both of them, she gave them her greatest smile, “And I love you both so very much, my darlings.”

After their little family hug, they finished walking around, and Emma and Henry went to play frisbee. Regina finds a good spot to sit and she poofs their picnic supplies, so it's waiting for them when they want it.

The game went on for a bit since Emma and Henry were having a good time and, of course, having a friendly competition like they always do.

However, when they were getting a bit peckish finishing their game, a certain Arrow boy was near. Robin Hood was walking in the park for some quiet when he saw the little family. When he saw that Regina was by herself, he took a chance (He was her soulmate after all. What was she doing with Swan anyway?).

He sauntered his way toward her, and by the time Regina noticed him, it was too late, “Hello, Regina, how are you?” He asked hopefully.

Regina looked at him with annoyance, “Hello, Robin. What are you doing here?” She doesn’t want to answer any questions he asks because why the hell would she? He’s done nothing more than be a total douchebag toward her because he believes they’re soulmates. He thinks she owes him something, and that something is dating him (ew no).

He gets closer to her, “Well, it's a lovely day, and I think to make it even better you should go on a date with me,” he leans toward her ears, “We belong together after all.”

Her face is full of disgust, “No, we do not belong together, and I will certainly not go on a date with you,” she points toward Emma, “I have a mate and am happily taken.”

He huffs, “Swan’s not your mate, Regina, I’ve told you this. I am. I can be so much better,” he grabs her forcefully, “Just give me a chance.”

She tries to get out of his hold but can’t. She’s about to use magic, but a certain blonde alpha beats her to it. Emma grabs Robin by the collar of his shirt and forces him off Regina. She held him up slightly, “What the hell do you think you're doing, Hood,” she yelled at his face.

“Ju-st talki-ng to my-soulm-ate,” he struggled to speak.

Emma growled, “She isn’t your soulmate. I don’t know how many times she’s had to tell you, and you still don’t get it.” The blonde alpha’s pissed, Regina’s made it clear since the beginning to Robin that she has no interest in him, and he still pesters her. He thinks Regina belongs to him; the weaker alpha believes this ‘soulmate’ status that Tinkerbell said is like a sacred text that must be followed.

Robin starts spewing awful things about all the things he and Regina could be doing if she wasn’t in the way.

Emma didn’t like that, so she socked him and went all alpha on him. She let out the strongest pheromones that almost made Robin piss his pants and threatened him, “If you ever come near Regina and my family again and say all that bullshit, I’ll make you wish you stayed in the Enchanted Forest.”

She dropped him, and he fell on his ass. He raced to get up and head back toward his merry men. When he was gone, Regina rushed toward her and calmed her down by releasing her pheromones and holding her.

“You stupid alpha, I could’ve handled that,” she hugs Emma harder.

Emma calms and gets herself back to normal; she doesn’t want to affect Regina and Henry, “I know you could’ve handled it, but that douche finally needed to get his ass kicked. If you kicked his ass, he would’ve just thought you were playing hard to get.”

Regina nuzzles her head under the blonde’s chin, “Don’t do that again, I’ll let you off the hook this time.” She pecks Emma’s cheek, “If he does that again, I’ll be the one to kick his ass, got it?”

Emma nods, “Yes, my Queen.”

They lean into one another and kiss. They would love to continue kissing, but they have a pup, “Ew! Don’t do that in front of me; that’s not something a son should see his parents doing,” he gripes (lovingly).

The parents both laugh and usher Henry toward them, “Are you okay, Mom?” he asks Regina.

“I’m fine, my prince, thank you for waiting by the picnic as I asked you,” the Queen caresses his head.

“No problem,” he said as he leaned into his mother, “Robin was mean to Mom, right, Ma?”

Emma nodded, “Then next time I’ll deal with him,” the pup stated.

The alpha laughed, “Regina called dibs.”

“That’s okay, Mom can fireball him!” Emma and Henry both laugh and Regina rolls her eyes, “Alright, let's continue our picnic (a stupid man isn’t going to ruin this family day).”

They head toward their picnic and have a good time despite what happened. By the end of it, they’re all cuddling on their picnic blanket and Emma and Regina are both purring. That made Henry content and feel safe, so he nodded off.

They both look at their son with love, “This day was great, wasn’t it, baby (besides Arrow Boy)?”

Regina nods in agreement, “It was lovely, darling,” they lean in to kiss, and once their lips reach, they both are content.

The alpha and omega love each other. They’re mates and are mothers to an adorable son. They’ll get through anything together.

Regina’s stupid (lovely) alpha will always be there, and Emma’s enchanting omega will always be there for her.

They’re a team after all.

[victor-the-vampire]

Seeing some ouat stuff made me wanna do some doodles so did my two favorite ladies. I love werewolf little red riding hood- gotta be one of my favorite genders 🙏

[depressedstressedlemonzest]

Awww friendship

😂😂😂 awww friendship

HENRY

[high-risk-homosexual-behavior]

I stopped watching OUAT years back because I just felt like it had gone on too long and wasn’t as good as it used to be but the Red Beauty ship has always stayed close to my heart. They definitely should have made Ruby the beast in my opinion because Belle’s relationship with Rumple was so toxic and honestly if they weren’t going to make Ruby the beast the plot def should have been Belle escaping that toxic abusive relationship. I’m also mad about how they just made Ruby’s character disappear for all that time. But never mind my rant lol. I made a collage!

[oautincorrectquotes]

Snow: Whats wrong?

Ruby: Everything, except for the way I dress, obviously.

[booksteaandtoomuchtv]

Witchy Woman (1/10)

art by @cocohook38

0.5 | A03 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Summary: When Emma came into her position as Storybrooke Coven Leader, she ended things with the powerful Vampire Overlord, Killian Jones. She’s spent over a decade working alongside him and ignoring the growing tension between them.

During his best mate’s wedding, Killian decides he is done waiting. He is ready to have his mate back in his arms (and bed) again. Emma is not an easy woman to woo, but Killian has never backed down from a challenge.

When Emma’s jilted ex-boyfriend returns to town and Emma goes missing, Killian will stop at nothing to get her back and ensure that nothing can ever separate them again.

Rating: E

CW: Mention of domestic abuse, blood and blood drinking (vampires), threatening situations, minor violence, death, mention of parental death

Entry for Captain Swan Supernatural Summer 2023 (@cssns)

Tagging: @kmomof4 , @undercaffinatednightmare , @jrob64, @zaharadessert, @elfiola, @anmylica, @tiganasummertree, @stahlop, @xarandomdreamx, @teamhook

Author Note: Thank you, again, to @ultraluckycatnd for her time, patience, and feedback.

"Let us welcome, for the very first time as husband and wife, David and Mary Margaret Nolan."

The crowd erupted with applause, hoots, and whistles as the newlyweds appeared in the middle of the grand garden, where the large stone patio had been transformed into a romantic dance floor for their reception. David's smile radiated boundless joy as he gazed at his new bride as if she were all of his dreams come true. Mary Margaret was stunning as she smiled back at him, a princess pulled from the pages of a storybook. A soft, ethereal shimmer of light bathed the couple as their combined magic swirled and danced around them. The gentle glow was the outcome of the completed marriage bond between true soul mates. It was a sighting so rare that the guests quieted and stared in awe at the beautiful sight before them.

Emma felt the moisture gather in her eyes as she watched her younger sister and her new husband begin to dance together, the soft glow accompanying each of their movements. Until now, she had thought the True Love Aura was a myth. Seeing it in person, embracing her sister and David filled her with so much happiness for her sister. The smallest, deepest part of her heart ached with a stormy emotion that was lonely and tasted bitter.

“The bride and groom would like to invite the wedding party to join them on the dance floor.”

Mary Margaret had conveniently left this dance out of their wedding planning discussions. As the Maid of Honour, Emma would be paired with David’s Best Man, Killian Jones. If the familiar, powerful magical signature was not confirmation enough that he was behind her, the smell of sea and leather that filled her senses was. She took a steadying breath before she turned to face him.

He wore a dark blue suit with pinstripes of an even deeper blue, a white fitted shirt with the top few buttons undone, and a look in his pale blue eyes that made her heart stutter when she met his gaze. He offered her his arm to her with a small smile tugging at his lips. Rolling her eyes at him, she took it and led him to the dance floor.

“You look nervous,” he murmured.

“I don’t dance.”

“Don’t worry, Love. I do,” he murmured. He wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her in a slow, sweet dance. His graceful movements seemed to melt into each other in time with the music, a feat Emma seemed to be accomplishing as well by following his lead. She wanted to be annoyed at his pompous words, but he really was a good dancer.

Lulled by the romance in the air, the sighting of the aura earlier, or maybe the way their bodies seemed to be moving together so well, Emma relaxed into his hold. She let the music take her away to a time when he held her like this all the time. Their relationship had been short, but the way he held her was not something she could ever forget. She had never felt so safe or warm; and, she was unable to find that peace and security again. In a moment of weakness, before she could stop herself, she leaned her head on his chest, breathing him in and soaking in a quiet moment of pretend. A moment where they were together and he held her like this all the time.

Emma stiffened as the last chords faded into something more upbeat and the remaining guests started filling the dance floor. She couldn't quite pull herself away from him just yet.

"Time’s up, Swan,” Killian spoke, voice laced with predatory intent; the centuries-old vampire tired of waiting and ready to capture his prey. Emma’s skin prickled either in response to his words or perhaps to the warmth of his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he spoke, she wasn’t sure. Either way, she doubted that she was going to be able to resist him much longer - she wasn't sure she wanted to resist him any longer.

Mary Margaret's fairy tale was making her soft. She had a good reason to stay away from this vampire; she was sure she did. She would remember it once she got out of his warm embrace and the twinkling fairy lights. Wouldn't she?

His piercing blue eyes searched her own for any sign that she would not allow him to pursue her, a sensual smirk tugged at his lips when he found none. The hunger and determination in that gaze melted her resolve and filled her with an equal sense of longing.

A low chuckle rumbled from Killian, “We’re both more than ready, love.” Her stomach clenched as his words stirred delicious memories. And, her body recalled the way he touched her, the way only he was capable of making her feel, of the filthy words he would murmur in her ear while he did those things to her.

As if he could read her thoughts, he smiled wickedly, tongue darting out to wet his lips. Her eyes tracked the action and his own danced with delight, clearly aware of the impact his words and his nearness were having on her. She stiffened and pulled away from him - she needed to gain back control of herself. This was getting ridiculous.

And then, he just…walked away, leaving her alone in the midst of the other wedding guests. Her skin felt too hot and she felt too exposed, even knowing that no one else had witnessed their exchange. At least she hadn’t thought anyone had, but as she glanced around looking for the newlyweds, her eyes landed on Ruby’s.

What was that about? Ruby’s voice roared in her mind.

Emma shook her head and mouthed the word “later.” She wasn’t telepathic and she wasn’t going to speak to any of her sisters until she knew what she wanted. She didn’t need their insights regarding Killian just yet. She sighed and rolled her eyes. No, she knew exactly how encouraging they would be and she didn’t want that right now.

Right now, she wanted one of those deceptively fruity cocktail drinks which left her skin tingling after just a few sips. She wanted to escape into the shared joy of her family and their friends celebrating her sister’s wedding. Future Emma could sort out Killian’s declaration; Future Emma would be very good at that.

§§§§ §§§§ §§§§ §§§§

Smooth guitar chords and warm, yellow light poured out from the den’s open windows filling the porch behind it with a hopeful and relaxed energy that had been absent from this garden for far too long. Killian smiled as he recounted the fire he’d seen in Emma’s gaze before he left David’s wedding. It was confirmation of a hope he hadn’t dared breathe life into before tonight; she was almost as hungry for him as he was for her.

She’d buried her desire for him all these years under a thick foundation of cold professionalism, but he knew her and what he saw tonight was the same desperate desire that flooded his veins. Perhaps she no longer loved him the way he had always been lost for her; but, she had looked at him with a want with which he was intimately acquainted and that look gave him hope.

Since the day that she'd called it off between them, he had yearned for her as though she were a missing piece of his own soul. Perhaps, because she was a piece of him and he was of her.

He had held on to the belief that they would repair what had broken between them even as the weeks turned into months without any progress. He hoped she just needed time for him to prove to her that he was trustworthy and reliable, to show her how essential she was to his being, and to earn back her heart. Until that bloody walk home on that bloody evening when she had decided to move on from what they shared, to replace it with something new - someone new.

The evening had been warm and clear, the breeze ruffling his hair had carried on it the promise of colder days. Killian had once loved the way the world seemed to quiet and slow as the warmth of the summer sun faded into memory. This year, however, the lengthening nights were everlasting, voids between the hours that he could fill with distraction and work. Hell, the reason he walked home rather than tracing or driving was to shorten the time he would have to endure that entirely too-empty house.

The sounds of voices and the sweet smell of a wood-fired oven drifted toward him from Remy’s. A familiar voice rose above the rest. Before his mind could catch up, his focus had landed on the siren, her green eyes sparkling with joy and her lips pulled into a carefree smile. He was frozen in place, absorbing the beautiful sight. Had he ever seen her smile so freely?

A large hand covered hers on the table and she blushed, smiling wider but looking down at the contact. Killian felt as though he’d been punched in the stomach as he registered the scene before him; Emma was on a date. A good date.

The darkness he’d leashed long ago rose from the depths of his mind, demanding that he rip the hand off the arm of the filthy werewolf touching Emma. Killian fought against the cruel urges as they continued to flood his thoughts. Teeth clenched so tight that he thought he might break a tooth, he forced his body forward.

No longer toward his house, but to the nearest vampire den. He had to quench his sudden thirst and for that, he needed fresh blood.

The vibration of his phone against his leg dispersed the memory, leaving only the bitter taste of Milah's blood from that night thick on his tongue.

He pulled the phone from his pocket and checked the screen in a fluid movement, a small frown of concern on his face as he answered. “It’s a bit late, Smee.” His voice sounded rough, perhaps the memory still had some claws. He took a soothing sip of whiskey.

“Yes, sire,” the serious tone in his Head of Security’s voice had him sitting up, alert and ready for whatever warranted this phone call. “A minor threat has entered the city, sire. Erm, I mean to say, well, he has come back.”

“Continue to monitor his movements for now. No need for alarm. Keep this between us.”

“Got it, Captain,” Smee replied. “Sorry to disturb your evening, sire.”

As they ended the call, Killian’s mood darkened. This was an annoyance he would rather do without.

§§§§ §§§§ §§§§ §§§§

Emma decided to enjoy the warm summer night and walk home from the festivities. The sweet smells of honeysuckle and night-blooming jasmine calmed her better than Mary Margaret’s magic. Crickets and cicadas filled the air with bright songs to accompany her short journey home. She kept replaying Killian’s words to her at the wedding.

Time's up, Swan. We're both more than ready.

Alone, in the stillness of the night, she allowed herself a moment to enjoy the prospect of being with him again.

He still had the power to destroy her, but she was more confident in herself, more confident in her powers and ability, and less afraid of losing herself, of him taking what she could not give. He’d spent the last fifteen years respecting her boundaries and had been the definition of a perfect gentleman; he’d proven over and over again that he would be there for her without expecting anything from her in return. She could trust he’d never take more than she would freely give.

Her skin prickled moments before she became aware of another magical signature nearby. Vampire, she thought automatically. As the head of the coven, she was always on alert to anything that may be a threat to her sisters or those they were charged with protecting. This vampire felt familiar, her stomach twisted in warning. “Anyone but him,” she pleaded with the spirits.

“Ems.”

Dread filled her at the sound of a name only he called her. He’d appeared by her side, seemingly out of nowhere. A few decades on and his presence felt as oppressive and oily as she’d remembered. She flinched inwardly but was glad that he didn’t appear to have noticed. He threw her a lopsided smile, boyish and disarming; her mind sounded every alarm.

“Heard Mary Margaret finally married that warlock, James?”

“What are you doing here?” Emma demanded, ignoring his question and his - likely intentional - mix-up of her brother-in-law with his vile twin brother.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you,” Neal said. He threw his arms around her shoulders. He tried to pull her into his side, but she pushed him back. “Go away, Neal.”

“Don’t be like that, Emma.” Neal was the very picture of a petulant boy. “I just wanted to say hello to my old friend on her sister’s big day.”

Her body felt charged, her power wrapped closely around her acting as both a comfort and a reminder. She was no longer young and insecure in her powers; she’d come into her powers and her position as the head of the coven in the decades since they’d last met, since he tried to…

“We are not friends,” Emma’s voice was low, dangerous.

Neal looked surprised but must have read the threat in her voice because he traced away as fast as his heightened speed could manage. She imagined she heard his voice on the wind - you’ll regret this - before she shook off the exasperating exchange and continued home, her pace quickened and her shawl pulled tight against the sudden chill in the air.

[ramblings-of-lola]

Ouattober Day 11 Prompt: Girl Power

This Trio:

Mulan

Ruby

Merida

[campbells-content]

Swim = Conditionally ship/You don't really care for but won't shy away from