#of course Roland would be moved to tears <3 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

m-jelly · 1 year ago

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Bodyguard's Touch - Chapter 8

@ladycheesington <3

Pairing: Levi x Fem!Reader

Genre and tags: Modern AU, bodyguard Levi, romance, fluff, falling in love, cute, emotional hurt, comfort, protective Levi, pregnant reader, marriage

What's in this chapter: Levi gets emotional about your injuries, so you give him comfort. Roland tries to talk to you but fails. You and Levi finally get married.

AO3 link

The end

Levi leaned on the counter in the kitchen as tears filled his eyes. The thought of you being shot without him being there for you made Levi shake a little. He gazed at his hands and saw blood on them, your blood. His legs became weak and before he could stop himself, he slumped to the floor as his emotions consumed him. He covered his mouth with his hand and quietly cried as he felt so weak and a failure.

You winced a bit as you moved downstairs in your comfy clothes and dressing gown. You shuffled closer to the kitchen with a desire to drink something warm and comforting. You paused a moment when you heard soft whimpers and cries. Your heart began to sting when you recognised the painful sobs.

“Levi?” You gave Levi a gentle smile as soon as he looked up at you with his tear-filled eyes. “Do you need a hug?”

Levi hastily rose to his feet and hurried over to you. “You should be in bed.”

With a caring smile, you held Levi’s hands. “I got thirsty and I wanted to stretch my legs.” You leaned closer and captured his lips. “Do you want to talk?”

He wrapped his arms around you and as gently as possible, he pulled you against him. “Let me hold you for a moment.”

“Of course.” You pushed your fingers into Levi’s hair and massaged his head. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He pulled back and sighed. “I love you more than anything in this world.” He lowered his head as he processed his thoughts and feelings. “I just…everything caught up with me. I hate that I wasn’t there to protect you. You…you could have died…our baby…”

“I’m alive. Our baby is alive. I understand that it is horrible and it is so fucking scary to watch the person you love bleeding all over the floor.” You cupped his face. “But I am alive, I am here, I am well and I’m not going anywhere.” You kissed him and hummed. “You’ve been so strong for me and our baby. Thank you. I don’t think I could have pushed through this all without you.”

“You’re being too kind.” He sighed. “I am your bodyguard. I’m supposed to protect you.”

“You’re not my bodyguard, not anymore. You’re my fiancée and the father of this wonderful unborn baby.” You released a long sigh. “You have done so much for us so far. You’ve gone out of your way to protect us. You’ve showered us in love.” You held his hands. “Levi, my love, you can’t stop every bad thing from happening, okay?”

He whined a little at your words because he knew you were right. “I know.”

“You do so much for me. You’re so strong and wonderful.” You squeezed his hands. “Please, please don’t let this eat away at you, okay? I am right here. I am alive and our baby is.”

He nodded. “You’re right. You’re both here.”

You hummed. “Plus, I’m pretty sure the hitman who tried to kill me was paid to do it by the Carters. Hopefully, the police will trace it all and they’ll be arrested.” You hummed. “I’m glad they tried to shoot me because they poisoned my mum and that would be hard to detect. At least with a hitman, you can see them.” You frowned. “I’m not making you feel better with this. Sorry, I’m terrible at this sort of thing.”

Levi hugged you. “You’re incredible. Now, you’re being a naughty kitten. You need to be in bed resting.”

“How can I rest when the love of my life was crying all alone?”

Levi welled up before smiling. “You’re so sweet. I love you. Now, get back into bed.”

You turned and shuffled to the stairs. “But I need a drink.”

Levi laughed at your pout. “I’m bringing you a hot drink and food!”

“You better!”

He shook his head as he smiled. “Spoiled brat!”

“I’m a spoiled brat because of you!”

“I know and I love it!” He carried on making you a hot chocolate and a tray full of snacks. He made his way upstairs and smiled when he saw you in bed. “Good kitten.”

You wiggled in bed. “I’m ready for my drink and snacks.”

He placed the tray on your lap before sitting next to you and getting his tablet. “Make sure you have everything.”

You moaned at how delicious the drink was. “I will. It’s delicious.”

Levi leaned over and kissed your neck. “Thank you for hearing me out, letting me cry and comforting me.”

You gazed at Levi. “Did I comfort you? I thought I did a terrible job.”

“You were fantastic.” He kissed you and purred in delight. “Thank you.” He lifted his tablet. “I have something fun for us to do.”

“What is it?”

He opened up the browser and typed in a few things to get a webpage full of baby products. “Baby shopping!”

You hummed a laugh. “Perfect!”

Levi smiled happily as you sat together picking out a few things for your baby. He enjoyed every moment and was buying a lot, but he noticed you were flagging a bit and looking exhausted. “Darling? Are you okay?”

You leaned towards him as you fell asleep. You winced a little and touched your side. “Ouch.”

Levi shifted you on the bed. “You need some pain meds. You’re due for some.” He moved off the bed and helped you take the tablets before lying you down. “I need to check your wound.”

You whined when he shifted your top to look at the gunshot near your gut. “Is it okay?”

He nodded. “Just a bit of blood has seeped through, but it’s okay. I’ll clean it up and get you patched up again.”

You let out a shaky sigh. “Thank you.” You watched Levi closely as he tended to you. “I made you cry again.”

Levi looked up at your face. “You didn’t. I just have a lot of emotions at the moment.”

“Levi.”

He fixed your top before leaning over and kissing you. “I’m perfectly okay. You are alive, you are here with me and we’re having a baby. Plus, we have a wedding to plan as well.”

You hummed. “We’ll have a lovely wedding.”

He lay next to you and placed his hand on your stomach. “You’re going to look sexy in a white dress.”

You giggled. “You wear a lot of suits and you know how much I love them. I am looking forward to calling you my husband.”

Levi's cheeks burned at your words. “So, this whole time I was around you while I was at working, you were aroused by me in my suit?”

“Yes.” You squealed with laughter when he started nibbling, licking and kissing your neck.

He leaned up and took your earlobe into his mouth and hummed. “I like this information.” He kissed your cheek. “You seem to like my gloves too.”

You turned your head and gazed at him. “Yeah, the leather ones are hot.”

Levi propped his head up on his hand and leaned on his elbow. He gazed down at you as he traced patterns on your stomach. “You feel a little warm. I think it’s because you’re healing.”

“Yes, but it’s also because I’m a bit horny.”

Levi blushed a bit. “Well, I’m a bit horny too. I guess I always am around you.” He kissed your cheek. “I’ll be a good boy, don’t worry. You’re too hurt to do anything.”

You pouted a little. “I know, but my body wants you.”

Levi kissed your forehead. “It’ll be worth the wait, my love.”

You placed your hand on Levi’s on your belly. “So, baby names.”

“I like flower names for girls.”

“Oh, like Daisy?” You gazed at Levi as he imagined a little girl called Daisy and started welling up. “Levi?”

He threw his arm over his eyes and whined. “Daisy, my little flower.” He sniffed his tears back. “So cute.”

“I was thinking, that for a boy, we could call him Evan.”

Levi rolled over and pressed his face against his pillow and whined. “Adorable. I love them both.”

You reached over and caressed his cheek with the back of your hand. “I love you.”

He turned his head and smiled at you. “I love you too.”

You slipped your arm under Levi and pulled him to lie against you. “You’re just a cute cuddly bear, aren’t you?”

He nuzzled his face into your breasts. “Yes.”

You played with his hair and hummed. “The cops will make him talk. They’ll arrest Chester and we’ll be free.”

Levi sighed. “Yeah, you’re right.” He leaned up and gazed down at you. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

“Thank you. You’re incredibly handsome.”

Levi smirked before gently kissing you. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”

You cupped his face. “Same, Levi. You are this incredible light in my life.”

Levi released a long sigh. “I’m going to kiss every inch of your body.”

You giggled. “Can’t wait.”

You hurried around your bakery and moved past your father. “Coming through!”

Levi moved from the counter and grabbed the tray from you. “Careful.”

You giggled. “Sorry, but I’m trying to be a step ahead of this rush.”

Levi kissed your cheek. “Bruce and I will take care of the front, okay?”

You nodded. “Okay, I’ll slow down.”

“Are you okay in the back with Erwin?”

“Yeah, he’s doing amazing.” You giggled as he pouted. “You’re incredible too.”

Levi smiled. “Thank you. Make sure you take breaks, okay?”

“I will.” You waved to Levi and slipped into the back with Erwin. “You okay in here?”

Erwin smiled at you as he kneaded dough. “All good. I’m making the sweet bread right now.”

You walked over and peered at his hands. “Looks fantastic.”

Erwin chuckled. “Cute.”

You looked up at him. “Cute?”

He nodded and pointed to your little belly sticking out. “Your baby bump is cute.”

You placed your hand on your bump. “Mm, it is. Thank you.” You walked over to your little station and started making some scones for a nice cream afternoon tea treat, which was a scone cut in half with cream on it and a strawberry compote. “Erwin? Could you test this compote?”

Erwin took a spoonful and tasted it. “Mm, great balance in it.”

“Fantastic.” You cleaned up and walked to the front only to bump into your man. “Levi.”

He grabbed the tray. “I’ll take this.”

“Thank you.”

“You need to take a break.”

You pouted. “But Erwin.”

Levi kissed you. “I’ll help him.”

“Okay, I’ll go get some fresh air.”

“Good girl.”

You blew him a kiss and waved to him. You slipped out the back of the building and relaxed. You sat down in the sun and just allowed your joints to relax. You closed your eyes as you soothingly rubbed your belly. You were trying to keep your mind clear because you didn’t want to think about the bad things going on. You frowned a bit in thought when your mind reflected on the court cases you had mounting up against the Carters. The hitman had given everything up so you were going for everything but not asking for any money as compensation. You just wanted them to go to jail.

You frowned when you felt a shadow fall on you. You opened your eyes when you heard someone call your name. You felt cold as you stared at a very dishevelled-looking Roland staring at you. “Roland?”

He smiled at you as he shifted on his feet, almost like he was an addict that hadn’t had a hit for a few hours. He stammered your name. “Hey.” He laughed nervously. “You look great.”

You stood up from your seat. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“I just need to talk to you.”

“I don’t want to talk.”

He cleared his throat. “Come on, just hear me out!”

You hurried to the door. “No!”

He slammed his hand against the door and stopped you from getting in. “Look.”

You turned to face him as your heart raced with fear. “Roland, back off.”

“I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to talk. Please, drop all the cases against us, okay?” He laughed but it was unhinged. “You’ve won, all right? Just let it go.”

“Let it go? Your father tried to have me killed!”

“He’s seen his mistake and so have we. We won’t do it again.” He leaned closer. “You’ve ruined us. We have nothing. Isn’t that enough?”

You shook your head. “Are you serious!? You tried to kill me!”

He placed both his hands on the door on either side of your head causing you to be trapped. “My father wanted that. You know how I feel about you.” He laughed a little showing the sanity in his eyes was not there. “I do believe marriage between us is the perfect path. Just come with me now and it’ll all be okay.”

“You just want me so you don’t lose your father’s money.” You gulped hard. “Why don’t you ask your real Dad for help and not Chester.”

“He doesn’t want anything to do with me and Heather.”

“You have a business! Why don’t you work with that? You have your own money.”

Roland punched the wall making you jump. “I was just the face of it all.”

You hugged yourself tightly. “You could have learned how to run the place. You still can!”

“Do you know how complicated businesses are?”

“I’m running one, so yes but it’s worth it.”

He leaned closer. “Marrying you is the best option. I want you and have always wanted you. The money you have is a bonus.” He sighed. “I have expensive taste. Now, a few things will need to change with us getting married. Your clothes, diet and that baby needs to go.”

You kicked him hard between the legs causing him to drop to the floor and gasp in pain. You turned and yanked the door open. “Levi!”

Roland slammed the door closed and grunted in your ear. “Little bitch.”

You smacked the back of your head into his face and ran away from him towards the hill you and Levi sat on a lot. You stumbled a little before turning around and screaming when Roland tackled you to the ground. You struggled under him and slapped his face hard. Your heart raced when memories of his past attack in Levi’s car came to mind. You screamed in hopes that someone would hear you and someone did.

Levi’s foot collided with Roland’s face and sent him flying off you. Levi snarled at Roland as he rolled around on the floor cradling his face. “Tch, you piece of shit!”

Bruce skidded at your side and pulled you into his arms. “Are you okay, little flower?”

You nodded. “I’m okay, Dad, but Levi.”

Bruce hugged you. “Erwin will calm him.”

You clung to your father as Levi hit Roland a few times before Erwin talked to Levi and calmed him down. “Levi.”

Levi turned to look at you with a bloodied and cut knuckle, messy hair and a slight sweat. He moved cautiously towards you. “Kitten?”

You threw yourself into Levi’s arms and started crying. “Levi.”

He squeezed you tightly. “I’m sorry.” He squeezed you tightly. “I’m so sorry. I’m so deeply sorry.” He watched the police turn up and sighed knowing you would need to talk. “Kitten? Can you tell the cops what happened?”

You sniffed and nodded at Levi’s words. You turned in his arms a little and began talking. The more you told them about Roland, the more Levi squeezed you. You gulped when they asked you about pressing charges. You nodded without even thinking because it was the right thing to do. “Yes, and I am worried he might do this again.”

The cop smiled as he made a note. “Restraining order will likely be granted if you ask for it.”

“Thank you, I will.”

“Take care, ma’am.”

Levi looked down at you. “He tried to marry you again?”

You whined a bit as you nodded. “I’m so tired.” Tears filled your eyes. “Why can’t they just leave me alone? I’m not even asking for money by taking them to court. I just want them to leave me alone.”

Levi hugged you tightly. “I know and we’ll get it to happen.” He kissed your forehead. “I’m sorry you got hurt again.”

“You’re the one who got hurt.” You moved in his arms and grabbed his hand. “Look at these cuts.”

“They’re okay.”

You gazed at him with such an adorable look. “But Levi.”

He kissed you. “You want to fix my hand up?”

“Please.”

He hummed a laugh. “Okay, let’s go back to the bakery and you can tend to me.”

You held Levi’s hand and pulled him to the bakery. You sat him in the back and moved around with him watching you closely. You washed his hand and inspected the cuts. “Did you catch his teeth?”

“Yeah.”

You hummed and cleaned the cuts a little more. “Must have hurt.”

He cupped the side of your face. “Seeing you under him hurt more.”

You smiled and leaned your cheek against his hand. “That was romantic.”

He pulled you close and kissed you. He tugged on your bottom lip with his teeth before slipping his tongue into your mouth. He moaned against your lips as you pressed your body against his. He moved his hand over your bum and squeezed tightly. He sighed through his nose when you clung to him and kissed him back with just as much love and passion as he had for you. He felt reassured that you were okay with the way you were kissing him.

Bruce called your name and paused in the doorway when he saw you and Levi kissing. “Oh, I’m sorry!”

Levi chuckled when you hid against his chest. “She’s okay if you’re wondering.”

“I can see that.”

You leaned and smiled. “Hi, Dad. I’m okay. Umm…Levi is too.”

Bruce moved closer. “Do you wanna talk about what happened?”

You sighed a little. “He’s attacked me like that before in Levi’s car. I’m not scared really. I feel okay about it all.” You shrugged. “There isn’t much that can be done. The cops will be taking care of it now.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

You thought for a moment before nodding. “Yeah.” You walked over and hugged him. “I wouldn't be if he wasn’t caught.”

Bruce smiled sweetly. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

You smiled a little. “It’ll get better.”

You adjusted your wedding dress a little and released a long sigh. You reached up and touched the bullet wound on your shoulder. “Mm.”

Kuchel started playing with your hair. “You look beautiful.”

“My wound.”

She smiled softly. “I you worried about it?”

You turned to face her. “Yeah.”

Bruce walked over with a little box. “You look like a princess.”

You gulped hard and hugged yourself. “Thank you, both of you. Kuchel, what about Levi?”

Kuchel winked. “He has his dad and his best friend. Your mum can’t be here, but I can.” She looked up at Bruce. “That okay?”

Bruce smiled. “I appreciate it that you’ve been helping her and being a mother. It means a lot to her and me.”

You nodded. “He’s right. You're wonderful and amazing. Thank you for being here.”

Kuchel smiled brightly. “A pleasure. You are the best thing to ever happen to my son.”

You welled up and rubbed your tears away. “You’re too kind.”

Kuchel wiped your tears away. “Bless you, my sweet.”

Bruce called your name. “I have something for you.”

You gazed at your father. “What is it?”

He opened the box in his hands to reveal a necklace. “This was your mother’s. I gifted it to her on our first anniversary. When she was gone she left it to me.” He smiled when Kuchel picked it up. “Now it’s yours.”

You welled up as Kuchel put it on you. “Thank you. It’s perfect. I feel like I’m carrying my mother with me.”

Bruce smiled softly. “She’ll always be with you. She’s the part of you that’s loving, caring and strong. She’d be so proud of you.”

Kuchel rubbed your back. “Very proud, you’re an incredible woman.” She hugged your arm. “Now! Let’s get you married!”

You giggled and walked with her and your father out of the room and outside your home. You travelled through the town to the large open field where Levi was waiting. You smiled brightly when he stood with Erwin and Sebastian in his charming suit. You felt your heart flutter at how handsome Levi was. You couldn’t wait much longer, you just wanted to be in his arms and kiss him. So, you dropped your flowers and sprinted towards Levi.

Levi turned to face you and felt tears fill his eyes at how beautiful you were. He moved away from his father and best friend and ran towards you. He opened his arms and caught you when you jumped into them. He spun around with you before kissing you deeply when he came to a stop. He smiled at you as he took you in. He crashed his lips against yours as your friends, family and the people of the town giggled and marvelled at the baking couple deeply in love.

Erwin cleared his throat. “Hate to break this moment, but we have a ceremony to do.”

You giggled. “He’s right.”

Levi pulled you to the front and held you against him. “We’re ready.” Levi hugged you with his cheek resting on the top of your head. He hummed in happiness as his friend married the two of you. Levi looked down at you with a cute smile. “I do.”

You gazed at him. “I do.”

Erwin smiled. “All right, now is the moment Levi has been waiting for. You may kiss the bride.”

Levi yanked you close and crashed his lips against yours. “Mine.”

You giggled. “Yours, in a bit.”

“What?”

“We have to sign the papers first.”

Levi pouted. “You should be mine, now.”

Erwin sighed. “Then come with me to sign papers.”

Levi picked you up and hurried with you to the town hall where he could sign papers with you. He put you down and signed his name as soon as he could. “Kitten?”

You took the pen and signed. “Mrs Ackerman…it’s perfect.”

Levi bent you backwards and kissed you. “All mine.” He cupped your face. “I can’t believe it.”

You giggled. “It’s amazing. We’re married.”

He let out a long sigh. “I can’t wait to make love to my wife.”

Erwin sighed. “I’m right here, Levi.”

Levi held you against him and pouted at Erwin. “Thank you for marrying us, but I can’t help but tell my wife how much I enjoy making love to her.”

Erwin smirked and shook his head. “I��m happy for you, but we have to go.”

“Go?”

You cupped Levi’s face and wiggled it. “You’re so adorable, it’s one of the many reasons I love you.”

“Thank you.”

You kissed him. “We have our dinner and cake eating to do.”

Levi hummed. “But.”

“Please, darling husband.”

Levi perked up. “Husband…”

You nodded. “Yes, you’re my husband and I would love it if my wonderful husband would come with me to have dinner and eat cake.”

“I can do that.”

You cupped his neck and sighed. “Also, your wife would like it if you would dance with her.”

“I can do that too.”

You held his hand and pulled him along. “Come on then, handsome.” You looked over at Erwin. “You coming too?”

Erwin nodded. “I have a sexy and adorable girlfriend to dance with.”

You gazed at Levi when he started humming a song. “You’re in a great mood.”

Levi smirked. “Of course. I’m married to the love of my life and I’m off to go have our first dance together.” He pulled you closer and sighed. “Let me know if you get tired, okay? You need to rest as much as you can.”

“I’m good. I’ll let you know if I need to rest.”

“Good girl.” He led you to the head table and pulled the chair out for you. “After you.”

You sat down and relaxed. “Thank you.”

Levi sat beside you and held your hand as everyone did their little speeches. He lifted your hand and kissed it as people praised the love between the two of you. He rose to his feet and sighed. “Uh, I don’t do these things. My job is to protect the woman I love and be quiet as I do. I’ve never spoken out before. I do my job and stay quiet. I love this woman next to me.” He called your name. “She is my world. She brought light into my life. I am honoured to be with her. She is a blessing in my life and even though we have been through some scary times, at the end of it all we’re still deeply in love and strong as a couple. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with her.”

You welled up a little. “Me too. I love you.”

“I love you so much.” He winked at you before looking at his friends and family. “Enjoy dinner, everyone.” He sat down with you and smiled sweetly. “I love you.”

You giggled. “I love you too.”

He snuggled up to you. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”

“So are you. You’re my everything.”

Levi reached over and rubbed your baby bump. “I’m looking forward to meeting the little one.”

You smiled softly. “Me too.”

Levi leaned over and kissed you. “I’m so glad you slapped me in the face last year.”

You giggled. “I’m still sorry about that.”

“Don’t be sorry, it was sexy.” He looked you up and down. “So fucking sexy.”

You gasped as Levi’s hand slipped under your dress. “Levi, save it for later.”

“Promise.”

27 notes · View notes

ruinaimagines · 3 years ago

Note

cuddling with roland? he just looks so warm and huggable

Of course! I hope you’re having a good week so far, I know some people are returning after spring break. Mine hasn't quite started yet, but expect a lot of writing when it does! Hopefully this is what you were looking for, thank you for your request.

Roland Cuddling Headcanons:

This is a man who loves nothing more than the comfortability of resting on some soft surface alongside you. Work can be exhausting for both of you, so what better way to destress than just enjoy each other's company?

He’s totally physically affectionate if you’re fine with it, and will cling to you if you haven’t taken initiative already. He thinks he’s discreet about this, holding onto you and slowly pulling you closer. He is not.

Make sure you don’t overheat though, he clings close and he’s quite warm, he’s practically a radiator. This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re used to it, you’re someone who’s cold yourself, or the blankets are thinner but it seriously feels like you’re holding a heat lamp.

I imagine he holds quite firm too, even if he’s not like squeezing you he may have an arm draped over you and it feels like a 30 ton rock. He has no problem moving it himself, but this becomes an issue when he falls asleep.

Speaking of sleeping, he is completely out of it when he hits the bed. You’d think that as a fixer there would be a bit more of a balance in how heavy he sleeps in the case he needs to wake up for an emergency, but apparently not.

The only cases he’ll snap up is when there’s actually something wrong, or if he’s having a nightmare. You’ll often be there to gently shake him awake and help comfort him if it’s the latter.

So this leaves you really with three options if he ends up dozing off. Option 1: accept your fate and fall asleep. Option 2: accept your fate and stay up until he wakes up or shifts so you can get free. Option 3: Force him awake enough to at least flip over and set you free.

Roland’s hands are on the rougher side from all the combat he’s experienced, but they’re still oddly soft? Specifically near the palm of the hand, it might be because he’s just really careful with his touch, but that area seems particularly smooth.

He also has a soothing smell. It’s not anything grand or expensive, but something strong wouldn’t fit as well with his personality. It’s subtle, natural, and clean. It might not even be something he puts on either, it could very well just be the shampoo and soap of a shower.

He’s a blanket hog. If you end up falling asleep all you will open your eyes to is the covers on your side of the bed completely torn off and him tangled in them. It honestly looks like he was trying to fight the blankets.

If you are one too, this becomes an unconscious competition to see who can snag the most of the covers. If it evolves, you two might have to actually get separate sheets just so you aren’t tearing them off each other all the time.

I feel like you won’t have to worry about this as much when cuddling. He just likes having something to hold, so his substitute for you are the blankets. Good thing you are there most of the time because he will hold onto you soundly.

He shifts around a lot when unconscious, might even end up in completely different directions when he wakes up.

I can see him very rarely waking up with just one limb completely off the side of the bed, or sticking up in the air. It’s funny for you to see, but not so much for him because it probably means that limb is going to be sore or asleep for a while.

I think that he would be the more likely one to have his arms wrapped around you. Not necessarily because he has a preference for who is who, but because he just likes being able to face you and know you’re there. It’s absolutely wonderful if you too like to hug him as well, but he just has a dislike towards completely facing away when you’re trying to sleep.

While the prior writing mainly describes cuddling when you’re both done with the day, there are brief moments when you two will just hold each other in your arms. If it’s an exhausting day, or you just happen to feel happy and want to express it there’s nothing stopping you.

There’s likely places to sit around in the floor of general works, especially considering what the other floors look like, so all you have to do is find one and settle down.

I can see just sitting at a couch in front of Roland, his arms reaching over your shoulders and connecting with your hands as his head rests on yours and he closes his eyes.

Though if you happen to be taller, or just want to attempt it, I can totally see him being fine with you being the one to clasp your arms around him. He doesn’t care how, he just likes to be near or alongside you.

He has no issue with making conversation, I mean who would when it’s someone they care about, but he’s also perfectly fine with being content in silence. Sometimes there’s something special to just taking each other in and allowing a moment to breathe.

Speaking of breathing, you’ll be able to feel the slow and soft raise of his chest and it’s just such a soothing thing. It’s like you’re able to feel each other's relaxation and that in turn makes you more calmer.

If ever you’re getting emotional yourself he’ll let you bury your face into him. He doesn’t care if it gets his suit messy, it wasn’t like he was going for some extremely elaborate physical appearance anyways. His focus is just on you and helping you recover.

His words do help a lot, but so does just him being there. You can faintly hear his heartbeat, and just the steady rhythm of breathing is enough to ground you in reality and slowly stop your distress.

He’s willing to wait however long it takes until you feel better too. I could see him trying to crack some incredibly awful jokes, and they’re so horrid that they make you laugh anyways.

In your work days it can often be boring just flipping through the pages of a book so that you can figure out how to sort it. It becomes repetitive, and in the most respectful way, sometimes they just aren’t really that interesting to read.

One way you help improve this is just huddling against Roland as you both work. So long as you can read and process the words, you’re good to go. It’s actually nice to have someone besides you who can help, because even if it isn’t really challenging to understand, sometimes you’re just having a foggy mind and it doesn’t hurt to have someone to ask something.

Sometimes you might feel like laying across each other, the person who's across the legs using the other as a pillow. Other times you might actually prefer to sit back to back, using each other as a sort of wall to support one another on. Who knows, you might even sit diagonally and just sort of tangle your legs together. The possibilities are endless.

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airi-p4 · 4 years ago

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Perfect asymmetry: Epilogue

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

It’s finished!!! YAY! Thank you if you read this until the end <3

Read on AO3

_________________________

Chapter 4: epilogue

The day it marked Luka and Marinette's 1 year anniversary arrived. "Time sure flies" Luka commented, and Marinette giggled in agreement while feeding him some raspberry ice-cream with her spoon. She missed his mouth on purpose so she could clean his lips with her tongue and he assured she didn't need any excuse to claim him anytime she wished.

It was at that moment when Luka offered Marinette a little present box. Marinette gasped when she saw its contents.

"I finally got an apartment for myself. I want you to have a key too. You can move in with me or not- but I'll be happy to see you there as much as possible"

"Luka I- Oh my God! Thank you so much! I'm so happy!" She jumped to hug him with moved tears in her eyes. "I didn't know you managed to get the money"

"Thanks to my stupid bandmates. How ironic" he shrugged and she giggled.

"Luka-" she kissed him. "Can I see the apartment now? I would love to see it. And maybe check how comfortable our new bed is…" she suggestively kissed his ear.

"Well. I'm also looking forward to finding out…" he smiled, kissing her neck while she laughed.

"Stop being gross and get a room!" Juleka groaned from afar, approaching hand in hand with Rose.

"What a way to ruin the mood…" Luka groaned, and Juleka smiled triumphant.

"You're here to get ice cream too?" Marinette asked.

"Yes. Sweethearts ice cream" Juleka smiled looking at Rose, who smiled back at her before giving her a quick kiss on her lips.

"Wait- what does this mean? Are you two together now?" Luka asked, and the new couple nodded. "It was about time!"

"That's fantastic! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" Marinette jumped to hug her friends.

"It's all thanks to you, Marinette," Rose said.

"Me?"

"You were right that day during our sleepover at the Liberty. I wasn't in love with prince Ali. I can't believe it took me so long to realize how I felt about Juleka… Thank you, Marinette"

"No need to thank me. I'm happy to see you so happy together now"

"So Marinette was your cupid and Juleka was ours, huh?" Luka shrugged.

"How is that?" Rose asked, and Juleka urged Luka to shush, but he ignored his sister's warning.

"Juleka was having a hard time because of her body complex. She was crying over how her breasts were asymmetrical in size and how she would never be a model because of that. And look at her now! She has already made it to magazines and commercials!" He teased. "Anyway- I told her how Marinette's breasts were also slightly different and she cheered up. Then she encouraged us to get together" Luka explained.

"Wait- Is this true? Are my breasts different in size? And you knew all this time? This is so embarrassing!" Marinette panicked.

Luka laughed at her reaction. "You know what? I would say it's a perfect asymmetry: while one breast is more sensitive to touch, the other one seems to prefer kisses. Doesn't it make it perfect?"

"Luka!" Marinette punched him in embarrassment.

"What?" He shrugged. "Look at Rose. She seems thrilled to try it out now. For me, you're perfect as you are, Marinette. I wouldn't change anything about you"

"Luka… I- Me neither" she widely smiled. “I love you”

"I love you, too” he kissed her. “So- let's go see that apartment now?"

"With pleasure!" She winked.

It wasn't in their plans to have Juleka and Rose come along, but what was a little sacrifice when they would soon have the apartment everyday all by themselves?

___________________________________________________

As the years passed everything turned to the right direction for the Couffaines at complete: Juleka was a popular model who encouraged girls to keep healthy body types and to be happy with their bodies, remarking how imperfections are part of beauty too. She and her wife Rose created a foundation to fight against eating disorders and lack of nutrition, Rose directing it and getting financial support from prince Ali to help, too, those who couldn't afford any food at all. They married and lived happily together with their daughter.

Anarka decided to tour around the world with her boat and some friends she used to have a band with before when her children left to live on their own. She wanted to become an authentic pirate, bringing music to every harbor the boat stopped at. She always made sure she was there for important events: her children's weddings, her grandchildren being born and all of their birthdays. Her grandkids loved her.

Luka Couffaine lived the happiest life he could ever dream of. He managed to rent a centric apartment in Paris and invited Marinette to move in with him while she was at University. His band with his stupid members became very popular, internationally known, going on world tours from time to time… never long tours because he couldn't bear it to be apart from his dear girlfriend.

When Marinette finished her university studies, Luka proposed to her. She said yes, of course, but asked him to wait until she had her own brand established before getting married. Luka didn't care much about tags: girlfriend, fiance, wife...- he just wanted her to stay by his side forever, so he didn't mind waiting. But the unplanned arrival of their first son made Marinette's plans turn and rushed their marriage (only because it would have been too much for Marinette's grandfather, Roland, to accept her having children before marriage). He changed his job to music teacher at the University while selling his composed tracks to music and television companies.

From then on, their family grew. They had 4 children in total: 1 boy and 3 girls. Marinette conquered the most prestigious fashion shows in the world, becoming one of the most well-known designers and fashion brands of the century. And the couple's children grew up to like both music and designing, ready to take over their parents name's when they grow up.

FIN

#fic: perfect asymmetry #my fic #airipyon #airip4 #lukanette fic #Yay! I've finished!#Thank you if you read this until the end ;v;#lukanette endgame #endgame lukanette

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deaestheticize · 4 years ago

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#arthur jafa #love is the message the message is death #ms hillsonga #akingdoncomethas #portfolio

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cluttermind · 4 years ago

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CS Father’s Day OS - “Of Love and Fathers”

Rating: G

Summary: A very fluffy Father’s Day one shot featuring Killian’s first Father’s Day!

Read on ao3 here

As usual, Killian woke at the crack of dawn and was at Hope’s side the second she stirred awake. Emma was sure he spent hours watching Hope sleep, hopelessly wrapped around her finger. If it was up to Killian, he wouldn’t spend a second apart from his baby girl. He could watch her curious blue eyes take in the world around her for the rest of his life and never tire of it.

In her nightstand, Emma has Killian’s first Father’s Day card right under the gift-wrapped box containing her gift to him. She and Mary Margret had a few - okay a lot - of laughs while attempting to shop for both Killian and her dad. The thought of buying Captain Hook, the pirate captain from the enchanted forest who spent much of his life in Neverland, a set of power tools nearly killed them. Really, purchasing them for him might have resulted in Killian killing himself. David, on the other hand, had taken up a few too many DIY projects around the farm. And as cliche as it is, Emma thought she’d get him some kinda power tool set thing. Honestly, she got him exactly what he had asked for because really what did Emma and Mary Margret know about power tools other than that David used them and that sometimes (read: often) they were loud. All this to say that Killian’s gift took a much longer time to figure out. Emma’s lucky it was ready in time for today.

Once soft sounds of a fussy baby start seeping through the baby monitor, Emma hears Killian’s gentle coos. “Good morning my little love.”

Emma giggles right along with Hope. Hearing the fearsome pirate captain coo to a baby in the sweetest voice imaginable still made her laugh a little. Slipping out of bed, she grabs her robe from the closet and makes her way to her husband and their daughter. Killian is leaning over the crib, tickling Hope’s belly telling her over and over again how pretty she is while she laughs at the ridiculous faces he’s making.

-------------

Nearly a year ago Emma was feeling particularly miserable to the point that Killian, at times, wanted to stab himself with his own hook just to stop her from screaming at him for just about everything. If she wasn’t testing his patience, she was throwing up or crying which hurt him in an entirely different way.

After a particularly grueling morning, Emma took the day off from work. In the quiet solitude of an empty house, her mind was clear enough to recognize what might be going on which, of course, led to more crying. Because they hadn’t talked about this. Because she wasn’t sure they were ready. Because she wanted this so desperately. Because part of her knew that in their conversations about the future, the unspoken meaning of “we” was “us and our children.”

So she took a test. And it was positive. And it took every fiber of being to not run down to the station and shower Killian in a million and more kisses.

When Killian got home that night, Emma was waiting for him in the living room with a pale yellow gift bag which might have confused him if he wasn’t so happy to see her smiling at him.

“Are you feeling better, love?”

“Much better,” Emma said, handing him the bag. “I have a surprise for you.”

Killian kissed her cheek as he took the bag from her. He pulled out a small white onesie with a blue anchor on it and read the text out loud. “Daddy’s little sailor?” He asked. Then it hit him and his eyes met hers. “Swan are you pregnant?” Killian asked softly, his voice barely a whisper as tears pooled in his eyes.

Emma nodded. “We’re having a baby.”

Killian swept her up in his arms, careful not to hurt her with his hook, and spun her around. When her feet touched the floor again he kissed her. She could taste his tears against his lips. His hand was still clutching the small item of clothing. “We’re having a baby,” Killian repeated. “I’m going to be a Papa.”

----------

“A shilling for your thoughts, love?” Killian’s voice pulls her out of her thoughts. He was cradling Hope, who was clutching Killian’s hook with her tiny hands, in his arms.

“I was just thinking about how wonderful you are with her.”

Killian grins, dipping his head to press his lips against Hope’s temple. “I never thought it was possible to love someone this much.” Hope’s wide eyes watch the way the morning sunshine dances on the shiny silver of Killian’s hook that now dons a rubber pink protector to keep Hope from hurting herself on the end of it.

Emma wraps her arms around his waist from behind, resting her cheek against the back of his shoulder. “Happy Father’s Day, Killian.”

Killian is genuinely confused. “Happy what?”

“Father’s Day.”

“Are you making up holidays now, Swan?”

Emma released him from her arms and moved to step in front of him to figure out if he’s joking with her or not. He’s not. “Have you never heard of Father’s Day?”

“No.” Killian sighs. “I never had a father worth celebrating.”

Emma tries to remember celebrating in years past but the first few Father’s Days here she spent alone with Mary Margret and David and when Killian came into her life he’d cover for them at the station so they can spend the day together. This time, a new deputy was covering so that Killian could enjoy the day as well.

“Well,” Emma starts, “remember when we celebrated Mother’s Day? This day is yours, babe. You’re a wonderful father and we love you so much.” Emma turns to Hope, tickling her belly. “Isn’t that right Hope? We love Daddy very much.” Hope giggles in response, causing Killian to smile.

“Daddy loves you too my little starfish.”

Emma kisses him softly. “We’re heading to my parents for a barbecue around 3 but the whole morning is yours. We can do whatever you want.”

Killian raises an eyebrow at her. “Whatever I want?”

Emma rolls her eyes. “Aye, Captain.”

He looks at Hope. “Want to spend the morning on the Jolly, little starfish?”

They spend the morning on the Jolly, enjoying some brunch and the sea breeze while the ship remained docked. They walk Hope around the whole ship as Killian talks incessantly about the ship and his adventures and Emma listens, enraptured as always by the way Killian tells a story (even ones she’s heard multiple times). He’s a real-life storybook character albeit with a more indecent past with the women he’s seduced and the people he’s killed and stolen from. She finds it amusing how he skips over those parts when he’s talking to Hope.

Truthfully, Killian’s biggest fear is still what Hope will think of him when she finds out. It’s impossible to hide his past when it’s written in Henry’s storybook. As many times as Emma reassures him that Hope will love him not matter what because he’s her daddy and she’s his starfish and he is absolutely brilliant with her, Emma knows this fear will be something he lives with for a long time.

Time flies as Killian recounts his adventures and soon it’s time to head over to see her parents. Henry, Robin, Regina and Roland beat them there and Henry and Roland are already sparring with David by the time they park the car. Mary Margret fawns over Hope, complaining that she doesn’t get to spend enough time with her beautiful grandbaby and Killian nearly frowns when she’s no longer in his arms. Robin greets Killian with a clap on the back

“I think it’s time for presents!” Mary Margret squeals after they have dinner on the back deck. Henry leaves with her to grab everything. Somehow the two of them manage to carry everything to the table and both David and Killian blush furiously.

“Mine first!” Henry says, handing David a large wrapped box. Inside was a new saddle blanket for David’s horse in Northeastern University red and white. After a bear hug from his grandfather, Henry handed Hook a red gift bag. “Happy Father’s Day, Hook.”

It took Killian a second to process what was happening. He would’ve cried if he didn’t have a reputation to maintain. “Thank you, mate.” Inside was a dark grey t-shirt with white and gold lettering that read “Northeastern Dad.” Pulling the shirt out of the bag and reading what it said, pushed Killian over the edge, a single tear slipping from the corner of his eye. He quickly stood and pulled Henry into a tight embrace. “Thank you.”

“Mom got a Northeastern Mom one when we were moving in. I thought it was time you had a matching one. Now you can both look equally embarrassing when you’re moving me in in August.”

Killian chuckled. “Don’t give her any -”

“That’s a BRILLIANT idea!” Emma squealed.

“Ideas.” Killian sighed as he finished his sentence, still smiling brightly at the family he now had, the family he had always wanted but never believed he deserved.

“Okay okay. It’s my turn.” Emma said. David opened the set of power tool things and proceeded to explain what he would use each tool and feature for. Finally, it was time for Emma to give Killian his gift. It was a small wrapped box, only slightly larger than the size of Killian’s hand. In the box is a pocket sundial. Since Killian refuses to wear a watch, Emma thought this would suit him more. It’s solid brass and with his name engraved on the outside and a photo of him and Hope from the first time they took her to the Jolly on the inside. “Happy Father’s Day, babe.” Killian looked up from the sundial to see Emma holding their daughter. His heart was suddenly filled with more love than he ever believed was possible for one man to feel.

Robin rested his hand on Killian’s shoulder. “Happy Father’s Day, mate. Isn’t it the best feeling in the world?”

Killian grinned at his friend. “Aye. Happy Father’s Day.”

Roland gave Robin a handmade card, which was quite possibly the most adorable thing in the world, and a new set of arrows that were hand painted fun colors (which were clearly a joint effort between Regina and Roland).

Mary Margret, as a joke, had t-shirts that said “Hot Dads of Storybrooke Crew” on them made for David, Robin, and Killian which elicited howls of laughter from all three of them when they opened them at the same time. Their last names were on the back, like a jersey, and their numbers reflected the order in which they became fathers - Nolan 01, Locksley 02, Jones 03. The rest of them roll their eyes at the men’s now even more inflated egos. Seconds after opening them, the “Hot Dads of Storybrooke Crew” plans to wear them together at Roland’s next soccer match. Town summer soccer matches turn into mini festivals with all different food being sold for fundraisers, music and dancing for the kids, and adult beverages for the parents.

Hope was fast asleep on the drive home and Emma was barely awake herself while Killian drove. He put Hope to sleep while Emma showered and got ready for bed. She read a bit of a book Killian had recommended to her while he did the same afterwards before climbing into bed.

“Emma?” Killian asks, rolling on his side to face her.

She knows by the look in his eyes that this is moving in a more serious direction. Killian clearly has something on his mind. Emma sets the book down and turns on her side to face him “What’s on your mind, Jones?”

Killian's hand rests on her hip. “I uhm -”

Not often does Killian get flustered, but now he was blushing furiously. “Talk to me, babe.” Emma cups his cheek, her thumb stroking soothingly.

“Have you thought about having another baby?” Killian whispers.

“Maybe.” Emma grins. “Have you?”

“Aye.” Killian returns her smile.

“And do you want another baby?”

Killian kisses her softly. “Aye, love.”

“Me too.” Emma rests her forehead against Killian’s. “Watching you with Hope has been the most incredible thing in the world, Killian. I love you with all my heart.”

“I love you, too. Always. To the end of the earth and time.”

#cs ff #cs fanfic #CS fic #Captain swan #killian jones #captain hook #emma swan #baby hope #of love and fathers

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justanoutlawfic · 5 years ago

Text

Don’t give me up: An Outlaw Queen Ficlet

Summary: Regina and Robin do talk on the phone while he's in New York.

This is a canon divergence to Season 4. It takes place during the 6 week time jump in between the Arendelle guests leaving and the H&V plot starting. This is based on a prompt I got on CuriousCat: "what if we met, in another time, a different place..?"

"Then maybe things would be different... but I wouldn't change my present for anything."

"Not even for me?"

"... I don't know..."

Also on AO3

How unfair, it's just our love Found something real that's out of touch But if you'd searched the whole wide world Would you dare to let it go?

'Cause what about, what about angels? They will come, they will go, make us special-Birdy

Regina had barely slept period since the original curse broke. She had learned over the years to adjust to getting by on very little. That had been very helpful when she was a mom to an infant that never seemed to stop crying. Now, that boy was sleeping soundly just up the stairs and Regina sat in the kitchen stirring her tea. Her phone sat in front of her tauntingly. He hadn’t called. He wasn’t going to call.

A part of her didn’t blame him. She tried to put herself in his shoes several times. Regina wouldn’t want to look back either, it would be too damn painful. At the same time, it fucking hurt to sit there and not hear his voice. To not know how he or Roland were doing. Hell, a part of her even wondered about Marian. She had been willing to walk away and give them a fair shot. Then everything went to hell so quickly.

Regina found her finger opening the phone and going through her contacts. She went past Emma then Gold and Henry, finally finding the name and picture that she adored so dearly. The dimples imprinted into those cheeks, being highlighted by his smile. His eyes lit up the picture and made her stomach fill with butterflies. Why did he have this affect over her? Just one look at a photograph and she was weak at the knees.

If anyone asked, it was an accident clicking the call button. She didn’t mean to, she only intended to scroll down to look at the rest of the information under his contact. Even so, a moment later his name was scrawled across the screen with all of the call options. With a shaky hand, she held the phone to her hear. Each ring made her stomach sour and she debated hanging up. It was late at night. His phone was probably on silent anyway…

“Regina?”

His accented voice didn’t sound tired or annoyed. It almost sounded happy, if not a little surprised. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words didn’t come out.

“Regina, are you there?”

“Y…yes,” she finally managed. “I um…I’m sorry. It’s late.”

“It’s 3 in the morning. Is everything alright there?”

Theoretically, yes. The Arendelle residents were back in their kingdom. Belle had banished Gold so he couldn’t harm anyone else. The town hadn’t had any emergencies in weeks. Emma and David had normal work days.

Deep in her heart though, nothing was okay.

“Everything’s fine,” she lied. “I’m actually resuming my place as mayor. Snow will be going back to teaching. Henry is doing well.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“How about you and Roland?”

“We’re…adjusting. It’s different out here.”

“I can imagine.” Regina had only been outside of Storybrooke a couple of times, mostly for Henry’s adoption. She had never been to New York, however. Henry had described Neal’s apartment for her but there were no pictures or anything. “And Marian?”

“She’s fine.”

Silence. Before, they could talk for hours about any subject and it wouldn’t get old. Now, it felt like they were five minutes away from discussing the weather.

Robin was the first to speak. “Why did you call, Regina?”

She swallowed. “Why didn’t you?”

“I…”

“I mean, I know you’re busy. You have a wife and a kid…but it’s been 4 weeks!” She’s starting to ramble and she doesn’t even care. “I watched you walk over that line and I didn’t even know if you made it safely. I just had to trust that you did.”

“Regina.”

“No, Robin. I know that whatever we had is gone, but you just don’t do that to someone. You don’t leave and not tell them how you are.”

The tears were prickling her eyes. She wiped at them furiously with the backs of her hands. If she started crying then, she wasn’t going to stop.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. Her breath shook at the apology. “I picked up the phone a million times. First, I was going to text but that seemed too informal. Then I wanted to call and I tried to plan out what I would say. Should I try to sound happy so you didn’t worry? Should I be honest so we could talk about it? Then I asked myself…should we even be talking about it?”

Regina repeated the question in her own head. She wasn’t sure she had the answer.

“Exactly,” he said. “It’s just confusing. Regina, I want to talk to you. I miss you every day. I wish I could just pick up the phone and tell you every single thing. But I can’t. It hurts. It hurts to think that we’re never going to be together. It hurts to know that we had a moment and now it’s gone. And then I hate myself for thinking like that, because Marian’s in the next room.”

She shut her eyes. Robin was a man of honor. He wore his code so heavily that now it was practically dragging him down.

“I feel like I’m trying to move on with my life and then a part of me is saying not to, because my heart is still with you. And I know that’s not fair to anyone.”

Regina bit her lip. “It’s a fucked-up situation.”

“No shit.” She’s not there, but she can see him running his fingers through his dark golden hair. “I thought not talking to you would make things easier.”

“Did it?”

“No.”

Regina moved her finger around the rim of the mug. Her tea was cold by now, not that she could stomach it anyway.

“I think about that night in the tavern a lot,” Regina whispered. “If I had just walked in…how different life would be.”

“But then I wouldn’t have Roland and you wouldn’t have Henry.”

“Very true and I would not change them for the world. Still something I think about. Or, what if we had met at a different place, a different time.”

“Then maybe things would be different…but I wouldn't change my present for anything.”

“Not even for me?” She paused. “If we could guarantee we would still have the kids?”

“... I don't know...”

It wasn’t a fair question. She knew that. It was one sparked from exhaustion and heartbreak. It was also something that could never happen. Their paths were set long ago. She would run away from the tavern and they wouldn’t meet for another couple of decades. They’d have a year together and that was it.

“Where do we go from here then?” Regina asked. “If we can’t change the past and this is our present.”

“I don’t know.”

Regina hurt more than she had before the call began. Maybe Robin was right. Maybe it hurt less to not talk. “I miss you so much.”

“I miss you more than you’ll ever realize. I wish more than anything I could come home.”

“Stoyrbrooke is home?”

“You’re my home.”

That unleashed the floodgates. She tried to stop them, but the tears streamed down her cheeks.

“I have more questions now than I did before,” Regina managed to get out. “I mean, we can’t change anything.”

“If there was a way, I would’ve worked it out by now. But you can’t leave Storybrooke, and I’m stuck here.”

Regina looked out the window. For years she thought that leaving Storybrooke was impossible. But with magic, was anything ever really? If she wanted to fight for Page 23, then she needed to put her money where her mouth was. Or more specifically, her magic.

“I’m not willing to give up yet, Robin,” Regina said. “I want to at least try. That is, if you still do.”

“Of course I do.”

“Then we’ll figure it out. Somehow.”

#outlaw queen #robin hood #regina mills #ouat #once upon a time

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side-effect-of-the-meds · 5 years ago

Note

Whenever you can, can you write some Andrew bad mental health days angst with Nicky trying to help single-handedly? Maybe while the twins were living with him? With a hopeful ending of course. More importantly I wanted to ask if you’re alright? Your last post was worrying.

So I’m doing a lot better now. It’s just that sometimes I feel like my parents treat loving me like it’s a chore and neither of them really want to do it. They also just remind me all the time about how hard it is to love me and implying that my theoretical future husband would leave me over these flaws. I made the mistake once of implying that maybe I should have a wife instead and my mother looked ready to murder me. Which u literally see me project in almost exact words in this piece. Sorry. Anyway.. that’s how my efforts at coming out are going :)) It’s fine tho. I’m going to college in a year which is its own headache.

Thanks again for your concern and your patience. I hope this is what you were looking for <3

A bone-deep sense of exhaustion had been weighing Nicky down for so long that he almost didn’t notice it anymore. Almost. Dragging himself into the backroom of Eden’s, he felt another wave of it crash over him.

“Nick,” Roland called. His eyes were wide and his legs were trembling. His lips were swollen and bruised too. A smile curled the edges of Nicky’s lips. Before he could prod Roland about his disheveled appearance, Roland said four words that always sent every thought careening out the window. “Something’s wrong with Drew.” Shoving him aside, Nicky raced down the hall. From the end of the corridor, he heard labored breathing.

“Andrew,” he called as he nudged the door open. Nicky felt his stomach plummet at the sight of his cousin curled on the floor. Tears were welling in his eyes. “Hey, man,” he started.

“Get. Out!” The words tore from Andrew’s throat, low and guttural. Fury was written into every crevice of his face. Nicky stumbled backward, falling onto his butt. The door slammed shut in his face. Crawling up to the door, Nicky lay his head up against it. From behind it, he heard Andrew’s breath coming in ragged gasps. “No. No. Please, no.” Nicky’s heart stuttered. When he’d first met Andrew, he’d made the mistake of saying please. He’d been rewarded with a none too gentle warning about using that word in Andrew’s presence. For Andrew to be saying it now…

“Andrew, let me in,” he begged.

“No!” Andrew screamed. “Leave me alone.” Tears raced down Nicky’s face. His fingers ached for they’d been clutching tightly to the doorframe.

“Let me help,” he whispered. This wasn’t the first time this had happened. A week ago, Nicky had been summoned by the school to pick Andrew up early after a similar episode. According to Aaron, it had happened a few times when they’d lived with Tilda too. However, they’d been occurring more frequently since the twins had moved in. Was it something Nicky had done? Had he hurt Andrew?

Nicky didn’t know how long he sat there, begging softly for Andrew to let him in before the door finally creaked open. Andrew stepped out, dry-eyed. His blank facade had resettled over his face but his eyes were red and puffy.

“Water,” he croaked. Nicky scrambled to his feet and checked a few of the back rooms until he found some bottled water. Offering it to his cousin, he chewed on the inside of his cheek as Andrew down the whole thing in one go.

“Andrew,” he pleaded once more.

“Home,” Andrew ordered. Nicky’s shouldered sagged but he obeyed. Shuffling down the hall, he did his best not to look back at Andrew. He gathered up his jacket from the front before grabbing Aaron. As they walked to the car, Nicky felt a cool breeze blow past. From the corner of his eye, he caught Andrew shivering. Shedding his coat, he waited for Andrew to pass him before throwing it around his shoulders. “I don’t need your shitty jacket,” Andrew snarled.

“Whoops. Guess you're so small I mistook you for a coat rack.”

“You’ve got three seconds to start running, Hemmick.” Nicky was running before the words were out of Andrew’s mouth. It was less than three seconds before Nicky heard Andrew’s footsteps pounding the asphalt behind him.

“That’s cheating,” he cried. “Doesn’t matter, though. My legs are longer anyway.”

“They won’t be after I break them,” Andrew gasped between breaths. Nicky should have known better than to rile Andrew up. While Nicky was the faster of the two, Andrew had incredible endurance. He didn’t have to outrun Nicky. He just had to wait for Nicky to run out of steam. Hooking a left, Nicky headed for the park. Vaulting over the chain-link barrier, Nicky risked a glance back. Andrew had banked to the right and was now running around the perimeter of the barrier.

Looking back was a mistake. Nicky tripped over the playground border that. Falling face-first into the mulch, he felt several pieces of it embed themselves into his flesh.

“Not so fast now, fucker,” Andrew said. For the first time, Nicky saw a smile tug at the edges of Andrew’s smile. It was a sharp, cruel thing but a smile nonetheless. As Andrew’s eyes roved over Nicky’s face, he saw the smile slip away. “You idiot,” he muttered as he grabbed Nicky’s sleeve. Too dumbfounded by the fact that Andrew was touching him, Nicky didn’t protest to being dragged across the park. He still couldn’t find his voice as Andrew shoved him onto a swing and rolled up the sleeves of the coat.

A first aid kit appeared in Andrew’s hands. Producing a pair of tweezers and antiseptic, Andrew set about picking the mulch from Nicky’s face. All the while, Nicky whined about how much it hurt. It didn’t hurt. He just needed something to fill the silence. Plastering a bandaid over the final cut, Andrew stepped back to inspect his work.

“I thought you didn’t need my shitty coat,” Nicky said. Andrew looked down as though he were just noticing what he was wearing. With a scowl he shucked it off and threw it in Nicky’s face. Andrew sat down on the swing beside Nicky. For the first time in a while, his legs were long enough to touch the ground. “Hey,” Nicky started. Andrew groaned as though the conversation was already too long. “I know you don’t want to talk but I need to know what I can do to make this easier for you.”

Silence settled over the pair of them. Just as Nicky was about to give up Andrew answered. “I just need space.”

“I’ve given you all the space I’ve got. I gave you a room. I gave you the keys to the car. I let you come and go as you please. I know you didn’t ask me to come here. You didn’t ask me to stay but I’m always going to be here. No one else really wants me anyway.” A sad smile settled over Nicky’s face. It was true.

Every person has their own love language. Nicky’s was touch. Growing up, Nicky’s parents hadn’t understood that. No, they’d chosen not to. Loving their child was their duty as parents, nothing more. Luther and Maria treated loving Nicky like a chore, never failing to point out how his every flaw would prohibit him from finding a respectable wife. Well, then maybe he didn’t need a wife. Maybe he needed a husband.

Telling his parents as much resulted in them pulling away entirely. Any semblance of love that they’d shown him was now gone. Where Maria woke early to make Nicky’s favorite breakfast, he’d begun coming downstairs to a table set for two. Where Luther brought home little things that he’d thought Nicky may have enjoyed, Nicky watched as his father actively shifted his gift-giving to Maria. It knocked Nicky’s self-confidence to a low he’d never thought possible. Suicide was something Nicky had never understood. Why would anyone want to die? Well, what point was there in living if you had no one to live for?

For as long as Nicky could remember he’d spent his life trying to please his parents. The most he’d ever gotten was a five-second hug for winning a national art contest. Shut out by the only people that had ever meant anything to him, Nicky had spiraled into depression. If it hadn’t been for Dr. Krauss’s push to send him to Germany, Nicky might not be alive today.

In Germany, Nicky had found love. Not just in Erik but Erik’s family loved him. Erik’s friends loved him. They breathe life back into Nicky and offered him a place to stay. And he’d wanted it. Going back to America, Nicky had been okay with facing his parents’ disappointment because he’d known that it didn’t matter. Soon he’d leave Columbia and he’d never look back. Everything was finally going to be okay. And then, Nicky’s world turned itself on its head. Learning about the twins had brought all of Nicky’s plans to a grinding halt.

Nicky knew what living with Luther was like. There was no way he was going to force Aaron and Andrew to brave all of that alone. Germany meant so much to Nicky because he’d been greeted with open arms. The Klose's didn’t love one single aspect of Nicky. They loved him as a whole and Nicky hadn’t had to fight for an ounce of their affection.

The twins were broken and battered and bruised, just as Nicky had been. Luther and Maria weren’t going to welcome them into their home with open arms. Nicky doubted anyone would. There wasn’t anything that Nicky had learned from his father that he’d truly taken to heart, save one: there’s always someone that needs saving. Sure, Luther had meant converting people to Christianity but, from the moment Nicky lay his eyes upon the twins, he knew that no one in the world needed saving more than them.

Nicky didn’t know how to fix them (or even if they could be fixed at all) but he’d take care of them until he found someone that could. He didn’t know how long it would take for them to each find their own Germany, but he was more than willing to stick around until they did.

“I do,” Andrew said. Nicky looked up to find Andrew’s eyes already on him.

“You what?” Nicky’s voice broke halfway.

“I want you to stay.”

#just a pipe dream #andrew joseph minyard #andrew minyard hc #andrew minyard #nicky/erik #nicky hemmick #reveal to me your deepest desires

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kixaxstyx · 6 years ago

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The Original Beast of Gévaudan

So, I realize I had said on my earlier post I was going to do a meta about the Beast of Gévaudan as of the information from Chapter 35, but this turned into more of a theory post? As a result, I’m going to state my theory and elaborate on my reasoning from there, from all the background information we’ve been given thus far. Here we go. (This is not spoiler free, so please make sure you are caught up on the manga before reading!)

Theory: The Original Beast of Gévaudan was a result of the Church’s Vampire Hunt AND the Vampire’s Human Hunting.

“Both the Church and Vampires are the Original Beast? How can this be?”

Well, first, let’s look to Chapters 34.5 & 35.

The release of Chapter 35 is what is giving us the ability to accuse the Church as being the Original Beast, thanks to Noé’s very polite accusation at the end of the chapter: “What was it that the Church did in Gévaudan, long ago? The ones who first created the Beast… wasn’t it you?” (pgs. 26-28) The last page of the chapter settles on a very nice panel of Chloé standing in the woods, staring at what we can presume is the murder of a fellow vamp by two hooded people that are presumably Church Chasseurs. This quote from Noé is the basis of the notion that the Church had a hand in the original beast incidents.

And then, in the beginning of Chapter 34.5, we get Noé’s glimpse into Jean-Jacque’s childhood memories, from when the Original Beast was first attacking Gévaudan. Starting on page 3, we see what all the townsfolk have been whispering about – rumors of the Chasseurs coming, thoughts that the Witch of the Forest (Chloé) is either the Beast or it serves her, thoughts that the Beast is a result of the D’Apchier research. We also have Jean-Jacque’s passionate plea that Chloé isn’t the Beast, but instead is trying to find out what the Beast really is. Then on pages 4-6, we see Jean-Jacque’s fall into despair as he decides that if Chloé can’t figure out what the Beast really is, then he’ll become the Beast himself, which leads to him giving Naenia his True Name for the ability to become what was then recorded as the official record of the Beast of Gévaudan.

Now, this is important, because these four pages shows us that Chloé was aware, unlike the rest of the townsfolk, that the Original Beast was not any natural occurring predator of the forest. She was concerned enough that she was actively looking into the attacks instead of just focusing her attention on the D’Apchier’s world-formula research. Of course, at first read through, one might just presume it’s concern for her human family. Coupled with the addendum of Chapter 35 that presumption changes. As per page 25, Vanitas says “The Beast’s victims are found in various states. Some may actually have been eaten by wild animals but depending on how you look at it, many of them seem to have been tortured to death. And — the crowning touch is the existence of beheaded corpses.”

I’ve italicized several parts of that quote, but we’re first going to touch on the last one – “existence of beheaded corpses.” Beheading is a favored kill method of the Church Chasseurs and, given Chloé’s previous interactions with vampires such as August Ruthven and Marquis Machina, something that Chloé would be able to recognize as a kill method for vampires. It’s also important to take into consideration the fact that vampires that are killed by beheading do not disintegrate into ash like other dead vampires. We have these examples from victims such as Mina and Louis, both whom did not disintegrate upon death. This means that the bodies would stay around long enough for them to be discovered, and to have their manner of death recorded.

This also heavily implies that the Church’s Chasseurs were in the area before, or around the same time, that the Original Beast attacks started. To explain why the townsfolk weren’t aware is simple – the Chasseurs in Gévaudan were most likely undercover, because the Chasseurs were most likely being indiscriminate in their Vampire Hunting. They weren’t waiting to discover who was and was not a vampire in town, they were just murdering whomever they believed to be a vampire. We can assume that these Original Beast attacks were occurring shortly after the Armistice/when things were being fully ironed out. Tensions between Humans and Vamps would still be high, and both sides would be looking for one wrong move from the other.

Moving backwards with the italicized sections of the above quote, I’ll move us next to “have been tortured to death.” Again, this implies Chasseur involvement with the Beast related deaths. As noted in the Chasseur battles we’ve seen previously, while they do aim to quickly kill the vampire they’re fighting, however this is also war time. While the Church most likely believes “The only good vamp is a dead vamp,” most of the higher ranking officials during wartime are most likely going to incapacitate vamps for war information, even if they don’t have any, and then kill them after.

And I get it, “We know, we know, we understand all of this. How the hell are vampires also the Original Beast of Gévaudan?” Well, note the beginning part of Vanitas’ statement, how he attests the victims are found in “various states” – we touched upon the latter half of the statement, but in the first half of the statement, and my second underlined point, he says that “some may actually have been eaten by wild animals.” Now, I hate to go stereotypical vampire on Vanitas no Carte, but it is very possible that those “eaten by wild animal” accounts were a result of Vampire attacks, and not actual wild animals. From what we’ve seen in some panels, during fights some vampire’s hands become more claw like (it could be an artistic decision, of course) which could attest for animal-like scratches, and it’s simple work for a vampire to tear someone’s throat out and make it look like an animal killed the human.

Yes, I realize that another explanation for that is that the Chasseurs could have accidentally killed a human, and left the body for the elements/animals to snack on, BUT there is another reasoning I have for this theory that the Original Beast is a result of Vampires and Chasseurs.

Everyone is aware that the D’Apchier’s are doing some sort of research. Note what some of the townsfolk thought regarding the Beast from the beginning of Chapter 35 - they believed it to be a result of the D’Apchier’s research. The townsfolk are very clearly aware of it, and it would only take a passing question from a Chasseur or Church member for someone from the town to tell them what they know about the research that’s been going on for decades at the Marquis’ place. And even more so after the Beast attacks started and suspicions about the D’Apchier’s involvement started filling the town. The vampires also know to some degree, as we know from Chapters 32-33 that August Ruthven really wants that research, so much so that he tries forcibly compelling Chloé to turn it over to her. This incident occurs before the Armistice, so we can presume that August is one of the shadow leaders behind the Original Beast incidents.

We know from Chapter 30 that the Church and Vamps are involved in the resurgence of the Beast incidents because they want the device that the D’Apchier’s have created. Is it so unlikely to believe that they both are the ones that caused the Original Beast incidents? In the past, they both wanted the World Formula Device, and so they created the Beast to attempt to acquire it. As I mentioned earlier, from the panels in Chapter 35 on pages 3-6, as the Beast related deaths persisted in the town, the townfolk turned their suspicions towards Chloé and the D’Apchiers. With the Chasseurs coming to town, it would be very simple for them to sweep in and “investigate” the D’Apchiers in order to acquire the device.

Of course, what none of them were expecting was for an actual Beast to show up, and their plans being derailed by Jean-Jacques attempting to protect Chloé from suspicion but, accidentally, causing her to fall further under suspicion by at least the Vamps to be the Beast (taken from Jeanne/us believing Chloe to be the Beast until the dramatic reveal at the end of chapter 34).

Now, we also know from Roland and Olivier in Chapter 22 that Lord August Ruthven/the vampires and the Church had both been involved in the Beast of Gévaudan incident, though it wasn’t publicly known information – probably to either side. Roland and Olivier tell us that, according to the Church’s records, the culprit was listed as a Vampire which, in light of the information we were given in 35, was probably going to happen regardless of Jean-Jacques’ assistance or not. On page 25 of Chapter 22, Olivier tells us “What made the incident an exceptional one for the church was the fact that, for the first time in history, we worked to resolve it in cooperation with the vampires.”

Now, why would both vampires and the church be working together to resolve the Beast of Gévaudan incident unless both groups a) were already in the area, b) had a hand in causing the incident, and c) had a vested interest in something in the area? When each group discovered the other in the area, and after Jean-Jacques made his furry appearance, they probably used the excuse of the Armistice to work together, and Jean-Jacques to excuse their own wrong-doing in the area.

Also, considering the fact that they worked together to resolve/sweep under the rug the Beast of Gévaudan incident, it’s not a huge leap to wonder if both the Vampires and the Church worked together to create the Beast in the first place. A World Formula Device in either side’s hands would be dangerous for the tenuous peace both sides had already created, so they probably united in an effort originally to try and get rid of the device (though almost assuredly both sides would have naturally betrayed the other when their goal was within reach). When the Beast disappeared, however, so did their excuse to approach the D’Apchier’s mansion under suspicion for the Beast. It’s also very likely that Chloé became a curse bearer as well shortly before the Beast’s disappearance, and whatever her Malnomen’s ability is caused her/her home and Jean-Jacques to disappear and rendered the Church and the Vampires unable to locate the World Formula Device.

TL;DR: Vampires and the Church both created the Original Beast of Gévaudan, either separately or cooperatively, in an attempt to acquire the D’Apchier’s World Formula Device, and was foiled by both the appearance, and subsequent disappearance, of an actual (curse-bearer) Beast of Gévaudan.

#vnc #vanitas no carte #the case study of vanitas #vnc spoilers #vnc theory #the beast of gevaudan

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descole-dead · 5 years ago

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Mildly silly question but I have surface level knowledge on tears for fears. I’ve only really heard their three biggest hits and I absolutely love what I’ve heard so far, do you have any song recommendations so I could delve deeper into them?

Okay so this ask is probably 3 months old and you may have already listened to more tears for fears by now but guess what i love talking about good music.

I’d recommend staring with their first album, the hurting. it gives you a good idea of who they were in the beginning of their career, two young lads recovering through past traumas and specifically child neglect. it can be pretty depressing tbh but they turned the sad stuff into bangers. singles from that era were mad world (THE mad world), pale shelter and change. mad world is a huge bop, pale shelter is a key track in the new wave movement and change sounds like someone going ham on a xylophone. other songs i would def recommend are memories fade (which i feel like they perfected in later live performances so after listening to the album version listen to their massey hall performance it’s heaven) suffer the children, and watch me bleed because that’s just my personal favorite song from the album. this album has also been sampled a lot by a lot in hip hop, more so in recent years.

before moving onto their second album, check out their single the way you are. it was a strange single in between albums that tears for fears actually calls their least favorite song which is wild because literally every tff fan thinks it’s incredible. their reason being the record label was pushing them to release another single and they didn’t get to do the things they wanted to with the song, but it still sounds amazing and is my all time favorite tears for fears song. if you have the patience for an 8 minute song off the bat, the extended version of the way you are is in my opinion 10000000000000000 times cooler and makes the song feel way more complete. (i always get chills at roland’s part from 4:36 to 5:40. it’s sick and god damn i love that boy’s voice)

onto their second and biggest album, songs from the big chair. it’s great to listen to this after the hurting not only as a chronological order but because it feels like a healing album for them. you probably know the tracks shout, everybody wants to rule the world and head over heels but they had another single called mothers talk that slaps hard and is just a lot of fun. the greatest song from that album though is the working hour. it’s absolutely beautiful and again roland’s voice is just ugh 💗. i love to listen to it in the dark on nights when i cannot sleep. also check out broken and listen. anyway this was my tears for fears for beginners course so if you’re interested in more recommendations after this let me know k

#ask

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littlej097 · 5 years ago

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For Those in My Heart - Chapter 3 “Nobody Messes With My Family”

Prompt: Henry takes care of some bullies picking on his little brother

Part 1 Part 2

Being a big brother wasn’t a role that Henry ever thought he’d take on. For most of his childhood, it had just been him and his mom. He had fond memories from when he was younger. However as Henry got older, he wished for a playmate that was his own age. When Robin and Roland first moved in, Henry was hesitant at first. He wanted his mom to be happy but adjusting to living with her boyfriend and his six year old was a big change.

Instantly, it was clear that Roland was determined to become Henry’s shadow. The little boy was absolutely obsessed with him and worshipped the very ground that he walked on. At first, it was a bit annoying having a six year old follow him around constantly, but eventually Henry got used to it. He never expected to get as protective of the little boy as he did. When Henry walked out to the courtyard during lunch and saw Roland surrounded by a bunch of the older kids, his big brother instincts kicked in and he instantly went over.

“Oh look! He’s crying! What a baby!” one of the kids exclaimed as he pointed at Roland. Henry recognized him and thought that his name was Jacob

“I’m not a baby!” Roland yelled back, tears still on his face.

“Is there a problem here?” Henry asked as he approached the older kids.

“None of your business.” Jacob spat out. “Why don’t you get lost and go write your little stories.”

“It is my business if you’re making my little brother cry,” Henry replied as he placed himself between Roland and the older kids.

“He’s not your real brother! Your whole family is made up of freaks. You have an Evil Queen for a mother and a thief for a father. Don’t even get me started about your mistake of a sister.” “Why don’t you just shut up!” Henry retorted. “You don’t know anything about me or my family!”

“I know your all a bunch of freaks. We’d all be better off if this town had taken your mom out when we had the chance.” At that moment, Henry saw red. No one got to talk about his family this way, especially this little punk. Without even thinking, Henry pushed Jacob hard on the shoulders and knocked him to the ground. It was then the other two boys rushed in on Henry and started fighting him. Henry tried his best but he was far outnumbered. Knowing that he had to help his brother, Roland took off and found two teachers, who came to break up the fight. After separating the boys, it was clear that some damage had been done. Henry had a split lip that was already beginning to swell up and scratches on his arms. One of the other boys had blood dripping from his nose from a punch that Henry had landed. All four boys and Roland were escorted to the principal’s office to wait for their parents to pick them up.

The two boys who had charged Henry after he pushed Jacob to the ground were picked up first. Then Jacob’s father arrived. Henry recognized him as well. Back in the Enchanted Forest, he had been called Gaston and was a real asshole. Henry realized now where his son got his arrogant personality from. He watched as Jacob made his way into the office with his dad. There was quite of bit of yelling before they emerged again. Henry could only hope that he got what he deserved for bullying Roland.

Regina was the last to arrive. She practically flew in the front door of the school, Adalyn on her hip. “Henry! What happened?”

“Mom, I can explain.” Henry began. As she got closer, she took one look at his face and Henry could see the anger in her eyes.

“Your lip! Who did this?” Regina demanded to know.

“Mayor Mills, we can speak about this matter in my office.” the principal replied, cutting her off.

“Oh, we’re going to speak about it.” Regina began as she boosted the baby up on her hip. “My son is injured and I demand that whoever is responsible is dealt with accordingly.”

“Mayor Mills, from what I’ve been told Henry was the one who started the fight.”

“That’s not true!” Henry retorted. “Jacob and his two idiot friends were bullying Roland and I was just getting them to stop.”

“The other boys told me that you pushed Jacob first. Is that true?” the principal asked.

“Well technically yes…” Henry began.

“We have a very strict no violence policy.”

“Wait.” Regina began. “Henry, you said that those boys were bullying Roland. Don’t you have a no bullying policy?”

“Kids will be kids but we draw the line at violence.” the principal replied bluntly.

“So you’re telling me that other kids can say nasty things to my children and nothing happens to them, but my son stands up for his brother and he’s being punished!” Regina retorted. “Henry, take your sister and go sit in the hallway with Roland. I’ll be out in a minute.” Henry nodded, knowing not to mess with his mom when she was this angry. He took Addy from his mom’s arms and went to join Roland in the hallway.

“Did you get in trouble?” Roland asked.

“Yeah,” Henry replied. “But it’s okay.” “I’m sorry that I got you in trouble,” Roland replied sadly.

“Roland, it is not your fault,” Henry told him. “No one gets to bully my little brother and get away with it. But, I shouldn’t have pushed that boy. Violence is never the answer. Do you understand?” he asked Roland. The little boy nodded.

“Was Jacob right about what he said about Mama?” Roland asked. “Was she really evil?” Henry sighed.

“She did some bad things when she was younger but she’s changed since then. She’s not evil anymore.” Henry told him. “And we are a family no matter what anyone says. What did those boys say to you before I came over?”

“They were saying that you and Mama weren’t my real family and that Mama couldn’t love me because I wasn’t her real kid,” Roland replied sadly.

“You know that isn’t true right,” Henry told him. “My mom isn’t my biological mom either. Emma is my mom, but I know that they both love me. It’s the same with you. Your biological mom is in Heaven but my mom loves you just as much.”

“Does she love Addy too?” Roland asked.

“Of course she does,” Henry replied. “I mean look at this little face. What’s not to love?” Henry cooed. Instantly, Addy lit up and reached her little hands to Henry’s face and smiled. Suddenly, they heard yelling coming from the principal’s office.

“Is Mama mad?” Roland asked.

“Oh, definitely,” Henry replied with a laugh.

“Do you think she’s gonna light Mr. Green on fire with a fireball?”

“If we’re lucky!” Henry laughed, patting his brother on the shoulder. Within a few minutes, Regina came out of the office, her cheeks red from anger.

“Am I suspended?” Henry asked.

“No,” Regina replied. “But we are going home for the rest of the day. And if I ever hear about you fighting again Henry, there will be consequences. Understood?”

“Understood,” Henry replied.

“Good. Now let’s go home.” Regina replied. She took Addy from Henry’s arms and the four of them made their way towards the car. Henry knew that what he had done was wrong, but deep down he didn’t regret it for a minute. No one messed with his family and Robin, Roland and Addy were a part of that family. If he had learned anything over the past few years, it was that his family was composed of heroes of all shapes and sizes and that they would always overcome the villains trying to bring them down because they had the love and support of each other to lean on.

#once upon a time #outlawqueen #regina mills #robin hood #klainelover1997 #littlej097 #forthoseinmyheart

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flslp87 · 6 years ago

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THE BEACH HOUSE

An AU MC FF that is loosely based on the movie The Lake House

When fate is involved, can Emma and Killian change their destiny so their love transcends time and space to give them their happy ending?

Chapters 1-epilogue can also be found on AO3 and on FF.net . Tumbler (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) (14)(16)(epilogue)

Words ~8100 Rating - T+

Chapter 15

The elevator doors hadn't even closed before he had her pinned to the wall and was kissing her. His hands rested on her hips, long fingers digging into the sides of her behind, as he tugged her closer to him. She could feel that the proximity of their bodies was exciting to him as his mouth plundered the depths of hers. She slid her hands up under his vest in the back where she could feel the heat of his body through his thin cotton shirt, and was tempted to pull his shirt free so she could touch bare skin. Gathering a handful of cloth to untuck, she had just started to tug upward, when the elevator bell rang indicating the doors were opening. Killian quickly moved next to her, tucking her against him to partially cover his front, and took deep calming breaths just as the doors opened and a large group got on. Realizing she didn't know anyone, allowed her to relax and as soon as the elevator arrived in the lobby, they got off to walk to the car.

He had parked in the back of the parking lot, and as they walked, he interlaced their fingers. When they reached the SUV, he opened the door, and laying on the seat, was a beautiful yellow flower. Smiling up at Killian, she asked, "For me?”

He smiled shyly and picked it up. "This is a Forsythia, which means anticipation in the language of flowers. I have anticipated this evening so much Emma," then he ran it along her bottom lip, "longer than you can even know. I hope it meets all of your expectations." Handing it to her he kissed her once again.

Emma dimpled up at him, "Ah Killian. You are so sweet. I too have been most anxious to spend time with you." and treating him to another light kiss she quipped, "But you know, I'm a sure thing tonight" And winking, climbed in to the SUV. As he shut her door and walked around, she put the flower up to her nose to smell, feeling happier than she thought possible.

As he climbed in and started the car, she surreptitiously watched how he handled the huge vehicle and marveled at his ease. Once they were on their way he reached over picking up her hand and laced their fingers together before laying them on the center console. Glancing sideways, he caught her stare, and ducking her head, she quickly glanced away.

Killian noticed that Emma kept staring at him, almost as if she was afraid he was going to disappear. When she ducked her head and glanced away he was miffed they weren't where they were going so he could pull her into his arms and assure her he was here to stay. Squeezing her fingers, he spoke softly, "Love, don't be shy, if our places were switched, I too, would be staring at your lovely face." He then kissed her hand.

"I don't mean to be so flustered but being here with you is just so…" and she hesitated, for the feelings she had were just too overwhelming for her to even put into words.

"I want you to know, I feel the same way. And I want you to trust me with your heart, for I don't ever want you to feel uneasy."

"And you Killian, are you also trusting me with your heart?"

"But of course my Swan."

Smiling shyly at him, she put their joined hands against her cheek. "I'm glad."

He agreed with a smile and as they were driving by the area where all of his ships were docked, he told about his business. "You know, you're not my first Swan?" He said with a flirty little smile.

"Oh?" She responded with a pout.

But then when he explained how the four yachts he had purchased were all named swan, but in other languages, and he had added to his fleet and named them swans, also, she was even more fascinated.

"What are the odds, do you think?"

Killian laughed at her question, "I’m not sure about odds, I was thinking someone was trying really hard to get my attention. I'm glad I listened."

The restaurant was up ahead and pulling into its parking lot, he stopped the car. "Here we are."

Emma looked up at the sign advertising Prime 112, the place she was to meet him in December 2015, just over a year ago. A place that had made her heart ache every time she had driven past. "Why here?"

He knew she would be hesitant about entering into this place again, but he wanted her to give ALL of herself to him, no holding back. Reaching under the seat, he picked up a delicate white flower and held it out to her, "This is a Freesia, and it's meaning is trust. Can you trust me, Emma, to take all the pain away?"

Taking the flower from him, Emma felt tears gather in the corners of her eyes. "I will."

Looking deeply into her eyes, he responded, "I hope to hear that from you again someday. Ready?" She nodded her head yes, and jumping down, he walked around to open her door. Taking her hand and tucking it through his elbow, he escorted her into the place as if she were a princess, more importantly, his princess.

Killian was feeling pleased with how the evening had gone so far. Yes, it had been very hard, forgive the pun, he thought silently, to stop the progression of their lovemaking in her apartment, but he wanted her to feel like a princess and if he had to endure tighter pants for another few hours, so be it. She was worth it. As they walked to the door, he could see the employees standing around holding the flowers, just like he had asked them to do. Walking through the doorway, Emma was being handed pansies, of all different colors, and with each person that handed her a new one, he could see the confusion on her face grow. Rori, the same hostess that had made his reservation the last time, was waiting for them and then led them to a table, the same table that Emma had sat at, on that fateful December night. It was a curved bench with seating on one side of the table, so Emma slid in with Killian following. As had happened when they walked into the restaurant, any time they passed a waiter or a waitress, they handed Emma a pansy. Rori placed their menus in front of them, "Henry will be your waiter tonight. Enjoy your meal." Then she left them alone. As soon as she was gone, Emma turned to Killian and held up the bunch of pansies she had been given along the way, "Pansies? What do they tell me?" "Pansies tell you that you are in someone's thoughts. And look around you, what do you see?" Emma took a moment to look all around the room. Every shelf, every counter and every table had vases of pansies. "I see pansies, lots and lots of pansies." With a little smile, she brought the pansies she was holding to her nose to smell. Leaning closer, Killian waited until she was looking at him before saying, "I wanted you to know that for every petal on every flower here tonight, that's only a small fraction of how often I've thought of you since that first letter." Emma leaned in until she was close enough for their lips to meet, and just before they touched, said quietly, "I feel so loved." Then she closed the distance between them. The kiss was tender, an affirmation of how special he was making her feel, and while she felt it down to her toes, they didn't allow it to escalate beyond that. Pulling back slightly, she nuzzled his nose with hers, and only stopped when she heard a serving cart settling in front of their table. Turning her head, she saw her waiter from that fateful night, Henry, but whom she recently found out was Regina's adopted brother. "Hi, Henry. How are Rosie and Robby?" Henry grinned at Emma's question, "According to my sister and Robin, they are perfect and much advanced for almost one-year-olds, however, according to Roland, they are the scourge of the seven seas, worse even than Captain Hook." And then he smirked at Killian Emma frowned at Killian, "You know Henry?" Killian reached up and scratched behind his ear and then gave her a rather sheepish smile, "Aye, love, it's a rather convoluted tale, that is not meant to be discussed tonight, right lad?" Henry nodded his head at Killian, "If you say so Captain" and turning, he picked up a bouquet of various types of flowers and handed them to him, "I believe these are yours. Shall I pour you some champagne while you look over the menu?" Killian nodded his head and Henry poured the champagne and then left them alone.

"These flowers symbolize a love that is deep and abiding,” he said as he handed her an iris, a red rose, a red tulip, a yellow tulip and an orange blossom.

“And this” he handed her more flowers, “is honeysuckle. These flowers mean you give me not only love but a happiness beyond anything I've ever imagined."

"And this,” he handed her one more, “It’s a Forget-Me-Not. And Emma, I hope this is a night you will never forget." As he handed her each flower, Emma had fallen more and more under his spell. His talk of anticipation and the flower of trust already there, as if he knew exactly how she was going to react to seeing this place. And then walking into a room and being handed flowers that showed he had been thinking about her as if that wasn't evident by the work that he had already put into their evening, and now, flowers of love, for her. Looking down she could see goosebumps running up and down her arms, so emotionally overwhelmed was she by this man. But when she looked back up at him she could see the love shining in his eyes, her fears flew and she felt that every wish she had ever made had come true.

"You know,” she said as she cupped his jaw with her right hand, “growing up Leo always quoted sayings to M&M and I, as if they were able to explain life and it's many meanings. As teens, we thought he was crazy, but one saying he often quoted to me fits this moment so perfectly, he said, 'Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control. I love you," and as she leaned in to kiss him, she wasn't sure if the wetness she felt were from her tears or his. Killian's heart felt like it was preparing to take wings and fly away. Opening his eyes, he used his thumb and gently brushed the wetness off of her face, "Thank you Swan. Shall we eat?" The rest of the meal went well and Henry was the perfect waiter. Emma finally got Killian to tell her what happened with Henry. It seemed when he had come in to make the plans for dinner, Henry had recognized him from a themed birthday party for Roland a few years back. Unfortunately, then it had come out that Killian had been the one to not show up to meet her and Henry had defended her honor. The only way Killian had gotten Henry to believe that he was sincere was to promise another party for Roland. As they sat finishing the last of their after dinner drinks, Emma heard music and looked up to see that they were alone. Realizing exactly what the music was, caused tears to once again threaten, "You remembered." "How could I not? Dance with me Swan?" He stood up and taking her hand, helped her up. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her tightly against his body, and they danced to the same tune they had danced to on her birthday, 'I Can't Seem to Make You Mine.' As the song ended, Killian leaned in and kissed her with so much passion he took her breath, then he whispered in her ear, "I think we've waited long enough Swan. Can I make you mine?" "Definitely!" Taking his hand they hurried from the Prime 112, anxious for the night to end in a much more intimate fashion.

K&E

The tension between them had been palpable on the ride back from dinner and during the ride up the elevator. Killian knew that Emma was feeling it too as each time she glanced his way her pupils were more dilated and her skin tinted just a bit pinker. He kept taking deep calming breaths as he hadn't been with a woman since he had met Swan, and he didn't want the evening to be over before the horse got out of the door. Destiny had played a part in allowing them to even have a first time and by gods he planned to make the most of it, for both himself and Emma. Her body was a sight more alluring than his hand, and nothing better get in their way, or bloody hell, they would have to answer to him.

As they walked down the hall toward her apartment, he had been holding her hand, thinking about the moment when they walked inside, and he could pick her up in his arms and carry her to bed. As they reached her door and she pulled out her keys, he turned her so she was leaning against the door, and leaned in and kissed her. Only touching at the lips, he opened his mouth over hers and poured every ounce of passion possible into that kiss. When he finally pulled away, her lips chased after his, and unable to resist he dove back in for another taste. She tasted like wine and heaven and hearing her slight groan weakened his knees. Releasing her lips, he sighed against hers, "Invite me in Swan."

Emma's heartbeat had been supercharged since they had left the restaurant, knowing what was going to happen. She had been anticipating this moment for longer than she was ready to admit and now that the time was here, she was nervous. Afraid that she wouldn't live up to what he wanted or what he needed. When she heard him ask her to invite him in and she looked in his eyes and saw exactly what he was feeling staring back at her, she relaxed, giving herself over into his hands to do with whatever he desired. She was his, but decided to be a little coy with him, "Killian, do you want to come in for coffee?" Then she raised an eyebrow.

He lifted one corner of his mouth, "Emma, we both know if I come in, it will be for more than coffee." He lifted his right hand and ran his fingers along her cheek, before giving her a gentle peck.

Bringing both hands up to cup his face, and looking him directly in the eye, so he would understand what she was saying, she whispered, "I know. In fact, I'm counting on it."

She smiled at him and turned around to unlock the door, but had barely gotten it opened when it was pushed all the way by a black nose, followed by a black and white furry body. Hearing Killian mutter, "Bloody hell" behind her, she groaned and said. "We forgot Rumple."

His pants had been getting tighter and tighter from just a few kisses and as soon as she had unlocked the door, his plan had been to sweep her up into his arms and carry her down the hallway, that is until a four-legged busy body had almost swept her off her feet first. When she had turned to tell him that they had forgotten Rumple, he had done the only thing that needed to be done. He swept Rumple up into his arms, and flipped him over like a baby, and just stood there, not moving. What was even more surprising was the fact that Rumple, who was always very exuberant in his greetings, just lay in his arms, like a docile child.

Emma saw Killian pick up Rumple and thought oh no, the dog will go nuts, wiggling to be put down, and white fur will fly everywhere. And then she got a look at how docile he was behaving while being held like a child and her jaw dropped. "Wha," and stopping to swallow, tried again. "How" and waving her hand at the display in front of her, "did you learn to do that?"

Looking down at the dog whose tongue was hanging out of his mouth, but otherwise was lying still, he shook his head, "I don't even know really. One time he was going a bit nuts and I happened to pick him up like this and he immediately relaxed. Now, what do we need to do before I can DO you." He smirked.

Emma couldn't help herself, she was so happy, she giggled, then she rolled her eyes, "He needs to go out, and then he should go to bed. Let me get his leash and I'll show you where he goes."

Putting Rumple down, Killian pulled her against him. "I will take him out. You can take care of whatever you need to take care of up here, alright?"

Nodding her head yes, she showed him where Rumple's treats, pooper scoop and bags and leash were and he took his friend out to take care of business. While he was gone, she took the flowers and put them in a vase before setting them in the table. Turning all the lights off, except for one, she went into the bedroom and pulled her hair out of the ponytail and brushed it out.

She found herself flitting around the room, looking for things to do so she closed the blinds, lit a few candles, and then folded back the bedding. After looking around the room one last time, she locked up the apartment and gave Rumple his bedtime treat.

"You hungry? I could make some tac,” she started to ask, but before she could finish the word, he had bent down, wrapped one arm around her back and the other under her legs and picked her up off of the ground.

"I am hungry alright," he said as he started moving down the hall as quickly as he could. Once inside her bedroom, he dropped her legs so she slid slowly down his body. Pulling her tightly against him, he cupped the back of her head with his left hand and palmed her behind with his right, pushing her hips into his, leaving no doubt what he was truly hungry for.

"I want you, Swan." He whispered before his lips covered hers, moving smoothly, sliding along hers slowly.

Sipping, teasing, their breathing escalating, filling the silence of the room. Deeper still the kisses grew until hands join in and caress wherever they can reach. Moans eventually penetrated the silence, filling each with a deeper need to see and be seen. As the kisses continued to deepen, Killian reached for the zipper in the back of her dress and slid it down, slowly, allowing his finger to trail along her petal soft skin, that was being exposed.

Emma shivered at his touch and finally with the need to breathe, their lips parted, she buried her nose in his neck, taking the opportunity to place gentle kisses just under his left earlobe. She felt his hands reach up to take hold of each side of her dress, pulling it off her shoulders and down her arms, until it fell in a pile of pale pink material at their feet. Encouraging her to step out of the circle, Killian guided her backward, and gently pushed her into a sitting position on the bed, before kneeling at her feet. He picked up her left foot and after unbuckling her sandal, slid it off and tossed it aside. Taking her foot between his hands, he rubbed his thumbs into the ball of it. Emma had never had anyone massage her foot before and almost purred in contentment.

Kneeling below her, he took a minute to appreciate her beauty as she sat before him in her satin pale pink bra and panty set, her excitement for the way he was touching her evident for him to see. He watched her as he rubbed her foot, her face a study in sensuality, and her body becoming more flushed, the more aroused she became. Pulling her foot up to his lips, Killian nibbled along her instep until she curled her toes and then he gently lowered it and repeated the process with her other leg. Once he put her right foot down, he put his hands on each side of her hips and leaned in, placing his lips against hers. She opened for him as he slowly walked his hands backward, meaning to follow her down.

Emma couldn't believe how sexy it was to have someone remove your shoes and kiss your feet, but she would gladly allow Killian to do it again. As he started to lower her to the bed, while kissing her senseless, she put her hand against his chest, halting him. "Hey, my turn."

He gazed up at her, "Love, I haven't really gotten started."

"You have too many clothes on, love," she quipped trying to mimic his accent. "Here, let me help." Scooting over, she moved him over next to her on the bed, and slowly unbuttoned his vest, pushing it off his shoulders. His shirt buttons were next and each button undone, revealed a piece of chest that she needed to kiss. Thinking she needed to be a little closer, she pushed him down on his back, pulled the tail of his shirt from his pants and straddled him, settling over the evidence of his arousal. Continuing her journey, she unbuttoned each button, kissing her way down, nuzzling aside tufts of hair to kiss bare skin, down his pectoral muscles, along his lean stomach until she reached his belly button, where she swirled the tip of tongue, causing him to twitch. "You're ticklish?"

Looking up at her perched above him, he thought he had never seen anything more beautiful, "Impatient is what I am." Then he tapped his bottom lip, "I want you here."

Emma leaned over and kissed him lightly, but before she could sit back up, he took control of the kiss. He pulled himself back into a sitting position so he was above her while running his hands up and down her side, allowing his thumbs to hook in the band of her bra and panties as it moved past.

Emma's fingers were busy playing along the waistband of his pants which made him realize how tightly they were. He kissed the tip of her nose and asked. "You want me out of them?"

Shaking her head yes, she let her fingers roam a bit more, "Definitely."

When her hand hit a particularly sensitive spot, he growled in appreciation, and pushed himself up, "Me too."

As he got off the bed, Emma appreciated the view of his lean shoulders and back, some muscle definition but not overly so, leading down to a narrow waist and a taunt behind. When he turned to look at her after removing his jeans, her breathing halted at how sexy he looked in the candlelight. Defined pecs and a tight set of abs topped a nicely wrapped package filling out a set of navy boxer briefs. Licking her lips, she followed the line of chest hair up from the band of his boxers, along his abs, up his sternum to where it spread over both pecs, making her fingers knead the bedding so strong was her need to touch. The shadows played around his neck and face, the auburn in his scruff glinting in the candlelight, up to his sensuous lips, high cheekbones, and eyes that were almost black in the low light. His hair fell rakishly over his forehead, artfully mussed from her marauding fingers, and framed elfin ears.

Gorgeous, hers and she wanted him now, was her main thought. Curling her finger in a "come here" motion, she patted the bed next to her and waited. Killian caught her looking and dimpled as he tucked his thumbs into the waistband of his briefs as if undecided about their removal, and raised an eyebrow in question. Emma sat up and crawled toward the side of the bed where he stood. She went up on her knees and wrapped her arms around his waist, kissing him several times at mid-chest. Hooking her thumbs in his boxers, she pulled them down over his hips, and lifted them over his arousal before pushing them lower so he could step out.

Putting a knee on the bed, Killian settled down onto the pillow. With his arms wrapped around her, his lips met hers in a fiery kiss, nipping, sucking, soothing, while their hands familiarized themselves with newly uncovered territory. Reaching around behind her, he unfastened the hooks to her bra and slid it off of her shoulder, using his lips and tongue, to kiss, lick and suck, on each new piece of skin. Not sure how much longer he could hold out, but wanting to taste and touch each new delicate offering, he ran his hands lightly along her side, and around her stomach and up, feeling her shiver under his ministrations. She was a delicacy he had no intentions of rushing through, wanting to peel away each layer with both hands and mouth, until he had filled his need. Reaching the point where his body was crying for release, he pulled her over him where she fit them together, as if they were puzzle pieces meant to be connected. The feeling was so great, he put his hands on either side of her hips, holding her still, allowing his body a moment to relish the feeling of being a part of hers. Looking into her eyes, her pupils wide with need, he felt his heart would burst, so great was its speed. Killian reached up, pulling her down to where their lips met and the rhythm of their bodies slowly matched, singing a tune that only the other knew. Emma couldn't believe when Killian pulled her on top but took advantage and joined their bodies slowly, producing groans of contentment from both. Once he was fully seated, she looked into his eyes, allowing him to see what was in her heart and what she needed from him right then. Understanding her need, he set a rhythm meant to excite, using his body to make hers sing, as if he was the bow and her body the violin. Adding a delicious twist to his hips and hitting just the right spot, caused stars to appear before her eyes before they reached the peak that went on and on, causing her heart to race in her chest. Pinpricks of emotion undulated in waves out from where they were joined, each bigger than the previous until settling and she collapsed onto his chest, their breathing labored, but their bodies temporarily sated.

Feeling the tears leak from her eyes, Emma rolled off of Killian and snuggled against his side. As her breathing calmed, she leaned back to look up at him, "That was nice." And then she smirked at his raised eyebrow, "Ok, maybe better than nice, terrific?"

Killian brought his hand up to caress her face, "If you think that was just fine or terrific, give me a few minutes, and we'll go for earth shattering or out of this world." Then pulling her close, he soothed his hand over her back until he felt her relax. "Are you alright, love?"

"I'm more than alright, why do you ask?"

He wiped his thumb across an errant tear, and held it up, "Tears?"

Emma pulled his fingers to her mouth and kissed them, "Tears of happiness. For so long I never thought I would have this, we would have this, that sometimes the feelings just bubble over." Looking up at him, she could see that he was just as affected by the feelings between them as she was. "Are you alright?"

"Perfect," he said popping his 't', before getting out of bed to blow out the last remaining candle. Back in bed, he lay back and pulled her to his side, wrapping her close. She propped her chin on his chest and with her index finger drew circles in the soft hairs, sending small tremors throughout his body. As her circles got bigger, reaching lower, her hand got bolder, until any thought of sleep completely flew from Killian's mind. "Love, you keep that up,..." His body jumped as her hand hit its mark. Continuing her hand movements, Emma glanced up at him under her eyelashes and quipped, "That's the operative word, isn’t it?" Then her lips followed her hands, which led to other activities, delaying sleep for both long into the night.

K&E

Emma woke wrapped in warm arms and looking into the eyes of Rumple, who's head was laying on the mattress, right at her head. When she saw him, she couldn't help it and started giggling, which woke Killian up.

"Morning love, what's so funny?" Leaning up, he saw the dog and joined her. "Guess he's ready for a walk, eh?

Deciding to both take him for a walk on the beach, they dressed, clipped on his leash and left. The day was beautiful for February and as it was early enough in the morning, the sand was relatively empty. With their hands clasped, they meandered along, speaking softly of a variety of topics, and realizing they both had to go back to work the next day invoked a small amount of anxiety.

Killian could tell his Swan was feeling anxious as the grip of her hand became tighter and her answers to questions more clipped. Knowing what must be done, he stopped, turned her towards him and looped his arms around her hips, pulling her close. With Rumple sitting at their feet, he leaned in for a kiss and then standing there on the sand, in the early morning light started into her eyes.

“Emma, the future's nothing to be frightened of. I want it all with you, and by all, I mean a wedding and our babies, but until you are ready, I will be here, next to you as often as you will allow me.”

She glanced up at him, his eyes full of love and concern for her, “I want you with me always, Killian. That's what is frightening me.”

Hugging her tightly, he thought about what he should say, "Let's take it one day at a time, alright? I am ready, you let me know when you are.”

Standing on her tip toes, she kissed him slowly. " I will. Ready for the next step in us?"

He cocked a brow, "I thought we had taken the next step, but I'm willing to go another round."

Shaking her head at his playfulness, they resumed their walk, "I'm talking about meeting my family. My sister has issued a lunch ultimatum, not an invitation, for later. You ready?"

Reaching up to scratch behind his ear, he glanced at her and laughed, "I'm ready if you are as I got the same ultimatum from Liam and his wife, Elsa for dinner."

"Wait, Elsa? As in Arende, the OB specialist?"

"Aye, the very one."

"That's so strange as I've sent patients to her but have only spoken to her on the phone once or twice. Our lives have truly been intertwined."

"Fate my darling." He kissed her hard and they continued their walk, taking home some bearclaws and coffee to enjoy on the balcony.

The morning was spent just being together. They moved from the balcony to the sofa to the bed, talking, laughing and loving. Hoping she would let him stay, Killian had brought along several changes of clothing, and they were able to shower and dress for their lunch with M&M and David without having to drive to the beach or without having to be separated, which to them was the most important.

Killian drove, and noticing that Emma was wringing her hands together asked, "Nervous love?"

Smiling at him, she shook her head, "Not so much nervous, just anxious about what they are going to ask you."

"It will be fine, relax." Then to get her mind on something else, he went on to talk about his schedule for the next few weeks and that in March, water activity increased as did his business.

"I want you to go with me on some of the trips if your hospital schedule allows. You can protect me from those other women." He winked.

As he hoped she snickered and went on to talk about the hospital and the people she worked with on a daily basis. Some names he recognized from Liam and Elsa and he hadn't said anything yet but he suspected that he knew her brother in law, David, from when he was a lad. She had been his destiny but, it had just taken them a while to find each other.

M&M opened the door to their knock and hugged her sister, whispering, “not bad,” in her ear. She then led them to the patio where David was tending the grill, who turned to say hello but what came out instead was, "Killy?"

Killian gave Emma a sheepish smile before looking back at David, "Aye. Charming?" Then they moved toward each other laughing and hugged as if they were long lost friends.

Emma and M&M stood there with their mouth's hanging open, as their men treated each other like long lost friends. When the men finally broke apart, they explained to the women that David had, in fact, gone to school with Killian's brother, Liam, who was helping with some of the designs on their new home. "Small world," M&M murmured.

"And Charming?" Emma asked, looking at both David and Killian.

David blushed, "It was nothing really."

Killian laughed, "Oh, don't be modest Dave, Liam filled me in. It seems that Dave, here, had a way with the girls in high school, so he was coined Charming. There was one, in particular, Abigail wasn't it?"

Walking over David hugged Emma hello and then suggested she and M&M, bring the rest of the lunch out to the table and he and Killian would tend to the grill.

Killian squeezed Emma's fingers when she glanced at him, and then leaned in and kissed her cheek, before whispering, "I'll be fine, go."

Once the ladies were out of sight, David handed Killian a cold drink, then checked on the grill. "So, should I ask what your intentions are toward my wife's sister?"

Rolling his eyes at his long lost mate, Killian answered, "Whatever they are, they’re as much up to her as they are to me. But if it makes you feel better," he said looking longingly toward where she had gone into the house, "I would marry her tomorrow if she would have me."

David clapped him on the back, "Be patient with her."

Looking back at David, Killian nodded, "Aye, I've all the time in the world."

K&E

As soon as the door was behind them, M&M and Emma stopped and looked at each other, with amazement. "Emma, can you believe what we just learned?"

Pulling her sister into the kitchen to gather the lunch supplies, Emma responded, "What, that they've known each other forever or that David' nickname is Charming and Killian's is Killy?"

Shaking her head at the strangeness that was her life, Emma answered her sister's questions about her date the night before, as well as filling her in on what she had learned about him. She was happy though when it was announced the meat was ready since there were some things, she just didn't think her sister needed to know.

Picking up the plates and silverware, she carried those out to the table and then went back in for the salad. M&M brought out the bread and napkins and lunch turned out to be a mixture of stories from when the men were young, to discussions about Emma and Killian. Once the meal was completed and the table was cleaned, Emma deemed it time to go home so they could take Rumple for a walk before they made their second appearance of the day at Liam's house. With promises of getting together again soon, the door was shut behind them.

As they walked to the car they wrapped their arms around each other and Emma looked up at him. "Killy?" She giggled. He growled and kissed her, but her only answer was the redness on the tips of his ears.

K&E

They arrived back to the apartment in record time and took Rumple for a walk on the beach and for a run in the dog park. Killian wrapped his arm around Emma and pulled her close as they walked back home, not only because he wanted her close but it had gotten cooler, and he liked keeping her warm. Once on the elevator, Rumple settled in close as he could to Killian's leg, and waited patiently for them to reach their floor. Emma was feeling a bit chilled, and taking advantage of the fact the elevator was empty, snuggled close and wrapped her arms around Killian's waist. Turning she nudged his chin with her nose until he tilted his head and kissed her. It was an open mouth kiss that consumed her, and when he reached up and cupped her cheek, to get closer, her heart sped up thinking about all the time they had spent loving each other before going to M&M and David's house. Wanting to meet Killian's family, as he had met hers but, also wanting to spend the evening alone with him, exploring each other, again and again. The elevator doors opened on their floor and after a few nudges from Rumple, they broke apart to walk off. Killian was glad they didn't see anyone after they got off the elevator as that kiss had given him some carnal thoughts which affected the fit of his pants. He really wanted to take his Swan and show her a thing or two that he had been thinking about over the past couple of years, but bloody hell, Liam was being an old sod and had demanded their presence. So he would wait until after dinner when they were alone, and then, he would make up for lost time. Unlocking the door to the apartment, Emma unclipped Rumple's leash and put it away. Because of the hot kiss in the elevator, she needed to cool off, and what better way than on the balcony, several stories up. She had been leaning on the railing, looking over the ocean waves, when she heard Killian come out and wrap his arms around her. Turning she looped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his thick hair, "What time should we leave for dinner?" Kissing her, Killian pulled her tightly against him, "Liam just called and Elsa was pulled out on an emergency, so we are off the hook, so to speak. Can you think of any way we can occupy our time?" "We're free tonight?" Emma asked moving a little closer and kissing the side of his neck. "Oh, I think I might need to do some laundry," then she kissed the other side of his neck, "Or clean the bathroom." Then she kissed his lips. Killian pinned her against the railing and quickly took control of the kiss, showing her with his mouth and tongue exactly what he wanted to do with his body. They almost forgot they were out on a balcony, alone, but not really alone, and when one of them moaned and Emma pushed her hands inside his back pockets to squeeze his backside he knew what needed to be done. Turning them, but never releasing her mouth, he walked them back inside the apartment and made an attempt at shutting the door. Releasing her lips, he waited until she had opened her eyes, "Hold on.” Before picking her up and putting her over his shoulder in a fireman's hold and walking down the hall to the bedroom, where he showed her several creative uses for their hands, lips and other body parts.

K&E

As February became March Emma and Killian spent more and more time together. While she wasn’t ready for a ‘formal’ verbal commitment, she knew in her heart that she loved him and that she wanted to be with him always, but the actual step was something that she wanted to take a bit slowly. Thinking back over their strange relationship, she couldn’t believe that it had been just over two years ago when she had visited the beach house for the first time, and somehow her letter had reached through time and space to connect her with Killian. She had fallen in love with a man through his letters, thought she had lost him to time, thought she had lost him to death, only to discover that he had, indeed, waited for her. That now her family not only consisted of M&M, David and her future niece or nephew, but Killian, and his brother and wife, and of course Rumple. The eerie, strangely perceptive dog who somehow seemed to have a hand in whatever magical means had brought them together. Whatever, or whoever it was, she didn’t really know and didn’t really care. They were together and life was good.

Emma was finishing up her rounds one day in late March and ready to call it a night. She hadn’t seen much of Killian for a few days as she had been working long shifts at the hospital and he had been booked on nightly cruises and she was anxious to get home to her boys. Since they had found each other in February, they had spent every night together, but depending on their work schedules, the place varied between her apartment or the beach house. Pulling out her phone she sent a quick text to Killian;

E: Hey babe. Where are we tonight?

K: Rumple and I are at the beach house waiting for you.

E: Perfect. I hope to leave in an hour.

K: We’ll be waiting. A walk on the beach?

E: You read my mind. Followed by?

K: Netflix and maybe a bath?

E: Heaven.

K: Heaven is anywhere with you.

E: I love you

K: Love you too. Drive safely

Emma reread his last text and smiled at his kiss emoji at the end. Picking up the pile of charts she sat down in the charting room and got to work. Working steadily, she had just finished when she heard her name and looked up to see Ruby standing in the door. “Ruby, hi, how are things?”

Ruby smiled at her before answering, “The question is, how ARE you? Since Mr. Tall, Dark and Hunky came into your life, we haven’t seen much of each other. “

“Things are good Ruby.” Then she noticed the little smirk on Ruby’s face. “Ok, things are more than good, fantastic, even. I’m so happy,” and she hesitated a second, “that I’m scared he’s going to disappear.”

Ruby’s look became one of gentle concern, “Em, he’s the one you met through letters right? You never explained how you met anyway.”

Emma thought about the discussion that she had had with Killian about this very thing. About how to explain ‘how’ they had met because everyone would think they were nuts, which when you thought too hard about it, it did sound like they were nuts. She ended up telling her the story they had come up with, which stretched the truth, yet still allowed some of the romanticism to shine through.

“Yes, we were pen pals, I guess you could say. And then after thinking we were never going to be together, fate stepped in and here we are. “ Shrugging her shoulders, at the irony that a woman of science had left her love life up to fate, well, it was very ironic.

Ruby nearly swooned, “It’s so romantic.”

Emma thought to herself, well, if she knew the real story, she would totally swoon. “Yes, it is. And he and Rumple are waiting at home for a walk on the beach.” Finishing the charts in record time, she headed for the beach.

K&E

Killian looked over at Rumple who was sitting by the front door waiting for Emma. “She’ll be here soon, boy.”

Rumple wagged his tail but didn’t move, even when Killian pulled out the treat bag trying to entice him away from the door. Twenty minutes later, Rumple jumped up on the door handle, opening it and took off down the walk toward the yellow bug that was just pulling up to park.

Shaking his head at the dog’s uncanny abilities, Killian muttered, “Someone needs to teach that dog how to close the bloody door.”

Killian stood waiting for Emma to finish greeting Rumple so she could greet him. Rumple’s tail was wagging and he kept jumping up on her but she just scratched his ears and talked to him like he was a four-year-old. While he thought it was nice that they loved each other so much, the fact that he was playing second fiddle to such creature, hadn’t escaped his notice. However, when Swan turned his way and bestowed on him the most beatific smile and then ran into him arms and kissed him senseless, he let it slide.

Keeping her close, they entered the house and he sent her to change into something more comfortable while he set out their dinner. When she returned, she looked much more comfortable in shorts and a tank and pulling out her chair, she sat down to eat. Talking about their day was something that Killian never got tired of as she lit up with such joy and often became so animated that he felt like he was right there with her. His only issues came when she came home after losing a patient and wondered if she had done everything possible. Those times he could do nothing but hold her and let her work through her grief on her own.

Dinner was done, the dishes cleaned up and the sun was on its way down creating shadows along the beach. “Ready for that walk love?”

Emma, who had been wiping down the counters, turned to him with a grin, “Ready. Do you think we should take Rumple?”

Kilian looked over where the dog was sleeping, and raised both of his brows, “You really think he would let us leave without him?”

Laughing at the dog’s antics to always want to be included, Emma agreed and all three went down to walk along the beach. Emma and Killian, fingers linked, walked slowly along, talking quietly and watched the movements of the dog, who would chase something into the tall grass every few minutes. Finally, Emma couldn’t stand it any longer and went to see what he was doing but couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

“Killian, what IS he doing?” she asked him since he wasn’t paying any attention to the dog’s behavior.

“Oh, don’t mind him. He’s chasing a crocodile.” And kept on walking like it was not any big deal.

Emma shook her head at him, “Did you just say he’s chasing a crocodile? There aren’t crocodiles in Florida. We have alligators.”

“No Swan, not a big crocodile. One of those little brown or green crocodiles that are always in the garden.”

When she finally figured out what he was talking about, she laughed. “Babe, those are lizards. We don’t have crocodiles in Florida.”

Killian looked at her out of the side of his eye, “If you say so Swan, but in my line of work, you meet crocodiles every day.” He said as he laughed with her and hugged her close to his side.

Once back home they chose something to watch on Netflix and cuddled up on the sofa. After the movie was over, Killian could tell that Emma was getting tired and asked, “Shall I run you a bath?”

Emma looked over her shoulder at him, “That depends. Are you joining me?” His smirk was all the answer she needed.

~fin

#Capt Swan Ff #CS FF #cs crew #THE BEACH HOUSE

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gray-autumn-sky · 6 years ago

Text

Sleepless in Seattle, Chapter 3

December 24, 1992- Seattle, Washington:

Christmas music plays gently in the background as Robin uncorks a bottle of wine, dividing it into three glasses. He smiles as he watches Ruby come up behind Belle, resting her chin on her shoulder as her arms wrap around her waist as Belle flips through the TV Guide.

“What are you looking for?”

“Something that’s not It’s a Wonderful Life,” Belle sighs. “I love that movie, but--”

“They’ve already played it on two channels today.”

“You know how I feel about repeats.”

“I know, I know,” Ruby sighs. “You made that perfectly clear when I suggested that claymation Rudolph movie this morning.”

“I just don’t understand why three films get played over and over and over again year after year after year.”

Robin laughs softly as he watches Ruby press a kiss to Belle’s cheek. “It’s a losing argument, Ruby. She’s been this way since she was ten.”

Belle bristles and he grins as Ruby’s hold on her tightens. “How about that--”

“What?”

“An Affair to Remember.”

“That’s not a Christmas movie.”

“Not the hit-you-over-the-head kind of Christmas movie, but--” Belle looks back specifically and Ruby looks to him, obviously looking for an ally. “Come on, Robin. Tell her.”

“I… wish I could help, really,” he says, carefully lifting the three glasses. “But I’ve never seen it.”

Ruby looks offended and it makes him laugh. “Well, now we have to watch it.”

“Fine,” Belle sighs, taking one of the glasses. “If you two are going to gang up on me--”

“We’re hardly--”

“You’re being dramatic,” Ruby says, finally letting go of her and circling around to the other side of the couch in search of the remote. “Robin, you’ve really never seen this?”

He shakes his head and reaches for a plate of Christmas cookies that Roland decorated for Santa, and he selects a lopsided little reindeer with M&M eyes and a chipped antler--then gingerly, he bites off his head. “Marian wasn’t really a… romantic movie sort of girl.”

“Ah--”

“And it’s not quite something I’d pick up on my own.”

“Come on it’s got Cary Grant and--”

“She’d leave me for Cary Grant,” Belle interjects as she sits back on the couch and tugs Ruby down beside her, pouting as if she’s actually upset about the prospect. “In a heartbeat.”

“You realize he’s both dead and a man, right?”

“Well--”

They both stop, and suddenly, his chest feels tight.

Since Marian’s death, Ruby and Belle have been constants in his and Roland’s lives. They’ve been there for everything--from random dinners during the week to Roland’s soccer games all summer to school events, even suffering through the First Grade Thanksgiving Concert in which thirty-two first graders played songs on their recorders--hitting almost all of the high-pitched notes at the same time. They’d become regulars in their lives, keeping them in their established routines and doing their best to fill the void.

But occasionally, they forgot themselves or something came across in a way they didn’t mean. Usually it was less overt--a reference to something Marian used to make for dinner or asking why there was an empty bottle of lotion in the medicine cabinet, and once when Belle had been helping him to switch out Roland’s summer clothes for fall and winter ones, she’d found an old sweater in a hamper and as she pulled it out, she’d snagged it and both his and Roland’s faces had crumpled.

It was never intentionally, but it stung, and he was convinced that they always felt worse than he did. Of course, whenever things like that happened, it reopened old wounds, making them sting and bleed again--but this time was different, and this time made him sad for a completely different reason. Now, it wasn’t just that he missed her, it wasn’t just that he wanted her back, but now he had to live with the realization that didn’t sting as badly as it would have a month ago, it didn’t bleed the same way. Still, it hurt and still, he missed her--and somehow that seemed like a betrayal, like moving would be betraying her memory.

And moving on was unfathomable.

“Robin, I’m--”

“It’s okay,” he insists, trying to muster a smile. “It is.”

“No, I shouldn’t have--”

“Maybe we should just… put on the movie.”

His eyes press closed. “I didn’t mean--”

“You didn’t do or say anything wrong,” Ruby tells him. “I did.”

“No, I--”

“Daddy--”

They all stop and turn toward the stairs, their eyes falling to Roland who sits on the bottom step, hugging his knees to his chest as he sniffles back tears.

“Hey, you--”

“Aren’t you supposed to be asleep?

“Santa’s waiting for you to--”

Before he can even rise from the couch, Roland’s face crumbles, and by the time he reaches him, scooping him up and cradling him in his arms, the boy is sobbing.

“Shh, Roland, whatever it is, it’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. It’s not okay.”

“Roland--”

“I forgot!”

“What?” He pulls back a little to look his son in the eye. “What did you forget?”

“Mama’s letter!”

He blinks. “What letter?”

“To Santa.”

Helplessly, he looks to Belle and Ruby who shake their heads and shrug. “Roland, what letter? You wrote one in school and--”

“We always wrote one and left it with the cookies,” he cuts in. “And I forgot.”

For a moment, all he can do is stare. He didn’t know about a letter, he barely knew about the cookies. Marian always had her own traditions with Roland, things they shared together. It wasn’t that he was excluded--they both had special little traditions with Roland--and usually he spent the time that they were baking and getting ready for Santa wrapping presents and making sure everything was properly assembled and had the necessary batteries. Once the cookies were set out and the presents were wrapped, they both tucked Roland into bed then retired downstairs, cuddling up together in front of the fire, watching the lights sparkle on the tree.

“It’s okay, son,” Robin says, kissing his cheek and wiping away his tears. “Santa hasn’t come yet.”

“But I forgot.”

“But you remembered now.”

Roland nods, but his face crumbled. “What if I forget her?”

“You won’t,” Robin says, his heart aching as he smiles. “You might… remember specific things less and memories might not always be as clear, but you won’t forget her.” Roland blinks and sniffles, but his eyes stay locked with his. “You know, you have her eyes and her smile?”

“I do?”

Robin nods. “I see her every time I look at you.”

“You do?” he asks, a little grin tugging up at one corner of his mouth. “Every time?”

“Well, when you smile and laugh, I do.” Leaning in, he kisses his forehead and rubs his nose against Roland’s. “And you know what else?” Roland shake his head. “She wouldn’t want you to be feeling bad on Christmas.”

“Yeah,” he nods, “That’s true. Christmas was her favorite.”

“It was,” Robin tells him, a little laugh rising into his voice. “Do you remember the year she made us string popcorn?”

Giggling, Roland nods. “I kept eating it.”

“Off of the tree!”

A smile spreads across his lips as he laughs. “It tasted good!”

“And then what happened.”

Roland frowns. “I got a stomach ache.”

“And then?”

“Mom made me peppermint tea.”

“And then?”

“She got worried that I ate some glue.”

“And why did she think that?”

“Because you glued the popcorn to the string.”

“Do you remember why?”

He nods. “Because you didn’t listen when she was showing you how to knot the string.”

Robin laughs. “That’s right.”

“And she laid in my bed and read me stories until I fell asleep.”

Swallowing the lump at the back of his throat, Robin forces himself to smile--and again, it hurts that it’s not that difficult. “See,” he tells him. “You do remember her.”

“Yeah,” Roland nods, grinning at him. “I guess I do.”

Kissing his cheeks again, Robin turns them back to the living room where Ruby and Belle are waiting for them with tears in their eyes--and together, the four of them sit down at the coffee table and write the nearly forgotten letter to Santa.

_____

December 24, 1992: Greenwich, Connecticut:

Regina takes a dish from Mal and dries it, trying to ignore the fact that after the dishes are done there’s still food to be divided up into tupperware containers and a handful of presents to wrap, and though it’s well-past midnight, she knows it’ll be hours before she’s able to go to bed.

“So,” Mal begins, nudging her arm as she soaps up a dish. “Daniel was here.”

“Yes, he was,” Regina says, grinning over at her. “You’re so observant.”

Mal’s eyes roll. “Inviting the boyfriend to Christmas dinner--”

“Christmas Eve dinner.”

“Same thing.”

“No, it’s not,” Regina insists, unsure of why this is even something that she’s arguing. “Christmas Eve is you and Lily, and Henry and me--”

“And Daniel.”

“Yes, and Daniel,” she sighs. “But Christmas is… my parents.”

“Your mother.”

“Unfortunately.”

“So, is he… coming over tomorrow?”

Biting down on her lip. “I told him he didn’t have to.”

Mal’s brow arches as she runs the dish under the running water. “What a welcoming invite. I’m sure he just snapped that up.”

“It’s not like he hasn’t met them before.”

“Meeting your girlfriend’s parents when you’re sixteen is very different than meeting them when you’re thirty-four.”

Regina blinks, and for a moment, she feels lost in the conversation. “So, are you saying he should or shouldn’t be coming? Because--”

“I’m not saying either.”

“Oh.”

“But judging by the way he kissed you goodnight, he wants to come over tomorrow.”

Regina blinks. “What?”

“Oh come on…”

“No… I just… what do you mean?”

For a moment, Mal just stares at her, then she scoffs and shakes her head. “You have no idea how crazy he is about you, do you?”

Hesitating, she bites down on her lip, taking a ready-to-dry plate from Mal. “I… like him, too.”

“You like him?” Mal asks, reaching for another dish to wash and frowning when she finds it caked in dried up gravy. “Regina, this isn’t the ninth grade anymore.”

“I am very aware of—“

“Are you in love with him?”

This shouldn’t be a difficult question; and really, it’s not. She does have feelings for Daniel and she loves having him around. He makes her laugh and feel cared for, he’s always there to offer an ear whenever she needs to vent—no matter how petty—and he’s made such an effort to get to know her son. Right from the start, things were comfortable and Daniel’s presence in her life—regardless of her own trepidation—was nothing short of a blessing. After a disastrous marriage, she was working on reclaiming herself, remembering who she was before she was Leopold’s wife and figuring how she’d changed and what she wanted from the world.

Daniel was kind and patient, and he never pushed her. He was simply content to just be there with her. They went on fun little dates—usually now involving Henry—and he came over for dinner almost every night.

In a lot of ways though, it felt like they were playing house. They were going through the motions without any of the commitment—and though she hadn’t quite admitted it to anyone, she liked that open-ended, go-with-the-flow sort of relationship.

Her marriage had been hard; and this was the exact opposite. It was easy and offered her companionship without any of the trappings that usually came along with it.

“I love him,” she says, after too long of a pause. “I do love him.”

“That’s different.”

She blinks as she accepts the dish from Mal. She knows that it is. “It’s not.”

“Regina, come on—“

“I love him, Mal. I’d be crazy not to.”

“That would carry a lot more weight if you weren’t so well-known for doing crazy things every now and then.”

She watches as Mal reaches for the soap. “Name one thing that—“

“You married a man you didn’t even like because your mother told you you should, then you stayed married to him for an entire decade.”

Regina’s shoulder square—she wasn’t quite expecting that. “Oh.”

With a sigh, Mal turns off the water and turns to face her, leaning up against the edge of the sink. “You do know that it’s okay not to be in love with him, right?”

Her eyes fall down to the soapy water. “But that’s just it… I… I think I might be. Or, at least, I could be.” Tentatively, she looks up, biting down on her bottom lip. “I… think I might just need to get out of my own way.”

“Well, I won’t argue with that,” Mal scoffs, flipping the water back on. “How does Henry feel about all this?”

“That’s not exactly something I discuss with my nine year old, Mal.”

Mal’s eyes roll. “I mean does Henry like Daniel? How does he feel about him being around?”

“He does.” A smile pulls onto her lips. “They… sort of have a thing whenever Daniel comes over.”

“Yeah?”

“It’s cute. I really thought Henry was going to be done with Boy Scouts this year, but Daniel seems to have renewed his interest.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Regina nods, grinning. “He helped him get two patches this fall.”

“That’s good.”

“It is,” Regina agrees, nodding. “It… it really is.”

Again, she focuses on the dish she’s drying, momentarily losing herself in thought—there was absolutely no valid reason she had for not being in love with him—and maybe, she thought, she didn’t actually know what being in love felt like. After all, it's hard to understand something you’ve never personally experienced.

“Regina, you know that—“

“I know that he makes me happy. I like being with him. I like spending time with him, and I love the way he cares about Henry. I like having something to come home to who actually seems like they’re glad to see me. I like having someone to eat dinner with and talk to and—“

“That doesn’t mean—“

“How do you know?” she asks, bristling with defense. “Maybe I am in love with him. Maybe—“

“Okay, okay,” Mal cuts in, handing her the last dish to dry and shutting off the water. “Relax. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Regina takes a breath. It's not Mal’s fault, its hers. For years, she dulled her own pain by ignoring it, and she never imagined that a consequence was that she’d also dull her ability to feel other things—but as she considers the last several months, that’s the only thing that makes sense to her.

Mal moves away from the sink and grabs an already-opened bottle of wine. “No use in letting this go to waste,” she says, grinning. “Let’s finish it off.”

Nodding, Regina sets the plate on the dish wrack, accepting the glass from Mal as she follows her into the living room—and as soon as she sits down and takes the first sip, she feels a bit better. “This is good,” she murmurs, smelling the wine and breathing in the oaky scent. “Where did you get it?”

“I didn’t get it,” Mal tells her. “Daniel did.”

For some reason, that makes her smile. Daniel isn’t a wine drinker. This wouldn't have been something he just had. He bought it with her in mind.

She takes another sip and curls her legs underneath herself. “We still have to stuff stockings.”

“I know,” Mal murmurs, making no effort to get up. “We will.”

“I have some games and things for Henry in my car and—“

“I miss that.”

“What?”

“Getting ‘games and things’ for Lily’s stocking.”

“What did you get her this year?”

“Gift cards. It’s what she wanted,” Mal tells her, sounding a bit sad as she sighs and sips the wine. “And a pack of nicorette gum.”

“Subtle.”

Mal shrugs. “Subtle hasn’t been working. I’m trying the sledgehammer approach now.”

“Well, that sounds fun.”

“It’s cathartic, really.”

“Poor Lily.”

“Poor me.”

Regina grins and leans back, her brow furrowing when something scratchy ruins against the back of her neck—And as she turns, she sees Daniel’s blazer hanging over the side of the couch. “Oh, he must have left this,” she murmurs, pulling the jacket into her lap and rubbing her fingers over the navy blue wool. “He looked nice in this.”

“It's a good color on him.”

“It brought out his eyes.” Regina says, grinning as she looks to Mal. “He has really pretty eyes.”

“He—“

Mal’s voice halts as Regina folds the blazer over her arm and out of the pocket falls a receipt.

“What’s that?”

“I don't know,” Regina murmurs, watching as Mal cranes her neck curiously—and then, her breath catches in her chest. “Oh my god.”

“What?” Mal asks, leaning in closer. “What is it for?”

“It’s… from a jewelry store.”

“Ooh, someone’s getting a nice gift.”

She blinks as her stomach tightens and an indescribable feeling overtakes her. “Someone’s getting a ring.”

#oq ff #outlaw queen #advent 2018

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terreisa · 7 years ago

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The Savior and The Scoundrel: Set an Open Course

Emma has had a few titles attributed to her in her life: princess, captain, pirate but none sat so heavily on her shoulders as Savior. When fate forces her to step into the role prophesied before her birth the only saving she wants to do is to bring back the man she loves. Fulfilling the Prophecy along the way is an additional reward. Sequel to A Crown and A Captain.

Prologue, Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 6, Ch 7, Ch 8, Ch 9

ff.net, AO3

Turning over in her bunk for what felt like the fiftieth time in under an hour Emma sighed and screwed her eyelids shut even tighter in an attempt to force herself to fall asleep. She knew it wouldn’t work, the previous six nights of similar attempts had effectively proven that to her. The best she could hope for was an hour or two of jagged dreams before either the ache in her shoulder or the sounds of others moving about the ship signalled it was time for her to go about starting her day. Never mind that it felt as though all the previous days had seemed to meld into one long, unending day.

After Regina had informed her of Killian’s situation the rest of that day had become a blur of memories. She knew that Roland and Grace had returned with the rowboat but she couldn’t remember when or how. She remembered returning to the Jewel and speaking with Turner but she didn’t remember what she had said or if she had even acknowledged Marty or the others before holing up in the captain’s cabin. The first solid thing she remembered from that evening had been when Grace had forced her to eat something before swallowing another handful of Regina’s pebbles as Grace cleaned up her shoulder once more.

At first it had been easy to hide her inability to sleep from the others. As she was recovering from an injury caused by the woman known as the Evil Queen a blanket of hostility had settled over the ship and nearly everyone was too wound up to truly pay her any attention. Grace and Roland left wherever they had been, whether it was the galley, Emma’s cabin, or even above deck, whenever Regina came within spitting distance. Turner and Marty on the other hand had tried for civility and edged into almost manic cheerfulness in their attempts to maintain peace.

Finally Emma had had enough. She’d ordered Turner to return with Regina back to shore to gather what information he could and so Regina could keep up the appearance that nothing was amiss. Everyone had argued for nearly two hours after she’d given the order, both for and against her decision. In the end Emma pointed out that they had a limited amount of supplies and that Zelena or her men would go looking for Regina eventually if she disappeared completely.

At first light the next morning Turner and Regina had rowed to shore and immediately it felt as though a dark cloud had been lifted from the Jewel’s deck. Marty and Roland wasted no time in curiously examining some of the items Regina had originally brought with her from the rundown cottage and placed in the galley. Grace had joined them not long after, a reluctant curiosity in her eyes. Despite knowing Regina had put the strange things out with the intention that they could be looked at Emma still felt the shame of being a snoop as she sat at the table and examined the odd doodads herself.

Some it turned out were strange equivalents of things they’d known all their lives. There were lanterns and heavy metal cylinders that could be lit with some fiddling and poking and without any visible wick or flame, a multitude of foodstuffs, and what seemed to be a portable cooktop that produced a strong metallic odor when its knobs were turned. Then there were a handful tools the likes of which they could never guess the use of without Regina there to explain. Their favorite by far was a confusing looking metal box that with the same fiddling and poking they had done to the lantern produced music and talking from seemingly nowhere. When Turner and Regina returned at dusk they had been sitting around the box for a majority of the day and bombarded Regina with questions when she entered the galley.

After that they established a routine. During the day Turner and Regina went ashore to gather supplies and to spy on the town while those left on the ship poured over the previous day’s haul and information. At night Regina explained as much as she could about the realm they had found themselves in, sometimes in generalities other times spending hours explaining how one thing worked, like the strange carriages. Tensions lessened as the days went by and although trust was still an issue there were no longer open hostilities between everyone on board the Jewel.

It wasn’t until the morning of the fourth day after they’d returned to the Jewel that Emma was pulled aside by Grace. At first she’d merely asked how she had been sleeping and when Emma had been fumbling over her answer Grace had asked what Regina had said to upset her. As Grace had intended Emma had been caught off guard by the question and had answered honestly. Grace had cursed both Regina and Killian’s names under her breath but she hadn’t left Emma’s side or pushed her to elaborate on how she was handling the information herself. She also hadn’t mentioned it to anyone else and for that Emma was eternally grateful, even if she’d had to deal with Grace pestering her about getting more sleep instead.

Despite only Regina and Grace being aware of Killian’s marriage under the curse and the other’s preoccupations with learning about the new realm the days were not much easier than the nights. There were stretches of time where she was nothing but idle, her shoulder prevented her from doing any kind of ship maintenance which Marty gladly took upon himself. Cataloguing the supplies and goods brought back to the ship weren’t much to keep any of them busy for long and she mainly left it for Roland and Grace to complete if there wasn’t anything particularly interesting among them. It was during those seemingly endless, boring times that her mind inevitably turned to Killian. No matter how hard she tried to fight against it.

In the beginning her thoughts had been focused on the cruelty of Zelena’s curse. The way Killian’s eyes had yet to light up in recognition when he saw her or the small, fond smile that would play at his lips when she spoke to him had been replaced with intrigued lust, light suspicion and not a single spark of any memory of her. Emma’s ire would rise at the unfairness of it all, leaving her nearly spitting with rage at Zelena for taking her Killian away from her. Then, inevitably like a bucket of ice cold sea water dumped over her head, she would remember once again that Killian was married under the curse and the vicious cycle of cursing Zelena would start anew.

Late one night, as she had been about to drift off into uneasy sleep, a troubling thought had occurred to her. Regina had told them that the curse had been cast with the intention of making everyone under its spell miserable, as Zelena intended. The idea that had struck Emma, forced her to sit up gasping in the dark and blinking back fresh tears of anguish, was the idea that perhaps Killian’s misery wasn’t compounded by his cursed marriage but somewhat alleviated by it. That he could be even the smallest bit happy with his wife felt as though a red hot blade had been slid between her ribs, straight into her heart. Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that Zelena hadn’t intended Killian’s marriage to be a torture for him but for her, on the chance that she would eventually arrive to try and break the curse.

As much as she wanted Killian back, whole and his memories intact, she knew that she couldn’t bring herself to want to cause even a fraction of the heartbreak she’d been feeling since their separation to anyone else, Killian especially. The agony of her realization that Killian could possibly love another, even a cursed love, only added to her worries and her fragile state of being. Any hope she had of finding sleep had evaporated leaving exhaustion and despair to become her constant companions.

Emma blinked back tears as her mind once again ran rampant with imaginings of the life Killian was possibly living under the curse. No matter how often she reminded herself that what Regina said about the misery under the curse was, in fact, truth she couldn’t help but picture Killian’s lips kissing another, holding her, comforting her, loving her and it was a torture better than anything else Zelena could have imagined. The thought had dug into her mind like a parasitic worm that burrowed ever deeper with each passing hour causing her to pull back from the others and more into herself and her misery. It wouldn’t be long before someone other than Grace noticed her distress and she dreaded having to put her fears into words. That somehow saying them aloud would make them true.

Watching the slow lightening of her cabin from the rising sun Emma forced herself to think about other things. She finally settled on wondering how much longer they could feasibly lie in wait. Sooner or later Killian wouldn’t be the only one aware that there were strangers in the town. It was only a matter of time before Turner would be questioned more closely during one of his trips to shore or the Jewel was spotted and Zelena informed of their presence. With a heavy sigh she pulled herself out of her bunk and settled blearily at her desk to try and come up with a plan for when they were inevitably discovered.

Two hours later a knock sounded at her door, startling her awake from the fragile doze she’d fallen into.

“Come in,” she called, hoping she sounded somewhat alert.

Emma looked down and was embarrassed to see that the piece of parchment she’d intended for her plans was instead covered with scribbled ramblings about Killian and the curse. She quickly slid it under her captain’s log as Grace stepped into the cabin.

“Morning,” Grace said quietly. She had two steaming cups of tea in her hands and offered one to her before settling herself down in the chair on the opposite side of the desk, “There was coffee in the galley but you don’t really need anything that will only increase your inability to sleep.”

Scowling, Emma sniffed at her cup and rolled her eyes at the slight floral scent of chamomile mixing with the sweet notes of honey and a bitter tang of something most likely meant to ease her into sleep. Of all the wonders in the new realm the abundance of goods had astounded them all. Items that had been only fit for purchase by the wealthy or royalty in their realm could easily be bought at the marketplace by anyone of any standing. Exotic spices, decadent sweets, luxurious fabrics and more were all practically for the taking according to Turner. Of everything it was the ease with which she could indulge in a cup of bitter coffee at any moment she wished that Emma was most grateful for, especially as the nights without rest continued on.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Emma deflected, blowing almost too harshly on her tea.

“You’re not as clever as you think you are,” Grace hummed, sipping at her own cup. “Young Marty has noticed the shadows under your eyes, Roland’s heard you pacing your cabin at night, and even Regina has attempted to talk to me about it. I’d say Turner was ignorant of it but I know he’s been contemplating using his bag of poppy dust on you, damn the consequences.

“I know coming to this realm, discovering what we have about it, has been trying but there something more than that weighing you down-” Grace paused before leaning forward to catch her eye, “You will break this curse and Killian will be by your side once more. Of that I- no, we have no doubt.”

Her stomach clenched painfully as the cup in her grip began to shake, sloshing scalding tea

onto the back of her hand. Hissing in pain Emma was horrified to discover tears welling up in her eyes as it all became too much to keep locked down inside her. She was barely able to set her cup down on the desk before she dissolved into shuddering, disjointed sobs.

Emma was vaguely aware of Grace moving to her side and trying to comfort her as best she could. Even as her body shook and hot tears trailed down her cheeks she recognized that it was a break that had been a long time coming. She had pushed herself to her limit, physically and emotionally. As she fought to steady herself and stave off her tears she knew she needed to tell someone else about the dark thoughts that had been consuming her. Her first child like wish was for her mother to be the one comforting her, to listen to her troubles, but she dashed that yearning away like she had so many times before and turned to Grace with a feeble smile.

“I’m sorry,” she gasped, belatedly realizing she had Grace’s hands gripped tightly in her own. She released them quickly and wiped at the tears still coursing down her cheeks, “It’s been a rough week.”

“Emma, you’re not made of stone. It appears I was right to be concerned that you thought you were,” Grace said softly with a light scolding edge to it.

“I don’t think I’m made of stone-” she hiccupped, “I just didn’t want to worry anyone else with my problems. We have enough going on that my dumb issues aren’t important right now.”

“Of course they’re important,” Grace said fiercely, tsking at her before practically shoving her cup of tea back into her hands. “If any one of us had been acting as you have would you allow them to continue suffering in silence or would you have approached them?”

She dropped her eyes to her cup still reluctant to share what she’d been feeling, “If it affected how they were able to work with the others I would have talked to them.”

“But not otherwise?”

“No, I would have asked what was going on the moment I realized something was wrong,” she whispered, her shoulders hunching in defeat.

“I’m not going to pressure you to confide every maudlin thought with me Emma but you do need to talk about some of the things plaguing you. And you need to drink that entire cup of tea, no arguing.”

With a small, halfhearted nod Emma took a tentative sip. The tea was still hot and the generous amount of honey in it felt soothing as it passed over her throat that was somewhat ragged from her sobs. She ignored the slightly bitter aftertaste of whatever potion they had added to help her sleep and took another sip.

“Do you ever wonder- or, um, worry about your children?” Emma asked tentatively, keeping her gaze fixed firmly on her tea.

“Every day from the moment they were taken from me,” Grace answered easily. “I worry that they’ve been hurt or that they’ve been sent to work in unforgiving conditions. I wonder if they’re still together or if they were separated and each of them is alone. But most of all I’m afraid that they believe that I’m never coming for them or worse, that they’ve forgotten me altogether. Some days are harder than others but I never let it wear me down. I’ll find them, if only to set my mind and heart at ease.”

“Have you ever thought about what you would do if you found them and they were... happy?” Emma asked almost in a whisper.

Grace sat back on her heels. Emma was still stubbornly focused on her cup but she could see Grace’s fingers drumming on her knee out of the corner of her eye. Finally Grace sighed and stood, slowly moving back to the chair she’d vacated.

“Not often but yes, I’ve sometimes wondered if they’d found happiness with another family or that they’ve escaped Regi- Zelena’s clutches and made a life for themselves that they’re satisfied with. Then I remember my own childhood, being separated from my father and raised by a loving couple in his stead. I was happy at times but I was never satisfied because I knew a large part of myself was missing. It’s a hole in my heart that’s never been filled.”

Emma could feel tears threatening again so she hastily took another sip of tea. A lethargy was starting to steal over her but she fought against it, knowing if she didn’t speak then that she never would and her troubles would only continue to grow.

“What if Killian is happily mar- married? What if he’s grown to love the woman Zelena cursed him to be with? If I break the curse what then? He’d be forced to choose, wouldn’t he?”

“You’re afraid he’ll choose her,” Grace sighed knowingly.

“We were barely together before the curse and it’s been over a year since it was cast. He’s been with this woman, his wife, for that long, with false memories of a life together for longer than that. Not only could he choose her over me but he could hate me for making him choose in the first place. I could live with him being with someone else. I will if it means that it will be only my heart broken as a result,” Emma said as resolutely as she could with the waver in her voice.

Grace was quiet for a moment before rapping her knuckles on the desk to grab her attention. Emma looked up slowly to see Grace smiling sadly at her.

“From what I’ve seen and from what you told me of the last time you saw him he doesn’t seem particularly happy with his lot in this cursed life,” Grace said gently. “Regina told us that the curse has made everyone unhappy. I’m sure that this marriage of his is just another way of doing so.”

“But-”

“But it’s not only about him. There are many more people here living in misery because of what Zelena has done and we came here to save them. Think of your father, Roland’s father, your friends and family that are roaming around this realm lost and without hope-” Grace shrugged sadly, “and if it turns out things are more complicated after the curse is broken then we’ll handle it. We can’t leave everyone to their suffering in order to spare ourselves a little pain of our own.”

“You’re right,” Emma said with a touch of guilt and a slight drag to her words. “I just don’t know what to do.”

“Get some sleep,” Grace said, tilting her head towards Emma’s disheveled bunk. “I promise that things won’t look so dire after a few hours rest.”

“I know you put something in my tea-” Emma smirked half-heartedly, even as her eyes started drooping closed.

“And yet you drank it anyway-” Grace shrugged.

“M’m sure you woud‘ve found some way to furce me t’ take it.”

She was slightly surprised by the distinct slur that her words had acquired and that she couldn’t quite keep Grace in focus. Blearily she marvelled at the speed with which the potion had worked.

“I was going to slip it in your porridge if you refused the tea,” Grace said with an unapologetic shrug. “Roland was ready to hold you down if it came to that. Turner and Regina aren’t going ashore today and there’s plenty to keep us busy. Sleep, we’ll decide our next move when you wake.”

Emma winced, which turned into a slow blink, as she realized that she had been fooling no one. Then with an almost unbelievably long, jaw cracking yawn she found that she couldn’t find it in herself to care. Either the sleeping potion or her exhaustion had finally silenced her thoughts and she looked at her bunk with longing.

“Have Turner show Marty how t’go through the food stores and Ro-Roland needs to repair that loose board on the deck ‘fore someone gets hur-”

“Emma, go to sleep,” Grace scolded, laughing.

With a slow nod Emma heaved herself up from her chair and practically threw herself onto her bunk. She barely heard Grace taking her leave before she fully succumbed to the potion and let oblivion carry her away.

When she woke it was to stiff muscles and quickly darkening quarters. Wincing she slowly uncurled herself from her bunk, marvelling at how clear her thoughts were despite the cobwebs of sleep still clinging to her. She still felt exhaustion pulling at her bones, a few hours of sleep could only put a slight dent in several nights of no sleep at all, but with her stomach rumbling loudly and the urge to finally do something beside wallow had her moving towards the galley where she knew the others would be gathering.

“Hail, the princess has awoken from her slumber!”

Emma rolled her eyes at Roland who merely grinned widely back as Marty snickered at his side. Regina and Turner were also sitting at the table looking over what seemed to be a map of the town while Grace was busy cooking something that smelled heavenly. She gave Emma a small smile over her shoulder before turning back to the pots in front of her.

“Ha, ha. What have I missed?” She asked, her voice sleep rough, as she plopped down at the table and grabbed a pear from the massive bowl of fresh fruit at the center of the table.

“Not a damn thing according to young Marty here,” Roland chuckled as he clapped Marty on the shoulder. “Hasn’t stop complaining once about how boring it’s been today.”

Marty flushed and twisted out from under Roland’s hand, “You weren’t the one who had to go through sacks of flour looking for weevels or sort out the rotten fruit or try to rid the hold of rats all day were you? Bloody busy work it was.”

She bit back a smile as the others around the table rolled their eyes, clearly having heard his grumbling all day. It was also painfully clear they were trying to avoid asking her why she had spiralled out of control after months of holding herself together under seemingly worse circumstances.

“On this or any ship you do as the captain orders and keeping our stores fresh and free of rot and pests is just as essential as a repairing a sail or swabbing the deck is in ensuring the ship will make it to the next port. It may not seem like it but when you’re in the middle of the ocean with no food because of negligence of duty you learn very quickly how the most boring chores are often the most important,” she said seriously, almost laughing at the way Marty blushed redder before feeling bad for teasing him. “But yeah, it’s a bore.”

The galley erupted in surprised laughter. Emma finally let her smile unfurl, feeling a bit more herself.

“I’m, uh, sorry I haven’t been focusing on why we’re here or you all for the past week,” she said apologetically, focusing on the pear she was turning round and round in her hands. “I guess everything just dropped on my shoulders at once and I handled it poorly.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

“You found out the guy you came all the way here for was married I’d say you handled it fine.”

Grace and Regina had spoken at the same time but it was Regina’s cavalier statement that drew nearly everyone’s bewildered gaze. Grace slammed a lid down on one of the pots and spun around to glare at Regina.

“For someone who keeps harping on about how much you want to change I fail to see you actually making an attempt to do so.”

“For someone who has said barely two words to me and pointedly leaves a room when I enter you seem to have already have a iron clad opinion of me,” Regina snapped back.

“I don’t need to spend any more than a minute with you to know that you’re only helping us so that we won’t immediately imprison you once we make it back to Misthaven,” Grace snarled. “You may have them fooled but I for one won’t be blinded by your smoke and mirrors, you bi-”

“I want to go ashore!” Emma all but shouted.

Widened eyes settled on her, even Regina and Grace who were both breathing hard in anger. She took a steadying breath, nervous for some unknown reason. Going back into the town wasn’t something she had considered but somehow it felt right. It was obviously doing her no good to isolate herself from her problems, even if it was something she was practiced in doing. Her years of avoiding Misthaven and it’s wrathful queen the biggest instance of such tactic.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea,” Turner said nervously, his eyes darting between her, Regina and Grace. “I haven’t been questioned yet but it’s only a matter of time before someone becomes suspicious as to why I’m lingering around the town. Especially when I’ve been avoiding the main thoroughfare as much as possible.”

“I thought we didn’t want to risk Zelena or one of her cronies seeing you,” Regina bit out, clearly still fuming.

“I’m not planning on wandering around aimlessly,” Emma huffed. “You and Turner have gathered enough supplies to last us for a while. I want to explore the docks.”

“What?”

“Why?”

“Are you insane?”

“Can I come?”

Only Grace had remained quiet, regarding her with a small smile of satisfaction. Emma took it as encouragement.

“I may not know a lot about this realm but if you’re looking for information about a new place the docks are always the best place to find it. I also have a feeling that my chances of running into Zelena there are almost non-existent.”

“And going to the docks has nothing to do with the fact that that’s where we first ran into Killian?” Roland asked with a quirk of his brow.

“Not entirely-” she shrugged, knowing anything else she could have said wouldn’t have been believed anyway. She took in a short, pained breath, “He may be mar- married but he’s the only one I’m certain about that doesn’t work for Zelena.”

“You can’t know that,” Turner said gently. “Many of the town folk remain suspicious, no matter how short their interactions with me have been. He could just be putting on a ruse to gain your trust and hand you over to Zelena to gain favor. We don’t know who he is in this realm.”

Emma shook her head slowly. She didn’t want to argue with him that she somehow knew that the true Killian was still somehow there, merely buried and stifled under the curse. The way he looked at her or his need to protect her or even his jealousy was enough to convince her. Yet she couldn’t explain her gut feeling about it without sounding off her rocker, especially with her behavior from the past week. She knew Turner was merely being cautious and practical but she feared it would only hinder their attempts to break the curse.

“We won’t know who he or anyone else is if we stay cloistered here,” she said with a half shrug. “I need to see what this curse has actually done if I’m going to have any chance at breaking it.”

“I told you what it did,” Regina snapped, glaring at her.

“And I believe you-” Emma said placatingly, “but I want to see everything for myself. I’ve only talked to Killian but if I could find Red or Pinocchio or even my father I could get a better measure on how deep the memories are buried. The docks are as good a place as any to find them.”

“Ruby- er, Red runs the diner in town,” Regina said somewhat reluctantly. “It’s called Granny’s even though the woman herself is at Sunset Storybrooke. I already told you about your cranky father and I don’t know who Pinocchio is, either from when we were in Misthaven or here so good luck finding him right away.”

Pressing her lips together she absorbed the new tidbits of information. As much as she wanted to inquire further, to ask why Granny wasn’t with Red or what a diner was, she knew that Regina had already told her everything she cared to know. It wasn’t in her to be concerned with anything or anyone that didn’t directly affect her.

Emma was even more convinced than before that the docks were the best place for her to start. Like her Pinocchio had been a sailor practically longer than he had done anything else in his life. Red also had an affinity and draw to the sea that could be strong enough to make itself known even under the curse. If she happened to run into Killian first all the better.

“Don’t you think it would be rather odd if the lot of us are snooping around the docks?” Turner asked wryly.

“Um, no-” Emma hesitated, knowing that her next statement would cause an even larger uproar than her desire to go to the docks. “I’ll be going, alone.”

As she predicted the galley erupted into a cacophony of angry shouting from everyone. Even Grace wasn’t staying quiet, berating her while she waved a spoon at her. From what she could discern from the din only Turner, Regina, and Grace were upset that she wanted to go alone while Roland and Marty were yelling about potentially being left behind on the Jewel again. She waited calmly as they quieted one by one until only Marty was complaining with a voice still cracking with adolescence.

“It’s not fair! The whole reason I left was so that I could do things not to still be treated like a bloody kid!”

Marty flushed a bright red when he realized he was the only one still yelling. Emma waited to see if anyone would immediately begin berating her again but when no one did she took a deep breath.

“Turner’s right. It’ll look suspicious if more than one of us is looking around the docks, especially when we will probably all still stick out like sore thumbs no matter how well Regina outfits us.”

“Then let someone go with you,” Roland growled impatiently. “Even if it’s Regina. You shouldn’t go alone.”

“I’ll need Regina to be in town to head off Zelena or anyone that will report back to her right away,” Emma said in what she hoped was a calm and logical tone. In truth she was wildly piecing together a plan as she spoke. “The rest of you need to prepare the Jewel to sail. I want to be ready to make our presence known when Zelena finally discovers I’m in town.”

“I thought you were just planning to look around the docks, not cause a disturbance,” Regina said with an arched brow.

“You’re the one who keeps saying that I’m practically asking for Zelena to find out we’re here-” Emma pointed out. “I’ve had years of practice avoiding notice when I want to but I’ve always had a backup plan for when things go wrong. Eventually it’ll happen and I’d like to be prepared. Which means I need you, Turner, to remain on the ship to make sure everything gets done right and for the rest of you to help him.”

“I don’t like you going alone,” Grace said with a frown.

“I’ve been at far worse ports than what I’ve seen here. There isn’t even a tavern by the water to keep the sailors nearby,” Emma huffed indignantly, hoping her cavalier attitude would persuade them.

“She’s right,” Regina said begrudgingly. “The docks aren’t exactly the worst place for her to be alone. It’s mostly fishermen and the people who work at the cannery that are down there and I haven’t seen Zelena set foot there once since the curse dropped us here.”

“I can’t believe we’re considering this,” Roland said incredulously. His gaze flicked between Grace and Regina before looking at Turner, “Please tell me you have an argument against this madness.”

“I don’t...” A light blush formed high on Turner’s cheeks. “Not without admitting that I’ve been doing exactly what Emma’s proposing every time I step foot in that town. I’m here because Killian is not only my prince but he’s also family. I’ve seen neither hide nor hair of him in all the time I’ve been off this ship. She’s seen him twice and quite by accident both times. I believe she’ll find him again and discover what she needs to know.”

“Grace?” He turned to her with desperation.

“I’m sorry Roland, but I agree with Turner,” Grace said apologetically. “Emma is destined to break this curse. We need to give her the chance to do so.”

Emma gave her a wan smile as she clamped her hands together. They had begun to tremble when Turner had supported her and increased to a steady shake with Grace’s declaration. She saw Regina looking at her suspiciously and tightened her grip.

“I’ll take her to the docks before heading into town,” Regina said, still looking at her closely for a moment before turning to Roland. “Explain a few things, make sure no one close to Zelena happens to be there-”

“And if they are?” Roland asked grumpily.

“Then we’ll wait until they aren’t but I’m not coming back to this ship until I get a chance to look around,” Emma answered stubbornly, unwilling to let him talk her back from her decision in any way. With a deep sigh she unclasped her hands and grabbed his hand, “I know this seems like a stupid move that will just end up with me caught in Zelena’s claws but I have to do something. I promise I won’t go running off like I did that first day. I know a little bit more about what we’re dealing with here.”

“I hope you do,” he grumbled.

Grace quickly began serving up their supper as they hesitantly returned to the ongoing conversation they’d been having about the strange carriages that Regina called cars. It was easy to tell that it was a half-hearted discussion on everyone’s part, merely eager to keep the peace. Only it seemed that Marty was still angry about how the previous conversation had gone, sulking until he stormed out of the galley with his food as soon as Grace placed it in front of him.

Emma knew that nothing short of allowing him to go ashore would satisfy him but it was a risk she wouldn’t yet allow. With a quick glance around the table she could feel that everyone agreed with her on that at least.

The rest of the evening passed without any further incident. Marty returned sullen but resigned and joined in on the questions they were all peppering Regina with about how exactly an engine worked. Not long after Regina rebuffed them with a frustrated growl about not being something called a mechanic Emma returned to her quarters. Even though she had slept the day away she was still exhausted. As soon as she laid down in her bunk she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

The next morning Emma was abruptly awoken by a loud banging sound. She quickly grabbed one of her hidden knives and leapt to her feet, ready to defend herself. It was a bleary and confused moment before she realized it wasn’t another pirate looking to pillage her ship but Roland sitting casually behind her desk, feet propped up on its surface. To her dismay she realized that he was holding the piece of parchment she had tiredly written down her concerns and muddled thoughts about Killian. With a sigh she lowered the arm holding her knife and plopped back down on her bunk.

“I hope you’ll believe me when I say he’s not the only reason I want to start at the docks,” she said with a yawn, brushing her hair back from her face. “There’s every chance that Pinocchio is there too or Red or maybe one of the dwarves. I could even talk to your father or Little John.”

“Don’t,” Roland bit out as he dropped his feet to the floor and crushed the parchment in his fist. “This isn’t a joking matter, Emma. My father looked right through me and Killian seems to see nothing but you. It’s never been more obvious that you’re the one that’s going to break this curse and you still don’t believe it.”

“I believe-”

“Not enough,” Roland said vehemently. He frowned and shook his head sadly, “I didn’t come here to make you feel guilty or try and convince you to let me come with you. Even if would be better for everyone if I did. I just wanted to remind you that there’s more at stake here than Killian.”

“You think I don’t know that? It’s all anyone seems to be reminding me of lately,” Emma said angrily. “I’m sorry Robin didn’t recognize you and I’m sorry you seem to think I’m only concerned about my happy ending instead of my entire kingdom that’s been condemned to this town. Forgive me for letting the pressure of all of it get to me at such an inconvenient time.”

“Emma I didn’t-”

“I think you need to leave now,” she said, cutting him off as effectively as he had done to her only moments before. She pointed to the door with the knife, “I’ll be sure to give your father my warm regards.”

Roland gaped at her as though she had slapped him. She almost wished she had even as he left her quarters without another word or a single glance back. It took several deep breaths and a swig of rum before she was ready to face the day ahead.

Still fuming slightly she first tried on the clothes Regina had unceremoniously shoved in her arms the night before. Emma put them on but quickly realized that even if she looked the part the stiff, heavy, and somewhat itchy canvas the pants were made from had her moving as though they were made from pins and needles instead. She quickly took everything off and donned her own shirt, soft dark leather breeches and boots. As a concession to what Regina expected of her and the bite of the oncoming winter in the air she pulled a thick knitted cream colored sweater over her shirt and grabbed the deep red woolen overcoat she’d pilfered early on from the multitude of clothing Turner had brought back from his forays into town.

Before leaving her quarters she packed a satchel with what she thought she might need while onshore. Along with a knife, an ordinary compass, a skein of water and a flask of rum she added the crumpled piece of parchment Roland had left on her desk and the journal she had been writing her letters to Killian in. She knew they were essentially useless if she found herself in a tight spot but she felt a comfort in knowing they would be by her side. Slinging the satchel over her shoulder she made her way to the galley.

Unsurprisingly it was nearly empty. Regina was seated at the table sipping on coffee, her dark eyes tracking her closely as she crossed the galley. Emma ignored her as she poured the remnants of the pot into a battered tin cup, the last of her anger at Roland dissipating as she watched the steam curl away from the surface. It was only when Regina brushed past her to take care of her dishes that she realized she had let her mind wander through inconsequential thoughts. As a result her coffee was lukewarm and she didn’t have any time to savor it as Regina moved past her again and out of the galley.

When she emerged on deck minutes later she was disappointed to see that only Turner was there to see them off. Emma figured that Roland and Marty were avoiding her completely and had anticipated not seeing them but she thought at least Grace would be there as well. She had hoped that in working together Grace’s animosity towards Regina would have abated somewhat. It was clear by only the three of them standing on deck that her hopes were nothing but childish wishes.

“Better get a move on,” Turner said with a nod towards the port side of the ship where the rope ladder leading down to the rowboat was situated.

“We’ve already missed the fishermen that leave before dawn,” Regina huffed even though she was clearly grateful Emma hadn’t insisted on being at the docks at that time. “We should get there in time to see the cannery workers file in. If you’re ready to go that is.”

“I’m ready if you are,” she answered with a roll of her eyes.

Regina pursed her lips but stayed quiet as she climbed over the rail and disappeared down the side of the ship. Emma crossed the deck to follow only to be stopped by Turner lightly grasping her elbow.

“Be careful.”

She turned to brush of his concern but stopped short when she saw the worry in his eyes.

“Is there something I should know?” She asked in a low voice she knew wouldn’t carry.

“Nothing I can prove, Captain,” Turner answered just as quietly, slipping into the speech pattern of a sailor giving a report. “Just that when we reach the town’s borders we go our separate ways and not once have I seen her throughout our day until it is time to return to the ship. I don’t know what she’s been doing and we don’t truly know where her loyalties lie.”

“I see,” she said with a frown. Looking at the top of the rope ladder she considered his warning, “Thank you, Turner, but I chose to trust her and I’m going to hold on to that. She could have ratted us out any of the times you two were onshore but she didn’t.”

Turner looked as though he was about to argue and Emma cut him off.

“She’s the only one we can safely talk to about this town and the curse. I’ll keep an eye on her today but I have to believe she wants to help us.”

“Right,” he said shortly, standing at attention as though she’d given him an order to follow.

“I will be careful, though,” she said softly, giving him a small smile as he relaxed slightly. “I do have a request of you while I’m gone.”

“Yes?”

“Talk to Roland?” She tried not to smile wider at the blush that quickly stained his cheeks and mostly succeeded. “Right now he’s angry at me over this but I know it’s something more. He won’t talk to me but he needs to talk to someone or things could get out of hand.”

“Of course,” Turner said with a nod, the redness fading. “And what about Marty?”

“I think Grace will have that one handled.”

Turner was still laughing as Emma descended the ladder into the rowboat. Regina gave her an exasperated look once she was settled. She didn’t mind it, not when she was on her way to finding out exactly how far she’d have to dig to find the real people underneath the curse. With a smug look of her own she handed the oars to Regina, only slightly exaggerating the weakness of her injured shoulder as she untied the rope that moored the rowboat to the ship.

They made it to shore with only a small amount of complaining from Regina and a good distance away from the piece of driftwood Turner had been dragging the rowboat up to. Emma knew better than to tease Regina about her sense of direction but couldn’t help wondering if the trip back to the ship would take three times as long just trying to stay on course. After a few minutes of dragging the boat behind them in the shallows and then up to the piece of driftwood Emma noticed that Regina was almost too quiet. When she looked up to see why Regina looked away quickly and waved her hand toward the path leading up the cliffside.

“We have to hurry now if we want to see the workers going in.”

“After you,” Emma said with a tilt of her head, content with following if only to try and suss out what had Regina watching her so closely.

It wasn’t until they could see the harbor with its gently bobbing ships and a few workers milling about laid out below them that Regina cleared her throat in an unconvincing attempt at casualness. She paused turning to look back at her with a calculating look. Emma pushed forward, unwilling to let whatever it was that Regina felt she needed to say hold her back.

“How long?”

“How long what?” She asked back as she stepped onto the pathway that she vaguely remembered walking her first night in town.

“The tremors in your hands. How long?”

Emma almost stopped short in shock, only barely managing to keep walking in her own attempt at casual engagement in the conversation.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she shrugged, willing her hands to stay steady for once.

“Last night wasn’t the first time I noticed it. I’m surprised it hasn’t been brought up before, then again your motley crew isn’t very observant,” Regina scoffed.

“Do we really need to talk about this now?” Emma asked annoyed and slightly afraid that Regina knew exactly what was happening to her.

“We’re alone, relatively, and that mother hen Grace wouldn’t hesitate to gag me if she thought I was upsetting you. Which, by the way, I don’t know what I did to her but can’t she just move on? The rest of those idiots have,” Regina said with an imperious wave of her hand.

“You know for someone so willing to move on from the past you keep acting like a royal pain in the ass,” she snapped back. As much as she was glad they weren’t discussing her shaking hands she wasn’t thrilled by the change in topic, “You’re not doing yourself any favors by acting all high and mighty now that you’re out from under your sister’s thumb.”

“Well that’s where you’re wrong, princess,” Regina said with a sneer. “You’re just as much under her thumb as I still am. I mean, you’re hiding out on a ship even though you know you’re the only one who can break this curse.”

“Watch it, Regina,” Emma growled lowly, aware that they were closing in on the docks. “I was recovering from you stabbing me, in case you forgot.”

“Moping more like it. It wasn’t your shoulder holding you back but your damn fragile emotions. Too worried that maybe you weren’t strong enough, in love enough, to do what needs to be done. Hate to break it to you, Savior, but where we’re from prophecies always come to pass.”

Emma stopped walking, ready to refute everything Regina had said but the words died on her tongue when she saw the expression on her face. It was one of triumph.

“There it is, the shaking you think no one sees. Too bad you can’t hide it when you don’t even notice it yourself.”

She looked down and sure enough her hands were shaking, almost too slight to be noticed but they were. Balling her them into fists she shoved them into the pockets of her coat. Before she could come up with any kind of explanation a curious male voice interrupted them.

“Is there a problem here ladies?”

Turning slowly, Emma dreaded looking at the speaker. Roland’s look of hurt at her last barb flashed through her mind as her eyes settled on his father. Robin was watching them with careful interest, his eyes only flitting to her for a moment before settling back on Regina. He looked cleaner in a way, his hair shorter than she remembered making it seem a darker brown than she was used to. He was wearing a quilted olive green coat over a dark blue shirt with a small red scarf wrapped around his neck. Clipped to waistband of his dark brown pants was a small, shiny gold shield,a symbol of his status in the town.

“We’re perfectly fine, Archer,” Regina said cooly.

“Didn’t seem so to me or the few people who could hear you arguing,” Robin said slightly amused, hitching of his thumb over his shoulder where a few people had gathered to watch. He turned to her and she could feel her face getting warm, “Now, I pride myself in knowing the goings on in town and I haven’t heard anything about someone as lovely as you paying a visit. I’m Ren Archer, deputy here in our lovely little hamlet Storybrooke and I’d like to officially welcome you…”

She knew he was waiting for her to introduce herself but she hadn’t anticipated talking to anyone let alone come up with an alias. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Regina stiffen in panic.

“Eva,” she said quickly, noticing his brow begin to furrow. She ignored Regina gaping at her in surprise as she held out a steady hand for Robin to shake, “Nice to meet you.”

“I assure you the pleasure is all mine,” he said with a cheeky grin she recognized. He turned to Regina the smile slipping into seriousness, “The Mayor would like to see you Ms. Mills.”

“I’ve left the cabin and I haven’t done anything that would warrant a meeting with that woman,” Regina said disdainfully.

“Nevertheless she wants to meet with you,” Robin said with an amused chuckle. He looked back at her, “Alas that means you’ll have to finish your little tiff later and that you’ll be without company for the time being. If you’re willing to wait I’d be more than happy to return after I drop Ms. Mills here off at city hall.”

“That won’t be necessary Deputy.”

It was Emma’s turn to stiffen in panic. The voice had come from behind her and the one thought that rose above the sudden cacophony in her mind was that Killian would always catch her unawares.

He stepped up next her her and flung his left arm over her shoulders. She hissed involuntarily at the press of his chest on her injury. Before he could pull away or even react to her distress she pressed down on his foot with her own to warn him not to.

“And how do you know Jones, Eva?” Robin asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

“She was a classmate of my brother’s at uni if you’d really like to know,” Killian answered quickly, a sharp edge to his voice. He dropped his arm from her shoulders and took a step towards Robin, “As soon as she found out about his murder she offered her prodigious skills as a private eye to help me. Seeing as how the good sheriff’s office hasn’t done a thing about it and all.”

Robin paled as he glanced around at the crowd that had gathered. Emma could see Regina trying to edge closer to her but Killian was between them twirling his hook in a clear sign for her to go along with his lies.

“I told Kieran that I wanted to take a walk around town,” she said slowly. Killian tapped his hook on his leg twice with a slight quirk of his lips, a hint she was on the right track, “I got a little turned around and, um, ended up here where Regina found me. She was trying to explain how to get back to, er, Granny’s Diner and I didn’t want to listen.”

“Brilliant but stubborn-” Killian gave her an approving smile before turning back to Robin. “Now if you’ll excuse us Archer I think you have a town nut to deliver to the witch in her castle.”

Killian placed his hook at her lower back and led her away from a sputtering Regina and a puzzled Robin. Emma didn’t dare look back to see what was happening with Regina or at Killian, instead she focused on where Killian was taking her not wanting to actually get lost in the town.

“Eva, lass? I could have sworn your name was Emma,” Killian said conversationally once they away from the crowds at the docks. “I also could have sworn that you were uninjured when I last saw you. Busy week?”

“Not particularly,” she murmured with a shrug of her good shoulder.

“Ah, still going to play it coy. I respect that. So, which is it Eva or Emma?”

“Which do you prefer?”

Killian hummed as he kicked a stone down the roadway, “Are those my only choices? Not Emily or Evangeline or Edith?”

“Emma will do,” she said with a reluctant chuckle. “Eva was my grandmother.”

“Lovely name but I’ll admit I do prefer Emma-” he leaned over to make sure she looked directly at him. When she finally did he smirked with a wink, “It’s what I’ve using when I think of you. Which has been quite often since I last saw you.”

Despite all her thoughts and promises that she could handle herself Emma found that she couldn’t fathom trying to hold a full conversation with the practical stranger beside her. She silently cursed her weakness around Killian but resolved to find Red or Pinocchio before the day was out.

“Thanks for getting me out of that mess with Ro- er, Archer but I think I’ll be fine on my own now.”

“Bad form, lass, leaving a man hanging when I fully intended on giving you that tour of the town,” he said with a mock pout, leaning against a shiny black car with a golden image of a bird in flight on its front.

“I need to find Regina,” she said hesitantly, looking back towards the way they had come.

“If Zelena truly wanted to see her it’ll be at least an hour before she’s free to be found-” Killian crossed his arms over his chest with a smug look. “Give me at least that long to convince you I can be of some kind of service to you.”

Finally Emma took the chance and looked directly at him. He was wearing almost all black, from his leather coat to his heavy boots. The only color on him was the midnight blue patterned shirt he had on under a black silk waistcoat and the glinting silver of his hook. The darkness of his clothes only accentuated the bright blue of his eyes, which were following her every tiny move with careful attention. She could see an eagerness for her to say yes in their depths and that decided it for her.

“I want to go to Granny’s Diner,” she declared, enjoying the way his eyes widened in surprise at her sudden change of heart.

“Best onion rings in Maine, lass, good choice.”

He gave her another wink as he dug into his pocket, pulling out a jingling mass of metal. She realized it was a set of keys when he inserted one of them into the door of the car he had been leaning on.

Emma looked back towards the docks once more. There were only a few of people walking about, no one she recognized with both Regina and Robin gone. A creaking sound had her turning back to Killian and she saw he had circled to the opposite side of the car and had opened the door.

“Shall we sail away then?”

With a nod she walked around the car towards him, hoping with all her might that she wasn’t making a huge mistake.

If you’d like to be tagged so you don’t miss future chapters let me know.

Tagging: @teamhook, @galadriel26

#cs ff #cs ff au #cs au ff #captain swan #ouat ff au #savior and scoundrel #i must be nuts posting this the day before csss fics are posted

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rainingfishandfrogs · 7 years ago

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Home - Chpt. 3

Hey guys, I’m posting this a day early because I leave for a school break tomorrow. I was really excited to write this chapter, because I was looking forward to *spoilerspoilerspoiler,* and sorry to anyone hoping to go straight into the action, but today was really stressful and I needed something relaxing to write. It really helped that this chapter was outlined. Anyway, enjoy! =D

(AO3 | FFN)

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Snow White watched in silence as her daughter hugged Henry goodbye. Everything in her wanted to protest this—why did the rules change at all? It didn’t seem…she sighed and looked at the sand beneath her feet. She didn’t have any right to argue with Emma about leaving and she knew it.

Her relationship with her daughter was already delicate enough, trying to stop her from going without them or delaying this mission by searching for another way to accompany her would only lead to another fight and more disappointment. And she was so very tired of disappointing her child, but letting Emma leave to find Killian on her own was not Snow’s definition of keeping her promise.

Mary Margaret sat the long wooden table in her daughter’s kitchen. A steaming mug of tea growing cold between her hands.

“What would that have gotten me, Mother?”

Emma’s pissed off growl of an answer had been haunting her for days now. Mary Margaret sniffed and stared blankly at the table top. Everyone had gotten their memories back hours ago, a—gift of sorts Hook had called it. Some gift. Her thoughts were heavy with self-deprecation and shame.

Footsteps on the stairs alerted her to her husband. She turned her head slightly his way in acknowledgement when he squeezed her shoulder on his way to the tea kettle.

“How…?” her voice barely a whisper.

David paused his pouring, shoulders slumped. A firm shake of the head had her turning back to her mug. He joined her a minute later. They sat in broken quiet for awhile, until Mary Margaret forced her vocal cords to work.

“Regina called…”

David looked at her, but his wife’s gaze was still locked on her mug.

“Henry won’t talk to her,” she continued, “won’t even come out of his room. She said Robin’s having a hard time too, but he’s got Roland to think about so...”

David sighed and took a small sip of tea.

“How did things get so messed up?”

A beat, then:

“What if it’s our fault…?”

Her husband locked eyes on her immediately.

“Snow?”

When she finally looked back, he almost wished she hadn’t. Her eyes with red and glistening with unshed tears. It broke his heart to see her so torn up.

“Emma didn’t go to anyone for help once we got back here.”

David was shaking his head before she even finished, “Emma pushes people away when she’s scared or stressed. She knew she could come to us, she just—”

“Did she?”

“Yes,” he reached for her hand, but she moved it away. “Snow…honey, I-I know things with Emma have been…rocky to say the least—”

His wife scoffed at his terminology.

“—but we have to believe—”

SLAP!

Mary Margaret’s hand stung from force she used on the table, but it got the job done. Her husband instantly fell quiet.

“I don’t want to rely on blind faith anymore, David! She’s our daughter and we made her doubt us. Don’t you ever think about what happened in Camelot! Emma begged us, she begged us to help her save him and we didn’t—we wouldn’t—all because we were too concerned with dark magic!”

She glared at him through her tears, not caring that they were making her a mess.

“David don’t you see? She pushed Henry and Killian away to protect them, but she didn’t come to us because she didn’t trust us! She didn’t trust us to help her.” She buried her face in her hands and dissolved into tears; David drawing her to his chest. When her sobs lessened, Mary Margaret leant back to look her husband in the eye.

“We need to make a promise—to ourselves, but more importantly to Emma. We need to fight for her happy ending, we need to protect it at all costs—no matter what. Emma shouldn’t have to sacrifice her happiness and future for this town. We’ve asked far too much of her lately; it can’t go on.”

David rested his head on hers, they hugged each other tightly.

“I wholeheartedly agree.”

Snow jerked a little when warm fingers interlace with her own; her eyes followed the arm brushing against hers up to her husband’s worried yet understanding face. Charming squeezed their hands together and offered a little smile. Snow smiled back and nodded; let her prince lead her to their daughter.

Emma was in conversation with Regina and Robin, when they got there. Robin, almost sensing the prince and princess, clasped Emma on the shoulder before drawing the queen away. David could tell that despite the conversation they’d had before coming here, Emma still wasn’t thrilled about being left alone with her parents. That stung, even if they deserved it.

Snow offered her a cautious smile before tentatively going in for a hug; Emma hugged back but didn’t relax into it.

“You’ll find him, Emma.”

Emma pulled back and nodded, “That’s what Henry said.”

David grinned, “Henry’s a smart kid.”

He went for a hug too, which Emma also accepted a bit stiffly and which also ended too soon.

“I’m sorry we can’t go with you; the whole point of us coming down here was to find him together.”

Emma couldn’t help but smile at that, “I know.”

Emma bit her lip. Her parents were clearly trying. She closed her eyes and took a determined breath. When she opened them, her parents were anxiously watching her. She almost folded her arms over her chest, but refrained. Forgiveness was a two-way street after all.

“Look can you guys do something for me?”

Snow took a step forward, “Of course, sweetie. What is it?”

“Try and see if you can find another way to Hades’ palace. Something’s off about this arrangement.”

Snow and David exchanged looks; Snow locked eyes with Emma, her voice lowered.

“You can feel it too, huh?”

“Oh yeah.”

The Savior nodded toward Liam; the captain hugging his mother and the baby, the former of whom kept alternating between sending the ferryman distraught frowns and irate glares. It wasn’t so much her behavior, as the ferryman’s that made Emma suspicious. The man hadn’t really made eye-contact with any of them, but the way he was blatantly, almost nervously, avoiding the woman’s eyes? Yeah, that was weird.

Agreeing to be on the lookout, Emma drew them in for another hug, which was interrupted by a certain curly haired captain.

“We’re not leaving for a six-month voyage, Highnesses,” he called, standing just before the fog that shrouded the dock where their ride was waiting. “Let’s move Princess, if you going and you royals better not traumatize my mother while we’re gone. I may be dead, but you’re not and my blade can deal you damage.”

Emma rolled her eyes as he disappeared toward the boat. Henry ran to her for one last hug, but Liam was right—time to go. She kissed her son’s crown and followed Liam into the fog.

#my fic #once upon a time fic #cs fic #cs ff #cs fanfic #ouat fic #ouat fanfiction #ouat fanfic #captain swan fic #captain swan fanfiction #captain swan ff #once upon a time #once upon a time fanfiction #once upon a time ff #fic update #captain swan

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justanothercinemaniac · 7 years ago

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Epic Movie (Re)Watch #194 - Godzilla (2014)

Spoilers Below

Have I seen it before: Yes

Did I like it then: Yes.

Do I remember it: Yes.

Did I see it in theaters: Yes.

Was it a movie I saw since August 22nd, 2009: Yes, #293.

Format: Blu-ray

1) There’s a good chance that this fact will effect my opinion of the film, but this is the first and to date only Godzilla film I’ve ever seen. Not a bad intro to the franchise.

2) I like that this film pays respects to the character’s origins. Godzilla is rooted deep not only in Japanese culture but also history, with the original Kaiju being representative of survivors of the nuclear attacks which hit the country (his skin being based on that of survivors from those blasts). This film incorporates nuclear radiation in a meaningful way, has a strong Japanese setting (at least in the first act), and even features a meaningful scene recognizing the attack in Hiroshima. It’s more than just a pale carbon copy (as I understand the version directed by Roland Emmerich is received as) but is aware of what makes a Godzilla movie.

3) The film’s entire prologue does a very good job of establishing the film’s dark tone and occasional sense of mystery.

Vivienne [while inspecting the bones of a dead Kaiju]: “Is it possible? Is it him?”

Serizawa: “No. This is much older.”

4) Juliette Binoche as Sandra.

Binoche’s role in the film is brief but holy crap if she just doesn’t juice all her screen time for everything it is worth. In the few minutes we know Sandra her professionalism, priorities, skill, and investment in family became incredibly clear. It is her ability to get you so invested in her character in these few moments which makes her death all that more effective.

While Bryan Cranston’s total desperation and heartache in that death scene is an enormous factor, it is largely carried by the strength of Binoche’s unfortunately brief performance. The scene is perfectly paced and Binoche helps play each emotional beat perfectly. I tear up every freaking time I see it, especially at the fact that Sandra and her husband Joe get to see each other one last time while she’s basically dead. It is Binoche’s brief performance and her death scene which helps anchor the giant monster spectacle in real human emotion moving forward.

5) Aaron Taylor Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen as Ford & Elle Brody (husband and wife) have this really great chemistry between them. It’s not so much a crazy hot chemistry as it is significantly deep. You understand the strength of their love, their connection, their trust, all in the way they act around each other. It would be a chemistry the pair would repeat (with some obvious differences) in Avengers: Age of Ultron a year later.

6) Aaron Taylor Johnson as Ford Brody.

The role of a human protagonist in a monster movie is wildly important but incredibly easy to have be a forgettable schlub against Godzilla. But Johnson does incredibly well to make Brody not only memorable but also get the audience invested in him. You can see Brody’s struggle and pain throughout. Over the course of the movie he loses his mother and father while at risk of losing his wife and son too. These lead to very simple motivations: take care of his family. This drives his every action, his every choice, to help and get to his family. The struggle is largely man vs nature (nature in this case being a trio of giant monsters who keep getting in his way) but Johnson plays it VERY well and helps elevate the film because of it.

7) Bryan Cranston as Joe Brody.

Cranston is arguably the strongest actor in the entire film. Very similarly to Binoche, his performance and character is the emotional bedrock on which the human story rests. The pain/turmoil he displays is so freaking raw and powerful that in every scene you are just drawn to him. You know exactly why he’s doing what he’s doing, how powerful his grief is, and it drives a fair amount of the early plot. Through Cranston’s performance and the writing surrounding it he’s able to even give the audience a fair amount of exposition in a way which is very telling of his obsession. All in all, it’s just freaking great.

8) There is this very nice sense of place to the Quarantine Zone that is established immediately. The overgrown plants and sense of tone all help make it seem otherworldly.

9) Director Gareth Edwards employs a controlled sense of pace, taking his time to set up the story and the conflict at large while never boring his audience. It’s a nice change of pace from standard giant monster movie fair that really just helps the film be its own thing.

10) Ken Watanabe as Dr. Ishiro Serizawa.

It could be argued that if anyone gives a better performance in this film than Bryan Cranston, it’s Watanabe. But that could also be because he has far more screen time. The actor is absolutely incredible here, with a soft but poignant pain which defines his every moment of screen time. Watanabe just breathes tragedy but not in a way which drags down the film but instead motivates much of the action. It is not all there is to him but it’s definitely a huge factor in his character. It is this sadness (first seen at its best when he mournfully says to kill the MUTO) that is so telling of his character and helps get you invested in his character. He’s just great.

11) I give this film massive credit for introducing new monsters - the two MUTOs - into an at the time sixty year old canon. The filmmakers could’ve easily made these monsters be boring/lazily designed creatures who only exist as something for Godzilla to beat on, but they end up getting a lot more screen time than the titular monster actually. The thought put into the design of both, what makes them different from not only other giant movie monsters but also each other, is what helps make them so good.

12) Ford’s motivation for the entire film can easily be defined by his father’s last words to him.

Joe: “GO home to your family. Keep them safe. Whatever it takes.”

13) Honestly, if they only had Ken Watanabe in this film to deliver two of its best lines I would’ve been so okay with that because he’s so great at it.

Serizawa: “We call him, Gojira.”

Originally the line referred to the monster as Godzilla but Watanabe asked to call him by the original Japanese name.

14) The entire backstory with how giant monsters exist in this world (how they’re ancient alpha predators who pretty much exist entirely off of radiation) and how the government agency of Monarch fits into it is all REALLY well done, actually. It could’ve easily been boring and shoehorned in but there’s a fair amount of thought put into it which helps to organically build this universe at large.

15) The film does a nice job of making sure each giant monster scene has a parallel human conflict to it. The kid on the monorail Ford has to keep safe when the MUTO hits Hawaii, for example, is a good example of this.

16) So one of the things this film does which I appreciate is also a great point of frustration for me and that is how little we so of Godzilla for so much of the film.

On the one hand, it is very Jaws esque. That decision helps to convey the scale and significance of Godzilla. Each time he appears on screen you can FEEL the stakes rise, you can feel the dynamic of the scene change, and that’s pretty great.

On the other hand: I WANT TO SEE GODZILLA FIGHT GIANT MONSTERS! IT’S A GIANT MONSTER MOVIE FOR PETE’S SAKE!

I’m very conflicted about this.

17) This is nice.

Vivienne [on the second MUTO]: “It’s far bigger than the other one.”

Adm. Stenz: “This one doesn’t have any wings.”

Vivenne: “A different sex?”

Serizawa: “A female.”

It’s easy when making not only one giant monster but a species of an original giant monster to have them all be carbon copies of each other. But to put thought into differentiating between the sex shows an intelligence in the filmmaking which I certainly appreciate.

18) Remember the respect I mentioned that this film pays to its original source material?

Serizawa [showing Stenz a broken watch]: “Eight fifteen in the morning. August sixth, nineteen-forty-five.”

Stenz: “Hiroshima.”

Serizawa: “It was my father’s.”

The original Godzilla came out only nine years after Hiroshima was bombed. Not only that, but a Japanese tuna fishing boat known as the Lucky Dragon was exposed to/contaminated by nuclear fallout from the US Castle Bravo nuclear weapon test in March of that year. Godzilla as a character originally served as a metaphor for nuclear weapons; a destructive force which is beyond nature and humanity have little control over stopping. The fact that this film not only recognizes that but openly discusses Hiroshima - if only briefly - is an important respect to pay to its predecessor.

19) The phone call between Elle and Ford not only speaks to the strength of their relationship but also shows off Elizabeth Olsen’s ability to portray raw human emotion brilliantly.

20) So there is this brief pan over jammed traffic with a downed plane while we hear reports over the radio and I think that tiny moment does an incredible job of establishing the effect of these monsters on everyday people.

21) I actually really like the military’s representation in this film, more than any other film that comes to mind. They don’t Michael Bay it by glorifying the armed forces to the point where they’re action figures or ridiculous action heroes. But it also avoids vilifying the military or dumbing them down to the point of stupidity. Everyone involved understands the weight of their decisions and David Strathairn’s Admiral Stenz has this constant eagerness to hear better ideas than what he’s coming up with because it’s not about his ego. It’s about saving as many people as they can and I like sort of the simple elegance they convey the armed forces with in this film. I hope some of that made sense.

22) Okay, is Ford nuclear or something? Because he’s like a giant monster magnet! No matter where he goes, there are giant monsters!

23) The scene on the golden gat abridge is very nice, primarily because it does the Spielbergian thing and shows the action and drama through the eyes of the kids on the bus. I like that.

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24) I’ve mentioned the intelligence put in designing the MUTOs already, but particularly the mating ritual shown between the male and female is very strong. It feels natural, organic, and makes them more than just destructive forces but actual animals.

25) Remember how I said Ken Watanabe has the two bets lines in the film? Well, besides, “Gojira,” we get this iconic beauty:

26) The halo jump.

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The halo jump is possibly the best set piece in the entire film and not because the action is strong but because of how freaking haunting it is. There is this absolutely stellar atmosphere which is created by the strong visuals, sound design of Ford’s breathing, and Alexandre Desplat’s eerie score. You KNOW they’re past the point of no return just because this scene is so freaking awesome.

27) I love the little moment when Godzilla’s eyes and Brody’s eyes meet. It’s like, “Yes, these are the two protagonists we’ve been following this entire time, and they connect!” I love it.

28) When Godzilla is able to use his freaking atomic breathe for the first time, that’s really when the monster vs monster action kicks off. The ensuing fight is truly badass, culminating in one epic finale which has you asking: “Why didn’t he open with that?”

29) You can tell when a film has a great climax because when it’s over, all the tension will leave your body. You just relax and take in the ending. For me, that’s how the ending of Godzilla is. Once he kills the last MUTO and lays down for a quick “you think I’m dead but I’m just napping” nap, I just take in the rest of the movie.

Although you may find issues in how little of the titular monster we actually get to see, odds are you’ll get a kick out of Godzilla. There are a handful of absolutely amazing performances (Binoche, Cranston, Watanabe) which help root a very strong human drama which gets you invested in otherwise forgettable characters. And when Godzilla does show up on screen it is utterly badass. By sacrificing some of the sheer fun the giant monster movie genre can have the filmmakers are able to create a well paced, dark, mysterious, and intriguing film which is at the end of the day still really freaking good. Again, I’ve never seen another Godzilla film, but I definitely recommend this one.

#Godzilla #Godzilla 2014 #Aaron Taylor Johnson #Bryan Cranston #Elizabeth Olsen #Ken Watanabe #David Strathairn #Juliette Binoche #Gareth Edwards #Let Them Fight #Epic Movie (Re)Watch #Movie #Film #GIF

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