#captainswannet

[mryddinwilt]

CS + mutual pining

This is my kryptonite! My brain immediately went to S3 so enjoy some canon divergence where they defeated Zelena but there was no time portal.  

T | 1.2k 

It had been a month and a half since Emma had left Storybrooke to return to her life in New York City with Henry, a month and a half of trying to get their life back to normal after the return of their memories and the defeat of the Wicked Witch of the West, a month and a half of no magic or fairytale characters–except for her parents who she called or texted regularly and two visits from the Evil Queen herself.

Regina’s third visit was scheduled for this weekend and though she usually swept Henry off to some fancy hotel for a few nights Emma wasn’t really in the mood for her sharp looks or pointed questions about life in the city. Emma wasn’t stupid and knew that the only reason Regina had agreed to let her take Henry back to New York was because she assumed they wouldn’t be staying there for long, an idea her parents had no doubt encouraged. They all seemed to think Emma was some unruly teenager and her return to New York was just a phase instead of a thought out and conscious decision made by a rational adult who didn’t want her son burned alive or captured by flying monkeys.

It was a little after five when the knock came and Emma took a fortifying breath before opening the door.

“Hook?”

“Swan!” The pirate beamed, his entire face lighting up at the sight of her, and her heart dropped down to her stomach. It had been a month and a half since she had seen him, all black leather, eyeliner, and dancing eyes; she wasn’t prepared for how good it felt. He had come after her and she knew that she should be angry, because she had explicitly told him not to follow her, but seeing him at her door all she felt was the rush of her blood and an overwhelming urge to smile. She fought the urge and forced her mouth into a thin line. His smile lost most of its brightness and his eyes flicked past her.

“Is the lad ready?” He asked in an almost formal tone.

“Henry? Why would you–?

“Regina didn’t–?“

As if on cue Emma’s phone went off and a big red apple filled the screen. With a huff, she answered.

“Regina, why the hell is Hook at my door?”

“He’s already there?”

“Yes.”

“He wasn’t kidding when he said his ship was fast. I thought it would take at least another hour.”

Emma looked at him and he quirked an eyebrow as a smile danced on his face. Yes, damn him, he was here and just as attractive as ever.

“Regina.” Emma fought to keep the anger from her voice and turned from the distracting pirate at her door.

“The Captain will be taking Henry to Storybrooke and then returning him Sunday night.”

“What?” Emma walked away from the door.

“It’s my weekend and we agreed that I could do anything with Henry on my weekend.”

“Yes, but–“

“And since I managed to get the pirate his ship back he is in my debt and more than willing to ferry him here. Since I know how much you trust Hook I didn’t see an issue.The trip will take a fraction of the time and Henry will get to be in his own bed, in the house he grew up in.”

Emma chewed her bottom lip, annoyed at being outmaneuvered. She glanced back to where Hook leaned against the doorframe with studied nonchalance but likely listening to the entire conversation.

“You should have talked to me about this.” Emma hissed.

“Like you talked to me about moving back to New York?” Emma had no reply to that and Regina knew it. “Make sure he remembers his homework this time.”

They said their terse goodbyes and then Emma took a moment to breathe before turning to Hook.

“Come in. I’ll get Henry.” She didn’t mean to snap at him, it wasn’t his fault really, but she couldn’t help it. She called for Henry as she walked to his room but before she could get to the door he was rushing out with a bag on his shoulder and his eyes bright with excitement.

“Is Killian here?”

Emma bit back a curse, doing her best to keep her pledge never to drag Henry into the little power struggles she had with Regina.

“Yeah, kid.”

Henry smiled even wider and rushed past her. She turned and watched as Hook greeted her son. They were all smiles and excitement.

“Is it true you got your ship back?:

“Aye, your mother was kind enough to assist me. Though I now believe she had ulterior motives.”

“Is that why you are still wearing that?” Henry teased.

“What is it with you and my clothing?” Killian glanced up to share the joke with Emma and for a moment she forgot to look away. His grin grew wider.

“I just think now that you live in Storybrooke you should try fitting in more.”

“Fitting in? That sounds dreadfully boring.” Killian gave him a wink.

Emma couldn’t help smiling, soft and wistful. She felt a stab of something that felt a lot like homesickness and pushed it away. She moved toward them breaking up the moment.

“Alright, you two better get going. Henry, you got everything?”

“Yep.”

She pulled him into a goodbye hug and then looked him in the eyes.

“Be careful and listen to Hoo– Killian. I don’t want you drowning or something.”

“I won’t, Mom.” He rolled his eyes doing a very good impression of a teenager before going to the door to find his shoes.

Hook lingered but she refused to look at him. Why was it so hard to look at him?

“I promise no harm will come to your boy while he is in my care.”

She shifted her gaze to him, to his sincere blue eyes and his half-smile of comfort, and nodded. She hadn’t been worried about that. Regina was right, she did trust Hook and knew he would protect Henry with his very life and it was her lack of worry that was disturbing.

“Thanks.”

He looked like he wanted to say more his mouth opening with unsaid words. What was there to say?

“I’m ready,” Henry called.

Hooks mouth twitched into another half-smile. “Aye, lad best be off then.” He gave Emma a slight nod and then turned and strode out the door with Henry. Emma waited until the latched clicked shut and then let out a curse.

It had been a month and a half and she had thought she was over whatever feelings she had for Hook but just seeing him, hearing his voice, smelling him, had sent her emotions skittering out of control and making it hard for her to ignore them. Despite her denials, there was still something between them.

Part 2

Authors Note: Wow. So this inspired an idea that has a lot of legs. Unfortunately these things are timed. BUT if anyone wants a continuation of this story send me an ask prompt because I have lots of ideas for this little divergence.  

[someinvisible-string]

Uninterrupted (1/1)

Summary: What would have happened if Snow hadn’t burst into Emma and Killian’s house with wedding plans? Unashamed and un-beta’d smut that’s what.

special shout out to @caprelloidea for screaming about that scene with me and leading me to this idea. and to @hellowherearemypeople who pointed out the robe.

Emma flipped the (slightly overdone) pancakes onto a plate, hoping to surprise Killian with breakfast in bed after a long night of celebratory engagement sex. Her surprise was ruined when she felt him press himself against her back, his breath hot on her neck and sending shivers down her spine.

“Something smells delicious,” he whispered, his lips gently brushing against the shell of her ear.

“It’s just from a box,” she smiled and bit her lip, she could feel his erection pressing up against her backside. She would have been surprised at his stamina had she not already experienced a long night of near marathon love making and fucking the night before.

“I’m not talking about the pancakes,” he growled before she turned and properly kissed him. Her hand rested itself on his cheek and the other pulled him even closer. Hungry moans escaped her lips as she came up for air before being swallowed again by Killian’s lips. And it struck her just then how domestic the whole scene was and just how happy it made her.

She pulled back and looked up at him, her fiance who had crossed realms to find her just as she did for him, who loved her with every inch of his soul, body, and mind, and she couldn’t help but smile as she ran her hands up his chest. It was real, he was real and they were getting married, something she had never thought she would do.

“What?” he asked, a smile spreading across his face.

“I’m just… happy,” she shrugged. “Sometimes it still surprises me.”

“Aye love. Me too,” he said before leaning down to kiss her again. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, fingers threading themselves through the hair at the nape of his neck. They pulled each other close so Emma could feel every inch of his body through her thick robe.

“To hell with pancakes,” she moaned against his lips, walking them back until Killian hit the kitchen table. Emma wasn’t concerned about making it to the bedroom and it didn’t seem like he was either as he palmed at her ass and ground against her.

“Swan is this my robe you’re wearing?” he asked, his hand now toying with the tie at her waist.

“Yes,” she smiled and cocked her eyebrow at him.

“And are you wearing anything under this?”

“Why don’t you find out?” she breathed as she busied herself with unbuttoning his shirt, she really should try to get him to wear t-shirts when they were just lazing around the house. All thoughts of button down shirts left her mind once his hand traveled up her thigh and found her wet and ready center.

“Minx,” he whispered in her ear before he sucked the lobe between his teeth. Emma moaned and gripped onto his shoulders to keep her balance. He gently rubbed small circles around her clit, almost so soft she couldn’t feel it. He nosed the front of his robe open and captured one of her nipples between his lips and teeth. It was all Emma could do to hold onto him, her hands traveling from his shoulders to his hair and gripping tight. He released her nipple with a wet pop, “Already so wet for me Swan, was last night not enough for you?”

“No,” she groaned as he pushed two fingers into her.

“Well, what kind of husband would I be if I didn’t attend to my wife’s needs?” He quickly withdrew his fingers and before Emma could protest he stood up and turned them around so that she was sitting at the edge of the table and her legs dangled over the edge. “Spread your legs love, let me see you,” Killian said before dropping to his knees.

Emma obeyed, spreading her legs wide, his robe sliding open slightly surely giving him quite the view. She leaned back and let her back hit the table and she felt Killian’s breath ghosting over her. Emma gasped when she felt his tongue like a long strip along the inside of her thigh, she groaned when he repeated the action on her other thigh, his scruff scratching against her delicate skin and setting her whole body on pins and needles.

“You are such a tease,” she chuckled and ran a hand through her hair.

“And you are impatient,” he smiled against her skin, “Luckily I can deliver.” He dragged his tongue through her folds. Emma moaned, her legs squeezing Killian’s ears so he stayed in place and her hands gripped the edge of the table.

Killian set to circling her clit with his tongue in the way he knew she liked. Almost embarrassingly quick Emma felt like she was on the edge, panting and groaning and taking her own breast in hand she kneaded and rolled her nipple between her fingers.

“Don’t stop,” Emma gasped when she felt him push two fingers into her, curving them up to hit that most sensitive spot. One of her hands flew down to his head and tangled itself in his thick dark hair, Killian groaned when she tugged on it but just as she was about to come the table legs gave out and sent both of them tumbling to the floor.

Emma yelped when she felt the table fall from under her and tried unsuccessfully to find something to hold onto before her ass hit the floor. “Are you okay?” she asked, unable to keep herself from laughing.

“I’m fine love, are you?” Killian asked a chuckled bubbling up from deep in his chest. Emma nodded and looked back at the now broken table.

“I’m okay but it doesn’t look like our table is,” she giggled as Killian crawled over to her.

“That’ll be a hard one to explain should we have company today,” he smirked at her.

“I’ll just fix it later and no one will be the wiser, now do you want to pick up where we left off?” He answered by pouncing on her, Emma could still feel the smile on his lips as they fell back together on their kitchen floor. Her hands fell to his jeans undoing the button and fly and finding that he had decided to forego underwear. His cock was thick and hard in her hands and he moaned against her lips as she began to stroke him.

“You bloody vixen,” he groaned as he kissed his way down her neck.

Emma lined him up so he was right at her entrance, “You love it.”

“Indeed I do,” he pushed into her until he was buried to the hilt. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Emma sighed as he began to thrust into her. His lips found hers again, his tongue dancing along her bottom lip before he pulled it between his lips. Emma moaned and wrapped her legs around his hips, matching him stroke for stroke. It wasn’t long before Emma felt the telltale tingle just below her navel and judging from Killian’s grunts he wasn’t too far behind.

“Fuck Killian I’m so close,” she moaned in his ear and Killian quickened his pace, pounding into her tight cunt.

“So good,” he straightened up and brought his hand down to her clit, rubbing quick little circles around it with his thumb.

“Oh god,” Emma panted, closing her eyes and letting her orgasm fall over her. Killian thrust one, two, three more times and followed her over the edge. He leaned forward claiming her lips once more, their tongues sliding together as he collapsed on top of her.

He rolled off of her and cradled her into his side, they laid there for a minute just panting and staring at the ceiling of their kitchen.

“Well that’s another room down,” Killian chuckled and pressed a kiss to Emma’s temple.

“Maybe we can christen the rest of the rooms before the wedding,” Emma cuddled closer to him.

“Of that, I have no doubt love. And I look forward to every single one.”

[killianjonesaf]

2.06 | 6.15

[edgerunnerc]

it’s just you and me. no walls, no secrets.

[cutieodonoghue]

[dannystattoo]

So I’ve been meaning to make a post about my feelings on Jen (and Jared, Ginny, Josh, Bex, and Emilie...but mostly Jen) leaving the show, season 7, and what may as well be the end of OUAT/CS...or at least OUAT as we know and love it, this entire week, but I’m finally just getting around to it

I feel like before the cut, it must be said that I 100% support all the cast, both those leaving and those staying, in their decisions and future endeavors. Did I cry a little when I found out JMo was leaving? Abso-fucking-lutely, but you can sure as hell bet I respect her decision and will continue to follow her career. 

As for my future involvement in the fandom YOU BETTER BELIEVE I’M STICKING AROUND. I definitely want to continue reading/writing fics and enjoy all the other amazing content this fandom makes, and I want to stay in touch with all the incredible CS shippers I’ve met here. Regarding S7, I’m going to at least give it a shot if only because Colin is staying. Also,I’m hella intrigued by the developments of the series season finale. I’m just going to look at S7 as a spin-off, as opposed to a continuation of the same show, especially since the S6 finale would have been the perfect series finale. 

I’m not sure who will actually read the lengthy post below, but I can’t let this moment pass without reminiscing just how amazing my experience with the CS fandom has been...and now for some happy memories!! 

I started shipping CS just at the end of S2, summer of 2013. At the time, I was having kind of a shitty summer, seeing as I was fully anticipating that I would be doing the Disney College Program and moving to Orlando once school ended. Plans changed, my best friend went and I didn’t, and I was just not in the best place during that time. At one point, I started chatting with a couple other OUAT blogs about shipping and fell headfirst into this fandom. 

I remember the excitement of SDCC 2013 - obviously I enjoy every SDCC, but I don’t think anything can quite compare to the hype and excitement of that year, at least for me. I remember all the new people I met in this fandom, hardcore fangirling about each tiny development we found in SDCC news. The Captain Swan fandom and SDCC honestly pulled me out of a huge slump that year and needless to say, I’m so happy this ship came into my life. Suddenly, I had things to get excited over again. 

I remember S3, which I think was honestly the peak time to be in the Captain Swan fandom....yes, perhaps even more so than during wedding/engagement time. The episodes in that season were quality af and it felt like every episode we were getting some kind of CS development...”until I met you”, “when i win your heart and I will win it”, the coconuts, and so many other moments that I remember excitedly discussing with the fandom. And then of course, THE KISS HAPPENED and the fandom lost its collective shit and I have the absolute best memories of sharing that original kiss image far and wide on this godforsaken website.  Then the first video popped up during the middle of a two hour lecture and I recall rushing out afterwards to grab a seat in the lobby of building my class was in, just so I could watch the CS kiss on my computer before heading home. I also remember texting my roommate about the kiss video being posted but not being able to watch it  and her asking how I was alive and HOW WASN’T I WATCHING IT, and me telling her that I honestly didn’t know and finally her promising to watch the Kiss with me when I got home, even though she never watched OUAT and her only knowledge of it was through me. 

I remember ACTUALLY WATCHING THE KISS and being so full of feelings after that episode I couldn’t sleep, so I went down to the gym in my apartment at 1 in the morning to run off all my feelings about Captain Swan. 

I remember my weekly liveblogging, back when I used to be around to watch the show live every night, and all the fun I had interacting with fellow CSers. I looked forward to that every damn week and I’m still a little sad I never really got back into it after S3.

I remember moving to Disney and meeting my best friend because a Once related Facebook post and numerous discussions about Captain Swan = of course, we fangirled together from season 3B on! 

I remember the couple years I did Captain Swan Secret Santa and Valentine’s Day, some of the most fun things I’ve ever done and it brought more new friends. I’m hoping that we don’t stop this tradition just because the show is essentially over as we know it because I love the massive amounts of amazing fan art and fics that come about because of it. 

I remember the one season (S4) I was able to consistently join the Captain Swan Net chat and how much fun I had every week, freaking out about all our babies’ precious moments. I especially loved fangirling with all of you because the other group chat I was in during OUAT was with all my Disney friends who didn’t like Emma for some reason and didn’t ship Captain Swan how I did and I really needed like-minded people to flail with. 

After S4, my participation in the fandom really dwindled. Once I moved to Florida permanently, the theme park life didn’t allow me to be home on Sunday nights...plus the fandom just didn’t seem as active as a whole. However, I do remember the S5 finale, knowing I’d be working at Magic Kingdom til well after the episode ended. When I went on break that night, right before 9, I decided to go to a different breakroom than usual because I wanted a vending machine and the Tomorrowland breakroom didn’t have one. Well, as luck would have it, I went to the right breakroom at JUST THE RIGHT TIME and Once was already turned on on their TV. I was able to watch Hook and Emma reunited after his funeral and it took everything I had not to start crying like a baby in front of tons of strangers and WHAT A HAPPY COINCIDENCE THAT I HAD NO FOOD AT HOME BECAUSE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING. 

And of course, the wedding - the amazing fairytale ending we’ve been dreaming about for CS since S2. 

I could go on, but I won’t since this post is a damn novel already. Captain Swan, thank you for bringing so many amazing memories and wonderful people into my life. I truly hope this fandom doesn’t die just because the show is taking a different direction and in a way, we essentially got our series finale last night. Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU to anyone who’s ever fangirled with me about this ship, as well as all the wonderful content creators who put out some of the best fics, gif sets, videos, manips, etc, that I think any fandom’s ever seen. Whether you’re still active in the fandom or you’re one of those URLs I haven’t seen cross my dash in ages, thanks for flailing along with me. 

If you’re no longer watching after last night, thanks for 5 seasons of Captain Swan and I hope to continue to see those familiar URLs around my dash! If you’re continuing to watch along to S7, I’m excited to see what this show will bring us next! <3 I love you guys!

[captain-k-jones]

Charlie - One Shot (Future Canon) (Daddy!Hook)

Merry Christmas, @clockadile! It has been wonderful getting to know you these last several weeks! I was able to get a fic written for you after all! It may not be exactly what you asked for, but it is what came out!

Prompt: They find a lost girl on one of their adventures and decide to adopt her. An older girl who if found in the system might have been considered too old to adopt by most.

Summary: Killian has faced many things in his life, but he would never be prepared for this.

Read at  FFN   AO3

Word Count: 1,130

Charlie

Killian’s shoulder pressed against the door jam as he peered into the bedroom with a smile on his lips. Her back was facing him, her long chestnut hair tied into one of those complicated braids Emma had shown her. Placing her hands on her hips, she shifted her weight from foot to foot while staring into her open closet.

Half-filled boxes were in various locations throughout the room. While some of the boxes contained clothes, a reflection of her love of fashion that she’d developed from her “Aunt” Regina, most of them contained books since she refused to part with a single one they’d purchased her throughout the years, something that would certainly make her “Aunt” Belle proud.

His heart squeezed in his chest and he felt himself choke up as he continued to glance around the room before allowing his eyes to settle back on her form. He’d known this day was coming for weeks and yet here he was wholly unprepared for it. He was unprepared for…

“You know…” Her voice cut through his thoughts as she tilted her head to the right and continued to look into the closet. “You could help your favorite daughter out instead of just staring, Dad.”

“Is that so?” He crossed his legs at the ankle and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans before biting the inside of his cheek. The last thing he wanted to do was help. Why would he help when he didn’t want her to leave in the first place?

She turned on her heel quickly, her braid swinging to the air as she did, and met his eyes with a sad smile. “I’m not going far, Papa.”

His heart leapt in his chest. She hadn’t called him Papa since the first year she’d lived with them. For a moment he was reminded of that lost little girl he and Emma had brought home all those years ago. That lost little girl with big, wide brown eyes and matted hair. From the moment he’d seen her he’d known she would come to mean a great deal to he and Emma, he’d known it was his job to protect her from any harm that would come her way.

But, he couldn’t protect her from this.

He took a step forward and widened his arms in the arm for her to step into them. She didn’t hesitate even a half a second before she launched herself at him and buried her face in the crook of his neck. His arms wrapped around her and he felt himself sigh before closing his eyes.

She meant everything to him, his little girl. Shortly after he and Emma married, they decided to try for children. For a year they tried and for a year they experienced nothing but disappointment. It wasn’t until Emma convinced him to go to Whale and have some testing done that they discovered the reason.

Neverland may have allowed him retain his youthful glow, but apparently there had been a price. A steep one.

Emma had tried to play it off as if it were nothing, as if she were not affected, but he saw the disappointment in her face. He felt the disappointment in his chest.

The next day Henry, newly into his junior year of high school, decided to read from his mother’s spell book and somehow opened a portal to the Enchanted Forest. In a way, Henry’s mistake had been a blessing. It gave Emma, and himself, something else to focus on.

Two days later, after arriving in the Enchanted Forest themselves, they’d found her.  She had been huddled against the trunk of a tree at the entrance to Sherwood Forest with a wolf snarling and snapping at her form. After scaring the wolf off, he and Emma tried to get her to speak, to explain where she was from or where her parents were, but she remained silent. The only thing they could decipher was that she looked to be about 12 years of age.

In the end, it had been an easy decision to bring her along. There was not a single person in their group who would leave a young girl behind. Throughout the process of finding Henry, she seemed to remain at Killian’s side and, if he were not available, Emma’s. By the time they located Henry, he and Emma had decided she would be returning to Storybrooke with them.

The first year with her had been… bloody hell, rough did not even describe it. She hadn’t spoken in the Enchanted Forest because she didn’t know how. They’d had to teach her. Snow had taken it upon herself to tutor her in order to catch her up to others her age. For a while, she refused to leave the house. For even longer, she’d had nightmares. Whatever had happened to her in the Enchanted Forest hadn’t been pleasant. There were nights where the only way she’d sleep would be if they placed her in bed with them. On those nights, she’d wrap her arms around Killian’s middle and bury her face in his chest.

Eventually, things got better. Eventually, she got better.

And now? Now, she wasn’t his little girl anymore.

Pressing his nose into her hair, he exhaled harshly. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He wasn’t ready for this. He’d never be ready for this. He wasn’t ready to let go.

“Papa.” He heard her question, her voice trembling slightly.

He pulled back and forced a smile to his lips as he glanced at her. “Aye.”

“I’m not leaving forever, you know. I’ll be back for Christmas and spring break and all summer.” Her voice was soft, gentle.

“Aye, I know, little love.” He lifted his arm to brush a stray lock of hair off her face.

“Besides…” A huge smile broke out on her lips. “I’m living with Henry, Papa. How much trouble can I possibly find with him?”

The laughter that escaped his chest was full of disbelief as he shook his head. He wouldn’t mention to her how much trouble he and her mother had rescued Henry from throughout his life. She was trying to comfort him and for the moment, he’d let her. “Very true, love. Well, we best get to finishing up then, aye?”

She nodded, stepped out of his arms and turned back toward her bedroom. Following her, he made it a single step before she whirled and wrapped her arms back around him.

“I love you, Papa.” The words were murmured into the fabric of his shirt and his heart expanded in his chest.

His arms wrapped around her, his eyes closing as he rested his cheek on the top of her head. “I love you too, Charlie. Always.”

The End

Please let me know your thoughts!!

[mryddinwilt]

Yes! Please continue your mutual pining fic aghhhhalhddkdkhf

Well since you twisted my arm! This is Part 2 of this S3 canon divergence fic. Since I got lots of ask prompts to continue the story expect more as I fill them. Again, these are timed so I can’t get as much story in as I would like but it will all spin out eventually (and be on the archives too) 

T | 1k 

Emma spent the weekend working extra hours. Running down her skips helping her to avoid thinking of other things, things that wore leather and eyeliner. But by Sunday evening she had run out of distractions and found herself wandering the apartment waiting for Henry to return. After the fifth time getting excited by voices in the hall she turned on the TV and the Xbox and did her best to sink into the quest Henry had chosen.  

A half-hour later the door banged open and Henry called “I’m home! Hey, you’re playing without me.”

Emma paused the game and turned to greet her son as he barreled into her on the couch.

“I’m trying to catch up with you,” she said as she tousled his hair. “You have a good time?”

“The best!” He pulled away “I’ll be right back.” As he disappeared into his room Emma heard a faint chuckle and she turned to see Hook standing in the entryway. Her heart did a summersault at the fond look in his eyes as he stared after Henry.

She stood and his gaze shifted to her and the fondness was replaced by something more guarded. They locked eyes for only a moment and then Emma shifted her gaze to Henry’s door.

“Seems like he had a good time.” Her voice was flat and she hated it.

“Aye.” His boots clicked on the floor as he moved closer. “Swan, I wanted to assure you that Regina didn’t inform me that you hadn’t been consulted about this arrangement. I would not have come if I had known and if you wish I will refuse to fetch him again.”

Emma looked at him as he spoke and saw the sincerity etched on his face and in his too blue eyes. He was giving her an out. She had told him not to follow her, to stay away and he was willing to still do that for her despite having the perfect excuse to see her. She only needed to say the word and he would disappear from her life and fade back into her memory.

“I–“

“Okay.” Henry burst back into the room with a stack of comics in his hands. “I grabbed Superman, Batman, and Wolverine plus X-men.” Both Emma and Hook shifted their attention to him. “And just one Incredible Hulk so can see what I was talking about.”

“I appreciate it, lad. I am sure these will be most instructive.”

“What’s going on?” Emma asked as Henry put the comics on the kitchen table.

“Killian doesn’t know anything about superheroes so I told him he could borrow some of my comics to learn.”

Emma’s eyebrows rose, Henry was pretty protective of his comic books but he seemed eager to have Hook take them. Emma watched as Henry picked each one up and described why it was important to read. Hook kept his focus on Henry allowing Emma time to think.

She had once told Regina that Hook was good for Henry and she could see that was still true. She hadn’t seen her son smile like that since they left Storybrooke. It wasn’t like Henry hated New York, he had friends and lots of things he loved, but now that he had his memories she could tell it wasn’t the same. Storybrooke had always been his home and, like Neal had said, when it comes to home you just miss it. She felt a stab of guilt. She couldn’t live in Storybrooke anymore but it was unfair of her to take it from him too. Regina had been right to send Hook for Henry and Emma wasn’t going to stop the trips just so she could avoid awkwardness and emotional turmoil.

As if sensing her thoughts Hook cast a glance at her and though she couldn’t quite smile she gave him a nod. A smile tugged at his lips as he returned his attention to her son. Emma went and grabbed a canvas bag and came to the table.

“Alright, kid,” she said, breaking into Henry’s description of Wolverine’s backstory, “why don’t you save some surprises for when he actually reads them?”

“Oh, yeah, good point.”

“I am sure the story will still be captivating.”

Henry grinned up at him. “Wait I forgot Thor.” He ran back to his room.

Hook laughed and the sound did something to Emma’s insides. Ignoring it she began to gather the comics and place them in the bag, he started to help, and if their hands brushed once or twice Emma tried not to notice it. Henry returned and slipped two Thor comics into the bag.

“You’ll like those.”

“I’m sure I will, lad, thank you again.”

Hook looked at her and this time she did give him a small smile. His eyebrow rose and then in a hesitant voice he said.

“Well, I best be off. I’ll see you in two weeks Henry.”

“Okay. See you then!”

Emma walked Hook to the door not sure what she would say but wanting to say something. When he put his hand on the handle and turned to her she realized that the things she most wanted to say, to ask, were not a doorway conversation.

“Thank you for taking him.”

“The pleasure was all mine.”

And Emma knew he meant it. Taking Henry wasn’t just a job for him, not something he had to do just to see Emma, he genuinely enjoyed spending time with him. Their gazes met and Emma wondered how things might have been different if she had stayed. Hook had promised her fun, he had told her she could have a happy future in Storybrooke, what might that have been like? But in a rush she remembered that she hadn’t stayed, couldn’t stay. She looked away and after a pause Hook murmured his goodbye and stepped out the door. She looked back up as he walked away and blinked hard at the sudden sting in her eyes.

[someinvisible-string]

Born in Pain (15/20?)

Summary: District Nurse and midwife Emma Swan has her priorities sorted out: babies first, friends second, and men… somewhere further down the list. That is until she meets Killian Jones and his son Liam who have a way of worming their way into her heart

A/N: OKAY SO I know that it has been approximately 87 years since I've updated this fic and honestly, I have no excuse beyond an uncooperative muse and things in my personal life blowing up in my face. I was uninspired and low key depressed and just not in a good place. I'm so so sorry that I haven't been updating or writing and that I left y'all hanging but I promise I never once thought about completely abandoning this fic. I just had to set it on the backburner for a bit but I'm back now! I can't promise regular weekly or bi-weekly updates but you all have my word that this fic will be completed at some point. 

Also huge shout outs to @shipsxahoy for the beautiful banner!

Word Count: ~4.5K/ Rated D for Daddy Issues

Ch.14/ AO3/ FF.net

"So let me get this straight, you think that my son is the long lost baby you gave up because they have the same birthday and you to quote 'just know'? Miss Swan, I'm sorry but this sounds incredibly far-fetched," Regina said as she, Emma, and Killian sat in her study.

"Believe me I know, but I just I know it in my bones that Henry is the same baby that I gave up all those years ago," Emma said.

"Exactly you gave him up, so you do not get to waltz into our lives and expect to be his mother. I am his mother Miss Swan," Regina glared at her.

"Regina that's not what she's asking," Killian squeezed Emma's hand comfortingly.

"I just want a chance to meet him, just so he knows who I am. And if all goes well I would like to get to know him."

"Well that's all good and noble but you are forgetting one thing, Miss Swan," Regina cleared her throat, "You have no proof that my Henry is your son, now I'm very moved by your story but as his mother I cannot trust the safety of my son in a complete stranger with a sad story."

"You saw me," Emma said tears forming in her eyes, "That day that you picked him up, you saw me running after your car. You were in a black car and he was wrapped in a yellow blanket and I know that you saw me."

Regina looked stunned, her mouth hanging open slightly. "That was you?"

"Yes."

Regina looked down at her hands, tongue firmly between her teeth as she mulled over her thoughts before looking up, "You will understand that I want to verify this as fully as I can before I agree to anything?"

"I understand and I, fortunately, have access to those records," Emma explained, "When you're a midwife you get access to that information," she answered Regina's quirked eyebrow.

"I see," Regina pursed her lips together. "How soon can you get your hands on them?"

"Next week."

Regina sighed and closed her eyes, her fingertips massaging her temples, "Well then bring them to me by next week and I'll a have barrister look over them and draw up an agreement in writing. Is this amenable to you?"

"Yes, although I have one more question," Emma said searching for the right words. "How much does Henry know about this situation?"

"He knows he's adopted if that's what you're asking," Regina said sharply, "I at least managed to do that in between the midnight feedings, temper tantrums, and school projects."

"Regina, I'm not here to disrespect you or to erase everything you've done these past eleven years, I'm not disputing that you are Henry's mother. I just want a chance to get to know him now that I have the opportunity. I'll have the records sent to you by the end of this week if you need to reach me just ring Antioch House."

"I'll be in touch," Regina said through clenched teeth. Emma sensed that despite the woman's trepidations she would keep her word.

"You did brilliantly love," Killian said as they walked out of Regina's house.

"I did?" Emma let out a shaky breath.

"Of course, not many people can stand their ground against her like you do. It's actually one of the most attractive parts of you," he said, a hungry look in his eye.

"Easy tiger, I have to go on my rounds as soon as we get back to the East End," Emma quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Tonight then? It's pasta night at Chez Jones," he grinned smugly at her.

"Hmmm well I do love pasta," Emma mused, "I suppose I could stop by after I'm finished with my rounds." The bus slowed to a stop on the corner that Antioch House sat, Emma stood up from her seat only to have Killian catch her hand in his.

He placed a tender kiss to her knuckle, "Until I see you tonight my lady."

"You are such a charmer," Emma rolled her eyes and smiled.

"Only for you love," he called as she hurried off the bus. She was able to run into the convent and throw on her uniform and dash back downstairs to get her assignments.

"Cutting it close Nurse Swan," Sister Ingrid chided with a small smile.

"I know I'm sorry Sister, we hit a spot of traffic on the way back," Emma apologized.

"Here are your rounds for today, all of them pretty standard check-ins except for your last one. Marco Bonardi has been having some heart problems and I'm afraid he's not doing well and the situation needs to handled delicately."

"The old Italian who runs the furniture shop, he's always been so sweet. I can handle this," Emma nodded.

"Wait, Nurse Swan, Mr. Bonardi is in a very bad place. He refused treatment until his son insisted that he see Doctor Whale. There's quite a lot of tension there, but I know that you can handle it if things start to get ugly," Sister Ingrid warned.

"Hello Mr. Bonardi," Emma said brightly as she strode into his room, "How have you been feeling today?"

"No better than I felt yesterday," Marco grimaced as he tried to push himself into a sitting position. "And please call me Marco."

"Lie back, I'll let you know when you need to get up," Emma placed her hand on his shoulder. Even through his thick sweater and nightshirt, Emma could feel how thin he had become. "Marco is there someone who can look after you during the day? Make sure you're eating? Call us if anything is wrong?"

"Yes, my store keeper can call you," Marco nodded.

"He also has me," a voice asserted. Emma turned to see a tall man with dark hair and striking blue eyes standing in the doorway.

"And you are?"

"He is no one," Marco huffed.

"My name's August Booth, I'm his son," the man stepped into the room but still kept a few paces back from the bed.

"Feh your name is Agostino Bonardi. This August Booth is no son of mine."

Emma felt her eyebrows shoot practically up to her hairline, she busied herself with rummaging through her medical bag as she searched for a way to dissolve the tension in the room. "Why don't I take your blood pressure, Marco?"

Marco held out his arm her for but kept his stern gaze on August who stared at the floor. Tension filled the room as Emma explained to Marco and August that she would be there every evening to give Marco an injection and to check his ankles and the sore on his shoulder.

"Nurse Swan, do you have any children?" Marco interrupted her rambling.

"Um-" Emma stood gobsmacked and trying to find the right way to answer.

"You young people are so lucky, lives stretching out in front of you full of opportunity. No one to break your heart."

"Papa-" August said softly.

"You do not get to call me that, not since you've spit on everything I spent my life building for you."

Emma could tell that nothing she said at that moment would ease the tension in the room, she kept her eyes down as she repacked her bag and bid Marco and his son goodbye. She hurried down the stairs towards the back of Marco's furniture shop and only slowed when she heard August's heavy footsteps following her.

"I'm sorry about that," he said when he caught up to her.

"It's not the worst I've seen, believe me," Emma smiled sympathetically at him.

"It wasn't my idea to change my name," he said quickly, "My publisher thought it would be better if I changed it to something more neutral sounding."

"I'm sure your father will come around."

"I changed my name 3 years ago and you just saw the first time he spoke to me." Emma tried to school her face into a plain expression but couldn't help that her eyebrows knitted together. "Don't let that color your opinion of him too much, we had a huge row and I told him to never speak to me. And to be fair it's not as if I reached out before this."

"Well you're here now, that has to count for something."

"I don't know if it's enough though," August looked back towards the stairs, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"All you can do right now is try. You can't control how your father is going to react, but you can control your actions."

"I suppose you're right," he sighed, "I'll see you tomorrow?" Emma nodded before throwing her leg over her bike and settling herself onto the seat.

"Everything all right love?" Killian asked as Emma walked into his flat.

"It's nothing, just a tough patient," Emma shrugged off her coat and handed it to Killian's outstretched hand.

"Want to talk about it?"

"You know I can't, part of patient confidentiality."

"Oh right, well if there's anything I can do just let me know Swan."

"Any chance that pasta's ready? I'm starving," Emma smiled hopefully.

"Aye love, just a few more minutes until dinner is served. Liam!" he called down the hall, "dinner's almost ready. Time to wash up lad."

"But I'm almost done with this chapter!"

"And it'll still be there after dinner, now come wash up!"

Emma watched as Liam came out of his room and stomped to the kitchen sink to wash his hands; he really was the spitting image of Killian right down to the way their eyebrows nearly had a mind of their own. Once everyone had washed up they sat at the small kitchen table to eat, trading stories about their day.

"Dad the Cub Scouts are going on a field trip out to the country new weekend, can I go?"

"Sure, do I need to sign something?"

"Nurse Lucas will be giving them out at the next meeting I expect."

"Well then, I don't see why you can't go, just make sure you don't fall behind on your school work."

Emma was lost in thought, had Marco and August had conversations like this one all those years ago? Had Marco checked August's school work and signed permission slips? Had they ever been close the way Killian and Liam were now?

"Swan? Swan? Emma!" Killian pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Oh sorry, I was just thinking for a minute there. What were we talking about?"

"If you wanted to back into town with me next weekend since it appears I'll have the day to myself." Emma knew he was talking about going to see Regina and possibly Henry.

"Maybe, I'll have to see if I have that weekend off."

"You don't get all weekends off?" Liam asked.

"It comes with being a midwife, some just can't wait until Monday to come out."

"You'd think they'd be more considerate," Liam smirked.

Emma and Killian chuckled, "Well babies have different things to worry about than being considerate to midwives I suppose."

"Liam, why don't you go back to your book lad?" Killian said but Emma could feel him looking at her.

"You mean I don't have to do the dishes?"

"I know how exciting Captain Nemo's adventures can be, go on." Liam shot up from his seat and practically ran back to his room. Emma helped Killian gather up the dishes to put in the sink, mentally preparing herself for what she knew would come.

"You seem vexed love."

"I told you I'm fine Killian."

"Forgive me Swan but I'm not buying it; you've always been something of an open book to me and I can tell that something is bothering you more so than just a difficult patient. Are you nervous about meeting Henry? That he'll resent you? Because I have known that boy almost his entire life and I can tell you he'll love you."

"I wasn't worried about that, well I am but that isn't what's on my mind tonight." Emma took a deep breath, trying to carefully find her words. "Is there anything Liam could do to make you not love him anymore? Something to disown him?"

Killian looked taken aback, "Not love Liam? No never. I'd never abandon my son."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I bloody well know what it feels like when a father abandons you," Killian said harshly. Emma gasped softly and Killian looked ashamed of himself. "Emma I'm sorry, it's just that man could hardly call himself a father after what he did to my brother and my mother and me."

"What happened?"

"He loved betting on horses more than he loved us. Until one day when it caught up to him and he couldn't pay up on a bet. So he up and left us in the middle of the night; it nearly destroyed mum I remember there were days that she just couldn't get out of bed let alone care for the both of us. So my brother had to take on being the man of the house, he worked and made sure we had food on the table and that I stayed out of trouble. And despite my best efforts to be a rebellious little shite everything seemed to work, we weren't well off but we were getting by and as the years went by mum started getting better. That is right up until the war, Liam felt it was his duty to join the Navy; he didn't make it back. They got attacked in the middle of the damn Atlantic, he had to have done something especially heroic, they gave my mother and I a medal at his funeral."

"It's not enough, is it?" Emma placed a hand on his cheek and saw tears collecting in his eyes.

"Not at all, naming my son after him still doesn't feel like enough after all he did. I can only hope I'm doing half as much for little Liam than my brother did for me. He was a much better man than I could ever hope to be."

"You're a better man than you know Killian," Emma stood up on her tiptoes to kiss him properly. "There's not many who love their children as unconditionally as you love your son."

Marco's condition did not improve with Emma's daily visits; she knew that she was only prolonging the inevitable but she didn't feel that her job would be done if there wasn't any improvement between Marco and August. The problem was that neither of them knew how to approach the other. Emma could see that August was searching for something to say and that Marco was waiting for him to say something.

August had taken to sitting in a chair in the corner of the room during Emma's visits, looking everywhere but at his father, before coming up with an excuse to leave the room. Emma could see the hurt and disappointment in Marco's eyes each time his son turned to leave before he spat out a disdainful "Goodbye, Mr. Booth" to his son's retreating back.

"August why don't I teach you how to perform some lymphatic massage, just in case your father needs it when I'm not here."

"Oh no, I don't think that'll be a good idea."

"I'd much prefer it if you do it, Nurse."

"Honestly you both are just as bad as the other; now August hold out your hands," Emma pulled a bottle of oil out of her medicine kit and poured a small amount into August's trembling hand.

"Now, grasp your father's ankle firmly and push your hands up to his knee," Emma instructed once she had pulled back the bed sheets to reveal Marco's slightly swollen feet.

August gulped and did as instructed but applied barely any pressure.

"Try going a little harder, we need to improve your father's circulation."

"If he had stayed here and run the shop instead of running off to write in his fancy flat he wouldn't have such delicate hands," Marco said.

"Marco it's probably for the best if we have some quiet right now," Emma said forcefully. "You're doing great August, just a little more pressure." She watched as August massaged his father's ankles and calves, her eyes flicked to Marco's face. His gaze was fixed on his son and his face unreadable as Emma coached August through massaging the other legs.

"Right well I think I've got the hang of it now," August got up off of the foot of the bed. "I'd best wash up." He walked quickly out of the room, Emma thought she saw his hand come up to wipe his eyes but turned her attention to pulling the sheets and blankets down to cover Marco's feet.

"You must think that I am an awful man," he said.

"I don't think that at all," Emma assured him. "My wife and I we tried for so long to have a child and then things began to happen back in the old country. Friends going missing, hundreds arrested and shipped into exile, it was not safe to stay there and certainly no place to raise a family. So my wife and I, we move here and open the shop and a year later she told me she was expecting," an easy smile spread across Marco's face as he seemed to savor the memory. "But you know what happened then, the Blitz, they took her from me and left just me and Agostino alone together."

"Marco I'm so sorry, that cannot have been easy."

"It wasn't raising a teenager on my own but I tried to teach him everything I knew, just as my father had done for me and his father before him. I wanted to be supportive of his writing but one day he comes up to me all excited about getting published and he thrusts this bundle of pages into my hands and I see the name he has chosen for himself and it felt as if he turned his back on everything I have done for him. As if he didn't want to be associated with all of this that my wife and I had built for him."

"I'm sure that's not true, that can't be true."

"You don't have to protect my feelings Nurse, I am an old man and I know that I'm dying. Whatever you have to say to me can't hurt as bad as that."

"Then you'll forgive me for suggesting this Marco, but you might try meeting your son halfway. It could work wonders" Emma snapped her medical bag shut and stood up to leave.

"But what if that doesn't work Nurse?" Marco asked, Emma turned back and was struck for the first time just how ill he was, his pajamas and sweater hung off his body making him look even thinner than he was, his skin was so pale it looked nearly translucent, and his breathing was raspy and uneven.

"I can't make promises, but I will say that you can only control your actions. You can go to bed at night knowing that at least you tried."

"I see, thank you, Nurse Swan," Marco said, clutching his blankets and not quite meeting her eyes, "I'll see you tomorrow I suppose."

"Good night Marco," Emma nodded as she left, hoping that there was still enough time for him to even attempt to make amends. Over the next few days Marco's health was at a standstill, while he wasn't getting any worse he also wasn't improving no matter what Emma tried. It did seem that August and Marco's relationship was getting better, even if the improvement was minute. August now sat in on the entire visit instead of ducking out halfway through, Emma could also tell that he was continuing to massage his father's feet when she wasn't there. Marco at the very least wasn't glaring at August throughout Emma's visits and Emma could have sworn she saw a copy of August's book wedged between his mattress and the bed frame.

Until Emma got the call she had been dreading from August, "Nurse Swan please come quickly!" August had panted into the phone, "My father, he's not breathing right nurse and I don't know what to do."

"All right, I'm on my way August, just make sure he's breathing and that he stays calm. I'll be there as quick as I can." Emma grabbed her medical bag and raced down the stairs of the convent and peddled as fast as her legs could to the furniture shop. In no time Emma was up the stairs and examining Marco.

"His heart rate is very fast," Emma said removing her stethoscope. "Try massaging his ankles and feet, we need to try to improve his circulation while we can."

"Nurse Swan," Marco wheezed, his hand reaching up towards her, "Tell the truth. Am I dying?"

Emma paused, at a loss for words, truthfully he was. He was dying and the most that she could do was ensure that he was comfortable. "Yes," she nodded at him, tears starting to cloud her vision, "I'm so sorry Mr. Bonardi."

"No no, don't be sorry. I have had my time and I'm afraid that I've wasted a large part of it."

"You didn't and you still have some time to make things right," Emma whispered to him before looking towards August.

"Papa," August sank into a chair near the bed, "Papa I'm so sorry. I should never have turned my back on you."

"No no no my boy, it is I who should be sorry." Marco held out his hand, curled with age and still calloused from a lifetime of work. August clasped it in his own hand and tears fell down his face. "I was the one to turn my back on you. You are my son and I forgot that."

"Papa…"

"Let me finish, I only have so much time left. Whether you are August Booth or Agostino Bonardi, you are my son. I love you."

"I love you too," August choked out and kissed his father's knuckles.

"I only wish that I could finish your book, I was just getting to the good part," Marco chuckled before coughing.

"Well it's fitting, I was working on this," August pulled a small wooden whale from his pocket. "I know I'm a little rusty but-"

"You always had a talent for carving, but maybe you should stick to writing," Marco smiled before taking one last breath. A small smile remained etched on his face as August began to sob still clutching his father's hand. Emma reached forward and gently closed Marco's eyes and pull the bed sheet up to cover Marco's face.

Emma sat at the back of the church for Marco's wake with Killian and the other midwives. It had been a somber occasion as Marco had been known and well liked throughout the community having made most of their furniture with care and skill. She listened as the priest spoke about Marco and lead them all in prayer. It wasn't long before it was over and they were all dismissed and she and Killian walked hand in hand down the church steps.

"Emma wait!" Emma turned to see August jogging down the steps to meet them. "I just wanted to thank you, for everything you did."

"Your welcome, I was only doing my job," Emma blushed.

"No, you did much more than you were asked to and I can't even think of a way to properly thank you."

"Really you're welcome; I did everything I could for him. So what are you going to do now? I heard Marco left you the shop."

"I'm going to keep it open, I figured I'd get back to my roots," August shrugged and smiled.

"What about your writing?"

"I'll still be doing that too; woodworker by day and writer by night. I think that'll make him happy."

"I'm sure it would, good luck August."

"Same to you Nurse Swan," he smiled before turning on his heel and walking back towards the church.

"You really are a marvel you know that," Killian said as they began to walk.

"Only because you mention it so often. Thank you for coming with me by the way."

"Of course plus Marco was a great man. Loved Liam and made him some toys when he was a wee lad. And speaking of lad's," he turned to her with a serious expression.

"I called Regina, she had a barrister look over the records you sent her. She's agreed to let you and Henry spend some time together if you're ready for it?"

Emma looked back at the church thinking about everything she had seen the past couple of weeks, "Yes I'm ready. I want to meet my son."

tagging: @timeless-love-story, @leatherjacketsandrum, @captainswanismyendgame, @potentialheartofdarkness, @a-faekindagirl, @caprelloidea, @stardusted-nymph, @survivorjace, @captainstudmuffin, @ouat-upon-a-coconut, @captainswanandclintasha, @captainswanapproved, @brooke-to-broch, @xemmaloveskillianx, @xerxesrises, @xhookswenchx, @hook-come-back-to-me, @lenfaz, @sherifffjones, @fefefeferniss

[killianjonesaf]

cs quotes | ❝will you marry me?❞ [ROUND TWO]

[cutieodonoghue]

Emma Swan, will you marry me?

[captainodonoghue]

       366 days with Colin O’Donoghue  ღ Day 259                     (source , @katmtan)

[parischangedher]

I’M GOING TO ESCORT YOU TO WHERE YOU BELONG

WHERE

HE

BELONGS

[nicholasbritel]

So long as you come home at the end of the day That would be enough ...

[captain-k-jones]

Learning to Love (Again) - Ch. 12 (CS Modern AU FF)

Summary: In the wake of his crumbling marriage, Killian Jones turns to his best friend Emma Swan for help. Even though Emma had just ended a two year long relationship she is more than happy to welcome Killian and Nate, his eleven month old son, into her home. What neither of them expect is to learn how to love again through each other.

A/N: So so sorry for the long wait on this one! I am graduating in May with my second Master's degree and school is pretty intense right now. I wish I could promise that you all won't have to wait long for the next chapter, but I am having surgery on my shoulder this Friday and I am unsure how that will affect my ability to type. Hopefully I can get another chapter started this week, but I also have my CSSS fic to write before Friday so we will see.

Thank you all for the patience you have with me. I truly appreciate it. Also, for anyone who nominated this fic at the CS Fanfic Awards on tumblr, I wanted to thank you too! Lastly anyone who favorites, follows, or reviews... you are all AMAZING and give me a reason to write.

Huge hugs to @the-lady-of-misthaven and @o-u-a-timer for your beta duties! You both are amazing!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own OUAT and/or its characters.

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This chapter’s word count: 5413

Chapter 12

Leaning back to rest against the bar in the living room, Killian couldn't keep a grin from forming on his lips. Bloody hell, he couldn't believe that this day, this very extraordinary day, had finally arrived. His eyes scanned the room, the lightness in his heart only expanding at the sight of all of his friends and family, and he shook his head softly in awe.

All of these people, all of these decorations - every pirate themed party favor he and Emma could find at the party supply store to be exact-, all of the food, everything, were here for one very special reason.

Nate.

His lad, his wee one, had turned two just the previous day. Two years old. His chin fell forward, his eyes closing as his head shook gently. It was hard to believe… Had it really been two years? It seemed like it was just yesterday that he and Milah had discovered they were pregnant, that he heard his son's heart beat for the first time over the monitor.

He could recall clearly the first time he held Nate, his tiny body wedged between his arm and chest, and he knew in that moment that his life had been changed completely. He knew in that moment that he would do anything for his lad, anything.

Nate's laughter from the other side of the room pulled Killian from his thoughts and he felt his smile widen. Opening his eyes, he lifted his head just in time to see Nate return to Emma's outstretched arms after being tossed in the air.

"Agin, Auntie Em! Agin!" Nate giggled the words out of his lips as he kicked his legs excitedly against Emma's chest. "Up! Up!"

Emma's head fell back, pure happiness etched throughout her features as she lifted Nate further into the air and wrinkled her nose in his direction. "Again, Natey Matey? Are you sure you can handle it?"

Nate nodded enthusiastically, his legs once again kicking wildly in the air. "Aye! Agin! Agin! Pwease!"

Emma didn't wait to respond, instead choosing to simply toss his lad gently in the air. Nate howled in excitement, his face alight with pure elation and Killian couldn't help the way his chest expanded in kind.

Killian couldn't believe how lucky he was in that moment, how lucky both he and Nate were. This past year hadn't been easy, in fact it had been his own personal version of hell, but they'd made it through. He'd made it through.

And, he'd came out better in the end.

Emma's laughter joined Nate's as she continued to toss him up and down in the air and Killian felt his breath catch in his throat. His lips parted slightly, his tongue darted out to wet the bottom one unconsciously as he continued to gaze across the room, as he continued to stare at Emma and Nate.

Shifting his fingers through his hair, Killian let his arm fall loosely to his side once more. Emma Nolan had been his best friend since the moment she'd arrived in Storybrooke. They'd spent a lifetime having each other's backs and supporting one another through everything that life had thrown their way. This past year had tested him in more ways than he'd cared to admit and, somehow, he'd weathered the storm. Somehow….

Killian's thoughts died in his mind as Nate landed firmly back in Emma's waiting arms from his latest toss in the air. His heart skipped a beat and the feeling of something settled in his chest as he watched Emma settle Nate on her hip while placing a soft kiss to his forehead with a bright smile.

No. Killian's brows furrowed as he considered the woman in front of him. No, he hadn't just weathered the storm that was this past year by himself. He'd had help… Nate shifted in Emma's arms, his cheek falling to rest against the red fabric that covered her shoulder and he closed his eyes with a yawn.

He'd had more than help, he'd had a partner. He'd had Emma.

A gasp escaped his lips as Emma shifted her gaze to the dozing toddler in her arms. That feeling from before, that feeling of something, expanded throughout his chest as a small smile formed on Emma's lips and she lifted a hand to brush Nate's hair out of his eyes lovingly. His lips parted slightly and he could hear his heart pounding in his chest as Emma brushed her lips against Nate's forehead yet again.

That feeling…

Emma's eyes lifted to meet his from across the room and, for a moment, he forgot to breathe. She was… She was beautiful. Her eyes, eyes so full of warmth and happiness, seemed to sparkle in his direction and he couldn't help the way his lips lifted to return her smile.

The warmth in his chest expanded as he watched Emma whisper something to Mary Margaret before moving to make her way toward him.

"Hey." She whispered as she stopped just across from him. "Looks like someone is getting a little sleepy."

He felt himself nod and lifted his hand to brush his fingertips down Nate's back. "Aye. Perhaps it is time for gifts?"

Her head tilted and she shifted her gaze back to Nate. "That's likely a great idea. Then, we can kick everyone out and enjoy the rest of the night as …" Her eyes lifted to meet his once more and this time he was shocked to find uncertainty in them before she continued. "A family."

Family.

Nodding, he felt his lips lift at the corners slightly. That feeling in his chest had returned, the one he'd been unable to identify before, but this time he knew exactly what it was.

Stepping forward, he lifted his hand and tucked a lock of Emma's hair behind her ear. "Aye." He confirmed as he ducked his head in her direction. "As a family, love."

Her face lit up, the smile that formed on her lips causing the corners of her eyes to crinkle and it felt as though he might burst from the happiness present in his chest, at the happiness that she provided.

Bloody hell. How had…

Stepping back, he nodded his head toward Nate. "How about you wake the wee captain and I'll gather his crew?"

"Sounds good." Her voice was light and he could hear the smile in it. "Meet you by the gifts."

Without waiting for an answer, she pivoted and made her way toward the presents at the kitchen table. Watching her walk away from him, he couldn't help the way he shook his head in awe.

It had been thirteen months since he'd shown up on Emma's doorstep a broken man. Thirteen months. During those thirteen months, he'd slowly begun to piece himself back together again and he'd done it all with Emma by his side.

Killian pivoted his body toward the dining room and combed through his locks quickly as his head cocked to the side. He could see Emma lightly bouncing Nate on her hip while pointing to his presents in an attempt to wake the lad up. Nate smiled, his attention bouncing back and forth between the gifts and what Emma was saying.

His eyes softened as he watched the two most important people in his life interact. Emma had been there for Nate when Killian couldn't be, when Milah couldn't be. She had fixed breakfast for him every morning, she had held him while he cried, changed diapers, built forts, read stories. It had been Emma who had taken care of Nate while Killian had gone off to repair the fractures in his heart that Milah had left, it had been Emma who had acted like a parent when neither he nor Milah had been able to.

Emma Nolan was his savior. She'd shown him that it was okay to heal, that it was okay to let go. She'd shown him that it was okay to move on.

Seeing Emma wave at him from her place next to Nate at the table, Killian took a step forward. It was in that moment, as he walked toward his family, that he finally labeled the feeling in his chest.

Love.

In the past year, Emma Nolan had mended his fractured heart, as any best friend would do, but in the process he'd done something he never thought he would do…

He'd fallen in love with her.

***

It was late, the party had been over for at least an hour. Emma and Nate were in the living room, likely playing with on of the many toys he'd received. He should be out there with them, but he wasn't, he couldn't… The muscles of his forearms flexed as Killian pressed his hands flat on the cool stone of the bathroom countertop. Staring at himself in the mirror, he narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips firmly into a thin line before taking a deep, shuddering breath. He… His eyes closed and he held his breath for a moment before exhaling slowing. He… Biting down, he felt the muscles in his jaw clench and he shook his head in bewilderment. Bloody hell, what was he going to do?

His chin fell forward to rest on his chest. Dropping his shoulders, he lifted an arm and ran his trembling fingers through his hair and tugged harshly when he reached the ends. Fuck. He forced himself to take yet another deep breath. Exhaling slowly, he lifted his chin and opened his eyes to stare at his reflection once more. Fuck.

He was in love with Emma.

He was in love with his best friend.

How could he let this happen? How could he… Turning quickly, he pressed his back up against the vanity and buried his face in his hands. The tips of his fingers pushed gently into his eyes before running down his cheeks. She was his best friend. She was… His arms fell to his sides dejectedly. She was Emma. She was….

His eyes softened, the corners of his lips lifting into a small, barely there smile. She was the one person, save Liam, who'd stood by his side through the past year. She was the one person he knew without a doubt he could count on. She'd pushed him to be better, to heal, if not for him then for Nate. She'd done all these things and she'd never asked for a single thing in return.

His fingers tapped the fabric of his jeans and he tilted his head thoughtfully. Emma would always be his best friend, that would never change, but was he mad to think there could be more there? Was he crazy to think that they could be more?

The smile on his lips widened. He was in love with his best friend, with Emma. His heart quickened at the thought. He couldn't stop himself from imagining what it would be like to truly be with Emma, to be a couple and to be a family. He found himself looking forward to mornings in bed and evenings cuddled on the couch, to family breakfasts and dinners, to date nights and sailing.

Standing quickly, his arm reached out to grasp the knob of the door. He wanted to tell her how he felt, to see if they could make something of this, of them. He wanted to try. Bloody hell, he wanted to try.

But…

His arm fell back to his side, a pensive look formed on his features. He'd lived with Emma for the past year. They'd shared the same space, ate the same meals, went to the same events. He'd been best friends with her for a lifetime before he'd moved in. A lifetime and not once had she ever indicated that she felt anything more for him than friendship.

His eyes fell to the floor. The fact of the matter was… He didn't know how she felt, didn't know if she felt anything. Rolling his eyes, he shook his head. This wasn't a television show. He couldn't just run out into the living room and confess his undying love for her. He knew Emma and that would only scare her off. That would make her run.

Lifting his arm, his fingers curled around the doorknob once more. As much as it pained him, he needed to wait. He needed to figure out exactly how deep his feelings ran and if she had any feelings at all. That was the safest option.

That was the only option.

Twisting the doorknob, he took one last deep breath before pulling the door open and making his way back toward the living room. As he walked, he couldn't help the small pang of sadness that settled in his chest. He knew he was making the right decision, for him and for Emma, but he couldn't shake the feeling that…

His eyes widened, his lips parting slightly at the sight before him and he stopped his progression forward. All of his thoughts escaped him as he took in Emma and Nate sleeping on the couch. Her body took up a great deal of the couch as she stretched out on her back. Nate, on the other hand, lay on her chest but on his stomach. His arm had reaching up and he'd tangled his chubby fingers in Emma's long locks. One of Emma's arms was draped protectively across Nate's back while the other was bent behind her head. Nate had tucked himself right up under Emma's chin and had turned his head to suck on the thumb of his other hand. Emma was still dressed in the clothes she'd worn to the party, but it seemed she'd been able to get Nate into his pajamas before they'd fallen asleep.

For a moment, he didn't move. For a moment, he forgot to breathe. Tilting his head to the side, a wistful smile formed on his lips. This… A sigh escaped his lips as his eyes fill with longing.

This could be his life. This right here. He could do this. He could do movie nights with Emma and Nate, movie nights where they fall asleep on the couch after insisting they won't, movie nights where he was to wake them up and carry them to bed separately, and breakfasts the next morning where he teases them about falling asleep again.

He could have this. He wants to have this and he wants to have it with Emma. It may be everything he never knew he wanted, but bloody hell he wants it.

Grabbing the blanket that Emma draped across the back of the chair, he forced his feet to move forward and draped it over the two of them. He could stare at this scene for hours. In fact…

Shoving his hand in the pocket of his jeans, he pulled his phone out and swiped to the left to access the camera. A moment later, he's staring at a new picture of his two favorite people on the screen. It only took a couple more swipes before the picture had been assigned as both his background and lockscreen picture.

Returning his phone to his pocket, he pivoted and made his way toward the armchair next to the couch before sitting quietly. He was not quite ready for this day to end, not when so much had happened. It had been a great day. Smiling, Killian reached for his computer sitting on the table next to him. He had some editing he needed to catch up on and now seemed as good of a time as any.

Opening his computer, he couldn't stop his eyes from drifting to the couch once more. His heart skipped a beat and he grinned.

Everything he wanted was right in front of him. He just needed to figure out if it was possible to get it.

***

Whoever said being in love was easy had obviously never been in love with their best friend because the last twenty-four hours of Killian's life had been anything but easy. Killian felt like he was constantly being pulled in two different directions, two very different opposite directions, and he didn't know how to proceed.

Their weekly dinner with Liam and Ruby hadn't helped matters. Normally, Emma worked Sundays so she missed out on the weekly family tradition. But not this weekend. No, in honor of Nate's birthday Emma had taken the whole weekend off. She had said she wanted to spend as much time with him as she could.

He is only going to turn two once Killian and, since Milah isn't going to be here, I want to make sure I am.

At the time, he had been happy she'd taken the weekend off. It had meant he wouldn't have to face a house full of people and their questions about how he was doing alone. Now though, now he wasn't so sure it was a good thing. Especially after Liam had found out she was off and insisted she join them. The thing was… Being around Emma at home was one thing. He could be himself around her, he could play and flirt and she wouldn't think anything of it.

At home, he could hide his feelings.

Being around other people though? Well, he didn't know if they would notice the slight change in him. He didn't know if they would notice the way his eyes lit up when she talked, the way his hand lingered on her lower back as they walked next to each other, or the way he never strayed too far from her side. It didn't help that dinner wasn't with just anybody, it was with Liam and Ruby.

Liam was… Well, Liam was his brother. Liam was the person who'd raised him, who'd taken care of him when he'd had no one. Liam was one of the two people in his life he'd never been able to lie to. Not to mention, it would be bloody difficult to hide his feelings from Liam. If his brother was anything, it was observant. Next to Emma, Liam knew him better than anybody. He'd been sure Liam would have figured it out the moment he and Emma had walked through the door. Only, he hadn't or, at least, he'd made no indication he had.

But, it wasn't as though Liam's lack of knowledge had stopped Killian's heart from racing nervously. No, if fact it wasn't until this very moment, until he followed Emma through the front door of her house after dropping Nate off with Milah, that he finally felt himself calm, that he felt himself relax.

Shoving the front door shut behind him, Killian turned and opened the closet to hang up his coat. Pausing, he rolled his eyes as he noticed Emma's red leather jacket in a heap on the floor next to the door. Some things would never change and Emma being a wee bit of a slob was one of them.

Leaving his jacket secured on the hanger, Killian sighed as he bent over to pick up Emma's before placing it on the hanger next to his own. It wasn't the first time he'd picked up after Emma Nolan and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

Shutting the door softly, he pivoted toward the living room. A grin formed on his lips as he heard Emma humming lightly in the kitchen while opening and closing cabinets. The kitchen came into view as he stopped in front of the bar revealing Emma standing on her tip toes in an attempt to reach for something on one of the higher selves.

"Need a hand, love?" He questioned with a quirk of his eyebrow while leaning forward to rest his weight on his forearms.

Emma visibly jumped as he jerked her body around to face him. "Seriously, Jones! Warn a girl would you?"

He shrugged, his head tilting to the left slightly. "Now, where's the fun in that?"

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head and pointed with her thumb to the cabinet behind her. "Make yourself useful and get the popcorn that you decided to put on the highest shelf. I want to make some for movie night."

Nodding, he pulled himself of the counter. "As you wish."

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, panic rose in his chest. The Princess Bride was one of Emma's favorite movies. He knew her mind immediately went to what those words meant to Wesley and Buttercup. He knew she…

He bit the inside of his cheek as he searched her form for any indication of what she was feeling only to find her face blank. He could hear his heart pounding in his chest, his palms started to sweat as he clenched and unclenched them. Bloody hell, he hadn't expected to see nothing when he looked at her. He thought she'd smile, brush off his comment with a snarky remark, something, anything.

But nothing? What did that mean? How was he…

"Emma." Her name left his lips as a whisper and for a moment he wondered if she's heard him.

The sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the house and both their heads jerked in the direction of the sound.

Shifting from foot to foot, Killian forced his eyes back to the woman stand across from him. "I'll just go get that. Then, I'll get the popcorn for you."

Emma nodded. "Thank you." Her voice sounded flat as her lips lifted in a tight smile.

He tried to ignore the way his heart clenched at the sound of her voice, at her reaction in general, as he walked toward the door. He hadn't meant to say the words, hadn't meant to make things awkward between them when he'd just spent the whole evening on edge at his brother's, but now that he had, he didn't regret them.

He'd been trying to figure out if there was a possibility of Emma returning his feelings for the last twenty-four hours and, given her reaction, he was pretty sure he had his answer. Now, he just had to learn to deal with it.

Pulling the door open, he was surprised to see Moe French standing there with an arrangement of roses. "Good evening, Moe." His arm lifted to scratch behind his ear as he ducked his head. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Moe inclined his head toward the flowers in his hand. "Seems Scarlet forgot to deliver these yesterday. When I saw the order as I finished up the books, I rushed over here to deliver them." Moe thrusted the flowers toward Killian. "They're for Emma, could you make sure she gets them?"

Accepting the flowers, Killian furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Aye. Who are they from?"

Moe shook his head quickly. "There's a card. I didn't have time to look and I need to meet Belle and that bloody Scarlet for dinner. Thank you, Killian."

Before Killian had time to respond, Moe had already turned and was making his way down the walkway. Shutting the door, Killian turned and made his way toward the kitchen. Who in the bloody hell would be sending Emma flowers? His fingers skimmed the edge of the envelope attached to the bouquet. It was none of his business, he knew this, but he couldn't ignore the pit that had formed in his stomach.

Detaching the envelope, he opened it to pull the card out and skimmed the words present on the page while his heart twisted in his chest.

Emma,

Thank you for having lunch with me all week. I really enjoyed all of our conversations. Do you think, perhaps, you'd be open to a dinner date next Friday? I'd be honored if you agree.

With love,

August

His jaw clenched, the muscles pulsated as he glared at the paper in his hand. He felt anger rise into his chest and he could feel the hand tighten around the flowers. Logically, he knew he had no right to feel an ounce of anger, to feel an ounce of jealousy. Emma was not his girlfriend. She was not his anything. She had every right to date whoever she wished. It was just…

August sodding Booth.

He'd hated the man since the moment he'd arrived in Storybrooke, hated the way he chased after Emma as if she were a prize to be won. He hated the way he spoke about Emma when she wasn't around. Bloody hell. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and ran the fingers of his free hand through his hair. Emma had the right to date whoever she wished, but did it really have to be August Booth?

"Killian?" Emma's voice called from the kitchen and broke him out of his inner struggle. "Who was at the door?"

With his eyes narrowed in disappointment and anger Killian stalked toward the kitchen. As soon as Emma was within his view, his eyes hardened in her direction and he threw the flowers on the countertop.

"Booth offers his thanks for lunch all week and wishes to take you to dinner Friday, if you are agreeable." His voice was full of anger as he bit the words out.

Emma physically recoiled, her body flinching as the intensity of his word, and confusion formed on her features. "Killian, what are you…"

"You know, Nolan." He interrupted with a jerk on his hand. "You are free to date whoever you wish. I've no bloody place to tell you who to be happy with, but… Bloody hell, Emma, Booth?" His hands clenched the edge of the counter as he leaned forward over it. . "Why not Graham or Monty or sodding Jefferson? You know how Booth is."

Her face hardened, her eyes glaring in his direction, as she strode across the kitchen to stand directly in front of him. "You're right." The anger in her tone matches his and he can feel himself calm as she continued. "You have no right to tell me who I can and cannot spend time with. In fact, no one fucking does." She leaned forward, her face mere centimeters from his own. If he moved even slightly, their noses would touch.

Suddenly, he felt all of his anger disintegrate. Like simply being in her space, being in this close to her, reminded him of what he'd tried to remind himself of when he'd read the note. She was not his, not his wife, not his girlfriend, and being angry, being jealous, was out of line.

"Emma." His shoulders sagged. "I'm…"

She shook her head to interrupt him and her nose bumped his gently. "Let me make myself clear, Killian. I am not dating August. I am not dating Graham, nor Monty, nor Jefferson. August brought me lunch all week and I made it clear, multiple times, that I was not interested." She pulled back and straightened her back, a sad smile on her lips. "That I would never be interested, not when I lo-." Her words broke off as her eyes locked with his. Shock swirled in her green orbs, shock and fear. "Forget I said anything. Forget it all." She took a step back away from the counter.

She wanted him to forget everything she'd said, but that didn't stop him from wondering... It had sounded like she was going to say 'love,' sounded like she was going to tell him why she didn't want to date any of those guys.

"Love…" He tried. "What were you…"

"It doesn't matter." Her shoulders fell, her eyes diverted to the countertop and her fingers traced the pattern there. "It would never work anyway." The last statement was a light murmur, barely heard over the running appliances in the room.

But, he had heard it. He'd heard it and It felt like someone had punched him in the chest, like the wind had been knocked out of him. What would never work? They'd been talking about relationship, about dating, and now she was saying something would never work. Did that mean…

"Do you…" He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. If she had feelings for someone, if she wanted to date someone, he didn't know how he would handle it. He didn't know how he could handle it given that he was in love with her, given that he wanted to be that person for her. "Do you…" He pulled at the hair on his neck. "Do you have feelings for someone?"

Emma's head jerked up. For a moment she just stared at him, her eyes full of sadness, her face full of despair. It was like she was willing him to figure this out, to figure out what she was trying to say. It was like her eyes were begging him to understand, to see what she couldn't or wouldn't say. Only, he didn't know how. For the first time since he'd met her, Emma Nolan was unreadable to him.

His heart broke when she forced a smile to her lips, when she shook her head as if nothing was wrong only moments ago. Her arm lifted, her hand waving in the air as she shook her head. "Of course not. How could I not tell my best friend if I had feelings for someone?"

There was something off about the way she sounded, something forced, and he wanted to address it, to ask her why she was acting this way, but she continued before he could even speak.

"You know what, I'm actually kind of tired." She made a big show of yawning and stretching her arms into the air. "I think I am just going to head to bed. Raincheck on movie night?"

He nodded numbly, unable to get over this feeling over things being off, of Emma acting different. He wanted to understand why things were so awkward between them suddenly, why Emma was keeping things from him, and why she couldn't just talk to him.

His eyes followed her as she walked out of the kitchen, he turned his body as she walked past him without a word. With each step she took, he felt his heart crack just a little bit more. He felt his bottom lip tremble as she walked up the steps. How had this night, the past twenty four hours, gone from so hopeful to this, whatever this was? What had happened? What…

"Goodnight, Killian." He heard her whisper from the top of the stairs. "I love you."

He lifted his head quickly, shock in his widened eyes, only to see her round the corner to make her way down the hallway. His stomach twisted suddenly. Had she meant…

Over the course of their friendship Emma had said 'I love you' millions of times and he had said it back to her just as many times, but there was something different about the way she'd said it just now. It was as though she'd meant it different from all those other times. Only, she'd sounded hopeless. Like she wanted the words to mean so much more to him, but she was sure they weren't going to.

He ran his fingers through his hair and continued to stare at the top of the steps where he last saw her. Was this her way of telling him she wanted more or was he being too hopeful? And, how was he supposed to tell the difference?

His head fell, his chin rested on his chest. He didn't know what to do. Part of him was convinced that she meant those words as she always did. The other part though, that part that took into consideration her actions tonight, her actions over the last year, wasn't so sure. The other part was convinced that maybe, just maybe, she felt the same and didn't know how to tell him.

His eyes closed as he inhaled quickly before exhaling slowly. He knew he couldn't push her, that would just make her run. No… he needed to be patient, to figure out if she did indeed have feelings for him before making a move. He needed, despite what he really wanted, to stick to the plan he'd decided on yesterday. He needed to wait.

A small smile formed on his lips. Even though tonight was a disaster, he couldn't help the flicker of hope he felt. Perhaps, things were going to work out after all.

Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think!

[mryddinwilt]

Hold My Veil

A very fast, un-betaed, semi-crack fic about the likely turn of events during the CS wedding. Based on this post. @high-seas-swan, @optomisticgirl, @thegladelf

On her 28th birthday Emma Swan made a wish on the solitary candle of a small cupcake and now she is standing in front of a white three-tiered cake surrounded by her family and friends. She blinks back the tears that threaten to ruin all of Goldilock’s hard work.

“Alright there, love?” Killian whispers in her ear.

She turns to him and smiles. “Yeah. I just never dreamed–“

“I know.” The hand around her waist gives a gentle squeeze and she leans into him. He did know and that was the miracle of it all that she had found someone who could understand what it was to be lost, alone, and broken, someone who accepted all parts of her, someone who–

A sudden crash interrupts her thoughts and every head turns toward the sound.

“Seriously?” Emma groans as the Black Fairy strides into the room. They had expected her or Gideon to show up, had thrown up protection spells and put out fairies on the perimeter. She hadn’t crashed the actual ceremony but it obviously hadn’t been enough to keep her away forever. The guests watch the fairy with wide eyes as she stalks toward Emma and Killian.

“What a happy occasion, Savior. I do hope I’m not interrupting anything important?”

“Actually you are. Maybe you can come back later? Perhaps after my honeymoon?”

Killian chuckles beside her and Emma stands a little bit taller.

The Black Fairy gives a mock pout. “Oh. I’m sorry but that just doesn’t work for me. You see I am rather anxious to get this over with and begin my happy ending.”

Emma knows she should be scared but the strongest emotion she feels is annoyance. Because she just wanted one day, her wedding day, to be free of monsters and drama and life or death situations. Out of the corner of her eye she can see Regina and Zelena moving into position and her parents approaching behind the Black Fairy. with sword and bow in hand. Somewhere she knows Elsa is also ready and that half her guests are heroes in their own right. Killian is tense beside her, his hand on his sword, waiting for her cue. She smiles. She has her whole family behind her.

“Fine,” she says and reaches up to pull the veil from her hair, it was some kind of magic spider lace that her mother’s, mother’s, mother, had worn and she wasn’t about to let it tear. She turns to her husband. “Killian, hold my veil?”

He takes it with a wide smile and an intense look in his eyes that tells her he trusts her completely, that he would be with her no matter what.

“As you wish.”

And it’s not really the time or place but she can’t help smiling and pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that makes her even more determined to get to their honeymoon. She sighs as they break apart and then turns back to the gate crasher.

“All right, Voldemort let’s get this over with it.”

Everything happens at once.

Regina, Zelena, Elsa, Maleficent, and Emma all shoot their magic, light filling the room as it streaks toward their target who is already disappearing in a puff of smoke. Half the guests run for cover and the other half pull out swords, knifes and guns. Emma hears Killian calling out orders. Then there is a rush of sound and the room is filled with the Black Fairies minions. Everyone begins to fight and it’s complete chaos. Emma conjures a sword to her hand and dives in.

She is making her way toward her parents, slashing at the magical creatures and occasionally using a burst of magic to blow them away. At some point her dress gets ripped, which really pisses her off.

She keeps an eye on Killian who, with Elsa’s help, is clearing a path to an exit and trying to herd those who are unable to fight. She loses sight of him when something that looks like a small ogre attacks her dad and it takes her, Regina, and her mom to help kill it.

They barely have time to shoot each other satisfied smiles before the roof of the building shudders and then disappears as it is ripped off by a large, green dragon.

“Oh dammit–“ Emma starts.

“Mal? I a little help?” Regina calls.

“On it.” Maleficent returns as her body begins to stretch and grow.

The dragon shoots a molten stream of fire that Emma just watches as it hurls toward her, her brain not quite comprehending the danger.

“Emma!” She hears Killian scream and then the fire is met by ice.

“Stay away from my friend.” Elsa yells as her magic erupts from her hands. Steam hisses in the air and fills the room. Emma grins and pushes the wet tendrils of hair from her face. As the roars of two dragons sound overhead she turns back to the battle around her. Killian is suddenly there beside her. His suit jacket is gone and his hair and white shirt are wet and clinging to him, a streak of green blood runs down his arm from whatever creature or creatures he had killed. He is grinning and she rolls her eyes at him. He brushes a lock of her hair from her shoulder with his hook.

“Hello beautiful.”

She knows she looks as bad as him with her hair a mess and her wet, stained, and ripped dress but the way he is looking at her with awe and wonder she feels more beautiful than when she walked down the aisle not two hours ago.

“I love you,” she says. 

He only has time to smile in response before they both turn to meet the next threat. And Emma knows that after this fight there will be another, that the Black Fairy is waiting for her but with her husband and her family and friends beside her she knows she will win.