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seriouslyhooked · 8 years ago

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Just a Taste (A CS AU) Part 10/10

AU where Emma and Killian are contestants on the Great American Baking Show and all twelve contestants hail from Storybrooke Maine. In this AU Emma is a book editor by day, while Killian is an architect who just moved to town a few months prior. Expect baked goods, flirtatious interactions, a little drama and a whole lot of fluff with a guaranteed HEA for Captain Swan. Rated M. Story on FF Here.

Part One Here, Part Two Here, Part Three Here, Part Four Here, Part Five Here, Part Six Here, Part Seven Here, Part Eight Here, Part Nine Here.

A/N: I cannot believe the ending of ‘Just a Taste’ is here, but this story was definitely fun to explore and to develop. It’s easily one of my favorite AUs I ever dabbled in and that’s only compounded by the fact that the Great British Baking Show put two more seasons on Netflix! I’m sending it off exactly how you would all expect, lots of fluff, a little smut, and a happily ever after worthy of my CS babies. I hope you all enjoy!

“Okay this is pretty freaking cool.” Mary Margaret’s words in the face of their surroundings were an understatement.

The production team had really outdone themselves for this last day of competition and the entire feel under the white tent was different. To ring in the final day of shooting, Liam and the crew had created a huge carnival that the entire town was invited to attend. The showing was amazing, hundreds of people had come out in support of Emma, Mary Margaret, and Tiana on their last day, and everyone was all smiles and laughter.

After yesterday, a day that had felt pretty empty to Emma and the others (since it was just the three of them left), this was a welcome change. To have so many people here enjoying the abnormally mild November day outside was wonderful, and it took some of the edge off of this final challenge. They were nearly done with their bakes, but Emma would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little jealous of the people who had already gone home. All of the original contestants were here, and while the three finalists were slaving away over the final details of their bakes, the others were enjoying a beautiful picnic and an all together relaxing Sunday.

Emma had always expected this final challenge to be in the form of a cake, something big and complex and demonstrative of each contestant’s full range of abilities. That they had just made their Storybrooke birthday cakes last week didn’t matter, she was sure that they would be wanting more, but she’d been wrong, at least in part. To continue with the Americanization of the show, and to incorporate the ever-present trend towards cupcakes, the judges had decided that the final challenge should be a mammoth undertaking to help fuel the festival around them – a true cupcake tower, with four separate varieties. The bakers were then expected to make two-dozen of each flavor and though given an extra hour to do this, were expected to have each cupcake tasting great and looking exactly the same.

After a lot of deliberation on her part, and in conjunction with Mary Margaret, Emma had decided to elevate the simplest of flavors to the next level. Her intention was to create a great tasting and beautiful bake, but she realized that this choice might harm her when it came down to judging. Gold, Regina, and Granny might criticize her for going too safe with these three flavors (molten milk chocolate, vanilla bean and honey, lemon meringue, and raspberry swirl), but she knew that the guests at their festival would love them and that they’d look good for the cameras.

In all honesty, Mary Margaret and Emma had already chosen this route together. It wasn’t that they believed Tiana couldn’t win under the weight of their full participation, but they worried that it might make a better story for Emma to win. By Emma taking a step back (as well as Mary Margaret just to be safe) they would allow this bright young woman with big dreams the chance to make her name. There was no reason for her not to win simply because she hadn’t found love on the show, and both Emma and Mary Margaret had won enough from this competition already. Neither of them had plans to take their baking past the privacy of their own homes ever again and a win on either of their parts would be a waste.

“I think we might have missed a lot of opportunities at great nicknames for you this year, Emma.” The words from Graham as he approached while Emma was frosting the last of her cupcakes made her smile.

“Oh yeah? What makes you say that?” Graham grinned.

“You’re always unflappable. Cool as a cucumber in the face of every challenge. Seriously, America is wondering, how do you do it?” Emma laughed at the question.

“I have a great poker face. Maybe I look calm to you guys, but on the inside it’s panic central.”

That was a slight exaggeration, and one she felt she’d made before, for Emma hadn’t truly stressed over a bake this season in quite a while. But it didn’t sound great to say that this competition wasn’t the end all be all. The last thing she wanted was to underplay what a win could mean if given to the right person.

“The results will be in, in just a matter of time. Any thoughts on who of the three of you will win?” Emma shook her head, not interested in going on camera and making such a claim.

“Not to be too corny, but I think all of us have already won in many ways. We all made it to the final round, each of us has won star baker before, and most importantly we pushed ourselves into finding awesome recipes and hard won successes. I’ll be happy no matter who takes home that dish.” Graham shook his head.

“It still confuses the hell out of me that all of this has been for a dish. This is America! What happened to good old fashioned cash prizes and trophies?”

“It is funny, isn’t it? How they changed so much about the original show but kept the simple prize. Something to consider when they go into the next season.”

Emma noticed Tink bite her lip where she was overlooking the camera crew trained on Emma, and in that moment, she realized that Graham might actually be setting up a surprise addition to whatever the winnings were. It would be interesting to see what happened, but there was no prize they could really give that would change Emma’s mind on Tiana’s deserving to win.

With that, Graham bid her good luck on the rest of the bake, and the clock ran down until finally all three women had created and presented their cupcakes in their individual towers that production had made to each contestants standards. Emma had designed hers to look like a big book, after her thematic tie between the weeks, Mary Margaret had opted for a modern design that was sleek and beautiful, while Tiana had gone for that extra bit of home-town charm, using a display stand that looked like a light house. All three looked great, but it was down to the judges to decide who would take home the title. In the meantime, Emma and the others were led outside to join the festivities. When they finally reached the festival the three of them were greeted by a huge round of applause from their friends and neighbors.

“So, is it all going according to plan, love?” Killian whispered in Emma’s ear as she came to hug him. She laughed into his chest and shrugged when she pulled back.

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see. How are things going out here?”

“Leroy’s been drunk all morning, but the soup station is top notch.” David’s commentary made Emma smile just as Killian’s reply did.

“Dave’s a bit overexcited about the soup really. He’s already dragged me there three separate times and told me all about what makes a soup verses a stew.” Dave looked a little cross at Killian’s lack of enthusiasm.

“Hey! I was sharing some great insight with you, man.” Mary Margaret kissed David lightly before chastising him a bit.

“Soup is a pretty universal thing, David. I’m sure Killian’s run into it before.”

“Indeed I have love. But I will admit, it is rather good.”

Emma eagerly anticipated getting the chance to go try some, and to relax a little at the fair but the judges were already back, the decision seemingly made, and things were being set up for the big reveal outside.

“I just want to say, before we announce the winner, that you should all be so proud. Each of you has come to this tent every weekend and shown us not only how capable you are, but that passion and love in baking adds all the more richness to any bake.”

Regina’s words were unexpectedly kind, but Emma wasn’t too surprised. In the past week she’d seen the woman with Robin more than once, and had been informed that despite their vastly different lives, the two would be trying to make their relationship work post-Storybrooke production. It didn’t escape Emma’s notice that Regina looked over to Robin more than once while out here thus far either.

“You’ve all done Storybrooke proud, girls. This town is very lucky to have you all representing us as you have.” Another cheer sounded through the lawn, and Granny had tears in her eyes as she said the words. For some reason the woman’s emotions made Emma a little teary too. As she stood between Mary Margaret and Tiana, she extended a hand to both women and silently congratulated them both.

“If we’re quite done with the sap, let’s be down to it,” Gold practically snapped.

Emma didn’t think for a second she was the only person to roll her eyes at Gold’s brashness, but she knew it would play incredibly well. Whether he meant to or not, Gold had done an excellent job at making himself an indispensible part of the show, at least as a villain that contestants had to succeed in spite of.

“There’s one last thing. We know that all season long we’ve had the running joke that all of this is for a dish,” Ruby said from her perch near the judges. “But the truth is, all three of you will be walking away with something.”

Ruby waved her arm over to the crew members who were bringing in a table with not one but three dishes, all plated in bronze, silver or gold. Emma, Mary Margaret, and Tiana all laughed.

“In third place, is Mary Margaret!”

The crowd went crazy again, congratulating her as if she was the winner herself. Mary Margaret accepted her prize dish and flowers from the judges, and then returned to the fray of the other contestants, taking her place beside David. Emma did notice however, that there was an envelope attached to Mary Margaret’s dish, and wondered what could be inside. She didn’t have much time to speculate though, for now it was the moment of truth.

“To declare a winner for this show has been an incredibly difficult challenge. Both of you have remained neck and neck throughout the competition, and both have proven that for amateurs, you really are experts at finding great tastes and great bakes. But there can only be one winner, and that person is… Tiana.”

Emma quickly hugged the woman, who was crying tears of absolute joy, and in that moment Emma knew this was exactly as things should be. Watching Tiana receive her dish, flowers and envelope, was a heartwarming experience. When it was finally Emma’s turn to retrieve her dish, she expected it to go pretty typically, but from beneath the table, Granny pulled out a medal.

“In a final twist, we are awarding what for now is being called The Great Storybrooke MVP Medal, to you Emma. Though you technically didn’t come out on top with the judges, you ran away with the hearts of your competitors and the audience alike. Kindness and good humor should be rewarded, and so we give you this.”

Emma couldn’t help the big smile that came as the whole town cheered for her and Granny put on her medal. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and really the best title she could have won.

“And that’s a wrap on season one of The Great American Baking Show! Until next time!” Emma barely heard Graham and Ruby’s goodbye to the cameras, as she was quickly in the arms of Killian and being congratulated by swarms of people. It was truly overwhelming, but a great feeling nonetheless.

“Girls, open your envelopes. Trust me you want to be seeing those.” Tink’s words prompted Emma, Mary Margaret, and Tiana to do just that.

“Oh my God! Oh my God!” Tiana said, her happy tears back and bigger than ever. Tiana immediately ran off and Emma was confused.

“Regina’s investing in her café. She wants to be a silent partner.” Emma was blown away by Robin’s words since they were so amazing. Across the lawn, she saw Tiana give the judge a huge hug, taking Regina by surprise.

“Holy wow that’s incredible!” Mary Margaret said as she opened her own envelope and nearly passed out herself. Wordlessly she passed it to David, whose already prevalent smile only grew wider.

“The show is donating fifty thousand dollars to the Storybrooke school systems to help with the budget cuts to after school activities in Mary Margaret’s name.” Emma could feel her hands shaking, having now detected a pattern to the prizes.

“But how – why –,” Emma could barely get the words out after opening her envelope. She was staring at a check just made out to her for an obscenely large amount of money, and the memo line read only ‘for your happily ever after.’

“Because you all deserve it,” Liam said, coming to stand beside Tink and taking her hand in his. Before Emma could reply that it was too much, Killian had wrapped his arms around her more securely and kissed her lightly.

“No arguing, love. You’ve earned it.” Emma shook her head.

“But we all did though. Everyone who did the show should share in this, not just the three of us.”

“We agree,” Liam said, and it turned out that each person received an envelope with something in it, something important to them that they wanted. Killian though, didn’t receive one of these envelopes, and when Emma asked why, he shook his head at her.

“What I want isn’t something that they can hand me in an envelope, love.”

Emma was going to ask him what that was, but instead, allowed him to show her the festivities she had missed while baking. For the rest of the afternoon, Emma spent her time relaxing, and truly enjoying everything the day had to offer. She didn’t give much more thought to prizes or titles, but instead focused solely on appreciating this time she had with the man she loved, and the friends she cared for dearly.

All around her, Emma saw how truly happy this experience had made people. Mary Margaret and David, Robin and Regina, Tink and Liam, even Ruby and Graham finally got in on the action when flirtation was supplanted by an actual kiss that everyone saw. Belle was thrilled, for her award at the end of the show was the rights to use her experience for that novel she’d been floating around in her head, and even Leroy got a tab set up for him at the local pub to drown away his sorrows for a little while. Everywhere she looked, Emma saw nothing but happiness. It was amazing that they’d all been afforded this opportunity and that it had turned out this well in the end. Despite how touch and go things had been for a while, it was all truly worth it.

“Emma, love, would you come with me, just for a minute,” Killian asked a while later. “There’s something I think you should see.”

Emma nodded, for of course she would go with Killian anywhere. He led her back down the hill and to the big white tent. Emma knew that there was likely nothing left there, for hours ago the crew had been deconstructing the set up and packing away all of the cameras and the like, but she trusted that whatever it was Killian was bringing her to, it would be important.

Just outside the flap to the tent, Killian stopped, turning to face her. He’s already been holding her hand, but now he took her second in his as well. Looking up into his face, Emma sensed love but also something else. A little trepidation maybe, but she couldn’t understand why.

“Close your eyes, Swan.” Despite her worry about him, Emma followed Killian’s request instantly and she heard him exhale a relieved breath. Carefully he guided her into the tent making his way in further before speaking again. “Alright, love, you can look.”

There, all around them was the most amazing collection of flowers Emma had ever seen. This place that Emma had come to see as ordinary was completely changed, between the beautiful blossoms, twinkling lights and a hint of music lightly playing in the background. Emma looked around, trying to take it all in, but when she looked back at Killian he was on bended knee. In an instant she understood what was happening, and the happiness she felt in her heart was beyond any she’d ever felt before.

“Emma, crazy as it is, this show brought us together. Before, I was a man afraid, but everything about you eased my worry. You are beautiful and miraculous and kind, talented beyond words, but mostly you are good and I know in my heart that you are the one for me. Under this tent, we began a journey I’m hoping will last the rest of our lives because I want everything Emma, and I only want it with you. Yes it’s fast, but when you love someone you just know, and I love you Emma, more than I can ever say. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

A bubble of laughter came from her chest as she nodded and promised him that yes she would and that nothing would ever make her happier. He presented her with the ring, a gorgeous diamond enveloped in a sapphire wreath, and kissed her. The world stood still in that moment, and all that mattered was their love. It was the most liberating and empowering feeling, to know so fully that she had found the love of her life. This was their moment, the one that would set them on the path to the rest of their lives, and when she pulled back she realized that was what her prize had meant. Emma had been given something to share with Killian and to make more memories, like the incredible, once in a lifetime ones they’d made from this show.

Running her fingers along his jaw, Emma gave a happy little sigh. The world was a magical place, and with Killian by her side, she knew it would stay that way. Whatever came next, whatever the universe had in store for their future, they would handle together, and Emma was certain they’d carve out the kind of happiness she’d always been looking for.

……………………….

A few months later, when spring had sprung again in their little coastal town, Emma and Killian were married. The ceremony itself was small, only involving their closest friends and family, but it had been wonderful. The dress, the vows, the cake, all of it was out of one of Emma’s grandest daydreams. Part of her hated to see the evening end, but since it had, she was now free to pursue this, a wedding night with the man who truly owned her heart.

“I’ll never understand it,” Killian said as he helped Emma remove the ivory lace gown she’d chosen.

“Understand what?” Emma asked, her voice breathier than usual as his fingertips grazed her bare skin.

“How I’m lucky enough to call you my wife. I don’t deserve you Emma, but I will do everything in my power to give you the world.”

Emma turned around, letting her dress fall to the ground and stepping out of it, moving close enough to him to pull him down for a kiss. How was she ever going to make him see that he was perfect for her just as he was?

“I don’t need the world. I just need to know that you love me as much as I love you, for now and forever.” Killian’s hands ran across her back and he nodded.

“Always, Emma.”

“Good. Now take me to bed, and remind me why I became Mrs. Killian Jones today.” The approving growl that ripped from his throat, coupled with Killian’s stripping off his own clothes had Emma’s whole body humming with anticipation.

Killian took her challenge seriously, stopping at nothing to give Emma a wedding night to remember. Despite how good things had always been between them, something had changed. Making their vows, and their promises to truly have forever made every touch all the more powerful. The sensations of his hands roaming across her body, and his mouth with kisses both gentle and demanding everywhere was only more affirmation that they’d been meant for each other. But where Emma wanted instant gratification, Killian wanted to draw this out, to make it last.

“Killian, it’s too much!” And not enough, she thought. Emma didn’t think she’d ever get enough of him.

“Don’t you trust me, Swan?” He asked as he kissed her inner thigh. He’d made her tumble into bliss twice already, but seemed uninterested in giving up that pursuit just yet.

“Yes,” He moved his mouth to kiss her sex again and she arched towards him.

“Then let me give you this.” The licks and sucks and intricate love he gave her with his mouth coupled with the reality that Killian was doing all of this to see her happy and sated, had Emma wild with emotion and hunger. He didn’t relent, not until she’d shattered again, and only then did Emma get what she truly wanted, the two of them together as one chasing something they would share.

The night was filled with such exertions, flirting between languidness and a nearly rabid hunger, but hours later, when Emma was finally ready to succumb to sleep she whispered one last hope she had. It was for a child, one who would bring together all the best qualities of she and Killian, and no one could have been more enraptured with that idea than her doting husband, who promised her they’d have one very soon.

……………………….

“Do you think they’re ready for this, love?” Killian asked Emma as they drove down the main street of a small town in Oregon called Hampton. It was similar in size to Storybrooke, with a down-home, close community feel, but it would never compare in her book to the town they hailed from. She shook her head.

“No, I mean how can they be? They’ll go from a place no one’s heard of to an overnight sensation.”

“I’m not sure about that. I mean, really, what are the odds that they can ever compare to what we had?” Killian made a good point. Their season had drama, conflict, and so much love it was borderline insane. In the year since the show began production in town, Emma’s life had completely changed, as had many of the contestants and everyday townspeople. It wouldn’t be easy to recreate that likeness.

“That’s probably why we’re here. To remind people of the fairytale they stumbled upon in a small town in Maine.” Killian smiled and brought her hand to his lips in a gentle kiss. “Well that and Tiana was so busy with the café opening, she couldn’t go.”

“No offense to her, but I think we make for better television love. Everyone likes to see a success, but a newlywed marriage with children on the way probably beats out the start of a business.”

Just the mention of their twins had Emma’s hand moving to her stomach. She was so thrilled about this next step and about finally starting on the family she’d always dreamed of, but Killian was right, them being still so in love and even further on their way to happily ever after would be great for Liam and Tink, who were now co-EPs on the show.

As the car pulled up to Hampton’s version of the big white tent, Emma was stuck by the familiarity of it all. For two months this had been her life, but just as easily it had faded away. In the time since the finale, she and Killian had had dozens of lazy Sundays, and restful weekends. They’d gone on an extended honeymoon through Europe and watched their friends who’d connected through the show all grow stronger in their own relationships. Their time on The Great American Baking Show had become a sort of inside joke, something that came up every so often, but no one really lingered on. It was a moment in time that had passed, but standing here now, it kind of felt like being back at the beginning of the journey.

They were greeted by Tink and Liam and reunited with Graham and Ruby (who had been so beloved by the audience, that she was asked to stay on as a permanent host in lieu of finding someone from Hampton). The day went by rather enjoyably, and Emma and Killian were a part of bringing the new competitors into the arms of the show. They gave their little jokes, thanks to the same writer’s who worked so diligently with Graham and Ruby, and in the end, they got to do one more testimonial. When it was all over, and all the questions had been asked, Emma surprised the others and herself with a request.

“Could I just say one more thing?” Tink nodded, signaling the cameras to remain on, and Emma took a second to look at Killian who was now off screen, before returning her gaze to Tink.

“I just wanted to say thank you, for everything. The good, the bad, and all of the stuff in between brought me to a life I didn’t think I could have. I was just a girl who loved baking, and who thought this show would be a fun way to spend a couple months. I never dreamed it would become so much more than that. This show gave me the means to find my happily ever after, and even though it would have happened either way, you also gave us something incredibly powerful – a story that no one else has, something that Killian and I can share forever. Whether you have one season or a hundred more, I’ll never forget it, and I’ll always be grateful for what you’ve given me.”

“So I was right then,” Tink said as Emma finished her statement and took off her microphone. “You did end up happy.” Emma pulled Killian close and just before she kissed him, she agreed.

“Yeah, I really did.”

Post-Note: So there is the fluffy conclusion to this fun little fic. I hope that you guys enjoyed, and I have truly loved seeing how much of this fandom not only loves Captain Swan but also the original GBBO franchise. Thank you so much for joining me on this little journey and I hope you’ll continue on with me in some of my other stories as well!

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