#and if they outgrow the pot before the last frost comes in either i have to replant them outside and risk them getting plant hypothermia

[yamikawaii]

i just realized my last post was me seriously considering suicide over a week ago oh god i hope no one thought i actually killed myself--

[ilovemesomekillianjones]

Happenstance Ch. 3

Rated T            2.2K             ao3          ffnet          Ch. 1          Ch.2          

Summary:  Emma celebrates a special occasion with her closest friends and makes a decision that will bring some changes to her life. *There is an attack in this chapter, nothing too explicit, not sexual in nature.* Oh, and Neal is a huge asshole in this chapter.

Chapter 3

Emma and Killian continued on just as they had before; if nothing else, the argument had brought them closer together. Emma did begin to have lunch with Killian and his friends, and they quickly fell into a close knit group. Despite having almost nothing in common, Emma and Mary Margaret hit it off immediately. She got along great with David who had a bit of that same chip on his shoulder as she and Killian. He’d been a bit luckier though, since he had been adopted out of the system.  

“I’ll be seventeen next month, and Neal wants to have a party at his dad’s house,” Emma said to the group, “I was wondering if you guys want to come?”

“Uh, I don’t know,” Mary Margaret said. “I’d love to celebrate your birthday, Emma, but I don’t like that family. There’s something dark about them.”

“Jesus Christ, Mary Margaret,” David chuckled, “don’t sugarcoat it or anything. Sorry Emma, I know it’s blunt, but I do agree with her. Maybe we can do something before?”

“Sure,” Emma answered, trying to mask her disappointment that her friends wouldn’t be there among the swarm of Neal’s less than stellar group he surrounded himself with. “How about you, Killian?”

“Of course Swan, although I don’t know if Neal will appreciate me being there?”

“Since when do you give a shit about what Neal thinks? I want you there, he can deal with it if he really wants to celebrate my birthday.”

Killian smiled at her, wondering if maybe she wasn’t outgrowing her attachment to Neal. “Then I’ll be there.”

~~~

“Come on, Swan, you’re going to be late for your own party,” Killian teased as he knocked on her bedroom door. When she didn’t answer, he knocked again. That’s when he heard her sniffling. “I’m coming in.”

“Okay,” she said in a small voice.

She was laying on her bed, eyes filled with tears. Even crying and puffy, she looked beautiful in her pale pink dress. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and her makeup was light and elegant, showing off her angular cheekbones, and elongated eyelashes.

“You’re only seventeen, love, why are you crying? I thought women did that when they turn like, forty,” he joked, trying to get a laugh out of her. He sat down on the edge of her bed and took her hand in his.

Emma giggled, despite herself. Sitting up, she dried her eyes and looked at her friend; he did cut quite the image in his customary black leather jacket and jeans. “I see you got dressed up for the occasion.”

“Well, when you’re as devilishly handsome as I am, there is no need for bells and whistles.” Killian smiled his wide smile, cocking his eyebrow as if daring her to disagree.

She nudged him with her shoulder, “So cocky.”

“Is it really being cocky, if it’s true?”

“Oh my gosh, Killian, you’re impossible. Come on, let’s go before we’re late to meet David and Mary Margaret.”

“You sure you’re alright, Emma?”

She looked at him with wide eyes, it always shook her a little when he used her given name; it was rare. “I will be,” she smiled.

“Wait, I forgot one thing.”

Emma turned around and raised her eyebrows in question.

“You look stunning in that dress,” Killian said, blushing from his neck all the way up to his ears.

“Thank you,” Emma said shyly. She grasped the sides of the dress, holding it out, and twirled around. “Ingrid got it for me, for my birthday.” Grabbing Killian’s hand, she led him out the door. They walked the short distance to David’s house, which was where they’d decided to meet up.

It was a nice afternoon; the four hung out, talked and laughed, and had a nice meal prepared by David’s mom, Ruth.

“You are so lucky,” Emma told David wistfully, “she’s a wonderful lady.”

“I got lucky,” he agreed, “it doesn’t mean I don’t still wonder why, and who they are.”

“Sometimes knowing is not all it’s cracked up to be,” Killian said offhandedly.

They all bombarded him with questions of what do you mean, each in their own words.

“Wouldn’t you lot like to know.” He avoided their questioning looks, suddenly sorry he’d mentioned it.

“Perhaps I would,” Emma said looking into his eyes.

Letting out a sigh, he thought about the simplest answer he could give. “I just mean that even when you do know who and why, it doesn’t always make it better.”

“Do you-” Emma started to ask.

Ruth came into the room at that moment carrying a cake; it was an elegant swan painted in frosting, and said Happy Birthday, Emma! in a flowing font. Tears burned at the corner of her eyes as she watched Ruth set the cake down in front of her. When they started singing to Emma, her tears overflowed, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had Happy Birthday sung to her. Staring at her small group of friends, she was overwhelmed, this was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her.

“Make a wish, sweetie,” Ruth told her.

Focusing on the flames atop the cake, Emma made her wish, squeezed her eyes shut and blew out the candles. She opened up her eyes when they all clapped. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice strained by tears.

After eating the delicious cake, Mary Margaret handed a gift to Emma.

“You didn’t have to do this,” Emma spoke reverently, cherishing the gift before she even knew what it was.

“We wanted to,” Mary Margaret told her, “it’s from all of us.”

Opening the gift, Emma was brought to tears again when she saw the gorgeous swan pendant on a silver chain. “It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed through her tears. “Help me?” she asked, holding the necklace out to Killian.

He fastened it around her neck, and Emma held the pendant against her chest, “All I’ve done is cry all damn day, but I swear, this is the best birthday ever you guys.”

~~~

Half an hour later Emma and Killian were strolling to her next birthday celebration, chatting about possible plans for the future.  

Outside of being on his own in a year, and then possibly joining the service like his brother, Killian hadn’t ever given much thought to the future. Since Liam’s death, the future was nothing special, it was just there. After today though, he was starting to see that maybe a little planning and thought couldn’t hurt where the next years of his life were concerned.

Emma, on the other hand was just starting to realize there were possibilities for the future.  Nothing had made that more evident than chatting with Mary Margaret today. They seemed to have it all figured out, Mary Margaret wanted to be an elementary school teacher, and David was going to be a police officer. Mary Margaret would attend the University of Maine, and David would apply for the local Police Academy. Maybe there was more out there for her, too.

They were so engrossed in the topic of possibilities that Killian was oblivious to where they actually were, right up until he found himself face to face with a place he never wanted to see again. “Why are we here?”

“Umm, this is Neal’s place.”

“I can’t go in there,” he spoke tightly.

She could hear the anger in his tone. “Killian, for me? I thought we were past this.”

“This has nothing to do with you and that sack of shite you call your boyfriend, Swan.”

“Goddamnit Killian, it’s been a great day. Please just come in with me, or at least stay out here and wait for me?”

“Look, you don’t understand-”

“Oh, now I don’t understand? And I just have to accept it?”

“Really Emma, you don’t understand, I used to live here, this is the group home I came from. I don’t want to talk about it right now. If Gold is Neal’s father, then I wholeheartedly agree with David and Mary Margaret; this is a bad family to be caught up with. If Gold sees me here, all hell will break loose.”

Emma was silent, she didn’t understand what Killian was talking about, but she knew she trusted him. “Okay, I believe you. Neal’s parents aren’t home though. Let’s go in, we won’t stay too long, but I need to talk to Neal.”

“You’re sure they’re not home?”

“Yes, Neal said they’re out of town for the weekend.”

Killian reluctantly followed her into the place he had once called home. There were rows of liquor bottles and several kegs, and it reeked of pot and cigarette smoke. “Swan, I’ll be out back, when you’re ready, let me know.”

“Okay,” she nodded at him, “I’ll come get you.”

Killian sat out back ensconced in darkness. He couldn’t believe this was the life Emma wanted to associate herself with. She was so much better than all of this. He was deep in thought on how he could make her see that very fact, because her self esteem was the only thing holding her to these shitty choices.

“That hurts, Neal!”

Killian heard Emma’s voice whisper yelling before he saw them. Neal was squeezing Emma’s bicep, dragging her through the back door. He pulled her over to the farthest side of the house, shrouded by a weeping willow tree, then none too gently pushed her up against the siding, placing both his hands against the wall on either side of her head.

Killian got up from his spot in the corner of the yard, ready to step in if needed. He didn’t want to overstep his bounds and piss Emma off, but he wasn’t about to let this douchebag hurt her either.

“What the Fuck, Em?” he questioned, invading her space.

“You’re drunk, get away from me.”

“Is this because of that pretty boy, Killian,” he sneered, grabbing at the swan pendant that rested on her chest.

“This has everything to do with you. It’s been over for a long time.”

“Is that right?” Neal chuckled darkly. “How about it’s not over, until I say it’s over.” He loomed over her menacingly and pulled her roughly into his arms.

“This is exactly the shit I’m talking about. You try to control me, you don’t want me around anyone else, you don’t treat me the way I deserve to be treated.” Emma struggled against his squeezing grip, it was getting harder to inhale. Her heart was beating out of her chest as she started to panic a little.

Killian was proud of her words, even though he could hear that slight bit of fear indicative of someone who was treading unsteady ground. If he had to guess, he’d say she’d never spoken against Neal before.

“The way you deserve?” Neal laughed, his sickly drunken breath panting roughly against her face. “You don’t deserve anything Emma, you are nothing. No one has ever wanted you. I was the best thing you had going for you. Who’s going to want a trashy orphan whose own parents didn’t want her.” He grabbed her necklace and ripped it away from her neck, tossing it to the ground.

“Fuck you, Neal,” Emma hissed, trying to push him away so she could leave. Tears welled up in her eyes, she wasn’t sad, but pissed and embarrassed that she’d allowed herself to be treated like this for so long.

Neal pinned her in again. “What the fuck,” he roared when he felt a hand on his shoulder pulling him back. “Oh, speak of the devil,” Neal scoffed.

“Come on, Emma, let’s go.” Killian ignored Neal and held his hand out to Emma.

Stepping away from the wall, she reached for Killian’s hand, but before she could take it, Neal grabbed her and wrenched her back toward him.

“Ouch! Neal you’re hurting me,” Emma cried out.

Before anything else could happen Killian stepped between them, “I’m asking nicely once, let her go.”

“Or what?”

“Or that beating I gave your father will pale in comparison to what I’ll do to you,” Killian threatened. He had no wish to lose his shit like he had with Gold, but God help him, if this asshole hurt Emma.

Neal’s eyes narrowed at this new knowledge, and he let go of Emma’s arm. “You think you can take me, Jones,” he yelled, stepping into Killian’s space and pushing him. “I ain’t my old man.”

“I don’t want to, but I will if I need to.”

Neal pushed him again.

“Come on, let’s go.” Emma held her hand out to Killian, imploring him to take it.

As Killian reached to take it, he felt pain bloom across his jaw.  “Killian!” Emma gasped, rushing to his side. “Are you okay?”

Neal charged at them both, pushing Emma away from Killian’s side, causing her to stumble over a root protruding from the ground, and fall.

A hot rage consumed Killian when he saw Neal’s hands causing Emma pain. He lunged forward, taking Neal to the ground. Punching him hard enough to temporarily subdue him, Killian pinned his shoulders to the ground, giving the piece of shit a chance to yield.  

“You know what man, she’s all yours, she doesn’t put out anyway.”

Killian raised his fist again, ready to put this asshole to sleep, when he felt her gentle hand on his forearm. Turning to look into her eyes, he saw the pleading look. The anger fled his body, and he relented. Getting up, he grabbed her necklace from the ground, took her hand, and they left through the side gate.

Tagging the same crew, please let me know if I should remove you from the tag list!!  @laschatzi @hollyethecurious @winterbaby89 @kmomof4 @resident-of-storybrooke @artistic-writer @jennjenn615@snowbellewells @xhookswenchx @ultraluckycatnd @emeraldwitches @nikkiemms @galadriel26 @roseyflush   @killianjonesownsmyheart1 @onceuponaprincessworld @captainswan-shipper88 @andiirivera @teamhook@tiganasummertree @deathbycaptainswan @kday426 @sherlockianwhovian @mayquita @captswanis4vr @effulgentcolors@welllpthisishappening@princesseslikepirates @officerrogers @therooksshiningknight @thisisforcs @freechoicedreamer

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Twenty-Three: Rosemary ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

“I think I’m going to put in a vegetable garden this year.”

Glancing up from a report he’s reading, Sasuke perks a brow. “...okay.”

“I guess I’m just not sure where to put it…” Tucked into a corner of the couch and knitting, Hinata pauses in her venture and lays her project on her lap. Pale eyes look out the window, lips pursed in thought. “...any preference?”

“I guess not. Maybe the backyard…?”

“That’s what I was thinking. I’d like to keep the front as mostly flowers. And the grass has grown in so nicely, I’d hate to tear any of it up.”

That earns an amused snort. “You’ll have to do it either way.”

“I know, but the front is more for show. The back it is!”

“Well the ground’s still frozen now. You’ll have to wait at least a few more months,” Sasuke notes, giving her a small smile.

“Oh, I know...but it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead.” The subtle clicking of knitting needles starts up again, pace a bit faster as Hinata gets lost in her thoughts and excited. “I think maybe I’ll start some plants indoors...that way they can be protected until they’re bigger! And maybe some herbs, too...I can keep them in the kitchen window…!”

Seeing she’s clearly consumed, Sasuke just huffs a soft snort of amusement before turning back to his paperwork. Whatever makes her happy, he’s not about to stop. It’s good to be a bit self sufficient. She clearly loves plants, and it will give her something to do in her off time.

...and maybe she’ll plant a tomato or two for him.

Winter, as always, passes slowly. But as Spring edges nearer, Hinata puts her plans into action. A patch of the grass behind the house is stripped away to reveal loamy soil. She even invests in a little picket fence around the edges. And as the temperatures still dip in the season’s typically unpredictable fashion, she instead begins growing a few things in the house. Several rows of little pots take up a section of the kitchen counter under a special light she bought.

At first, there’s nothing to show for it. Sasuke gives the little cups of dirt and fertilizer a glance every morning before work, a brow perking as they remain empty. But then, little by little...things begin to sprout. Tiny little specks of green poke up through the soil, and Hinata can barely contain her excitement.

“I’ve never actually grown herbs or vegetables before! Just flowers. I hope they aren’t any more fragile…”

“No idea - I’ve never grown anything.” Sasuke peers over her little collection. “So, uh...what all do you have?”

“Oh, just a few things to start. I didn’t want to go overboard my first year. Most of these are herbs I’ll keep in the house, but I’ve got radishes, cabbage, cucumbers, turnips, onions, carrots...and there was something else…” She puts a thoughtful finger to her chin, lips pursed. “It was something I knew I’d have to grow...something very important…”

Seeing quite clearly through her teasing, Sasuke just offers, “If you have a tomato plant, I’ll know I married the right woman.”

“Ah, that’s what it was!”

He chuckles, bowing his brow to the crown of her head for a moment. “You’re such a tease.”

“I can’t wait for the herbs to get bigger...I even got them each labeled pots!” She holds up one from a stack that says ‘rosemary’. “See?”

“Very organized.”

“Aren’t they cute? Look, there’s little painted bees on the rims, and the font is so charming!”

Sasuke just watches her, a soft smile on his face as she twitters on and on about her little projects.

Soon enough, she’s ready for the big move. After several repottings to account for growth, she decides it’s time to take them outside. “I hope the insects don’t nibble them...and there better not be any rabbits around.”

“Well, we could get a cat. That might help keep them away.”

“That’s true.”

“There used to be quite a few that would roam the compound. We’ll have to see about adopting one or two. I’m sure aniki would agree they’d help keep the pests down. As for bugs...maybe we can put some bird feeders out? Attract some?”

“Good idea! Maybe Shino-kun can help bring in some bugs that eat the bad ones. Like aphids! Ooh, I hate aphids…and some caterpillars are just the worst!”

“I’m sure he’d be happy to lend a hand.”

Thankfully, most of the plants take to outdoor life rather quickly. A few lag behind, and one or two don’t make it through a particularly chilly night. Hinata mourns them quite openly. “I guess I just took them out too early…”

“Well, you’ll know better for next year, right?”

“I suppose…”

Inside, the herbs are...taking over the kitchen. Pots are scattered all over: a few in the window, some on the counters, and even atop the table. Hinata can barely keep up, cooking up a storm with as many as she can manage, taking plenty over for her sister-in-law, and even Sakura and Ino when things get crazy.

“I didn’t know they’d grow so fast!”

“Or so big,” Sasuke points out, nodding to a few threatening to outgrow their clay homes. “Maybe some should go outside…?”

“...you might be right.”

Eventually several are rehomed into the garden, including the rosemary plant. “It loves the sun, apparently - I think the window just got it a little too far ahead. But it’s a perennial!”

“...meaning?”

“It will go dormant, and come back next year! At least, so long as nothing happens to it. But most of the plants here aren’t - they’re annuals, so they’ll only last one year. I’ll have to plant more next Spring.”

“Really? Seems a bit strange.”

“That’s just how it is.”

And then come the fruits of Hinata’s labor. Seemingly all at once, the plants start producing...and don’t show any signs of stopping. Once again she has to scramble to give away the excess, their own dinner plates filled to the brim with vegetables practically every night.

But Sasuke has his tomatoes, so all is right with the world.

In the meantime, Hinata takes to canning and preserving as much as she can. “Maybe we should make a root cellar - this is getting ridiculous!”

“I thought you said you didn’t grow that many plants!”

“I-I didn’t! Or...so I thought. I didn’t think they’d make this much!” Hinata heaves a tired sigh. “...I think I’ll downsize a bit next year.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

Come Fall, things finally start to slow down...and once the frost begins to hit, the plants either wither or go dormant. Hinata sadly pulls up the remnants of those only lasting a year, composting the remains to be used the coming Spring. “Well...I think all in all, that went well!”

Thinking on all the canned tomatoes in the house, Sasuke gives a nod. “It got a little hectic, but...yeah. I agree. Just uh...tone it down a bit next time.”

“Y-yeah…”

“...except the tomatoes.”

Hinata can’t help a giggle. “Except the tomatoes.”

     Phew, another late one! But also another fluffy one! Not...exactly FOCUSED on the prompt, but at least it was in there? Haha!      Sasuke's just happy Hinata's happy. And growing him tomatoes. My brother grows a garden every year, so...I know a little bit about it. But sadly I can't grow a plant to save my life OTL      Anywho, that's all for tonight! Thanks for stopping by n_n