#captain swan prompts

[ouatprompts]

Once upon a time, there was an enchanted forest...

And within that forest, where all the tales came true, the fairytale characters we all know and love, writhed and cried in agony. Snow White bit the apple and never awoke; Prince Charming’s horse fell waylaid by the side of the road, and Belle danced away the night in her cell – until her feet bled and with only a shadow to hold her. In other words:

Welcome to Whumptober: Once upon a time edition.

Below you will find a series of prompts and alternative prompts for the month of October. Each day of the week has been split into topical subsections, ranging from medical monday to supernatural saturday. For each individual day of the month, you will have three 'prompts': two buzz words and one quotation. You are under no obligation to fulfil all three prompts for the day's assignment - just one will do! If you don't like the look of any of the day's prompts, or find anything too triggering, we have also provided ten alternative prompts for you to switch in and out! It's super important that we all have loads of fun above all else, so just write what you can <3

This is general ouat challenge, and as such we welcome any and all ships and characters. We won't tolerate any hateful behaviour, and we ask that you keep any anti-ship/character content moderated or pre-warned. That being said, we'd love to see what everyone creates so please feel free to tag us in your creations!

We created our edition of ouat whumptober for a discord server, but things are always far more fun in numbers! If anyone is interested in joining our server, please feel free to message us for more information <3. Our discord server follows much the same policies as this event, and is open to any ships and characters, from captain swan to swan queen! We're also planning on creating a fluffuary event for February, so please let us know if that's something you'd be interested in!

Now let's go torture our favourite characters! 😈

[humblefryingpan]

(Once upon a time au - spoilers for season 3 and I think season 6)

Ngl I kinda loved the Henry/Pan body swap I low-key wish it stayed like that. It probably wouldn't have been great in the actual show but I'd love to see that in a fic/au

Everyone really struggling at fighting Peter because he looks like Henry? Amazing. And I like thinking about if they kept it that way, imagine them trying to raise the kid who looked like their enemy

(this is an angsty and long post)

Rumple looking at his grandson and only seeing his father who betrayed him. Tbh, I don't think he thought of Pan as the same person as his dad in general. Like pre-neverland he only saw him like that twice and it probably would've been more "the boy my dad invented to get rid of me" yk? That's my opinion at least

So Rumpy knowing Henry was supposey fated to kill him and then looking like that guy? He would not have handled that well and I'd have loved to see him having more of a reaction

Killian seeing his stepson and trying to ignore that he looked like the man who killed his brother. Pre-neverland I think he only knew Pan from when he rocked up and tricked him into killing his brother/best friend/only remaining family? So going from that, as well as everything in neverland, to marrying Emma and having to live with someone in Pan's body would've been sad as shit and I'd have loved it. He was dealing with his own guilt a lot when he moved in and I think this would've made it just that little bit worse

Regina and Emma trying to raise their son while looking at the man who kidnapped him. Both of them are definitely "fight first, question later" girls and they would've had to try to unlearn that in order to not hurt their son. Especially since they knew Pan as the guy that kidnapped Henry and the guy that tried to kill them all.

If this happened then the way I'd have done it would be someone finding out he was planning the curse and killing him before he could kill Felix (to stop the curse and also bc I love Felix and I have plans for him). Since he was still in Henry's body when he did the curse I would've said they killed him before he could switch places (I forgot how and when they switched back mb, doesn't affect the au too much right?)

So somebody (Rumple would probably work best but readers choice ig) killed Peter/Malcolm while he was in Henry's body and he got trapped in that body with magic so that he couldn't escape. Since the body would've been messed up when he got killed, Henry stays in Pan's body.

And I mentioned I had plans for Felix - he was clearly very devoted to Pan, like he didn't even get that mad when he killed him. I'm willing to bet that if he survived he still would've defended him. But now "Pan" is actually not Pan, it's the boy Pan wanted to sacrifice and I think Felix would've been pissed about that.

So he'd also be struggling with this entire situation. Losing Pan, but still seeing him in this town. Knowing Henry he'd try to talk to Felix too. Felix would either fully isolate himself, seek revenge on anyone and everyone who took part in Pan's downfall or he'd follow Henry around, trying to cling to any remaining part of Pan's existence. Assuming Regina doesn't kill him that is

Or if you want to stick to the canon show a bit more then Rumpy could kill him after the curse was cast but before he could turn back to himself.

And side note- Peter actually looks more like Emma and Neal's kid tbh. Like Henry looks sort of like Regina's son, and I see the snow white in him, but I don't see the Emma yk? So in the "Emma loses her memory again and thinks she's a regular parent" storyline she'd just assume he turned out more like her, Regina could alter her memory into thinking he always looked like that anyway.

And in that version she'd have the two versions of her memory. One where she sees her son as he always was and then getting the memory of who he actually was dumped on her. And struggling even more with seeing both simultaneously, even worse because Henry also wouldn't remember.

Which brings me to the point of - imagine Henry trying to grow up looking like the guy that took advantage of his kindness like that? Every time he looked in a mirror he'd see Pan instead of himself (and there are a lot of mirrors around when you're being raised by the former evil queen).

He'd see everyone struggling to adjust to him, he'd know why, and he'd probably feel insanely awful about it. He blamed himself for Neverland anyway, now he'd blame himself for everyone's discomfort.

And like I said at the start of this lil au infodump, I don't think it would've worked long term in the actual show. I don't think the writers could've got it to work in some of the storylines, but Pan-Henry has been rattling around in my brain like a lego stuck in a jar since I first watched it. Basically I want everyone to be sadder and I want more Pan, the angst potential in this is incredible to me.

[killianxswan]

Prompt: “Oh, baby, you’re drooling everywhere.”

nice one, shazzy

He held her hair back behind her ears, fondling it and twisting it as he guided her head up and down his shaft.

She was sucking him mercilessly, keeping him just on the brink of his orgasm and slowing down at just the right time before he could soar over the edge. Kneeling in front of him, she used her hands to steady her grip on his muscular thighs, using the leverage to help him fuck his member into her mouth even faster.

When she finally stopped teasing him and properly finished him off, she slipped him out of her mouth and let the mixture of her saliva and his release dribble down his cock and his balls.

The sight was so erotic, Killian couldn't help but stroke her hair and admire her as she continued to devour him.

"Mmm," he grunted. "bloody hell, Swan, you're drooling every where."

She hummed softly on his skin, causing him to shiver. "I'm addicted to your taste."

[wikisl]

I have a OUAT prompt, if anyone is interested:

Cora dies when Regina is still young and Henry marries a nice woman who may just be more powerful than Cora and Rumplestiltskin.

Optional: Henry and his new wife adopt Zelena. And/or get a couple of kids.

Optional 2: Regina and Robin know each other as children.

Have fun and don't let my tags stop you!

Let me know if you like and use it.

If you want, tag me on AO3. WinnieKirk https://archiveofourown.org/users/WinnieKirk

[middlemistcs13]

Here’s a mix of prompts from @novelbear with some CS fluff! 

Prompts: letting them take a sip of your drink, then another, then another, then- you might as well let them keep it + when they are holding your hand and absently place a kiss on your knuckles + “i look like a mess” “the prettiest mess”

The Summer Bash

She loved her husband. She really, and truly loved him. She also loved her job. It gave her a sense of purpose and made her feel like her life meant something. However, this stupid party her husband asked her to come to of course had to be on the same night she had to put in some overtime to try and catch their suspect. It was never easy being a police detective, and Emma knew that. It just would be nice if she could get off work at a decent time every once in a while. Or at least on the evenings she already had things planned. Thankfully she packed her outfit and make-up bag with her just in case this happened, she mused as she drove over to one of Killian’s college friend’s houses where the start of the summer party was happening. She was able to manage her hair in a braid down her back despite the heat in Boston today and the numerous hours she spent outside on the case. 

As she pulled up to Robin’s house, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Robin was a super nice and friendly guy, and Emma genuinely liked hanging out with him. His fiance Regina, on the other hand, was a bit much. She came from a wealthy family, and both Robin and Regina made a good amount of money in their jobs they got after they finished their bachelor’s degrees. Regina made more than Emma and Killian ever would- combined. Their house was one of the nicest houses she’d ever been inside of. She parked her bug- Killian was constantly irritated that Emma didn’t just sell the thing and get a “more reliable and safe vehicle”- and made her way towards the large steps that adorned the front of the house. Emma didn’t bother knocking, just quietly slipped in the front door and immediately went in search of her husband. 

Emma found Killian on the back patio standing around with some of their closest friends- David and Mary Margaret, as well as August and Belle. Seeing him made the tension in her shoulders instantly dissolve, and she walked up and hugged him from behind. 

“What?” Killian asked, alarmed at some random body hugging him. He turned slightly until he saw her blond wisps of hair loose from her braid. “Oh, hello my love. I’ve missed you.” 

“Hey. Missed you too. Sorry, I’m late,” Emma replied, before pecking Killian on his lips. She was tempted to go in for another kiss after the busy and stressful day she had, but their friends were standing in front of them. She could work off her stress when they got home and were behind closed doors. She smiled and greeted their friends, before spying Killian’s drink in his left hand. “Ooh, what is that?” 

“Some sort of mixer Regina made. It’s fruity, sort of like watermelon. It’s pretty decent,” Killian said before his wife was taking the drink out of his hand. She gingerly took a sip of the concoction, before grinning and taking another sip. 

“This seems way too fruity for you, babe. There’s no rum?” Emma asked. 

“No rum, so the punch was holding me over since I will not be drinking those blasted beers Robin decided to buy.” Emma nodded her head before taking another sip of his drink and leaning into him. He was about to ask for his drink back and tell her to go get her own, but that was when he noticed the dark circles under her eyes. He knew she had a stressful case going on right now. She came home late last night and left around 5 this morning. His last final of the semester wasn’t until 2 pm, so he was able to sleep in once she left. But the fact of the matter was, Emma looked exhausted. He also knew she was willing to go to this party, but she didn’t love being social after she had to work later than planned. He decided not to say anything about his drink that she had now downed half of, and instead opted to pull her closer to his side and kiss her gently on the head. She looked up at him and smiled, a beautiful thing despite her obvious tiredness. “You look stunning, love.” He quietly said. 

“I look like a mess.” She retorted. 

“The prettiest mess.”

“I actually got dressed in the locker room bathroom and haphazardly braided my hair. Don’t think that equates to ‘pretty’ or ‘stunning’ mister.” Emma commented while raising her eyebrows as if to challenge him to say more. 

“While that might be true, you’re still my wife. My wife who I happen to find absolutely stunning regardless of clothing or hairstyle or the amount of make-up you have on. So, yes. You look stunning and pretty and beautiful and lovely. And I will always see you like that, no matter what.” 

“Don’t get sappy on me now, Jones,” Emma smirked, but her soft smile usually reserved for him came out despite her best efforts to disguise it with a smirk. The couple re-joined the conversation their friends were having, which involved discussions of what color they should paint the nursery for the Nolan baby who was due in five months. 

“Mary Margaret, I think you have some time before you talk about nursery colors. You guys still haven’t moved into your new place yet.” Emma smiled, secretly very excited to be an “aunt”. David was like a brother to her, ever since they were next-door neighbors in high school. David was two years older than Emma, and he definitely got very protective over her in high school and in college. Luckily, Emma was now married to her best friend after 5 years of being together, so David’s overprotective speeches were now over. 

“I know, but there’s still another week and a half before we move, and I have to have something to look forward to! School is out for the summer, so now all my thoughts are about the baby!” She gushed. Mary Margaret was also like a sister to Emma, but they couldn’t have more different personalities. Mary Margaret was always so optimistic, talking about hope, and happily ever afters and if there was one thing Mary Margaret loved more than almost anything, it was girl talk. Emma, on the other hand, was relatively pessimistic. Growing up an orphan bouncing from group home to foster home back to group home will do that to a person. Emma also preferred solitude with only Killian over large gatherings, and Emma positively despised “girl talk”. But, for the sake of one of her closest friends, Emma sucked it up and listened to Mary Margaret rattle on about all things baby.  

After an hour and a half of mingling and small talk, Emma was about ready to go home. She was tired, mentally and physically, and nothing sounded better than snuggling up with Kllian under their soft comforter. Almost as if he could sense her thoughts, Killian brought their clasped hands up and kissed their entwined fingers. 

“About ready to go, love?” He asked. She nodded her head eagerly before they made their rounds saying goodbye to all the party-goers. David and Mary Margaret picked up Killian on their way to the party, knowing that Emma was going to arrive late and they could carpool back to their apartment together. They silently walked out to Emma’s bug with Killian’s arm around her shoulders. 

“How was your last exam today?” Emma asked quietly when they reached the car. 

“I think it went pretty well, I will get my grade posted by the end of the week. I am glad to be finished for the semester, however. That means I get to spend more time with my lovely wife,” Killian smiled, giving Emma’s knuckles a kiss and squeezing her hand gently. Killian was getting his master’s in marine biology and spent his free afternoons and nights working at his brother’s bar on the harbor. 

“That just means you get to spend more time at the Jolly Roger. But, I am proud of you Killian. One more year of school before you’re all done, babe. That’s a huge accomplishment.” Emma said. Killian smiled at her words and accepted her compliments quietly. 

“You know I just work at the bar to help out with money, love. If I end up working too much for your liking, just tell me, and I can reduce my hours or quit. I can find a day job for the summer or something.” Killian said. 

“No, I know you make really good money working at the bar. It’s just been a rough few days, and I miss you. But, I’m off until noon tomorrow, so at least we get some quality time in the morning,” Emma said hopefully. 

“Of course, my love. I couldn’t dream of a better start to the day than spending time with you.” 

[kmomof4]

Awwwwwwww

It’s been seven months since we were in the same place

[navalrefuges]

⚓️ tag drop .

⚓️ ⠀ooc⠀ ┈⠀anne speaks⠀.

⚓️ ⠀ooc⠀ ┈⠀promos⠀.

⚓️ ⠀ooc⠀ ┈⠀inbox prompts⠀.

⚓️ ⠀study⠀ ┈⠀headcanons⠀.

⚓️ ⠀dynamic⠀ ┈⠀captain swan⠀.

⚓️ ⠀visuals⠀ ┈⠀killian jones⠀.

⚓️ ⠀visuals⠀ ┈⠀emma swan⠀.

⚓️ ⠀visuals⠀ ┈⠀mirror⠀:⠀madison davenport⠀.

⚓️ ⠀writings⠀ ┈⠀modern arc⠀.

[virahaus]

Another day, another time to debunk shitty takes I see online.

I've seen a multiple of people pointing out that "we don't know anything about Tommy" and how could people ship him with Buck (nevermind that the ship is canon and always will remain so) when we know so little about him?

First of all, I'd actually make a point to say that we as of now already know more about him then all the other LI that Buck or Eddie ever had in the show.

I shall make you a list, so that you may remember it more easily:

- He likes cars and he's a good mechanic (extrapolated by the fact that Eddie explicitly said that fixed/improved his engine)

- He likes playing basketball and he's also quite competitive ("we'll make short work of them" said in reference of Buck and Chim)

- He's sarcastic (the closet line)

- His favourite film is "Love, Actually"

- He loves Monster Truck and Craft Beer, and MMA

- He has a big scar on his chest and it came from a fire in a factory

- He's a very skilled pilot, able to manoeuvre in a hurrican, and doesn't waver in the face of danger

- He likes watching and practicing Muay Thai

- He was a pilot in the army

- He only came out when he started working in Harbor, but prefers not to publicise his sexuality

- He doesn't like Bella Swan (and it's implied he might like Jacob more) and he watched the Twilight movies

- He likes to drive his friends to events

- He has friends that can get him high up tickets for shows in Vegas

- He has permission to fly airplanes for personal reasons when he's not on the clock

- He likes to be helpful and he's thoughtful (driving Eddie to check out his sprain, going to Buck's to clear out the air without prompt, immediately agreeing in helping the 118 with the whole ship operation, trying to get Buck to be at ease on their date)

- He's loyal (he didn't rat the others out when the chief called on their way to Bobby)

- He's a smooth flirt

- He can do a mean mouth static (at least in his opinion)

- He pays the bill on first dates

- He is very much the definition of carpe diem (kissing buck was very much shooting his shot)

- He checks for consent

- He kept contact with Chim ever after he left the 118

- Chim called him for help in the episode Broken

- He went to the 217 and opened the spot for Buck at the 118

- He participated in the betting pool Hen made on how long Bobby would last at the 118 captain

- He apologises when he's in the wrong and is shown to be able to correct his behaviour

- He doesn't like chickens (lol)

- He likes the film fight club and can quote it

- Implies to have dated people he met on a call

See? We know quite a lot actually. So you may get off your high horse how about that.

I don't think I missed anything but do let me know.

[killianxswan]

“Do you need to use your safeword, darling?”

His hook held both her wrists firmly at the small of her back as his strong and firm fingers stroked her slit at a leisurely place. Emma bit her lip hard and squeezed her eyes shut, wanting to savor the lust of the scenario they were spinning together.

"Such an easy whore," Killian groaned. "Already dripping wet and ready for me?" He let his fingertips linger on her clit for a fraction of a second more each time he passed.

"Come, now, Emma, I know you're not shy. Let the captain see all of you." Emma obeyed and spread her legs wider, gasping when the captain spread her folds open with his hand and continued his way up her backside. Both of their breaths stilled simultaneously when he used his thumb to spread the wetness of her arousal to her puckered entrance.

"On second thought, that arse of yours looks so delicious and tighT, I can't imagine not taking advantage of this opportunity." Killian replaced his thumb suddenly with his swollen head, letting it follow the same path his hand had traveled before.

Emma let out a startled whimper when she felt him and reached out desperately to grip the edge of his desk.

She felt his movements stall immediately behind her. "Emma-" He moaned her name as he separated the contact, replacing it instead by a familiar teasing pace at her clit. "Do you need to use your safe word?"

Emma let out a pleasurable sigh and beamed brightly at his sensitivity towards her. Her reaction was genuine, but it was only shock. She wanted this too.

"Just..." She stood up slowly and turned around to face him, resting her arse on the wooden desk. "Just one second." She whispered into his ear before sucking the lobe between her lips and licking her way across his jaw. Without him even realizing, Emma had conjured a bottle of lube behind his back out of thin air.

"Quite resourceful, Swan," Killian praised when she presented him with the bottle.

i'm taking prompt requests!

[steamystrangerfics]

This is how ouat actually went. You can’t change my mind.

Prompt: some 3B canon (or canon divergence) smut pleeeeassseee

“Thank you again,” Emma says softly as her feet move over the carpet in the back hallway of Granny’s Bed and Breakfast.

“For what, Swan?”

She shrugs her shoulders. “Everything, I guess. Being kind to my kid, making sure that Regina didn’t destroy any lives in her anger, placating my father with all of his questions.”

Killian nudges his shoulder into hers as they walk, a quick push that has her nearly losing her footing as they come up to his room at the end of the hall. She’d say that she’s had too much to drink, but she hasn’t had anything more than a sip of Killian’s beer. “Is that all you have to thank me for then? Because I remember a few other things happening that I believe require a bit of gratitude.”

His brows move up and down his forehead, little lines following them, and idly Emma wonders just how long he’s spent perfecting that move. He was in Neverland for hundreds of years. There’s no way he spent all the time avoiding lost boys. He had to have done something else, and he is extremely good at the eyebrow thing and knowing just how to charm someone.

Thoughts of Neverland and gratitude bring her back to their first kiss, a push and pull of desire and impulse that felt damn good.

Not good enough. Not for how they are now.

Who would have ever thought there would be another kiss past that first one? A one-time thing, she’d said.

(She lied.)

Emma chuckles and backs herself up against his room’s door while Killian leans his shoulder against the wall, close but not close enough. Not when less than an hour ago she got to feel his lips move against hers, soft and gentle and everything she hasn’t allowed herself to feel in over a decade of momentary satisfaction instead of lingering happiness. It was overwhelming but good, and Emma’s still in such a haze that she doesn’t quite believe that it was real.

Good things in her life so rarely are, and she’s having to get used to accepting that maybe, just maybe, the rug isn’t always going to be pulled out from underneath her.

Keep reading

[officialstrawhat]

He Still Gets Jealous

Ace x Fem!Reader

Hello! As always hope you like it!

I got the idea for this story from @creativepromptsforwriting it was #5 on their Jealousy prompt list!

Gif is not mine. Not Edited.

Word Count: 644

Don't get him wrong Ace was thrilled he found Luffy. In Alabasta of all places, with his very own crew, he could hardly believe it. They were good people. They seemed to keep his little brother in check and look out for one another. It reminded him of his days as the captain of the Spade Pirates.

Or just when it was you and him...

You had been the first person he met after he sailed away at seventeen and the first to join his crew. He was thankful you had stuck by him over the last few years. You'd even saved his ass a few times. Which you would never let him forget by the way.

But as to what you and Ace were, well that was complicated...

Words of admiration were exchanged between you two more often than not. Lingering touches were a common occurrence. Ace would even kiss you on the forehead tenderly after every battle you fought. 

And for the last couple months, You and Ace had been tracking down Blackbeard. At first, he resisted you coming with him; this was something he could have handled himself. Not to mention it was his duty as the captain of your division.

Yet you continued to insist on your involvement. You went as far as tracking him down when he first left. Eventually Ace relented. He shouldn't have been surprised. You were as hard-headed as he was. Even now you were still hard at work charting a course to the next island. Ace looked down from the upper deck of the ship to see you sitting on a large barrel reading your map. He loved how focused you were. It was like you were in your own little world. 

However there was just one feeling Ace couldn't shake…  It had started as soon as you stepped foot onto his brothers ship. He just didn't know what it was.

 “Y/N- Swan!” Sanji sang out from the lower deck, “Here’s that tea you asked for, three sugars just like you wanted.”

“Thank you Sanji.” You told him with a kind smile putting your papers back in your bag.

Ace clenched his jaw. There was that feeling again.  

“Can I get you anything else darling?!” 

“Well I’d love a snack-”

“I’m on it!” Sanji told you with hearts in his eyes “Don't move I'll be right back!” With that, the love-struck blonde man whizzed back into the kitchen.

“Is that guy bugging you?” 

You looked up to see Ace leaning against the upper deck railing.

“No, no he’s harmless” you told a skeptical looking Ace.

He jumped over the railing to land next to you. “I’m not so sure” 

You chuckled, “I don’t see what the big deal is. He’s just being nice”

“Yeah a little to nice” he sounded upset now. 

You scrunched your eyebrows in confusion. Then it dawned on you, “Oh my god, are you jealous?”

“I’m not jealous” he scoffed “It’s just- He shouldn't go after other people's girlfriends!”  

You were shocked at his confession. And even Ace had realized what he said. 

“Girlfriend, huh” you smile. 

“Well- yeah.” he rubbed his neck. Dammit this was not how he wanted to tell you.

Though it looked like you didn’t mind at all. You stood and walked over to him until your faces were only inches apart. “I was starting to think you’d never call me that.”

He stared at your lips before leaning in. Your lips were soft. Softer than Ace had ever dreamed they'd be. When you both parted, Ace opened his eyes to see you already smiling up at him. “There was no reason to be jealous you know.” 

He chuckled softly and kissed you again. You can tell Ace that all you want. But so long as others tried anything with you. He would still get jealous. 

[mewkwota]

Kid Ica- sorry, Pit.

Oh neat. Finally we end this long session with this sweet boy. :>

Send Me a Character

And I will tell you my:

First impression I am one of the millions of people who only knew Pit from Smash. When Brawl's reveal trailer showed its face on Youtube, I recognized every single character. Every single one. Including Snake, especially Snake. But when I saw this kid I thought he was Roy for a second because of the sunset lighting on the Halberd. It took me a couple of seconds to register the name that popped up as someone I briefly saw in Melee. I think Mr. Sakurai knew what he was doing here.

Pit is, like, one of my most favorite characters. His design and character hit about all the right spots for me on my mental checklist. I had a huge thing for angels has a cringy tween, plus he had brown hair in this look which I preferred more, and the outfit certainly does say "this one can kick butt". Also ooh that weapon, how versatile!

But yeah, it was bad. I had an OC who I paired with Pit. And also who wouldn't wanna try on that look (I never did, but the wings would do, and the many times I'd spin sticks like he did his bow, bwaghh).

Even with all that, there was so little to him. I'd scrape around the Internet looking for whatever I could about the kid. And that's where I learned what Captain N was. So you can thank/blame Pit for getting me into Castlevania and (even more into Classic) Mega Man.

With whatever I could gather, along with Uprising's release, I had a reasonable idea as to who Pit was. He's cheery, adorable, and selfless. And I feel some of the other layers to his character that I've picked up also stem from his background as an overlooked retro character. I've discussed this aspect in a comic between him and Sora's addition to Smash. I can tell Mr. Sakurai wanted to give Pit something he didn't quite have, and I chose to translate this as the kiddo having quite the journey in making himself known. Very little by little, until that point in Smash where we know him now.

I'm not surprised if people also saw this like an "ugly swan" path.

Impression now I may be focusing more on his friends now, but Pit holds a very-very special place in my heart. Especially now that Uprising is a thing, and I have actually grown a li~ttle sour towards it.

I know some of the humor in that game can be itty witty silly banter, but sometimes the jokes at Pit's expense can get a little, uhh, old. I get it, he's a brainless chicken who only thinks about food whatever.

It isn't like he can't be a competent character and still be silly, but sometimes the general fanbase can conflate one side. A lot. Because it's funny, sure I understand. Even I like to give Pit his silly moments, but I'd hope it's seen as him being allowed to let loose with his friends, who don't see him as someone lesser-- despite being very prolific representatives in their homelands.

This part of Pit is such an interesting thing to explore. Pit is the captain of a goddess' army. I don't think it matters the size of the army themselves, as everything is dependent on the decisions of their leader. And he's quite skilled with a variety of weapons now that Uprising has implemented that to his person.

There are so many impressive little things that Pit can call his own, but then why would he still feel inferior. Maybe it's because that's how he grew up. I can see it in the context of his place as a random retro character, but also as "that tiny angel who can't fly". (And maybe also the near-constant belittling he gets from the ones above). So as much as he's shown to be so positive, there are definitely moments where those weaknesses are seen or implied.

Long story short, it's the little things here-n-there that I like about him. It also makes for interesting prompts to write about.

Favorite moment Am I able to pick one? Uhh, Pit randomly singing at the start of that one chapter is always gonna be cute. He does a lot of cute things. ^^;

Idea for a story Something about Pit and Rock's relationship in Captain N clicks with me. On the outside it doesn't seem like much aside from "the two little kids hanging around each other", but perhaps that's just me picking at the words they say while mixing in the biases I already have. As a result, I see it that Rock follows after Pit in everything, but Pit also views Rock highly. They both found something in each other.

See this super ancient comic about it here.

One comic I had simmering for decades was looking at the between the two's connection after the events of Captain N and reuniting in Smash 4. It would have been in Pit's perspective and done through several letters-- that he needed help writing.

Unpopular opinion I don't know what is unpopular.

I'm not a part of the KI fandom. I am a part of the Pit fandom, wah.

Favorite relationship *Shoves Captain N in your face once again*

Favorite headcanon Pit is concerningly humble. He has a lot of little talents up his sleeve, a lot of which were picked up with the various part-time things he'd volunteer to do, but he doesn't really make a big deal of them. Some were simply picked up from the duties he was expected to do, or of course, they're just things he can do (so why is that really important).

[gatheredfates]

a homecoming | koret swan

Do you want to read all my FFXIV prompts? You can do that here! The master document also contains any misc. notes and information. 🌊

HORIZON: the line at which the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet. for example, the sun rose above the horizon.

A calloused hand thumbed the familiar notch of the king spoke; an irony of primals, a living metaphor for the concept of a ship of theseus, and the source of Koret Swan’s contemplation.

When was a ship no longer a ship? When all its parts were reforged—when its captain was replaced or displaced? A familiar groove affixed to unfamiliar bronze, barely in her hand before she had to hand it over.

Yet, as she stood in that familiar place against an unfamiliar backdrop, it felt like a homecoming.

“I do not mind the excuse for a holiday,” teased a familiar voice from behind. The captain rolled her eye (did it have the same effect as the plural? She supposed it didn’t matter—supposed he’d understand it all the same) and canted her head back to look at her first mate, ever stuffy in his fitted coat with curly-black hair mussed from the breeze.

“You’re fucking stupid,” she answered in turn, prompting Robince to laugh. He watched as the Wolfsbane went over its final checks: supplies for the voyage, people to account for, tallies to be counted. He’d be busier than he ever was, handing over his own captaincy for the voyage, but she’d accept no other vessel—no other crew. They’d gone to a hundred ‘new’ places, why would this new world be any different?

It did not. A ship was still a ship, a woman was still a leader, and the sea still an abyss.

When the signal was given he stood to point, rapt attention given to the deck and the men and women under their charge. They looked to him and awaited his signal—awaited her permission and her initiation.

“By your leave then, Madame,” he said, glancing at her for just a second. His lips pulled upwards, a smile to match her confident smirk. “You know which way to go?”

“Yeah.” Her thumb passed the notch one final time before she turned the wheel, feeling the rudder shudder beneath them. “To that horizon.”

Robince’s voice was loud and strong, cutting over the din.

“You heard the captain, men! To that horizon!”

[kmomof4]

@undercaffinatednightmare

Noticing Trauma Prompts

1. “Who did this to you?”

2. “You don’t have to tell me what happened if you don’t want to, but I want you to know that I’m here for you.”

3. “I heard you screaming.  Are you okay?”

4. “Would you like a hug?”

5. “You do this thing with your hands when you get nervous.  Why?”

6. “That’s it, baby.  Just breathe.  In and out.”

7. “You’re safe.  I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.”

8. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

9. “You don’t deserve to be hurt like that.”

10. “I’m here to listen if you ever need to talk.”

11. “I can’t make the pain go away.  But I can at least try to make it more bearable for you.”

12. “Did something happen to you that I don’t know about?”

13. “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to trigger anything.”

14. “Talk to me.  What’s wrong?”

15. “Hey.  You know I love you, right?”

16. “I know it hurts, but you’ll get through it.  I promise.”

17. “It seems like that really rattled you.”

18. “Look at me, darling.  You’re gonna be okay.”

19. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

20. “You’re right.  I don’t understand.  I may never fully understand what you’re going through.  But please let me help you get through this.”

21. “How often does this happen?”

22. “Would you feel more comfortable talking about it if I turned around?”

23. “Don’t focus on them.  Just focus on me.”

24. “I know how strong you are.  I need you to be strong for me.”

25. “It upset you, didn’t it?”

26. “It’s okay.  I won’t hurt you.”

27. “You’re always safe with me, love.”

28. “Nightmares again?”

29. “Do you want to talk about it?”

30. “I’m not gonna make you do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

31. “You’ve been through a lot.  Too much.”

32. “I’m here.  You’re safe.”

33. “I’m gonna find the fucker that hurt you and reduce them to the sorry son of a bitch they are.”

34. “No one’s ever gonna hurt you again.  Not as long as I’m around.”

35. “I’ll stay as long as you need.”

36. “No one’s asking you to get over this immediately.  Take your time and heal.”

37. “Your health, safety, and wellbeing take precedence over everything else.”

38. “You’re doing great.  I’m proud of you.”

39. “It’s in the past.  It can’t hurt you anymore.”

40. “I wish I had a time machine so I can go back and stop that from happening.”

[eastwindmlk]

Look! Something happened here and idk. It got away from me. Anyway for @jilytoberfest day 24 we revisit Bigger Fish. Prompt: 🎶Then I know everything is gonna be fine, Because you are mine🎶 -You Shine from Carrie - The Musical

Word count: 3.606... yeah I know.

Waking up in a small boutique hotel on Paris’ Place de la Bastille on the day of your wedding should feel like waking up in a dream. Lily knew that. Still, she sat up in the Egyptian cotton sheets, bleary-eyed and hard-hearted.

Everything should have been dreamy, from the French breakfast waiting for her on her balcony with a view of the courtyard and the muffled uproar from the square rising over the building. To the incredibly fluffy tear-stained pillows she’d cried herself to sleep on and all because of one man.

James Potter, who had ran back into her life at the eleventh hour like they were in some sort of soap opera. Where he returned just in time to confess his love for her and steal her away to the future they were always meant to have.

He almost did. Showing up at the airport, begging her to not do it. The only difference was that she wasn’t the heroine. She wasn’t going to blow all of this off just because he swanned in at a ta-da nick of time to swoop her off her feet. That was not who Lily Evans was.

Lily Evans was sensible and steady, she went through school and dated the footie captain and when he eventually broke her heart, like everyone said he would, she moved on. She found a dependable, unremarkable colleague who brought her coffee and complimented her hair even if he never noticed when she cut it.

He wasn’t a big fish and that is what made him right. Right?

She gripped the edges of her goose feather duvet and peered into the glaring sun, wondering if maybe she was making a mistake. Her eyes lifted to the clock, it was a little before eight and the make-up and hair team would be there in half an hour. Which should be long enough to warm up her cold feet.

Lily took a quick shower, getting dressed in her wedding lingerie and a silk robe before settling herself on the balcony. She was intent on enjoying the view, the sun, the breakfast and staunchly ignored the humdrum of the touristy city below her. Just as she was ignoring the doubt swirling in her chest.

All she had to do was get through today – and the rest of her life – wondering what would have happened had she been brave enough not to board that plane.

She was sipping her morning coffee when the door to her room burst open, the hot drink dripping onto her fingers. It was at this moment that Lily regretted giving the front desk permission to let her mother in.

“Lilykins! Darling! Are you alright?” She asked and without looking Lily could tell that she was frazzled and red-faced. “Are you not bothered by all the ruckus? The receptionist said that ‘ze are protesting ze new work low but ze won’t burn down anyzing ‘ere’,” her mother scoffed and Lily suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at her mother’s abysmal imitation of the French accent.

The bride-to-be turned her torso to offer her mother a sympathetic smile. “You know that sounds awfully mean when you do that right?”

“Do what?”

“The accent,” Lily pointed out, her lips pressing into a thin smile.

Her mother sighed dramatically, her whole torso rising and falling with it. “Don’t be so soft, Lilykins. I am sure they know I don’t mean it that way,” she said, her forehead wrinkling while she gestured vaguely around herself before plopping down on the edge of the bed. Seemingly to catch her breath.

“Oh I don’t know, the French aren’t renowned for their sense of humour,” she pointed out now just trying to get a rise out of her mother. A little thing to distract herself from the restlessness that still brewed in her chest like a storm at sea.

Ruth Evans tutted and shot her daughter a playful glare before letting her expression soften. “It’s a nice room,” she started trying to make small talk. Her mother hated small talk.

“Just spit it out, Mother,” Lily huffed, not wanting to pussyfoot around whatever her mother had to say. She felt like, today of all days, she was entitled to an expedited process. She simply did not have it in her to take her mother’s delicate sensibilities into account today.

Ruth’s lips pursed while she levelled her youngest daughter with a disapproving look that bounced right off of her. “Don’t call me ‘mother’ in that tone,” she sniffed and shifted in her seat before coming right out with it. “I was just… See. I heard that a certain someone might be back in town.”

Lily grimaced and placed her coffee back on the cast iron table, the thought of consuming anything suddenly making her feel ill. “He is, not that it is of any consequence to me,” she dismissed as blasé as she could manage while her heart threatened to burst from her chest and tattle on her.

“Right, of course, it isn’t. I just- It made me wonder how you’re feeling about all of this,” she said while she gestured around her vaguely in an attempt to indicate the whole situation. Or, at least, that is what Lily assumed she meant.

She turned fully in her seat and away from the food and the view to look her mother squarely in the face. That was the plan, but she could only drop her eyes to her hands when she answered her. “It’s beautiful. Every girl dreams of getting married in Paris.” Her voice sounded distant and tight, very much unlike her. Even more so, very much unlike how you’d want any bride to sound on her wedding day.

There was a moment of silence, patient and expecting. There was something extremely unsettling about it. Her mother was never silent, not like this. It made the words she did not want to say rise to her lips nearly instantly. Her secrets fought their way up her throat to see which one was going to fill the emptiness her mother’s silence left.

Lily nearly confessed to what happened at the airport when she was saved by a knock on the door. Her mother stood up in a flurry to open up for the beauty team. Which, hopefully, meant that her mother would let the situation rest for the sake of keeping up appearances.

After all, she would probably die of embarrassment if these total strangers knew there was trouble in paradise.

For a glorious thirty minutes while she was poked with brushes and having her hair pulled and twisted in every which direction, Lily enjoyed her mother’s chatter on how the venue was coming along. Ruth didn’t like small talk unless it would earn her praise.

The end of her peacetime was rung in by Petunia stomping into the room, her blonde hair in her signature, braided twist - which had made an appearance at every formal event after she’d perfected it at age sixteen. - the aubergine maid-of-honour dress still on its garment bag. Lily had no time to ask her if she wanted to use the large en-suite bathroom to change before her sister’s shrill shriek rang through the room. “Seriously, Lily! The airport!”

If her face had not been slathered in foundation a quarter inch thick, she might have flushed. The redhead just wasn’t sure if it was in shame or frustration. “Did something happen at the airport?” her mother chimed in and it was like watching the spark that started the great fire catch.

“You haven’t told her?”

“Tuney,” she cautioned and hoped that a withering look was just as powerful through a reflection.

Not that they had often worked on her sister, who barrelled on with her usual amount of consideration for her younger sibling. Next to none. “The Potter boy showed up at the gate,” she informed their mother, her nose turned up to drive home her superior tone.

Ruth gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth in shock. “Lily Josephine Evan! Why did you not tell me?” The use of her full name made Lily cringe even at age twenty-eight.

‘Because of that reaction’ Lily thought to herself, but she wouldn’t say that now. “I didn’t think it mattered much,” she lied and closed her eyes to let the make-up artist apply another layer of powder and hoped she was done now.

“No? I would think that the other man showing up means quite a lot,” Petunia’s snide remark burned away the remaining cringe and her glare turned deadly.

Her perfectly painted lips disappeared into a thin line when she turned around to look at her sister. It was their mother that interjected. “Petunia!”

“Well, I don’t have some fancy man show up at my gate, begging me to marry him instead,” she said with an indignant sniff and an upturned nose. “’S all I’m saying. “

That is when she started to regret flying with the airline her sister worked for, even if the tickets had been free. The gossip train was clearly very effective and she would not be surprised to see that her sister was a little too well-informed on things.

The news shocked their mother into silence for just long enough that her sister could shoot Lily a look, Superior and satisfied with ruing a perfectly peaceful morning. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Her mother’s voice trembled with emotion and she almost worried that she was going to burst into tears. Grateful that she’d already done her make-up and would not want to ruin it with tears.

“Because I knew you’d make a big deal out of it all when it really isn’t,” Lily pointed out, her voice gentler now. Mindful of her mother’s fraying nerves.

“Well, what did you tell him?”

“I am here, am I not?” she answered, her toe pushing up her sock and hoped the answer was enough to soothe her mother.

Ruth sighed in relief, her smile appearing from behind the clouds. Another crisis averted. “That you are and you will be such a beautiful bride,” she cooed, her hands clasped together. “I’ll go get changed. Petunia, help your sister into her dress. It’s almost time,” she said with more enthusiasm than she thought she could muster for her own wedding.

Lily stood, facing the mirror while her sister laced her into the bodice of her white gown and while she felt like she looked like a princess with the Tudor-style bodice and the puffed skirt. She was Cinderella on her way to the ball, all she was missing was her glass slippers.

“What are those?” Petunia’s disgust was evident in her voice when Lily lifted her skirt to slip into her low-heeled slippers.

Her eyes travelled down to look at pastel blue, fluffy socks she’d worn from the moment she stepped out of the shower. “My something blue?” Lily replied, her tone questioning while her sister yanked the warm socks off her feet.

Her sister tutted, not unlike what their mother had done before. “You’re so strange sometimes,” Petunia complained while she fuzzed over Lily’s veil for a moment. “All done. Now smile, this is the happiest day of your life.”

The words echoed in her mind. The happiest day of her life. Lily knew it ought to be, but all she could focus on were the clouds that had rolled in earlier, the restless sea that roiled in her chest. She forced the corners of her lips up into a smile and was grateful that Petunia did not care if it reached her eyes or not.

Lily told herself that she was just nervous, this was a big day for everyone involved. It was only natural to feel a little nauseous. Especially when your mother reappears in the room and just so happens to also be dressed in white.

“Mother,” she started and the words stuck in her throat when Ruth looked up at her. “Mum,” she tried again, tempering her tone. “Why are you wearing white?”

Her mother laughed, her fingers caressing the string of pearls that she wore on every important occasion. “I’m not wearing white, darling. This is crème,” she said defensively, tracing her fingers along the taffeta silk fabric that had a similar sheen to that of her wedding dress.

Despite feeling like she should be offended by her mother’s actions, she couldn’t help but also be grateful for the distraction it offered. The more she could focus on this, the less she would think about her doubts.

More importantly, she won’t think about him.

By the time Lily made her way across the hotel lobby on her way out, the protest had indeed moved on without as much as a rubbish bin lit on fire. It was all that her mother talked about on the way to the venue, more distractions.

Lily’s storm seemed to finally break while she stood waiting in the wings as the stragglers filed in minutes before the start of the ceremony. Her hands were wringing in front of her nervously when Petunia grabbed her shoulders. “Breathe, Lily,” she commanded sternly and took a few deep breaths with her until she was satisfied. “Remember to smile when you see him.”

Her eyebrows brew together at the remark she blinked at her sister before asking. “Who?”

“Your fiancee, Lily. I know you’re nervous but smile for him when you see him, he won’t know the difference from when you feel better after the ceremony,” she explained and pushed a stray lock of hair back into her up-do before lowering the blusher over her face. “Happiest day of your life,” Petunia reminded her once more and handed her the bouquet of flowers. She scowled at the Baby’s Breath she’d explicitly said she hadn’t wanted.

So, this is where her mother chose to be traditional then. It was fine, she supposed.

Lily wrapped her hands around the ribbon-bound stems while she rocked from her heels to her toes a couple of times, hoping that the chapel was warmer than this side room. If only she could have kept her socks on. It wasn’t like anyone would notice.

All thoughts of socks faded to the background when their father opened the door, right on cue. The first notes of Pachelbel’s canon started to float their way. This was it. The start of the rest of her life.

John Evans was the opposite of his flighty and erratic wife. He was solid and calm, a rock that Lily would cling onto all the way down the path of pink petals. Like her sister before him, her father took a deep breath with him and pointed to his cheek. Smile.

Lily clutched her father’s arm and the storm had run its course when she clutched onto his arm. She knew her father would not lead her wrong, he only wanted what was best for her. This was what was best for her. A steady, dependable man and a quiet life.

She’d almost convinced herself of that as she slowly walked down the aisle with a smile on her face. When her eyes were drawn to someone sitting in the fourth row, almost all the way in the back. Dark hair and grey eyes. Sirius Black, one of the only mutual friends of her and James she still felt close enough to to invite to the wedding.

She’d thought that seeing him there would make her happy. Perhaps it would have if he’d looked happy for her, but his face was blank, only the hint of a smile and a nod sent her way when they locked eyes.

This was not approval, this was surrender. The smile on her face turned apologetic before she rend her eyes away from him and back to the front, the future waiting for her.

A future that was already suffocating her. The idea of a white picket fence and charity bake sales weighed down on her chest like a tonne of bricks. Lily dug her fingers into her father’s arm and hoped he would notice her panic, he would get her out of this.

Before John could look at her, they were at the end of the aisle. Her hand was placed in a limp, sweaty palm. All she wanted to do was pull her hand back and run, but instead, she froze in the realisation that the moment of quiet, of acceptance, had only been the eye of the storm.

Her body moved when it was prompted to by her groom. They stood, face-to-face when the priest started the traditional opening words. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to…” The rest of the words were drowned out by the blood rushing through her ears, and the pounding in her throat.

Lily knew that the priest would be reading a passage from 1 John 4 that they’d agreed on and she couldn’t help but see the passage in a different light now. While she knew it spoke of God’s sacrifice, she related to that more now than ever that he was promising her life to a man she was not certain of.

The whole church was silent, leaving her to drown in her waves of panic when she heard the rattling of the door. Something tugged inside of her and it took her concentrating on the words being said to not turn around. To not be hopeful.

Lily’d had her chance yesterday at the airport. It would be too much to ask for another one. Everyone knew that the words that would follow were just for tradition’s sake, no one ever actually spoke up. She kept her eyes on their hands while she grimaced her way through the silence that would undoubtedly follow the priest’s words.“Before we proceed with the vows, should anyone here present know of any reason why these two should not be married? If so, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

One heartbeat and there was a quiet cough, a shuffle and Lily’s breath caught in her chest. Would her rescue come from an unexpected place? A murmur started to rise through the guests and the door rattled again. But no one spoke up.

The priest drew in a deep breath to continue the ceremony when two things happened at the same time. Someone cleared their throat from her side of the church and the door crashed open, the rush of relief nearly bringing her to her knees when she heard an echo from the day before.

“Stop!” James’ voice echoed through the decorated columns of the church sounding breathless and desperate as he had at the gate.

Lily only took a moment to take in the shock on the priest’s face before turning to face him, just like everyone else. Everyone but Sirius and James were still in their seats, craning to see the man slowly making his way down the aisle towards them.

“I will not hold my peace,” James said, loud and clear this time and before Lily knew it her hands were in his. “Lily, please,” he pleaded literally dropping to his knees in front of her.

The whole church was collectively holding their breaths and Lily could feel the tension mounting. She knew she should turn him away, it would be the right thing to do. “James,” she choked out while she looked down at him but the words wouldn’t come.

“I know that this is a little too late, but I cannot let you go without making damn sure that you know how much I love you,” he spoke so evenly, so sure of himself. Like he had rehearsed the words over and over again. “I have been an idiot for ever letting you go. I should have asked you to marry me before uni but we were young and I thought I would have you forever because I could not imagine sharing my life with anyone but you.”

Lily rolled her eyes at him and received an apologetic smile in return. When she pulled her hands back from his, he didn’t resist. He did not drop his hands either, waiting expectantly while she pushed the veil back to uncover her face and placed her hands back in his.

“I love you, Lily Evans. I always have and I always will.” James paused to cast a quick glance at the groom beside her, still processing the shock. “If you truly, in the depths of your heart have no love left for me then I will step back. Resign myself to having the one constant person in my life being Benjy bloody Fenwick.”

She giggled, actually, giggled at that. Lily knew it was inappropriate but she couldn’t hold it back. He’d always had that effect on her. His smile was dazzling and yet anchored her in this bonkers moment. This impossible, larger-than-life moment.

It was just so… James. Her James. Who, even after all these years, she loved so much that she could burst. Even standing here, dressed in white to promise herself to another man, she couldn’t help but love him, to admit that she’d hoped he’d swoop in and save her from making the biggest mistake of her life.

“This is not the time or place, I am very well aware of that. Still, I need to ask one last time. Marry me instead?”

Lily felt her lips move before her mind even had time to properly process the words, tears spilling down her cheeks. The guests reacted before she realized herself that she, in a well of emotion, said yes.

[snowbellewells]

Captain Swan Spooky Season/Autumnal Bingo Entry: "Coming Back on the Wind"

Summary: When a sudden storm blows up while Killian, Emma, and their family are out in Storybrooke's wood camping, they find shelter and Killian tells an almost-forgotten tale to pass the time...

Author's Notes: Thanks to @hollyethecurious for the lovely bingo board to play with! This is the first entry I have managed to create (hopefully there will be more to come before Autumn gets away from me entirely!) for the prompt "stormy seas"

Takes place in a post-s6 future where Killian and Emma have Hope and twin boys as well, Henry stayed with Violet and didn't go on adventures in other realms, and Emma's little brother is named Leo instead of Neal!

** Also available on AO3 if that's your preference**

"Coming Back on the Wind"

by: @snowbellewells

Outside the hunter’s cabin in the forest bordering Storybrooke, the rain splashed wetly against the windowpane. The torrents of water pouring down from the sky showed no sign of letting up anytime soon. Though he would have preferred they have made it all the way back home from their weekend camping excursion, Killian looked out the window without any true sense of alarm as the branches swayed wildly and the wind moaned, but they remained safe and dry in the log structure which was proving admirably sound - if rather small for their extended crew. The ground might grow soggy and some branches might fall, but it was merely an October storm, not the sort of maelstrom that had once made him cower in the corner of his bunk on Silver���s ship as the waves rolled and he feared the vessel would sink before the dawn.

Turning from his vantage point before the sink in the small kitchen area, Killian’s eyes surveyed the rest of the cabin to find his family and their guests gathered in the open living area around the crackling fireplace, which he had watched Emma light with a mere flex of her fingers. It mattered not that they had been married nearly seven years now, nor how often he had seen his wife avert tragedy and summon marvels into existence; he was still in awe of her, and he often found himself watching her with his breath stolen away, struck speechless by his Swan and all that she was.

His gaze was drawn to her once again as he ascertained that all were well and accounted for. Emma was bustling about to bring Hope her stuffed crocodile (a gift from Belle and young Gideon which entertained everyone else simply for how much Killian grumbled about it), bringing a throw blanket for Henry’s lovely girlfriend to drape over her legs where she was curled up against Henry on the sofa, and then she settled too, pulling their twins onto her lap as she did. Her younger brother Leo, now a bright and cheerful preteen with his father’s blonde hair and chiseled chin but his mother and sister’s brightly shining green eyes, along with Gideon Gold, almost eight now, were also seated within the fireside huddle, having been happy to go on an outdoor adventure with the Jones crew and give their respective parents a night off. When she asked who wanted hot chocolate with cinnamon, there was a lively, unanimous chorus of approval that drowned all sound of the wind and rain outdoors, and had Killian chuckling and shaking his head even from across the room.

“I would think you might have already known the answer to that question, Love,” he playfully chided.

Shooting him a scoff and a mischievous wink, Emma swirled her hand in the air once more and a perfect mug of cocoa, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon appeared in the hands of all but him, eliciting squeals of surprise and delight from the younger children. Gideon in particular wriggled with excitement at the prospect of such a sweet treat. Killian knew that Belle favored tea and healthy snacks and seriously doubted that liquid chocolate was on the boy’s usual menu. 

Thankfully, they hadn’t been far from the old, abandoned cabin when the storm had blown up unexpectedly, and they had managed to get themselves and their things inside the shelter before being truly drenched. Still, Killian reckoned it was wise of Emma to make sure their charges were warmed by the fire and set with the hot drinks as well - though he couldn’t resist needling her a bit for it.

Still, his own insides warmed at the cozy feeling of belonging he had in a cabin in the stormy Maine woods. He had never truly known such peace until these last few of his uncounted years of life, only since meeting Emma and their starting their own small family. The contentment spread throughout his being so completely that it seemed to pour from his fingers and toes; Killian could only draw nearer to his loved ones to drink in the moment. Henry glanced up from where he had been adoringly studying Violet’s profile and gave his stepdad a knowing look as he lowered himself to sit by his Savior’s side. And he could only sheepishly acknowledge the lad’s playful glance. Henry knew the man his mother had married could never stay far from her, always drawn like the strongest of magnets - True Love at its finest.

Soon all of the children, and Emma as well, were happily sipping their decadent drinks and savoring the warmth as it traveled down their throats and soothed their stomachs pleasantly. Hope lowered her mug slightly, only to reveal a dollop of whipped cream on the tip of her pert little nose.

“You’ve missed a taste, lovey,” Killian murmured, the affection glowing in his eyes as he reached out to swipe the creamy topping form her face and pop it into his own mouth. 

“Papa! That was mine!” Hope squealed, giggling even as she did so, but hopping to her feet, little fists planted on her hips and the intriguing near-turquoise of her eyes - a perfect blend of his blue and Emma’s green - flashing with playful pique.

“Ah, but I’m a pirate, little sparrow,” he replied good naturedly, using one of his favorite pet names for her. “You’d best carefully guard your prizes when a pirate’s about.”

“But I’m your pirate princess, remember?” Hope wheedled, flopping dramatically against her father’s chest where Killian willingly wrapped her in his arms. “You shouldn’t steal from me!”

Emma burst out with a guffaw at that comeback from their precocious five-year-old. Nudging him with an elbow in the side, she added, “Kid’s got you there, Babe.”

Killian winked back at his wife before turning playfully repentant eyes on his daughter. “A thousand apologies, your Highness,” he offered humbly, with an exaggerated bob of the head for a sort of seated bow. “To what punishment do you sentence me?”

Hope’s brow furrowed as if she were deep in thought, tilting her head while she studied first her father, then turned to consider both her friend Gideon and her younger twin brothers with a mischievous smirk that rivalled Killian’s own. All three boys nodded eagerly, seeming to know exactly what their pixie ringleader was thinking without exchanging a single word.

Henry snorted in amusement at the proceedings, loving that his baby sister could wrap both Storybrooke’s Savior and the fearsome pirate Captain Hook around her little finger with such ease.

“You have to tell a pirate story!” Hope declared with impish glee, clapping her hands in delight while the twins bounced on their mother’s knees and cheered excitedly. “And if we don’t think it’s good enough, then you walk the plank!” she crowed.

“Yes, please, a story!” Gideon chorused from his spot between Hope and her youthful uncle, his intelligent eyes alight and enthralled at the mere suggestion, loving a good tale every bit as much as his mother did. Belle never could resist listening to a well-spun yarn, and seeing that her only child took after his dear, goodhearted friend in this way especially - her most leading trait - never failed to touch Killian’s heart. Though Belle and Gold might still share a home, and though they remained married, her trust had been broken one too many times for even her generous faith to be fully restored. They were meant to be True Loves, and the emotion remained, but it was bruised and trampled like the rose of their famous tale, far too long past its wilting to salvage. She would never deprive the old Crocodile of another son, not after how long he had sought Neal, how bitterly he had regretted failing him, and then lost him to death anyway, but they kept a brittle distance in their home. Belle found her happiness in her son, her friends, and her books, and Gideon blossomed mostly under her care - for which Killian knew the lad was all the better.

Hanging his head, Killian feigned reluctance at having to provide entertainment, though in truth, he had known that tales of his pirating days would be the decree as soon as he had seen that particular gleam in his daughter’s eye. As Emma often lamented wryly, ‘Our daughter is entirely too entranced by the idea of pillaging and plundering.’ Reaching out to gently tap her chin with the curve of his hook, he pulled Hope into his lap again, tickling her stomach once he had her in his clutches until she cried for mercy.

Once she was sprawled across his legs heaving for breath, Killian nodded his agreement. “You wish is my command, Princess Hope,” he replied. “A story you shall have.”

A whole chorus of cheers rang out from all their younger charges, and in truth, even Henry and Violet’s faces shone with interest. To his delight, even Emma moved slightly closer and leaned over to rest her head on his shoulder, as if she were settling in for the show. He felt a sort of pride that he could grant such pleasure with his storytelling.

Pausing dramatically, he watched as Leo leaned easily back against the couch, cradling his mug in his hands, ready to savor the last of his cocoa and listen contentedly. Gideon scooted right up before Killian until his knobby eight-year-old knees touched the pirate’s own, eyes wide and breath practically held so as not to miss a word. Hope, for her part, settled on his lap as if it were her throne, somehow managing to look both supremely self-satisified and guilelessly eager, gazing up into her papa’s face as her little fingers clutched at the charms of his necklace the way they often did when she truly settled in to rest. Little Liam David and Westley Graham, just barely walking now, were equally cuddled up against Emma, and a pang went through him, taking in the whole scene as he drew a deep breath to begin. It did his heart good to see their children so comfortable, at ease and certain of their safety and in the knowledge that they were loved. That was as it should be. But he had been only a year or two older than Gideon was now when all he had known of his safe and familiar home had been lost to him. He hadn’t found such security again for so long it had nearly vanished, forgotten, in the recesses of his mind. Something long cracked and aching was mended in seeing that his own children would never face such doubt and fear.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Killian gathered his thoughts. The room went still as his listeners ceased talking and moving about, focused on him intently. He could again hear the wind whistling outside the little cabin, the rain slapping in sheets against the window glass and the almost soothing patter of it upon the roof over their heads. If he tried, he could just conjure up the sensation of rocking back and forth, carried on turbulent waves - could take himself back to the time when he was a boy at sea. Then he began to speak.

“Once upon a time, long before I was the famed pirate captain you see before you,” Killian intoned, letting his voice drop a bit lower and employing a lyrical rhythm. “I was a young lad who could barely be called a cabin boy, on the ship of another pirate - the dastardly Long John Silver.”

The little boys reacted with shivers and gasps, just as he had expected. Emma, who had of course heard this story with much less dramatic flair, in the tone of an agonized confession when they hid themselves away after his return from the Underworld. They had bared the last of their secrets and all of their souls once and for all and bound themselves back together again. Killian felt her hand flutter lightly to rest upon his own, and he squeezed it briefly in reassurance, letting her known that he was alright. This was a much less raw and bleeding version of events, peeled back to reveal the little good that there had been, even in those awful times.

“Aye, you’re right to be alarmed, me mateys,” Killian warned, waggling his dark brows at them with playful aplomb. “Silver was indeed a ruthless villain - and he ran his ship with little care for youngsters aboard who might be hungry, injured… or frightened of storms.”

He swept his hand out before him, illustrating the expanse of rolling waves under a dark night sky lit at alarmingly frequent intervals by bright, wicked forks of lightning. His audience was every bit as rapt as he had intended, allowing Killian only a moment for a sidelong glance at Emma with a twinkle in his eye.

“That stormy night, all but the night’s watch were in their bunks, and the lad knew he would find no sympathy from any quarter at any rate. His older brother was on the ship with him, but that young man was the only one who showed the boy any consideration, and he was fast asleep, having already put in what would be a hard day’s work for a full grown man, much less a stripling of fourteen. And so, the boy huddled in the corner of his small bunk, crowding against the wall and trying to block out the booming claps of thunder with hands pressed over his ears, willing his stomach not to turn as they were rolled up, down, and sideways by the vicious swells.”

Hope snuggled deeper into his embrace, seeking comfort for herself, empathetic little siren that she was, and unknowingly grounding him in the present, soothing the long scabbed-over wounds this story pricked. As though somehow sensing the boy from the story was closer than its teller let on, Killian also felt the feather-light brush of young Gideon’s fingers come to rest on his knee, offering silent support in his own timid way. He was hardly privy to what his dear friend Belle told her son about his past history or the harsh beginnings he’d weathered early in life, but he sensed in that moment that Hope’s unlikely playmate knew the frightened youth of long ago was now the man seated before him. And he wanted to bolster him in a difficult moment.

It was enough to have Killian swallowing back a lump in his throat. Meeting the child’s searching gaze, Killian offered a smile and nod of the head in unspoken gratitude, to which Gideon beamed and patted his knee with more confidence.

“Though the boy tried to remain still,” Killian continued solemnly, “the storm did not let up. Instead it raged harder until he was sure he would be thrown from his berth to the floor and that the ship itself would be turned on its side and sink into the deep. His thin shoulders shook as he wept, and though he fought to hold back his tears, occasionally a hiccup or gasp for air escaped.”

“It was at that moment,” and here the pirate’s voice, though still rough with deeply felt emotion, grew more musical and light, “when all hope seemed lost, that he felt a soft, familiar touch on his shoulder sliding down to gently rub his back until his strangled sobs eased. It was his older brother, roused from slumber, either by the boy’s distress or the ferocity of the storm, and quick to come to his younger sibling’s aid. The elder scooted into the bunk and gingerly wrapped an arm around the trembling smaller form, shushing and soothing as best he could.”

“Even as the wind continued to wail and howl all around, and as the waves slapped against the hold where they huddled together, the boy already felt much stronger - less afraid - just knowing that he was not alone. And then the elder brother began to hum. It was a familiar tune, a soothing lullaby coaxed from the far reaches of the younger’s memory along with an echo of his mother’s warm voice singing that same melody. Soon his brother was offering lilting words as well, in barely more than a whisper. Both knew the ire which would rain down on their heads if they roused any others, and yet his sibling dared those consequences to end his little brother’s torment. As the near-forgotten song continued, the effects of the wild storm seemed to die away. By the time the end of the song neared, that frightened cabin boy had finally found sleep.”

“What was the song?” Hope piped up curiously. “Can you sing it for us?”

Killian shook his head with a humored huff, having expected no less. Not letting himself hesitate long enough to change his mind, he wet his lips, drew in a steadying breath, and launched into the old tune he remembered hearing in Liam’s murmured, youthful tones. His brother had always told him it was their mother’s favorite - one she had used often to soothe fevers or lull her boys back to peaceful dreams after nightmares. Killian had barely remembered her - or anything about the cozy, cliffside cottage that had been their home - even then, but Liam had held it dear in his own heart and had brought the same feeling to life for Killian.

As Killian continued to sing, voice gathering strength while rising and falling with the notes, the rain outside their small shelter in the woods seemed to wrap around and join the chorus. His audience in the cabin listened closely, drawn into the song that had once been his mother’s, which had comforted him for years as something of his older brother’s, passing on once again to the new family they had made.

And as the fireplace crackled invitingly, his wife’s golden head rested on his shoulder, and he sang the last lines, the sudden storm they’d hunkered down to escape seemed to have enclosed them in a haven instead. The wind blowing the branches against the windows still showed its power, but with those he loved around him, the storm which had accompanied his long held memories finally ceased.

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