#but like managed to design her in storybrooke style

[thisisbecausepolyvoreclosed]

First Time In Storybrooke/Return To Storybrooke outfit concepts for Reese in both random alternate universes me and my friend, @disneyfan50 , have going on with my oc, Reese (daughter of Hades version) and disneyfan50's series, An Untold Story.

Top one is for Reese in the AU we dub Rose AU, where she appears in Tales of Auradon onwards as explained on this concept designs post, but unlike prior concept posts, Reese does not have blue hair while in Storybrooke, as after following Rose after the disasterous talk with Beast and Rowena takes the two to Storybrooke, the curse with its effects on magic, blocks Reese's fire hair, meaning she finding with surprise without blue hair, she really does look like her adopted family.

Bottom one is for Reese in the AU we dub Once Upon An Time AU, where she appears from the start of the alternate universe as explained on this concept design post and despite gaining some of her fire hair back a little while in Auradon, returning to Storybrooke with Rose and Rowena means any fire hair is gone once more.

[gingerchangeling]

By You Lights

Well @nerdyhuntress, it is I, your very tardy  @cssecretsanta2k19 Secret Santa!  I am so sorry it is so late!! You asked for Modern AU fluff and smut with a Christmas theme. Unfortunately, I am apparently, completely incapably of not putting some angst into my fic, so I apologize for that.  Well here is part one, hopefully of two, more likely of three. Hope you like it!

________________________________________________________________

Killian Jones, desperate professor trying to get tenure and earns extra income on the side using his interior design degree, somehow gets roped into acting as Santa this Christmas and listen to all the earnest wishes of the children of Storybrooke. But after one boy makes a quiet and selfless wish, Killian might find out that Christmas miracles can happen- if someone tries hard enough to make them.

On Ao3 and FF and Tumblr

________________________________________________________________

“Dave, I swear by all the gods, if you do not stop humming that bleeding song, I will not be held responsible for my actions, bloody fur suit or no.”

Killian’s bitter muttering was soundly ignored by David as the man continued to straighten up the area, making sure the candy canes and holly were all arranged just so. All while humming yet another off key rendition of “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree.” 

Killian had swung back his foot to deliver a well deserved blow to David’s shins when he heard, “Oh good you are both here!”

The reason for his being here seemed to have finally arrived. And he was still trying to wrap his head around how he’d been talked into being here. After finding excuses to not do this for the last four years, he somehow got suckered in. 

But as Mary Margaret practically floated around the corner in an adorable elf outfit and sparkles on her cheeks, he couldn’t find it in himself to mind too much. She hurried up to him with a beaming smile, “Thank you so much for helping us Killian!” 

Then she threw her arms around him in her usual attack hug style. For such a tiny woman, her hugs always seemed to engulf him, and he gave her a tight squeeze in return as the warm sensation of home that Mary Margaret seemed to carry around settled over him. 

Just like it had from the very beginning.

 ~

 Killian gestured to the bartender for another round, doing his best to keep his mind occupied by the game of footie that was flickering on the giant flatscreen on the far wall of the bar. But as he watched the players throw themselves around the pitch, his mind would wander back to games of his past and the bitter taste he’d been trying to wash out all night would come back with a vengeance.

Another year gone without his brother. 

As if on cue, another glass of rum appeared in front of him. And he must have looked a pretty pathetic sight, because it seemed the bartender had poured him a double without his having to ask for it.

“Cheers mate,” he managed to cough out, before he grabbed the glass and tossed back half its contents, licking at his teeth as the rum went down. He waited for the burn to hit, but it appeared he was past that point in his evening. He needed to take himself back to his flat to continue drinking, because trying to get to the point of inebriation he was looking for would take too large a chunk out of his wallet.

He tossed back the second portion of his glass and went to pull his wallet from his back pocket when he was stopped by a voice. 

“You look like you could unload a bit.” He looked up to see that the bartender was standing in front of him, a sympathetic look on his face. 

Killian sneered at him, “I’m just fine, mate. I’m paying for rum, not therapy.” 

But the bartender just raised his eyebrow, not dissuaded. “I’ll tell you what- if you stay and drink here, I won’t charge you for it.”

Killian blinked, the lag in his thoughts trying to comprehend that sentiment. He narrowed his eyes in confusion, “Why the bloody hell would you do that?”

The bartender gave him an easy smile, “Well, if I had to take a guess, you are probably gonna leave here to go back to whatever little cave you inhabit, find the bottle of rum that I’m certain you have, and drink yourself into a stupor alone in the dark.”

Killian sputtered as he tried to find the words to express his indignation, but the man just continued speaking, completely ignoring his half formed, slightly slurred attempts at a rebuttal.

“Hey, I’m not passing judgement. But you are still getting your booze, here or there. And you are already here, so …. may as well just stay right?”

Killian was still trying to wrap his mind around the horrible, albeit accurate, description of himself, when another glass of rum somehow magically appeared before him.

“May as well just stay, right?” The bartender repeated, and when Killian looked up at the man, there was a softness around his blue eyes that somehow worked its way around his bitterness and he found himself reaching for the glass. It almost reminded him of how Liam would look at him when he was being particularly stubborn.

“Aye, may as well.”

Hours passed, and while the man never reneged on his promise, Killian’s access to the next shot was regulated enough that as the night approached one in the morning, the appeal of continuing to drink started to fade as the stupor of drunkenness shifted from coveted detachment to nauseating vertigo.

So when the bartender next passed by, he waved a hand. 

“Another?” the man asked with disbelief.

Killian shook his head, then groaned, dropping his forehead to the bar top, “Just some water for me this time mate.”

He didn’t raise his head until he heard the click of another glass being placed before him. When he looked up, the bartender was still standing there, watching as he reached out and tossed back the whole glass, feeling the liquid wash the now cloying taste of a night of rum out of his mouth. When he dropped the glass back to the bar top, the tender immediately had a pitcher refilling it with ice cold water.

“Want to talk about it yet?”

He tried to glare at the man but seemed unable to muster enough irritation to convincingly pass off the expression. The rum had settled in his blood, and something like grudging appreciation has settled in his gut, and before he could really catch himself, he told the bartender.

“My brother died eight years ago today.”

The man’s expression didn’t change too much, but Killian thought he might have detected a sort soft understanding. But when he sucked in a breath to respond, Killian grit his teeth, bracing himself for the false sympathy and unwanted pity. 

“He’s lucky.” 

It was so unexpected, he couldn’t even lash out correctly at such an absurd notion, only getting out a sharp and inelegant, “Come again?”

The man nodded, leaning forward against the bar, “Yeah. He was a lucky man. He got to live his whole life with someone who loved him as much as you do.”

The tirade Killian had been about to unleash died in his throat as the bartender's words registered. And like the last crack in the dyke, he could not keep the flood of sorrow at bay any longer. Tears began leaking out as he dropped his face to his hand, trying his best to stifle his sobs.

As he slowly regained control of himself, something in his chest felt different. A strange sort of calm had settled over his heart and as he took each rattling breath, it was like he could breathe air all the way to the bottom of his lungs again. It was only after he had taken several such breaths that he realized that the bar was quiet. 

He gathered himself and raised his head to look around and sure enough, the place was empty, the chairs were up, and the music was off. The bartender was sitting at one of the booths, looking down at his phone as he tapped something out. He seemed to notice that Killian had composed himself though, because he looked up from his screen a moment later.

“About ready to go then?” There was no impatience or sarcasm in his voice.

He nodded. The man gave a nod of his own as well before he slid out from the booth. Killian wasn’t sure what to say to the man, beyond grateful for the nonabrasive companionship that he’d freely offered. He was again reminded of his brother as the man stood, exuding a sense of control and steadiness that made him feel anchored.

The silence stretched into the edges of awkwardness, and he did the only thing he could think of to break it.

“Erm… Killian Jones,” he mumbled, offering his hand to the other man. The bartender took it easily.

“David Nolan.”

“Nice to meet you David.”

He nodded and then continued, “Are you going to head home now?”

Killian rubbed at the bridge of his nose, feeling the effects of both his drunken evening and his apparently much needed breakdown. “Aye. The walk down to the harbor will help sober me up as well.”

“You live by the harbor?” David’s voice was disbelieving. 

“Aye, what of it?” sighed Killian, feeling the start of a violent pounding behind his eyes. between the tears and the alcohol, he was going to have a nasty hangover when he woke up. 

David eyed him for a moment, “Well my wife is coming to pick me up, and we would be happy to drop you off on our way.”

“Your wife is coming to get you?” He couldn’t help the slight mocking in his tone. 

David gave him a look of mild reproach. “Yeah. It was girl’s night at Ashley’s, who happens to be the fiance to the town mechanic, who had the cruiser in for repairs the last couple days. So Mary Margaret is bringing it home for me.”

Killian didn’t catch that much beyond, “Cruiser?”

David gave him an amused grin, “Oh sorry, I forgot to mention. I’m David Nolan, sheriff of Storybrooke.”

“What the bloody hell are you doing tending bar then?” Killian sputtered. It occurred to him that far from being altruistic, David’s actions in the bar may have been entirely self serving. Keep the drunkard where he could see him.

David chuckled, “My part time deputy usually works here a couple nights a week, but he came down with a bad cold. They didn’t have anyone else to fill in, and he knew that I had bartended in college, so he hit me up and begged me to cover his shift. So here I am.”

Killian nodded in bemusement, not really sure how else he could react. He was saved trying to find something further to say when headlights swung into the parking lot. He squinted as he took in the black and white paint, the faded lettering proclaiming it to be Storybrooke Sheriff. 

The moment the engine cut out, the door opened and a small woman popped out of the driver’s side. “Hi dear!”

“Hi honey.” 

Killian could hear the absolute adoration in both their voices and had to fight to keep from rolling his eyes. 

He was caught off guard yet again when the woman turned to him, a beaming smile settled on her lips, an expression so genuine that he found himself giving a tentative smile back. “Hi! I’m Mary Margaret. You are?”

He cleared his throat, trying to take in her sparkling exuberance, especially given the fact that it was nearing two in the morning. “Er, Killian Jones, ma’am.”

She waved a careless hand, “Oh no need for ma’am. That makes me feel old. But I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you new? Do you like it? How did you meet David?”

The rapid fire questions had him blinking, “Um, yeah, I’m new. Trying to get a job at the University here. And I like it alright, I suppose. And I met Dave here while he was tending bar.  And.. yeah…” he finished lamely. 

But the woman didn’t seem to notice. “Oh that’s wonderful! Storybrooke University is always in need of new professors. Welcome to the neighborhood!”

And before he could react, he was engulfed in a massive hug. At first he wasn’t sure how to react, but the way her arms squeezed tightly, as if trying to imprint her welcome on his skin, had him slowly relaxing into her embrace, and the strange sort of calm that had settled over his heart in the bar after his breakdown seemed to warm and grow. 

For some reason, as she pulled back from her earnest hug, Killian fancied he could almost see his brother standing next to David, arms crossed and his favorite smile tilting up his brother’s lips.

And in that moment, somehow he knew that everything was going to be alright. That somehow, he’d found home. 

 ~

 Killian was brought back to the present when she pulled back, “Ok are you ready to take on the Red Mantle?”

He winced as he heard David chuckle, “Please don’t say it like that darling. Makes it sound like something out of Game of Thrones.”

“Well given you’ll be sitting in the Christmas Throne, maybe it’s appropriate,” she shrugged.

David burst out into laughter at those words, Mary Margaret only chastising him “Oh be quiet David.”

He continued to chuckle as Mary Margaret walked through the mall pop up “Santa’s Workshop,” taking in every detail. Because it had to be perfect. For the children.

 ~

 “Oh Killian!” 

The sheer relief in Mary Margaret’s tone had him standing up abruptly from the cafe table where he’d been working, immediately looking her over to make sure she wasn’t injured. 

“Are you alright?” He quickly reached out to grab her shoulders, unable to force down his worry. She, and David, had been the first friends he made in Storybrooke. Through thick and thin, through summer and finals, they had been by his side for the last four years. He wasn’t sure how he would handle it if something happened to either one of them. 

However, when she heard the urgency in his own voice, she immediately colored and gasped, “Oh! Sorry, I’m fine we’re fine. Everything is fine. Well not everything but…”

He sighed in relief, then frowned in slight irritation, “What is the issue then lass, coming in here scaring a man half out of his mind?”

She blushed a little bit more, “Oh. Well it’s just that David has come down with an awful case of the flu. He just hired a deputy, so he doesn’t have to worry about work, but it’s terrible! He can’t dress up as Santa if he’s sick!”

And suddenly everything clicked. Mary Margaret, of course, could give Feuzzywig a run for his money. And the idea that something could upset the perfect flow of her annual Santa in Storybrooke booth that the mayor deigned to allow in city hall each December probably fell fairly close to serious bodily injury on the Mary Margaret panic scale. 

And if David was sick and she was here in such a state, that could only mean-

“You just have to play Santa this year or everything is completely ruined!”

It took everything he had not to groan. He had managed to avoid getting roped into that whole crock of shite for the last four years, claiming that he was busy grading finals and or some other feasible excuse at being too busy. 

But looking at her earnest expression, the glimmer of tears just starting to coalesce, he just could not find it in himself to deny her. He knew that he was her first choice after David because she knew him and trusted him with such a great responsibility. And he should be flattered that she was willing to put the Christmas responsibility on him. But he could not muster the proper amount of gratitude. 

Because if he said yes to her, it would mean a full month of Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from four to nine sitting in an upholstered torture device, forced to interact with people under the age of ten and their charming parents. There was a reason he was trying to get tenure teaching at a university after all. At least when your students are over the age of 18, you can guess that its either food, sex, or sleep that’s on their mind at any given moment. And after 21, alcohol also joined the list. 

Children were wild and unpredictable and spoilt. And more often than not, their parents were simpering incompetences who had decided to have children too early. He had no desire to associate with any of them. 

But he knew, even before he looked down into her puppy dog green eyes, that he just couldn’t tell her no. He was already mentally rearranging his schedule.

“Aye, I suppose that means you’ll need me to stand in for Dave then?”

“Oh would you?”

He sucked in a breath, mentally girding his metaphorical loins, as his literal loins were generally always gird, “Aye, I’m happy to help.”

 ~

  “Okay, David know how this goes, but since you are doing this for the first time, I will give you a quick rundown of how this works. We’ll have two elves helping keep people in line and entertain the children. They will also get the kids’ names. Then once it’s their turn, you’ll give a big ho ho ho and invite them by name up to the platform to sit on your lap. You’ll ask them what they want for Christmas, they tell you, you give a suitable response about being good and merry. Then one of the elves will say that she’s taking a picture. You’ll pose with a big smile, then send the child back to their parents and it’s off to the next one! Sound good?”

There was nothing about what she had just said that sounded good. “Aye, sound like a grand time, Mary Margaret.”

 ~

 He hated children. He would never again ever let another child to exist in his general vicinity. After getting kneed one too many times in the nuts, had his suit sneezed on, had his lap urinated in, had children burst into tears while their parents told them that “everything was just fine. Be comfortable about being unwilling placed into the hands of a strange and creepy stranger” he was about to call it quits. 

Today was the first day.

But after he had changed out of the stifling fur suit he’d been in all evening, Mary Margaret came up to him, face still perfectly glittered, and there her arms around him, mumbling  “You’ve saved Christmas Killian. You really have. Thank you” against his chest, he kept his cursing to himself. Because he was a giant pushover, apparently.

“You are more than welcome lass. Now what time do you want me here tomorrow?”

[theonceoverthinker]

OUAT 2X12 - In the Name of the Brother

Brother (Or sister, or any other sibling, real or metaphorical), can you spare the time...to read my latest review?

Great! Head below the cut!

Press Release Dr. Whale is tasked with mending Hook’s wounds and performing surgery on the stranger whose car crashed upon entering Storybrooke. But some of the townspeople fear that the stranger may have seen magic – which could expose their true identities to the world – and think that leaving him to die would be the best solution. Meanwhile, as Mr. Gold tries to reunite with a despondent Belle, Cora attempts to reunite with daughter Regina; and in the land that was, Victor desperately wants to prove to his disapproving father that he can, indeed, bring back the dead. General Thoughts - Characters/Stories/Themes and Their Effectiveness Past This is one of the most visually appealing segments in the entire series. The World of Black and White is such a crazy concept, but it absolutely rocks. The style and the use of color make it so hard to forget and it really makes for a world that feels like none other, something that the other realms aren’t always able to do. And when Rumple appears, it’s such a contrast. Like, had this not been done so carefully, the mix of a technicolor Rumple in a world like this would’ve looked sloppy, but instead, it’s as every bit as magical as one could imagine or want it to be. I also like how the acknowledgment of this distinction is never too much of a distraction for the characters. Rumple (And his gold) definitely pops out from the rest of the crowd, but they never stop to think about that in terms of the schematics of their world. I’m glad about this because it doesn’t invite a feeling of distraction away from the story. Finally, let’s talk about music because the music here definitely delivers on the dark gothic atmosphere of the world, and it starts to blend with our world as Rumple shows up. As for the story itself, it’s pretty basic -- good, but basic. It’s essentially a darker “Aladdin” and a gentler Frankenstein story mixed in to one. And it’s cool! Really, it is! The unique take on Frankenstein is cool and having Rumple be what amounts to a jerk genie in it gives a fun spin. However, there’s not that much that’s worth touching upon apart from the style. Present So, the present segment finds itself pretty divided among our main cast and as mixed as the plotlines get, so are my impressions of them.

Emma and co don’t really have much of a story, per se, but act as passive reactants to everything else at play, and to be fair, that’s the most that could be expected of them in this scenario. I found that the debate over whether to let Greg live or not compelling enough, but thankfully not made to be such a big deal, especially when the main players generally don’t harm innocents. Still, it was nice to have Grumpy and Gold to list off the problems that Greg’s existence could present as something to think about (And to be fair, I guess it was something to do before the crazed Plot Hole Police arrived to badger A&E over for years, if they hadn’t already at this point).

Watching Regina and Cora interact is the most uncomfortable thing in the world, and I mean that in the best way possible. Cora, whether true in her love for Regina or not, still manages to squirm her way into Regina’s heart where she knows she’s unwelcome. It’s honestly sinister seeing her apologize for things that we know she doesn’t mean (Making Regina marry Leopold and framing her for Archie’s “death”), but eventually convince Regina regardless. And to Regina’s credit, Cora only gets him by plucking the nerve of her most recent dilemma: Earning Henry’s trust back. Seeing Regina cradling in Cora’s neck is so awful, like seeing a spider ensnare her prey.

Finally, what the hell brought on Whale’s bout into depression? I guess it was seeing the watch which reminded him of his brother, but he was clearly drinking before he got the watch, so what gives? Was is because he couldn’t get sent back to his realms a few episodes ago because that wasn’t even in the “Previously On” section? Like, I’m sorry, but we see Whale on the verge of committing suicide. That’s a serious topic to show, especially for the very real way that Whale attempts it. There needs to either be more of a focus on Whale’s present situation to get to that point. I will say, there is a redemption here by Ruby because her speech at least connects more to the past segment in how Whale can’t change the past, but can change the future.   Insights - Stream of Consciousness -As a victim of a car crash, seeing that again wasn’t traumatic at all! *nervous shudder* -Killian, this is the exact worst time to be an instigator! What the hell?! -This is also the filming spot for my OTHER favorite blooper. I’ll give you a hint: Anyone down for some crushed nuts? -Credit to Emma and David for knowing exactly how to tame Rumple! Small moments like these give a nice amount of payoff for the respective dynamics! -”From the outside?” I feel like if this had happened during the last episode, I probably would’ve put that Peter Griffin meme here about matching the titles in the dialogue. -I love the opening title card here! I normally love them all, but the distinction of color is just magnificent here! -Whale, don’t drink on the job! -”That’s your cross to bear, I suppose.” Victor, making puns is my schtick! -”He’ll cool off.” Gerhardt, your dad wasn’t even mad. I’d say Victor was madder. -Emma’s coming into Killian’s hospital room all confident and I am so here for this! And looks like Killian agrees! -Killian sees he’s chained. “You’re really into this, aren’t you?” Killian is just getting the best lines here and I am also here for this! XD -”If I had to pick dead guy of the year? I’d pick you.” Give it a couple more seasons, Emma. -I love how Ruby knew there were 10,000 combos right off the top of her head! She’s so smart! -”A LinkedIn account.” Not only is this dude a loser, BUT he’s now spamming the few people that can stand him with invitations to certify that he knows PowerPoint! He’s a MONSTER, I tell you! -”And he tweets pictures of his food.” Greg, torturing Regina aside (Which is also pretty fucking horrendous), you are just the WORST person! -Leroy’s apparently a movie buff. Who knew? -”We need to tell Regina’s she’s been framed.” Yesss! Thank you, Snow! I’m not mad at anyone for not immediately thinking of her given the crisis, but I am happy that someone did (Actually, some two because of Snow and Ruby!). Also, it enriches their dynamics going forward! Also, credit to her for understanding the internal danger Cora poses to Regina! I’m seriously loving Snow this season! -”You better hope he dies.” I like the strength of the writing in this line. It’s the driving force for the morality that Emma and co are tasked with thinking about, however inactively, throughout the segment. -”It’s not murder if we let him succumb to his injuries.” “I’m pretty sure it is.” It totally is! Look, for all the moral conflict of this episode, it’s totally murder and I’m glad that the character framed as the one closer to the audience is the one aware of that. -Gee, did Disney buy Star Wars at around this time? I’ve no idea! -”Rumple Von Stiltskin.” Imagine if that’s actually how his name was structured! XD -”Are you a philanthropist?” “Well, I’ve been called worse.” Rumple’s also gotten great quips! -*Rumple sees box* ...August? “Hello, Rumple.” Ah! Cora! What a fakeout! -”The Crocodile snaps at the little bird.” I guess Killian’s vernacular grew on Cora throughout their time together. Now though, I want to know what animal Killian is. What animal is everyone?! -A moment of silence for the deleted Jello scene that never made it to air. A-woman. -Cora, do not smell Regina’s clothes! That is fucking creepy! -Disguising yourself as Henry? Cora, that is a new low! And your former low already bonked Hades’ blue head! -Cora, go away! You’ve been in Regina’s sights for all of a quarter of a second and you’ve already given Regina a panic attack! -I feel like the only reason Rumple held up that magnifying glass was so that the effects team could show off just how well they did his eyes. -Regina’s hiding spot is so beautiful! She has a gorgeous albino apple tree, christmas lights, jewels all around, and gorgeous wallpaper! Fuck the monarchy! Go into interior design! -”Determination.” Cora, shut up, you are not an Undertale character. ...Actually, you totally could pass as Chara. -”Emma and Henry and the two idiots.” I love how small, but still funny that line was. -Okay, so I totally want Ruby to just run on her own in my “Wacky Races” dream fic because holy shit! She’s fast! -I’m not sure if Gerhardt beating the crap out of his father for verbally assaulting Victor is the most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen or the most heartwarming. -”It seems that science does too [have a price].” Bro, do you even physics?! -I’m not going to write down Ruby’s entire speech, but I do like the concept of looking at bright sides to Regina’s curse. It’s definitely not an admission that it was a good deed nor should it be, but in this isolated incident, it’s interesting to see Ruby and Whale commiserate over things. -Also, serious props to Ruby for cutting Whale’s self-hate monologue to get to the situation at hand. XD -”These carriages are strange.” I wonder if Cora was actually serious when she says this! XD I mean, cars are probably intimidating to those not familiar with them. -”It’s one of my most treasured possessions.” Awww! -It’s so freaky seeing Gerhardt moving around in his undead state. He’s like a gorilla in the way he moves his arms and legs and the way he cowers and sits. What a cool take on Frankenstein’s monster! Like that, more than anything would make me interested in a follow-up Frankenstein flashback. -I feel so bad for Snow as she’s being let down about not going into Greg’s room, but I can’t help but laugh. Like Snow, the fuck, bro? -”It’s a cup.” Am I the only one getting a sense of deja vu from “A Bug’s Life” here? XD -Greg, you sly dog! You, Killian, and Cora could bag Best Acting Awards until you die! -”I was texting.” ...While not my exact situation, this was too fucking real… -I love that globe and wish we saw more of it! On topic, everyone in Storybrooke should keep a private sampling of blood just for safekeeping at this point for identity purposes. -Awww! Poor Emma! Henry, just let her sleep! And then Gold comes in! The poor woman! -”If any harm comes to Belle while I’m gone, I’m killing all of you.” ...Was anyone in that room trying to hurt Belle? For the wham line it was supposed to be, it doesn’t come back in a meaningful way and it’s so oddly aimed. I guess this was written before Colin got hurt and maybe Killian was supposed to go after her again? Arcs - How are These Storylines Progressing? Rumple’s Redemption - As much as my inner sense of empathy is judging Rumple, his decision to essentially say “fuck off” to the request to help Greg is pretty in-character. Not only is he dealing with the anger over losing Belle and essentially letting Killian get away with it without killing him (Which is in itself a pretty great stride that holds through from his decision in the previous episode), but yeah, for as much as I like Rumple and think that the writing does an excellent job of painting him as not a complete fucking monster, I put the word ‘complete’ in there for a reason. Rumple still has a long way to go until he reaches a point where he can care for someone whose outside of his tiny circle of love, and for whatever can be said about his relations to Emma and David, they’re not at a point where they’re strong enough where he’d give them that much concern. Regina’s Redemption - “I have to let you know. I had nothing to do with Archie.” I almost feel like I can leave it there, but nah. You deserve more! So, just as much as Regina wants Henry to be by her side regardless as for as much as her attempted redemption had hurt her thus far, Regina’s still committed to doing right by Henry, and that’s amazing! Furthermore, Regina shows that even if she didn’t accept her treatment when the accusations came around over Archie’s death, she does accept that given the circumstances, it was a reasonable assumption to make. Honestly, the entirity of Regina’s scenes with Cora speak of how far she’s come, as she stands against Cora’s points over why she framed Regina. Obviously, part of what made Regina go as evil as she did was Cora’s influence, and seeing her work so hard to not let Cora control her again was just so impressive! Hell, even gives Cora an understanding of what she wants if she’s to trust Cora again. Greg Mendell - We get our first (Okay, second) piece of Greg in this episode. Definitely a good actor and I like how there was this subversion of expectations in this episode (until the ending, of course) while still raising all of the needed points about him and his existence here for later in the season where they would apply. Favorite Dynamic Rumple and Cora - I like how we get to see that Cora’s menace doesn’t just stretch to Regina, but how exactly it stretches to Rumple. Rumple and Cora are on equal footing in a way that Rumple and Regina only came to be during the final two seasons of the show, and that comes across so clearly in just how he acts around her in their one scene together. She’s able to push him a bit and even prompts a deal where he has to hesitantly accept it, and that’s so rarely done, especially by an enemy. Just look at the worry in Rumple’s eye and that bit of trepidation, but he still manages to keep most of his cool. That is how Rumple responds to a real threat. It’s almost karmic retribution for not bothering with Greg (Or trying so hard to keep Cora out of Stroybrooke that she’d let Emma and Snow die), but I don’t know if I would go so far as to say that for certain. Still, their one scene both establishes so much of their dynamic and sets up the board for later. Writer Jane Espenson is back, and she did a decent job here. I like how she balanced the screentime of so much of our main and supporting cast. No one ever feels like they got the shaft and what they were given to do fits their story so well. In addition, I feel like the writing is done very well, particularly with Regina and Cora. The way Regina speaks is a great reflection of the work she’s done as she deflects Cora’s points hit by hit and only succumbs to a situation that was well set up. Jane is really good when it comes to writing Regina, as “We Are Both” was also hers and the depictions of both her past and present character were marvelous! Also, as a side note, she wrote Emma and Killian much better here. There’s clearly animosity, but a level of concern and even flirting off of Emma’s side that is actually allowed to show up for a hot second. Rating 8/10. Style is the name of the game here. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the aesthetics weren’t impressive enough to bring the whole episode up a level. As for the other segments, they ranged in quality, but were more good than bad, though since Whale was the main segment, the shortcomings of that story stood out more. But thankfully, it wasn’t the only portion between the interesting broad strokes of the OUAT rendition of Frankenstein, the true horror story of seeing Cora take over Regina’s life again, and the small inner workings of Emma and co in the background as they react to all of this. Flip My Ship - Home of All Things “Shippy Goodness” Rumbelle - I noticed that just as the episode started, Rumple was calling Belle “Beautiful Belle” as the authorities were coming for her. That’s small, but pretty cute! And you just gotta feel for Rumple as he tries so desperately to make Belle remember him. While I’m not really sure if I like or dislike the failed TLK, the cup scene absolutely accomplishes what it sets out to do. Also, “do you have any spells to return memories?” Just look at Rumple here. He looks so nervous as he’s asking, as fragile as a young schoolboy! And he does that in front of CORA! That is adorable for Rumbelle! Captain Swan - Killian just gets hit by a freakin’ CAR and the first thing he says is, “Hey beautiful.” Killian, never change! ...Actually, yeah. You need to change a lot, but fortunately, you do! Hell, even Emma gives into the flirting a bit after a bit! Also, “everything else is still intact.” KIllian, could you be any more obvious?! Also also, Emma’s pretty keen on keeping an eye on Killian despite the fact that he’s handcuffed. Finally, Emma’s reaction to Rumple’s threat to kill Hook at the end of the episode...looks like she does care. Golden Heart - ”I’ve no reason to cheat you.” “Anymore.” Looks like we’ve got some angry exes! XD Also, notice how Rumple’s lingering juuuuuust a bit during that kiss! You dog! ()()()()()()()()() Finally! Another really good episode to talk about and get pumped over!! Thank you so much for reading and to the awesomesauce fine folks at @watchingfairytales for making like Frankenstein and bringing my creations to life! Bwahahahahha!

Any guesses on what will happen next time? I’ll give you a tiiiiiiiiny hint: It’s one of my favorites. See you then! Season 2 Tally (104/220) Writer Tally for Season 2: Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis: (29/60) Jane Espenson (25/50) Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg (24/50) David Goodman (16/30) Robert Hull (16/30) Christine Boylan (7/30) Kalinda Vazquez (10/30) Daniel Thomsen (10/20)

Operation Rewatch Archives

[snowbellewells]

“Sunset on the Water”

(Hello all!  I’m back with my last CS wedding themed story for this little lead-up celebration I’m having.  I wrote this one last summer, so all of the things that had happened in show canon at the end of season five have happened here, but it isn’t long after the finale, so either Killian or Emma one decided not to dawdle as long, and they’re already getting married here. I know this isn’t the way it will go tomorrow, though I’m sure I’ll love that even more in its own way – but I would still love to hear what you think!  I’m sure part of this come from my love of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”.  I’ve always imagined Emma and Killian having a sunset wedding on the Jolly like the one in the movie.  Enjoy!)

“Sunset on the Water”

By: TutorGirlml (snowbellewells)

             He could never in his wildest flights of fancy have imagined this day, this woman, this much happiness, coming to him. Killian Jones, dressed in the proud naval finery he had donned so long ago as a bright-eyed, hopeful young lieutenant, stood at the helm of his ship, Swan’s lad at his elbow, minutes from marrying his True Love.  In all those years he’d spent lost in Neverland seeking the weapon to make avenging Milah possible, before that in all his years as a pirate, flouting the crown and taking what he pleased, and even longer ago, in his eternity as a slave to Captain Silver, forgotten and worn, breaking his back and scrubbing floors on his knees, beaten, ridiculed, and abused when he was noticed at all, never could he have dared to hope that he would someday win the favor and hand of a princess.

           Henry chose that moment to nudge his soon-to-be stepdad’s shoulder, whispering in Killian’s left ear with a certain smile in his voice. “I’m glad you finally asked her, Killian,” and though it sounded as if the young man were teasing him for the hesitance he had felt, knowing that Emma loved him but not sure whether she would want marriage or not, he also heard the sincerity and genuine love in the young man he considered a son’s voice.  “I knew she’d say ‘yes’… You’ve changed her, Killian, for the better. And you both deserve to have this day, before something else goes wrong.”

           A small snort of humorous recognition at the truth in Henry’s words nearly escaped through Killian’s nose, but he managed to hold back as the music swelled and everyone on deck came to their feet at the first strains of the wedding march. In the next moment, his eyes became irrevocably fixed on the bit of movement he saw emerging on stairs up from the cabins.

           When Emma’s golden curls wreathed by a crown of flowers as they had been in Camelot, though styled in more structured ringlets that curlicued over her shoulders and down her back, appeared in his vision, she literally stole his breath.  Holding tremulously to her father’s arm, Emma stepped up onto the deck stunning in her beauty.  The dress she wore – purest white and reminding him of the graceful bird her name suggested, despite her arguments against being so fussy and so traditional – was perfect, giving her the look of some beguiling nymph.  The neckline was wide, baring her smooth, flawless shoulders, and the long, belled sleeves were mere gauzy confections, as sleek and elegant as the rest of the straight, simple gown which trailed to her feet with only a modest train skimming the wooden planks behind her.  He was shocked to see that a few tears had already escaped and dried on her face, somehow having suspected that he would be the overtly emotional one – not his brash, fearless lass.

           Unconsciously, Killian nearly moved toward her, eager to wrap Emma in his arms, to soothe and reassure, but he remembered himself in the nick of time, the ceremony already in progress and their loved ones watching. Her father was with her after all, and so he held his stance and his breath, anxious for her to take her place at his side.

           In the first row of folding chairs bedecked with bows, Snow White grinned at him as if she had read his mind and approved of the urge to support and to strengthen.  Her daughter had been without another to lean on for far too long, and the reformed captain could see in the lovely royal’s tear-filled eyes that she wanted nothing more from her daughter’s mate than for him to always protect Emma and put her first. Though the bandit queen had been disapproving at first and slow to warm to him, even after Emma had made her choice clear, Snow had long since welcomed him with open arms.  In fact, as they had come to know each other better, Killian could see that, improbable as it might seem, he and Emma’s mother were quite similar in many surprising regards; just as Emma favored her father in both looks and demeanor and in life often charged forth in a manner which clearly echoed Prince Charming himself.  After realizing it, he and Emma had chuckled over the resemblances, hearts warmed by what seemed yet another sign of how well-matched they were, that they had always been meant to find each other and patch one another back together. ‘Quite a team’ indeed, his mind echoed, flashing back for a fond moment to their very first adventure.

           Once her father began to lead Emma forward, Killian could see his love draw a deep breath and straighten her shoulders perceptibly, moving without any more hesitation into her new life – their future.  And after that, even if she was clutching Dave’s arm, Emma appeared to fairly float down the aisle they had made of the Jolly’s topside, and a tingle began under his skin in anticipation of being next to her once more.

           The prince and his daughter reached the bow where Killian, Henry (gamely chosen as both best man and man of honor) and Belle, who had read up and gotten licensed online to serve as their officiant, stood. Dave shot him a gently warning yet playfully fond look, and Killian read it all too well and returned it with an eloquently arched brow and a smile of his own.  He realized that Emma’s old-fashioned, protective father had to find some way to warn the pirate just once more that if he ever broke his daughter’s heart, he would make him regret it.  Yet, that was tempered considerably by the fact that Killian knew Dave had come to hold him in high regard and by the genuine friendship which had formed between them.  He never could have imagined that his nettling statement of winning the Prince over back in Neverland would so fully come true.

           The royal gave him a small nod, understanding the look Killian sent back, and carefully placed Emma’s hand in Killian’s waiting grasp. Then he pulled her in for a fatherly kiss to the forehead, his hand cradling the back of her head protectively as he had both when Emma was an infant and he’d had to put her in the wardrobe and every time she had given him the chance since they’d been reunited. It took a moment before the man released his daughter again, and Killian felt a lump rise in his throat at the watery sheen in Prince Charming’s eyes.

           That done, however, Dave didn’t hesitate again.  He merely clasped Killian’s shoulder firmly, held his gaze, and then nodded his approval and turned to take his seat next to Snow, after stating with absolute certainty and warmth, “Her mother and I do” when Belle asked, “Who gives this woman in marriage?”

           The rest of the ceremony proceeded with the sort of blissful perfection Killian had not believed possible in generally chaotic Storybrooke.  The vows washed over him; the thoughts of joining his life together with his True Love, “ ‘til death do they part, in sickness and in health, as long as they both shall live”, no one to come between them, be it curse or villain or simple human misunderstanding, made him almost giddy with a level of joy he could not remember feeling before.  It was all he could do to respond sensibly without whooping and hollering his deep delight, sweeping Emma up in his arms and twirling her around before the entire crowd.  Instead, he nodded solemnly when Belle paused for his response, answered surely and steadily, “I do”, and beamed only at Emma, sure that she at least could see the boundless heights of his exhilaration.

           His very own Savior, his brave, bright love, did indeed return his gaze with a knowing, small smirk on her face, and her jade eyes sparkled as if telling him she knew his secret – at least until it was her own turn to repeat her affirmation of the marriage vows.  Her smile did not fade, but her voice quavered slightly, a faint mist of tears in her eyes, and Killian was pierced to the core by the fervency of her emotion when she swore “I do” as well.

           The power of their feelings and their connection only swelled, almost vibrating in the air around them – to Killian’s senses at least – as they were instructed to place the rings they had brought onto each other’s fingers.  The sense of completion that filled his being as Liam’s resized ring slipped into its perfect place on her left hand,  made it as though everything in his world, all the trials before and the challenges to come, slid into place.  This was precisely where they both belonged and were always meant to be.  

           Similarly, when Emma slid the heavy platinum band, a large aquamarine stone and what appeared as rolling waves engraved on it, which she had worked with the dwarves to design, onto the corresponding finger of his right hand, it was he who fought back tears, nearly overwhelmed and brought to his knees by the beauty and significance of the moment.  He wore no other rings on that hand anymore; Emma having finally convinced him that he was the man he had always intended to be – a man of incredible honor – and he no longer needed to carry those reminders and the weight of their guilt and pain. They had discussed if he wished to wear it on a chain around his neck, as she had done in Camelot, or if he wanted to put the ring on the fake hand he could wear in place of his hook, but he wanted such a vial sign of their love and their permanent bond on a real and vital part of him, where it would be always in his sight and visible to others as well.  He was hers, just as she was his, and he wanted the world to know.

           It only added to the unbelievable sense of excitement and bubbling good humor when he could practically feel Henry snickering quietly over his shoulder and the warmth of their gathered loved ones’ laughter and smiles as well.  For a moment, Killian wondered almost dazedly if they could all read his mind, or if somehow his feelings were so immense, so powerful, that they could not be contained within and they were escaping to float in the air where all could see and experience them.  Then he realized it was much simpler.  He hadn’t let go of Emma’s hand since they’d put the rings on each other’s fingers, and without even realizing he was doing so, he had been pulling her closer and leaning into her as well, as inexorably as if drawn by a magnet, until Belle with a playful smile on her lips and a light blush high on her cheeks cleared her throat and said, “Since it would appear our groom is about to do so with or without prompting, I believe I should hurry to pronounce you now husband and wife.”

           Emma’s cheeks flushed an adorably bright shade of pink as the group observing did laugh aloud at Belle’s gentle remonstrance and then broke into genuine applause as Killian pulled Emma into his arms and she went willingly, eagerly, every bit as glad as he to at last be pledging their troth, no longer to be parted.

           He bent her backward in a deep, graceful dip, making Emma feel like the heroine in one of those romantic comedy movies she’d taken home from the Redbox in another life, after bringing in a particularly tricky skip. She’d watched them alone with a bag of Oreos in her pjs, never willing to admit she liked or wanted any part of such romance, and had mocked such tales if they ever came up in conversation, convinced that love didn’t exist in the real world.  Their lips met and all those around them, the ceremony itself and the deck they stood on, all faded away as she was swept up in the sensation.  It wasn’t until she felt what seemed like fireworks and starlight popping and blazing that she had to open her eyes, even as a burst of power rocked the boat and nearly knocked her off her feet, making her cling even more tightly to Killian’s shoulders.

           Blinking, stunned to near disbelief, Killian realized they had just shared that ultimate True Love’s kiss Emma’s parents had made famous, and one more look into Emma’s wide, awestruck eyes told him she had realized the same.  

           Henry’s voice called out then, as the lad’s hand shook his shoulder, pointing out over the rail to a huge, colorfully stunning rainbow arching over the water to the horizon.  “Mom! Killian!” he exclaimed, the true believer’s enthusiasm brimming in his voice. “Your kiss did that!”

           And as the waves rolled, more strongly than they had before, and they turned to look at their loved ones gathered to celebrate with them for the first time as husband and wife, Killian knew they would always be one, two wounded hearts molded together to heal.  When a phone rang as he and Emma started down the aisle, the pirate’s eyes quickly spotted Leroy ending his call and already gathering his breath to sound whatever alarm was needed.

           Raising his hand, as Emma was holding his hook in her own, he stopped the self-appointed town crier.  “Not this time, Dwarf,” he growled, only half kidding, as Leroy swallowed hard enough to make clear he knew it.  “My wife will not be robbed of her reception, her honeymoon, and all of the wonderful moments she well deserves to have and look back on. Whatever it is, you shall have to manage without us just this once.”

           To everyone’s surprise, Leroy’s gruffly offered the smallest of awkward bows and shot him a half-grin in response.  “You know, Captain, you’ve got a point.  This one’s on us.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Hours later, when the cake had been cut and the first piece shared – Emma had smushed hers all around his mouth and even managed to get icing up his nose, while Killian had gently and delicately fed a careful bite to her – the bouquet had been tossed, and the pirate groom had playfully removed the garter with his teeth, swinging it on his hook in victory before tossing it over his shoulder to catch Archie by surprise when it landed right in his barely outstretched palm, the dwarf contingent returned, having set the situation at Clark’s drugstore to rights on their own, to find the newly wed pirate and princess diligently seeing everyone off the ship.  Her parents and Henry, before hurrying to catch up with Regina who waited on the dock, were the last ones to leave, each hugging both Emma and Killian and telling them how happy they were for them.

           Despite the wonderful, dreamy quality of the entire day, and how they had enjoyed spending it with all of those they loved, Emma felt herself drawing in a breath of relief, so glad to finally have her husband all to herself, and she thrilled to the next thought, that she would have him for the rest of their lives.  As quiet and peace washed over the Jolly Roger and the water around them, the two of them stood at the helm in the sunset glow, eyes on the horizon, as they set sail for their future.

Tagging a few others who may enjoy: @whimsicallyenchantedrose @laschatzi @bromfieldhall @flslp87 @ladyciaramiggles @ilovemesomekillianjones @drowned-dreamer @nothingimpossibleonlyimprobable @mossandmushroom @kmomof4 @jennjenn615 @ps1473-4

[seriouslyhooked]

Souvenirs (A CS AU) Part 13/14

A Modern CS AU where Emma has grown up in Maine her whole life and runs a store with Ruby and MM. Killian Jones is the new guy in town, who just bought the local bar. Only Emma and Killian have met before and now she can’t help but wonder if their past has influenced his plans for the future. Includes tons of fluff and a happily ever after. Rated M.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven,Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve

A/N: Okay, here we are, another day, another Captain Swan wedding! This variation of the nuptials has the same spirit as all of my other wedding chapters – lots of fluff, smut, and cute friendship moments. I also managed to incorporate some elements of the title choice that I’ve had in my mind throughout writing this that I hope you guys like. Thanks as always for reading, and I hope you enjoy!

The sun today was perfect - the way it hung in the sky, the way the warmth was still tangible but not oppressive, the way the light lent a bit more beauty to the world around her. Emma shouldn’t have been surprised, of course it would be a lovely day because today was the day she was marrying Killian. And yet, the forecast could have called for torrential down pours and she’d still have found the beauty in it.

“Emma, have you even moved in the past few hours?” Mary Margaret’s call from the ground floor of the lighthouse pulled Emma from her musings, and tore her gaze from where it was fixed on the ocean.

“No. Figured I’d get enough of that –“ she looked at her watch “in two hours or so.”

Mary Margaret huffed and Emma could just imagine her friend’s face at the moment. She was pregnant, but probably already formally dressed for the ceremony ahead, and now she was on bride duty. A bride who had no grand imaginings of a huge white wedding, only ones about a life with the man she loved. Mary Margaret was probably having a blast with that.

“Are you really going to make a pregnant woman climb all these stairs to get you?”

Emma sighed, caught as she knew she would be, because no of course she was not going to do that. Instead, she grabbed her sketches and headed down the stairs at a leisurely pace. Once in front of her friend, she handed her the designs.

“Great news, I managed to come with an entirely new line today.”

Mary Margaret’s shocked expression was priceless and Emma laughed as she linked her arm with her friend’s and led the woman back out to the car. Emma took the wheel to drive, allowing Mary Margaret to see the sketches.

“Emma, these are… they’re genius.” Emma smiled, for she thought so as well. Still it was good to get some feedback. “Souvenirs, though? Why that name?”

“I like the idea that the big moments in our lives are these grand adventures, even if they are only flashes in the journey. This line can be a physical manifestation of those big milestones, and it’s something to remember the moment with.” Emma had one such piece in her engagement ring, and in the pile of papers before Mary Margaret there were half a dozen others that could be made for their customers.

“Inspired, and think how long a line like that can go on, with the different variation and everything.” Emma smiled, knowing her friend was the business savvy one and thinking about how good that would be for the line and for the store.

“Exactly. But I’ve had enough of work today. Right now, I think it’s time to get me married.” Pulling up in front of her house, Emma saw Ruby, Belle and Tiana waiting on the porch; the three of them also donning bridesmaids dresses.

“Finally, the woman of the hour.” Ruby said as she raised her hand, gesturing with frustration. It brought a huge smile to Emma’s face.

“Oh come on, Ruby. It’s my day.”

The teasing in Emma’s tone was not lost on her brunette friend who laughed before pulling Emma inside. Once there, Emma made her way to her bedroom and found her wedding dress. None of the others had seen it yet, as Emma had opted to travel to Boston alone to pick it up from the up and coming designer who she’d been consulting with.

The dress was elegance itself, and a beautiful ivory color that clung to Emma before billowing out into a truly remarkable skirt. It was light, despite its appearance, and easily moved in, so that she and Killian could share more than one dance tonight. That had been a big concern of Emma’s – she absolutely needed to spend most of the night dancing with her husband.

To go with the style that simultaneously harked back to the forties (with sheer sleeves that cut halfway between shoulder and elbow), while being modernly infused, Emma was wearing her hair up in a braided twist. Instead of a veil, though, she’d opted for a headband that had intricate beading that matched the belt of the gown. In complimenting beaded ivory shoes, and wearing her ring and a rose gold wreath necklace and bracelet set she’d designed, Emma felt like maybe, finally, she understood what so many women were on about when going crazy over their wedding.

“What do you guys think?” Emma asked, turning to her four friends, and there wasn’t a dry eye among them.

“Emma, you look gorgeous.” Belle’s words were heartfelt and Emma smiled, then turned to Tiana who was nodding, clearly stunned.

“I don’t know what to say, except you look like royalty.”

Emma laughed at that, for that had kind of been the aim, if only because royals tended to be meticulous about the classic element in a gown. That was what Emma wanted. If she was standing up in front of the world, she was damn well going to do it right.

“They’re going to have to hold him back, babe,” Ruby said as she hugged Emma tight and Emma was a little surprised. Of her two best friends, Ruby was the less affectionate, but it was a pleasant occurrence, and Emma was happy that her friend thought Killian liable to lose his mind.

“Mary Margaret?” As if the hiccupped sobs weren’t enough testimony to Mary Margaret’s happiness, the woman wiped away her tears and exhaled sharply.

“It’s perfect, Emma. Really perfect.” Emma took Mary Margaret’s hand in hers and then looked around to her other friends.

“I want to thank you all right now, before the madness, for standing with me today. It means more than I can say.” There was a moment of companionable silence before Emma spoke again, trying to lighten the heavy emotions before she cried herself. ���But it’s best to tell you guys now, since when I see Killian in a suit, all bets are off.”

The laughter that came next stayed with the women who were light hearted and excited as the got in the limo set to take them where the wedding was. Emma knew some things to come, but she had largely stayed out of the planning, leaving it to Mary Margaret who’s instincts she trusted. Killian, though, had been a little less excited to hand over the reigns to her pixie-haired friend, and currently, Emma was listening to Mary Margaret go on about one particular disagreement over the band.

“I thought the best thing for sure would be a string quartet. But he was adamant that he wanted a band to play the old standards. He had a very distinct vision. ‘I am holding Emma while someone sings like Ella Fitzgerald or you will never hear the end of it.’ He actually said that!” Emma muffled her laughter with her hand, believing it to be true, especially after their conversation at Mary Margaret’s wedding, but Mary Margaret’s eyes turned thoughtful before she turned back to Emma. “Did you show him your dress, Emma?” Emma shook her head.

“Nope, just marrying a guy who knows me, I guess.” That set Mary Margaret off on more stories about the week’s planning that had Emma smiling more and more. Her soon to be husband was very opinionated as she well knew, but there was one thing that Mary Margaret was not permitted to talk about.

“He came as close to threatening me as I think he could given that David was there. Above anything else this week, he wanted this to be a surprise.”

Whatever ‘this’ was, Emma was intrigued, but soon the limo was pulling up and her wondering was over. Instead, she looked ahead to the entrance of the park that they would have to go through to get to the wedding itself, and there prepared for them to arrive was... a series of golf carts?

“Guys, couldn’t we have just parked at the Derby House?” The field in question was part of a Storybrooke estate that was the sight of the town’s historical society. This, to put it mildly was a back ways trek for them to get there.  

“I wanted to contribute too! So Mary Margaret let me decorate these for us to drive over.”

Emma was laughing like she couldn’t ever remember having laughed before. This was rich, and not at all what she was expecting, but actually made a lot of sense. Far more than walking to the field in heels did, at least. Ruby came over and handed Emma a giant white poncho to protect her dress and with that, the friends were off, speeding a bit more than was probably necessary through the path and to their designated zone for the aisle. When Emma exited the cart, she didn’t give a damn about her hair, she just knew that it was an amazing way to start the evening. The sun was starting to lower, and soon, very soon, she’d be heading down that aisle.

“Elsa, is that Aunt Emma?” Emma turned at the sound of a small child’s voice and saw a blonde woman who she recognized holding the hands of two young boys. She smiled at them happily and the smaller of the two ran up to Emma and hugged her. “It is her, I knew it!”

“Hi William, it’s nice to meet you too.” The little boy pulled back, eyes wide.

“You know my name?”

“Of course I do. You’re my family.” William grinned and looked back at Elsa and Patrick who were now just before her as well.

“She’s even more beautiful than the phone showed us.” William thought he was whispering, but all of them heard and Emma only smiled, extending her hand to Patrick, who she could sense thought himself a little too old for hugs.

“And you must be Captain Patrick. I heard you’re learning to man a sail boat all by yourself.” The boy brightened instantly and nodded.

“Yeah, Dad’s been helping and Elsa and I went to the library last week to learn all there is to know. When you and Uncle Killy come to visit, I can take you.”

“That sounds great.” Then Emma looked at Elsa and gave her future sister-in- law a big hug.

“I feel like I already know you, but it’s really good to meet you in person.” Elsa had a voice that was light and airy as she replied.

“Same here. Did you guys really get to ride over here in golf carts? That’s awesome!”

Emma nodded and looked back at her friends, pulling them all forward to introduce them. Once the worlds had collided, Mary Margaret reminded Emma of the time, and things went very quickly from there. Elsa moved with the boys so they could take their seats and then the music began. One by one her friends walked down the aisle, until only Emma remained.

When it was her turn, Emma moved with a fluidity that wasn’t intentional, but felt completely natural. Each step was tied to the music as it played, all in the hopes of getting to Killian sooner, and when her eyes caught his, it was like the whole world melted away. All she could see was him, and all she could feel was this incredible desire to get to this happily ever after she’d found with this man.

The look in Killian’s eyes was enough to set her on fire, while also making Emma feel like she was the princess every bride thought themselves to be. There could be no doubt looking in his eyes, that he was as devoted to her as she was to him, and that set the pounding of her heart at ease just a bit. When she was finally within arms reach, he extended his hand that she gladly took and he raised hers to his lips to kiss gently.

“Hello, my love.” He whispered, and just as she was about to respond someone cleared their throat behind Killian.

“Beg your pardon, love, but I hate to watch my brother get married without my actually meeting the bride.” Emma looked at Liam who was coming around Killian and pulling her into a big hug before she could think twice about it. Their guests laughed at that and Emma heard little Connor berating his father from his seat.

“Let Aunty Emma go, Dad! Uncle Killy loves her, and we don’t want to scare her off.” Emma smiled at the boy before turning to Killian once more and bringing her hand to graze his cheek.

“For the record, there isn’t anything that could ‘scare me off.’” His eyes burned an intense cerulean even as his expression softened.

“I’m very glad to hear it. Now, if my dear brother will allow us, I think it’s about time I make you my wife.”

……………

Not for the first time, Killian considered the magical feeling that came when he held Emma Swan – well now Emma Jones – in his arms. With her pressed against him as they made their way about the dance floor, Killian was floating on air, light as a feather, but ready to face anything that came their way.

“You look so happy,” Emma whispered and the sound made its way to his ears like the chime of a bell.

“I feel even more than I am giving away, love, trust me,” Killian replied and Emma kissed him, her own smile winning over when she did so. Then she looked around them again, still in awe of their reception. It did his heart good to see Emma so pleased with her wedding day.

“I still can’t believe you managed all this. I never even would have thought to dream this, but you still knew.” Killian brought a hand up to cup her cheek, his thumb lightly brushing away another of Emma’s happy tears.

“You are the best part of me, love. I only had to look into my own heart to know what you might find desirable.” The happy little sigh that escaped his wife had Killian’s hold tightening and then the joy in her eyes heating over into wanting.

“As lovely as all of this is, it still feels like we’re on display, doesn’t it?” Killian looked around and saw that his bride was quite right. Though they’d only invited fifty people or so, nearly every eye was trained on them, and Killian had a plan.

“Do you trust me, Emma?” he asked.

“Of course I do. With all my heart.”

Killian stepped back, keeping her hand in his and kissing it lightly before leading her towards the back of the party. There was an opening in the trees that led down a small path and with a nod at one of the wedding attendants, twinkling lights soon lit the way in the trees overhead. Emma’s gasp at the lights was exactly the response he’d hoped for, and as they made their way farther from the party, Killian felt a tension he hadn’t realized he had dissolving away.

“You really do think of everything, don’t you?” Emma asked as they reached the next grove and Emma’s face, lit up by the moon and the lanterns that were placed out here was so beautiful, Killian couldn’t respond.

“I know it’s probably bad manners to run away during our wedding, but I don’t care. This, Killian Jones, is exactly why I put a ring on it today.” Killian couldn’t help but laugh at that as he moved over to the set up that was meticulously laid out.

“I thought we might rather like a break, my love. I do believe we have earned it.”

Emma nodded and, with Killian’s help so as not to ruin her dress, she laid back on the lush blanket set up out here. Killian immediately took his spot next to her and found the remote control that had been placed at the corner of the quilt so he could shut the lights off, leaving only the stars in their wake. Now it was just the two of them, and the soft background sound of the music and the murmuring from their party. They were far enough away that constellations made their way into view, but near enough that it was still clearly their wedding.

“I used to see the stars as a little girl and think how small I was, how the Universe was so big and how I was alone in it. Here with you, right now, I’ve never felt more alive or more important.”

The confession from his wife had Killian’s throat closing. She would never be alone again, not as long as he lived, for he could never bear to part with her. Soon enough, they’d add to their family too, and when that day came that they welcomed a child, Killian would love them just as much as he did their mother.

“I have champagne chilling, love. Would you like some?” Emma shook her head and then looked over at him with something to say. Killian ran his hand over her features, wanting to understand why she looked a little worried.

“Did you notice that I didn’t actually drink during the toasts?” Killian shook his head, not having been paying attention, but the fact that she wasn’t drinking sparked a profound hope in him. Still, he wanted Emma to say the words, so he simply shook his head. “I’m pregnant.”

Killian pulled his new wife towards him and kissed her fiercely, pouring all his excitement into it, and trying to make her see how truly joyous he was at the news. God the day had already been perfect, but Emma continued to give him so much more than any one man deserved. Being this happy should be a crime, but damn it Killian couldn’t deny his want for life to always be this way, and he knew it would be as long as he had Emma.

“How long have you known?”

“About a week, but I thought it might be a nice surprise for you tonight. It might be the only thing that could compete with this to be honest.” Killian scoffed at that.

“Your news is the single best thing I’ve ever heard other than you saying ‘I do’ today, love.” Emma ran her hand across his cheek and kissed him once more.

“I have a doctor’s appointment next week, and I know I don’t have to ask if you’re coming or not.”

“I’ll be there. Just try shaking me over the next few months, love.” Emma laughed at that, but the thoughtful look returned to her eyes and Killian wanted everything. He needed to know what she was holding back.

“Tell me what’s troubling you, love. Are you not happy?” She shook her head.

“I am happy, really. I just – I’ve been having the craziest dreams, and in them we don’t have one baby, we have two.” Killian felt a wave of pride surge through him, which he knew to be ridiculous, for dreams weren’t indicative of reality, and there was no proof that they’d have twins. Still, the thought of not one but two babies, both a blending of him and Emma was an even sweeter life to imagine.

“Whatever happens love, our children will know nothing but love and protection from us. Besides, if we have two now, we’re that much closer to our goal.” Emma raised a brow at that.

“Just how many do you think we’re having?”

“A dozen?” Emma barked out a near hysterical laugh.

“Not even close, buddy.” Killian rose to his feet then and offered his hand to help her up, once she was standing flush against him, he pushed a lose tendril of hair behind her ear and smiled.

“Perhaps that is a trifle excessive. How about six?”

“Any more than five, and we are both liable to lose our minds. Even five is a lot.” Killian grinned, knowing five had always been the number he wanted, and reveling quietly in his success.

“Whatever you want, Emma.” He felt a zing of sensation when her hand pressed against his chest, warming him through the thin material of his shirt.

“We probably have to get back now, don’t we?”

“Aye, love. But I promise, just one more dance and then we make our getaway.” Emma looked skeptical at that.

“You want me to spend my last dance of the night with your brother? He already called dibs for one more. Poor Elsa, she must be so tired with all his constant demands.” Killian laughed low at that.

“He made that demand of you, because Elsa is a terrible dancer, love. Two left feet is too generous a description. “ Emma looked surprised at that.

“Really? She looks so graceful, I just assumed she would be great at dancing.”

“Quite the opposite I assure you.”

By now they were back to the original party, and though they were noticed as being recently returned, no one made any unsavory remarks, which Killian appreciated. Sure enough his brother came to claim his dance, and then Killian staked out one more before making good on his promise that he and his bride could make their getaway. He was anxious to get her back to their home and out of this dress.

“Where did all your steely control go? You’re Mr. Impatient all of a sudden.” Emma giggled as Killian swept her up in his arms once they’d arrived to carry her over the threshold, into their house and then through the corridors to their bedroom.

“My show of control was nothing short of heroic all evening, love. I expect a parade thrown in my honor for all I’ve done.”

Killian put Emma down to stand on the floor of their bedroom and Emma smirked as Killian watched her kick off her heels. She then turned around to have him unzip the gorgeous dress that had fit her so superbly all evening long. He probably should have made a moment of it, teasing them both with a slower pace, but his blood was boiling, simmering hot just beneath the surface of his skin, and the only thing that could help was his Swan naked and crying out his name, lust thick in her voice. With the dress now shed from her person, Killian had a moment where he stood at deaths door. His heart nearly pounded out of his chest as he saw the white lace lingerie she’d been donning underneath the classy design of her wedding dress.

“Like what you see, babe?”

Killian’s smile ticked up at the endearment, but words escaped him. Instead of trying to find them, he ran his hands along her smooth, creamy, skin and savored the feel of her warmth and the way her breathing swallowed when he traced absent minded designs along her flesh.

“I love you more than anything, Emma. Surely you know that by now.”

“I do. And I love you just the same. That being said – you better get out of those clothes soon, or we’ll be ruining a perfectly good suit.”

Not one to upset his new bride, Killian did just that, watching Emma’s features heat as he stripped the expensive suit from his person. He wondered if the rumors he’d heard about pregnant woman was true. If they could be trusted, it meant Emma would be more sensitive to his touch and hungrier for the love between them. There was only one way to test the theory.

“Your call, Emma. Do you want me doting and gentle?” She shook her head.

“No, I want you at that point where you’re nearly out of your mind with needing me.”

Her hand came down his chest, across the slope of his abs to grip around his already hard cock, pulling a growl from Killian. If that was how she wanted things, he would not disappoint. Still he removed her hand, instantly missing it, but needing to take things a very different way.

“On your knees, holding the headboard love.” The flash of excitement that washed over her expression had Killian grinning, but Emma moved quickly to accommodate his request. “That’s a good girl. Now, as your husband, I have certain duties do I not?”

Killian asked and Emma nodded, arching to meet his hands that trailed along her back as he took his place behind her. With deft hands, he unclasped her bra and threw the strapless garment across the room. Watching Emma’s unwitting response to the gesture had him grinning. His chest was pressed against her back as he brought both hands around to tease her now very alert nipples.

“Fuck, Killian!” She lifted her hands from the headboard slightly and Killian nipped at the back of her shoulder.

“Keep your hands where they are love.”

She immediately returned them to their original place and Killian continued to pay attention to her breasts until her squirming against him signaled that she needed more. With one of his hands, he traced down her chest over the abdomen that in a few months time would be swelling with the presence of their child (or children, if premonitions rang true). A low grumble emanated from his chest at the thought of Emma carrying such a gift. Still he allowed his hand to go lower, finally ending up between her spread legs, and finding her dripping sex, needy for him. As soon as he made contact with her clit, Emma was moaning his name.

“How do you do that?” She asked breathily.

“Do what, love? Drive you slightly mental with only my hands?” She nodded. “Simple – I know you better than I know myself. I know each and every motion, each and every touch that sets you ablaze. I know that when I give you more…” he slipped a finger inside her waiting heat, “it helps the ache, but doesn’t fill the need. What you need is me, love. Isn’t that right?”

“God, yes. Only you, forever.” Killian kissed at the juncture of her shoulder and neck as he inserted a second finger and felt Emma tighten around him, already so close to coming.

“I will give you the best forever there has ever been, Emma. But now, I need you to let go.” She did just that, crashing into a climax that had her shaking with exertion, and Killian had never seen her so beautiful. When she finally looked back at him, her green eyes were still desirous and her cheeks were now flushed a lovely shade of pink.

“Can I move my hands yet?” He nipped at her lower lip, but pulled back before it was truly a kiss.

“Yes, love.”

Emma moved quickly, pulling him down for a demanding kiss that Killian couldn’t help but lose himself in. Emma turned the tables then, pushing him back on the bed, and straddling him as she pulled the few remaining clips she had in her hair, setting her golden locks tumbling around her.

“My turn. Now you, have to keep your hands right there.”

Emma started with a kiss, moving further and further until Killian thought he would likely expire from the torment. When her mouth kissed the head of his cock, all rational thought was gone, and when she took him in her mouth, he really tried to heed her wishes and keep his hands where they were, but he couldn’t.

“Emma, love I won’t last like this, and I need to be inside my wife this first time.”

Emma smiled at his phrasing, and let him thwart her plan, no doubt knowing her own satisfaction was ensured this way. And in the end, they both got exactly what they wanted, a first union as man and wife that was perfect, sensual and satisfying. As they lay next to each other, both catching their breath before more inevitable love making, Killian ran his hand through Emma’s hair and smiled, taking stock of everything, so he could remember this moment for the rest of his days.

“You’re making a souvenir,” Emma said.

“I’m what?” Killian asked confused and Emma giggled, so carefree and light it had Killian’s whole world brightening.

“You’re painting a picture in your mind. I take them all the time with you, so I can remember all of our moments.”

“Aye, love, I am doing just that.” She ran her hands across his chest, the feel of her fingers against him bringing warmth and calm even as they stirred the craving he had for her once more. “I love you, Emma.”

“I know. I love you too.” Those words shared between them in truth, were the most important thing, and it would be that love that would see them through everything that was to come.

Somewhat surprisingly, Emma had been right, the dreams a bit of magic no one could really explain, but a week later they received the news. They were expecting not one but two babies, all of whom would know exactly how much they were loved and cherished. And so it was, that they had a magical, wonderful start to a much deserved happily ever after.

Post-Note: This story was such a magical way for me to write another Captain Swan wedding! To be honest all this time later I am still emotionally compromised from it, but I love it all the same. That being said, there is only one chapter left for ‘Souvenirs’ and it is an epilogue. Hope you guys enjoyed, and thanks as always for the lovely words! Truly they are so great, I love hearing if you guys like the chapters or not!

[eirian-houpe]

The Library Beneath the Clock Tower - Chapter 21

Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Belle/Rumplestiltskin | Mr. Gold, Belle/Gaston (Once Upon a Time)

Characters: Belle (Once Upon a Time), Rumplestiltskin | Mr. Gold, Red Riding Hood | Ruby, Widow Lucas | Granny, Grumpy | Leroy, Maurice | Moe French, Evil Queen | Regina Mills, Merida (Once Upon a Time), Jiminy Cricket | Archie Hopper, Gaston (Once Upon a Time), Le Fou, Mad Hatter | Jefferson, Prince Charming | David Nolan, Gus | Billy

Additional Tags: Bookshop On the Corner, slightly AU, Cursed Storybrooke (Once Upon a Time), Alternate Universe - In Storybrooke | Cursed (Once Upon a Time), Eventual Smut

Summary: Storybrooke has no library, and neither does Belle, not since the library where she worked in Boston discovered her past as an inpatient at a mental hospital. Taking her future into her own hands, Belle travels to Storybrooke where her intention is to open up the town library, but all does not go according to her plan. Obstacles and false starts, and diversion along very wrong pathways interrupt her journey toward fulfilling her dream, as well as taking her rightful place and becoming a part of the Storybrooke community.

Read previous chapters on AO3

Chapter 21 - Teeth and Claws

“Oh. My. Gods!” Ruby gasped. “Seriously? That’s your—”

“Not another word.” Belle hissed in warning, still scarlet from the transgression of her roving eyes, and trying to distract herself in concentration on what Jefferson had said about her not attending the ball, like some sad approximation of Cinderella, that and to ignore the general fuss that Gold’s appearance had engendered.

Once the general caterwauling had died down, Jefferson folded his arms across his chest and asked, “You do know that this is a ball, and not a funeral, right Gold?”

“Your point?” Gold asked dryly.

“My point, my good man,” Jefferson said with the gesture of a hand up and down Gold’s black clad form. “Is that you look like some kind of nightmare executioner or something.”

“And how do you know that’s not the look I’m going for?” Gold snarked, adding even more sarcastically, “Besides, we can’t all play the part of the colorblind fop, now can we?”

Jefferson’s expression turned to one of mock offense. “I’m deeply wounded,” he said, and out of the corner of her eyes, Belle saw that Ruby was fighting to keep a straight face.

“I dunno,” David piped up, “I think it kinda suits him.”

Jefferson made a sour face, and then switching subjects again slightly, said, “I’m also surprised - nay, alarmed, if I may say, Gold, that you haven’t already invited these lovely ladies.” He gestured with his hat toward where Belle and Ruby stood watching the exchange of friends.

When she realized what the man meant, Belle actually took a step back, as all four of the men turned to look at her and Ruby.

“Oh, no, it’s fine, really,” she stammered, “We don’t—”

“Actually,” Gold said with a frown, “I, myself, am somewhat surprised that you aren’t going, Miss Marchland.” He came around the car so that when he spoke with her they wouldn’t be talking over so great a distance. “One of the reasons that the library was closed down the last time was that the previous librarian ignored such… invitations.”

“Invitations?” Belle echoed.

“Yes,” he said, his frown deepening. “The mayor’s office mails them out to all local business owners, and while the library is not technically a business, I rather think that Regina will expect you there.”

“I didn’t receive an invitation,” Belle said quietly.

“I’m surprised,” Gold answered.

“I’m not,” Belle said flatly, remembering all the other times that Mayor Mills had ‘neglected’ to mention certain important things - things that she should have been told.

“You should join us,” Gold said.

“Finally,” Jefferson exclaimed with a huff, “the man does the right thing!”

Gold threw a sour look his way. “Please,” he said, “I’d be delighted.”

Belle was about to stammer an apology, turn down the invitation and take her chances with Regina Mills when Ruby suddenly stabbed her with her elbow.

“We’d love to,” Ruby said. “Just give us a moment to go and get changed.”

“We’ll be here,” David assured her.

Ruby grabbed her by the elbow and began leading her away from the men and back toward the library. As soon as they were out of earshot, Belle hissed, “What the hell are we supposed to wear? I bet they’ve had weeks to get their outfits together.”

“Don’t be such a killjoy, Belle,” Ruby snapped, “I know for a fact you packed those outfits you used to wear for kids story time back at the library in Boston. One of those should do to look a bit… Olde Timey.”

Belle grumbled softly. She hadn’t thought of that, and doubted that she’d still get into any of them it had been such a long time since she’d worn them, but alas, Ruby was right, and she had no excuse - not really.

“You’re welcome, by the way,” Ruby added  with no little amount of sarcasm. “And could he have got those pants any tighter?”

“Ruby!” Belle squeaked, all but running for her bedroom closet to hide the neon red of her cheeks. Ruby’s soft laughter followed her until it disappeared into the bathroom.

As it turned out, one of the outfits Ruby mentioned still did fit her. It was a three quarter length dress in a dusky blue, which had a skirt with a slight bustle beneath the hips, and so it hung in soft pleats to her mid calf. The top of the dress was in the style of a cap-sleeved white blouse with slight puffs at the shoulder, and lace trim around the sleeve and at the top the dress was designed to be worn with the form fitting, corset like bodice, trimmed in a tan brown, and with black crossed laces at the front. A light touch of make up later, though with bright red lipstick, and her hair swept to the side, and she was ready to brave the ball.

When Ruby emerged from the bedroom Belle gasped to find her dressed in tight fitting suede leggings, into which she had tucked a vest style top, over which, she wore the long, red, cloak-style coat she’d bought in Boston when they last went shopping together.

“Wow,” she said.

“I’ll do then?” Ruby said with a chuckle. “Come on, lets not keep them waiting.”

It was a bit of a squeeze, getting the six of them into Jefferson’s car, but by virtue of Belle squeezing into the middle seat between Gold and David, and Gus practically in David’s lap, they all managed. Ruby rode shotgun, having the longest legs of all of them.  Belle tried not to think too hard about the man pressed on her right hand side, or the way his hands lay, long and languid against his leather clad thighs. No, definitely not letting her thoughts drift in such a way. There was little conversation on the short drive to the fellowship hall up on the convent grounds, where the Ball was being held, but as they turned into the driveway, Belle swiveled her head first one way and then the other, taking in the array of revelers - if they could be called such - all dressed in myriad ways, heading for the large brick built hall.

They followed, each going their separate ways, almost without a word to one another once they had reached their destination, although Gus, it seemed, was quite taken with Ruby, and walked her into the hall on his arm, and promised to find her later when the dancing began.

“See,” Ruby said, catching up to where Belle was looking around the hall to try and get her bearings. “Not so bad, was it.” Then following Belle’s lead appeared to be looking around the hall herself until she said to Belle, “I hope you’re going to introduce me to some of your friends later… and seriously, you should go and find your Mister Gold for a dance.”

“Would you stop?” Belle protested, half laughing and half filled with embarrassment. “He’s not my Mister Gold.”

She spotted Leroy, up on stage with the band and waved when he looked her way. He gave her a thumbs up and a grin before turning back to the task of making sure that everything was set for when the promised dancing began - whenever that might be. She began to wonder how they might manage the dancing as there seemed to be far more men at the occasion than women, and few enough that she could name.

“Belle,” she turned as a familiar voice called her name and a moment later found herself looking up into the smiling face of Doctor Archie Hopper. He seemed to have opted not to indulge in wearing a costume, and remained in his usual tweed jacket, shirt and pants. “You made it.”

“I did,” she said. “Thanks to Jefferson and his friends arriving to collect Mister Gold.” Then remembering herself at a nudge from Ruby, she added, “This is my friend, Ruby. Ruby, Doctor Hopper.”

“Archie, please,” he said. “And you’re visiting from…?”

“Boston,” Ruby said. “We used to be room mates, before she moved up here.”

“Ah,” Archie said sagely, “Well, your loss is our gain, as they say.”

“Yeah,” Ruby said.

Archie excused himself after a moment, disappearing into the rapidly increasing throng of people. Belle tried to spot anyone else she knew, to introduce to Ruby, but the fact of it was that besides Leroy and Archie, and of course Granny, who was far too busy running back and forth with catering items for Belle to disturb her, Belle knew very few people.

“Well, well, Miss Marchland.” The voice was sickeningly oily, and yet held an edge. “I see you found your way to my little soiree. I’m so glad you received the invitation.”

With a river of ice flowing down her backbone, Belle turned, but somehow found strength in her friend’s presence she said, “Mayor Mills. I didn’t.”

“No?” Regina frowned an exaggerated frown that made Belle certain that she had been left off the guest list on purpose. “An oversight, I’m sure.”

She nodded, sending the great plume of black feathers that cradled the back of her neck quivering, for the first time drawing Belle’s attention away from her face. The mayor was wearing a red and black floral dress, with silver lace embroidery all around the neckline and decolletage and descended to well below her waist, like an arrow pointing to where Belle was sure the woman must have teeth. The shoulders were wide, the waist narrow, and the full bustle accentuated her hips. Around her neck, in the same style and silver as the embroidery on the dress she wore a pendant, which held many tiny rubies. The pendant’s triangular shape was nestled in the top of her cleavage, which was pushed up by the tight bodice of the dress to reveal the creamy white curves of full breasts.

There was nothing subtle about Regina Mills.

“Well, anyway,” Belle tore her eyes away, and smiled as the band began to tune their instruments, “I’m here now. I’m sure there won’t be any more mishaps. People might begin to think it by design rather than accident.”

The viper smile disappeared from Mayor Mills’ dark red lips, and her face creased into an ugly line, “Are you threatening me, Miss Marchland.”

“Me?” she said with all the innocence she could muster. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Miss Mills.”  Then lowering her voice to a more confidential tone, added, “I’m sure we both have far more important things to do, and it would seem that duty calls.”

She nodded toward the stage, where Leroy appeared to be trying to attract the mayor’s attention.

“Indeed it does,” Mayor Mills said, in a brittle ‘this isn’t over’ kind of tone, and the deadly smile reappeared on her face. “This has been an interesting conversation, Miss Marchland, and how fitting that you’re dressed as a serving maid.  Enjoy your evening.”

She walked away then, hips swaying as though she were trying to hypnotize every man in the room. Ruby stepped back up beside Belle, and handed her a chilled glass of white wine.

“Thanks for the back up,” Belle said sarcastically.

“Nah,” Ruby told her, “You didn’t need it, but I can’t help but wonder what’s got her panties all in a bunch,” and after a beat, and a sip of wine, she added, “Bitch!”

[seriouslyhooked]

Souvenirs (A CS AU) Part 5/14

A Modern CS AU where Emma has grown up in Maine her whole life and runs a store with Ruby and MM. Killian Jones is the new guy in town, who just bought the local bar. Only Emma and Killian have met before and now she can’t help but wonder if their past has influenced his plans for the future. Includes tons of fluff and a happily ever after. Rated M.

Part One Here, Part Two Here, Part Three Here, Part Four Here

A/N: Hey all! The first part of this chapter is from Killian’s POV and the second is from Emma’s. It’s so incredibly fluffy and when I first wrote it I truly thought I had out done myself on the fluff scale. BUT I am also introducing a new character who will be helping Emma and the others at Three Fates. So strap in for a bonanza of cute, and cuddly. We all deserve it in a world that is less than perfect, so just treat your self.

Even if he tried, there was no way that Killian Jones could keep the smile off of his face. It had been a few weeks since his first arriving in Storybrooke, and he couldn’t have dreamed that it would turn out this well. Hell, part of him had been worried that he’d come here and Emma wouldn’t even remember him, or that yes she’d already have found someone else, but he’d known, deep in his soul that he had to try. He couldn’t take another day living with the what-if, he needed to know if the two of them had truly been everything he’d felt during their one night five years ago.

Now he knew for certain that they were so much more than that. Emma was talented and determined, hard working and honest, but she was also kind and beautiful and incredibly easy to love. It had taken all of thirty seconds in her presence to be entirely sure he’d made the right decision. The way the flush had crept over her cheeks, and her eyes had widened when she’d first seen him. Her emerald gaze had been torn between surprise, frustration, and yearning and yet she’d been the brave one, saying yes from the start and giving him a chance after all this time. Killian was in awe of her and absolutely determined to never ever let her down again.

“Hey boss, what are we thinking for the countertops? High polish or a more natural sanding?”

Killian looked up from his desk in the back office of his newly acquired bar to find Graham Huntsman, his head contractor on this job and the lighthouse. Killian liked Graham and could tell that beyond his work ethic and clear skill in his field, he was a good man, an honorable man. It made working with him easy, which wasn’t always a given in his line of work.

“Do you have an opinion, Graham?” The man looked surprised at having been asked for his thoughts, but he nodded.

“Yeah, actually. I was thinking the more natural look might be better. Ruby showed me some of the pictures of what this place used to look like back in the day, and while the style would need revamping less polish would probably better work for the overall ambiance you’re trying to achieve.”

Though Killian and Graham nearly always stayed on the business when conversing, Killian noted that this was the third time today alone that Graham had managed to bring Ruby up into the conversation. Clearly there was a level of caring there, and he had to wonder how far it went past friendship.

“Sounds good, Graham.”

“Also, Sherriff Nolan is here for you.”

Killian stood up at that, eager to see his new friend. Over the past few weeks, Killian’s opinion of David had only improved, and it was nice to have someone besides Emma who made the town of Storybrooke seem more welcoming. He had never been the kind of man to have a swarm of friends, but he had left a life back in London, and between missing the presence of his brothers, and few best mates there, it was nice to know there were good people in the little town in Maine too.

“Ah Dave, what brings you here?” David smirked at that as he walked in before replying.

“I’m here on a mission actually. I’m supposed to invite you and Emma to a dinner party at my house this weekend. Mary Margaret has insisted that you be there.” Killian raised an eyebrow at that. He’d come to find that Mary Margaret was ever the planner, but surely David must know that he could have little to say about it without Emma’s thoughts.

“Mary Margaret works with Emma, but decided it would be best for you to invite me?” David shook his head.

“No I volunteered for the job, because I’m aware that you sprung for that ultimate cable package and Liverpool is playing Thursday night.” Killian laughed.

“So you were looking for one invite in exchange for another.”

“Well fair is fair.”

“Alright mate, sounds good to me. Hey can I ask you something?” David nodded. “Are Huntsman and Ruby together?”

“Yes and no. Yes, because it’s clear as day they’re both pining away for each other. No, because they’re both too chicken shit to do anything about it.” Hearing David swear signaled a growing frustration that Killian had to marvel at. It took a lot to bother the sheriff.

“Tell me how you really feel.” David raised his hands in surrender.

“Sorry, sorry, its just Mary Margaret is constantly talking about it. At least before you were here she had Emma to worry about too. Now almost all of our conversation is divided between an undying joy about you and Emma and utter despair that Ruby and Graham can’t get their shit together.”

Killian mulled this over. A few weeks ago, he never would have thought to get involved. It wasn’t his business whether Graham and Ruby confessed their feelings to each other, but as someone in the grips of love, who knew that taking that first step had a far better pay off than sitting around wondering what could be, Killian knew he should try and help. That didn’t mean he had to do it alone.

“So getting them together would ease the burden of your necessary emotional support?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“Splendid. Let’s get that done then. Hey, Graham!”

Killian called and David just stared at him, his eyes growing wider as if Killian had three heads or had gone completely mental. Maybe he had, but Killian couldn’t fend off a sneaking suspicion that it would be more than Mary Margaret excited at the prospect of Ruby finding love. Emma too would rather like it, and there was nothing Killian wanted more than to provide Emma with anything and everything she wanted.

“You called?” Killian smiled, trying to ease the awkward blow of what was to come.

“Enough is enough, Huntsman. It’s time to pick yourself up and go tell the girl how you feel.” Graham crossed his arms against his chest and took a step back.

“Excuse me? I don’t know what you’re talking -,” Killian raised a hand.

“Look mate, take it from someone who knows, there comes a time when waiting is no longer an option. You care for Ruby.” It was a statement, not one that Killian needed answered, but one that Graham nodded to in the end. “And she cares for you, but if you don’t make your move someone else will and you may very well face a day when the girl you want is no longer the girl you can have.”

“Ruby and I are friends though. I don’t want to jeopardize that. I don’t want to risk losing her.” It was strange, seeing this mostly quiet man have a moment of insecurity, but Killian could relate. Love was a tricky thing that way.

“Care to step in, Dave?” Killian could hand off the imparting of Ruby’s feelings to his new friend. Hell, he shouldn’t be doing all the work here.

“Look, Graham. I’ve known you and Ruby a long time, and she loves you. You’re both like two puppies circling each other and have been a long ass time. And you’ve lost a lot of people a lot of money who thought one of the two of you would get it together and do something about it before now.”

Killian nearly choked on the water he was drinking at David’s blunt words. Well, that was certainly one way to try and convince the man to take the plunge.

“Okay.” Graham looked between David and Killian now resigned to the need for action, but then the man smiled and Killian knew they were in trouble. “But I’m gonna need some help.”

“We’re in,” David offered without any sort of reassurance and so it was. The three of them were off to see if Graham might be able to win the girl and secure Emma and Mary Margaret’s happiness in the process.

………………………

“I have to hand it to you, Mary Margaret, you were right, having help for the store has made this so much more manageable.”

Emma and Mary Margaret were enjoying a five-minute coffee break as the store’s new assistant, Tiana, helped a customer at the jewelry counter. Within days, Tiana had picked up the vibe of not only Three Fates, but of the friends who ran it. She stood at the case dressed in the put-together but casual attire that was unspoken but prevalent at the store, with wide brown eyes, long black hair pulled back in a tight bun and a faint blush of excitement kissing her darker complexion.

It had taken less than a day for Tiana to answer the ad Mary Margaret strategically put up at the local art college for help in the store, and from everything Emma could tell she was perfect for the job. Studying design herself, and always ready with an easy smile, Tiana had the personality and intuition needed to really make a difference in the store, and with her here, Emma could focus more on meeting the demands of her impending summer line launch than if she had to be monitoring the retail end too.

What had really sold Emma on Tiana though were her ambition and her drive. The girl was a force of nature if her resume was any indication. She was involved in a number of clubs and activities while maintaining top grades at school where she was on scholarship, and attending classes full-time. Despite the already harrowing schedule, Tiana signed on to work twenty hours a week here, and somehow, even though it seemed crazy, Emma knew that she was more than able to keep all those commitments. They were very lucky to have found her, though, and would enjoy her help until she no doubt found her own path to success.

“I just love her. You know, she showed me how to get the stain out of the office rug yesterday? I think she might be magic.”

Emma laughed at that. Worming one’s way into Mary Margaret’s good graces was easy, but her friend did not throw around the ‘m’ word lightly. Tiana must have truly been a special kind of person. Or Mary Margaret had just been desperate to get that stain out. Emma figured both of those statements were likely true.

“Hey, have any of you heard from Graham today?” Ruby asked as she approached from the back office. Emma and Mary Margaret both shook their heads that they had not. “I texted him about lunch, but he didn’t respond.”

That was odd considering that the two friends met up nearly every day to do so. Emma had always found it strange that her best friend, so clearly taken with Graham for so long, had never acted with her usual confidence and boldness. Anytime Emma or Mary Margaret brought up making the first move to Graham Ruby’s reply was always the same – ‘he doesn’t feel that way about me.’ Emma knew that to be blatantly false, all it took was sixty seconds in their company to know they were both head over heels, but Emma could only do so much to try and convince her friend.

Just then, something caught Emma’s eye outside and she looked past her friends through the glass windows of the store. There were people walking in the middle of the street, blocking traffic down the way, and a crowd was gathering. That was weird and very notable not the norm for a given weekday.

“What the hell?” Emma’s words caused Mary Margaret and Ruby to look too, just as Granny came running into the store.

“Do you know about this?” the older woman huffed out her breath as she had clearly raced over here.

“Know about what?” Ruby asked. Her grandmother smiled, a wide toothy grin and clasped her hands together with a look of pure delight.

“It’s time, honey.” Ruby was still confused.

“Time for what?” Granny looked to Mary Margaret and Emma.

“He’s finally done it.” Neither woman needed more context, because everyone knew that the whole town was waiting on Graham to make a move with Ruby. That was the only thing that could get everyone so frenzied, and Granny Lucas so excited.

“Really?! Oh Ruby, let’s go see.” Mary Margaret was brimming with anticipation and started playing with Ruby’s long flowing hair to have it looking the best it could.

“Does someone want to tell me what the hell is going on here?!” Ruby was nearing panic at this point, so confused as to everyone’s reactions. Emma steadied her by placing a hand on her friend’s arm.

“There’s a reason Graham didn’t respond, Ruby.” The mention of Graham brought the same rush of emotions coursing over Ruby’s face and Emma smiled at her friend, who now looked torn between hope and fear.  “Be brave. It’ll be great, I promise.”

“Tiana, we will be right back!” Mary Margaret hollered over her shoulder as they all headed outside.

“Pay attention to every detail, I want the whole story!” Emma laughed at Tiana’s rushed words since the girl usually spoke slower with that charming Southern lilt of hers straight from New Orleans. There was no denying their newest employee was intuitive, and Emma had a feeling they’d be talking about today for a long time to come.

As soon as they stepped outside, Emma was surprised to hear no words from the crowd. Everyone was quiet, which made the music more apparent. String instruments were playing a song that she recognized, but it took a moment to realize that it was ‘All You Need is Love’ by the Beatles.

“They’re playing her song.”

Mary Margaret was already tearing up, and the friends hadn’t even made it through the crowd to see things yet. As soon as they did though, Emma was stunned. Before them was a huge, intricate chalk mural. With a variety of colors, but most prominently red, and a beautiful design of hard lines that still seemed soft enough to make them beautiful. Graham had made a message reading, ‘I love you Ruby’ the full length of the street. Yet the strangest thing to Emma, was that right there, at the front of the line, standing beside David and keeping the crowd at bay was Killian, looking at her with a happy grin.

“What are you doing here?” Emma asked as he came over and wrapped his arms around her. She let herself relax into his embrace, her back against his chest, but she still needed answers.

“Helping with this.” He handed Ruby a note that she took gingerly in her hand. Wordlessly, Ruby pushed through the crowd once again and into the library.

“So he does all this just to have her meet him in the book stacks?” Emma asked. Killian shook his head.

“What’s above the books, Swan?” Emma realized that the clock tower was there, and that the typically boarded up wooden windows had been replaced with a tinted glass.

“The perfect view.” Killian kissed the top of her head.

“Aye, love.”

“You two did this. You told him to go for it?” Emma asked surprised, as realization hit.

“It was Killian’s idea,” David confirmed as he held a weepy Mary Margaret.

“Mary Margaret, it’s okay. This is a good thing.” Emma was teasing, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Are you kidding me? This is easily one of my favorite days ever!”

“But what are we all waiting for, still?” Emma asked, confused as to what they could possibly be hoping for.

“Wait for it…” Killian said and then it happened, the clock’s white backing suddenly had red light shining through it causing the word ‘yes’ to appear in red over the handles and numbers. The whole crowd cheered, Ruby had told him that she loved him too, and the town was celebrating!

“He went so big on this,” Emma noted, glad that her own dates were never this public. Killian laughed at her evident confliction over being happy for Ruby and hating the idea.

“You have to take queues from the woman in question, love. Ruby likes a show from what I can tell.”

“That’s for sure. I bet she loved this.”

With that, Ruby and Graham exited the library to another round of whooping cheers and, as expected, Ruby was eating it up, going so far as to pull Graham in for a big display of a kiss before yelling at everyone to get back to their lives and give them a bit of privacy. The town listened, Emma and Killian included, as they walked back hand-in-hand to Three Fates.

“What you did for them was really wonderful, Killian.”

His hand came up and cupped Emma’s cheek, his thumb running over her bottom lip lightly. She could feel that same current of connection, like somehow the world was brighter and better for him being here and holding her like this. Emma never wanted that feeling to go away, and she knew as long as Killian was here that it wouldn’t.

“You make me happier than I ever thought possible, Emma. I just wanted to help Graham get that same sort of happiness for himself and Ruby.”

When he was so sweet and sincere and lovely, Emma had no choice but to pull him closer for a scorching kiss. She wished she could run off with him, find someplace private and hidden away from the world and show him how much she loved him – because she did, she really really did. But that would have to wait. Instead, Emma pulled back and smiled at him.

“You make me happy too.”

His responding expression set her heart fluttering as he kissed her hand and departed, off to go about his business, leaving Emma fully aware that the rest of the day would be spent thinking of him and just how lucky she was that he’d found her.

Post-Note: This chapter will hence-forth be known as the Ruby/Graham fluff parade. It came to me in a moment of need, when I couldn’t handle the angst of another show I was watching and I wanted to escape to a land of TLK and cuteness overload. I hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I was also so excited to introduce Tiana to this story. She’s someone we haven’t seen on OUAT to date, but I love her movie and everything her character stands for. I think she would fit in really well with the strong women of Storybrooke and I am adamantly awaiting a day when she gets her due. Anyways, thanks for reading!