#emma: how do I make him feel better? I know! I'll give him A TASK.

[smiletimeisrunningout]

"You'd be surprised by how quickly I can hide a wound, but alright," Emma remarked, even if it seemed he had already thought of the whole plan and she saw no issue going with it, since she had been the first to suggest using the defector excuse. She just thought that he'd say she had killed him and let people find the body outside, not that they'd go as far as burying it.

They were both so angry, and it was touching; even Caleb showed no humor whatsoever when discussing Randall, and she wondered if he'd understand that the way she was rubbing his arm next was meant to make him feel a little better. It was strange to hear him so unhappy just as much as it had been to feel Ben relax against her, and it pulled at her heartstrings. "We could also say I killed him and buried him myself, by the way, that it's a tradition in my kingdom. Who would know," she shrugged, "My priority is that you two don't get in any trouble for this, so make sure you are safe. And that Geor-your general doesn't hear I got myself badly wounded. A scratch, sure, but nothing that will distract him."

The look on her face when he suggested cleaning it all by himself was completely insecure at best, not wishing to add that to his list of tasks. But then he distracted her with the suggestion about her clothes, and she brought a hand to her chest, scandalized, "But... they are so pretty." They were already clean enough as far as she was concerned, it wasn't as if she didn't get dirty with blood all the time. "And if I destroyed clothes every time a man tries something like that, I'd never have any. I'm a woman who travels alone and fights awful people, you think Randall was the first? May he burn in hell, but I'm not burning my clothing for him. He took enough when he nearly killed me."

As always, Caleb's drew a laugh from her, but since it was at Benjamin's expenses she quickly slapped a hand on her mouth. What a terrible man, whom she loved very much. "Now, now, I'm sure the lasses were just as pretty," she said to appease Benjamin, who had been so sweet to her and deserved a bit of help for once.

Pushing herself to move away from Caleb, she went to collect her satchel, from which she never walked too far - and good thing that was, it would have been far more difficult to deal with the situation at hand if she had gone to the stables without it, and had found herself without vial and other medical supplies.

She felt she wanted to comfort Ben now. It was his turn, after he had made her feel better, because he was clearly upset; but with Caleb there it wasn't as if she could take too many liberties. There was a nervous energy around him, like he needed to pace some more, and since he had offered his arm, like a gentleman, before and it wouldn't raise any particular question from their friend, she gently placed her hand on it.

"I'm alright," she reminded him softly, and then, because he was just so much like her that perhaps having the chance to help, to do something for the person he was worried about, she quickly thought of a task for him. "But if it's not too much trouble, perhaps now that you'll help me back to my quarters, you could also give me a hand in bringing a few things closer to my bed, so I don't have to walk around to get them? I want to keep attempting this new... 'taking care of myself' technique."

Benjamin watched the display with mounting agitation -- not at Emma, herself, but his failures to see such conduct -- and jaw gritting, he began pacing the length of his tent, his fist coming to rest over his mouth as he exhaled through his nose. Finally, he announced, "Brewster and I gathered Randall's belongings and buried them. As far as anyone else knows, come morning's light, the world will deem him a defector -- a treasonous snake."

"Explainin' Emma's wound may be a bit harder," Caleb said.

Halting in his trek, Benjamin shook his head. "Not necessarily. Either Swan can mask her injuries, as she's wont to do..." Here, he spared her an admonishing look, then continued, "Or we can say she tried apprehending Randall and was hurt. I'm sure Washington will send out a search party regardless, but I have faith our men won't find the grave. We went deep enough into the woods that a discovery is unlikely."

"Aye, an' I was willin' to go plenty deeper," Caleb spat.

When Emma drew their attentions to her cloak, bloody and bedraggled, Benjamin winced and offered, "I'll see to it. Growing up, I only had a mother for a short while, so I know the ins-and-outs of women's work. I have my own personal washboard -- after a few mean-spirited pranks, I don't entirely trust the camp followers to tend to my laundering -- so truly...don't trouble yourself, Swan. In the meantime, I'd advise you burn your clothing. Even if we can get the blood out, I don't imagine these garments will bring you fond memories. It's best to get rid of them."

Despite Emma's clear fatigue, Caleb chuckled, never one to encourage bleakness. "I dunno whatcha mean by leavin' this 'ere tent 'in a state,'" he said. "Hell, if anything, Benny-boy should be thankin' you. It's the first time a pretty lass has disrobed in here!"

Cheeks burning pink, Benjamin gritted a terse, "Sod off," despite the twinkle in the whaler's eyes. His nerves were raw, jangled, and in that moment, he wasn't entirely open to brushing off Emma's distress as though it were nothing.

[thatamatuerauthor]

My Fair Luna

Chapter 8

If Emma had known the sheer amount of work that was waiting for her at this new job, she would've thought twice.

But she still would have taken it, if she was honest.

So the grounds needed work, and tasks needed delegating…and room assignments completed and gardening to oversee and meal planning to go over and a new row of houses needed to go up so supplies needed to be ordered and patches of trees felled and kids activities to plan and…

Oh boy

A lot of work needed to be done. It had Emma wondering just what was so important that the boss man and his family had to leave. Because she was starting to feel like they had left all these people high and dry.

Or they had more faith in Rex and Luke than was appropriate. Sorry guys.

Either way, by the time Sunday had rolled around, the time for her to phone in to her parents, Emma was surprised to find herself smack dab in the middle of a construction site as people began directing all their questions towards her about what to do.

It was Luna this and Luna that. Honestly she didn't know what to think about that nickname at first. It didn't really seem to fit in with the whole wolf theme. Until she realized it meant moon, and wolves howl at the moon, and right now all these people were 'howling' at her expecting her to know and/or fix everything.

And here I thought it was because I was pasty white…she grumbled internally.

The first time someone had called her that, she can't quite remember who now that everyone does it, Faye and Jade had practically glared holes into the poor soul's head. She wasn't sure what the big deal was. After all, having a nickname means she's one of them now, right?

When she said it was ok to call her that, everyone relaxed and seemed so happy about it. Further making her feel like she was missing some vital peice if the puzzle that was Camp Lobo. But Jade and Faye seemed particularly thrilled and called her Luna often. She was coming to really enjoy their company.

A tune began playing softly from her pocket, catching several people's attention. Emma pulled her phone from her jeans and answered it without looking. She knew who it was based on the song.

"Hey dad," She greeted, unknowingly perking interest around her as sensitive ears listened in. "What's up?"

"Nothing much, Jo and I were just waiting on your call."

Emma paused. "Right, sorry." She blew out a breath and motioned to the foreman that she was stepping away. "Everything's been so hectic since day one I haven't had a chance to do much but eat and sleep."

"So I take it you got the job?"

"Yeah, that very day in fact." Emma figured her dad would pick up on the oddities like she had. Only he'd understand them better.

"That day?"

"On the spot." Emma smiled as a few workers carrying insulation passed her. "You could tell he was in over his head."

"Bossman was that desperate?"

"He's actually acting boss." That was the kicker, and she knew her dad was thinking the same thing she has because he let out a long hum.

"Did he get permission from Bossman?"

Emma blew out a breath. "Not that I know of."

Her dad hummed again. "You do realize that could make you temporary hire."

"Yeah, I know."

"Do you like it there?"

"I love it, it's absolutely gorgeous. I'll take some pictures of the grounds when I get the chance. You and mom would love it here." She gushed, not realizing the people around her were smiling.

"Ok, camp rat. How's the food? Is it as good as your mom's?"

"Some is, some isn't. But I don't think anyone's gonna top her homemade bread."

"True-"

"Luna can you-" Just as the worker interrupt her a few of the workers around her shushed him.

"Someone calling you?" Her dad asked.

"Yeah, I'm literally in the middle of putting up the inner walls of the new building."

"Oh?"

"Hey man, I'm only overseeing the project and helping the foreman stay on task. Everybody already knows what they're doing."

"Alright, if you need any help give me a call."

"I will. Love you dad." She had already thought of calling him since he was a painter/contractor but the workers here had everything handled.

"Love you too-"

"LOVE YOU BABY!" Her mom yelled into her dad's ear. Not that it bothered him, he's half deaf. But it blared across her phone speaker.

"Love you too mom." Emma lightly rolled her eyes.

"Hey, before you go just…be careful and try not to step on any toes."

"That's the plan." She sighed again.

"Alright, love you baby."

"Love you too, bye."

"Bye."

Line Break

Fay and Jade stood aside and watched as Luna Emma spoke to her parents. The week had gone a lot smoother than they could've hoped. Except for the fact that everyone knows…

Faye was not the only one to apparently recognize her for what she is. On one hand, this made her transition into the pack rather smooth, on the other…they were never going to hear the end of it from Matt when he gets back.

"I think it happened this way for reason." Jade, like Faye, didn't take her eyes off of their Luna.

"And why is that?" Faye asked.

"Think about it. Not only did she come when we needed her the most, but do you think if Alpha Matt had met her earlier that Alpha and Luna would have accepted her?"

Faye frowned. "Why wouldn't they? She is our next Luna. Everyone can tell."

"Strange isn't it?" Jade continued. "That we would be able to recognize her?" Faye glanced at Jade. "You knowing is understandable. But the rest of us should just see a human. So why are we connecting with her so easily?"

Fay had no answers. Now that she thought about it too…it was more than odd. It was unheard of. But there had to be a reason.

"And then there's the timing." Jade pointed out. "She came when we needed her. Almost as if she's proving herself without the pressure of being ridiculed by those in power because she is the highest rank among us."

"You think Alpha Derek and Luna Mae would have rejected her." Faye swallowed thickly, she didn't like the thought.

"Undoubtedly." Jade didn't hesitate to answer.

[ryozoro]

Hades Playlist - iv.

NOW PLAYING: Memories - David Guetta [ft. Kid Cudi]

an; yo, sorry if the transitions are a little sloppy; I’ll go back in and fix them when I have the chance :,)

last song 🔊 EP 🔊 playlist 🔊 next song

“We try to hide our feelings, but we forget that our eyes can speak.”

“Oh, fuck - sorry,” yn moved out from behind the counter, “forgive me, I’ve been daydreaming a bit. What kinda model do you got?” Yn said as she walked the nice lady to the side of the store where parts are displayed on the wall in lamented posters. “You’re very pretty, sorry if I keep staring.”

“Oh, fuck - sorry,” yn moved out from behind the counter, “forgive me, I’ve been daydreaming a bit. What kinda model do you got?” Yn said as she walked the nice lady to the side of the store where parts are displayed on the wall in lamented posters. “You’re very pretty, sorry if I keep staring.”

“Oh, fuck - sorry,” yn moved out from behind the counter, “forgive me, I’ve been daydreaming a bit. What kinda model do you got?” Yn said as she walked the nice lady to the side of the store where parts are displayed on the wall in lamented posters. “You’re very pretty, sorry if I keep staring.”

“HA,” the lady snorted as she played with her wedding ring, “you sound like my husband; you are like - the first girl I’ve met who has thought I was pretty. Thank you, it truly means a lot.” The lady smiled as she began pulling out her wallet and a few written down notes, “it’s uh - fuck hitto, you write like a kid, it’s a 2016 Ducati?”

“2016 Ducati Full Throttle,” yn said back with a small smile as the woman laughed again, “I’m assuming it’s your husband’s old bike?”

“Yeah,” she played with her ring as her smile softened, “he wants it in good condition before he gives it to one of our neighbors. It’s tradition for his - occupation..”

“He in a gang?” Yn asked as she began shuffling through shelves, “Don’t sweat it, I’m not gonna freak out over trivial matters.” The young ryuguji chuckled as she finally found the part she’s been looking for. “Here,” she place the part on the top, “its the G2 Throttle Tamer Ducati you needed. I’m assuming he’s still in a gang by the looks of how you covered for him, but don’t worry - it’d be hypocritical if I got scared you were involved with a delinquent.”

“Oh,” the lady sighed out, “thank gods. You can call me Kaku-san if it’s alright with you? Could you install the part by yourself? Sorry, my man is just always busy with work and was hoping to have someone install it for us..”

“I can’t personally install it, but my brother can! He gets back from his lunch break in about twenty minutes, so I know its a long wait -"

vrrr...vrrr...vrrr

"I'm so sorry, I'll just turn that off-," yn went to hit 'decline call.'

“I can wait, no sweat!” She smiled as she began digging through her mini backpack, “I need to check and see if my loser has ate lunch yet. I'll be outside for a bit." With that, 'Kaku-san' had walked out as she dialed her husband.

"Fucking hell," yn breathed out before hitting accept, "Inui-senpai, hey - what did you need?" Her breath hitched in her throat as she heard his low laugh.

"Just checking to see if my favorite girl has ate yet - so, have you?" Yn could just hear the smile that creeped upon his face, but for some reason - she didn't feel as in awe as she once did.

"Ah," yn scanned the shop and began totaling the price for the repair and writing further notes for her older brother, "no, I haven't ate yet, but I was planning on just heating up some of the leftovers that Souya-kun gave me."

"You know, if you keep being as cute and clingy as you are around him," yn could hear him moving around paper bags of what she assumed was to-go food, "shit, sorry. As I was saying, if you keep being so cuddle buddy with him, he's goin to fall for ya."

"Or," yn rolled her eyes as she began to document minor details on the log for each hour, "maybe, you're just reading in too deep on the fact that Souya is just an overall easily flustered person. Being a decent human does not make my kind actions count as flirting; if it does, well, you men around me are just dumb."

"Oh, don't be like that, princess," inui said in a rather sarcastic tone, "you know I'm just teasing you. Leaving that matter, I got you lunch - your favorite lunch, might I add."

"Thank you senpai, but -,"

"Inui-kun~ why aren't you getting off the phone yet? You promised that you would pay attention to only me today!" Yn heard a whiny voice - a woman’s whiny voice - through the phone, “I thought you said after we get lunch we’re just gonna lay in bed all day.” Inui mumbled something to her that seemed to have shut her up, clearing his throat, “sorry about that, are you still -,”

“I’m pretty busy and I plan on going out with a friend for my lunch break,” she cut him off, “have fun on your day off.”

yn knew she shouldn’t be angry; inui was never hers to begin with, but she was hoping that he’d at least spare her feelings. maybe this was good. maybe knowing that he has someone, even if it’s just a fuck buddy, will help her clear her mind and finally let go.

tani senpai <3: ft during your lunch break?

tani senpai <3: wait do you play cod? if you did that’s be kinda hot

tani senpai <3: I meant dope but hot works too

tani senpai <3: OH, wait rain check on the call, why don’t we just meet in person? ;) after all, I still have your necklace.

tani senpai <3: I cleaned it up because I was wearing it so I wouldn’t lose it.

tani senpai <3: lmfao I really made it a blood diamond at one point

kaku-san paid her total for the part and repair and ensured yn that she’d be back around five. sighing once the older woman left, yn went to check her phone that had been buzzing incessantly since she hung up on her brother’s best friend.

you: I’m gonna punch you in dick next time I see you :,) I was helping someone and I had to act like my phone was not going HAAM in my pocket

tani senpai <3: uh uh uh , leave ran jr. alone. he did nothing wrong :p plus, you’d have to kiss it better if you hurt him

you: I — WHEN ARE WE MEETING AND WHERE ?

tani senpai <3: [location] a small nightclub @ 16:00 tonight :) I would offer to buy your dinner, but you threatened my best man.

you: I hate you :,) but um,,, I don’t exactly know — what to wear to a nightclub..? Can I just go in a hoodie and some sweats and talk to the bouncer like “hey, I know the haitani bros — lemme in.”

tani senpai <3: LMAOOO,, nah I would to see you size the man up. as for clothes — you don’t have anything like ,, that radiates “hot girl” shit ?

you: no, if I’m not in my uniform — I’m either wearing my brother’s clothes with some cargo pants or sweats. sometimes I wear my own clothes, but that’s usually just merch.

tani senpai <3: as much as I want to see you in school uniform or in full need mode, I don’t think the bouncer would just let you in. OH, wait — fuck them. I forgot that I’m literally a god to them lmao,, wear what you want , I’ll wait outside for you and we can walk in together :)

you: wait really :,) I’m gonna try and make use of what I have tho ! I’ll lyk when I get there :)

tani senpai <3: wow so you’re not gonna ft me :|

you: you licherally said “rain check”

tani senpai <3: but I just finished my tasks for today, call me or I’m calling you

you: sorry , my brother just got back, I’ll talk to ya later :p

tani senpai <3: fine :| I’ll just bother Rin then.

the young ryuguji chuckled before locking and pocketing her phone once she noticed her brother’s presence. sure, she was still hurt at the fact that inui is currently hooking up - maybe even dating - another girl, but at least she could look to the eldest of the Haitanis and feel herself forgetting all about her first love.

“What ya lookin at brat,” Ken laughed out as he went to pat her head, “hey, who has you smiling like that?” He has always been protective; it was just his nature as a big brother. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re happy, but if it’s about a boy I would LOVE to know who.”

“It’s just a stupid thing that emma-senpai sent me,” yn attempted to play it off, “anyways — how was lunch?”

“It was good,” draken said as he went to put his jumper back on, “but it coulda been better if inui didn’t bring his ‘friend girl’ around. She kept hittin on Mikey and asking about my necklace and I almost called you up to come deck her.” He quickly grabbed his chain and kissed the ‘Emma’ that hung in the middle just before tucking it back under his white tshirt; it was his routine.

“I woulda showed her that ‘Draken Uppercut’ if I was there big bro,” yn made a small show of what she did in hopes of making her brother smile.

“You’re an idiot,” his smirk plastered on his face in a proud manner, “but I don’t need you wasting your energy on her. It just — like who the hell do you think you are touching a random stranger, especially around their neck. Like who?” She could tell that he was upset that he couldn’t have done anything; Draken was just brought up to be extremely respectful. “The worst part,” he threw a wrench at his ‘anger wall,’ “she kept asking shit like: “who names their kid emma,” “was she at least pretty,” and the one where I almost put my hands on her, “is she dead or something? what you just can’t let go?” Yn, I was so close to knocking her daylights out. She honestly got lucky takemitchy had tackled Mikey, or she woulda got her shit rocked.”

“I,” yn was at a lost for words; she had never heard someone disrespect any of her family this openly, “what the fuck did inui say? Did he just sit there through all this shit?” she moved from behind the counter and rolled out one of the bikes he was scheduled to work on, “please don’t tell me he did.”

“No,” draken rolled his eyes as he recalled the previous events, “just prop it up by station one, gotta get the new 340 mm rear air shock absorber suspensions, oh, could you jot that down, please? But nah, this fucker,” draken lifted the bike up so the back was in the air and put it on a lift, “just found every way to piss me off. Like I love him, but he fucked up today. He told us ‘sorry, she’s just cranky so don’t take her words to heart.’ If she called me ugly or some dumb shit I’d be okay, but he really told me not to take to heart the fact that she spoke on Emma’s name like that.” He tugged on his dark locks as he undid it, “could ya put it back up for me, it’s not tight enough.”

“I gotcha big man,” yn gently massaged his scalp as she went to put his hair in a tight but loose bun, “you know, she’s probably really proud of you right now. Bet she’s smilin up there too.” she could feel his tenseness fade as she comforted him; she’d do this one hundred times a day if it meant that he’d finally stop blaming himself for all those years ago. “There,” she smoothed over the top of his head once more, “all done.”

“Thank ya,” he hums as he begins to work on the bike, “oh, do you want to come with later? me and the boys are gonna head to mitsuyas before we go out so you can hang out with the other brats.”

“Actually, I um,” yn felt the sweat gather in her palms as she walked back to her station, “I was wondering if I could go out tonight - with a friend..”

“What friend,” yn flinched as her brother snapped his gaze towards her, “do I know said friend?”

“N-no,” she cleared her throat and began writing on sticky notes and receipts, “he — they were nice to meet when I first got back in town and offered to hang out - so, I felt that it’d be rude to -,”

“Nah, you’re not going,” draken turned his attention back to the bike, “you’re either going to stay home or hang out at mitsu’s house. No in between.”

“That’s fair,” yn sighed, “can I just have a reason as to why I can’t go?”

“Because I don’t know em and the streets have been rainin havoc since Mikey got out,” he sighed as he put his tools down. He stood up to full height and gently patted the leather seat of the propped up bike, “I just don’t want you to get hurt, bub. Yer my number one right now and I don’t know if I’ll be able to go on if you even get the slightest bit of hurt.”

“I understand big draco,” she laughed softly, “Can I just stay in then? I promise I won’t leave; I just feel like being in my own bed tonight.”

“Anything for you, yer majesty.” Ken smiled as he concluded that he had the best sister in the world.

—

“Alright, yn, we’re about to head out,” her big brother knocked on her door, “can ya at come say bye?”

“Fuck,” yn got up and quickly put an oversized sweater and some basketball shorts that reached just below her knees, “gimme a minute! Sorry, I was taking a nap.”

“We’ll be out in the living room, dumbass.”

If anything, yn was just glad none of them walked into her room to see her basically bare figure - shout out to her Ken-nii for knowing his sister. Once fully covered, yn made her wait out the room and noticed everyone sitting on the couch in the living room, even inui.

“Yn,” souya barked out, “you’ve ate right? If you haven’t ‘m gonna fight you!” He stood up and approached yn as all the other boys smirked and whistled in the back. “You guys shut the hell up.!”

“Neh neh,” nahoya laughed, “you need to stop bein so flirty over there, angry.” Smiley always teased angry, but that was just brotherly nature; however, if anyone else were to continuously pick on angry — it wouldn’t be a shock if Smiley was on top of them and imprinting the curve of his elbow into their forehead. “He just missed you, little Ryu. Make sure to let us know if anything happens-,”

“We’re going to get Ken-chin laid,” Mikey said with a mischievous smirk as he began pushing his taller friend out the front door. “Choi~.” The other boys followed either patting her head before they left or hip bumping her; hakkai decided to be the odd man out and hug yn to his chest and dramatically walk out the door as if they won’t see each other for fourth years.

“BYE,” she poked her head out then quickly shut the door and disregarded her hoodie, “now that they’re gone..”

VRRR..VRRR….VRR

“OH MY GOD, WHAT,” picking her phone up off the coffee table she fell back onto the couch, “what do they want-,”

Incoming FaceTime: tani senpai <3

“Shit.!” Yn quickly sat up and answered with an apologetic face, “heeeey, what’s up?”

“You look cozy,” he eyed the tops of her shoulders with only her bra straps decorating them, “cozy enough to make a man stand outside for, hmm - what does my watch read - thirty minutes.”

Yn looked thoroughly confused as she cocked her head to the side and fell back, “what does you standing outside of some random building have to do with me?”

“Did you really —,” she watched the man shift and bring her golden chain into view, “you were supposed to meet me tonight in order to get your precious necklace back. You stood me up and now I look like a fucking idiot who got stood up.” He deadpanned into the camera and had a small pout, “you had all the guys laughin at me, darlin. You really disappointed me.” Yn felt her heart slowly tear; she hated disappointing anyone. “If you were going to show up you could have at least said so.” Just as she was about to speak, Ran hung up and left her to wade in her thoughts.

—

You: Ran-senpai, I promise it was on accident ! I meant to tell you earlier, but it just slipped my mind (read 8:44 p.m.)

You: pls forgive me :,) I fell asleep as soon as we got off work and came home; draken-nii told me to rest up since I can’t go out so I figured I might as well (read 8:45 p.m.)

You: yk if you’re going to read my text, the least ya could do would be to respond. I said I’m sorry. (read 8:47 p.m.)

You: yer a fucking brat , man child who throws a fit and refuses to actually try and listen to others when they try to talk it out with you. (read 8:48 p.m.)

You: self made bitch. (read 8:50 p.m.)

You: yk what, fuck you. I tried to be nice to you and I actually enjoyed talking to you for what-? A week ? You’re mad because I can’t just do what I want? Sorry I’m a great sister who doesn’t want to make her brother worry. Sorry I don’t just abide and do as you please because I’m not a fucking sheep. Keep the necklace for all I care; I’ll just get a new one. Stupid cunt. (read 8:52 p.m.)

You: Fuck face. You probably just wanted to get in my pants and dip; fuck you. Leave me alone, if I see you on the street; I don’t give a fuck if I get shot or jumped, I’m gonna punch you in the throat, pussy ass bitch. (read 8:54 p.m.)

tani senpai <3: give me your address so I can drop this necklace off and get out of your life since you so desperately want me to.

You: no way in hell, just keep it.

tani senpai <3: if you don’t want it then I’ll just drop it off with your brother tomorrow.

You: you fucking —

You: ugh, fine, just drop the shit off and leave . [location] (read 8:59 p.m.)

—

With a knock at the Ryuguji’s front door, yn shrugged the jacket back on and checked through the peep hole. After noticing it was the infamous older brother of the Haitani duo, she quickly yanked him inside and made sure to lock the door quickly.

“You know drop offs don’t usually require the said delivery man to be in the house, correct?” He asked with a bored expression as his eyes scanned the small space. “‘S cute for someone with you and your brother’s income.”

“I only pulled you in because my neighbors like to talk about what goes on throughout everyone’s house,” she rolled her eyes and pulled in the strings of her sweater, “hurry up and give me the fucking necklace so you can leave.”

“I did all the work of coming here,” he brushed past her as he took off his shoes and made his way to sit on the couch, “the least you could do is offer me a drink or some food.” Ran laid back into the cushions and spread his long legs as he slowly turned his gaze to the TV, some random anime blasting in the background. “Well, if you don’t mind, a water will do.”

“Cute for someone with you and your brother’s income,” she mocked as mumbled under her breath and grabbed him a water bottle from the fridge, “here, your majesty.” she tossed it into his lap and stood in between his legs to block the tv and make him focus all of his attention onto her.

“To what do I owe you?”

“My necklace, home invader.”

“Take it off of me then,” he raised an eyebrow, “you didn’t expect me to do that as well did you?”

“Fine,” her shorts hiking up as she moved to straddle his hips, she took note that he had been eyeing her thighs since he arrived, “I’ll take off the stupid thing.” She buried her chin into the crook of his neck, “just sit still so I can -,”

“You know,” he flattened his palms against the bare tops her knees and barely sliding his finger tips up the rim of the pants, “you hiding more just makes me want to see you in less.”

“Heh,” she chuckled as she slowly wrapped her arms around the middle of his torso, “yer a fucking perv as well as a bastard.”

“You know your necklace isn’t dangling along my spine, right?” He chuckled as he gently kneaded her flesh, “am I making you uncomfortable?”

“Nah, feels nice,” she chuckles when she feels him gently dig his finger tips into her skin, “‘m makin you uncomfortable?”

“nah,” he jokingly mocked her as he took his hands and slid them farther up to the tops of he thigh, “boxers?” He pulled back slightly so he could rest his forehead on hers.

“mm, never really wanted to bother ken-nii when he did the laundry, so I just get boxers,” she laughed, “what? Did you honestly think I’d be chilling at home in a thong or something? Women gotta breathe too.” she felt her heartbeat pick up as his finger tips danced along the material; yn wondered if he could tell that she’s never had a boyfriend as she lacked - in takemichi’s words - ‘ettick.’

“You are respectful yet have anger issues, a smart mouth, and embody the term ‘I don’t give a fuck,” he swiftly took both hands from under the clothing and lightly placed them on either side of her face, “you are so fucking gorgeous, didya know that?” His rings were cold on her heated skin, making her smile softly.

“..you know,” yn laid a chaste kiss on the bonten’s left wrist, “… ‘msorry..”

“Couldn’t hear ya,” he chuckled deeply as he maneuvered his right hand at the back of her neck and squeezed lightly, “repeat it more clear this time. You wanna be a good girl, right? Be the best girl you can and repeat it.~”

“Motherfu-, AHEM,” she scrunched her face up in hopes of hiding how happy it made her to have a second chance at being a ‘good girl,’ “‘m sorry you don’t know how to communicate.”

“Ah ah ah,” he squeezed his right hand a little tighter, causing her to ground her hips down and lean forward into his chest, “that’s not what I want to hear.” she heard him groan, but she was too busy fighting the battle in her head as to why she felt more secure when he gripped her tighter.

“I said,” she nuzzled her nose between his lean pecs, “‘m sorry.” Yn got up and placed one of her hands at the base of the bonten tattoo and squeezed gently along his Adam’s apple, “I’m not saying it again, so you better have heard me the first time.”

“You’re so angry; a wolf under sheep’s clothes you are,” ran hummed as he leaned back in, noses brushing, “yer forgiven little lamb. I don’t know - you barking up the wrong tree knowing that I could hurt you just turns me —,”

BZZT, BING.

Both bodies had turned their heads towards the door in confusion.

“Are you expecting guests?”

“No,” yn quickly got off of Ran’s lap and grabbed the crowbar that rested by the umbrellas, “fuck, if it’s those fucking assholes that want to fight ken-nii, ‘m gonna kill em.” She went to look through the peep hole, only to be pulled back to the older man’s chest.

“Let me get it,” ran signaled for her to hide behind the kitchen wall as he pulled out his signature baton that hung on his belt loop, “be quiet, little one.” Ran opened the door to a young man, about a year or two older than yn, dressed in a pizza delivery uniform with 3 large boxes in his hand. If he wasn’t just some kid, the Haitani would’ve beat him just for openly sporting a scowl towards him.

“Oh, hi sir, are you,” the young man looked back at the receipt then back at the Bonten executive, “Kawata Souya? I have one pepperoni, Hawaiian, and plain cheese.” Ran’s head shot to the side at the sound of you rushing towards the door.

“A-ah ! That would be me I guess,” yn guided Ran’s hand behind her to hide the weapon as she widely opened the front door, “sorry my brother’s friend probably ordered it since they went out -,”

“Yn?”

“Huh,” she looked up at the man, “oh shit, hongo?! I thought you were in Osaka right now for Uni; you still play there, right?”

“Yeah,” the worker replied, “oh shit, this like.. a date or something?” He threw his glare at Ran and softened his features once his gaze returned back to the young ryuguji. “Nah, nevermind, that’d be dumb considering you swore off dating,” the bonten men felt as if his heart had been pricked with a small needle, “especially since you used to swear to draken we were gonna get married and stay together forever and ever.” Yn was visibly embarrassed as Ran watched her take the pizza from Hongo’s hands and start trying to kick him off the porch. “Wait, before I go,” he said as he jotted down his number on the receipt, “let me know when you’re free. Maybe ya could come see me play one of these days? Summer games start back up next week so I’ll be headin-,”

Ran pulled on yn’s wrist before slamming the door, interrupting Hongo’s spill. He made show of how hard he locked the door so anyone outside could hear that the house was closed and not expecting anymore visits.

“Ooo,” yn placed the pizzas down onto the small kitchen table and looped her arms around Ran’a slim waist, “are you upset yer not getting all the attention?” She giggled as she kissed the symbol that marked the center of his neck.

“Why would I be upset over some 4 incher maxed college boy,” he smirked as he brought his hand to the side of her face and let his thumb brush along her bottom lip, “plus, if anything he should be the one whose upset. You can’t hate me or push me away if you wanted to; your desire for me to show you the depths of the world is visible just by looking in your eyes.” Yn felt her breath quickening and her head going numb as his words made way into her; making her feel far more intoxicated than any alcohol or drug could have ever done. “You can try to deny it, but what sane person would invite one of the most violent people with the most blood on his hands into her home?”

“I’m the farthest thing from sane,” yn breathed out as she placed a chaste kiss onto his lips before burying her face under his chin, “because I find myself wanting to do this more. I’m so glad I don’t look where I’m going when I’m on my bike.” Ran laughed as he connected their lips, but this time he deepened the kiss; her knees gave out and his tongue slipped in making her lungs just as weak.

“Princess, youre fucking gorgeous,” he broke away before holding her in his strong arms, “but I don’t want to just ‘get in your pants.’ I want-,”

“Good, because im not easy,” she cut him off as she tried to catch her breath.

Ran laughed as he dragged her back to the couch, leaving her to fetch each of them two big slices of cheese pizza. He sat beside her, kissing her temple, and devouring the free meal, “yknow, this taste ten times better than any food at the shitty night club.”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” she said as she harshly swallowed the dough, “ish bad mannirs..”

“You,” he leaned in and kissed the sauces covered corners of her mouth, “also taste better than any food at the club.”

“Well you’ll have to wait until you can taste all of me,” catching ran off guard - she flirted back, “after all, the fruit taste better when ripened.”

—

“Princess,” Ran attempted to shake her tired figure off him, “believe me, I want to stay. I really do, but I don’t want to cause a stir or heated argument between you and your brother.”

“We we’re just playing Mario kart and you said,” yn stared up at him with an unimpressed glare, “I’d fuck you on the counter of the pizza place just to embarrass that pizza boy,’ and now you’re scared to be caught by my brother?”

“Not scared,” he bit the tip of her nose gently before freeing himself of her limbs, “just cautious. Want my little girl not to have any complications; plus, I’d have to kill your brother if he made you cry.”

“Wait,” she pulled his sleeve, gaining his attention, “text me when you get back home.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead before making his way out her front door, “okay, little lamb.”

—

Within the span of 4 hours, draken arrived back home and yn managed to make the house rid of any clues of guest over; she even masked the smell of Ran’s cologne by bringing the box of pizza to the living room to spread the smell of grease and regrets. She rested easy on the couch, allowing some random movie to lull her into the comfortable cushions.

draken sobered up a bit after he came back and went to get a late night snack from the kitchen. spotting his sister on the couch, he chuckled softly as he gently rubbed her forehead, “thanks for bein a little angel, ya gremlin.”

it’s as if the gods above could sense draken’s obliviousness and caused yns to vibrate several times. Much to her brother’s curiosity, he checked the notifications and felt his blood boil.

—

tani senpai <3: hey, made it back home. hope you rest easy, princess. thnx. rin also says “thanks for allowing him to annoy you so I could catch a break

inui. : yn can we talk? I promise it’s not what you thought; idk what to say. Just remember, you’ll always be my favorite girl ..<3 lmk when you’re ready.

inui. : idk jus tseeing yuor brothr without you attached at the hip just made my stomak hurt, I wanna see you more.. maybe it’s because I’m drunk and finally thinking sobre, but yer awlays my fav

inui. : look, unsot having talked for like — a weakk? Has Ben eating me up, I really miss you. I’ll see you at the shop ? dream well, pretty girl.

takemitchy: BESTIE,, DONT FORGET YOU OWE ME A REMATCH BECAUSE YOU HAD YOUR BROTHER PUT ME IN A CHOKEHOLD SO YOU COULD CROSS THE FINISH LINE

takemitchy: wait, can you send me your brownie recipe ??? Hina loved them :,)

—

he didn’t know whether to be upset at the fact that there was some random “tani senpai” texting his sister and he didn’t know jack shit about them, or the fact one of his best friends was talking and drunk texting his sister. Nothing a beer and pizza can’t help.

After grabbing a full pizza box plus some beer and bringing it to his room, ken stared at his tv processing everything he just seen. Maybe this is just a dream? Maybe he’s so dizzy from the dancing and whiskey that he can’t seem to think straight? There’s just no way that his little sister would actually go for his friend; let alone, his friend returning the affection, right ? There’s absolutely no way that his sister would be letting random boys in the house. Nah, maybe he’s just scared of letting her go to university and growing up on him. This is all just a shitty nightmare.

“Whatever,” draken burped out as he took the cheap beer bottle to his lips, inhaling the last of the liquid, “heh, maybe it’s kisaki’s ghost hauntin my head with dumb thoughts.” He felt himself drifting to sleep, but stirred once he realized he almost forgot his nightly routine. Untucking the chain from his neck and pulling it towards his chapped lips, “g’night emma.”

Taglist: @richiyo @haitanigigi @chifuyusprincess @legravalice @l-ilysm @katariinasworld

[elizabeethan]

Watch the Sunlight Fade: 8 / 17

Emma Swan finds out that her boyfriend has been hiding something from her: he’s in a gang and trying to get out. Reluctantly, she decides to support him, sticking it out with him until they have enough money to flee to Florida. All she has to do is wait and ignore that feeling in her gut that something is seriously wrong. With the help of a kind and handsome stranger, she just might make it out alive.

Or, alternate summary: I’m horrible at summaries, please just read it.

Something of a cross between a What Still Remains AU and a Sons of Anarchy AU.

A/N: Things might be starting to come together this week! Let me know your predictions.

This chapter talks extremely briefly and ambiguously of Emma not exactly wanting to have sex with Neal. Also, there is a discussion of Killian’s semi-violent past. Nothing is detailed, but let me know if you need more information or anything!! 

Rated M

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~~~~

The days turn into weeks, although Emma can’t help but feel as though time is dragging her along mercilessly. Nothing has changed since she found out about Neal, how he’s the brother of the leader of The Lost Boys. Nothing, aside from her feelings of safety and security, of confidence in her relationship, being completely shattered. 

 Every night, she fights off the desperation to walk across the hall and join Killian in his bed, letting his strong arms consume her and blanket her with a sense of ease and contentment. Every night, she fights with herself as she crawls into bed with Neal, a man she thought she loved, and forces herself to put on an act of affection towards him. She forces herself to lie back and accept his convoluted attempts at showing her that he loves her, knowing that he couldn’t possibly. If he loved her, he would never have lied to her. If he loves her, he would let her go. 

 She also fights with herself through the anger she feels, directed inward rather than at anyone else. Sure, she’s mad at Neal for what he’s done, what he’s putting her through, but at the end of the day, she’s the fool to let herself be put in this position. It’s her fault. She should have seen through his lies from the moment she met him, but she was too desperate for love and family and acceptance. He knew that, too, and he exploited her weaknesses like she meant nothing to him. 

 It drives her mad to not know what he’s after. She’s hardly the most skilled person at finding people who don’t want to be found, so why he feels the need to target her specifically, she can’t say. It could be argued that, in some perplexing, psychotic way, he thinks he loves her, but she knows now that this isn’t love. It can’t be. 

 Lying at his side, wide awake through her inability to sleep, she can’t seem to shut her mind off. Each time she closes her eyes, she feels terror at the memories burned behind her lids. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees Neal on top of her, despite her resolve to squeeze her eyes shut each time he decides he wants to be with her. Usually, she’s able to go to another place, letting thoughts of the beach or her happy future serve as a distraction of her fear, but sometimes she can’t ignore the feeling of his rough fingertips burning her skin. 

Sometimes, when she’s in Neal’s arms and struggling to get past the feelings that come along with being with him, she thinks of Killian. Not necessarily in a way of longing for him-- not because she wishes she was with him instead, although she can only assume it would be more pleasurable-- but because of the comfort that he always brings her. Being with him is like being embraced by warmth and safety itself. It’s like the rest of the world turns off, and all that’s on her mind is the soothing way his arms wrap around her and the gentle rise and fall of his chest against her cheek. She doesn’t have to worry when she’s with him. She only has to think about how good it feels to be in his arms. 

 And she’s noticed his physique, too. It would be difficult not to. She noticed that first night, when he lifted his sweatshirt off and pulled his t-shirt up with it. She noticed the other day when he visited her in her cave of an office, leaning his shoulder against the door frame with his arms crossed, muscles bulging out of his sleeves and a tempting smirk coloring his lips as he teased her over the dinosaur of a computer she was working on. She notices the way he looks with almost everything he does, and she knows it's a dangerous game that she’s playing. 

 It’s not like she never found Neal attractive. But knowing what she knows now, she can’t help but to feel slightly nauseated every time she sees his face. She’s got to get out of this. 

 ~~~~

 “Since you did such a good job with the last one, I have another little task for you,” Peter says, his voice teasing and his smirk unsettling. 

 Emma works hard to maintain her composure as she sits straight up in her seat, one she was finally awarded after weeks of standing awkwardly before the group sat at the table. Today, when she walked into the daunting conference room, Peter invited her to sit beside him, beside Neal, and has been leaning towards her in a way that she knows is meant to appear polite, but holds a threatening undertone.

 “Okay,” she agrees, trying to make her voice sound confident and fighting off the fear that never seems to go away. 

 He turns from her to Neal and remarks, “she really has begun to come into her own, hasn’t she?” 

 “I guess,” he shrugs, and a part of her feels offended at his nonchalance. Despite her strong desire to be anywhere but here, she thinks she’s done a pretty nice job of trying to fit in. Ever since Gold spilled the beans a few weeks ago about Neal’s status in the club, she’s held it together fairly well on the outside, with the exception of her initial breakdown. 

 There’s only one person she truly feels comfortable breaking down in front of. Only one person who she really trusts. 

 She hasn’t told Neal that she's found out his true identity. She and Killian have talked about it at length, sometimes able to spend time alone together especially when Neal leaves, and they’ve agreed that it’s for the best to keep her discovery under wraps. Gold’s subtle drop that Neal is his son and brother to Peter was purposeful, and she can’t let him come out on top. She knows, she’s terrified, but she’ll maintain her composure. For whatever reason, Neal doesn’t want her to know, so she’ll keep playing dumb. 

 “Who do you want me to find?” she asks, wanting nothing more than to prevent Neal from saying anything else casually offensive. His small digs at her serve a purpose, she now knows; to bring her down as far and as quietly as he can. 

 “This one may be a bit more of a challenge; a member from a rival gang. While Graham was more of a nomad, this man has ties to the Kings of Elsinore and is better protected. I want you to find out everything you can on him.” 

 “Okay,” she nods assuredly. “Well, I'll take whatever you have on him and get to work, then.” 

 Before she can move from her seat, Peter’s hand is on her wrist, oppressively holding her still. “Not so fast. There’s someone I’d like you to officially meet. Call in Hook.” 

 A man Neal knows, Walsh, she thinks, stands from his chair and walks towards the door, summoning someone inside. She has to stop her jaw from hitting the floor when she sees who. 

 “You two seem to have met casually, but I’d like you to officially meet Killian Jones. He’s gotten himself into a touch of trouble and, as punishment, will be helping you with whatever you need until this man is located.” 

 She gulps, anxiety setting in again despite how hard she’s been trying to keep it at bay. She promised herself she would be strong, refusing to let them get to her, to let them see her squirm. She will keep her promise to herself. “Okay,” she murmurs, forcing herself to peel her gaze from Killian’s. She can’t help but wonder what he’s done to get into trouble with Peter. She selfishly hopes they weren’t caught without her knowledge. 

 ~~~~

 “What happened?” she begs desperately once the door to her small office is shut, Killian ushering her into the room before practically slamming it. “What are you in trouble for? Killian, please tell me they don’t--” 

 “Nothing like that,” he hisses, stepping towards her. With a soft, gentle voice only just above a whisper, he says, “love, you have to stay calm. You did phenomenally pretending we don’t know each other well, but we have to keep up the ruse.” 

 “Sorry,” she whispers. “I know, I just… what happened?”

 “Nothing, love, I promise. I only refused to go on a trip with them last week and Peter feared I wasn’t dedicated to the club’s cause.” 

 “You did?” she asks in surprise. When Neal told her that he wasn’t dedicated, she forced herself to believe him. When Killian says it, she doesn't even consider doubting him. 

 “Aye. Told them I had pressing matters to attend to.” 

 She cocks her head suspiciously and asks, “what were the pressing matters?” 

 “The Mummy Returns was on TV, remember? We watched it together.” 

 She can’t help the smile that breaks across her face, a snort escaping her throat despite her best efforts as she shakes her head and feels a blush creeping up her neck and pinkening her cheeks. “You’re dumb,” she says, and she feels like a child in a playground with a school crush. 

 “Well,” he shrugs, giving her a beaming smile. “Here, love. I’ve got the information we have so far. Time to start digging.” 

 A part of her almost wants to take her time, content to sit in the small office with Killian sitting beside her for quite some time. No one would suspect a thing, what with Peter already telling her that this guy would be harder to find; it’s the perfect excuse to soak in all of the comfort and happiness that Killian brings her despite her circumstances. But she knows they have to keep up appearances so as to avoid being caught in their elicit friendship, so she’ll work at a normal pace and hope no one notices that her smile is genuine rather than the forced one she gives Neal. 

 James Spencer is certainly a hard man to find. If she didn’t already know that he was linked to the Kings of Elsinore, she would be lost, as the man seems entirely enigmatic in nature. He seems like a ghost, her research pointing her absolutely nowhere, but Peter insists that he’s got ties to this rival club, despite her finding no evidence to support his claim. 

 She groans after a few hours, dropping her head to the desk as Killian continues to bounce a tennis ball off the wall in his boredom. It certainly is a punishment for him; the fact that he has to sit here and watch her find nothing is likely eating him alive. “It’s only been a few hours, love, you’ll find something soon,” he tries to console. Her frustration wins out, though. 

 “This is stupid.”

 “Aye.”

 “Are all of these stupid gangs this hard to navigate around?” 

 “Aye, I'd assume so. Although, I've never been a bounty hunter.” 

 She rolls her eyes, picking her head up and glaring. “I wasn’t a bounty hunter. I was a bail bondsperson.” 

 “That’s different?” 

 She holds her hands out, requesting the ball from him and catching it when he tosses it, only to throw it back at him with too much aggression. He yelps and laughs at her too loudly, and she can’t help but smile in response. She settles back into her chair after the short reprieve and sighs. 

 “How can I find someone who doesn’t want to be found if I know absolutely nothing about the environment he lives in?” 

 He hums in agreement, nodding and remarking, “you need an inside man.” 

 “No, I just need to know how a fucking motorcycle gang works,” she grumbles. It’s been a confusing few weeks, and she realizes that, while she’s gotten a few small bits of information, she still has no idea what the club’s actual purpose is. “Like… why even bother having one?” 

 He gives her a soft smile, standing from his chair and dragging it closer to her. “Are you sure that’s what this is about?” 

 “What?” she asks indignantly, giving him a look that she seriously hopes conveys how annoyed she is. 

 “Your little tantrum, love,” he teases. “Is it really about not knowing enough about how gangs work? Or is it, perhaps, more about your need to know everything about a situation in order to convince yourself that you’re safe?” 

 With another glare shot his way, she drops her jaw in surprise and shakes her head. “What the hell do you know?” 

 He smirks. “I know a lot more than you think. You’re a bit of an open book, love. And I’ve known you long enough now.” 

 “To what, psychoanalyze me?” 

 “I may have considered studying psychology, had I gone to university,” he laughs. “I know you’re scared, and I'm beginning to realize that not knowing what’s going to happen, or what’s happening without you knowing, is probably feeding that fear.”

 With another heaving sigh, she drops her head back down, resting it on her arms and nodding. “You’re right,” she concedes, although part of her wishes he wasn’t. It’s true, though, being so in the dark about everything is making her feel weak. 

 His hand lands on her shoulder, staying there for a moment before he gently and slowly scratches his fingertips against her skin and pulls away. “I can tell you what I know, if that’ll help.” 

 She perks up, lifting her head and recalling a conversation from weeks ago in which he told her that his brother was an influential member of the club. “Yes,” she says, and why she didn’t think to ask earlier, she doesn’t know. 

 He gives her a nod and another one of his encouraging smiles, the one that always makes her heart skip a beat, and clears his throat. “What I know is that Neal is older, but Peter is in charge. From what I gather, and I was never privy to much, Neal went off on his own for a while and Peter took over everything. Gold’s always seemed a bit more… hesitant around Peter, but I almost suspect that he favors Neal. Either way, Peter was running things behind the scenes for quite some time before Neal left. When he came back, it was with you on his arm and with Peter happily leading, refusing to give up his spot. No one argued with him.”

 She nods, but it doesn’t tell her much. She’s always known that Neal is more of a follower, happy to do whatever he can to impress his friends. The fact that he willingly gave up what seems to be his birthright doesn’t really surprise her. 

 “So what are they doing when they go away on their trips?”

 “Usually seeking out merchandise. They deal in stolen goods, mostly watches and the like. Typically, a trip is a heist of some kind. A jewelry store, antique shop… sometimes even banks with safe deposit boxes.” 

 Emma looks down to her own wrist, Killian’s gaze following closely behind, and notes the watch she wears. The one that Neal gave her after one of his trips. She shudders and moves to take it off. 

 His hand stops her, looking into her eyes deeply and shaking his head. “Keep it,” he murmurs. “We can’t let them know that you know any of this.”

 “Why?” she asks in a whisper. “Why is it so bad if I know?”

 “I don’t know,” he shakes his head again. “But if Neal hasn’t told you, there’s a reason for it.”

 She nods in understanding, letting her heart rate slow as his hand remains on her wrist, moving down to the top of her hand. She wants to wrap her fingers around his, but she knows she shouldn’t. “Can I ask something about you?”

 “Of course.”

 “Why do they call you Hook?”

 His eyes drop from hers, glancing down at their joined hands, and she watches his brows knit together tightly. She feels his grip on her hand tighten, and despite both of them knowing it’s a bad idea, his fingers weave with hers and he squeezes her hand. She squeezes back. 

 “There are things about my past that… that when I think about telling you, I become…” he sighs, unable to finish his thought. 

 “Killian,” she whispers, “I already know you’re in a gang. Can it really be that bad?”

 “Aye,” he answers immediately, his eyes meeting her own in a desperate attempt to convey to her something she can’t quite read. “I’m not… a good man.”

 “Of course you are.”

 “No. Maybe I’ve never thrown knives at a woman I’m supposed to love, but I’ve certainly… I mean…”

 “Killian.” Her grip on his hand, the one she should release, tightens. “Whatever happened… you’re not that person. You’re good. I know bad people and I pegged you as good the second I saw you.”

 It’s as if he can’t meet her gaze, too ashamed of whatever it is that he’s done. Too fearful of what will happen if she finds out. He witnessed her finding out that Neal has been lying to her, and she wonders if he fears a similar response now. 

 “I don’t-- it’s silly,” he laughs. “I just… I don’t want to disappoint you.” 

 “You can’t,” she whispers. After everything he’s done for her, everything he plans to do for her, he could never disappoint her. 

 He sighs, squeezing her hand once more before turning it over in his and drawing a line across her palm. “I was a-- an angry lad growing up. My father abandoned us, my mother died. I found myself seeking release. Ways to get my anger out. I was never taught anything productive.” 

 She stays quiet, letting him open up to her on his own terms and distract himself by tracing the lines in her palms. “I came here at fifteen. Gold recruited me for… well, to put my anger to good use, in his eyes. He used me-- he’s always been good at picking out someone’s weakness and exploiting it. Whenever he needed information out of someone, he would bring me along and I would…” he sighs again, taking a deep and grounding breath. “I had a favorite weapon,” he mumbles. 

 With a nod, she tries to stay calm, tries not to let fear overtake her. She was fearful of Neal when he held the knives and smirked at her, and of Peter when he pressed the tip of the blade to his finger and smiled. But when she presses her hand to Killian’s cheek and makes him look up at her, she feels no fear. She sees only truth and regret and a longing to be a different person. 

 “It was a hook?” she asks for clarification, but she can see the answer in his eyes. 

 “From Gold’s boat,” he croaks. “That’s usually where we would take… the people we were interrogating. But, Emma, it’s been years. Liam found out and put an end to it. I think that’s--”

 “What?” she asks gently as he cuts himself off, shaking his head painfully. 

 “I think that’s when things started going poorly for him.”

 He’s done so much for her. He’s soothed every ounce of pain she’s felt since she got here, since Neal sliced her cheek and he touched it tenderly. He held her together as she cried harder than she ever had before. He’s vowed to see her out of this danger despite the predicament it puts him in. And still, she feels powerless to help him. He’s sitting before her, broken and in anguish, and she can’t heal him like he has her. 

 All she can do is take his cheeks in her hands and promise him, “that was not your fault.”

 “Emma,” he breathes, his eyes pleading with her, for what, she isn’t sure. “He… he kept insisting I stay out of it. He kept holding me back, refusing to let me go, putting up a fight… I think they got tired of it, eventually. Of someone constantly questioning them and going against their word. He’d still be here if I hadn’t--”

 “No. You had no hand in what happened to Liam. And when this is all over, you’re gonna be able to leave too.”

 It’s bold of her to assume that it’s something he wants. He’s told her plenty of times that he wants to help her escape, but he’s never mentioned a desire to leave himself. It’s bold of her to assume that that’s in his best interest. But when she looks at the sadness and regret in his eyes, a part of her knows that it must be. 

 “I’m sorry,” he murmurs after a moment of silence, and she lets him cast his gaze downwards again. “I should have--” 

 “It’s okay, Killian. The things you’ve done in the past don’t reflect who you are now.”

 “Of course they do,” he nearly spits, clearly angry with himself as he pulls away and throws his head back. “I was a monster then. How can you not think of me as a monster now? I’m no better than Neal or Peter.” 

 “Don’t say that. Peter would probably do something like that now if he wanted to. Would you?” She lets her voice rise just the slightest amount, feeling more intensity than before and finding it necessary to convey to him that she doesn’t see him as a monster. 

 “Of course not.” 

 “And Neal… don’t even get me started. He nearly pulled his gun on me last week because I asked him where he was going. Would you do that?” 

 “Emma,” he says softly, finally looking at her once more, and she knows what he’s thinking. She knows he wants her out of his apartment; out of his life. 

 “You’re not a bad person,” she whispers, leaning closer to him just as he sits forward again, and they’re so close that she can feel his breath warming her nose. “I know bad people. You don’t qualify.” 

 He nods, his eyes deep and soulful as they bore into hers, and says, “I want to be a good person for you.” 

 No one has ever spoken to her like this. No one has ever expressed such a definitive desire to be worthy of her. No one has ever been so close to her and not made her instinctively want to pull away. And when she sees his eyes fluttering shut, his lashes touching his cheeks and casting long shadows in the dingy light, she wants to lean closer.

 She almost does, too, is tempted to close her eyes like he has and touch her lips to his, but there's a swift knock on the door and they spring apart so quickly that she kicks his shin, causing him to bend and silently groan. She cringes in apology as she jiggles the mouse to her computer, begging it to wake up before the knocker enters the room. 

 “Any luck?” Gold asks as he pokes his head in. 

 “None so far,” Killian answers easily, his persona shifting effortlessly and maintaining their cover. “Swan’s searching high and low, but we don’t know much about Spencer’s tactics yet.” 

 “And Hook’s been a help to you, Miss Swan?”

 “Yes,” she smiles, fighting the urge to lunge out of her chair and wring his neck for the name he’s given Killian and his insistence to still use it despite his obvious discomfort. 

 “It’s clear already that you have the club’s future in mind; I'm sure you’ll find something soon enough.” 

 She nods, staring as he walks away and cocking her head in confusion. “So weird,” she says softly once he’s gone, trying to remain quiet as he’d left the door ajar. 

 “What?”

 “That’s the second time he’s mentioned the club’s future, specifically. What does me finding this James Spencer have to do with the future of the club?”

 His response is a shake of his head, a slight roll to his eyes before he stills suddenly. His eyes widen as he looks down, then his brows knit together in thought, and she can clearly see the cogs turning in his mind. It’s like she’s watching him have an epiphany in real time. He looks up at her once, urgently, then he snaps out of it as if he’s remembering where he is, his demeanor shifting entirely as he smiles. “I’m not sure. The old man never makes any sense.” 

 “Killian…?” 

 “I’m sure it’s nothing, love. We’ll just keep working on finding Spencer, alright? There’s no need to worry.” 

 For a brief second, she feels distrustful of him. It’s reminiscent of when Neal tells her not to worry about things that she couldn’t possibly understand. It’s like he knows something, but he doesn’t think she's capable of handling the truth of whatever it is. For a brief, fleeting second, she doubts him. 

 But she can’t let herself think like that. Neal lies to her to protect himself. Killian has been nothing but honest with her, wanting nothing but her safety. Truthfully, if whatever he’s discovered is bad enough that he doesn’t want to tell her about it, she isn’t sure she wants to know. 

~~~~

~~~~

Tagging:  @courtorderedcake​​​​ @kmomof4​​​​ @stahlop​​​​ @klynn-stormz​​​​ @laschatzi​​​​ @emelizabeth88​​​​ @lfh1226-linda​​​​ @kday426​​​​ @elisethewritingbeast @timeless-love-story​​​​ @captain-emmajones​​​​ @gingerpolyglot​​​​​ @ebcaver​​​​ @ilovemesomekillianjones��​​​ @teamhook​​​​​ @superchocovian​​​​​ @itsfabianadocarmo​​​​​ @tiganasummertree​​​​​ @gingerchangeling​​​​​ @jrob64​​​​​ @onceratheart18​​​​​ @xhookswenchx​​​​​ @winterbaby89​​​​​ @swampmedusa​​​​​ @ultraluckycatnd​​​​​ @dancingnancyy​​​​​ @love-with-you-i-have-everything​​​​​ @shireness-says​​​​​ @snowbellewells​​​​​ @hollyethecurious​​​​​ @ouatpost​​​​​ @daxx04​​​​​ @the-darkdragonfly​​​​​ @donteattheappleshook​​​​​ @therooksshiningknight @eeteeaytay​​​​​ @xsajx​​​​​ @itsfridaysomewhere​​​​​ @alexa-fangirl-forever​​​​​ @jonesfandomfanatic​​​​​ @wefoundloveunderthelight​​​​​ @qualitycoffeethings​​​​​ @rapunzelsghosts​​​​​ @spaceconveyor @badcats-andmice​​​​​ @batana54​​​​ @sailtoafarawayland​​ @deckerstarblanche​​ @zaharadessert​​ @xarandomdreamx @hookedmom @pirateprincessofpizza

[bffhreprise]

Entry 345

 Water was running.  This sound was water.  I had never imagined water to have a sound, especially not one like what Mila played, but Jarod had assured me this really was water.  Without reading his lips, I wouldn’t have recognized the words immediately, but I would eventually… soon.  I couldn’t let Maxine feel she had beaten me.

 A new voice entered my ears, startling my eyes open.  “James, is that you?” I questioned, seeing words above displayed by Mila after I caught sight of him walking toward us.

 James’ voice had a soothing quality to it, much better than running water.  He had asked “How are things going?”

 “We’re acclimating her to hearing.  She’s getting all these sounds for the first time.” explained Maxine, watching James as easily as me.  She had developed the technology to see years ago, leaving me no time to catch up with the new tech.

 “Well, not the first, really.  Portentia could hear through the fey's visions, but she never had time to figure them all out.  She's still lip reading at this point to understand what we're saying.” corrected Jarod, though his eyes were still on me as I read what he had said.  He didn’t want me worrying about what people said around me yet, insisting I start with other sounds when we had started this.

 James’ lips turned down slightly as he said, “Ah.  Sorry.  Perhaps the concert was a bit too optimistic.”  Having him frown even a little spurred my determination even further.

 “No.  I can do this.” I assured him, knowing he wouldn’t mind me taking time while wishing I had already mastered this task.

 “Just don't overdo it.  There's no real rush.” he insisted as he studied my face.  “I merely thought this could be nice for you and wanted to give you the option.”

 Shaking my head slightly, I explained “James, I'm doing this.  Maxine can do it, so I can as well.”  There was no way I was ever going to let Maxine outdo me.  Villains must lose.

 “I'd love to see you design your own equipment.” stated Maxine, the sounds barely reaching my ears as I read what she had said.  Whispering.  The first whisper of my life came from my prisoner.

 “Let's see you beat me in a fight.” I taunted, knowing she didn’t have a chance.

 Her head snapped up to look at me in a satisfying way before she asked “Did you understand what I said!?”  The sound of her voice had changed as she spoke, growing louder and… sharper.

 For a moment, I was tempted to lie, just to remind her I had skills too, but lying to a captured enemy was beneath me.  “Look behind James.  Mila’s still helping me.” I told her, happy that she still didn’t see everything.

 “I didn't think we'd be able to fine-tune the input to her brain as quickly as we did, but Alma came down and helped us.” commented Jarod, his voice smooth and steady.  “Portentia was able to compare what she was hearing to what Alma projected into her head, and we adjusted accordingly.  She's really calmer now, isn't she?”

 “Oddly calm.  She didn't threaten me once.” agreed Maxine, her voice steady once more.  As much as I didn’t like hearing her, the difference of sound between her and the guys was notable.

 “She knows you're working with us now.” I stated, trying to pretend I didn’t mind Maxine being here.

 “Hooray for letting tyranny reign while you stop petty theft and gang wars.” she told me in a way where the sounds seemed steady, with less variation than normal.

 “You'll eventually see that we're doing far more than you currently think.  I promise you.” replied James before I even opened my mouth.

 The sound of water stopped, just as I had gotten used to it, and was replaced by something somewhat similar in a way.  “What's that?” I asked.

 “I’ll show you.” replied Mila, changing the mirror I watched into an image of a tree with wind blowing through its branches.

 After briefly viewing what I was, James turned to me, signing as he said, “Good luck.  Let me know if there's anything I can do for you.”

 I smiled and nodded, feeling somewhat envious of his abilities again as he easily jumped from the floor clear up to the lift in one enormous leap.  With strength like his, I could do even more good in the city.

,,,^._.^,,,

 After jogging into the garage, I stared down the lift to see my daddy reaching the bottom.  Before I could react, he was at the top.  “Daddy!” I exclaimed as I stepped away from the open lift.  “Mila told me you were down there.  Are you busy?”

 Shaking his head and smiling at me, he said, “Never too busy for you.  What's on your mind?”

 “Mila's taking me to the Intergalactic House of Awesome Sauce soon, and I wanted to know if you would ride along.” I explained, watching him hopefully.

 “Sure.  Let's go.” he told me, his smile broadening.

 “Mom’s busy.  She's on a con-... um… group call, so I just told her I was heading out.  I didn't know she worked.” I explained as I followed him out of the garage.

 He laughed and said, “Before our honeymoon, all she did was work.  She's missed it, though her perspective on it has changed a bit.  She'll gladly come along too if you ask.”

 “Nah.  That's okay.” I assured him, not wanting to tear Mom away from something she enjoyed.  Realizing the limo wasn’t waiting for us, I stared at the silver vehicle before us before asking “What's this?”

 “A remake of my first car.  You'll find a few more features than in the limousine, though there aren't refreshments.” he told me as he stepped through the open door.

 I nodded, walked around, and hopped inside, taking a better look at the interior.  “Sure is tiny in here.”

 “You've seen smaller vehicles.” he reminded me.

 “Yeah, but they flew.” I told him, wondering again how the people of this planet got anything done.

 He focused on me for a moment, casting a complicated spell that made my features look human.  Then he said, “I know, but you can visit your friends as often as you like.  Life isn't so bad here, is it?”

 Fighting a sudden impulse to blurt out everything on my mind, I took the time to sort my thoughts and think over his question.  Outside of home, the technology was practically stoneaged, but inside of the house was perfectly livable.  Mila made all of the difference, far surpassing even what I had seen on the most advanced planets I had visited with my parents.  Doing my best to put my thoughts into English, I said, “I like it here.  Everyone’s friendly, and my band is going to be amazing!  I'm not… umm…”  Frustratingly, I couldn’t think of the right words.  They were there, just waiting for me to remember, but...

 “Cheat.” ordered Daddy, smiling at me.  “Mom's not around to know.”

 I was certain that she’d know, but she wouldn’t say anything.  Grinning in relief, I said, “Accustomed to this world!  The technology is quaint!  I'm amazed Marco makes such incredible food using that weird kitchen.  How does he know when to remove the implements from the heat?  What are those things he sprinkles?  How does Emma change the size of the uncooked stuff with a touch!?”  Everything came out in a rush, but I knew I was slow compared with him.

 “Emma can control vegetation, even if it's been dead for years.  She was born with the ability, so I can't teach you to do it as she does.  As for the cooking, Marco was a traveler of this world for years and learned various ways to cook wherever he went.  You should try it.  Cooking here isn't as expedient as some other planets, but many find the process enjoyable.” he suggested encouragingly.

 Switching topics a little, I asked something that concerned me.  “Do you think everyone likes me?  I mean really likes me?”  I stared into his eyes, hoping to catch him slip for once, but his steady gaze held no answers.  “I know they feel happy when we're playing around, but… what if they're just happy about something else and I'm misinterpreting something?”

 “Dani, you're adored.” he assured me, smiling softly.

 “Not like you.” I argued, knowing I couldn’t really compete with Daddy for being loved.  “Even people you've bullied like you.”

 He frowned at me as he said, “I try not to bully anyone.”

 “I know.  You help people, but even my friends know your reputation.  Businesses have collapsed when they've caused you to frown.” I reminded him as memories of the countless stories came to mind.

 “I don't know that things have been that extreme recently.” he claimed.  “I simply cannot make everyone happy.”

 “What's ‘recent’ when you're a time traveler?” I argued, smirking at him.

 He rolled his eyes.  “Fair point, but you know what I mean.  Are you happy?”

 Smiling, I nodded and said, “Of course!  I'm with you and Mom.”

 He reached over and hugged me, since Mila was doing the actual driving.  “I don't want you to feel you're missing out.  We can always go traveling for a bit when you need to escape.” he insisted, his incredibly strong arms imprisoning me in their warmth.

 “Daddy, I'm fine!” I assured him, not wanting him to get the wrong idea just because I enjoyed hugs.  “Mila's perfectly capable of helping me study and reminding me of what's out there.  Don't worry.”  In fact, Mila was still teaching me about new worlds regularly.

 His expression grew serious as he said, “And you better still be fine when you're done visiting your friends.  If I find it that you've caused unnecessary trouble, I'll… umm…”  He hesitated, as if trying to come up with an appropriate punishment.

 “Be grateful I'm fine and hug me till you're certain!” I exclaimed, knowing he was teasing.  If something serious were to happen, he’d be there to help no matter what was foolish enough to step in his path.

 “Probably.” he agreed immediately, though I knew he agreed completely.

 The drive took a crazy amount of time, since we were confined to “roads”.  We did arrive eventually, after a great deal of chatting about places we had seen and where my friends might want to go with me this time.

 “No.  No, you don’t!” I exclaimed as Daddy’s door opened.

 He looked at me, seeming confused.

 “You know why!  My friends get distracted for hours every time they see you, wanting to talk about nothing else!” I insisted emphatically, knowing I was understating things.

 His hand was out, touching something I couldn’t see, probably the spell on me, but he nodded, giving my shoulder one last squeeze.  Soon, I’d be out flying ships, watching shows, or shopping for countless clothes I’d never get to wear on Earth.  Spending enough money that Daddy would care would require buying populated planets, so the doors to the universe were wide open.

[project-nm7l]

Expedition Log A127

Date: 03/15/2427 Commander: Penn Draugon Fleet: Aritite 6 Expedition Log A127

It was surprisingly quiet last night. Not a single attack on the shuttle. The quiet makes me nervous. It makes me wonder what this night has in store for us.

I decided to keep all of the interactions between Moke and me out of the expedition log. It was unprofessional. I'll keep this information in my private journal. (www.projectnm71.com)

Jyauacta was given another dose of Altrodroiddrine, and is back in the cryogenic cell for the next three days. Once she reaches a full recovery, we'll thaw her, and give her some time decompressing with her family.

Dr. Williams needs to discuss something with me this evening. It's regarding the leech found in Jyauacta's brain. I'll be headed into the infirmary after this entry.

I sent a message to Earth today. I need an update on the other shuttles and some answers. We haven't received a reply, but that's fairly normal for long transmission. If I don't hear back from Earth, we'll do a manual ping to the other shuttles for a status update.

Akeno has finished the final layout for the community center, it's different from what we had discussed previously, but creates a more compact and safe community. She's brilliant. We'll review the plans with Liam when he and Inessa wake for the evening. This will be their last evening shift for the week. Moke and I will handle the night shift for the next bit to give them some time off.

Yenera has been teaching Tsula more about the language and history of NM71. Ketak has been helping reinforce the shuttle, but mostly has been hanging around the infirmary with Dr. Williams. I'm sure that he's wanting to be around his wife, but I'm also thankful that Dr. Williams seems to enjoy having Ketak around. I couldn't say now that they are friends, but it seems to be headed in that direction.

Durri has not really left the room. I gave him one of my older tablets with games. Needless to say, he's behaving like all other teenage boys. He could definitely use a shower.

Owncalla has not left Jane's side. They have been going through the zoology books we were able to grab from the library. Owncalla has been teaching Jane all she knows.

Moke has been singing in the kitchen all day. He's making Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice for dinner. The entire shuttle smells heavenly.

Paulo and Harkim seem to be getting a lot closer since our adventure to the city. It feels like the crew is finally settling into some peaceful living. It'll be better once we can move into a community together with the next shuttle. More people to share the general tasks with, more people to interact with. Although, right now this is welcomed peace.

Ramesh's wife is on the next shuttle. I know he misses her. I can tell by the way he always grabs the two-seat table in the corner. I've caught him talking to himself a few times, but I'm pretty sure he's just missing talking to his wife. We planned to bring Emma with us on this shuttle but wanted to spend time with her grandmother before she passed away. Her grandmother passed away just two months after our departure.

I'm still confused about Jyauacta. Why she carried on our relationship without telling me about Ketak and Durri. I do realize that she could have been giving me what I needed to stay strong while Moke was healing. She does read minds and emotions. Maybe she did it to help me through everything. She was the one who opened my eyes to the deep intense love I have for Moke and opened that door for us. I don't know much about the relationship standards here on NM71. I just need to be patient until I can speak with her again.

Moke's love, heart, and soul are more than I could have ever asked for. It scares me to be here with him, with the world like this. Of course, there is no one else I'd want to have my back, but what if something happens to him now that we have discovered this connection? What if something happens to me? How will we cope with that?

We might just need to develop some gear that protects us better when we are out there. I'll talk to Paulo, Liam, and Moke about it in the morning. I need to go talk with Dr. Williams.

[allyourdarlingswans]

i'll be seeing you (OUAT 6x11 AU)

When Emma meets an alternative version of Killian Jones, she realizes she has to make her own fate.  For him as much as for her. 6x11 AU, with a different Old Hook.

 ***

 Emma had to admit - though this realm had been created by a wish, every unreal person had been reliably consistent with their counterpart back home. Pinocchio may have had good intentions but he was pretty damn good at getting lost.  They wasted half the day trying to find the Enchanted Grove before he sheepishly explained he didn’t quite remember where it was.

 “I didn’t want to disappoint you,” he explained on their way back to her parents��� castle.

  “I understand,” she gritted out - she decidedly did not – “but really, next time let’s just get the map first.”

 “I have to warn you, that old mapmaker does not like to be disturbed.”

 As though that was the problem.

 “Well too bad,” Emma muttered as they snuck into the castle.  

 It was odd having two sets of memories, to be familiar with the unfamiliar, to know all the hidden passageways with uncertain certainty.  It was even odder to know that she knew the castle this well not because she had been innately curious as a child but because she had been lonely.  It didn’t seem right that she should have been lonely in both realms when in one, she had in fact been abandoned and in the other, she had been loved and doted upon but without any true peers.

 Emma shook her head.  There was no reason to dwell on a parallel realm of loneliness.  She wasn’t lonely anymore.  She had her parents, her brother, her son and her pirate now.  She needed to get back to them.

 “You know, I don’t think I’ve even been in the map room,” she said as she pushed against the plain wooden door.  She knew the whole layout of the castle, had memorized a blueprint as a child, but she couldn’t recall what the interior of the room looked like or if she even seen the formidable mapmaker.

 As such, she was unprepared for the sight that greeted her - shelves upon shelves of neatly rolled up maps, lining each wall, stretching up and up to cathedral high ceilings.  

 “Shit.”

 “I guess we better get start,” Pinocchio said almost cheerily, as though it wouldn’t take several years to unroll and consult each map.

 “No, no,” Emma said, holding her hand out to prevent her friend from taking on another wasteful endeavor.  Emma shook her head - when had she held the line of reason instead of plunging head first?  But she could almost hear Killian in her head.  They needed a plan.  And then Henry following up with an operation name.  Operation Get Home?  Operation Enchanted Wood?  She really needed her son for that.  But maybe she could think more methodically like Killian.  He had a system for everything.  Maybe the mapmaker did too.

 That was it!  She sent a silent ‘thank you’ to Killian for having a damn color coding system even for breakfast foods. Orange for citrus fruits to prevent scurvy.  Brown for grains.  She scanned the shelves, trying to figure out where to start.  She pulled a couple of maps in order and tried to match them up.  Everything looked neat and orderly but she couldn’t make the puzzle pieces fit.  Maybe only the mapmaker knew... “Where’s this mapmaker friend of yours?” She asked looking around, wondering if perhaps he had been hiding in the dust of this cavernous room the whole time.

 “Oh, he’s not a friend of mine.  I’m not sure he has any friends,” Pinocchio defended.

 “Right, well that’s not what matters.  Where else would he be if he’s not here?  We have to find him.”

  ***

 The tavern.  Of course, Emma thought, as she followed a wary Pinocchio, a man brought up by a father’s careful guidance, less susceptible to temptation, less tempted by adventure. If you could call the quaint and well-kept tavern by the water adventurous.  By the eager looks Pinocchio was giving her, she supposed he might.

 She couldn’t help but wonder where Killian was in this realm as they made their way into the rather quiet and genteel space.  Her pirate wouldn’t be caught anywhere near a place like this. She made a face as she thought of him pillaging and plundering his way through taverns and ports more like the ones where they found the past version of him, even if he was unreal in this realm, even though he did not belong to her here.  She tried to turn her thoughts. Maybe he had aged like her parents. Hair grey and longer.  Perhaps the rum had long term consequences on him. She tried to imagine it but Killian was so fastidious about his looks, she couldn’t even bring up a caricature in her mind’s eye.

 Occupied by thoughts of her pirate, she didn’t even realize they had found their mapmaker until she ran into Pinocchio nose first.  “The irony,” she muttered as she rubbed her nose.

 Pinocchio reached back to touch her face.  

 “I’m fine,” she waved him off in reply to his over-concerned look.  Princess Emma never realized her friend was besotted with her but this Emma could tell. Pinocchio was a better person in this realm but he was no Killian Jones.

 They turned back to the man hunched in a dark corner, slid so far back in the shadows she could only see the fringe of his salt and pepper hair dipped over his tankard of ale.

 “We need your help, mapmaker,” Pinocchio said with as much authority as she had ever seen him exhibit in this realm.

 The man barely moved.  “I’m off duty,” he said into his drink, voice rough and gravely.

 “You are never off duty when it comes to the princess,” Pinocchio protested.

 “I’m sorry Princess Edna has lost her tea set but perhaps mummy can buy her a new one, eh?” he replied mockingly.

 “It’s Princess Emma!” Pinocchio cried, clearly offended on her behalf.  

 Emma was actually quite amused and had to bite back a laugh.

 “My deepest apologies, your highness,” the mapmaker threw her way. He barely looked up at her - it was still dark and hard to see but it was enough.  She saw the blue of his eyes.  It was unmistakably Killian.

 Emma’s smile dropped and her heart clenched.  She knew he wasn’t real, and in the wish realm, it was unlikely for them to have crossed paths but it still hurt to see his eyes pass by her without any recognition.  She reflexively gripped at the place where her necklace usually hung, the one with Liam’s ring, but it wasn’t there.

 “Please, this is important.”  I need to get back to the right you.

 “Everything’s bloody important to you lot, ain’t it?  I’d wager choosing the right cape this morning had been important to you,” he huffed before turning away from them, towards the wall.

 “How dare you speak to the princess that way!”  Pinocchio reached across the table and pulled roughly on Killian’s arm before she could stop him.  A notebook under his elbow slid off the table with the movement of his arm and the previously enclosed papers scattered all over the floor.  Killian cursed and immediately struggled out of his chair.  It was clear one of his legs was giving him problems as he stiffly dragged it to the side. He finally managed to push back the chair and drop hard to his knees as he gathered the papers.  Emma was arrested by the frantic and pained look on Killian’s face and it took her a moment to stoop down to help him.  When she did, she understood his expression. There were dozens upon dozens of beautiful sketches of Milah, done up in charcoal, painfully detailed, drawn with care and devotion and knowing him, carried with him at all times.

 In this realm, he never recovered from losing his first love.  In this realm, he lived another three decades without love, without hope, and finally without the will and ability to seek the revenge that had driven him for centuries before.

 She wanted to gather him in her arms, hold him close to her and let him weep.  But here, in this realm, they were strangers.  He didn’t even know her name.

 Still, she reached out and laid her hand on top of his.  He paused and looked up at her. She smiled at him, wondering if he felt it too.  Even in this realm it seemed, there was magic between them, she could feel it in their touch, in the warmth that spread from him to her and back again.  

 But he dropped his eyes, pulled back his hand and resumed his task.

 “I’m sorry for this,” she said as she handed the last remaining drawings to him.

 He barely gave her a nod of acknowledgment as he straightened them with care and reverently placed them back in his notebook.

 She watched him silently, not wanting to interrupt a task far more important to him than helping an unknown princess.  But as always, she needed him as much as he needed her.  So when his drawings were finally secured and he struggled to stand, she offered him a hand.  He glared at her hand for a moment before accepting it.

 “Please,” she said, her eyes meeting his. “I do really need your help.  Will you at least hear me out?”

 Emma could never be sure if it was because in all worlds thus far, Killian Jones was a gentleman or because he had never truly been able to resist her, but she was not surprised by his answer.

 “As you wish.”

  ***

  Killian of course had a system.  It took him all but a minute to locate the map. Emma was disappointed. As desperate as she was to be in her Killian’s arms, she didn’t want to leave this one all alone with his maps and dust and drawings of lost love.  Though he wasn’t real, he was real to her.  

 “I...uh, thank you.”

 Killian nodded his head and wearily leaned back against a shelf.  His right leg, the one that gave him trouble earlier, was bent at an uncomfortable angle.

 “What happened to your leg?” she found herself asking.

 “I thought you had another realm to reach?” he asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.

 Behind her, Pinocchio huffed loudly.

 “Methinks your beau is upset with the likes of me.”

 “Pinocchio is not my beau” she dismissed.  She winced when Pinocchio marched out of the room.  He did try to be a good friend, even if he was not so good at it.

 Killian hummed in response, a familiar smirk flirting in the corner of his mouth.  

 It took no small effort on her part not to lean forward and kiss him there, not to respond to him as she normally would, when he was hers and she was his.  

 He seemed to notice her distraction but instead of throwing innuendos her way, he frowned at her. “Truly, shouldn’t you be on your way?”

 “Really?” she demanded, hands on her hips.  When had he ever turned her down?

 He didn’t meet her challenge, only deepening his frown.  She didn’t think he would respond at all but after a pause, he actually scolded her.  “I’m old enough to be your father.”

 “You’ve always been old enough to be like my great great great grandfather,” she protested.  “Okay, I usually try not to think of that,” she half-heartedly tried to amend.

 “So you do know who I am,” he accused.  “Why even ask about me?”

 “I...I uh know you’re Captain Hook, yes.  But I don’t know what happened to you,” she replied, gesturing at his leg.

 “You mean how I went from scourge of the seven seas to a useless double cripple?”

 Emma’s annoyance deflated.  This was the Killian from Neverland, the one who thought he was too unworthy to be loved again, the one who never found another reason to believe in his worth.

 “I...I just would like to know.”  She softly laid a hand on his forearm.  “Please.”

 He was glaring at her hand again but made no effort to remove it.  “A Crocodile smashed it with a dwarf’s pick. Happy?”

 Emma’s eyes widened at his response.  “But how did he get to you?  He’s been locked up in my parents’ dungeon since I was born.”  No need to provide him the details of the Dark One’s release if this realm was going to cease to exist.  There was no Killian out there that would appreciate it.

 “I went to him.  I didn’t have magic but I had three hundred years of hate and pain.  And the funny thing was, I had hope.”

 “Hope?” she didn’t expect to hear those words from this Killian.

“Aye, your mother.  You know the story, she was an orphan, stripped of her birthright, of everything she knew, fleeing for her life, and yet she managed to defeat the Evil Queen and imprison my greatest enemy.”

 Emma listened with care.  She had never heard him speak of her mother this way but she could understand his admiration, see how much of him was also in Snow White.

 “I thought I could do it too.  I could do the impossible. I could survive my encounter with the Dark One, enjoy my vengeance, let Milah have her peace and...”

 “And...?”

 Killian shook his head.  “It doesn’t matter.”  But it did matter, his eyes lingering on a worn blue blanket, carefully draped over the back of a wingback chair.  She drew in sharp breath; she had seen that same blanket on his ship before. She had joked about it being for babies, it was soft and small, like her own baby blanket, but he had drawn her attention away from it. Yet, it was here, it was still here with him. Did he and Milah lose a baby or had he wanted one with Milah that he never got?  Killian and her had never spoken about children, not yet, but the thought of it warmed her from the inside out.  

 Killian laughed harshly, drawing her attention back to his face. “He got the upper hand. Wanted to make me the kind of man he was.”

 “Your father saved my life,” he bit out, “came just in time.”

 “That’s a bad thing?” she asked softly.

 “I’m a crippled palace servant who never avenged my love, only alive due to the pity of others.  Aye, they should have let the Crocodile finish me.”

 Emma couldn’t help it, she pulled Killian into her arms.  Her Killian had never given up, would never give up.  It was his willingness to live, his persistence to fight, that enabled him to be in the same time and realm as she was, that allowed them to be together, to realize their True Love.  This Killian had nothing to live for, he merely existed beyond his tragedies.

 He patted her back awkwardly with his one hand. “According to your own theory, your highness, I’m not even real, I don’t truly exist.  It doesn’t matter what happens to me.”

 Emma pressed her forehead to his, only tilting back her chin enough to see his eyes.  “What happens to you always matters to me.  I didn’t tell you because I didn’t know how, you are the one better with words, but you exist in my world too.  And you are loved, so much.”

 Killian’s eyes widened in disbelief.  He tried to move back, away from her, but Emma grabbed the sides of his face to force him to look at her, to see the truth in her eyes.  “You are, you are. No matter where, no matter when, I will always love you.”

  Killian studied her with as much intensity as her own Killian.  He wiped a tear with his thumb as softly as her own Killian.  “Don’t worry about me love, I will just disappear when you go away, eh?  It will be like I never existed.”  

 “You exist to me.”  And she realized he did exist, in the future, if the prophecy was fulfilled, if she died. This would be him, this man, this shadow.  He wasn’t just an alternative version in a fake realm, this was Killian, in a future without her.

 As though he was reading her like an open book, he breathed against her lips, “Then don't let myself ever forget how much you saved me.”

 “You saved me too.”  Remember it, remember it always.

 “Then return home, Emma.  Don’t let us be parted any longer,” he cajoled, like the gentleman he was, like the gentleman he always was.

 And then he smiled at her.

 It was same smile she had come to know and she felt a fierce need to see it on her own Killian’s face thirty years later.  And she would, she thought as she tightened her hold on him, she couldn’t let some prophecy take this away from her, take Killian’s smile, his fight, his future, maybe even a baby of their own, she was going back, she was going to fight for them both.  “I’ll be seeing you, Killian.”

 It was a promise Emma Swan was going to keep.  Operation Promise.  She had the power to change her fate, to change Killian’s.  She believed that, she had to.  She wouldn’t let him down or herself.  She took another look at Killian, at the face she would see in her future.  She was going to make her own fate.

 ***

 A/N: This was actually my fix-it for August, not Killian.  I didn’t think August was worthy of this new narrative where he was friend, hero, Swan guider.  I thought Emma could save herself.  She didn’t need a half-friend to keep tabs on her.  (No one needs a half-friend.)  I don’t really have an issue with OUAT’s Old Hook (Colin looked like he was having fun) but I didn’t think it fit Killian’s narrative.  If he never met Emma, it didn’t make sense to me that he would become unkempt and develop a delusional idea of his appeal.  The wish realm didn’t offer any other caricatures, everyone pretty much acted within the (albeit somewhat loose) confines of their changed circumstances (other than Emma for obvious reasons).  Without his vengeance driving him, I saw Killian drowning deeper in his own tragedies.  And Emma is good at putting other people first before herself but in saving Killian, she can put both of them first and it’s in this that she finds the power to believe that she can save the man she loves and herself.  #justsaying

A/N2: @flslp87 and @thetaleofcaptainswan, got inspired...