#she's in on the scheme she'll be like ok what books do you want this year

[works-of-heart]

For E/riel to happen,

A lot of major changes to the story need to occur. E/riel theories are often convoluted and contradicting, but let's go over some of the things that need to happen, for these E/riel theories shall we?

Elain and Lucien's bond has to be 'wrong or corrupt' while everyone else's is perfectly fine.

Lucien and Azriel need to have a blood duel where Lucien dies.

The bond is fake and they'll both have a good laugh about it.

Elain will reject the bond, but will always still have her bond with Lucien. She'll just go with Azriel and he'll be totally ok with it.

BOTH Elain and Lucien will reject the bond, which...somehow it just what, goes away? They will both find love with someone who isn't their mate, Az/Vassa, but constantly feel the pull to eachother since the bond doesn't go away. Lucien will eventually be driven mad.

Lucien has to be a cheater. Being a mated male and his whole characteristic of being fiercely loyal? Out the window.

Jurien has to betray them or die, since Jassa is a contendor to Vassien. Jassa cannot happen so we must get rid of Jurien.

Gwyn has to be evil

Gwyn's a Lightsinger/luring Azriel, so him wanting to see her cannot be of his own volition or a draw to any mating bond, it's because he's under a spell.

Gwyn is going to betray Azriel

Gwyn and Elain are going to fight over Azriel, which Gwyn will reveal her evil ploy

Gwyn cannot exist past SF and will fade into obscurity

Someone is forcing Elain to be with Lucien, in which she and Azriel must sneak around with their forbidden desires before someone steps in and fights for their happiness.

Lucien just fades into obscurity or dies trying to protect Elain which she goes to Az anyway.

Elucien happens in the first book, but then Lucien turns into a sudden asshole and pushes Elain away where she realizes she loved Az all along? The second book is Elain and Azriel getting together...which would be all of 5 pages.

For Elucien to happen,

Elain and Lucien need to spend time together and get to know eachother.

For Gwynriel to happen,

Azriel and Gwyn spend time together.

Azriel stops focusing on his lack of a mate and listen to his shadows who are clearly telling him the woman he's looking for is right in front of him.

That's it.

For Elucien/Gwynriel to happen, all they have to do is spend more time together. We don't need anyone to lose their HEA, we don't need to kill off any characters, or make anyone suffer. Everyone gets a HEA, which in a romance novel that's about soulmates and love and healing and fantasy, that's what it's about. This isn't GoT/SOIAF where people need to be scheming and die.

What sounds more likely? 2 books left focusing on 2 different ships like Eluciend and Gwynriel? Seeing 4 people get their HEA and possibly some blooming side ships like Jassa and Mor/Emire? Or, 2 books, one focusing on Elriel, where one of the many horrible and depressing options happen, with the second book being someone else entirely, or Vassien? Which again, would be breaking characters.

You tell me.

[ragnarssons]

"you mean to tell me alicent chose to sacrifice her children?!!! OOC!!!!" newsflash, alicent HAS sacrificed her children, the moment she decided to usurp rhaenyra's throne. she has sacrificed aegon the moment she placed him on the throne. it's a FACT and the only thing rhaenyra did was putting her, face to face, with this sad reality. y'all really think the scene was like "homie bb can i pwease kill ur son?" "ok bb"... no, it was rhaenyra, being like "you want to wash your hands of your shit, well guess what, your sons will die because of me, because of this war, because of YOU, do you know that??" alicent does not "give her sons away", they're not hers, she's lost them the moment she's put them on a path of war, ruthlessness and destruction, that has stripped all their future and innocence away from them. the only one she thinks she can still somehow kinda save, is helaena (i'd argue it's because alicent is projecting a loooot of herself into helaena, thus meaning saving helaena = saving herself): even then, she'll never erase jaehaerys' death, she'll never heal her daughter from the fact that she had to get in bed with her brother and bear his children, she'll never get away from "i was happier before i was queen". it also totally mirrors what rhaenyra says about herself: alicent also stripped RHAENYRA, not only of her birthright, but of her chance to have a relationship with her siblings, of a chance to be a better person than alicent thought she was, of a chance to, herself, have a happy life and have all her children safe and sound (btw, interesting to go back to the book, where alicent is also rhaenyra's "mother", or at least her step-mother, a parental figure who never used her role to protect rhaenyra, in the show, alicent gaining power from becoming the queen, never used that power to try for peace with rhaenyra, quite the opposite actually, which is, again, just a tiny action, based on pride, resentment, "children fighting", ending up having huge repercussions, and alicent herself recognizes it in this scene). this is what the scene is about, it's not about "alicent sacrificing her children", alicent has sacrificed her children decades ago (even her "symbolic" daughter by name alone because of her marriage), she has sacrificed rhaenyra years ago, just like she was sacrificed decades before the war, by her father pushing her into his schemes. it's all about repeating the circle of abuse, all over again, and rhaenyra making alicent see that and recognize it. (and don't get me wrong, rhaenyra herself is repeating her own father's mistakes with her children, i mean especially jacaerys) and yet, despite all the resentment, anger, rhaenyra doesn't hate alicent. despite her scheeming, alicent doesn't hate rhaenyra. this is what their reunion is about, about a reconning, acceptance of sacrifices, acceptance of faults, old pain, absolution, all of which are emotions and traumas deeply rooted within a family dynamic that's just been taken over by the biggest ripple effect possible. and then it's beyond that: how many sons and daughters will be sacrificed? how many would be, were she to refuse rhaenyra now? (not that it would stop rhaenyra in any way...) and rhaenyra's "a son for a son" perfectly closes that: she's not asking retribution for lucerys, she's asking retribution for herself. she's asking alicent to step aside, to stop pretending there's still something to salvage in this situation for them: whether they survive with blood of their own kin on their hands, or they die, there is no middle ground. that if she wants to leave, if she wants to "make amend" and be free, if she leaves the burdens to the others, she has to acknowledge what she did to said others, and what she leaves them off to fight for. alicent's ending shot is one of freedom, it's also one of loneliness, the burden is under her feet, a mount she's created by her own doing and the same burden weighs heavy on rhaenyra, a whole weight of inheritance that now has to come with blood.

[fallowtail]

Top 5 Hetty outfits - jk ahem. Top 5 ghosts dynamics?

Oh this is rough their dynamics are all SO good....aahhhh ok. Ok. Going to try my best to fight my brain fog and lack of articulation skills to briefly explain why I chose them! These aren't in order either because that'd be just too evil, lol. Ok.

...I'M DOING SIX YOU CAN'T STOP ME because I accidentally wrote six of these because I miscounted and I don't want to delete one that I already wrote up, lol

Hetty and Trevor ...ok, this one is obvious, but they're just. So. Weird. In a way that you don't expect but that works absolutely perfectly. They're so similar when you get down to it and they bounce off of each other hilariously, I feel like that scene from Isaac's book where Hetty has created a scheme, and is so proud of herself for how devious she is, while Trevor rolls his eyes because he knows how stupid it is but he is still going along with it anyway because he knows if he does she'll give him a treat later (which she does!) sums up their dynamic really well. I love that they butt heads so much and think they have nothing in common when they so clearly do, lol. The way he's slowly shifted into being fondly amused by her vs aggravated is really cute- the way they're both so enthusiastic about what they get up to in the basement is so sweet, Trevor actively wanting Hetty to open up to him, to talk to him and be silly and let loose...that fond little smile she makes at him when he's being a goober during the pillow talk scene. Ugh. They do genuinely like each other but are just so stuck in their ideas about what they should want that they dig their heels in. This is the one I am the most mad about not being able to properly explain how I feel because there is just. SO. MUCH. Going on there with them. Why am I not good at writing, AHHH

Isaac and Hetty THE BESTIES! Oh Isaac and Hetty are just sooo funny like he watched her live her entire life, they are best friends, the two of them both think they run the house but they constantly default back to each other and are usually the only ones the other will listen to, he tried to romance her and then told her he was gay, he enables her bad behavior, he both refuses to take romantic advice from her but also desperately wants her advice, he deeply loves her but very clearly thinks there is something wrong with her, they have dates where they just stare out the window for hours, she clings to him constantly like he's a security blanket, she envies his ability to find love but also kind of hates his boyfriend who she encouraged him to get together with LOL, they're gossip besties, they both deeply crave the others approval, Isaac being happy Hetty found her stableboy but also not being sure why she's chosen Trevor, like. Oh my god. I love Isaac and Hetty so much that I can't find the words even more than the others. They're just so, so, so perfect together and you can always see Brandon and Rebeccas best friendship come through with these two, their scenes are always my favorite.

Sam and Hetty Wow, I wonder if there's gonna be a trend here with which dynamics I enjoy the most because it involves my blorbo, hmmm Something about Sam and Hetty finding family within each other and wanting to learn from their past mistakes and heal from their family damage with each other and then still falling into those same patterns they did in life but with the desire to fix it this time when they realize is so interesting. I love how even in the pilot Hetty warms up to the idea of her moving into the mansion so quickly despite claiming otherwise, and that even in as latest as the Halloween episode you can see them butting heads over Hetty's need to manage people to express care because she thinks she knows best and if she knows best, why wouldn't she tell people how to get what they want? And Sam lashing out when people do that to her because she wants her accomplishments to be her own and for someone to be proud of her for what she does.

Hetty and Flower and Alberta Look I said there was gonna be a trend but I'm squeezing the Lady Ghost Society into one group so that my last 3 answers aren't all for them, lol. The way the lady ghosts interact is so fun and I love that they're all different- Hetty and Alberta being all over each other this season despite their huge conflict at the end of s2, the way Flower and Alberta were the ones who volunteered to be roommates originally, Flower not realizing Hetty didn't understand what good sexual stimulation felt like and then being distraught when she realized Hetty didn't know what happened to her on the washing machine and Hetty feeling comfortable enough to come to Flower to confess her sins and Flower helping her work through it, Alberta having forgotten Flower's name in season 1 but then in season 2 she's the one who makes sure Flower remembers what her name is, it's just so...!! The fact they have a Lady Ghost Society Council is so cute too, oh my god.

Isaac and Trevor Oh my god one that doesn't involve Hetty, what the hell Isaac and Trevor are so interesting...they're kind of similar to H-Money in that on paper you don't think they'd get along, but their interactions are so?? I think Isaac envies Trevor in a way because he's so easily "one of the guys" which is all Isaac ever wanted, buuuut he also thinks Trevor is kind of an idiot, lmfao, because Isaac just thinks everyone in the house except for him and Hetty aren't particularly intelligent I think. (Also he can't get past the pants thing.) Trevor and Isaac both so very, very desperately, just want people to like them, both of them make up these stories about cool things they did to fit the persona they so badly want the others to believe...The Liquor License is such a good episode for them, the way Trevor is content to tease Isaac when he thinks Isaac is having fun doing his snooty thing but then as soon as he realizes Isaac got left alone he goes to find him...they're just really, really fun to pair up together and I'm looking forward to this next episode with them being a duo! You can really see Brandon and Asher's friendship shine through in their scenes together.

Isaac and Sam Isaac and Sam's relationship is so weird and I absolutely love it. Isaac shadowing Sam all day in the new episode and kind of making fun of her "Yogaaaa!", them doing yoga together and her ditching him when he fell asleep...there was an interview back in December where Rose talks about the Sam and Isaac dynamic and how weird it is saying Sam just really seems to want to serve him and his best interests and that there's something going on with Sam for her to want that out of Isaac LOL, she really does seem to cave into him the most out of any of the ghosts because something in her just seems to want to impress him? But at the same time he annoys her. It's fascinating. That little heart to heart they had about not needing outside approval but then immediately dropping it as soon as they got approval for her book was SO funny and they really just want everyone to like them and be proud of them and it makes for such a fun relationship to explore.

Phew! Ok, that was long, and I'm frustrated I can't properly say what I actually want to say or feel for any of these but hopefully that all comes across decent enough! <3

Ask me my top 5 anything game!

[dnbup]

hi!! may i request ei, ningguang, yanfei and sara with a short but powerful reader? have a nice day!!

ya ofc i can do that! have a good day too! btw i didnt know if you wanted platonic or fluff so i tried to make both

+_______________________+

A short but powerful reader

//sfw (crack/fluff or platonic)

Warnings: dark humor on ei's part, SLIGHT swearing

a/n: reader is 4'11

Send me requests! <- heres what I write !

KUJOU SARA +';- +';-

TEASING LEVEL: 4/10

Sara herself is pretty tall, 5'6" (168 cm) So shes pretty used to people being shorter than her.

But she was suprised when she met someone whos 4'11 and old enough to have a job. She intially tried protecting them because she judged their power based on their height.

Unconsiously pats your head after a battle or infront of other people.

Shocked when Y/N sent a bunch of mitachurls flying with their anemo vision.

Sara heard the mitachurls coming and got her bow ready. They were a few meters away when she startee chsrging her attack then.. boom... all of them just flew backwards and died.

Sara just looked over at you and was like 😦😦

"Y/N you short demon" shes trying yall cut her some slack🙏

but she fell in LOVE woth the way you two work together perfectly. Making SWIRL and sending enemies flying is the highlight of her day.

Don't blink! She might have a dopey smile on her face.

YANFEI ^+°× ^+=×

TEASING LEVEL: 6/10

Yanfei herself isnt very tall, but at times shes a strong fighter, although preferring to study law instead of training.

Few people are shorter than her, shes 5'2" (157.4 cm) thats why when she met someine shorter than her she teased them quite often.

She didn't think you'd be getting yourself into trouble often, but she still expected to have to protect you from danger at times.

Thats why when you defendee yourself from treasure horders with your hydro vision she was pretty shocked.

Yanfei was getting her catalyst book ready when-

"Is that your law book?"

"Yes." mf literally fights with the law

She prepared for them to charge and sent a few attacks towards them which set a couple of them on fire.

But when you used your hydro vision she wasn't shocked, she just whined about how you put her fire out. You proceeded to do this and each time she'd just whine and whine until she used her burst and got rid of all the oncoming enemies.

Never wanted to fight with you again because you stopped her from committing arson

NINGGUANG +/_* +/_*

TEASING LEVEL: 9/10

OK WAIT NO WAY

Ningguang herself is pretty tall, mostly everyone is shorter than her. But when she meets someone who is a whole FOOT shorter than her and is able to buy alcohol, god shes gonna tease the life out of them.

Ningguang doesn't like fighting but shes willing and ready to defends herself or Liyue incase of an attack.

Thats why when you used your electro vision and defended HER, she had a lot to say about it.

You both saw some stray Fatui approaching and Ningguang got her vision ready.

When they were about 20 meters away she sent a huge "splash" of crystals towards them. But they were all too quick and only a few of them got hit.

So when you sent a huge of electricity and created a CRYSTALIZED reaction that killed all oncoming Fatui she just stared st you fot a second before her shocked face turned into a scheming one.

"Well well well?~ Aren't you just a beast?"

"Ning please no"

"What are you gonna do? shock me?"

"Yes."

dont shock her though she'll use the power of money to give you diarrhea because shes rich and can do that /j

EI +':- +':- +':-

TEASING LEVEL: 1/10 (shes very mad)

Ei is pretty tall too, shes seen some people taller than her but when she found you running around she couldn't help but laugh.

She fully expected to have to protect you. But when you defended yourself with your pyro vision, she was suprised.

She saw an incoming mitachurl and decided to toy with it a bit. She was sending tiny electric shocks towards it and chuckling to herself everytime it jolted from the shock.

She got so distracted by this she didn't even notice you charging up an attack until a massive explosion happened that sent a tree branch flying towards her. BONK.

"yea um so y/n is a terrorist" she was doing girl gossip with her bestie westie miko

"NO SHUT UP"

"oh? i see." miko didnt know what to do

[wefoundloveunderthelight]

Skyline Manor by GleefullyCaptainSwan Chapter 4/13

Read on AO3: | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Or on FF

Stacy's Tortured Crew: @teamhook @kmomof4 @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @itsfabianadocarmo @mariakov81 @qualitycoffeethings @zaharadessert @jrob64 @jonesfandomfanatic @natascha-ronin @tiganasummertree @xarandomdreamx @therooksshiningknight @batana54 @superchocovian @onceratheart18 @ultraluckycatnd @snowbellewells @karlyfr13s @the-darkdragonfly @xsajx

Chapter 4: Devil is a Woman

Killian stepped into the archway of the castle; Belle’s arm wrapped through his elbow. “You look quite delectable in that uncomfortable contraption.” He whispered into the woman’s ear.

“I can barely breathe. You know women only wear these things because a man thinks it’s attractive, right?”

“Aye, we are reprehensible as a species, love.”

Killian surveyed the room, spotting the King and Queen at the front of the room, flanked by two large men. The King’s eyes were darting around the room, nervous energy while searching for his unwanted guest.

“Let’s mingle. Work the room, we’re looking for a man with a feather in his lapel.” He said against her ear. Belle nodded and left his side as Killian glanced around the room, taking in the faces of the guests dancing on the floor in front of him.

He smiled at a woman with dark hair in a blue dress, reaching out and taking her hand as the music started. He bowed deeply before standing and spinning the woman, releasing her as he accepted the hand of a red head who was passed his way. He carried on the dance, watching the men around him, searching for a feather.

The music died down, a melodic tone began playing, as he felt a woman brush up next to him. “I don’t believe I’ve danced with you tonight.” Killian felt his mouth go dry when his eyes met a sea of emerald-green, surrounded by a glowing mane of blonde hair held up by a crown of flowers.

“Perhaps fate was saving the best for last, love.” He said with a grin.

“Henry?” Henry flinched, dropping his pencil, and slamming his book shut.

“Hey.”

“You busy?” His mother asked.

“No, did you need something?”

“Can you help Will take the food up to the roof?”

“Sure.”

“What are you working on there?”

Henry dropped the book into his side table and shut the drawer. “Just my to do list.” He shrugged.

“You’re eleven, what could an eleven-year-old possibly have on a to do list.” She laughed.

“Loads of things, mom.” He stood up from his bed and headed to Will’s apartment. Opening the door, he yelled into the empty room. “Hey Will, I’m here to help.”

“Hey, can you go down to the basement and grab the ice?”

“Yup, I got it.”

He took the elevator down to the bottom floor, stepping into the dark basement. He heard singing coming from the laundry room. He followed the soulful sounds until he saw Killian Jones, hunched over the washer, pulling clothes from inside and tossing them into the dryer.

She's got eyes of fire that burn like a shot of whiskey

And she's been known to bring a man to his knees

She'll take all you have, and you never see it comin'

And that's how I know the devil is a woman

“I didn’t know you could sing.” He interrupted, startling the man.

“You can’t just sneak up on people, lad. It’s bad form.”

“Sorry, I just came down to get ice.” He paused, stepping across the room to the large freezer. “You sing pretty good.”

“Thanks.” He chuckled. “I suppose all sailors fancy themselves as a singer eventually. Sometimes when it’s just you and the sea and nothing else to do.”

“Were you singing about someone?”

“Does your mother know you are down here?” He deflected.

“Yup, she told me to help out, so that’s what I’m doing.” He reached in and grabbed a bag of ice, tossing it over his shoulder. “So why the sad tune?”

“Just feeling a bit melancholy today, I suppose. Guess I got a bit caught up in the past.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Melancholy? It means that I’m feeling a bit sad today.”

“The barbeque should cheer you up. It’s always fun.” He added jovially. “I bet you’ll enjoy it.”

“Perhaps. Is there anything I can bring?”

“They never turn down that whiskey you were singing about.”

The man laughed loudly, “And what about yourself?”

“No one ever brings enough orange soda.”

“Then I shall ensure you have all the orange soda your heart desires.”

“Gee, thanks!” He grinned. “I’ll see you tonight, Killian.”

“See ya there kid.”

~*~

Killian folded his clean clothes and placed them in his basket. He hadn’t realized how much his attitude had shifted after waking this morning. Belle and he had barely spoke since her last visit. She had texted this morning telling him she would be at his place by 5 for the barbeque but that had been all.

The awkwardness between them led to dreams of Milah, which led to his sour mood.

He didn’t want to admit it, but the short visit with the Swan boy had cheered his mood. Normally he found most children to be quite annoying, but Henry had taken a genuine interest in him. He somehow felt welcomed by the boy, almost wanted, which was ridiculous of course, yet comforting.

Killian took the stairs back up to the fourth floor, but before he could step into the hall, he heard voices on the other side of the door.

“I’ve got to go out of town for a few weeks on a business trip.”

“Where are you going?” He heard Henry’s voice.

“Just adult stuff, kid, you wouldn’t understand.” Killian rolled his eyes as the man spoke. He hated when adults spoke to kids like they were stupid.

“So, are you going to be back in time for our literary fair at the end of the month? You said you’d take me.”

“Sorry, kid, I don’t think I’ll be back yet. I’ll call your mom as soon as I’m in town. You understand right?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.” The disappointment in his voice apparent.

“Great, well I gotta run, thanks for understanding. You’re the best.” The man carried on, ignoring the sad tone in his son’s voice.

Killian heard the elevator doors close, and he pushed the door open, stepping into the hall. The young boy was leaning against the wall next to his apartment door. He looked up quickly, brushing his sleeve against his cheek. Shit, what was he supposed to do with a crying kid?

“Hey, lad. Didn’t mean to eavesdrop on the moment with your dad but I didn’t want to interrupt the conversation.”

“It’s ok. He’s going out of town for a bit.” A forlorn look on his face.

“I’m sure it’s something very important for him to miss time with you.”

“Yeah, she’s got dark hair, big boobs, loves to travel. I think this one’s name is Tamara.”

Killian set his laundry basket on the ground and leaned against the wall next to the boy. “Ah, well women sometimes vex a man’s mind and make them do stupid things. And I should know, I speak from experience.”

“Pretty much sounds like my dad every time he gets a new girlfriend.”

“I’m sorry lad, I don’t have a lot of experience with fathers.”

“You don’t have a father?”

“Not one that was around often. My father left when I was a young lad. My brother, Liam raised me.”

“What about your mom?” He inquired.

“My mom died of cancer when I was two.”

“Oh.” He replied sadly. “I don’t know what I’d do without my mom. She’s the best mom in the world.”

“You’re a lucky lad.” He said with a smile.

“I’m a bad kid.” He said softly.

“I very much doubt that.”

“Can I tell you a secret?”

“I’d be honored.” He said with a nod.

“When I go to my dad’s house, I spend the whole time wishing I was back home with my mom.” He frowned and stared at the floor. “So why am I so sad that I don’t have to see him for a month?”

“Ah, just because you miss your mom, doesn’t mean you don’t care for your dad. Perhaps next time you visit him, you should tell him how you feel.”

“I don’t know if he would even listen. He always just tells me to run along and play with my toys.”

Killian felt for the boy, hated seeing him feeling so down. “I find the truth is always better than locking things away that eat at you. Trust me.”

The door to his apartment opened and the woman with the blonde locks stepped into the hall. “There you are…” She stopped when she locked eyes with his. “Oh, you again, how come I always find you with my son?”

Killian pushed off the wall and focused his attention on the boy. “Chin up, lad. Things always work out for the best in the end.” He ran a hand through the boy’s brown locks and walked toward the woman. A smile forming on his face as he approached her, his tongue darting out slightly to wet his lips. “Afraid the chat is confidential, lass. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m off to get some orange soda.” He turned back toward Henry and winked. “I’ve heard there is never enough provided at this barbeque.”

The woman’s mouth was agape as she blinked at him, then turned toward her son. Killian simply entered his apartment and shut the door behind him.

~*~

“What was that about?” Emma questioned her son as Killian entered his apartment.

“You heard him, confidential. Man to man.” He said with a nod of his head, wiping his face and walking back to their apartment.

Emma knew Neal had spoken to Henry, had told him that he was going out of town for a while and wouldn’t be seeing him. She knew he was going to Barbados with Tamara for a month, probably on some pyramid scheme he was so good at hatching when he was trying to make an unearned buck.

She knew Henry would be disappointed that his dad was going to miss his literary fair at school, Henry loved everything to do with books and writing. It wasn’t a surprise to her that Neal would disappoint him again, but it still hurt her heart every time he did it.

What surprised her was that Henry appeared to be talking to the new neighbor about the situation. Henry was a friendly boy, he rarely knew a stranger, but he never shared personal information with one. Usually, he talked to her or Will, but for some reason, he seemed attached to this new man, this Killian Jones.

Emma watched from her balcony as he left the apartment thirty minutes later, he was the definition of sex on legs. Black leather jacket, tight pants, and of course he strutted up to the black Ducati parked outside the apartment, straddling the bike in a way that felt almost obscene to her. She felt the warmth in her cheeks as he started the bike, the hum of the engine vibrating his body. She blushed when she realized she was thinking about what it must be like to have his legs wrapped around hers, feeling the power of his own engine thrusting inside of her.

She stepped back into the apartment when he looked up in her direction, her hand over her mouth. “Good God, Emma.” She said almost breathlessly. “Stop acting like a horny teenager.”

“Who’s a horny teenager?”

Emma nearly jumped out of her skin, seeing her best friend sitting at the kitchen table. “Do you not knock, William!”

“Why the bloody hell would I knock? I came to see if you had that large spatula we used last time to flip the burgers. I broke mine playing Star Wars with Henry last week.”

“Of course you did.” She groaned, reaching into the drawer to pull out her spatula.

“Now, who were you ogling just now?”

“I wasn’t ogling anyone. Go make some burgers, dammit. I’ll be up in a minute with Henry.”

“I don’t believe I’ve seen you around the castle before.” The maiden said with narrowed eyes toward the Captain as they flitted around the room.

“Aye, but that would be because I’m not from around here, love.”

“We don’t get many visitors in Bostonia.”

“I have business with the King.” He said with a smile and the woman paused their dance.

“What business do you have with the King?” She questioned.

“Ah but that is confidential information, I cannot divulge such information without betraying the trust of the King.”

She snorted. “Is that so?” She asked, her curiosity peaked.

There was movement on the stairs behind her, and Captain Jones caught the vision of a man in black, the only piece of color was a white feather sticking out of his lapel.

The Swan Thief.

“I do apologize, but duty calls.” He said with a bow.

The woman looked him up and down and then dropped into a courtesy. “I would not stop a man from doing the King’s work.” She turned to walk away, and his hand grazed her arm.

“May I have the pleasure of knowing the name of the most beautiful maiden in all of Bostonia?”

She giggled, her cheeks blushing a shade of red. “I’m afraid that is confidential information, Captain.” Turning, she walked away as Killian stared at the back of her retreating head.

He unfortunately did not have the time to play her game, bounding up the stairs after his mark. When he reached the second floor, he saw movement to his right, the man disappearing down the next hall. When he reached the dead end, he had two choices. A single door on each side of the hallway. Right or left, he thought to himself.

Choosing the right, he bounded through the closed door, his cutlass drawn at the ready. Inside the room sat a young man, hunched over a desk, furiously writing away at the scroll in front of him. He turned quickly when he heard the noise behind him.

“Who are you?”

“Did a man enter here?”

“Only you. Should I be looking for someone that would cause you to draw your weapon in my house?”

“Your house?”

“I am Sir Henry of Bostonia, this is my room.”

Killian cursed, lowering his weapon. “I apologize Sir Henry; I was looking for someone who came this way. I will leave you to your writing.”

“Can I be of assistance? My mother has taught me to fence, perhaps I can help you find this man you seek.”

“I am here in service of the King, I do not think putting his young nephew in harm’s way would please him.”

He rolled his eyes, “I’m sixteen, I’m not a boy.”

“Of course not, but I shall take my leave, I’m sorry to trouble you.”

He retreated to his starting place before he breached the door, finding only an empty room across the hall. He doubled back the way he came, hoping he had not lost his mark. He did not notice the young man in the shadows, satchel slung over his shoulder, eager look in his eye as he followed his every move in his search of the castle.

Emma stood in the doorway watching her son writing in his notebook. She knew he wrote tales of faraway lands, she always loved that he had something that interested him so much. She could hardly believe how big he was getting. He would be twelve this year, and Emma wondered where the time had gone.

“Hey, you ready for some barbeque?”

The boy looked up and smiled, though she could still see the sadness in his eyes.

“You sure you’re ok about your dad?”

“Yeah I’m fine. Things always work out for the best in the end.”

“Do they now?” She mused.

“Yup, you’ll see.” He said with a smirk that made Emma wonder what the boy was up to.

~*~

Killian parked his bike next to the apartments, sliding off the seat and pulling the soda from the back. Bellle pulled up next to him and he smiled at the woman as she parked the car. Things had been awkward between them, and he hoped that time apart had soothed things over.

“Hello, lass.” He opened her car door, assisting her from the vehicle.

“Hi.” She smiled, tilting up to press her lips softly to his. When she pulled back she frowned. “I just wanted to apologize for how I’ve left things the last few days.”

“Not necessary. You have no need to apologize.”

“I just…” She sighed. “You were right, I knew what I was getting into, and I shouldn’t have gotten upset.”

“I just want to enjoy the evening with my best girl tonight.” He said with a genuine smile.

“What have you got there?” She asked, eyeing the soda in his hand.

“The lad had a request for orange soda.”

“Did he now?” She said with a narrowed glance and Killian ignored the remark, instead leading her up the walk toward the building.

The party was in full swing by the time they made their way to the roof, lights strung from the rafters, the water off in the distance shining by the moon’s light. It truly was a magical scene for an evening barbeque.

He introduced Belle to his neighbor Ruby, before walking over to the cooler to deposit the orange soda.

“Orange soda, huh? My nephew will be happy to hear he has someone else in the building who prefers the stuff.” Killian looked up to see a man standing near him. “I’m David, Emma’s brother.”

“Henry’s uncle, yes the lad mentioned that there is rarely enough orange soda at this event, I figured it would be nice to ensure he had enough to drink. He seemed to imply that the event had usually been mired in adult beverages.” He added with a wink.

“It’s difficult for him sometimes being the only kid in the complex.”

Killian’s brow furrowed, “He made mention of a friend, Will, I believe.”

The man laughed loudly. “Will only acts like a child, but I assure you he is supposed to be a grown up.” He gestured toward the man talking to Henry in the corner. The two were balancing trays of vegetables on their head. He remembered seeing the man at Emma’s the night he borrowed the bowl.

“Who’s your friend, darling?” David was met by a beautiful woman with dark hair and rosy cheeks.

“This is my wife, Margaret. I’m sorry, I never got your name.”

Killian held out his hand to the woman. “Killian Jones. I just moved in a couple of weeks ago.”

“Very nice to have a new neighbor in the place. You’ll be friends with everyone in no time.”

“Do you both live here as well?”

“No, we live across town, but I feel like we live here, Emma always invites us. I’m not sure if you met, Graham?” The man who Killian knew to be Emma’s boyfriend approached the group. “Graham and I go all the way back to high school together. Hopefully one day soon, we will call him family.”

“I don’t think we met officially.” The man said, offering his hand and Killian shook it.

Looking to escape from the conversation, he made small talk. “This is quite the affair.” He said looking around, spotting Belle standing in the corner, flanked by Will and Henry. “If you’ll excuse me, I should rescue my date. It was a pleasure meeting you all.” He nodded and made his way to the other side of the building.

“And you have access to this restricted section? Is it like porn?” Will was asking her as he approached them. Belle’s eyes flashed brightly as she laughed, reaching out to touch the man’s shoulder.

“No, it’s not like…” She whispered. “Porn. It’s for the more expensive books, the ones that are rare, or first editions.”

“There you are.” He announced, offering a beer to Belle.

“Have you met Will?”

“You’re much older than I imagined when Henry mentioned you.” He said, winking at Henry.

“Oi, I get that all the time. Bloody ridiculous if you ask me. There is no rule book for how old you have to be to play with Legos.”

“We’re building the Millennium Falcon.” Henry announced with pride.

“Round or Square?” Killian inquired.

“Round of course.” Will said with a huff. “Lando near destroyed the whole thing during the death star debacle. I prefer the original dish the way Han Solo drove her.”

“Good man, a purist.” Killian said, slapping the man on the shoulder as Henry beamed at them both.

“You like Star Wars?” The boy asked with large eyes.

“Of course, I like Star Wars, my brother took me when I was a wee lad.”

“We even dressed like Han and Leia when the last one came out.” Belle said with a proud smile, and it wasn’t lost on Killian the way that Will’s attention focused in on his date, his smile directed only at her.

“Henry, go help your mother.” Will directed his attention toward the blonde, carrying in plates and silverware.

The boy did as he was asked, running over to the table to help set up before he watched the blonde leave through the rooftop door, heading back into the apartment.

He stood back, watching the small group of people milling about, huddled in corners laughing at jokes being told or tales that were shared. He had not had friends in years, after leaving the Navy he moved to Maine to work in the shipyard. He had met Milah shortly after, as much as he had tried to avoid the woman, his choices and their torrid affair eventually blew up in his face causing him to lose everything he had built in Maine.

Perhaps finally all of that was behind him. Maybe now he could afford to put himself out there and make new friends.

He felt a tug on his shirt and turned to see Henry standing behind him. “Hey, can you help me really quick?”

“Sure thing lad, what do you need?”

“More Ice from the basement, everyone else was busy and I can’t carry it all.”

“No problem, lead the way.”

He followed the boy to the door when he turned back suddenly. “Um, I forgot something, I’ll meet you down there.” Killian laughed as the boy ran back through the crowd and Killian made his way down the stairs to the basement.

He opened the door to the sound of cursing, a slamming noise reverberating through the cold concrete room. As he entered the area where the ice was housed he stopped short. Emma was bent over, her ass shifting back and forth while she gathered up the stray ice from the bag that appeared to have blown open when dropped on the floor. He found himself entranced by the woman in front of him, his head cocked to the side to get a better look.

He cleared his throat and she nearly fell onto her face. He rushed forward, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her back toward him, her bottom making contact with his groin before he pulled her upward, her back resting against his chest.

“Didn’t mean to startle you, love.” He teased against her ear. He felt her shudder against his hand, then pull away from him.

“Do you always stalk people like this?” She moaned, leaning against the freezer.

“Sorry, your lad sent me down here to get some ice.”

“Why did he…” She sighed. “Never mind, can you just help me with this?”

He bent down, retrieving the spilled bag of ice from the ground. She grabbed a broom and swept the remaining ice into the drain in the center of the room.

“Can I ask you something?” She said suddenly.

He chuckled, “I see where your son gets it.”

She glared at him teasingly. “Did he talk to you about his father today?”

“Ah, I don’t want to betray the boy’s trust, but I happened to overhear the conversation with his father this afternoon, purely by accident, I swear. He seemed a bit downhearted from the news of his father’s upcoming business trip.”

She snorted, “Did he really say it was a business trip?”

“Aye, your lad is a bright kid, he seemed distrusting of this information as well.”

“Sorry, it’s just that my ex has a problem with telling the truth…pretty much always. He’s going to Barbados with his new girlfriend.”

“As I said, he’s a smart lad.”

“He knows it’s a lie, doesn’t he?” She said sadly. He nodded in the affirmative. “Well, sorry he keeps seeking you out. I’m sure you have better things to do than listen to an eleven-year-old kid lament about his woes.”

“It’s not a bother, I rather enjoy his company.” He turned to her quickly. “With your permission, of course.”

She laughed nervously. “Sorry I made it seem like I thought you were a pedophile or something. I’m not exactly good around new people.”

“Try something new, darling. It’s called trust.”

“Yeah, I’m not good at that either.”

“Perhaps the lad will teach us both something new then.” He heaved another bag of ice over his shoulder.

“If I’m learning to trust, what’s he teaching you?”

“That’s a lesson for another day, Swan.” He winked and retreated to the comfort of the empty stairs. The conversation both intriguing him yet also weighing heavily on his mind. Perhaps there was more than meets the eye to his beautiful neighbor, who was obviously off limits to him, he wouldn’t dare mess around with a taken woman, however, what he hadn’t shared with the Swan woman, and what was most concerning to him had more to do with her son at the moment.

Killian had spent years closing himself off to caring about the feelings of any but his own. While he cared about his brother and to an extent had formed a close friendship with Belle, he only looked out for himself.

Why then was he so concerned about this young boy’s sadness over his father or his desire for orange soda? He didn’t make connections with others on a personal level. He had no need for the complication that came with worrying about other people or their needs.

Yet as he looked around the rooftop, watching the boy interact with his mother, he found himself smiling as the kid took a drink of his orange soda, seeking his attention from across the expanse of the party and smiling at him in a way that made Killian’s heart soar.

“He seems to really like that soda you brought.” Belle murmured into his ear as they sat at a small table, drinking their beer.

“Aye, that he does.” He replied softly.

Note:

The song that Killian sang is called Devil is a Woman – Bishop Gunn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiLz5OinyJs

[dramionediscussion]

Ok, so, after finding Austen inspired Dramione work (and because of the 2020 version of Emma and... the new Bridgerton series, too), I began to think that while Pride & Prejudice is the more popular book to use as a basis for a Dramione story, Emma and even Persuasion can work just as well-- though maybe as sources for something more loosely inspired. I find myself wanting to read a fic with a swotty Hermione that's Emma-levels of meddling in people's lives/orchestrating stuff because she's sure she knows better. Draco isn't exactly a Mr. Knightley but he can be the one who tries to dissuade her from her scheming (maybe she's cooked up a plan to pair up their classmates as a part of the effort for House Unity. Maybe she tries to pair up Harry with someone when that someone is actually into someone else). The characters don't have to be an exact equivalent of their Emma counterparts but they are all within Hermione's sphere of influence or people she thinks would defer to her authority (as resident swot or Head Girl, maybe). It'll probably be a good idea to use the story to explore prejudices against the supposed House of "bad guys" in HP, the Slytherins, since Emma is about coming to the wrong conclusions about people, learning to humble yourself, and discovering what you want in the end. Or maybe, if it's them in their early 20s - they're partners in a Wizarding matchmaking service... (who needs Amortentia when you have the Brightest Witch of Her Age™? And, of course, her partner with the pureblood connections, savory or otherwise.)

As for Persuasion, maybe it can be done in Reverse? Draco is Anne and Hermione is Wentworth. This will entail building a history for them at Hogwarts, i. e. they used to have a secret relationship and then things went sour because he was "persuaded" to break it off. (I think this can work as a post-war fic with flashbacks or an alternate universe with no Voldemort. ) Years later, the Malfoys, no longer as rich as they once were, have to rent out the Manor to anyone who needs a posh location for an event. The latest shindig: a Ministry gala which Hermione is spearheading. And then the story takes off from there...(hmmm... is there already a fic like this somewhere and I just don't know about it? ^^). If it's Hermione who's in Anne's shoes, maybe she and Draco part ways because she was persuaded by her friends to break up with him because of his past. Heartbroken, he travels the world to get over her and then comes back to Wizarding Britain successful and sought after. She thinks she'll just try not run into him but he is apparently the person she needs to help save her friend's (Ron's? Harry's? Ron and Harry's) business, etc.

I'd try writing the above if I could but I need more talent. Haha. I only find myself thinking about inspiration for stories in general. (I'd love to read more fairytale inspired Dramione fics...) I'm just thinking about Draco & Hermione, really.

Established storylines aside, it's fun to think of the "what ifs..." /"what if this happened instead of this" and the many ways Draco and Hermione could end up together. :)

Oh very interesting!!! We do see way more Pride and Prejudice inspired dramione than any other story! I think your version of an Emma inspired dramione will be amazing! I want it!

- Lisa