#cs gift exchange

[hollyethecurious]

CS AU: Sleeps Ten, My Ass (2/2)

Summary: It's become tradition for Emma Swan to spend the holidays with her brother, their cousins, and their families. This Christmas was no different. The group booked a four night stay at a cozy mountain cabin to celebrate. The listing said it sleeps ten, but upon arrival they discover a small issue. The listing was wrong and now Emma and Killian Jones, the only two single people within their group, have to spend the next four nights sharing a bed. Fortunately... they've shared a bed before.

A/N: @eastwesthomeisbest I'm sorry this Part Two took a little longer to get to you than I'd planned, but I hope you'll find it worth the wait! Again, it was lovely being your CS Secret Santa!! I hope you have a wonderful 2025!!

For the rest of my readers, I started over with my Curious Crew Tag List (which I typically do at the first of the year). Although I'm pretty sure I've added everyone who told me to date that they wished to be added, if I missed you (SORRY) or you wish to be added, please let me know!!

Thanks to @kmomof4 for looking this over for me and to the @cssecretsanta2020 for once again hosting a fantastic event. Side note, this fic also completes my Only One Bed: Holiday Edition square for the CS Winter Bingo!

Rated E / Also available on ao3 / add to tag list / Curious? Come Ask Me! / Part One

Part Two

“Merry Christmas!”

Emma clinked her mimosa against the glasses of her family and friends then settled onto the sofa next to her brother. Taking a sip of the bubbly beverage, she perused the room and let the early morning alcohol warm her from the inside as the fireplace beside her took care of the outside.

Much as Killian had done for her last night.

Shaking off that thought - and the remnants of the dreams she’d had where he’d kept her warm in other ways - Emma tucked her legs beneath her and gave Liam her attention as he passed out the gifts.

The couples tended to exchange gifts with one another in private before they met as a group, and Emma imagined this year was no different. The gifts Liam was handing out were the ones each of them had brought for a specific member of their group. Every Thanksgiving they drew names at random so each person only had to buy something for one other person. Then, Christmas morning, they would all open their gifts and reveal who had bought for whom.

Emma was grateful that she did not have to buy something for everyone, but she did not enjoy the fact that they opened the gifts one at a time while the rest of the group watched, making the person unwrapping the center of attention.

Well, the person unwrapping and the person who had gifted it.

“David, I love it!” Elsa praised with a laugh, holding up the lightweight sweatshirt for everyone to see.

Printed across the front in bold lettering, it read: No. I don’t need a coat. The cold doesn’t bother me.

“That’s perfect,” Liam chortled, already tearing his gift open.

And around the room they went. After Elsa was Liam, then Kristoff, then Anna, who Emma had drawn and gifted a pair of boots she’d known her cousin had been wanting. When Anna was finally done gushing over them, Emma began to open her gift.

“So… who will I be thanking for this…” She’d gotten the rest of the paper off and the lid to the box open when her words fell away as she looked over the myriad of items within.

“It’s a, uh...” Killian cleared his throat and pawed at the patch of skin behind his ear as he went on to explain. “It’s a sort of… winter stake-out care package, I guess is what you’d call it.”

Emma began lifting the items out of the box as Killian described them and the thought process behind his selecting each one.

“I’d noticed earlier this month when we all got together for that holiday festival that you needed a new beanie,” he said as she slipped the hunter green beanie onto her head and then pulled out a pair of soft gloves. “Now, I know you don’t tend to wear gloves on a stake-out because they get in the way of you taking photos or making notes on your phone, but with these you can slip the individual fingertips off so your hands can stay warm while you still have use of your finger pads.”

Emma tested them out whilst he explained their function, loving the ease with which she could quickly bare her thumbs and fingertips. They would certainly come in handy, as would the next item.

“A portable electric kettle,” Killian informed the group when more than one of them had murmured an inquiry about the item in question. “You just add water and plug it into the cigarette lighter in your vehicle and it’ll boil in less than 90 seconds. It also serves as a thermos once you’ve heated the water.” Killian lifted his chin in a pointed gesture and added, “There’s some hot cocoa packets and instant coffee in there as well.”

“This is…” Emma began, somewhat at a loss of what to say.

“Do you like it?”

Emma’s eyes jumped to Killian’s which were filled with a hesitant anticipation; his brows furrowed as his Adam’s apple bobbed.

“I do,” she answered, smiling softly at him. “This was all so thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, Swan,” he replied, a bright smile adorning his lips as he let out a heavy breath of relief.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Mary Margaret elbow David in the ribs. No doubt it was an attempt to keep whatever snide comment he had at the ready about her occupation from falling out of his mouth. Emma knew her brother did not approve of her line of work. In truth, most of them didn’t. The only one who never gave her a hard time about it, who never questioned her abilities or capability, who only ever asked about it out of genuine curiosity and interest, and without an ulterior motive to somehow diminish her success or exaggerate the dangers, was Killian.

Emma tried to focus on the remaining gifts being opened by the rest of their group, but her mind kept circling back to her own. The way Killian had noticed the state of her beanie and how he inherently knew and understood the reason why she tended to not wear gloves, despite her having the opposite reaction to the cold from her cousin.

The cold did bother her. It always had.

The contrast of her and Elsa’s response to it had always been a source of amusement within their circle. As evidenced by David’s gift to Elsa and past comments made regarding the issue. It struck Emma, in that moment, that Killian had never taken her objection to the cold lightly. From the beginning, he had always made sure she was comfortable. Warm. Content.

Like last night. Like many times before. Like with his gift. Making sure she’d be warm and comfortable during the long, wintery nights whilst on a stake-out. The way he’d made sure she was warm that night. The night in the Caribbean when a cool ocean breeze had met her damp skin - sweat soaked from dancing in a crush of people - and she’d shivered, her slip of a dress, which left little to the imagination, unable to combat the chill as goosebumps erupted over her entire body.

She could still feel the soft fabric of Killian’s jacket around her shoulders, the warmth it transferred from his body to hers, his scent lingering on the collar and intoxicating her sinuses in the same way the rum had infused their blood. The memory of the heat of his hand, pressing against the small of her back as he walked her to her cabin made Emma shift in her seat, as did the whisper of his hot breath against her neck when she recalled the words he’d murmured into her ear.

“I’ll keep you warm, love. Just say the word and I’ll make you burn until morning. It would be both our pleasure, I swear it.”

He had been good to his word.

So, so good.

“Who's ready for breakfast?”

Mary Margaret’s inquiry, which signaled the end of the gift giving portion of the day, shook Emma from her thoughts. Her highly inappropriate thoughts. Thoughts that had caused her cheeks to grow hot and blush pink; a fact she hoped no one had noticed.

“You look a bit flushed, Swan,” Killian commented on their way to the dining room - much to Emma’s mortification. “I guess my gifts are doing their job.”

Unable to meet his eye, Emma swiped the new beanie off her head and peeled the gloves off her hands. “Yep. I’m nice and toasty now. Thanks.”

“Anytime, love,” he replied in a deep, quiet timbre. Was she imagining the mixture of promise and longing in his words? Was he merely being his usual cheeky self, or was he reminding her of all the ways they could produce heat together… and his willingness to explore them with her?

“Who needs a refill?” Elsa offered, holding up the bottle of champagne and the pitcher of orange juice.

“Me!” Emma responded, hurrying towards the island with her champagne flute and receiving the first of many, many refills she’d imbibe that day.

~/~

This was a bad idea. No, it was a great idea, but it was also, potentially, a very, very bad idea.

It had been Anna’s idea. Which wasn’t the reason it was a bad one. It was actually a really good one. After a long day of cooking and drinking and eating and games and drinking and cleaning and drinking, her cousin had suggested they end the evening with a soak in the hot tub.

Which was a terrific idea, except… wearing nothing but her bikini, in a hot tub, with Killian Jones, also in his swimsuit, with his hair curling from the steam and water droplets clinging to his chest hair and pooling in the hollow of his throat while she - and the rest of them - continued to polish off the bottles of champagne that never seemed to end was a very, very bad idea.

But when had a bad idea ever stopped her before?

Especially when said bad idea had actually crossed her mind days before when she’d packed her bag. More specifically, the tiny, red, string bikini she’d worn during their cruise vacation. But no, she absolutely did not choose to pack this particular bikini because she remembered the look on Killian’s face and the hunger in his eyes when he saw her in it the first time on the pool deck. The same hunger that was threatening to devour her from a darkened, forget-me-not gaze across the hot tub.

Okay, maybe she did pack this particular bikini on purpose with this particular scenario in mind.

The idea wasn’t the only thing that was bad. Emma was also being bad. Very, very bad. And she wanted to do bad things. Very, very bad things with the man she found herself alone in the hot tub with after all their family and friends had decided to turn in about an hour after they’d first all got in.

“D’you wanna stay inna bit longer or turn in,” Killian asked with a heavy tongue from all the alcohol he’d consumed over the course of the day.

The same amount that was currently coursing through her veins and causing her to want to act on her very, very bad ideas.

“Prolly should turn in,” she replied in an equally tipsy tone. “M’ry Marget wants to head out early for after Kissmas shopping.”

Another loathsome tradition, but one Emma complied with for her sister-in-law’s sake. She wasn’t much for bargain hunting, but she knew what the bonding time together meant to the woman who had married into a sisterhood (despite Elsa and Anna actually being Emma’s cousins) after being an only child all her life and an orphan for the greater part of it.

“Right then,” Killian said, standing from where he’d been lounging in the corner and offering her a hand up. “We should get you to bed, love.”

Taking his hand, Emma stood, then immediately lost her footing and fell into his wet, firm chest. His arms circled her waist, his inebriation making him a bit clumsy and the slickness of their skin causing one of his hands to inadvertently land a bit too low. Palming her ass cheek may have been an accident, but the way his grip tightened, his fingers digging into her skin as he prompted her hips forward was not.

Nor was the way she responded, bringing herself flush against him as their lips, teeth and tongues met with fervor. He groaned into her mouth when she raked her nails down his back, then reached up and wrapped his other hand around the back of her neck.

“I want you,” he breathed, the much needed air secondary to the words he seemed desperate to convey.

“I want you, too,” she told him before suddenly finding herself in his arms, being carried out of the hot tub and into the cabin. After setting her down by the dying embers of the fire, he grabbed a nearby towel and wrapped it around her.

“I’m gonna shut off the hot tub and close things up,” he informed her. “Wait for me in our room?”

Emma nodded, her bottom lip tucked between her teeth as she headed for the stairs. Glancing back over her shoulder, she giggled at the way he hurriedly - and drunkenly - took care of the tasks so he could follow after her. He didn’t keep her waiting long. No sooner had she finished drying off - still clad in her bikini, so not completely dry - and taking her hair down from the high bun she’d pulled it into so it would stay out of the water, than he came through the door like a man on a mission.

His mission, it seemed, was to pick up where they’d left off. In less than a second she was back in his arms, their hands indulging in the vast expanse of exposed skin while their mouths fought to devour the other.

“You’ve no idea what seeing you in this bikini does to me,” he growled against her lips, his fingers toying with the knotted strings tied at her back.

Reaching between them, Emma cupped his hardness through the thin, damp fabric of his trunks and hummed into his mouth before murmuring, “Actually, I think I do.”

“We’re drunk,” he stated, pulling back slightly while his hands gripped her hip and grazed her back.

“W’are,” she slurred, flicking her gaze up to his. “Your point?”

“We were drunk last time, too,” he reminded her, sloppily. “I’ve always regretted that.”

“Regretted it?”

“Not what we did,” he clarified, his fingers brushing up her side, over the back of her shoulder, then back down her arm. “I regret I wasn’t in complete control of my faculties when I took you. That the details of you, naked and quivering beneath me, are hazy in my memory because of the alcohol clouding them.”

Emma cupped his length harder, pulling a grunt from the depths of his chest and causing his eyes to slip shut as his lips parted in pleasure. “Will that regret keep you from taking me again?” she asked, kneading the underside of his balls with her fingertips. Reaching up on her tiptoes, she gripped his earlobe between her teeth, eliciting a sharp intake of breath that interrupted the moans vibrating up his throat. “Will that regret keep you from allowing me the pleasure of being taken?”

Killian jerked his head away, her teeth scraping against the lobe of his ear. A growl rumbled in his chest as he pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes dark and piercing despite the alcohol hooding his gaze.

“Absolutey the fuck not,” he declared in a tone that curled her toes and nearly made her knees give out.

With a series of sharp tugs, he undid the knots that had kept her bikini top secured, then tore the flimsy piece of fabric from her breasts so his mouth and hands could replace it. Clutching his head to her chest, Emma gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist when he managed to lift her, one handed, so he could carry her to the bed. He probably would have deposited her on the mattress with more finesse had he been sober, but Emma wasn’t complaining, not when he sank to his knees at the end of it and began divesting her of her bikini bottoms with his teeth.

She wasn’t sure whether she said them out loud, but the last coherent words to flow through her consciousness before his tongue began its assault on her sex were, we really ought to do this sober at some point.

~/~

“Got our to-go coffees!”

Emma groaned, her head resting against her arms which were crossed on top of the table they’d just finished having breakfast on. If you could call a slice of dry toast breakfast, that is.

She really shouldn’t have drank so much the day before.

She hated to think how much worse her hangover would be if, after their… relations, Killian hadn’t insisted they both take an aspirin and chase it with a large glass of water before crashing.

Yet another thing to be grateful to Killian Jones for.

And he had given her many, many things to be grateful for last night.

Of course, she’d given him her fair share as well.

Not that she should be thinking about any of that now, especially when thinking in general was causing her head to pound.

“Here,” Elsa said, prompting Emma to sit up and take the to-go cup being offered to her. “I slipped a little hair of the dog in it for you.”

Emma glanced down to where Elsa was brandishing the flask she had tucked away in her purse, a very Jones-esque smirk pulling at her lips.

“Your brother-in-law is a bad influence,” Emma chortled, then winced at the way the action made her stomach gurgle.

Elsa laughed and stood, prompting the rest of the table to follow. The four women made their way out of the diner and towards the shops that were just beginning to open for the after Christmas sales. Emma took a large gulp of her doctored coffee, willing it to sustain her these next few hours. She was gonna need all the help she could get.

“Emma,” Elsa said quietly, as they milled around the third - or was it the fourth - shop of the day.

When Emma glanced over at her, Elsa tilted her head towards the corner, indicating a more private place to chat, and Emma, curious, followed her cousin.

“What’s up?” Emma asked, noting the discomfort and hesitation Elsa was struggling with.

“It’s just…” Elsa began, tentatively. “I know you were joking before, when you said Killian was a bad influence, but…”

“But?”

Elsa’s cool blue eyes locked onto Emma’s. She knew that look. It was the same look David would give her when he was about to go all I’m-telling-you-this-for-your-own-good, trust-me-I-know-what-I’m-talking-about, slightly insufferable, older brother on her.

“He isn’t a bad guy.”

Stunned, Emma blanched and assured, “I know that.”

“I mean,” Elsa continued. “I know David thinks he has a reputation of being a ladies’ man, and has written him off as a ‘bad boy’, but Killian isn’t actually like that.”

“Okay,” Emma drawled, suddenly very uncomfortable with where this conversation might be going. “Why are you tell--”

“Because… He talks about you all the time,” Elsa told her. There was something in her tone that alerted Emma to the fact that her words might be considered a betrayal, but she’d decided to place her loyalties with her cousin rather than her brother-in-law. “He asks about you when it’s been awhile since we’ve all gotten together. I really… I really think he has a thing for you, and I wouldn’t want any misconceptions to get in the way of you possibly--”

“Elsa, stop.”

Emma couldn’t listen to anything more her cousin had to say. It was too much. Too much to hope that this… whatever it was between her and Killian, was more than some ‘dalliance’. More than an itch he felt the need to scratch or some challenge he wanted to conquer.

More than just another notch on his bedpost.

“Look,” she said, her tone not quite as snappy as it had been. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but you don’t have to defend Killian to me. I know he’s a decent guy, and I…” Emma wasn’t sure what else to say without giving away her feelings, something she was barely ready to do with herself, and nowhere near ready to admit to anyone else.

“Right,” Elsa said, letting Emma off the hook. “Well, I’m glad we got that sorted. I just… Now that Liam and I are married, the Jones brothers are a permanent fixture in our lives and I--”

“I know,” Emma interjected, wishing to end the awkward conversation. “I get it.”

“Do you?” Elsa asked, stepping a bit closer. “Emma, Killian isn’t going anywhere. I know you keep your guard up because you’re afraid of being wrong about him, but… give him a chance? I really think he just might surprise you. In the best way.”

Elsa’s words lingered in Emma’s mind for the rest of the day, as did nearly every interaction she’d ever had with Killian over the past several years. If what Elsa had said was true, that Killian had genuine feelings for her, then why hadn’t he ever made a move?

Granted, in the early years of Elsa and Liam’s relationship, he only came around a couple of times, but he had been a solid member of their group for at least the past two. Yet, he’d never given her any indication of being serious about her. Sure, he flirted and made suggestive comments and did outrageous things with his eyebrows and tongue, but he did that with everyone, right? Even David and Kristoff.

He didn’t have their preferred drink at the ready when they inevitably showed up late, though. Nor did he buy them thoughtful gifts that affirmed and supported their chosen profession. He also did not gravitate towards the rest of them like he did her. And she to him.

He didn’t look at any of them the way he looked at her. In fact… She could not recall a single time they’d been together when she’d seen him look at another woman that way. Not even on the cruise when there had been no shortage of beautiful women in revealing, eye-catching outfits. Not even when those women had come onto him, slipping their room numbers, phone numbers, and who knows what else into his pocket.

Surely, given the fact that he was gorgeous and charming and sexy as hell - don’t get her started on the accent - and had women throwing themselves at him, he had no trouble keeping his date book full and his bed warm. It’s not like he’d been pining after her all this time.

Right?

~/~

The ladies got back to the cabin later than they’d planned. Initially, the group was going to make do with the leftovers for dinner, cleaning out the fridge and making sure nothing went to waste before checking out the next day. However, the shopping and bonding and girl-time had led to them informing the guys that they’d be dining out instead and to not wait up.

Emma - despite the internal turmoil and lingering questions her conversation with Elsa had left her with - had actually enjoyed the day with her cousins and sister-in-law. So much so that it might have been her idea to ditch leftovers with the gents and treat themselves to a lovely meal at the bistro they’d walked by several times during their shopping ventures through the town.

Was a small part of that suggestion due to the fact she wasn’t ready to face Killian?

Yup. Absolutely. 100%

There was no putting it off any longer, though. Despite their insistence that the men should not wait up for them, they had. Because, of course they had.

After a brief recap of the day and a run down of what would need to be done in the morning before they checked out of the cabin, the group dispersed, heading to their respective rooms and turning in for the night. Emma glanced at Killian, whom she’d been avoiding making eye contact with, and could see the same uncertain, hesitant, bracing-for-what-may-come-next demeanor she knew she’d walked into the cabin with.

Making her way into their room, she noted how he’d made the bed and picked up their discarded suits that had still littered the floor when she’d left early that morning. She swallowed heavily at the memory of her quickly quieting her alarm and getting ready - queasy and heavy-headed - as silently and stealthily as possible as not to wake him and force an interaction. What had it been like for him to wake up alone? Had he been plagued by thoughts and memories and questions all day like she had? Eager to see her and discover what it all meant whilst also willing to allow the hours to drag on and avoid having to face a reality that may not meet hopeful expectations?

The door softly snicked closed, the air growing heavy and charged as tense anticipation palpated throughout the room.

“Swan,” Killian began, his voice gentle but resolved as he hovered by the door, giving her as much space as he could within the privacy of their room. “I know talking about last night is probably the last thing you wish to do, but I really think, given that it’s happened twice now, that we really ought to dis--”

“You’re right,” she agreed, cutting him off. “I think we need to talk about it.”

Killian balked. That was clearly not the response he’d been prepared to receive from her. “You do?”

“Yeah,” she said, wetting her lips and shuffling her feet against the carpet, her gaze turned downward as she slipped her hands into her back pockets. “I’ve, uh… I've been thinking about it all day. I mean…” she paused, her eyes closing briefly at how that statement could be misconstrued, even if the presumption wouldn’t be completely off base. “I’ve been thinking about us all day.”

“Me, too,” he replied with understanding, no hint of teasing or suggestive provocation in his tone.

Emma lifted her gaze and met his eyes. He was looking at her as one would a cornered animal, cautious and careful of making any sudden movement that might frighten the creature away.

“Actually,” she continued, her heart thumping wildly in her chest as she gathered the courage to make her next confession. “I’ve been thinking about us since that night on the ship.”

“Aye,” he breathed out on little more than a whisper. “Me, too.”

With her hands still tucked away in her pockets, she dipped her gaze down to her feet once more and said, “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” he replied without hesitation.

It took her a moment to get over her own.

“The other night,” she began, haltingly. “When you implied that you didn’t share your bed often enough to develop a preference on which side of the… I know it’s none of my business, but…”

“But?”

Flicking her gaze to his once more, she took a breath and asked, “How often is not often enough?”

Killian reached up and scratched behind his ear; a usually endearing tell of his, but one that had her stomach churning at that moment.

“I, uh… actually…” He cleared his throat and cast his gaze aside, though he did throw a furtive glance her way as he answered, “This past year I’ve only shared my bed with one person.”

“Oh,” Emma replied, her heart sinking a bit. “Can I ask who?”

Killian’s head snapped back towards her, a look of amused confusion on his face. His expression softened and he closed the space between them, his hand coming up to cup the side of her face, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw as he said, “Don’t you know, Emma… It’s you.”

“What?” she exhaled, stupidly. “What do you mean… me?”

“I haven’t been with another woman since last Christmas when you kissed me beneath the mistletoe.”

Emma knew her mouth was hanging open. She knew she must have looked - in his words - absolutely gobsmacked. “B-But that was…” she stuttered, recalling the moment he was referring to. “That was just a silly, little peck on the lips because Elsa had hung it over the bar station and caught us standing there. It was hardly even a kiss.”

“Perhaps not to you,” he said with a tinge of hurt in his voice. “But it was to me.”

Dropping his hand he took a small step back and Emma instantly regretted making it seem as though the kiss hadn’t been a big deal. In truth, she’d had to convince herself for months afterward that it wasn’t.

“But it wasn’t just the kiss,” he continued. “It’s what the kiss exposed.”

Emma felt her breath hitch at the way he was looking at her now: vulnerable, unguarded, and - to use the word he’d just uttered - thoroughly exposed.

“Which was?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and a longing took over in his forget-me-not depths. “That you’re it for me, Swan. I…” Boldly, he approached her again, his words and expression leaving no room for doubt as to his sincerity. “There’s no one else. I don’t want anyone else. You’re the one I want.”

“Why… Why didn’t you say anything?” she asked, the sound of her heart thundering in her ears, her chest rising and falling a bit too rapidly.

He cocked his head to one side, an uncomfortable expression taking hold of his features as he reminded her, “At the time, you were with that Walsh bloke, and despite my dislike of the fellow, it seemed bad form to make heartfelt declarations whilst you were in a relationship.” Running a hand through his hair, he exhaled heavily and added, “When it did, thankfully, end, although his timing was rubbish, leaving you high and dry on Valentine’s Day, you seemed a bit… put off by the idea of, well, all men.”

“Right,” she said, her cheeks flushing hot at the reminder. “My rant at the pub about how all men are bastards and how I was vowing to live a celibate life from then on.”

“Aye,” he chuckled. “Didn’t seem like the right time to suggest we start… anything.”

“So,” she said, understanding why he’d taken a step back. “You gave me some space.”

“I thought it best to give it time. Let you heal. Remind yourself that, though the wanker had broken your heart, at least that meant it still worked.”

“And then,” she said, prompting him to continue. “The cruise.”

“Aye, the cruise,” he parroted, swallowing hard. “Liam and Elsa’s wedding, both of us in the wedding party, spending all that time together, flirting, connecting. I thought… I thought, perhaps, it was finally my chance. Our chance. We had that amazing night together. Not just the sex, but everything else that had led up to it. And then…”

“And then, I metaphorically ran for the hills the next morning.”

Killian dropped his head, his shoulders tense as he drew in a deep breath. “I was afraid that I may have taken advantage of--”

“No, Killian,” she said, cupping his cheek and urging him to look at her. “We went over that the next day. You didn’t take advantage of me. At least, not anymore than I took of you. That wasn’t why I--”

“I know, love,” he murmured. “I know you weren’t ready. You were still getting over--”

“No, I wasn’t,” she told him. “I got over Walsh a long time ago, I just…”

“What?” he asked, his eyes flicking between hers. “You just what, Swan?”

A contrite expression pulled at her brows and she dropped her hand to his chest as she confessed, “I didn’t want to be just another notch on your bedpost. I didn’t want to be some conquest.”

“Oh, Emma,” he whispered, gathering her in his arms. “You are not some conquest. Not to me.”

He held her for several beats of their hearts, his face nuzzling the top of her head. “Ever since that night, I have waffled between the desire to respect your wishes, and the urge to fight for what I want.” Pulling back, he gazed down at her and professed, “I’m done waffling. I want you, Emma. I want to be with you. I want to pursue you, and woo you, and court you in all the ways you ought to be.” Bringing his hand up, he caressed the side of her face with the backs of his fingers and murmured, “But only if you want that as well. Whatever we become is as much up to you as it is to me.”

“That all sounds good to me,” she said, pulling a deep chuckle from his chest, and they both smiled at one another, basking in the joy of the moment.

A joy that transitioned as they stood there, lightly caressing the other, breathing the other in, and gazing into each other’s eyes. Eyes that were darkening and becoming more hooded and intense as the atmosphere began to electrify around them.

When their lips met, it wasn’t in the chaotic and frenzied way they had in the instances before. There was no less passion, no less heat, but the desperation in this kiss was for closeness, intimacy, and not because either of them thought this might be the only time they’d ever get a chance to experience the other in this way.

After a long, thorough, languid exploration of her mouth, Killian’s moved to her jaw, the space below her ear, then down her neck. Emma’s fingers carded through his hair as his tongue mapped the slope of her shoulder, his hand gently pulling at the collar of her shirt to expose a greater path.

“I agree,” he murmured into her skin, his lips applying soft kisses and gentle, sucking pressure to her pulse points as they traveled back up her neck.

“With what?” Emma panted, torn between wanting to bask in this unhurried moment of enjoyment and her eagerness to move things along so they could get to the really good stuff.

“With what you said last night,” he reminded her, pulling his face away from her neck so he could stare down at her with a smoldering gaze of desire. “We really ought to do it sober sometime, and I see no better time than now. Do you?”

“Uh, yeah. No. I mean…” Emma silently cursed herself for sounding like an idiot. Taking a deep breath, she reached down and grabbed the hem of his t-shirt, then began lifting it as she replied, “I think so, too.”

Killian raised his arms, allowing her to peel the shirt from his body. His breath visibly hitched beneath her touch as she ran her fingers down the front of his chest; the muscles in his lower abdomen jumping when they reached the top of his jeans where his body hair began to taper into a happy trail. She could feel the heat of his gaze as she loosened his belt, heard the soft gasp that fell from his lips when she unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, and the groan he let out when she slipped her hand past his boxer briefs to wrap around his hardening, hot, velvety length sent a shiver of wonder down her spine.

“I think,” she whispered in a sultry tone, flicking up her gaze up from beneath her lashes to meet his; her words causing them to open after her actions had clearly made them fall shut in pleasure. “I’ll be the one doing the taking this time.”

A shudder ran through him and his gaze darkened. “As you wish,” he murmured, his timbre low and gravelly and making her want to do all sorts of naughty things to him.

Her hand still wrapped around his cock, she guided him to the edge of the bed and prompted him to sit on the edge as she sank down onto her knees.

“Lie back,” she instructed while working to free him from his jeans and underwear.

“As my lady commands,” he replied, collapsing back onto the mattress, though his head remained lifted so he could watch.

After divesting him of his remaining garments, Emma pulled her hair into a high ponytail. She delighted in the way his body jumped and quivered beneath her touch; her teasing caresses and taunting kisses applied to all the areas except where he’d want them most. Pained pants puffed from his chest and soft whimpers collected in the back of his throat. The cords of his neck strained whenever his head fell back, his eyes following the motion, his lips parted and sticking at the corners whenever his teeth weren’t burying themselves into their soft flesh. When she finally turned her attention to his neglected manhood, his hips jerked off the bed from the feel of her tongue running the length of his cock.

“Bloody hell,” he cursed, his hands balling up the comforter in a white-knuckeled grip.

“Shhhh,” she admonished. “Don’t make me gag you like you had to with me last night.”

The reminder forced a half-growl, half-groan from his chest, but it fully transformed into a moan of pleasurable relief when she took him fully into her mouth.

“Gods above, Swan,” he croaked after several minutes of her working him over, trying to keep his voice down. Trying… and failing. “Fuck!”

With a soft pop, Emma released him and stood.

“Apologies, love,” he whispered in a desperate tone. “Please. Don’t stop.”

“I have no intentions of stopping,” she assured him. “But you clearly need help staying quiet.”

If he had a retort to her statement, it must have been forgotten when she lifted her shirt over her head and then removed her bra. Killian’s tongue slowly dragged across his lips, his eyes intently focused on her as she shimmied out of her own jeans and panties. Her black lace panties that matched her bra; a set, like her swimsuit, she had intentionally packed with him in mind.

Black lace panties that she picked up off the floor and let hang off her index finger as she made her way up onto the bed, mounting him dramatically and straddling his hips.

“Are you gonna be a good boy and keep quiet, or…”

She swung her panties once around her finger. His Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes trained on the black fabric until it came to a rest, crooked on her finger once more, before they met hers. Emma could see the gears turning in his mind, trying to decide which he’d prefer.

After a deliciously taut moment, he said, “I’ll be good. I promise.”

“Mmmm,” Emma hummed, leaning down so her lips could hover over his. “Good choice.”

She laid her panties on the pillow next to his head as they kissed - just in case. Killian groaned when his tongue ran alongside hers and Emma knew it was because he could taste the brine of his precum still lingering there. When she finally broke off the kiss so she could sit back and position herself over his length, he followed. They both broke the promise of being quiet when he slipped inside her, filling her, stretching her, molding her to him as though they were only ever meant to fit one another.

Rolling her hips, Emma began to move as Killian held her. Murmurs, grunts, staccatoed breaths, sweet nothings, curses, praises, all filled the space between them as their bodies rolled, their hips swiveled, their lips collided, their eyes connected, and their pleasure mounted.

Whenever Emma would arch her back, Killian latched onto her breasts, lavishing them with his tongue and applying sweet torture with his teeth. Torture that reverberated down to her clit, causing it to throb and ache until she couldn’t take it any longer. Pushing Killian back down onto the mattress, she ground down hard against him in an attempt to alleviate the torment. When she felt the damp press of his thumb against her she nearly cried out before remembering herself.

“That’s it, love,” he encouraged, vigorously applying just the right amount of pressure and rhythm to her clit as he shifted beneath her so he could continue to thrust up into her warm, slick center. “Fuck, you feel so good. So tight. So soft. So wet.” His words became breathier and more strained, his exertions unrelenting as his thumb and cock competed to bring her to completion. “Come for me,” he pleaded, though there was a tone of command that grew more prominent as he repeated them.

“Come for me, love. I want you to come. Need you to come. Come for me, Emma. Oh, Emma. Emma, Emma, My Emma. Come!”

And come, she did.

Hard.

Showing her no mercy, Killian kept pounding into her, his ministrations at her clit sending wave after wave of ecstasy and bone-numbing pleasure through her, making it impossible for her to stay upright. Collapsing against him, she felt his rhythm falter for a few brief seconds when he brought up his knees, giving him the necessary leverage to chase after her into the euphoric abyss she was still tumbling down. The sounds of his desperation panted and grunted and moaned in her ear, until his breath hitched and guttural groanings, deeper than words, reverberated through his chest and stuttered over his lips like his hips did against hers.

Emma wasn’t sure how long they laid there, sated and spent and unbearably content as their bodies cooled and their breaths evened out.

“Do you need to move?” Killian asked, his legs stretching back out as his arms kept her held firmly against him.

“I don’t want to,” she mumbled into the side of his neck. “But I probably ought to.”

During their post-coital cuddling, he’d already begun to soften and slip from her, but the emptiness she felt when he fully left her had them both quickly moving through their aftercare routines so they could be back in the other’s arms, nestled beneath the covers, as quickly as possible.

“Does it all still sound good to you, love?” Killian questioned between the soft kisses he was applying to the back of her shoulder.

“The wooing and pursuing and courting, you mean?” she clarified, sleepily.

“Aye.”

“Mmmm, you bet.”

~/~

“Well, I think that’s everything,” Liam said, tying a knot on the last of the trash bags that needed to be taken out. “Elsa is going over the check-out list one last time, but I think we’ve taken care of everything.”

“I don’t see why we even bothered,” David groused. “It’s not like the owner kept up his end of things.”

“And Elsa will make sure her review reflects that,” Liam assured him.

Emma and Killian exchanged amused glances with one another. Other than the heat going out that one night - which Kristoff had managed to fix the next day - she and Killian had been the only ones truly ‘inconvenienced’ by the misleading information in the cabin’s listing.

An inconvenience she was tempted to leave a five star review for.

Sleeps ten, her ass… and her eternal gratitude.

The End

Tagging the Curious Crew: (add to tag list)

(Please be advised that I only keep one tag list for all fic updates and new works. If at any time you wish to be removed, just shoot me an ask or a DM. No worries.)

@bluewildcatfanatic @scotchiegirl @jonesfandomfanatic @idristardis @lfh1226-linda

@paradiselady19 @phoenix-untamed @jackieorioncat @tiganasummertree @snowbellewells

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@kday426 @gingerchangeling @winterbaby89

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

CS Winter Bingo--Square 5 (receiving a terrible gift): A Match Faked for Christmas, ch. 4

Hi there and happy holiday season!  In an attempt to continue procrastinating my season 4 rewatch drabbles–and to not feel guilty about it–I decided to participate in the CS Winter Bingo event.  I received nine winter/holiday related prompts arranged in a square like a bingo card.  My mission is to make a bingo by writing at least three of my prompts before winter is over, but I’m hoping to do better than that!  I’m hoping to finish all nine!  Given the nature of the event, you can expect a lot of fluff (but then what else would you expect from me, after all?)  I’m hoping to keep them short as well, but I’m usually not nearly as successful at that.  And without further ado, let’s play CS Winter Bingo!

Rating: G

Word count: 1933

Today’s prompt: Fake Dating: Holiday Edition

Other chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) (6)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Killian adjusted his tie and then glanced in the mirror as he artfully mussed his hair.  Giving himself one last glance, he nodded and then headed out the door.  They’d made it to Christmas Eve, and it was time to pick Swan up for the Nolans’ annual Christmas party.  

A pang went through him at the thought.  They’d nearly reached Christmas, which means it was nearly time to end the ruse.  Oh, they’d never made firm plans about when they would “break up”, but it seemed to be understood that their dalliance wouldn’t last into the new year.

They’d laughed together as they’d strategized exactly how the break up would happen, each proposing more outlandish suggestions for the cause and manner of their relationship’s demise.  It had seemed funny a week ago as they’d trimmed the tree or gone out for coffee or watched a cheesy Christmas movie.

Now, with the reality of it looming so soon, the humor was gone and all that was left was the depressing reality:  Despite his better judgement, he’d fallen in love with Emma Swan.

Oh, he’d been attracted to her from the first–even before this sham relationship started–but this past week, getting to know her, getting glimpses of the real her behind the wall she built, spending time with her, had shown that he didn’t merely fancy her.  He loved her.  He could envision long years ahead with her as his lover and best friend, and it was a future bright with promise.

Instead, within a few days time, it would all be over.  Their break up may be no more genuine than their relationship itself, but the pain….well, that would be real.

He shook his head, letting out a long, slow breath as he knocked on Emma’s door.  Those were sorrows for another day.  Tonight, he had to convince Mary Margaret and David that he and Emma were blissfully happy together.  No difficulty there!  He wouldn’t even have to act.  In fact–

All thought left his head the moment she opened the door.  Emma Swan dressed casually in her jeans and leather jacket was beautiful.  Emma Swan dressed up for a Christmas party was positively dazzling.  After several moments he literally had to force himself to breathe again.

“Swan,” he finally croaked, “you look–”

She smirked.  “I know.”

She wore a sleeveless red satin dress embroidered with sparkly snowflakes.  Her hair was up in a high ponytail, and candy cane earrings hung from her ears.

“So you ready for our big performance as ‘couple in love’?” she asked, as she reached for a white lacy shawl and matching handbag.

He blinked, forcing himself to snap out of it and (hopefully) avoid making a complete idiot of himself.  “I think I’m up to the task.  Where’s your gift?”

She looked at him blankly.

“Swan, don’t tell me you forgot!” he said. “Mary Margaret mentioned a Dirty Santa exchange in the invitation.  We’re all supposed to bring a gift.”

She groaned, slapping a palm to her forehead.  “I can’t believe I forgot.  Now I need to find something…”

She looked around, rummaging through a bit of the organized chaos on her end table, and then landed on a large, rectangular brick of what looked like it was once fruitcake.

“You think this will do?” she asked holding it out to him.

He took the thoroughly unappetizing confection into his hand and grimaced at its weight. “As what, a holiday delicacy or as a festive paper weight?”

She laughed, taking the fruitcake back and tossing it haphazardly into a gift bag. “Giftee’s choice, I suppose.”

He laughed with her this time.  “Well, I suppose half the fun of a Dirty Santa exchange are the…less than ideal….gift options.  Where did you even get that monstrosity?”

“Cleo handed them out with our Christmas bonuses this year,” Emma said, referring to her boss at the bail bonds company.  “I’m pretty sure they’re regifts from last year–or before, given how hard and stale this thing is.”

“Well, let’s hope the proud new owner of said fruitcake chooses to go with the paperweight option rather than attempting to ingest it.  So Swan, are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” she said, putting on a large winter parka.  Killian helped her on with her second arm, and then gently pulled her hair free from the coat.  It was so soft, so silky, he longed to bury his fingers in it as he pulled her close and kissed her until they were both breathless.

He pulled his hand away and curled it into a fist.  Best not let his thoughts head in that direction. He opened her door and gestured her to precede him, before closing it behind them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Nolans’ Christmas party had been fun.  It had been a relatively small affair.  Aside from Emma and Killian, they’d invited Ruby and Graham, along with Granny, who was doing the catering, Leroy and his brothers, Astrid and Blue, and a handful of others Killian didn’t yet know.

It had been a night of good food, good company, and lots and lots of laughter.  There had been only one awkward moment when Astrid had asked how they’d met.  He and Emma had answered in unison.

“In the produce aisle at the store, over a grapefruit.”

“I brought him a plant when he first moved in.”

Killian saw David give them a confused look, but he managed to play it off by putting an arm around Emma’s waist, pulling her close, and saying “Well whenever it was we officially met, it was the most fortunate moment of my life.”

She’d smiled up at him then, and if he didn’t know better, he’d say the look in her eyes approached affection, maybe even adoration.

The Dirty Santa game had been a raucous affair replete with all manner of holiday larceny.  In the end, Leroy had received Emma’s epicly bad gift.  He’d scowled at his misfortune, and then shrugged.  “Well, sister, at least now I have something to use to bash people over the head when they annoy me.”

But it wasn’t until the end of the evening when things really took a turn.

“Well look at that!” Ruby drawled, pointing one well manicured finger above the spot where Emma and Killian were standing together.  “It seems someone has found the mistletoe. Pucker up!”

Killian shot a startled glance above his head as his heart started pounding.  Sure enough, there it was, a big, bountiful sprig of mistletoe.  He heard Emma gasp beside him, and he looked down into her eyes, which had suddenly widened almost comically.

“I…uh…um, well, we–” she began babbling a bit inanely.

“I think what the lass is trying to say is that we’re not big on public displays of affection,” Killian answered, his voice not quite steady.

She shot him a grateful look, but if he’d thought that statement would mollify Ruby, he was sadly mistaken.

“Sorry,” she said, sounding anything but. “You get caught under the mistletoe, you plant one on each other.  Them’s the rules.”

Killian glanced at Emma’s red lips, his breath catching and his heart beating so quickly it couldn’t be healthy.  Kiss Emma Swan? He’d do so in a heartbeat. He’d kiss her over and over and never stop if he had his wish.  But above all, he was a gentleman, and mistletoe or no mistletoe, he wouldn’t push her for more than she was willing to give.

He moved his glance from her lips to her eyes, wordlessly asking her permission.  She was still for a long moment, merely looking into his eyes, and then she almost imperceptibly shrugged.

It was all the urging he needed, he touched his lips to hers, so lightly and gently the kiss was barely there at all. He pulled away almost immediately.

Only to have her surge forward and capture his lips with her own.  He groaned, his arms coming around her, hers burying themselves in his hair as she pulled him closer, closer.  The rest of the world fell away as her lips parted and he eagerly accepted her invitation to pillage and plunder.

It was only long moments later when the cheers and catcalls all around them brought Killian back to his senses.  He pulled away, chest heaving and, no doubt, cheeks flaming.  He brought two fingers up to his lips in awe, as he looked into Emma’s startled eyes.

“That was…” he whispered.

“Not anything I expected to happen,” she answered, voice breathless and far from steady.

It took Killian several moments to compose himself, but finally he turned back to Ruby.  “Well, did we satisfy the laws of mistletoe?”

She grinned saucily.  “Anymore, and you’d have needed to get a room.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

David Nolan put an arm around his wife as they sat together on the sofa before their Christmas tree several hours later.

“Congratulations on another successful Christmas party, honey.” he said, turning his head to kiss the top of her head.

“It did go well, didn’t it?” she asked.  “And my other project–setting up Emma and Killian.  It couldn’t possibly be going better!”

David gave her a curious, slightly uncomfortable look.  “Mary Margaret, I hate to point this out; I really do, but surely you realized the two of them are no more actually dating than Leroy and Granny are.  The way they didn’t know basic facts about their relationship.  The deer in the headlights look they both had at the prospect of kissing under the mistletoe…”

Mary Margaret waved a dismissive hand. “Well of course they’re not actually dating. Yet.  That was never the plan.”

“What?” he asked, pulling away and looking at her in surprise.  “It wasn’t?”

She laughed.  “Of course not!  I knew they wouldn’t actually fall for my little Christmas card ruse.”

“So you…don’t….want them together?” he asked in utter bewilderment.

“Of course I do, you silly man,” she said.  “I just knew I needed to play a little 4-D chess to accomplish my goal. They needed a shared purpose, a reason to be in each other’s company.  What better way than to team up to defeat the over-eager matchmaker?”

David shook his head and laughed.  “Let me guess.  You figured they’d fake date, but the time spent together would make them realize their feelings were real.”

She snapped her fingers.  “Exactly.  And did you see that kiss?  That was not the action of a couple of people who are indifferent to each other.  I’d say we have somewhere between a few hours and a few days of denial, and then voila.  The fake relationship turns thoroughly and beautifully real.”

David leaned over and kissed her, laughter still in his eyes.  “Mary Margaret, I love you like crazy, but I’ve got to admit.  Sometimes you scare me.”

She grinned cheekily.  “It’s a gift.  Now the only question is where to turn my matchmaking attentions once Emma and Killian are settled and happy?  You know, I thought Leroy and Astrid looked pretty cozy at the party tonight…”

Notes: We are approaching the end!  Only one more chapter to go!  Up next: Emma and Killian have to confront the truth of what that kiss exposed.  Is Mary Margaret right?  Will their sham relationship turn real, or will they have their planned public breakup?  (If you don’t know the answer to that, I might have to question your intelligence, hehe.)

–Bingo note:  And with this one, I’ve officially gotten a bingo!  I’ve covered all three squares on the right side!  Let’s see if I can get another one before this fic is over!

NEXT CHAPTER->

[aomiiine]

Do you have any game recommendations, I wanted to download genshin bc i need sum to get hyperfixtated in but can't bc if storage issues

Im currently downloading hsr (do you have any beyond that?. Sorry if it seems like a weird questions I just wanted to get a feel of other fabdoms and games)

ive been waiting to promote these games

OKAY SO FIRST,

obey me!!!! I suggest you play the original one before downloading obey me:nightbringer so the angst hits harder

To get a gist of the game (if you havent heard of it already), it’s pretty much ab the seven deadly sins demons who you meet after getting chosen for an exchange program between hell (kingdom called devildom), heaven and earth. You’ll meet the characters later on in game i dont wanna spoil that much🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ the character designs are beautifulll!! especially their sr/ssr cards!! even the side characters are stunning. on the downside though, the developers are ending the stories of both obey me and obeyme:nightbringer on a rushed/unsatisfactory ending🥲 the story is will def get you hooked though!! The mini gameplays to get to each chapter is also easy to learn/somewhat easy to win if you’re just a lil strategic

NEXT WE HAVE What in Hell is Bad?

sex. Loads and loads of sex. Not just scenes in the chapters, but also in a side gameplay. You’ll understand what im talking about if you see the game’s preview on appstore.

sadly, i havent played much of this game cs oohh my god it’s like having an open relationship w main love interest and side characters🥹. Yet again, a story with the seven deadly sins demons like obey me but their designs are vastly different! can’t say much about the story cs i havent continued playing at the moment!!

THIRD … im gonna put my 2 cents on WUWA (wuthering waves)

Personally, OBSESSED w this game. The characters are flirty af w mc regardless if you pick male or female mc. Even the villains omg. It’s on par w genshin for me. So far, i’m beyond satisfied w the male characters design like jiyan and calcharo:

Calcharo (the second pic is his ultimate skill!!):

jiyan:

Jiyan has a super romantic/heartfelt scene w mc in certain quest, he’s simply amazing to me. The gameplay is superb!! Each character has their own respectively unique ultimate designs, special signature moves that speak their own selves

um.. love and deepspace pls🤲🏼 must i say mORE. Okay other than the hot men, the storyline is consistent and includes other side characters that blend well w the story and the characters. Each love interest has their own mythical story other than their present love that adds more depth to the love interests. Mc is customisable to an extent!! Super fun events and generous awards/gifts!

[aratedfreyjablog]

So, an opinion on the email sent by PB in response to the collected concerns/questions that were sent (which can be read in part 1 (here) and part 2 (here).

The 3 main points that I found hopeful and had a positive view on were:

Ability to obtain 500+ (emphasis on "+") Solomon Seals PER MONTH for f2p <- This one was a big concern that many, including myself, had as it felt extremely paywalled when trying to obtain a character many would want only to realize they can't even participate during the chance-up period because they have to pay. To be able to obtain 500+ Solomon Seals without charge (as mentioned in the twt) is equivalent to getting a free 10-pull. Based on PB's response, it looks like the Seals for f2p players would be obtainable from grinding + login gifts which I personally perceive as grinding directly for keys. Though there are complaints already from hearing "more grinding" or "just 500 Solomon Seals", I think it's better compared to having to spend currency just to obtain another currency when the currency for solely spending in the shop can be used solely for resources

Consideration of exchanging characters to obtain L-grade characters <- Whoever brought this up as a point of discussion was smart. Since many of us are pulling multiple characters of various S, A+, A, and B characters, it would be nice to be able to exchange them for L-grades not just for pancakes with their tea leaves

To be able to choose the character we want after reaching 220 limited-gacha/pity <- I don't think this needs to be explained why I or anyone else are happy about this.

I still feel bitter about the Nightmare pass as it seems like PB is not going to reconsider more wiggle-room or opportunities for f2p to gain the rewards offered including Christmas Gabriel. For myself, personally, if the company had not introduced the concept of the Nightmare pass as a Christmas event, I wouldn't be as bitter. But, for many gaming companies, Christmas events are treated as more carrot over the stick (i.e., more rewards being evenly distributed and accessible towards all f2p and p2w players). And that wasn't the case with the Nightmare pass at all. Not going to lie though, the response PB had sent hurt my heart when reading about the working conditions the employees are going through to provide content to the players through the game. Only 2 breaks per month for the employees? CS managing ALL of the emails AND social media? That's insane. Small companies are SMALL companies, meaning there are a small amount of employees. I can only imagine the sheer stress these people have to not only produce content and developing the game but also sifting through and responding and addressing all of the issues. In addition, they acknowledge the flaws that have led towards the negative impact of the game and apologized multiple times in the email. Mind everyone, the email, itself, was 8 pages long. I don't know about everyone else, but if that's not considered as showing sincerity and honesty than... I don't know what is at this point. I can't imagine them making things up and say it as a reply in an email when knowing the LU/DKDK had such a small number of players which would make sense to have 50 players be p2w players... The story and lore is engaging and the battles are fun though sometimes it can get a bit tiring when being forced to play just to grind for resources rather than playing for fun. That as well as the other bugs that still needs to be addressed. However, it's not to the point to garner such negativity where complaints should be sent with a mix of entitlement and bigotry. And not just towards PB but also towards players who are simply expressing their enjoyment of the game. But, let's all look forward to the content that will be dropping in January including Chapter 5 and perhaps even a new L-grade character feat. the king of Paradise Lost!

[eastwesthomeisbest]

Yo-Ho-Ho! Merry CS-Mas! I am your Secret Santa and I am thrilled to have been paired with you! I love your art and I look forward to gifting you something this holiday season. Are you looking forward to the holidays? Are there any special traditions you're excited for?

Hello Secret Santa, it's so nice to meet you. Thank you very much, I'm so happy that you like my artworks.

I'm looking forward to the holidays. This is a very busy time for me as I'm the main organizer of everything in my family. I also bake cookies that I decorate with Royal icing as a hobby, and during this period everyone wants Christmas cookies.

In my country, the religion is Orthodox Christianity, so our big holiday is Christmas Eve. On this day, traditional dishes without meat are prepared. There should be lean sauerkraut tins, stuffed peppers with beans, bean salad, soda bread with honey and garlic, oshav (kind of like boiled dried fruit tea), Banitsa with fortunes. Banitsa is a very typical dish for my country. It's a traditional pastry dish made in prepared by layering a mixture of whisked eggs, natural yogurt and pieces of white brined cheese between filo pastry and then baking it in an oven. On Christmas Eve we make it with some lucky charms or fortunes (small sheets of paper with written wishes). We put coins and sometimes a piece of dogwood branch with a bud which symbolize wealth. We put the fortunes in the pastry and then everyone in the house take a piece of the Banitsa and the lucky charm in it determines the upcoming year. For Christmas Eve, our family gathers at my mother's house.

Christmas day is traditional - we exchange gifts and in the evening we gather with relatives and friends at my house for dinner. My husband's and my little son's names are derived from the word Christian or Christ, and at Christmas they have a double holiday - they also celebrate Name Day.

And what are your favorite Christmas traditions?

⛄️❤️🎄❤️🎁

[kmp78]

"@carmelnardi - Dotawhatever has less than 8000 followers on IG. She ain´t getting any kind of PR deals as an influencer. 👎And no one knows who Mek is, and even GTGT is a total nobody despite her 3 mentions in the Daily Mail."

Have to disagree with you,K. The days when huge followers equaled PR deals and free gifts from companies are over. Any kind of free PR/advertisement any company is getting is more than welcome. Social media managers/content creators are expensive. I have a friend in PR a very well-known cosmetic company sent out cartier bracelets & hermes bag as payment to IG modelitas. The majority of the recipients didn't have 100k followers or thousands of comments on their posts. Big influencers are much harder to work with. Their presence on IG is the fundament of their income. They're picky about which brands to work with and more strategic and concerned about their image than a couple of years ago. The days when influencers advertised a different product a day as long as they got freebies or cash are long gone. Most famous influencers have managers or an agency behind them, even the ones who work as MUA, hairstylists or fashion stylists and are basically self-employed entrepreneurs. So a model agency like Marilyn asking for freebies/upgrades for 4 of their models (one conveniently linked to JL) in return for some IG content is not out of the norm. CS is proof of this. She has no pull on customers whatsoever. The engagement on her posts stems from eches and Mars fans. Still she's getting freebies and deals from well-known brands. Quantity over quality. The more people advertise your product the better.

There's no way A RITZ-LEVEL HOTEL is buying PR from the likes of these absolute NOBODIES. 😂

Plus that content they posted would not meet the criteria of a paid freebie accommodation in any way, shape or form. 👎

Remember when #Shantana was moving house and like the pampered little hausfrau that CS is, they couldn't handle the move like normal people do but instead moved into a god damn penthouse for a few days while underlings did all the work?

Yeah. THAT was a freebie accommodation in exchange for IG PR.

As sad as it all was, but anyway. 👇

That's how you plug a product you were paid to plug.

Not with the sad little clippies GTGT and the rag taggers posted. 🙄

[flossinspector]

— character info sheet.

(repost, don’t reblog)

name: Toothiana

name meaning: Based off the magical memories in children's teeth, which caused her parents to meet.

alias/es: Tooth Fairy, and Tooth or Toothie by friends

ethnicity: [redacted]

one picture you like best of your chara:

name: Toothiana

name meaning: Based off the magical memories in children's teeth, which caused her parents to meet.

alias/es: Tooth Fairy, and Toothie by friends

ethnicity: [redacted]

one picture you like best of your chara:

two h/cs you never told anyone: hm...

1. I might have mentioned this before, but I can't remember for sure? I guess trigger warning? Anyway, Tooth understandably had a terrible time mentally when her parents first passed away. (warranted, obviously) There was definitely some self harm in that period of time. Pulling out handfuls of feathers, and she honestly got this close to trying to cut off her wings. If they weren't crucial to her survival, she probably would have. But she couldn't let herself die after so many people gave their lives to keep her alive.

2. Again, I don't know if I've actually said this in a post, but anyway! At first, Tooth didn't realize that she stopped aging. She can't even specify when exactly it was. Just one day, she realized all the children she grew up alongside were the grown ups. They were taking over positions their parents used to hold, having children of their own, getting age lines. And she... wasn't. Her reflection hadn't changed. After that generation is around the time she started spreading the scope of her gifts in exchange for teeth thing further, as well as pulling back of the personal relationship aspect of it. She didn't want to watch others pass her by as closely anymore.

three things your character likes doing in their free time: 

Painting. Any murals around her palace featuring herself were made by her own hand. It's a good way for her to process her feelings.

Practicing with weapons of various kinds, yoga type body training, sparring when she can find a suitable partner. Basically physical activity is a part of her regular routine whenever she can fit it in.

Visiting the Winged Elephant. Her oldest friend, closest confidant, and greatest kept secret. Honestly she wouldn't have made it this far without him.

seven people your character likes / loves: If you go off canon it's easy to list. I mean, the guardians are the obvious ones. So Jack, Bunny, Sandy, North, MiM. (in the books add on Ombric, Katherine, Nightlight.) The Elephant, her Fairies. She has a lot of people. And the list only grows when it comes to connections made on this blog.

two things your character regrets:

Secluding herself for so long. She knows it was bad for her to be alone for so long, especially in hindsight.

Letting the Monkey King live.

two one phobia your character has:

Cleithrophobia. which is similar to Claustrophobia, but more specific. It's about being locked away or caged, not necessarily the size of the space.

She definitely fears losing the people she loves. She's still grappling with her survivors guilt, and honestly being alone again in that way would destroy her

tagged by: @hamadacare

tagging: literally anyone who wants to share some headcanons

[baddieladdie]

Valentine's Day on the Normandy

The ship's star date reads 'February 14, 2185'. It's Valentines Day on the Normandy SR-2. Commander Shepard had been preparing special Valentine's for each of their closest squad mates and friends - a token of their affections and a tribute to their favorite holidays on Earth. Who doesn't love a little love now and then?

Doctor Chakwas:

C: Shepard! It’s good to see you *the good doctor turns to face the familiar figure walk into the medbay* Finally here for your physical?

S: Not a chance *They wink mischievously* I had something else in mind

C: You know you can’t avoid your health forever, Commander.

Kasmui:

S: *Pulls a bottle from behind their back* Got time for a drink, doctor?

K: You're terrible at hiding secrets Shepard *Kasumi flickers into view* You should with doing push-ups, you are much better at those~~

S: Kasumi! *Shepard stutters as they nearly fumble the thin, rectangular box in hand. “how long were you standing there:

K: Long enough to know you’re up to something *Kasumi purred as she slinked up beside Shepard* Why the secrecy, Commander?

S: Why are you sneaking around my ship?

K: Tu’shay.

S: Well, *sigh*, since you already ruined your surprise, Happy Valentine’s Day, Kasumi

K: *Her eyes widened as she accepted the long package*

S: Oh it’s nothing like that. Just open it

K: *She leans against the table Shepard had been using to wrap the gift. The scissors still next to the ribbon*

S: Come on, Kasumi, it won’t bite

K: *She wiggles the lid free, exposing what looked to be a fine nail file. She brings the delicate object to eye level, rotating it between fingers* It can’t be…

S: Picked it up on Ilos with Thane. “The Theif’s Omni-tool”. ‘Discrete and effecdtive’ were the selling points

K: I could break through any lock with this *Her voice filled with awe and respect for the tool*

S: Just not on the ship, please?

K: No promises *Kasumi teases as she unfolds the manual, eager to put the new tool to use*

Zaeed:

Z: Back from your mission already, Shepard?

S: Many hands make for light work

Z: Heh, With Vakarian? Don't doubt it. Turian bastard could shot a volus' gas line from a block away. *Brief pause* You gonna show me what's behind your back or am I wasting my final breath?

S: Relax, it's a gift. You're among friends, Zaeed. *They hand him heavy rifle-shaped object covered in crinkly nauseating pink paper*

Z: If this is what I think it is, it better not be loaded under all that

S: Of course not! (I did check, right?)

Z: Thanks. I should let you go. Talk more later, Shepard. *Commander Shepard nods and exists*

Z: *Carefully unwraps the rifle - always treat a gun as loaded* Jessie? *emotion caught in the back of the old merc's throat* I told you not to touch her, Shepard, but she's as beautiful as the day I found her.

Samara:

S: Something you need, Shepard?

CS: No, just here to spend time with friend

S: *The ominous blue glow of obscene biotic power faded as Samara stood to face the Commander* You flatter me

CS: I'm not sure how much you know about human tradition...

S: I remember when your species first entered the Citadel. I think you'd be surprised, Shepard, how much I know of your people. For you, it is history. For me, it is simply a memory.

CS: Oh, yes, of course. So, it's Valentine's Day and-

S: Apologies Shepard, I am too deep in grief to start another family. Besides those years are behind me

CS: I, um no. That's not why I'm here *They chuckle awkwardly, pulling a card from their breast pocket* The Earth tradition of Valentine's day is about more than romantic love, it can also be a day to show your friends how much you care about them. Exchanging gifts, kind words, and whatnot

S: I see. The Citadel always played these "Every Kiss Begins with K" on nearly every holo ad. *She takes the envelope and opens it with a fiery flick of a biotic index finger, the paper fluttering to the ground. She opens the letter, a picture of her younger self holding her two young daughters close as they hugged at her legs* Shepard, How did you find this?

CS: I am Commander Shepard, the first human Spector. I have my ways

Thane Krios:

S: Sere, got a minute? *Shepard spoke softly, standing politely behind the drell, whose eyes were close with prayerful hands resting under his chin*

T: You needn't ask. Time for me is short, shia, but any I have is yours to take. *He admires they commander's figure as they smoothly rest into the empty chair across from him* It is good to see you, Siha. A drink? *He gestured to the glass bottle and small cup beside him. The shape of the bottle, the size of cup - it reminded the Commander of sake they had shared with Anderson during their trips to Tokyo*

S: Sure, why not *They watch him as he pours a glittering purple liquid* What is it?

T: Mal'efila. A drell word for a hanar drink. I picked up a bottle on our last shore leave, hoping we'd have a moment to share it. Careful, it's strong

S: *sniff* Is that...lavender?

T: *A membrane flicked across his glossy embony-black eyes* Lavender?

S: *smiles, filled with nostalgia* It's a flower from Earth

T: And you drink this...flower?

S: Ha ha, very funny, Thane. What makes lavender so special is its smell. You rarely find it anywhere off planet. I'm just...pleasantly surprised *Shepard sips from the small cup, the flavor of honey and lavender warmed her senses as they savored the drink*

T: What is it you came here to tell me?

S: I have something for you

T: And I, for you

S: Wait, seriously? For me? I don't remember asking you for anything

T: Neither do I, and yet, here we are

S: So you do know about...

T: Valentine's day, yes. I've never felt affection for another species before. I took upon myself to learn more about your people, your culture, your traditions.

S: Oh boy, that's never good *Shepard teased, well aware of what sorts of trouble the creative minds of humanity added to the Extranet*

T: Heh, nothing like that. But your kind do have a creative spark matched only by the height of their emotions.

S: It's what makes us human. Art expressing how we feel. I just wish they weren't so strong

T: Our emotions may not run as high, but our memories can be just as strong. Drell art stimulates the mind, triggers memories.

S: Speaking of which, here *They pulled an envelope from their pocket, embossed with the Spector logo*

T: *Looks at the envelope, then back at them. Mildly curious, he takes it and splits it open with a knife that was perfectly hidden in a pocket of his sleeve. Inside, a colorful brochure. Humans wearing strange brown hats were seating on stocky 4-legged creatures. Like Elcor, but more graceful. The humans looked out on a red-brown cannon a waterfall parted. As he opened the brochure further, 3 tickets and a letter fell into his lap* Forgive me, Siha. What is all this?

S: I'm taking you and Kolyat to the desert! Surprise! *Thane's lips dropped agape* You wanted to see the desert, right? I got my leave approved by the council and purchased a ship to take us to Earth.*silence pause* Something wrong?

T: No. You put so much thought into this and I know Kolyat will love it. I want to be a better Father to him. It shows how much you care about me, about us. Siha, I fear my gift pales in comparison

S: It never could. It's gift just having you in my life.

T: *He leans over, reaching for a black box enclosed with a green ribbon* For you, love

S: Got a new name for me? *Shepard smiles at the word*

T: I've been trying to learn more (about humanity) *His eyes take in the memory of her slowly unboxing his gift. Her eyes widened as she pulled a heavy, stylish jumpsuit in black and green from the box* I know dresses aren't your thing. I am pleased the mission with Ms. Goto went smoothly, but the way you walked in that dress...

S: I took your breath away~

T: Not funny, Shepard *he teases* I've seen you fight. I've seen you dance. But I have never seen you so uncomfortable.

T: This, is a custom jump suit. Stylish, giving (flexible fabric), and more protective than most armor

S:I'll be the sexiest one on the battlefield

T: I want you to be safe, even when I'm no longer here to protect you

Jack:

J: What do you want, Shepard?

S: you, Jack

J: excuse me?

S: I'd like to take you out

J: What the hell, Shepard?! You save me from the damn cell just to kill me here?

S: so you admit it - I saved you

J: I *jack shook her head in frustrstion* Stop dickin' around and just tell me what you want

S: Alright. Alright *Shepard relaxed, diffusing the electric energy of their conversation.* I wanted to ask if you'd join me for dinner.

J: all that - just to ask if I'll get some half cooked sushi with you? I'll pass

S: Wait, Jack *They catch the biotic wrist as she turns to walk away*

S: *sighs in submission* You're the most frightening, yet sexy person I've ever met. Being with you - I've never felt so alive. You're amazingly strong. Not just as a biotic, but also because you're a survivalist. Sometimes....well, I feel that you understand me in a way no one else really does.

J: I- Why? Why would you feel that way about me? I've killed people, Shepard. A lot of people.

S: so have I.

J: I got baggage you don't want around you.

S: I grew up an orphan on the streets of Manhattan. Joined the alliance when I was 18, and then died in the vacuum of space. We all have our pasts, Jack. But I want you to be a part of my future

J: * long pause as she blinks away the tears whelling in her eyes* So, you wanna try that new Asari joint? Heard the foods good, entertainment even better.

S: Didn't realize you had such a classy establishment in mind, should I change?

J: shut up *she teased, laughed lightly* I hope you're buying, cause I plan on us having dinner all night

G: SHEEEEEEPARD

Grunt:

Tali:

S: *Yeats a giant krogran build-a-bear at him. The good boy catches it and shreds the 'enemy' to pieces

[gives Shepard a model ship she was missing from from her collection]

Garrus Vakarian:

G: Commander

S: Garrus! - I, *They gather themselves, embarrassed to be caught off guard* Didn't see you there

G: *He raises a three pronged talon* No need, always good to run into an old friend- even in the literal sense *He awkwardly clears his throat, the familiar subtle purr behind each sound* I saw the ships star date today. From what the good doctor tells me, it's uh...

S: Yes, Valentine's Day

G: *He shifts awkwardly* Yes, it is. I, Well, I did some research and I got you this *He reaches into the pocket of his casual uniform, pulling from it a small simple box*

S: Garrus, I-

G: Don't thank me yet, you haven't seen it yet.

S: *They open the box. A simple, braided silver chain shimmers under the bright Normandy lights* It's beautiful, Thank you

G: I wasn't sure if you'd like it. Palaven silver is common, but my sister was convinced you'd like it. *He hooks the necklace around Shepard, the heavy silver chain resting against their collarbone* But I must say - it looks amazing on you - Shepard

[bqsocial]

Facebook, Instagram & Twitter- Valentines Giveaway- x3 £100 14/02/2023

The Promoter:

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How to enter:

Follow @bandq_uk / @bandq / @BandQ​

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Competition closes 11.59pm on 21 February 2023. Ts&Cs apply

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Blaze

[shop79e]

The Timeless Elegance of Diamond Half Eternity Band Rings

Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring: The Perfect Symbol of Elegance

When it comes to timeless jewelry pieces, the diamond half-eternity band ring stands out as a classic. Whether you’re looking for a special gift, an addition to your everyday jewelry collection, or a meaningful piece to commemorate a milestone, this exquisite ring is a perfect choice.

What Is a Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring?

A diamond half-eternity band ring is a stunning ring design where diamonds are set across the top half of the band. Unlike full-eternity rings, where diamonds encircle the entire band, the half-eternity style offers a balance of elegance and comfort. This design ensures that the diamonds remain visible while allowing for easy resizing if needed.

Why Choose a Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring?

A diamond half-eternity ring is not only a symbol of love and commitment but also a versatile piece of jewelry that can be worn every day. Here are some key reasons why this ring is a must-have:

1. Timeless Elegance

Diamonds have been associated with luxury and sophistication for centuries. The subtle yet radiant sparkle of a half-eternity band makes it a classic choice for those who appreciate understated beauty.

2. Perfect for Stacking

One of the most appealing aspects of a half-eternity band is its ability to be stacked with other rings. Whether worn alongside an engagement ring or combined with other everyday jewelry, it creates a layered and stylish look.

3. Ideal for Daily Wear

Unlike bulkier rings, the half-eternity band is designed for comfort. It sits smoothly on the finger, making it perfect for those who want to wear diamonds daily without worrying about discomfort.

4. A Symbol of Everlasting Love

Half-eternity rings are often exchanged as anniversary gifts or wedding bands, representing an everlasting bond. The continuous line of diamonds, even if only halfway around, signifies unbreakable commitment and love.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring

Selecting the perfect half-eternity ring requires careful consideration of several factors:

1. Metal Type

The choice of metal plays a crucial role in the overall appearance of the ring. Popular options include:

White Gold: Enhances the brilliance of diamonds with a sleek, modern look.

Yellow Gold: Offers a classic, warm aesthetic.

Rose Gold: Creates a romantic and trendy appearance.

Platinum: Known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties.

2. Diamond Cut and Setting

The cut of the diamonds affects how they reflect light. Some of the most popular cuts for half-eternity bands include:

Round Brilliant: Maximizes sparkle and brilliance.

Princess Cut: Provides a modern, geometric appeal.

Emerald Cut: Offers a vintage and sophisticated look.

Oval Cut: A contemporary choice that elongates the finger.

The setting style also impacts the design. Common settings include:

Prong Setting: Elevates diamonds for maximum light exposure.

Channel Setting: Provides a sleek, secure design.

Bezel Setting: Ensures diamonds are fully enclosed for protection.

3. Diamond Quality

When purchasing a diamond half-eternity band, consider the 4 Cs: Carat weight, Cut, Color, and Clarity. Opting for high-quality diamonds ensures lasting brilliance and value.

Styling Your Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring

This elegant piece is highly versatile and can be styled in various ways:

As a Wedding Band: Pair it with an engagement ring for a sophisticated bridal look.

Stacked with Other Rings: Mix different metal tones or add textured bands for a unique style.

Worn Alone for Minimalist Elegance: A single half-eternity ring adds just the right touch of sparkle to any outfit.

Caring for Your Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring

To maintain the beauty of your ring, follow these care tips:

Clean it Regularly: Use a mild soap and a soft brush to remove dirt buildup.

Store it Properly: Keep it in a jewelry box to avoid scratches.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove the ring when using cleaning agents or lotions.

Get Periodic Inspections: Have a jeweler check the settings to ensure the diamonds remain secure.

Final Thoughts

A diamond half-eternity band ring is more than just jewelry—it’s a statement of elegance, love, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re buying one as a gift, a wedding band, or a luxurious addition to your everyday jewelry collection, this ring is sure to be cherished for years to come.

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[thecurioustale]

Assession: Tales from the Curious Tale Glossary

Assession: The adversarial process of joining the Guard of Galavar. The successful candidate must venture into the Depths of Sourros and there pass three distinct tests. The word assession etymologically means "sitting towards" and refers to the successful candidate's opportunity at the end of their trials to be seated before Sourros, the God of Logic and Wisdom, to freely ask questions of him with the high likelihood of being answered. Along with a suit of the Black Armor, these interrogatives are regarded as gifts bestowed upon the successful candidate to legitimize their (ahem) accession.

Assession is an existing word in English, meaning "a sitting beside or near." (Wiktionary)

When I published the Prelude to After The Hero, I got some feedback from a couple of people who wanted to alert me to the possibility that I had misspelled the far more common word accession, which is identical in spelling except that it has two Cs to assession's two Ss. And since the Prelude didn't have a glossary, and since the word accession could functionally and grammatically work if it were swapped in for assession, and since assession is an extremely obscure word, that's an understandable reaction.

Out of curiosity in writing this post, I went back and looked at all instances of assession in the Prelude, and I only found one (out of twelve total) that wouldn't be flawlessly swappable with accession. It's a line from Silence:

The experiences of our assessions are private, and difficult.

You could still exchange the two words here and pass a grammar test, but accessions does not read as naturally in the plural here, since we rarely construct it that way and tend to only ever refer to a single accession at a time. Uncoincidentally, this is the only time in the Prelude that assession appears in the plural.

A Curious Origin Story & Textual Function

I originally came up with this word not through careful study but because I was convinced that there was another word, physically similar to accession, with a similar meaning. I was wrong; there isn't; but in my research I found this one and decided to go with it on the Curious Tale mantra of touch-grass vocabulary.

Accession is a word that most of us already know well, and so when it appears in text our minds glide right over it without really thinking about its significance. And this can actually be an enemy of rich worldbuilding if not regulated carefully, because it feeds into people's prior knowledge and causes them to substitute that prior knowledge for a more active parsing of the text.

For example, an "accession' simply and quickly describes to us the process of joining some body or some higher tier of something. It's the sort of word that directs our attention elsewhere in the sentence—usually to the thing being acceded to or to the person who is doing the acceding.

After discovering it in the dictionary, I chose to keep the word assession to refer to the process of joining the Guard in order to counteract this and make the actual process itself something that the reader has to think about a little more on account of not having convenient prepackaged conceptual knowledge.

This isn't something that I expect many readers would stop in their tracks and carry out explicitly. Rather, it adds texture to the world by weakening the presence of categorical classes of things and people and instead putting more focus on individual instances of things without regard to their category. An accession is just an accession, and a "Galan accession" is just the Galan version of an accession. But an assession, with the two Ss, is something that doesn't have a ready-made category. It's this special, unique thing that candidates for the Guard of Galavar go through. This subtly but powerfully makes Galan culture more interesting and genuine. You can still eventually make a category for it, but if you do you'll be synthesizing your own and thus instilling yourself with Relancii worldbuilding.

This is something I do quite often in The Curious Tale (and to a lesser extent in Galaxy Federal), and it is something I actively think about and am proud of as a part of my distinctive style.

For example, this is one of the reasons why the word magic is not used in The Curious Tale to refer to the manipulation of numen. Instead, various cultures around the world have various conventions for referring to it, ranging from the more rationalist "this is another domain of engineering" to the more mystical "these are the passions of the Gods animated in the sparks of the Kindred," and much that is in between. The word magic itself does exist, but it is used the way we use it today in the real world, i.e. metaphorically.

For another example, this is why the word king is not used anywhere in the Middemesne to refer to top political leaders; instead we see terms like edet, loin, and sheriff. The Middemesne is a more backward part of the world and, stripped of the royal vocabulary narratively, its leaders don't have ready-made access to the grandeur of royalty the way the King of Tanzibay or the King of Davoranj (two of Relance's greatest nations) do. I try to utilize these cultural discrepancies to good effect!

For a third example, it's why many Relancii militaries have rank names and unit / formation names that we don't conventionally use in the modern world, such as "yeomate ensign" and "deck lieutenant" as ranks in the Galan Sand Fleet and "maniple" as a unit formation in the Galan Army. These terms hearken to real-world terms (e.g., the maniple was a Roman army unit, and terms like "yeo(man)" and "ensign" are easily parsed as military vocabulary), but they are different enough for the reader to understand that they are not simply looking at the Galan skin of the American military organizational structure. It's a different structure, and hopefully that ignites curiosity in the reader.

If the reader is told that there is a process for accession to the Guard of Galavar, then, in order for that term to pack any kind of punch, they must also be told that it is an adversarial series of trials followed by an almost spiritualistic "pilgrim on the mountain summit" opportunity to ask questions of God. But if the reader is instead given the unfamiliar word assession to start with, then, assuming they don't simply misread it—and some will, I realize, but my philosophy in such matters is "try never to insult the intelligence of the reader," which is something I must constantly work at owing to the fact that my desire for conceptual thoroughness often comes across as condescension—the reader is going to know from the beginning that this is a new thing they have to learn about. There will be fewer suppositions, and, hopefully, more curiosity, purely from the word itself, and any definitional information thereafter should only amplify these reactions until such time as the reader reaches a satisfactorily full understanding of the process of assession to the Guard.

[abcthv9597]

240826 - BTSCookingOn on Twitter:

Chefs! The event has ended. Thank you for participating.♥ We will contact the lucky winners via DM on Sep 9th (KST).

[How to Redeem Coupons]

1. Download BTS Cooking On: TinyTAN Restaurant

2. Coupon Exchange (check QR Code)

3. Fill in CS CODE

4. Redeem coupon code and check the gift in the Mailbox.

셰프님! 이벤트가 종료되었습니다 참여해주셔서 감사합니다.♥

당첨자 발표는 9/9입니다.(KST)

당첨자 셰프님께는 개별 연락을 드리겠습니다.

[쿠폰 등록방법]

1. BTS쿠킹온: 타이니탄 레스토랑 다운로드

2. 쿠폰 교환소(QR코드 확인)

3. CS CODE등록

4. 쿠폰 코드 등록& 우편함에서 아이템 확인

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Christmas Reruns 2024–Day 6: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (3/3)

Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and happy holidays if you don’t!  One of the things I love about Christmas is watching reruns of all the old classic Christmas movies–Christmas is a big time for nostalgia.  A few years ago, I decided to incorporate that tradition into my fandom life and post my CS holiday reruns.  So here you go!  Enough holiday (mostly) fluff to get you to New Year’s Day. (With a new story posting on Christmas Day.)

Word Count: 1726

Other chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 3: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Notes: This story was originally posted in 2014

Killian surged forward, lips crashing against hers, body pressing her to the immutable surface of her apartment door, arms binding her to him.

Good thing too.  At the touch of his lips against hers, the sensation of his tongue seeking entrance, the feel of his heart racing beneath her hand trapped between them, Emma sagged and her knees threatened to buckle altogether.

Emma opened for him, moaning his name as his tongue came to tangle with hers.  She rose to her toes, threading her fingers through his hair, seeking to bring him ever closer, they would never be close enough. 

Her apartment complex was normally a busy bustling place, but tonight, at 11:30 on Christmas Eve night, it was as empty as Gold’s black heart.  Just as well.  The way she and Killian were going at it, anyone passing by was liable to get quite the show—and definitely not one suited to children.

With a groan Killian pulled away, but Emma was having none of it.  She wasn’t done kissing him yet; not nearly.  She chased his lips with her own, giving her pirate no quarter.

“Emma,” he moaned, as he gave up all attempts at resistance and met her head on.

They’d just returned from the town Christmas party at Granny’s.  Her mom had really outdone herself with that one.  The food, laughter and eggnog flowed abundantly.  Everyone seemed to have imbibed the Christmas spirit, buoyed, no doubt by the fact that they’d gone a full month without a villain in sight. 

It seemed Killian had enjoyed his first Christmas party.  He’d particularly enjoyed the dirty Santa gift exchange, throwing himself into the spirit of the game with wild abandon.  He’d put his pirate skills to good use, stealing one after another of his neighbors’ gifts.  Emma suspected it was more for the thrill of mayor-sanctioned theft than it was for the actual gifts he’d gained.  She laughingly said as much to him as he gleefully stole a bottle of lavender-scented bath salts from under Ruby’s very nose.

“You’re really going to tell me you want girly bath salts?” she’d teased.

“And why not?” he’d asked with a wicked gleam in his eyes.  “I happen to be well aware that you favor the scent of lavender.  It was my hope that were I to acquire these salts I might persuade you to…um…help me put them to use.”

When all was said and done, Killian had been left with a gift certificate for free dinner at Granny’s for a week.  She….well, she’d made a last minute swap for the bath salts, a fact that made Killian’s eyes light up like a kid let loose in a candy shop.

When the party broke up, Killian walked her back to her apartment door where he was currently kissing her so thoroughly she could barely remember her own name.

After long moments, Killian pulled away and then rested his forehead against hers.  “Best we slow down love,” he said breathlessly.  “Much longer, and we’re bound to start a conflagration that will consume this entire building.”

“Yeah,” she said, equally breathless.  “But what a way to go.”

He laughed and took a step back.  “I suppose it’s time I take my leave.  You’re to be at your parents’ bright and early tomorrow for Christmas morning festivities.”

Emma took hold of the lapels of Killian’s coat and gave him another quick peck.  “You mean we’re to be at my parents’ bright and early.”

He looked suddenly uncertain.  “I don’t wish to impose.  It is after all a family event.”

Emma shook her head, her heart turning over with tenderness for this man.  “When are you going to learn that you are family?  We all want you there, and I, well, I’d really miss you if you bailed on us.  Besides, if you don’t join us for Christmas morning, when am I going to get to give you my gift?”

“You bought me a gift?”  His voice was awestruck.

“Of course!  I have a feeling you’re going to like it too.”

Emma knew how much he enjoyed reading.  His cabin on the Jolly Roger had been practically covered, floor to ceiling with books.  She’d bought him as many of this realm’s pirate tales and stories as she could get her hands on.

“There’s no doubt of that, love,” he said gently.  “I have a gift for you as well, but I have been assured that Christmas is the day for gift giving.  It would be quite bad form to spoil my surprise the night before.”

“All the more reason to join us in the morning.”

His smile turned infinitely tender, and he cupped her cheek.  “I’d love to be there, Swan.  Which is, of course, why I’d best take my leave so that you can get your rest for the big day.”

Emma’s eyes flitted away from his for a moment before focusing back on him.  “Stay with me tonight?  Henry’s staying with Regina, and, well, no one should have to spend Christmas Eve alone.”

Killian dragged in a ragged breath.  “I’d be honored to spend the remainder of Christmas Eve with you.

Emma unlocked her apartment, gave Killian another quick kiss and then waved him in behind her.  “Go ahead and plug in the tree; maybe see about starting a fire.  I’ll make us some cocoa.”

After their conversation in the woods, Killian and Henry had tag teamed her until she’d agreed to just about every Christmas tradition Henry could think of.  The three of them had bought and cut down a Christmas tree, decorated the thing within an inch of its life (Killian’s hook being surprisingly handy in the endeavor), hung all three of their stockings by the chimney with care, and baked and decorated what felt like enough Christmas cookies for the entire town.  When Killian learned of the tradition of sending people Christmas cards, he’d even convinced her to send the damn things out—complete with a photo of the three of them sitting before the fire, steaming mugs of cocoa in hand, the lit tree in the background.

It was cheesy as hell.

She loved it.

She finished preparing their drinks—which for her consisted of boiling water and pouring it over packets of cocoa mix—and then headed for the living room.

“Well, you’ve made good use of your time,” she said with a smile.  The tree was lit, a roaring fire crackled in the hearth, and a smug pirate sat on the rug before it, surrounded by pillows.

“I aim to please darling.” 

She sat beside him, depositing their cocoa on the end table and settling in his waiting arms.

“I do believe you’re forgetting something, love,” he said, mischief in every syllable.

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“Look and see for yourself.”

Emma sat up and stifled a laugh.  The idiot sat before her holding the largest sprig of mistletoe she’d ever seen.  She leaned forward and kissed him playfully.  “You’re insatiable.”

“Aye,” he said, returning the kiss with exuberance, “but you wouldn’t have me any other way.”

Without warning, it all crashed over her once again.  She’d nearly lost him.  His heart had nearly been crushed in front of her, and she’d been powerless to stop it.  The memory made her start to shake, and Emma clung to Killian so tightly he’d end up with bruises in the morning.  She buried her face in his neck and breathed him in, her hand slipping beneath his shirt to rest over his heart.  She needed this; she needed the confirmation that he was still there, that his heart was still where it belonged.

“Emma, love,” he said, rubbing her back, “is something the matter?”

Emma forced herself to sit up and look him in the eye.  If nearly losing him had taught her anything, it was that every day with this man was a gift—a gift that could be snatched from her at any moment.  The fact that he might have died not knowing, not truly knowing how she felt about him was like a slap to the face.   She needed to remedy that.  Immediately.  Emma was terrified to say the words, but it was time; it was far past time.

“Killian, I…I just need you to know something.”

“Very well, Swan,” he said hesitantly, “you do know there is nothing you cannot tell me, do you not?”

“Yeah,” She took a deep breath and then plunged in.  “It’s just that…well, I don’t know how to do this but just come out and say it:  I love you.  I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.  It scares the hell out of me, but, well, I just needed you to know.  Whatever happens, no matter how many evil villains try to tear us apart, I needed you to know.  I need you to…”

He leaned forward and captured her lips, effectively cutting off what was threatening to turn into babbling.  This kiss was different, soft, gentle, unhurried.  Emma reached up between them and caressed his face with gentle strokes.  This was right.  This man was it for her.  If he’d died up there in the clock tower she didn’t know how she’d ever have survived it.”

“I love you too,” he whispered as he finally pulled away.  “Until the end of time, I’ll love you. With every breath I take, every beat of my heart, I love you. There’ll never be another for me but you.”

She grinned against his chest.  “Better not be.”

“No other lass stands the ghost of a chance against you.  I swear to be unfailingly true to you until I take my last breath and long, long after.”

“I know,” she said tremulously.  “And you can expect the same from me.”

He gathered her back into her arms and they sat in silence for some time.  When he spoke again, the teasing note was back in his voice.  “So, Swan, how do you propose we while away the rest of this Christmas Eve?”

She sat back and gave him a grin.  “Well, I was thinking we could resume that make out session we had going on outside…and then we could, kind of, see where that takes us.”

“That, Swan, is the best idea you’ve had all year.”

NEXT CHAPTER->

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Single Diamond Necklaces - Spotlight & Review

Introduction

Single diamond necklaces represent the epitome of elegance and grace in the world of jewelry. These exquisite pieces shine a spotlight on the beauty of a single, carefully selected diamond, capturing the essence of simplicity and sophistication. In this article, we will explore the enduring allure of single diamond necklaces, discuss their diverse styles and designs, and offer insights into the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect piece.

The Enduring Allure of Single Diamond Necklaces

Single diamond necklaces possess a unique allure that transcends fashion trends and time. Here are some reasons behind their enduring appeal:

Timeless Beauty: Single diamond necklaces encapsulate timeless beauty. Their minimalist design highlights the intrinsic elegance of a single diamond, resulting in a look that is both classic and contemporary.

Versatility: These necklaces are incredibly versatile. They can effortlessly transition from everyday wear to formal occasions, making them a versatile addition to any jewelry collection.

Styles and Designs

Single diamond necklaces come in various styles and designs, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Here are some popular options:

Solitaire Necklace: The solitaire necklace features a single diamond, often a round or princess-cut, set in a metal pendant. Prong settings are commonly used to maximize the diamond's brilliance.

Bezel-Set Necklace: Bezel-set necklaces offer a modern and sleek look. The diamond is surrounded by a metal rim (bezel), which not only provides security but also creates a contemporary aesthetic.

Heart-Shaped Pendant: For a touch of romance and sentiment, heart-shaped pendants with a single diamond are a popular choice. These necklaces are often exchanged as tokens of affection and love.

Vintage-Inspired Designs: Vintage-style single diamond necklaces may feature intricate filigree work and ornate metal settings, evoking a sense of nostalgia and classic charm.

Bar Necklace: Bar necklaces consist of a horizontal metal bar with a single diamond bezel-set at the center. This minimalist design exudes modernity and versatility.

Factors to Consider When Buying

Selecting the perfect single diamond necklace involves careful consideration of several factors:

Diamond Quality: Examine the "Four Cs" - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The cut influences the diamond's brilliance, color and clarity affect its overall appearance, and carat weight determines its size.

Metal Type: Choose the metal for your necklace thoughtfully. Common choices include white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. The choice of metal should complement both the diamond and your personal style.

Chain Length: Consider the chain length to ensure it suits your neckline and style. Options typically range from shorter, choker-style necklaces to longer, pendant-length chains.

Budget: Determine your budget in advance, as single diamond necklaces come in a wide price range. The diamond's quality, size, and the chosen metal will significantly influence the cost.

Certification: Ensure that the diamond comes with a reputable certification from a recognized gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Certification provides assurance of the diamond's authenticity and quality.

Conclusion

Single diamond necklaces are not just pieces of jewelry; they are symbols of timeless elegance and beauty. Whether you're purchasing one for yourself or as a cherished gift, these necklaces hold a special place in the world of adornment. By carefully considering factors such as diamond quality, design preferences, and budget, you can select the perfect single diamond necklace to adorn your neck, leaving an indelible mark of grace and sophistication.

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