#art by kmomof4

[cssns]

@cs-rylie is back with the last two chapters of The Journal!!!! Enjoy and be sure to give her all the love!!!

IT'S FINISHED

Happy Spooky Season!

I've been too busy to keep up with this fic, so I just dropped both chapter7 and chapter8 on ao3! I hate leaving fics unfinished and I actually had the time to update this and FINISH it! Yay!

Taglist below the line! lmk if you want to be added or removed!

@jrob64 @kmomof4 @teamhook @undercaffinatednightmare @booksteaandtoomuchtv @herhookedhero @chronicallybubbly @elfiola @zaharadessert @tiganasummertree @hookedmom @djlbg @stardreamer28 @stahlop @gingerchangeling @middlemistcs13 @csadmire @deckerstarblanche @xellewoods @anmylica @huntressandlioness1 @insanelydeadlybookcollector @lfh1226-linda @motherkatereloyshipper @dashingpiratesandswans @momontheice @rapunzelsghosts @paradiselady19 @a-faekindagirl @eddisfargo @julesep3026 @caityrayeraye @bluewildcatfanatic @kday426 @winterbaby89 @jonesfandomfanatic @charmed101 @bg12sofia @ouat-the-hell @xarandomdreamx @zippoluv @flslp87 @captainswan-shipper88 @grimmswan @laschatzi @jennjenn615 @darkshadow7 @pygmypufftattoo @bizquake @ilovemesomekillianjones

[jrob64]

I Loved You First - a Daddy Charming birthday fic for @kmomof4

As many of us in the CS fandom know, Krystal is the best cheerleader, encourager and flailer for our Captain Swan stories. However, she also loves the relationship between Emma and Charming, so I've written a Daddy Charming birthday story for her. l wish you the happiest of birthdays (a day early), my dear friend! Love you!

Special thanks to @cs-rylie and @snowbellewells for checking this story over and leaving lots of lovely comments and suggestions!

STORY SUMMARY: Emma and her father share some special sentiments with each other before he walks her down the aisle to marry her True Love. A canon compliant missing moment for 6X20, just prior to Emma and Killian's wedding.

RATING: G

WORDS: 1083

ALSO POSTED TO A03 and ffn

*********

David Nolan paced in the hallway outside the room where Mary Margaret was helping Emma get ready for her wedding. He could hardly believe he would be giving his daughter away in just a few minutes, and to a pirate, no less.

He remembered in Neverland when he said he would see to it that Hook would never get Emma. David wasn’t too prideful to admit he’d been wrong. Nobody can stand in the way of True Love, after all - he and Snow were proof of that.

And now that pirate, whom he’d tried so hard to hate, was his soon-to-be son-in-law…and his best friend. While Killian was earning Emma’s heart, he was also earning her father’s trust and friendship. So much so that Emma and Mary Margaret teasingly accused them of having a ‘bromance’.

The door opened and Mary Margaret emerged, brushing joyful tears from her cheeks. “She’s ready, David, and she looks absolutely beautiful!”

David pulled his wife into his arms, murmuring, “So do you, Sweetheart.”

She hiccuped a laugh. “You’re only supposed to notice the bride on her wedding day, not her mother.”

He leaned back, giving her one of his trademark smiles. “There will never be a day when I don’t admire your beauty.”

“I knew I called you ‘Charming’ for a reason,” she beamed. After kissing him soundly, she wiped his lips clean of the lipstick she’d left behind and said, “Now, go see your daughter before it’s time for us to walk her down the aisle.”

David straightened his tie and buttoned his jacket, then gently rapped his knuckles on the door. “Emma? May I come in?”

“Sure, Dad,” came her reply.

He turned the knob and slowly opened the door, peeking around the edge of it. His breath hitched when he caught a glimpse of his daughter. She was truly a vision in her wedding gown and veil, causing him to blink back tears of his own. “Oh, Emma,” he breathed.

“How do I look?” she asked nervously, twirling in a circle.

“You look…perfect,” he managed to choke past the lump in his throat.

Her cheeks flushed at his praise and she looked down at herself, smoothing out non-existent wrinkles in her gown. “Do you really think so?”

“I do,” he assured her.

“Hey, I think that’s my line today,” she giggled.

David laughed and stepped forward to take both of her hands in his. “Any second thoughts?”

“None,” she said confidently. “Besides, if I don’t marry Killian, you might just snap him up.”

“Very funny,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. Then his expression sobered. “I know you’ve had a lot on your mind the last few weeks, but I want you to put everything aside today and just enjoy your wedding.”

“I’ll try.”

“I’ve thought about this day ever since we found out we were having a daughter. I was sure no one would ever be good enough for you, but Hoo-, um, Killian has proven himself time and time again. I suppose if I have to give your hand in marriage, it couldn’t be to a more worthy man.”

“You didn’t always think that.”

“I know, but I was, well…I was wrong.”

“I’m sure Killian would be very satisfied to hear you say that,” she quipped.

“Of course he would,” David sighed. “But enough about Hook. What about you? How are you feeling?”

Emma’s face took on a serene look. “I’m happy, Dad. Really, really happy.” She swung their still-clasped hands back and forth.

“Happiness looks good on you,” he replied, letting go with one hand and using the other to spin her around. Then he pulled her back toward him, putting his free hand on her waist as hers moved to his shoulder.

They slowly danced in a small circle around the room to music only they could hear. “We missed out on so much of your life, Emma. I’m very glad we didn’t miss out on watching you fall in love and marry the man who won your heart.”

“I know we lost a lot of time with each other, but let’s not talk about regrets today, Dad. We’re together now, along with Henry and everyone else in town. I have more family and friends here than I ever dreamed was possible. And I’m marrying a man who has been at my side without fail, even when I didn’t really want him to be.”

David chuckled. “He has proven himself to be persistent, that’s for sure.”

Their swaying came to a stop as Emma looked up into her father’s face. “You and Killian are such good examples for Henry. He’s lucky to have both of you in his life, and so am I.”

They heard the wedding music beginning to play, and David checked his watch. “I guess it’s about that time. Will you allow me to get a little sentimental before we leave this room?”

“Just don’t cause me to smudge my makeup.”

“I’ll try not to,” he promised, then took a deep breath. “Emma, from the moment your mother and I found out we would be having a baby, I wondered what our child - what you - might grow up to be like. Nothing I imagined even came close to the person you are - strong, smart, determined, brave, and so very, very beautiful. You’ve defeated dragons, ice monsters, witches, the darkness and Hades himself; yet you’re one of the most loving, generous, and kind-hearted people I’ve ever known. To say I’m proud of you doesn’t do justice to my true feelings. I love you, Emma, and I’m blessed beyond measure to be your father.”

A tear spilled over her lower lashes, and David dug into his pants pocket to retrieve a white handkerchief. After dabbing the wetness away, he tucked it back in his pocket, kissed her forehead, then pulled her into a hug, cupping the back of her head, as usual.

“I love you, too, Dad,” she whispered in his ear.

They stayed that way for several moments, until they heard a tap on the door. Mary Margaret stuck her head in, whispering reverently, “It’s time.”

David nodded and stepped back, gripping Emma’s upper arms as he looked into her eyes. “Ready, Princess?”

“Yes,” she replied firmly.

“Alright, then,” he said, “but just remember this - Killian loves you now, but I loved you first. You’ll always be your daddy’s little girl.”

“I’ll remember,” she said, a soft smile on her lips.

“Good. Now, let’s go get you married.”

*********

Please join me in wishing Krystal a very, very happy birthday!

Tagging: @hookedmom​​​​​​ @kmomof4​​​​​​ @cs-rylie​​​​​​ @qualitycoffeethings​​​​​​ @grimmswan​​​​​​ @wyntereyez​​​​​​ @the-darkdragonfly​​​​​​ @ultraluckycatnd​​​​​​ @paradiselady19​​​​​​ @xarandomdreamx​​​​​​ @motherkatereloyshipper​​​​​​ @julesep3026​​​​​​ @courtorderedcake​​​​​​ @lfh1226-linda​​​​​​ @pawshapedheart​​​​​​ @vampcoffeegyrl23​​​​​​ @tiganasummertree​​​​​​ @captainswan4life85​​​​​​ @bluewildcatfanatic​​​​​​ @eleveneitherway​​​​​​ @elfiola​​​​​​ @kday426​​​​​​ @julieenchanted-swans​​​​​​ @gingerchangeling​​​​​​ @andiirivera​​​​​​ @djlbg​​​​​​ @jonesfandomfanatic​​​​​​ @snowbellewells​​​​​​ @huntressandlioness1​​​​​​ @anmylica​​​​​​ @booksteaandtoomuchtv​​​​​​ @pirateherokillian​​​​​​ @cocohook38​​​​​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​​​​​​ @laschatzi​​​​​​ @zaharadessert​​​​​​ @jennjenn615​​​​​​ @yasbio2015​​​​​​ @lyssapup27​​​​​​ @nachocheese-itsmycheese​​​​​​ @singersdd​​​​​​ @mie779​​​​​​ @undercaffinatednightmare​​​​​​ @winterbaby89​​​​​​ @xsajx​​​​​​ @jackieorioncat​​​​​​ @teamhook​​​​​​ @bdevereaux-blanche​​​​​​ @soniccat​​​​​​ @searchingwardrobes​​​​​​ @jarienn972​​​​​​ @apiratewhopines​​​​​​​ @softkilly​​​​​​​ @goforlaunchcee​​​​​​​ @kymbersmith-90​​​​​​​ @captainswan217-blog

[cssns]

It’s TIME!!!!

Time for signups for the FINAL YEAR of the CSSNS!!!!

Come one, come all!!! We need beta readers, authors, and artists -we REALLY need artists-!!!

Sorry, no AI generated fics or art will be accepted in the event.

Signups will be open until 11:59 pm Central time, February 29.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send us an ask, or you can reach out to one of our FABULOUS mods- @kmomof4 @winterbaby89 @stahlop @jrob64 and @ultraluckycatnd !!!

Please click on the link below to sign up. If you are interested in participating in more than one area, then please fill out each individual sign up form as there will be info requested specific to each role on the forms.

Artist signup

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Keep spreading the word, y’all!!! Let’s finish this event with a BANG!!!

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Somehow I missed this posting yesterday! If you haven't already, check out this final chapter of our girls' trip fic! Lots of big moments for all of our couples! We hope you enjoyed reliving our vacation with us!

So what part of the body should Will continually injure next year?

Destination Dream Weddings, Driving Disasters, & Dented Derrieres: A Fic Collaboration Between @kmomof4 @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose and @jrob64

It's the final chapter!!! Let's get these kids married!!! Thank you all so much for coming along on our dream destination wedding adventure!!! We all hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed writing it!!

Rating: T

Words: 4600 of approx 21k

On ao3 and ff.net

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

The next morning, Emma awoke in Killian's arms and smiled to herself. Long distance dating was the worst. She missed this most of all when they were apart - feeling his warmth and comfort envelop her as she slept and waking to his intoxicating scent.

It had been difficult to let her walls down, even with Killian, but having done so was so very satisfying, and it was quickly becoming clear that this thing was going to last. Despite the difficulties of a long distance relationship, it seemed that he was in this for the long haul, and so was she.

She nearly laughed in glee when she realized the thought no longer scared her. At all.

Sometime, sometime soon, they would have to figure this thing out. Long distance wasn’t a long term solution, and she wanted long term. More than she ever could have believed.

Impulsively, she leaned up on her elbows and kissed him softly. His lips ticked up in a gentle smile, and he breathed out her name before kissing her back.

Finally, he opened his eyes. “Morning, Love.”

“Morning,” she answered. “Sleep well?”

He nodded. “Always, when you’re with me. It’s a travesty that this wedding experience lasts only a week. I need more time with you. I always need more time with you.”

“Me too,” she assured him. Gradually over the past year, she’d gotten more comfortable not only admitting to herself how much Killlian meant to her, but admitting it to him as well. His eyes always lit up like the sun when she did so, and this morning was no exception.

“Maybe one day we won’t have this infernal distance between us,” he said, gently stroking her cheek.

“Oh, I hope not,” she agreed. “So what’s on the agenda for today?” she asked after a moment, as she lazily traced circles in his chest hair. “I know we don’t need to be up and at ‘em early, and that we have the rehearsal this afternoon, but that’s all I know.”

“I believe today’s schedule consists of various tasks to prepare for the wedding,” Killian said, “and then in the evening, if you’re agreeable, I have a proposition for you.”

“Yeah?” she asked. “What’s that?”

He reached for two tickets on his bedside table and presented them to her. “I bought us tickets to a sunset cruise this evening on the Georgia Queen riverboat in Savannah. We deserve a bit of alone time this weekend, aye?”

Emma sighed. “Killian, I’d love to,” she said, “really I would, but we have to be up to get ready for the wedding at the ass-crack of dawn tomorrow. If we’re out until who knows when after a sunset cruise, I’m going to be a zombie all day.”

“Please? For me?” he asked, giving her his look - the one she found both hot and adorable.  

She didn’t stand a chance.

“Okay,” she agreed softly, “let’s go on a romantic sunset cruise tonight.”

Accordingly, as late afternoon approached, Emma found herself in her room in the cottage, after having shooed Killian out. She, Mary Margaret and Elsa all worked together to prepare her for her date. She felt like a teenager on her way to prom.

It was kind of ridiculous. She was going on a date with her boyfriend of a year. It really shouldn’t be this big of a deal, but when she’d told Elsa of her plans with Killian, her friend had gotten quite excited, insisting they go into the St. Simons Island shopping district to get a cute, light pink, calf-length dress and some nude slingback heels.

When they’d gotten back to the cottage, she’d commandeered Mary Margaret, who needed a break from last minute wedding details, to help with the hair and make up.

Looking in the mirror just before grabbing her clutch purse and heading out to meet Killian, Emma decided she looked pretty decent.

By his reaction, she looked far better than that. 

“You look…” he said, uncharacteristically lost for words.

“I know,” she tossed back flirtatiously, as she walked past him and out the door.

They talked all the way to Savannah, the conversation flowing freely, as it always did between them. It was amazing to her just how easy and enjoyable it was to be with him. She didn’t just love him, he was one of her best friends in the world.

She wanted him with her. Always and forever. She vowed then and there that she’d find a way to make that a reality - soon.

Killian had purchased tickets to an unguided sunset dinner cruise. They dined on some truly delicious cuisine, accompanied by flutes of champagne, then stood on the deck as the sun went down, watching the beauty of the river and the city pass them by.

She’d just turned to Killian to comment on how beautiful it was tonight, only to find him on one knee on the deck, his hand outstretched, holding a small velvet box with a sparkling round diamond ring nestled inside.

Emma gasped, her hand moving to cover her mouth, and the tears coming to her eyes.  “Killian, are you about to…”

“Emma,” he said, and she saw a tear shining in his eye as well, “I love you more than anyone or anything in this world. When we’re apart, it feels as though a vital part of me is missing. You are the best, most extraordinary, and most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I am constantly amazed that you have chosen to be with me. Will you do me the greatest honor of my life and become my wife?”

Carefully, she got to her knees across from him and took his beloved face in her hands. She didn’t need to think, didn’t need to consider. There was only one answer she’d ever want to give. “Yes,” she said simply, as a single tear traced its way down her face. She leaned in and kissed him softly, as around her, the cheers of their fellow tourists rang out into the night sky.

~*~*~

The day of David and Mary Margaret’s wedding finally arrived, and both rental houses were buzzing with activity. 

Upon returning to the cottage the evening before, the newly engaged couple found the common rooms empty, everyone seemingly already in bed. This worked to their advantage, because they had agreed on the way back that they wanted to keep their news a secret until after the wedding, not wishing to take away from Mary Margaret and David’s big day. 

Just as Emma opened the door to their bedroom, Elsa came out of her own room with Liam on her heels. It was clear they’d been waiting for Emma and Killian to return from their date, and the look on both of their faces was one of hopeful anticipation. 

“Well, brother?” Liam whispered. 

Killian took Emma’s left hand and held it up for the other couple to see. Elsa pressed a hand over her mouth to stifle her squeal of excitement, and Liam clapped his brother on the shoulder, wearing a huge, beaming smile. 

“Wait, they knew about it?” Emma asked. 

“Please don’t be upset,” Elsa said, pulling Emma into a hug. “Killian needed help with some logistics, so he had to tell us.” 

“What logistics?” 

Elsa and Liam exchanged a glance with Killian. “You didn’t tell her about it?” 

Emma looked at Killian, who just gave a small shrug. 

“We better get to bed,” Liam said. “Busy day tomorrow, you know. Don’t stay up too late celebrating!” 

He hugged Emma, kissing her forehead and telling her he was glad she agreed to marry his little brother. That garnered a groan from Killian, who was receiving an embrace from his sister-in-law. 

Once they entered their room, Emma turned to Killian and ran her hands up his chest, her engagement ring sparkling in the dim light of the lamp. “So, about those logistics…”

“Well, we can’t very well be married while living hours away from each other, so I’ve made arrangements to move to Chicago. I accepted a job conducting boat tours with the same company as Liam, and he helped me secure an apartment.” 

“Sounds like you were pretty sure I was going to accept your proposal,” she smirked. “And what happened to your brother wanting to have his own identity?”

“I didn’t want to give my plan away, so I had to come up with some sort of excuse,” he explained, pulling her closer to him. “You’re not upset with me, are you, Love?” 

She brushed his lips with her own and assured him she wasn’t. They then proceeded to ignore Liam’s last bit of advice. 

They were the last ones up the next morning. Emma reluctantly removed her diamond and placed it in the velvet box, then tucked it safely away, before taking a shower and joining in the excitement of the day. 

The men were sent to the other cottage, while the larger one became the hub of bridal activity. Elsa took charge of the make-up and Regina made sure everyone’s attire was properly pressed and free of wrinkles. Belle and Ruby worked their magic on everyone’s hair, and Emma became Mary Margaret’s personal assistant, making sure she was hydrating properly, helping her put on her jewelry, and double checking the contents of her garment and tote bags to ensure she had everything she needed.  

When everything was as prepared as possible, they loaded the vehicles and drove to the venue - Epworth by the Sea. Since it was going to be a small, intimate ceremony with their group of friends and immediate members of Mary Margaret and David’s families, it would be held in the Lovely Lane Chapel. 

Final preparations took place at the venue itself, and when Mary Margaret finally slipped into her wedding gown and her friends saw her, they had tears in their eyes. 

“Oh, Mary Margaret!” Belle exclaimed, moving to secure the veil in her hair. “You look absolutely radiant!” 

“David is going to be speechless when he sees you,” Emma stated, sniffling a little and trying not to spoil her make-up. 

Everyone nodded their agreement, while Mary Margaret checked her appearance in the mirror, turning this way and that to try to see her gown from every angle. “I hope so. I can hardly wait to see him waiting for me at the end of the aisle.” 

“It won’t be long now,” Regina said, checking the time on her phone. “The music should be starting any minute.” 

Elsa stepped forward to apply one last bit of lipstick to the bride, then they gathered around her in their bridesmaid dresses so Ruby could take a quick selfie of all of them. 

They heard the strains of music from the string quartet begin and quickly picked up their bouquets. Soon there was a light tapping on the door. “Ladies?” Liam said. “Are you ready?” 

Elsa hurried to the door and opened it a crack. “We are. How about all of you?” 

“Aye, we’re all in place.” 

She looked over her shoulder and gave a nod. “Time to go, everyone.” 

They exited the room and moved to the steps outside the chapel. Ruby took her place at the front of the line, followed by Belle, Elsa, Regina, and Emma as the Maid-of-Honor. She turned to ask Mary Margaret if she was nervous. 

“Not at all,” she answered. “David is my Prince Charming and I’m so very ready to be his wife.” 

Emma squeezed her hand, then stepped in front of her. 

“I’m here!” Roland announced, as he ran around the side of the chapel, waving a white ring bearer’s pillow. All of the ladies ‘awwed’ when they saw him in his little black tuxedo, complete with a light pink bow tie. 

Emma positioned him between herself and Mary Margaret, then signaled to Ruby that they were ready. The processional music started, and the ushers opened the doors. Ruby lifted the skirt of her blush pink dress and ascended the steps. Will met her at the top to escort her down the aisle. 

Mary Margaret considered having the established couples in the wedding party walk with each other, but since Emma was her Maid-of-Honor and Robin was David’s Best Man, she decided to mix them all up. Killian was Belle’s partner, Elsa walked with Graham, and Regina with Liam.

Before Robin stepped forward to offer Emma his arm, he quietly asked Roland, “Do you remember what to do?” 

“Uh-huh,” the little boy assured him. “Follow you and smile for the camera man.” 

Emma and Mary Margaret giggled at his answer, then Emma looped her free hand through Robin’s elbow. “Let’s see if we can do our job as well as he does.” 

When they were all in place at the front of the chapel, Roland having utterly charmed everyone in attendance, the music swelled and Mary Margaret began making her way down the aisle. While all eyes were on the bride, Emma glanced at David and choked up at the look on his face. Tears shone in his eyes, and his lips were pressed tightly together. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, trying to control his emotions. It was easy to see how thoroughly smitten he was with the woman who was stepping closer to him, her face lit up with a smile as bright as sunshine. 

When she finally reached him, he lightly grasped her elbows and leaned in to press a kiss to her lips. “You’re not supposed to do that until after the ceremony,” Pastor Lance, the officiant, said teasingly. 

“Sorry. Couldn’t help myself,” David replied with a grin, completely unrepentant, his eyes still fixed on Mary Margaret. 

The ceremony wasn’t long but was very reverent and meaningful. After the pastor declared them husband and wife, they shared their first official kiss as a married couple. The witnesses clapped and cheered as the newlyweds quickly made their way up the aisle, followed by their bridal party. 

They went outside to form a receiving line, where Will started singing, “Bom, bom, bom, another one bites the dust!” 

Ruby whacked him upside the head with her bouquet. “Knock it off, Scarlet. You’ll be biting the dust one day, too. Unless Belle wises up, that is.” 

Will gave her a disgruntled look, brushing the stray petals off his shoulder, while everyone else laughed at the exchange. Then he turned and grinned at Belle, shrugging his shoulders. She giggled and threw him a kiss. 

The outdoor reception took place under a large, open-air shelter. Prior to enjoying a delicious meal, Emma and Robin led all of the guests in a toast to the newlyweds. Liam did some creative switching to ensure Elsa had sparkling grape juice instead of champagne in her flute. 

After dinner, the couple cut the wedding cake and fed the first piece to each other. Then the single women gathered for the tossing of the bouquet, jostling for position. The bride turned her back to them, counted to three, and flung the nosegay over her shoulder. 

A small scuffle ensued, with Ruby nearly tackling Belle and several ladies diving to the floor. When the chaos was over, Emma held the prize aloft. Her eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Killian, who was grinning proudly. 

David made a show of using his teeth to remove the garter from Mary Margaret’s thigh, as she giggled and blushed. Then he paraded around, stretching it above his head as all the single men lined up. When he finally flipped it behind him, there was a mad scramble. Robin made a leaping swipe for it and missed, Graham was pushed aside by an overzealous cousin of David’s, and Will slipped on a wet spot on the floor, falling hard on his already bruised derriere. 

When Killian emerged from the crowd, spinning the garter around his index finger victoriously, Emma ran to give him a hug. 

“That means the two of you will be the next ones to get married!” Mary Margaret teased. 

Emma and Killian looked at each other, eyes wide. A blush spread up her throat into her cheeks, while he nervously scratched behind his ear. 

“Hang on,” Ruby cut in, looking back and forth between the two of them. “Why do you guys look so guilty?” 

“We don’t,” Killian said quickly, but the crack in his voice betrayed him. 

David folded his arms over his chest. “Alright, Jones. What’s going on?”

The couple in question locked eyes again, then Emma shrugged and nodded her head slightly. Killian cleared his throat, looking around at their friends, who were now surrounding them. Then he stood up straighter, draped his arm around Emma, and announced, “I asked Emma to marry me last night, and she said yes.” 

The statement was met with an eruption of noise, everyone shouting congratulations and hugging both of them. 

“And here I thought Elsa and Liam were the only ones keeping a secret!” Mary Margaret blurted out. 

The noise instantly ceased and all eyes turned toward her. “What secret are they keeping?” Regina asked. 

The rush of color into Mary Margaret’s cheeks was enhanced by the white of her gown. “Oh…well, I…I might have…I mean, it was an accident, but I…I heard them talking the other night about announcing something, then Elsa didn’t drink any alcohol at the bachelorette party and she’s been sleeping so much and I just kind of figured that she was…that they were…” The flood of words spilled out of her mouth, and everyone gaped at her. Then they turned to look at Elsa and Liam, who were standing slack-jawed. 

“Is she sayin’ ya got a bun in the oven?” Will asked. 

Elsa quickly composed herself, a soft smile spreading across her face. “This isn’t exactly how we planned to announce it, but yes. Liam and I are expecting a baby in February.” 

Once again, the group broke into a happy chorus of well wishes and hugs, though this time, they were careful not to squeeze Elsa too tightly. 

“What’s with all the secret keeping?” Graham asked. 

“I don’t know about my brother and Emma, but Elsa and I didn’t want to take away from Mary Margaret and David’s big day,” Liam explained. 

“Same for us,” Emma said. “We’re sorry if it did.” 

“Are you kidding?” David said. “You just made our wedding day even better! Give us all the good news!” 

“In that case,” Robin said, taking Regina’s hand to kiss the back of it, giving her a wink. “I asked Regina to move in with Roland and me.” 

There was a pause as all eyes swung to the dark-haired beauty. “And I said yes,” she affirmed. 

More jubilation erupted for several minutes and was just beginning to die away when they heard the announcement that it was time for the bride and groom’s first dance. Mary Margaret and David moved to the center of the floor and began to gently sway in small circles. Their family and friends watched happily as the couple shared numerous kisses and whispered words, as if they were the only two people in the world. 

~*~*~

The celebration lasted until nearly midnight and the tight knit group of friends were there until the very end. Roland finally lost his battle to keep his eyes open after being on the dance floor most of the night and was lying across two chairs with his head in Regina’s lap, her fingers idly ruffling his dark curls. Elsa sat with her head on Liam’s shoulder, her eyes closed and her hand resting on her still flat belly. 

After the final song of the night ended, Mary Margaret and David hugged everyone and bid them goodbye, then they were whisked away by a white limo to a private bungalow their wedding party had chipped in to rent them for their wedding night. 

The other couples followed soon after, stumbling sleepily into their respective cottages, thankful they didn’t need to get up early the next day. Liam had spoken to the property manager and got their checkout time moved to two PM instead of the usual ten AM. 

When Emma emerged from her room late the next morning in search of caffeine, she discovered Liam sitting on the front porch with his own mug of coffee. 

“Where is everyone?” she yawned, sitting in the rocking chair next to the one he was in. 

“Elsa’s still asleep, and I haven’t seen hide nor hair of Robin’s crew, or anyone from the other house. Where’s my brother?” 

“Still sleeping. I needed coffee and something to eat.”

“There are some snacks on the counter, but on our way out of town, we’re planning to go eat at that place Belle mentioned after we went on the trolley tour.” 

“Oh, yeah. Wasn’t it called Barbara Jean’s?”

“That sounds right. Robin wants to try their shrimp and grits, and Graham saw something called she-crab soup on the menu that sounded good to him.” 

“I don’t care where we eat, just as long as we eat,” Emma said. 

Liam chuckled. “I’m sure we’ll all be ready to eat by the time we get everything packed up to go.”

“Ugh. Don’t remind me. I dread that job.” 

They were quiet for a few minutes, both sipping their coffee and rocking in their chairs, enjoying the peacefulness of the morning. 

“It was a really nice wedding,” Emma commented at last. 

“Aye,” Liam sighed. “I asked Elsa last night if she was upset that she didn’t get to have the whole big wedding experience. She assured me she wasn’t, but I still feel a little disappointed for her.”

“Don’t,” Emma said matter-of-factly. “When we used to sit around talking about our dream weddings, she always said she wanted something simple. None of us were surprised when she told us you two eloped.” 

He nodded and gave her a slight smile. “What about you, Lass? What kind of wedding have you always dreamed of?” 

She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I don’t want anything flashy, but Killian and I haven’t had a chance to talk about it yet, so I don’t know what he’s thinking.” 

Liam took another sip and looked contemplative. “He won’t care as long as you’re happy.” 

“He should have what he wants, too.” 

Setting his mug down on the small table between their chairs, Liam turned to face her. “Emma, you could tell him you wanted to get married on an ice floe in Antarctica and he would agree to it. If I know my brother - and I do - he’ll want you to have your heart’s desire. He’s absolutely head over heels in love with you, and I couldn’t be happier. He might appear to be confident and self-assured, but he’s always been quite shy and reserved. All I’ve ever wanted is for him to be happy, and with you, he is.”

Emma’s eyelids fluttered and she looked down into her cup of coffee, considering what he said. “I never thought I’d meet a man as good as Killian, let alone have him fall in love with me.” 

“I don’t understand why you thought that. You’re a very special lass.” 

“Thank you, Liam,” she said quietly. “That means a lot coming from you.” 

They sat in comfortable silence for several more minutes until they heard voices coming from inside. “Sounds like they’re finally waking up,” Liam commented, rising from his seat. 

Emma drained the rest of her coffee and followed him into the house. Robin and Elsa were working together to unload the dishwasher. 

Liam kissed his wife. “Good morning, Darling. How are you feeling?” 

“Not bad, actually,” she answered. “I appreciated being able to sleep in.” 

“You weren’t the only one,” Emma commented. “Killian is still asleep. I’m surprised you and Regina slept this late, Robin.” 

“Ah, yes. Well, a certain young man climbed into bed with us in the middle of the night, and since he was up way past his bedtime, we thought it best not to disturb him until he woke up this morning. He gets rather irritable when he doesn’t get enough sleep.” 

“I can’t imagine Roly Poly being irritable,” Elsa said. 

“It doesn’t happen often, but it’s not a pleasant experience when it does, and we have a long car ride ahead of us.” 

Emma wondered if Killian was awake yet and excused herself to check on him. Opening the bedroom door quietly, she saw that he was in the same position as when she left him nearly half-an-hour earlier. She sat on the edge of the mattress and skimmed her fingers up his bare arm. He twitched, but didn’t wake up. With a playful grin, she began placing small kisses across his shoulders and up his neck. 

Soon, her tactics had the desired effect. He yawned and rolled onto his back, blinking blearily. “Morning, Love,” he mumbled. His low, gravelly voice sent pleasant shivers up her spine. 

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Have you been up long?” 

“Long enough to have a cup of coffee with your brother on the front porch.” 

“Am I the last one up?” 

“I haven’t seen Regina and Roland yet, or anyone from the other cottage.” 

He stretched his arms over his head, then quickly wrapped them around her, pulling her against his chest. 

“Don’t start anything,” she giggled. “We need to get packed up so we can go get something to eat.” 

“So, you’re saying if it’s a choice between morning sex and food, you’d choose food?” 

“Maybe,” she teased. 

Her laughter rang out as he began rubbing his scruff against the sensitive skin of her throat. 

~*~*~

It was another two hours until everyone was up, showered, packed, and the cars were loaded. They reluctantly bid their vacation cottages goodbye, then drove to the seafront, where they parked in the large lot close to the pier. The guide on their trolley tour had recommended Barbara Jean’s, a restaurant famous for their crab cakes and ‘easy Southern dining’.

Their mood was subdued as it was impossible to not think about the long drive back to their homes, and the impending separation for three of the couples, however brief it would be for Emma and Killian. 

The message Mary Margaret and David sent to the group text wishing them a good morning and safe travels brought smiles to their faces, knowing their friends were now happily married and would be together in Pigeon Forge once their honeymoon was over. 

After their delicious meals were consumed and the bills paid, the group of friends emerged onto the sidewalk, soaking up the warm sunshine before being cooped up in cars for many hours. They walked slowly to their vehicles, trying to postpone their separation as long as possible. 

“Well, I guess this is the last time we’ll all be together until the trip next year,” Graham sighed, leaning against Liam’s car, while holding Ruby tightly. 

“At least we’ll have some time with each other before you drop me and Belle off at the airport,” Ruby said, snuggling into his chest. 

“Hey, we might live miles away from each other, but we manage to stay connected,” Will pointed out. 

“Best friends always do,” Belle added, looping her arm through her boyfriend’s. 

“And we do have a wedding to look forward to,” Elsa noted, smiling at Emma and Killian. 

“Speaking of that, have you set a date?” Regina asked. 

“We haven’t had time to discuss it yet,” Emma answered. 

“Well, you’ll have over nine hours in the car today,” Liam said. “That should give you plenty of time to plan the entire wedding, reception, and honeymoon.” 

The friends all laughed, exchanged hugs, and got into their respective vehicles, going their separate ways until they’d meet up again for next year’s destination dream wedding.

~*~*~

Notes:

The Georgia Queen was one of the riverboats we saw on the river in Savannah. We didn’t take a tour on it this time around though.

We didn’t intentionally go to Epworth by the Sea, but Jen and Marta drove through when Jen’s “Google woman” sent them off on the scenic route again. While it did add a bit of time to the drive to Krystal’s, it was a happy accident, as it was absolutely beautiful. Thanks, annoying Google woman who likes to prolong our car rides!

We also ate at Barbara Jean’s before heading to Savannah on our main day in that city. The food was delicious–including the she-crab soup that Marta ordered. We couldn’t resist having Graham place that particular order in the story for reasons that are probably apparent to anyone who knows Marta and her love of Graham. It didn’t make it into the story, but our waitress also gave us some fascinating Beauty and the Beast trivia.

And with that, the 2024 Girls’ Trip fic comes to a close! We hope you enjoyed our adventures told through our favorite characters’ destination wedding! See you next year for our (and their) next vacation!

~*~*~

Thank you again so much for reading and sharing! We'll see you next year!!!

[laianely]

No Rest For The Immortals

This is the first chapter of my work for the last year of @cssns

It's so sad that I'm so late for this event, but I'm glad that I managed to participate in this! Many thank for wonderful organizers! You did great job!

Thanks to @xarandomdreamx for beta-reading and correcting my mistakes!

Also this work has cover collage by me and lovely art by @captainswan-kellie! Thank you Kellie!

I have 5 chapters written and the 6th in WIP. I'm going to post them once a week.

Rating: M

Summary: A brutal murder has occurred in New York City. The victim's heart was ripped out, and Detective Emma Swan is determined to find the killer. But bounty hunter Killian Jones interferes with the case, talking nonsense about vampires and wanting to get involved to find the killer and avenge the events that happened centuries ago. Emma thinks he is a psychopath, but his help is her best option when she doesn't have many leads.

Tag people who may be interested: @killianxswan @teamhook @booksteaandtoomuchtv @exhaustedpirate @anmylica @hollyethecurious @kmomof4 @winterbaby89 @undercaffinatednightmare @resident-of-storybrooke @caught-in-the-filter @tiganasummertree @stahlords @lfh1226-linda @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite @motherkatereloyshipper @soniccat @jrob64 @beckettj @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jonesfandomfanatic @zaharadessert @bluewildcatfanatic @once-upon-a-happy-end @ultraluckycatnd @qualitycoffeethings

[myfearless-love]

Too Well Tangled (Chapter 15/21 - "Sacred Art, Profane Thoughts")

Chapters: 15/21 — "Sacred Art, Profane Thoughts"

Rating: Mature

Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV)

Relationship: Captain Hook | Killian Jones/Emma Swan

Characters: Captain Hook | Killian Jones, Emma Swan, Prince Charming | David Nolan, Arthur (Once Upon a Time), Knave of Hearts | Will Scarlet, Robin Hood (Once Upon a Time), Mad Hatter | Jefferson

Additional Tags: Captain Swan - Freeform, Alternate Universe - Historical, Alternate Universe - Regency, Enemies to Lovers, Angst and Fluff and Smut, BAMF Emma Swan, Angst and Romance, Banter

Summary: Determined and tough-minded Emma Nolan is on a singular mission: to rescue her dim-witted brother from the clutches of Killian Jones, the infamously rakish Marquess of Hookstone. Little did she anticipate her own burgeoning desire for the audacious, unscrupulous scoundrel she intended to despise. Killian Jones, the enigmatic Marquess of Hookstone, has more than earned his sinister sobriquet, the "Prince of Darkness." His past, a stormy mosaic of rejection and rebellion, has forged a man both feared and revered. Yet, the indomitable Miss Nolan proves an unexpectedly formidable opponent for his infamous charm. But when Killian's reciprocated passion lands them in a scandalously compromising, and very public, predicament, Emma is left with no recourse but to demand satisfaction...

Previous chapters: ch. 1 II ch. 2 II ch. 3 II ch. 4 II ch. 5 II ch. 6 II ch. 7 II ch. 8 II ch. 9 II ch. 10 II ch. 11 II ch.12 II ch. 13 II ch. 14

READ HERE: AO3

Preview:

HUGE thank you to my amazing beta @xarandomdreamx for always catching my mistakes and leaving me smiling with her comments!!❤️

Tagging some folks who might be interested:

@anmylica @elfiola @zaharadessert @gingerchangeling @undercaffinatednightmare

@jrob64 @teamhook @kmomof4 @jonesfandomfanatic @mie779

@winterbaby89 @tiganasummertree @stahlop @rylieblu @ultraluckycatnd

@eddisfargo @booksteaandtoomuchtv @laianely @hollyethecurious @resident-of-storybrooke

@beckettj @whimsicallyenchantedrose @captainswan-kellie @veryverynotgoodwrites @lfh1226-linda

@snowbellewells @caught-in-the-filter @shady-swan-jones @bluewildcatfanatic

(Let me know if you want to be added or removed from the list)

[cs-c-ocktoberfest2023]

CS(C)ocktoberfest2023: Mini-event

Art by @iverna​

CS(C)ocktoberfest2023: Mini-event The one time size doesn't matter

Hello all!!! So here we go again. Years back there was an event called Cocktoberfest led by the lovely @initiala and with her blessing I come to offer this one. A smaller version and I hope it's enjoyable.  

To check out the original click on the link.

I'm hoping for at least one item per day. Art, fic or any submission is welcomed.

More info to follow :)

tagging:

@allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 @andiirivera @anothersworld @apiratewhopines @artistic-writer @batana54 @beckettj @bethacaciakay @brooke-to-broch @captainodonoghue @carpedzem @chasedancer17 @cocohook38 @courtorderedcake @darkcolinodonorgasm @deckerstarblanche @demisexualemmaswan @djlbg @donteattheappleshook @dovelyheart @elizabeethan @gingerchangeling @gingerpoliglot @holdingoutforapiratehero @hollyethecurious @hookedonapirate @hookedonaswanprincess @hookedonhiddles @ilovemesomekillianjones @imlaxdris71 @itsfabianadocarmo @jarienn972 @jennjenn615  @jonesfandomfanatic @jrob64 @justanother-unluckysoul @k-leemac @karlyfr13s  @kday426 @killian-will-do @klynn-stormz @kmomof4 @kwistowee @kymbersmith-90 @laschatzi @lassluna @let-it-raines @lfh1226-linda @lonelyspectator12 @mariakov81 @motherkatereloyshipper @officerrogers @ohmakemeahercules @onceratheart18 @pirateherokillian @purplehawkcaptain @resident-of-storybrooke @revanmeetra87 @sailtoafarawayland @sals86 @scribomaniac @searchingwardrobes @seriouslyhooked @shardminds @shireness-says @snowbellewells @sotangledupinit @spacekrulesbians @spartanguard @stahlop @superchocovian @swanslieutenant @tehgreeneyes @the-darkdragonfly @thejollyroger-writer @thepirateandhisson @therealstartraveller776 @thislassishooked @thisonesatellite @tiganasummertree @tomeandflickcorner @ultraluckycatnd @veryverynotgoodwrites @wefoundloveunderthelight @wellhellotragic @whimsicallyenchantedrose @winterbaby89 @iverna @xarandomdreamx @xsajx @zaharadessert @myfearless-love @grimmswan @fleurdepetite @hookmecaptain @once-upon-a-pirate-ship @undercaffinatednightmare @4getfulimaginator2022 @nachocheese-itsmycheese @booksteaandtoomuchtv @OUATadmire @lifeinahole27

[pirateswhore]

top 5 cs blogs?

oh, this is a cruel question. 😔

I'm missing many, im sure, and I'm going off of what shows up in my feed the most often, in no order.

@killianjonesz Sharon and her gifs are... a gift to this world and fandom. I just adore them SO much, I kick my feet giggling whenever I look at them. 10/10 chefs kiss, mwah

@cptainjones 's analysis/commentary n general meta is just. mind blowing. istg mari you've got such a way with words.

@piraterefrigerator you were my first friend in the fandom so like. hi ily Ray. also your blog gives me "haha funny" with some takes and I love the unhinged headcanons we share with each other <3

@piinfeathers your art > God. so good istg. some of your pieces live rent free in my head and I'll look at them sometimes and giggle kicking my feet up.

@laianely relatively new and we don't interact much BUT I absolutely adore your edits hello. heartbreaking (I also think I've seen some on TT/reposted to Pinterest so I'm glad I get to follow the OG creator of them :))

and some generally cool people I like seeing on my dash and are lovely people: @caliburn-the-sword @vasfasan @booksteaandtoomuchtv @poptart-cat-78 @kmomof4 @thecoolestfreakyouknow @exhaustedpirate

[padfootprongslet]

title: like our love ( falling down and over again ) fandom/pairing: once upon a time, emma swan/killian jones rating: explicit in later chapters. chapters: 1/7 summary:

“This entire time?” She asks, thinking back to the nights when she was home and complaining about this hit, complaining about how she couldn’t find this guy. Killian shakes his head, closing his eyes briefly and placing his forehead against hers.. ----- Emma Swan works for White Lights Magic Hunters, a company that hunts magical users who have gone rogue with their powers. When the Dark One is murdered, it's up to her and her team to find the man that did it. So what happens when, once she gets there, the man looking over another body is her husband? And what is she to do next? ---- Or, an AU where Emma and Killian are Mr & Mrs. Smith.

Written for @cssns. Art by the lovely @kmomof4

[snowbellewells]

1-6, 22, 42&43, and finally 50 for the Fanfic Authors Game. Thank you, ma’am!!

Oh Krystal @kmomof4 this took me a minute, but I'm so glad you sent asks - I haven't done any ask games for a while, and I always find them fun. Thanks for your interest (and I'll be sending some back your way! ;p)

1- What was your first fic and could you stand to reread it today?

My first fic was probably a PaceyxJoey revamp/divergence of the Dawson's Creek Season 1 finale. I had only recently even discovered that fanfiction existed, and everyone else I knew was convinced that I was crazy for thinking Pacey and Joey had the romantic chemistry rather than Dawson and Joey. Anyway, the fic was largely a way for me to vent my frustration and play out my vision of things. I'm not even sure there is still an existing copy of it today there, whether I would want to read it or not!

2 - What's your most recent fic and how far do you think you've come?

My most recent fic is my second entry for the @cssns24 event "For All Life and For All Time" (a Dracula AU). I'd really like to think that I've come a fair way in dramatic and atmospheric writing, as well as just writing a cute little love story for smiles. Though there is nothing wrong with fluff, I've been labeled as sweet for quite some time, so trying to add a bit more edge or danger and darkness to my works is a continual growing process, and one that I hope shows in this newest one as I go along.

3 - In your opinion, what's your best fic?

Goodness, I feel like that is a really hard question, K! I don't tend to feel like I really have a "best of" the way some of my favorite writers do. (For some reason it feels presumptuous when speaking of my own work) I do have ones I am more attached to or was more emotionally invested in writing, but I don't know if that makes them the "best" or not. I guess I might say "Tasting Forever" if pressed. It had such an incredible response when I first posted it - so far beyond what I had expected, and I am pretty proud of it when I look back at it.

4 - In your opinion and without looking at any numbers, what's your most popular fic?

Without looking to make sure, I would say probably "Tasting Forever" (see above) is one of the most popular, if not the most. It was at one time, at any rate. Before that one was written/posted, it was probably the two part "Under the Weather" which I wrote around the season three timeframe in the show, and was basically an excuse to have Emma take care of a sick Killian and hurry up and admit her feelings as well. The only other contender would be my first true CS/OuaT MC "I'd Know You Anywhere" which had Emma as a witness to a murder and Killian and Ruby as FBI agent partners assigned to protect her and Henry.

5 - Is there any fic that makes you super happy to reread and remember you wrote that?

I realize that this fic is incredibly niche and not many will ever read it, because it is not strictly CS (though they are supporting characters) and it's not even about a popular side pairing, but my BellexLiam short MC "Looking for a Heart (that's not Walking Away)" is one that I still read and smile about. I had a lot of fun imagining how I should characterize both Belle and Liam more fully and with the storyline itself. I am still really pleased with how it turned out and it's close to my heart, and the ending makes me grin happily whenever I reread it. I love it even more since @hollyethecurious created cover art for it as well.

I also feel that way about "A Year in the Court of Misthaven" (especially the first chapter with the Yule Ball) It just makes me grin imagining it. :)

6 - Is there any fic that makes you super embarrassed to reread and remember you wrote that?

Weirdly, since it's one of my more popular fics with other people, I have some embarrassment over "I'd Know You Anywhere". There are parts of it that I like and feel as though they turned out quite well, but there are also parts that seem rushed to me in hindsight, or plot holes, anomalies, and deadends that don't make sense. Maybe I'm being overly self-critical, but I feel like I could do a better job of it now than I did then.

22- Has there ever been anyone who's made you freak out because they read your work and followed/favorited/reviewed?

Oh yes, for sure! I won't try to list too many specific names, because I feel like I'd be bound to leave someone out, and I wouldn't want anyone to feel like their kind words and love weren't appreciated. Every single reblog, like, or comment is such a boost and huge compliment to me!! I will say though, that whenever someone 2who I regularly read and whose writing I admire takes the time to read something of mine, I am incredibly gratified and flattered.

And I doubt anyone who has received them would deny that your (yes, you, K!) real-time flails as you read are some of the best mood lifters and ego boosters in the world!!

42- How many views has your most popular fic gotten?

I'm going to guess this means on AO3? Are "Hits" the same thing as "Views"? Since that seems the most likely, that's what I'm going with here - Hits on AO3, in which case the one with the most is "A Cottage by the Sea" with 1,767 hits.

43 - Your least popular?

That would be my Ruby-centric OuaT one shot "Always Running" with just 46 hits (or views?)

50 - Has writing fanfic had a significant impact on your life? Would you say it's entirely positive?

Other than the amount of stress I put on myself when I can't update as quickly as I like or fear people may not like my newest post or addition, yes, I would say fanfic has been almost an entirely positive experience.

It's had a huge impact on me: it's kept me writing even as I've become an adult and had to get a "real job" to pay the bills. It's kept alive a show I adored, even though it's been off the air for someone six or seven years. Most of all, it has brought me some of the best friends in fellow fic writers that I have ever had! That last one in itself is one of the most incredible blessings I could imagine!!

[exhaustedpirate]

parent for hire

It's my time to post my CSSNS project! Let's party! I hope you guys like this! I decided to write a CaptainCobraSwan adventure fic after watching the pilot for "The Mandalorian" - I didn't watch the show or anything like that so this is purely inspired by it in theme and some gifs I found on here. I honestly couldn't have done this without Krystal, you're an actual angel and the best beta I could ask for! Also my artist for this year's event, so keep your eyes open for the wonderful @kmomof4 's art! I want to add that I have the next few chapters written and ready to post so I'll be uploading on a weekly basis, if you want to be added to the currently empty tag list, let me know! Without further ado, I present you with the prologue and, in a separate post, the first chapter of "Parent for Hire"!

Prologue

word count: 1112 words 

rating: teen and up

read on AO3

It was said that on a night with no light, a baby would be born that would carry the greatest power of all. A power that would grant one the ability to raze villages in seconds, the ability to kill a thousand with barely a movement, the ability to destroy anything. A power that would grant one the ability to heal any ailment and sickness, the ability to grow crops and forests with a single thought, the ability to bring life.

They called it The Heart of the Truest Believer. 

Few believed it was true, fewer still waited eagerly for the baby's appearance.

Great light waited for the Heart. Hopeful to hold its hand and guide it to a path of prosperity, to help it find the path of good.

Great darkness would search for the Heart. Eager to hold it in its grasp to destroy all that it could touch, to harness all of its power. 

On a night with no light, a baby boy was born. His hair was as dark as the night he was born in, his eyes the color of the forest he was born in. His parents saw how the boy shared his mother's nose, his father's eyes, his grandmother's chin, and his grandfather's brow.

They named him Henry.

They held him tight during the cold nights that winter and they told him stories in front of the cozy fire. Stories of knights and pirates, of heroes and villains, of his family, of the love they shared.

Unfortunately, no one would know about the stories, no one would know about the warmth of his parents' embrace, no one would know the resemblance the boy shared with his parents.

Just before he celebrated his first spring, a vicious group carrying mallets, crossbows, and daggers attacked their cottage. They set a fire that surrounded the tiny home as they yelled and hollered into the night. Glass shattered, manic laughter filling the small space.

The boy slept as chaos erupted in the cottage. He slept as his father gave his life to protect his family. He slept as his mother escaped with him through the backdoor of the cottage, her bare feet rushing through the fire, her shout of pain poorly contained. The child slept on as his mother pulled him closer to her chest, uncaring of her wounds, her only thought to protect her baby. He slept as the invaders noticed his runaway mother, excited hollers piercing the night as they chased after them. He slept as an arrow caught on his mother's shoulder, and she hid him in a verdant bush. He slept as his mother continued to run, hoping to draw the attention of their attackers. The boy slept as his mother, feet screaming in pain, fell to her knees, eyes to the sky as she pleaded to the blue star for help. The child slept as his mother joined his father, his life preserved with her silence.

Rain began to fall, the symphony like a lullaby for the sleeping baby as it doused the fire on his destroyed home. Thunder rumbled as the boy woke, his wails calling for his mother. He was alone, where before there wasn't a second when he didn't hear his mother's voice, feel his father's touch. He was alone and the forest cried with him. 

His mother's pleas were heard, the hope infused in them summoning a protector for her child. A blue light permeated the leaves, filling the boy's vision. Careful hands removed the baby from his hideout, his cries silenced, the rain stopping. 

The child's eyes were curious as they inspected the strange woman, receiving the same curiosity in return. Sounds burst from his throat as his hands batted up and down. It might have been his eyes or it might have been the way the forest changed its symphony to match the boy's, but his rescuer knew who he was.

"You're safe now, Henry," she tried to reassure. Her hold was too careful, inexperienced. Henry babbled excitedly as his new protector took flight, the wind tickling his face. 

The baby was brought to a safe place, where no one could find him. A burrow deep within the forest, a home. He was surrounded by fairies as he grew. They were his caregivers, his teachers. They became his family, his protectors.

Peter Pan wanted the Heart of the Truest Believer. Had been searching for it since its birth. His inability to leave Neverland did not stop his search however, with his Lost Boys following the clues in his stead. There was suffering on the island the night they failed.

On the night when the deafening cries of Neverland echoed on the island, a Swan escaped its cage. Its time running out, desperate for a way out. It was guided to a new home, told to await the Heart's reappearance. Told to hold onto hope.

The island wasn't the only place where pain ruled. Another one's heart was darkened that same night, a loss great enough to turn one's life onto a completely different path. This heart lost their home, their safety, their family, the only love they had left. This heart tried to hold onto hope that revenge was within their reach.

As the child grew, the fairies taught him that a Swan would show him the way. That when the time was right, he would be led to safety by its beak. The Swan was a companion and protector, a guide. The Swan would carry the Heart and take it home, take it to where it could grow. Take it to where it would be loved.

Peter Pan continued his search for the Heart of the Truest Believer even as all trails went cold. He heard of a bounty hunter whose reputation followed him far and wide. A bounty hunter whose heart was lonely, who was in search of their love, whose pain could be exploited. But, this bounty hunter disappeared before completing his task, his kind soul too strong to be bought.

He heard of another, a man with the same amount of scruples as he. A man with a similar reputation. A man who could be bought. A man whose pockets were unable to be filled, always greedy for more. A man who decided to take the Heart for himself.

He finally heard of another, someone whose reputation had recently come to his ear. Someone new, someone who could be bought. Someone who had been eager to capture a wizard. Someone who cared not for the details. Someone who would bring the Heart to him.

Someone who didn't heed the warning. Peter Pan never fails.

[jrob64]

Hook's First Trick or Treat (Reposted with new art!)

A CS Canon Compliant Story for CS Spooky Season/Autumnal Bingo

I'm jumping on the hayride wagon and giving you my first offering for Spooky Season/Autumnal Bingo, the brainchild of @hollyethecurious. Everyone owes her a big thank you for inspiring a fair few people to write some warm, seasonal tales and art for our favorite show and couple. Everything posted for the event can be found in this collection on Ao3.

I also owe thanks to @kmomof4 for checking over this story.

**Extra special thanks to @motherkatereloyshipper for the spectacular manips of Henry, Emma & Killian in their costumes!**

Summary: Hook has his first experience Trick or Treating in Storybrooke.

Rating: T

Words: 2542

Can also be read on Ao3 and ffn

*********

“Are you going trick or treating with us next Saturday, Hook?” Henry asked.

Killian looked up at the boy from where he sat on the sofa beside Emma. The three of them had just finished watching The Nightmare Before Christmas together at the loft, sharing a huge bowl of popcorn and sipping mugs of warm apple cider. Hook hadn’t been impressed with the drink until he enhanced it with rum.

The whole town was enjoying the peace which came with the banishment of Gold at the town line three weeks ago. Mary Margaret, David and baby Neal were currently on a weekend away at a small cabin in the woods, allowing Emma to have the loft to herself for a few days. She and Henry immediately invited Killian over for a movie marathon on Friday night, culminating with the Tim Burton classic.

“Do you mean there is such a thing as trick or treat, such as in the movie?”

“Yeah, but in Storybrooke, we never had it until after the curse broke,” Henry explained.

“Why is it called ‘trick or treat'?” Killian inquired.

Emma reached over and linked her hand with his. “Back when it started, if a child knocked on a person’s door and they didn’t give them a treat, the child played a trick on them. These days, it’s just kids dressing up in costumes and going door to door, asking for candy. It doesn’t really involve tricks any more.”

“So it’s a children’s holiday?”

“Not necessarily. Anybody can dress up, but usually only the kids get candy.”

“Last year, Dr. Hopper dressed as Paul Bunyan and had Pongo dressed as Babe, the big blue ox. They sat outside his house and passed out candy,” Henry explained. “Grandma and Grandpa were Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Remember, Mom?”

“How could I forget? Dad kept talking in that squeaky voice the whole evening, which made Mom giggle. It was cute at first, but got annoying before long.”

“They won cutest costumes at the Halloween party, though.”

“There’s a party, too?” Killian asked.

“Just a get together at Granny’s after trick or treating wraps up,” Emma said. “Granny gives out prizes for cutest, scariest, most original, and best group costume. She makes popcorn balls and caramel apples and has the diner very elaborately decorated for Halloween.”

“So will you go with us?” Henry asked again.

“Aye, it sounds like fun.”

“Awesome!” Henry exclaimed. “Are you going to dress up?”

“He can dress as a modern man, since he already spent hundreds of years dressed as a pirate,” Emma smirked.

“Perhaps your father will allow me to borrow some of his Prince Charming garb,” Killian teased.

“You looking like my father would give me nightmares,” Emma said, wryly.

Hook and Henry laughed. “What will you be wearing?” Hook asked the boy.

“I’m gonna be Legolas, from Lord of the Rings. Wanna see my costume?”

“Of course.”

Henry dashed over to the stairs and bounded up them, two at a time.

“Will you be dressing up, Swan?”

“Yeah, but I haven’t figured out what to wear yet.”

He leaned over and nuzzled his nose behind her ear, then murmured, “Pity you didn’t bring that wench dress home with you when we returned from the past.”

Emma shivered involuntarily. “I’m not sure that would have been appropriate to wear around my son.”

“You could always wear it when it’s just the two of us.”

“Those moments are few and far…”

“Here it is!” Henry shouted, jumping down the last three steps with the costume in his arms.

“The kid is proving my point,” Emma whispered.

Killian chuckled before turning his attention to Henry, who was holding up the costume. “Grandma is going to let me borrow her bow and quiver of arrows, and Ruby loaned me a long, blonde wig,” he said proudly.

Killian got up and walked over, using his hand and hook to stretch out the cloak and get a better look. “It’s quite handsome, lad.”

“Thanks! Granny made it for me. She might be able to make you something before next Saturday. She made this in one day.”

“I’ll put some thought into it,” Killian promised.

“Hey! Maybe you could be Aragorn and Mom could be Arwen. Wouldn’t that be cool?”

“Very, um…cool,” Killian agreed, unused to using the jargon, but pleased that Henry wanted to include him in his costume plans.

“Orrrr,” Henry said with a mischievous grin, “maybe Hook should be Legolas, since he already has the elf ears.”

Emma laughed, while Killian rolled his eyes.

They continued to discuss their costumes until Emma declared it was time for Henry to go to bed. After he went upstairs, Emma and Killian remained on the sofa, talking quietly and kissing. When they were sure Henry was sound asleep, they took advantage of Emma’s parents being absent from the loft.

*********

“Mom, are you ready yet?” Henry called. “All the good candy is going to be gone if we don’t leave pretty soon!”

Emma emerged from the bathroom, placing a large hoop earring into her lobe. “Calm down, kid. Trick or treating doesn’t even start for…” she checked the clock on the wall in the kitchen, “ten minutes.”

“Is Killian coming here or are we meeting him at the boarding…”

He was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Guess that answers your question,” she said, grinning at her son as she moved to open the door.

When she did, she was momentarily taken aback at the figure on the other side. Killian was dressed as the sexy ranger Aragorn head to toe, complete with crown, sword and chainmail armor.

“Wow!” Emma exclaimed. “You look amazing! Where did you find everything for that costume?”

Killian didn’t answer for several seconds, his eyes roaming up and down Emma’s green gown with silver accents. It was nearly an exact replica of Arwen’s in the coronation scene from Return of the King. Marco had even fashioned the silver crown, which sat atop the black wig she wore.

“Swan, you look…words fail me,” he managed to say, obviously gobsmacked.

“Yeah, yeah, we all look great,” Henry grumbled. “Can we go now?”

Killian entered the loft and offered his arm to Emma. “Shall we, milady?”

They trekked down the steps, being careful not to trip over their long cloaks.

“Seriously, where did you find all of that stuff?” Emma asked again, once they were outside.

“Belle let me look through Gold’s shop. I found most of it in there,” Killian said, holding his arm out to examine the chainmail. “Lady Lucas did create the cloak for me, though.”

“Well, it turned out fantastic. I’ve always had a bit of a crush on Aragorn and seeing you dressed like him is…” She pinched her fingers together, brought them to her lips, kissed them, then flicked her wrist and spread her fingers apart as if she was throwing the kiss into the air.

“What exactly does that gesture mean?” he asked.

“Chef’s kiss. It means it’s perfect and I love it.”

“Ah, I see. I’m very happy you approve. Meanwhile, your costume is absolutely magnificent. Did Granny make it?”

“This is actually one of my mother’s capes and a gown she brought from the Enchanted Forest. Granny altered it and added the silver embellishments. It turned out pretty good.”

“‘Pretty good’ is a vast understatement, Love. It truly enhances your beauty. I hope you will wear it again once this trick or treating is over.”

Emma laughed. “Storybrooke doesn’t really have a place where I can wear this type of gown.”

Killian leaned in to whisper in her ear. “It looks lovely on you, but it would also look lovely on my bedroom floor.”

“You know that hasn’t worked out well for us in the past because of Granny’s werewolf hearing.”

“Hmmm. I guess we’ll just have to come up with a way to keep you quiet while you’re in the throes of passion, Love.”

“I’m not the only one who makes noise. If you recall, you’re the one who…”

“Would you two stop being all lovey-dovey and come on?” Henry called over his shoulder.

Emma and Killian exchanged amused glances and increased their pace.

They soon began seeing other costumed townspeople walking up and down the sidewalks. Children were racing up on porches, knocking and shrieking “Trick or treat!” as soon as the doors opened.

Henry joined the fray while Emma and Killian remained on the sidewalk, heads swiveling to take in all of the colorful, creative costumes on both the children and their parents. As they moved closer to the center of town, Emma noticed Killian had become rather quiet. While earlier, he was making astute and amusing observations about the costumes, now he barely spoke a word. She also noted the puzzled and somewhat sad expression he wore.

By the time they reached the clock tower, Emma was beginning to worry about her boyfriend. He didn’t seem to be having any fun and she had to practically drag him along from one place to another. Even seeing Archie dressed as Woody, the cowboy from the Toy Story movies, with Pongo in a Slinky Dog costume didn’t cheer him up.

Henry was oblivious to Hook’s discomfort, too busy sprinting from house to house and business to business with his bulging treat bag. When he ran up to them and breathlessly asked if he could finish trick or treating with his friends and join them at Granny’s later, Emma readily agreed. She was eager to go somewhere private and talk to Killian, hopefully finding out what was bothering him.

Grabbing his hand, she pulled him into a nearby alley. Fully aware that asking him if he was alright would lead to him insisting he was fine, she cut to the chase. “Hey, Killian, tell me what’s wrong. And don’t say nothing, because I can read you like an open book, too.”

He sighed heavily and looked down, studying his boots for several seconds. Then he raised his head and used his hook to gesture toward the street. “What do you see out there, Swan?”

Emma kept her eyes on him for another moment or two before turning to look at the chaotic scene. “I see a bunch of kids dressed in costumes, running around like maniacs, chasing a week-long sugar high. I also see silly-looking adults who dressed up just to please their kids.”

“Do you know what I see?”

“You don’t see the same thing?”

“Aye, but it seems many people, young and old, are dressed as pirates.”

“Yeah, pirates are always a popular costume choice for Halloween. You should take that as a compliment. You know what they say - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

“Look closer, Swan. The majority of them have a plastic hook over their hand.”

Emma turned to face him. “That bothers you?” she asked softly.

He gave a slight shrug. “Wouldn’t it bother you if people made fun of your…disability?”

Emma felt like kicking herself. Why had she failed to recognize the possibility that he would interpret the costume accessory to be a source of mockery?

“Oh, Killian,” she said. “I don’t think they’re making fun of you. It’s just that you’re one of the only pirates they know and you have a hook. I saw a couple of them with red knit hats like Smee’s.”

“A hat is quite different from my hook. I wear it out of necessity. I find it insulting that they would treat it as a source of amusement.”

Emma saw the same hurt in Killian’s eyes that she had seen on a few occasions when he felt inadequate because he lacked a hand. She reached up to cup his face, brushing her thumbs over his cheekbones. “Do you remember when we went out on our first date? When you made that deal with Gold to give you your hand back?”

“Of course. I felt like a whole man for the first time in centuries.”

“When you gave me that rose, I didn’t even realize you were using your hand until my mother brought it to my attention.”

“That only proves you weren’t being very observant,” he grumbled.

“No, it shows that it doesn’t matter to me whether you have a hook or a hand. I see you for the person you are - the sweet, thoughtful, protective, devilishly handsome man who won my heart.” She pushed up to her toes and kissed him, then murmured against his lips, “Besides, you’re very proficient with that hook in certain…intimate situations.”

A grin spread across his face. “You do seem to enjoy me wearing it on those occasions.”

“Mmhmm, and I don’t consider it a disability because you’ve definitely proven you have a lot of ability to use it for very enjoyable purposes.”

Killian ran his nose along the slope of her throat. “Perhaps I’ll show you just how proficient I am with it later tonight.”

Emma bit her bottom lip. “I have been practicing a silencing spell that would soundproof your room. Do you, uh…would you like for me to try it tonight?”

“Aye, Love,” he murmured, nibbling on her earlobe.

“What if it…doesn’t work?” she gasped.

“Well, then, I suppose I’ll have to turn my charm on Lady Lucas to encourage her to ignore what she hears.”

Emma’s giggle was cut short by Henry asking, “Are you guys coming to the party? I want to win best group costume.”

They hadn’t heard him approach and both jumped slightly. Emma’s face reddened immediately and Hook took pleasure in seeing the color spread as far down as the widely scooped neck of her gown.

“We’ll be right there, lad. Just give us a minute to finish our…discussion.”

Henry rolled his eyes. “I’m not stupid. I know you guys came in here to make out. Stop being gross and come on.” He turned on his heel and headed toward the diner.

Emma looked at Killian with a mischievous grin. “My dad’s right - it’s quite satisfying to be able to embarrass my kid. But we better go. If we miss Granny giving out the prizes, he’s never gonna forgive us.”

Killian grimaced slightly. “I’ll be along in a minute. I just need to…”

Understanding suddenly dawned on Emma. She glanced down, then back up, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess it wouldn’t do for Aragorn to win best costume while sporting a very prominent bulge in his trousers!”

*********

They made it to the judging in time and unanimously won the award for best group costume. Once the party wound down, Emma said goodnight to Henry and watched him leave with Regina, gripping his huge bag of candy and the trophy. Then she and Killian covertly left the diner to slip off to his room in the boarding house.

Emma performed the silencing spell to perfection, despite her pirate trying to distract her in the most pleasurable of ways. And Killian was correct - Emma’s dress did look fetching on his bedroom floor, but not as fetching as the woman who had worn it, writhing and moaning beneath him as he showed her new tricks with his hook.

Afterwards, they agreed their lovemaking was the best treat of the day.

*********

Thank you for reading! Happy Autumn!

@qualitycoffeethings @grimmswan @cs-rylie @wyntereyez @kmomof4

@hookedmom @ultraluckycatnd @paradiselady19 @xarandomdreamx @motherkatereloyshipper

@lfh1226-linda @pawshapedheart @vampcoffeegyrl23 @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic

@eleveneitherway @elfiola @kday426 @julieenchanted-swans @gingerchangeling

@andiirivera @djlbg @jonesfandomfanatic @snowbellewells @anmylica

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @cocohook38 @ilovemesomekillianjones @zaharadessert @lyssapup27

@undercaffinatednightmare @winterbaby89 @jennjenn615 @xsajx @jackieorioncat

@teamhook @soniccat @jarienn972 @softkilly @kymbersmith-90

@apiratewhopines @hollyethecurious @laianely @resident-of-storybrooke @exhaustedpirate

@caught-in-the-filter @stahlop @veryverynotgoodwrites @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite

@whimsicallyenchantedrose @earanemith @superchocovian @idristardis @captainswan-kellie

@beckettj @killihan-jones

[jrob64]

Hope everyone enjoys this funny, sweet story as much as we liked writing it!

Cave Cruises, Cabin Capers, & Cracked Craniums A fic collaboration between @kmomof4, @jrob64, @snowbellewells, and @whimsicallyenchantedrose

What happens when four fanfiction writer fandom friends go on vacation together? A fic collaboration, of course! We knew from the start we wanted to have a collab sprint involved in our vacay, but it wasn’t until we were in the thick of it that we decided we wanted our story to essentially be a fanfic version of our trip itself. Sadly we did not meet any hot pirates, but it was a lot of fun all the same. All of the pictures in the post were taken by one of us on the trip and the cabin in the picset above is where we stayed.

Shoutout to @motherkatereloyshipper​ for her manip of the Lost Boys Cave sign at the beginning of the fic! You’re the best, babe!

This is a long one y’all, over 16k, so be sure you have snacks and drinks to enjoy while you read!

Summary: When Emma Swan and her friends go on their annual girls’ vacation, they meet a group of guys who seem to keep turning up in the same places. Pranks, yearning looks and romance ensue.

Rating: T for some strong language and a suggestive hot tub scene.

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

Keep reading

[cssns]

Please welcome @motherkatereloyshipper to the CSSNS!

Your Tumblr and any other applicable names

Motherkat, ao3motherkat or motherkatereloyshipper

How long have you been in the CS/OUAT fandom?

3/4 years now (time flies when you're surrounded by the best people)

When did you start shipping Captain Swan?

Infamously, I needed a double-breasted waistcoat pattern to make a corset, accidentally stumbled upon the OUAT branded on for the red waistcoat of sex and had to find out who the gorgeous man on the cover was. I spent a very confused first season looking for 'the waistcoat hotty' and falling in love with Emma Swan, and then was smitten with Captain Swan from the minute she pulled him out of a pile of bodies

What drew you to this event?

@kmomof4 made me

What inspired your topic?

I'm and "artist" so the inspiration comes from the storiea

If you would like to share a snippet/sneak peek/summary of your fic or artwork, please use the space below.

Only Krystal's are done and I don't want to spoiler but I can tell you that I made a long haired Killian I am very proud of.

For our artists: What kind of art do you like to do? Picsets, painting, digital, etc? Feel free to give as much info as you like.

I do digital manipulation and cover art, it's so weird to frame myself as an artist, I just make silly Internet pictures

What are you looking forward to most about participating in this event?*

Waiting to see what Krystal signs me up to next? Seriously though, hopefully making it so some writers can see that someone else sees what they wrote. I guess I should probably stop being a wimp and talk to my writers eh?

We can't wait to see all of @motherkatereloyshipper's artwork dropping on 7/3, 7/19, 7/27, 7/29, 8/18, and 8/22. Make sure to say hi to her on Tumblr and Discord.

[searchingwardrobes]

Scarborough Fair: 8/?

I apologize for the long wait for this chapter! We just moved into a new house, and at first we didn't have internet. I also felt that every spare moment needed to be spent unpacking and getting the house all set up. I finally escaped to Barnes and Noble to write because I just can't do it at home right now! Anyways, I hope the contents of this chapter make it up to you. We're getting to the good stuff ;)

Is the situation Emma is in as a pregnant foster teen accurate? I really have no idea, but it's in the book Impossible that this is based on. I also have no idea if you can make a shirt like that. Again, I'm going by the book Impossible. I'm not following it exactly, but those two plot points were kind of important, so I left them in. Anyways, things are going to keep getting steamier from here on out, though our lovers are far from out of danger. Plus, we've still got Snow, David, and their kingdom out there somewhere, so hang on, folks! It's gonna be a romantic yet bumpy ride.

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Emma Swan has had a charmed life, despite being a foster child. She has a wonderful family who loves her, and the best friends in the world. The only thing that mars her idyllic existence is her birth mother: a homeless woman who mutters nonsensical rhymes and claims to be Snow White. One fateful night, however, Emma’s world is shattered. Perhaps her mother’s rhymes aren’t nonsense after all.

Rated: M for date rape, dubious consent, teen pregnancy, and sexy times (the good kind!)

Words: Over 3k in this chapter

Chapter One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six

Also on Ao3

Tagging:  (let me know if you wish to be removed or added):  @snowbellewells @teamhook @kmomof4 @jrob64 @xhookswenchx-reads-blog @thisonesatellite @welllpthisishappening @spartanguard @ohmakemeahercules @tiganasummertree @sparlecorn93 @sals86 @pirateprincessofpizza @xarandomdreamx @zaharadessert @huntressandlioness1 @jamif @undercaffinatednightmare @onceratheart18 @sparlecorn93 @sals86 @pirateprincessofpizza @xarandomdreamx @zaharadessert @huntressandlioness1 @jonesfandomfanatic​ @hollyethecurious​

Chapter Eight:

The entire family jumped right in to help Emma solve the riddle that had defeated her mother. Liam dove back into every bit of research he had accumulated about the song Scarborough Fair. He and Ingrid met with the art professor he had mentioned who had done her dissertation on textiles. Elsa talked to the scientists on board ship and zoomed with the family every single day. Even Anna found her niche, taking Emma to the library and helping her check out every book available about pregnancy and childbirth. 

And Killian? He was the rock she could lean on. The one who made her smile or laugh just when things got too heavy. He also ran whatever errands he needed to: taking Emma to her first prenatal appointment, shopping for a long list of different types of fabrics at the craft store to make this impossible shirt, and going for a late night ice cream run when Emma’s cravings started. In some ways, nothing changed.

Yet his declaration of love still hung in the air. He hadn’t brought it up again, hadn’t treated her any differently, hadn’t asked her on a date or tried to get physical. He was giving her space to decide what she wanted, and it honestly was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for her. 

At the same time, Emma was confused. She had always loved Killian, of course. But was it romantic love? She could even admit she had been physically attracted to him at times, but did that mean she was in love with him? Did she even want something like that right now, when she was processing having a kid of all things and still healing from a violent rape? Did Killian fully understand what he would be getting himself into? Did she want to burden him with all her crap? 

She was just completely and utterly confused. 

Then, as if she didn’t have enough to worry about, Ingrid came home one day from work visibly shaken. The entire family stilled in the process of getting dinner on the table when they saw her standing in the kitchen, her face ashen. 

“What is it?” Liam asked, his voice filled with dread.

“Emma,” she said, her voice choking on her foster daughter’s name, “Liam and I need to talk to you. Immediately.”

Killian found Emma later, sobbing in her bed. When she poured it all out to him, he was livid. 

“This is absolute shit! I can’t believe they would do that!”

“They would, and they can,” Emma explained as she hugged her pillow to her torso. “Because I’m still technically in foster care, my baby automatically is, too.”

“They can’t just take it away from you!”

Emma shrugged. “Ingrid and Liam are no longer licensed to take in infants. I either have to find somewhere else to live, or my baby will be put in a different foster home.”

“Can’t they just get licensed?”

Emma shook her head. “It’s a year-long process of paperwork and visitations from social workers. I’m due in five months! Killian, what am I going to do? Where am I going to go?”

She began to sob again, and when Killian eased into the bed next to her and put his arms around her, he could feel the small swell at her abdomen where her baby was growing. He felt a strong desire to protect them both. 

“We won’t let them take you or the baby away from us. We’re a family.”

“That’s what your brother said. Exactly.”

Killian chuckled. “Of course he did.”

“But Killian,” she choked out, “what happens if I don’t solve the riddle? I was comforted at least knowing my baby would be safe and raised by Ingrid and Liam, but now . . .”

She sobbed again against his chest, and he held her tight. “I won’t let that happen,” he vowed. “You aren’t going to go mad, Emma, you won’t. We’ll solve this. All of it. Together.”

*************************************************************************

The only time Emma’s family ever used the formal dining room was on Thanksgiving. Someone always had to actually dust the table and air out the room, but Ingrid always insisted they “do Thanksgiving right,” even down to the old chipped china plates with the maple leaf border. 

So it felt odd to be in here now with the warm summer sun spilling through the window and shining on the ancient area rug. Assorted fabrics littered the table and a sewing mannequin stood in the corner, the headless and limbless torso sending an ominous shiver down Emma’s spine. 

“So this one is probably our best bet,” Ingrid explained. 

She cradled the bundle of scratchy, thick fabric and held it out to Emma who reached out and ran her hand over the coarse woolen felt. 

“That feels like it would make the most uncomfortable shirt in the history of the world.”

Ingrid shrugged. “Does it really matter? You wet this fabric, mold it to that torso over there, and according to Dr. Freemont, when it dries, it will hold together.”

Emma took the fabric and nodded. “So then we have it. A shirt made without needle or seam.”

“Who’s gonna wear it, though?”

Ingrid and Emma whirled around at the sound of Killian’s voice. Emma’s mouth went dry immediately. He stood there, his hair wet with sweat, and his chest bare. Emma couldn’t stop staring at it. She used to think chest hair was gross. She was wrong. Killian’s was thick and dark, and it set her pulse pounding. Realizing just how long she’d been ogling him, she dragged her gaze up to his face. He gave her a knowing grin as he lifted a carton of milk to his mouth and took a swig. 

“Where the hell is your shirt?” Emma snapped.

“Where the hell is your glass,” Ingrid added drily. “You’re not the only one who might like some milk, you know.”

“I just got home from work, and I’m hot,” Killian responded, as if that explained everything.

Emma tried really, really hard not to think of the other connotation of the word hot, but she was failing. Killian hadn’t brought up his declaration since that fateful dinner last week, and Emma was still trying to process it. Yet ever since, she was hyper aware of Killian’s presence. 

His lack of a shirt didn’t help, either. 

“Pour that milk in a glass, Killian, I’m not kidding,” Ingrid said in her rarely used mom voice. 

“Sure,” Killian said, sauntering back towards the kitchen. He gave Emma one more backwards glance with a delighted smirk on his face. Emma’s face heated several degrees. 

“I think I know what he means, though,” Ingrid sighed.

“What?” Emma asked, her head still a little fuzzy.

“Is it really a shirt unless someone actually wears it?” 

Emma sighed in exasperation. “So have someone wear it.”

“I’ll do it.”

They whirled back around to find Killian standing in the doorway again. He had a glass of milk in one hand and a stack of Oreos in the other. He still hadn’t donned a shirt. Emma found herself staring again, admiring the way a summer working in construction had toned his muscles. She dropped the fabric she’d been clutching in her hands and swore under her breath as it rolled across the floor. Killian smirked at her, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to slap it off his face or kiss him senseless. 

“Well,” Ingrid said, seemingly oblivious to the sexual tension in the room, “if Killian’s going to wear it, then that makes things a little more complicated.”

“Why?” Emma and Killian asked simultaneously. He had stepped further into the room, and his close proximity almost made Emma lose hold of the fabric she’d just stooped to pick up. 

“Well, if we mold the shirt to that torso over there, and it dries, I don’t think it will fit him.”

“So measure me,” Killian said, taking a bite of a cookie. His back was to Emma now as he addressed Ingrid, and it was just as distracting as the front of him. He had freckles across his shoulders, and a few along the small of his back. 

“That won’t work.” Ingrid shook her head. “The fabric doesn’t work that way. Not if we’re trying to make it without needle or seam. We’ll have to mold it to your body.”

Emma gave a little squeak at Ingrid’s words and nearly dropped the fabric all over again. To Killian’s credit, he didn’t acknowledge her reaction.

“What would that entail?” he asked casually, taking a sip of his milk. 

“I’m not sure,” Ingrid mused, tapping her finger on her chin. 

Silence fell for a moment, the only sounds from Killian snacking on his milk and cookies. Then Ingrid suddenly clapped her hands together. 

“I’ve got it! Duct tape!”

Killian’s eyes widened. “If you wrap me in duct tape, you’ll never get it off. Not without taking my skin with it.”

“You could wear a shirt,” Emma said. 

“You made that clear already,” Killian smirked at her. “I told you, I’m hot.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “I mean for the duct tape. You wear a white undershirt, I wrap it in tape, then I can put the shirt, molded to your torso, on the mannequin. Then I make the shirt.”

“You’d need to be wearing the shirt when she tapes it,” Ingrid clarified. 

“I figured that,” Killian nodded.

Emma’s throat went suddenly dry. She’d have to put her hands on his body. She’d have to be in extremely close proximity to him. She was equal parts giddy at the thought and terrified. She was light-headed just thinking about it. 

“Perfect,” Killian announced with a grin. “When do we start?”

Emma wanted to ask Ingrid if she would do it for her, but she couldn’t risk that. The riddle implied that Emma had to make the shirt herself. She steeled herself and turned to Killian. 

“Shower so you don’t stink, and then we’ll get to work.”

“As you wish,” he told her with a mock bow before he turned from the room.

Ingrid, still oblivious to the fact that Emma was practically swooning and trembling simultaneously, turned away from the dining room table and grabbed her purse from a nearby chair. 

“Since you’ve got this under control, I’ll head to the supermarket. Anything you need?”

Slightly dazed, Emma managed to shake her head “no.”

“Great, I’ll see you kids later.”

In the kitchen, Killian rinsed his dirty glass and put it in the dishwasher. He smiled to himself as he headed up the stairs. He hadn’t pressed Emma in any way since his declaration. Whether she shared his feelings or not, he’d told himself, he would still be there for her. Yet the way she’d reacted to him just now gave him hope. Maybe he would win her heart after all. 

*******************************************************************************************

“Sit right here,” Emma instructed, pointing to the dinner room chair directly in front of her. Killian obeyed, and when he looked up at her, his eyes didn’t hold teasing as she’d expected. They were tender and vulnerable. Emma swallowed nervously.

“Don’t be nervous,” he told her.

“I’m not,” she scoffed.

“You’re holding that roll of tape so hard, your knuckles are turning white.”

Emma scowled at him and pulled a long strip of tape from the roll. He blanched, and she laughed.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you,” she told him. 

He swallowed, and she followed the motion of his adam’s apple. She licked her lips as she drew closer, touching his arm gently as she raised it.

 “I’ll start with the sleeves,” she explained unnecessarily. 

She had to slip her fingers beneath the fabric to make sure she didn’t accidentally tape his skin. She thought she heard an intake of breath from his throat as her fingers skimmed his bicep, but maybe she’d imagined it. She wound the tape around and around the sleeve of his shirt, but when she began to wrap it around his shoulder blade, she had to step closer to him. He spread his legs to allow it, and she leaned over him, her breasts pressing against his collarbone. The sharpness of breath this time was impossible to ignore. She paused and locked eyes with him - he face was so close to hers . . . 

“Did I hurt you?”

He pressed his lips together and shook his head, so she continued. Was his breathing becoming shallow, or was that her? Was that his heart thumping so fast, or her own? When she wrapped the tape around his chest, she could feel a “thump, thump” beneath her palm. 

“Um, Emma, give me a second.”

Killian grabbed a throw pillow from the wingback chair in the corner of the dining room then resumed his seat. He clutched the pillow in his lap, and his face flamed all the way to the tips of his ears. 

“Oh,” Emma breathed softly. 

Killian swallowed thickly. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Emma said, her own cheeks warm. 

“I just don’t want to freak you out . . . or scare you or anything. You know, because . . . because of him.”

Emma shook her head, tendrils of hair brushing her cheeks where they fell from the messy bun on the top of her head. She bit her lip as she got lost in his eyes; darker than usual and stormy. She stepped close again, between his legs, and she almost laughed when he clutched the pillow tighter. 

  “Emma,” he groaned, his eyes falling shut. 

“I’m glad,” she said, her own voice deep and trembling, “that I have that effect on you.”

“You do?” 

He opened his eyes, and she nodded. Her hands shook as she lifted them and rested them upon his temples. She threaded her fingers through his hair. It was softer than she had imagined. He tipped his head back and watched her intently. She thought of him the other night, stating so matter-of-factly that he loved her. He had said it as something unshakable and infallible. Something as predictable and steady as the seasons. Then they had gone on as they always had, with no demands that she respond to his declaration in any way. 

“And you could never scare me, Killian,” she clarified. 

Then, suddenly, she was kissing him. She was kissing Killian in the middle of the dining room. His torso was half wrapped in duct tape, he was helping her make this crazy, ridiculous, magical shirt . . . 

And she was kissing him. He was kissing her back. He was kissing her back after declaring his love for her at the kitchen table. He was kissing her thoroughly, his tongue exploring her mouth, even though she hadn’t said it back.  Or maybe it didn’t matter, she wasn’t sure. After all, this was only the second boy she’d ever kissed. But no, she wasn’t going to think about that or him. Not when Killian was kissing her within an inch of her life.

The pillow he was clutching fell to the floor when he wrapped his arms around her, and Emma could feel his arousal through his jeans and pressing into her. For a split second, fear tried to grab hold of her, but it was banished quickly. He wouldn’t just take her; he wasn’t like that. 

Killian pulled away, and Emma was shocked to hear a whimper slip past her lips, especially when he stood up from the chair and took a step back. Why was he pulling away, when they - oh.

He was sinking down on one knee, and she suddenly wondered if she were dreaming. It all felt so surreal, and he was still half wrapped in duct tape. Maybe Snow had whacked her in the head with one of those bottles after all, and all this time she’d been in a coma at the hospital. It would explain so much, honestly. 

“Emma,” he said, (and were those tears gathering in his eyes?), “I know this is a lot to ask of you, since you haven’t even told me yet how you feel about me. And this is something I think I always knew I would do eventually, just not now.” 

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them and continuing. His words reverberated in her soul, and she knew he was right, they were always going to arrive here, somehow. She knew it the same way she knew her own reflection. 

“But with everything going on, I don’t want to wait. I know you face an uncertain future, Emma, but I always want to be by your side. So, will you marry me?” He didn’t even pause for her answer, but plunged ahead. “It makes so much sense, if you think about it. I mean, we’re going to break this curse, Emma, we will. We won’t give up, ever. But, I know you worry, and if I’m your husband, you won’t have to. You’ll know I’ll be there for the baby. It will be mine, legally. It won’t end up in foster care. Not that anything’s going to happen to you, I swear to you it won’t, but if I can ease your burden . . .”

He trailed off, and Emma sank to her knees right along with him, reaching out to cup his face in her hands. 

“And if I do go insane -”

“You won’t!”

“But if we don’t break the curse . . .”

“I’ll take care of you,” he said solemnly, “always and forever.”

It would be selfish of her, she knew that it would, to ask that of him. Nevertheless, his vow felt like the sun breaking through the darkest of clouds, and she knew she couldn’t refuse his gift. Her hands slipped down his shoulders, then his arms, and she clasped his hands tightly in hers. 

“I love you.”

It wasn’t, she discovered, difficult to say. It was just so true, so undeniable, like how she knew the sun would come up each morning. His smile was bright and blinding, and she smiled too at the sight of his dimples. They had been so rare lately. 

“Does that mean yes?” he asked her teasingly. 

A tear slipped down her face, and she found she couldn’t speak. She nodded, and he understood. Everyone would say they were crazy, of course. He was nineteen, and she was seventeen. It was absolutely insane. Ingrid and Liam wouldn’t like it, she was sure, but she also knew they wouldn’t stop them.

 He dried her tears with his thumb, then traced her lips before kissing her tenderly. The kiss continued as they clung to one another in blissful, shining faith and hope. In that moment, she believed him: They would break the curse. 

Emma and Killian were so wrapped up in one another, they didn’t notice the slight shaking of the house or the rainbow colored light that swept through the room. 

**************************************************

It wasn’t the first time Robert Gold had entered the Swan/Jones home when the family was gone. He had explored every nook and cranny, flipped through photographs, smelled their clothes. He knew this family; every weakness to be exploited had been sifted and examined. 

Yet the house had never protested like it did today, and when he turned towards the dining room, he could clearly see why. 

It was a shirt. Hideous, smelly, and dripping wet, but a shirt nonetheless. When it dried, it could even be worn. 

“Well, well, well,” he muttered, reaching out a hand towards it. 

Almost immediately, he recoiled, the shirt burning him before he’d even grazed it. Magic radiated from it. The glamor spell he always wore faded, and his hands turned a scaly green, nails yellowed and gnarled at each finger tip. It wasn’t just the shirt, he realized. The entire dining room reeked with the magic, and he was in pain from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. 

“Of course you’re in pain, Dark One.”

He writhed on the ground and cried out as a much younger face pulled away from his ancient, twisted one. 

“Stop fighting me!”

“I’m doing all this for you, son!”

“Are you, Papa?”

“I got her for you, didn’t I?”

“But I can’t keep her!”

The Dark One could no longer hold onto the shared body, and the younger man stood to his feet, opened the front door, and walked out onto the sidewalk. Neal Cassidy was the name he preferred in this realm, a name that Rumplestiltskin hated. Baelfire was his name: a strong, powerful name.

“Oh Papa,” Baelfire - Neal - whispered, “settle down and cooperate.”

“You know I’ll take over again eventually.”

Neal didn’t argue. Instead he clenched his jaw and gritted his next words through his teeth. 

“This won’t work forever. You’re losing, and you know it.”

“They only finished the first task. They’ll never complete the rest. Not in time, anyway.”

“But that magic - you know exactly what that was.”

Ah yes, he did. True love. He wasn’t worried. The Dark One had defeated true love before, and he would do it again.

[once-upon-a-pirate-ship]

How Restlessly the Stars Do Gleam - Chapter 12: True

Cover art by the lovely and talented @snowbellewells!!!

Story summary: After the Evil Queen kidnaps and curses her family and destroys her kingdom, Princess Emma is on the run. She boards a merchant vessel with her godmother Red, and they intend to travel to Arendelle to seek magical assistance. But when Emma discovers the dark truths aboard Captain Silver's ship, she must put a stop to his cruelty and rescue the Jones brothers from their enslavement. Emma has to find her own allies and face her fears in order to save her parents, her brother Leo, and her kingdom.

Read it on AO3 from the beginning here.

Taglist, message me or reply to a chapter if you want to be added: @kmomof4 @teamhook @tiganasummertree @snowbellewells

Read chapter 12 below the cut or on AO3.

Please reblog, comment here or on AO3, and share the love because I am truly pouring my heart into this fic (as demonstrated below).

To lead was to sacrifice. 

That was something her mother had not only taught her but had attempted to prepare her for—to make her strong enough that she could do what was necessary, what others wouldn’t do, to put her people and the future of her kingdom above herself. Emma was never free to simply act as she wished; everything she did had consequences, each decision she made had an echo, reverberating far beyond her expectations. 

The well-being of her people sat heavily upon her shoulders, and she could not forget that. 

Robin had taken the news of the Black Knights and their quick demise well, and though a discussion was still necessary to determine their course of action, he had ordered they all sit for a meal and tend to the few wounds before considering their next step.

Emma had readily retrieved her salve and healing supplies only to stop herself, her eyes fixed on the figure she most sought as he sat some fifty feet away, the firelight staining his blood-covered cheek. 

Her hands ached to help him, heal him, tend to the cut he only sustained in the aid of her beloved brother—but that was what she wanted to do, not what she needed to do. Not what was best. Allowing herself even one step closer to him was the selfish thing to do, and she could not bear to cling to such weakness when her mother had raised her better.

She left it to Red and banished herself from his view, finding bittersweet exile at the base of a tree beside the creek. 

“Not hungry?” Leo plopped down beside her before she could respond or even react, shoving a bowl of stew into her grasp. 

Emma pushed it back towards him. “No, I’m fine.”

“Suit yourself,” he said, tipping the bowl to his lips. 

She tried to find comfort in his less-than-princely manners, his endearing slobbish behavior, but she’d felt hollow since her latest sacrifice (maybe it would always be this: each choice chipping away at what was left of her until she was just a shadow of herself, just a figurehead perfectly fit for their crown. Did that make her a better ruler or a worse one?).

“You should be judging me right now,” Leo added, choking down another bit of stew. 

“Should I?”

He sighed, a lofty and pompous sound that reminded them both of their father. Leo set the bowl aside, either finished or no longer hungry. “Emma,” he drawled.

“Leo,” she replied, mimicking his tone.

“You know you can talk to me, right?”

She didn’t look at him. “About what?”

“About wh—Emma!”

“What?” she snapped, all her defenses rising at once, shielding her from everything she couldn’t stand to feel, couldn’t stand to know. 

Leo hopped onto his feet, glaring down at her with his arms crossed rigidly in front of him (so like their mother). “I swear to the gods above, Emma, if you keep pretending like there’s nothing going on—”

“There’s nothing—”

“I’m going to say something I never thought I would,” he threatened, ignoring her pitiful attempt. 

Emma pushed herself up to stand before him, folding her arms now too, though hers acted more like armor. “Oh yeah, and what’s that?”

“You’re being a coward, Emma.”

Fury barrelled into her, red and scalding and dangerous, knotting her hands into fists when they snapped to her sides. “Tread. Lightly.”

Leo did not waver. “No, I won’t. There’s been far too much of that around here.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about a certain someone and your inability to tell that someone how you feel.”

Icy resolve trickled down to her feet, sealing her where she stood. “I don’t see how that is any of your business.”

“Emma, this is absolutely ridiculous!” he blurted. “You’re both being cowards about this, and if you could just stop for a second see that, maybe—”

“Maybe what?” she demanded. “Maybe we can live happily ever after, like our parents? Haven’t you heard? That didn’t turn out so well for them.”

Leo’s eyes narrowed, his jaw setting firmly. “You’re proving my point,” he said. “You’re just scared, and I get that, I do, but you can’t keep doing this.”

“No, Leo. You don’t get it,” she replied. “You have no idea what I’m doing. What I’m giving up. But I don’t have a choice, because I have to rule, Leo! I have to put aside what I want and do what has to be done so that if we’re not successful, if we can’t save our parents, I can in good conscience take the throne.”

Leo’s lips twisted in disgust. “Don’t tell me this is about class.”

She recoiled, pain shooting through her as if he had struck her. “How could you possibly think—”

“Then what is it? Why do you have to give this up?”

“Because I refuse to curse him, too.” She looked away, pulling in a shaky breath. “Even if I pretend like we’re not currently on the run, even if I ignore that every second should be spent strategizing to get our parents back, even if I act like it doesn’t take every drop of energy I have just to keep myself upright and moving forward—I cannot be oblivious to the sacrifice that all of our allies have already made, the death sentences they’ve already signed themselves up for. I’m so tired of the fighting and the bloodshed and the death and the sacrifice, but none of that is about to go away, because this is my life now. This is my whole life. It’s the curse the Evil Queen gave me, and I know it doesn’t compare to your agony, but I’m carrying my own burden now, Leo, and it’s killing me, too. I’m losing myself, too.

“I have to learn how to be strong enough to do what’s right, and I’m trying to figure out how I can possibly do that when all I want to do is run to him and find comfort—but it doesn’t matter. It can’t be. I’m just…I’m just glad that…that at least I’m respecting the distance he’s put between us.”

Leo’s eyes shone, even in the darkness, and he took her hands in his. “It doesn’t have to be like this, Emma, I promise.”

She withdrew from his touch, wrapping her arms around herself instead. “Yes, it does. I know you can’t understand, but just trust me on this. Please.”

He remained where he was, resisting the urge to hug her fiercely. She wasn’t ready for him to push her any further. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t take matters into his own hands.

— —

With dawn came sorrow. 

Though perhaps it had never left, only hidden by the darkness, pieces of it distorted to look incandescent in the moonlight. 

Emma watched the last of his star dissolve into daylight, shivering when the burning cold spread across her chest. And at last she lay on her bedroll, wishing for all the impossible things that could bring her joy.

Half their camp had shifted their routines to become nocturnal, though many simply lost hours of sleep when sunlight prodded them awake. Emma was one such person, though on this day, she did not rise. Her limbs could not sustain her weight, nor had she the strength to stand. And the worries of her friends and allies had not gone unheard; she kept her eyes closed, her body still, and feigned sleep until the sun began its descent. 

— —

It was supposed to be a scouting mission, a task he could claim that would busy his mind and give purpose to his body, but as soon as he’d volunteered, his brother had swooped in and disrupted his plans.

Killian trudged along the farthest edge of their perimeter and then just beyond, looking for signs of their enemy and blatantly ignoring Liam who followed closely behind. 

The last of daylight was burning itself out, turning the world amber and radiant, but Killian was not in the mindset to appreciate such beauty, angry anticipation turning to bile in his throat as dread seeped into him.

“I fail to understand why you have yet to express your feelings,” Liam said abruptly, and though Killian had tried to prepare for such an assault, he still stumbled over the exposed root he should have avoided.

He caught himself, only having to pause a moment to reset his posture and composure before continuing, determined not to respond. 

“Killian, this is absurd.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said curtly, proceeding with his task.

Liam scoffed, unimpressed. “Come now, usually you’re a much better liar than that.”

Killian froze, rage prickling along his spine. He opened his mouth to speak but quickly decided against it, instead resuming his path at twice the speed. 

“Enough of this, brother. I know you wish for my silence but I have been silent too long. We must speak of this.”

“There is nothing to speak of,” Killian replied, his footsteps undeterred.

Liam laughed in disbelief and disappointment. “Of course there is,” he said. “Now could you just stop for a second and explain to me why you refuse to acknowledge this?”

Killian’s laugh was bitter. “Why, you ask. As if you don’t know as well as I that this can never happen.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Like hell you don’t.”

Liam caught his arm, forcing him to stop his progress. “The whole world isn’t privy to your darkest thoughts, Killian. Don’t act like I understand them or their logic, because I never have before. Tell me what you bloody mean,” he demanded. Killian snatched his arm away, turning his back on his brother. “Why can’t you be with her?” Liam added, desperate to understand. 

“You spend your days laughing at my so called absurdity with the Lady Red. Has the entertainment value run dry from this game of yours? Is it no longer diverting enough for you?”

“Enough!” Liam cried. “Why do you insist this can never happen? Why can’t you be with her?”

Killian spun to face his brother now, anguish and anger erupting from him in bitter, mangled words. “Because she’s the bloody princess! And I am nothing!” 

Liam fell silent, staring open-mouthed at his younger brother and all the pain he carried. 

Killian’s chest heaved, his teeth grinding together, but all the anger he’d used to fortify himself crumbled when he was compelled to reveal the truth. “She’s the princess, and I am nothing,” he repeated, calmer now, quiet misery and resolve. 

“That’s not true,” Liam protested weakly.

“I’m nothing—a former slave, not even a sailor, a swordsman, a knight. I have nothing I can offer her, nothing I can give that would make me worthy. I will never be enough for her, whether she has a kingdom or not. My only value to her is the blade I carry, the protection I can offer her and her brother. This, at least, I can offer.”

“That’s not true,” Liam insisted, crossing the space to his brother so he could grasp his upper arms, hold him in place, force him to understand that he couldn’t be more wrong. “You are not nothing. You have never been nothing. You are a good man, Killian. You don’t need flashy talents or titles to prove that. And yes, you are a valuable swordsman, that is true. But you must see that there is more that makes you worthy, Killian. She knows it, it’s time for you to learn that, as well.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Killian muttered, pulling away from his grasp, drifting into the darkness. 

“Of course it matters,” Liam replied, though he made no attempt to follow his brother as he withdrew to stare at the woods beyond. 

“It can never be,” Killian said, his eyes tracing the silhouettes of the trees. 

“Well that’s just ridiculous,” a voice called.

The Jones brothers started, wheeling around to find their prince looking displeased, clearly having just returned from his self-inflicted exile. 

“Your Highness,” Liam scrambled to greet him properly.

“I thought we were past this,” Leo huffed. “Please, call me Leo.”

“That’s not—”

Leo’s sharp look cut off the elder Jones. “Moving on,” he said, clearing his throat and returning his attention to Killian. “You are being ridiculous.”

Killian floundered. “Your Hi—er, Leo, I must apologize for whatever you have heard. I assure you that I am cognizant of my place and would never—”

Leo let out a groan, effectively silencing the absurdity. “Cut it out,” he whined.

“Allow me to apologize—” Liam attempted, but he was as unsuccessful as his brother.

“For what? For finally confronting your brother about what we’ve all been wondering forever?”

Liam blinked in shock, half a smile curling his lips though he was too stunned to fully process this particular development. 

Leo shook his head, approaching Killian with a determination that echoed his sister’s. “If you won’t listen to your brother, then listen to me. I’ll pull rank if I have to,” he began, but his joke fell flat as Killian had yet to breathe. “There is absolutely nothing you need to apologize for. Unless you want to apologize for taking so long, but I’ll forgive you for that. 

“From the moment I saw the two of you together, I knew. You’re not exactly the best at not hovering, and she can’t stand to let her eyes stray from you for more than twenty seconds. So I guess I would let you apologize for taking so long, but what I won’t do is let you apologize for loving my sister.”

“But I have no right to love your sister.”

For a second, Killian was certain the prince was going to smack him. “What I wouldn’t give for one of my mother’s speeches right now,” Leo grumbled, mostly to himself. “First of all, Killian, that is not true. Secondly, love is not something that can or should be controlled, and it certainly isn’t something anyone does or doesn’t have a ‘right’ to feel.

“You are so blinded by your fear and your doubt that you can’t even see what’s right in front of you. And both of you are too damn stubborn—but I’m tired of it. Take a breath and stop being a coward and an idiot, please, because I have always wanted a brother, and you’re just about the best one I could imagine having.” 

Killian could not speak, move, or do anything but stare at him, unwilling or unable to comprehend his words. 

“Bravo, lad,” Liam said, patting Leo on the back. “Now, if only we could find a room to lock them in together, then perhaps we would finally make some progress.”

Leo grinned, suddenly considering the benefits of having a second brother. He exchanged a look with his new ally, then turned in the direction of camp. “Now, are you coming, or do you require a formal invitation?”

— —

He’d hoped his brash words would spur Killian on, but all it did was make him…thoughtful. He’d been slow to return, trailing behind even his brother, and when he found the others gathered around the fire for their meal, he’d planted himself on the opposite side from Emma, leaning against a tree trunk and staring off into the distance. 

Leo glanced at his sister beside him, but her gaze was too fixed on the ground to be natural. He shook his head at the pair—more suited for each other than either of them realized—and he made up his mind.

It only took him a few minutes to set it all in motion, one quick excuse to Emma, a few words exchanged with an ally, and then he formed a tiny lie that his sister would not see through, a request to follow him so they could have space to talk. 

Leo brought her to a stop in an adequate clearing, making note of the exact position and perfect distance from their camp. And then he left, promising to return in a moment. How she fell for that classic trick, he would never understand.

Emma huffed, nudging a few twigs with her foot as she waited impatiently for him to come back. Her annoyance was a petty thing, stemming from his casual greeting upon his return to camp for the night, as if she hadn’t stood waiting in their spot and worrying that something had happened when he didn’t appear as quickly as he had before.

She spun when she heard him approach, only to find her brother towing an unsuspecting Killian behind him.

“Leo?”

“Bloody hell, mate, what are—”

Killian’s words caught in his throat when his eyes landed on Emma, but Leo’s grip didn’t lessen as he brought him to stand in front of his sister. 

“What are you doing?” Emma demanded, crossing her arms.

Leo released his hold on Killian, shooting her a smile. “Well, since I have no room to lock you two into, this will have to do.”

“What?” Killian asked, confusion mingling with his irritation. 

“You two are gonna stay here, alone, until you talk about everything.”

“We’re what?”

“Mate, you can’t possibly—”

Leo raised a hand, and they both fell silent. “Nope. This isn’t just about the two of you anymore. Your yearning looks are getting distracting. So now shut up, stay here, and talk!” he ordered firmly. For good measure, he pushed Emma a bit closer to Killian, and then he scurried away, certainly far too proud of himself. 

Neither spoke nor made any move until the sound of Leo’s footsteps faded into silence.

“I’m so sorry,” Emma said, “I cannot believe him.”

“No, Swan, there’s no need to apologize,” Killian insisted. 

They both shifted uncomfortably, glancing away and into the darkness. A few minutes passed with them unable to so much as look at each other, and then Emma sighed.

“As irritating as my brother is, perhaps he’s right,” she said. “And I suspect that if we go back now, he’s just going to drag us right back out here,” she mumbled, risking a glance at Killian’s face.

“He or my brother will, aye,” Killian replied somewhat bitterly. 

“So maybe we should…talk?” 

Killian’s expression darkened, his jaw ticking. “You needn’t say anything you don’t wish to,” he said, “and your brother or mine certainly shouldn’t be forcing you.”

She sighed, turning to find a seat on a fallen log a few feet away. “But maybe we should talk. If you want to,” she added quickly. 

“Swan…”

“Or I can talk. Or you can walk away, and we can just keep doing whatever it is we’re doing,” she said, her ire rising unjustly. “But I—” A jagged breath nearly choked her. “I’m not sure how much longer I can stand this, Killian.”

His shoulders sagged before he could hide his pain, a mask of resolve settling over his moonlit features. “If my presence distresses you, Captain, I will break my promise and we can part ways.”

Emma shot up, grabbing his hand before she could prevent herself. “No, gods. That’s not what I want. Not even close.”

His eyes searched hers. “What do you want?” he asked, his voice no louder than a whisper. Their hands were still joined, radiating warmth where they touched. 

“I want…” she hesitated, losing herself in his gaze. “I want you to be happy.”

“Swan,” he breathed, desperate and breaking.

“I want you to be safe, I want you to be cared for. I want you to be protected. I want you to never have to face a Black Knight again, but also…I never want to face a Black Knight again without you by my side. I want you to do whatever makes you happy. I want you to do whatever is best for you—and—and Killian, I am absolutely terrified that I’m not what’s best for you.” Tears spilled onto her cheeks, but she made no move to brush them away. “I don’t know if I can give you the happiness I want you to have, the happiness you deserve to have, and I know I can carry on in this war if you aren’t by my side, but even the thought of facing the next sunrise without you there—”

“Emma,” Killian cried, taking her other hand in his. “Emma, please.”

She wished she could take back her tears. Her eyes squeezed shut. “You can go. I can let you go, I swear. I am strong enough, I promise.”

“But I’m not.” 

She blinked away some droplets, inspecting his face for what she hoped to see and what she hoped she wouldn’t. “What?”

He shook his head at himself or his thoughts, dropping onto his knees in front of her. He could do nothing else. “I am so sorry, Your Highness. I have tried to keep my distance, I know I’m not—that I could never be—what you deserve, but I’m not strong enough to let you go. I promised weeks ago that I would never leave your side, but it was not the promise it should have been. I have not followed you solely because you are my captain, my princess, or because you will one day be my queen. 

“I thank the gods every day that you saved my brother and myself from our fate. I have watched you face great evil, I have stood helplessly by as you have buried your sorrow and bravely, regally led us onward. Your cleverness, your tenacity, your abilities with a blade—I cannot count the ways you have impressed me, challenged me, brought hope back to me. It is for all of these reasons but also regardless of them that I love you. 

“So while you are my princess and my captain, and while you do have my loyalty, my allegiance, and my sword, you also have me. My heart is yours, my darling Emma, my Swan Queen. I am yours for as long as you will have me.”

Emma fell to her knees, unable to stand above him a second longer. “Killian,” she murmured, letting go of his hands only so she could hold his face. “I love you.” 

He reached up, his fingers tentative yet imploring at her wrist. “How?”

“What do you mean how?”

“You’re a princess, Swan, and I am nothing.”

She shook her head. “No, Killian. You are absolutely everything. Now please, just—just kiss me.”  

Warmth burst at his touch, at the caress of his mouth against hers, and the world fluttered away into nothing, leaving only them and their lips and their embrace. Her hands moved from his cheeks to bury in his hair, to tease at the nape of his neck, but they were no longer just hands, they were anchors or tethers binding them and their breath and their life—because they weren’t separate, not anymore, not when their hearts beat in tandem and their lips moved together as if they’d always done that, and they were linked, their lives entwined into one perfectly woven thread that was stronger than any enemy they’d ever face. 

They lost themselves in the feeling of truth, in the wonder and beauty of knowing and being known, and when they parted to catch their breath, their arms moved to hold each other close, sealing their promise in the embrace of what could only be True Love.