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kmomof4 · 7 months ago

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The Arena A New Fic for CSSNS24

WE FINALLY MADE IT, Y'ALL!!!!! @cssns is here for the last time!!! And I am sooooo thrilled to be kicking off our final year!!! Before we get to the fic, I have to say a few words about the team of ladies that helped get this fic here for all of you to enjoy!!

First, to the other mods of the CSSNS - @winterbaby89 @stahlop @jrob64 and @ultraluckycatnd This event wouldn't be here without all of you and I cannot thank you enough for stepping up and helping me through this last round.

To @snowbellewells my magnificent beta for this fic - Marta, I cannot thank you enough for reading, rereading, and rereading AGAIN in order to make this fic the best it could be. Love you, my dear friend!!!

To @motherkatereloyshipper artist extraordinaire - Kit's artwork always leaves me with my jaw hanging open in AWE, and this one is no exception!! I could seriously stare at it for hours!!! Please give her all the love!!!! It's at the beginning of the fic under the cut.

And now to the fic! I so hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!!

Summary: The arena.

A place of fear. Oppression. Blood. Death.

A place of shattered hopes and dreams.

A place, for a very lucky few, of hope.

Words: Almost 3200

Rating: M for graphic violence

Tags: CSSNS24, Werewolves, True Love, Happy Ending

On ao3

Tagging the usuals. Please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed.

@jrob64 @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @the-darkdragonfly @jennjenn615

@donteattheappleshook @undercaffinatednightmare @pirateherokillian @cocohook38 @qualitycoffeethings

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @superchocovian @motherkatereloyshipper @snowbellewells @pirateprincessofpizza

@djlbg @lfh1226-linda @xarandomdreamx @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic

@anmylica @laianely @resident-of-storybrooke @exhaustedpirate @gingerchangeling

@caught-in-the-filter @ultraluckycatnd @stahlop @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite

@captainswan-kellie @soniccat @beckettj @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose

@thisonesatellite @jonesfandomfanatic @elfiola @zaharadessert @ilovemesomekillianjones

@mie779 @kymbersmith-90 @suwya @veryverynotgoodwrites

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

The arena.

A place of fear. Oppression. Blood. Death.

A place of shattered hopes and dreams.

A place, for a very lucky few, of hope.

Killian Jones stood along the wall of the arena with his fellow fighters, his eyes trained on the opposite side of the stadium where the grand prize of the wretched and despicable contest he’d willingly signed up for was being held. The wretched and despicable contest that the despot Arthur had created for the entertainment of himself and his court, promising to the victor everything they could ever dream of - more money than they could imagine, a place in the upper echelons of society, land, and a beautiful bride on his arm. A bride that, in Killian’s fondest dreams, didn’t care he was missing a hand. But all of that was for the victor alone. There was no prize for coming in second, unless you counted death as a prize.

And Killian did.

Either everything he’d ever hoped for - but which was so far out of reach for a street rat like him - or bringing his miserable existence to an end. That was why he’d eagerly volunteered for the contest. That last sliver of hope his mother - gone for many years now - had instilled in him that his life circumstances had to get better, because they certainly couldn’t get worse, or the sweet oblivion of forever sleep.

He cut his eyes to the left for a moment, taking in his fellow competitors. He didn’t know any of them. The mates he’d trained with for the last year were long gone - scattered to the other corners of the empire to try their own luck in the arena. There were four other men here with him. The one immediately to his left barely looked to be a man at all, but he held a cunning and evil look in his eye that warned not to underestimate him. The man next to him was the largest of all of them with long curly black hair, bulging muscles, deep set dark eyes, and a closely trimmed black beard and goatee. The other two men on the other side of the large one, he’d only seen briefly as they were released into the arena. One was tall and skinny with blonde hair and a scar on his face that gave him a dangerous look, and the other had a mop of brown hair that flopped over his almost simian-looking visage and he held himself with an air of pretension and imperiousness. He’d fit right in with Arthur’s court. He’d probably been an upper house slave looking to be a master instead.

Now, Killian’s attention was drawn back to the other side of the arena where two slaves were needed to get the young woman into the center of the sunken pit in which they were all held. She truly was a beauty, Killian could already tell, and a hellcat to boot. She wore nothing more than a torn and ragged gown that barely covered her most private parts and was nearly the same color as her skin and a thick silver bracelet on her wrist. Her golden hair was a nest of tangles but still glinted under the midday sun as she screamed and thrashed in their hold. Her legs alternately stuck out in front of her - her heels vainly attempting to anchor themselves into the soft ground - or dragged behind her in an effort to become deadweight and too heavy for the men to carry. When that wasn’t working, she kicked at her captors, clawing and biting every inch of bare skin she could reach.

They finally reached the center of the arena where they dropped her unceremoniously in the dirt. It took her a moment to rise to her hands and knees, then she raised her head and Killian could see her face for the first time. He caught his breath at the exquisiteness of her face, made all the more evident by the dirt and tear tracks which marred her otherwise porcelain skin. The color was high on her cheeks, and her lips were full and red. She wasn’t particularly far away from him, fifteen to twenty feet at most, but he couldn’t tell the color of her eyes from this distance and under the rays of the sun, although he could clearly see the glint of more unshed tears.

Her gaze swept over the other men beside him before landing on him, and when their eyes met, something came over Killian that he hadn’t felt in over two decades- the wolf that he’d lost when he lost his hand as a lad. An utterly unfamiliar strength flooded him, and his ears rang with the internal howl of his other half as his heart and mind were filled with images of that fateful day.

Killian ran down the crowded streets of the marketplace, a dreadfully skinny boy, one hand holding up the too-large pants around his waist, lest they fall down around his ankles as he ran. His clothes were tattered and worn and hung off his scrawny frame. A boy on the cusp of manhood, his malnourishment was evident in his height, nearly as tall as a man, and the leanness of his face with the beginnings of scruff on his chin.

His eyes darted around the street, taking in the busy vendors with their customers and trying to determine who’d be least likely to notice a pilfered meat pie or a couple of pieces of fruit for himself and his mother. Spying a likely suspect, Killian never slowed as his hand shot out toward his prize. But the shopkeeper was much more aware than Killian had given him credit for, and before he knew it, his wrist was captured in an iron strong grip and he was being pulled behind the small booth.

Without a word, the hulking shopkeeper pulled out a cutlass and brought it down on Killian’s wrist. He was too shocked to even register the pain as he watched his blood gush from the end of his arm. Too mesmerized by the gruesome injury to do anything, he realized darkness was encroaching on the edges of his vision and the sound rushing in his ears was the agonized howl of his wolf - who had manifested only a scant six months ago - dying away to whimpers before everything went black.

It was nearly a week later that he’d woken, according to his mother. She hadn’t been far behind him as he ran through the market and had seen what the shopkeeper had done. She was too late to do anything about her son’s hand, but she’d made sure the shopkeeper would never be capable of such cruelty again. A small dagger coated with aconite from the Monkshood plant leaving a scratch across his wrist was all it took to sentence the man to death before the sun set that same day. She was the one who got him back to the hovel they called home, and nursed him around the clock until his fever broke and he finally awoke. He felt different - an emptiness he couldn’t define - but couldn’t put his finger on why until he looked down at his hands, now hand, and everything came rushing back. His shout of anguish brought his mother running, throwing aside the excuse of a room divider which consisted of a cord strung between two windows on either end of his straw pallet with clothes and rags hanging from it. She gathered him in her arms, whispering soothing words in his ear and rocking him back and forth like she did when he was a small child until his own cries quieted.

Killian,” she breathed. He pulled back just enough to see her eyes and was shocked at the profound sadness he saw there. “I’m so sorry. Your wolf is gone.” She tried to gather him close again, but he pulled back in alarm instead.

“What?” he asked, confused. “Why!? Is that why I feel different? Not just my hand?”

“Losing a limb,” she imparted on a hitched breath, “kills the wolf inside of you. Until you find your True Love.”

“My True Love?” Killian’s confusion and grief were stronger than ever. “But what if I don’t have a True Love? What if…”

“You mustn’t give up hope, my son,” she said fervently. “You will find her someday, and your wolf will return.”

And today was apparently that day. Killian watched as her eyes widened slightly. He could only hope that she could somehow feel the connection between them. The hum of True Love that he didn’t have time to examine or revel in as Arthur rang the bell signaling the beginning of the contest - of which apparently his True Love was the prize.

The other men along the wall moved toward her and then all turned to him, the depraved lust in their eyes as they looked at her turning into gleeful anticipation as their gazes settled on him. In that moment, Killian realized they’d somehow all agreed to band together to take him out first, obviously the weakest having only one hand with which to fight. Killian met each of their eyes in turn as they all drew their swords.

“It’s nothing personal, you know,” the tall, arrogant one said. “Can’t allow such an unsuitable, maimed cripple to claim my prize.”

The taunting words were all that was needed for Killian’s wolf to come to the fore. It had been twenty-two years since he’d transformed, but that didn’t mean he didn’t remember exactly what was happening. His own wicked but gleeful grin took over his face as the power of his wolf filled him and he fell to his hands and knees in front of them. The pain-filled howl taking over his mind ripped from his now open maw while the bones, muscles, and sinew in his arms and legs broke, tore, and mended again into their new form. The men before him were frozen in shock, and Killian became aware of an uproar above him among the spectators of the contest. Arthur rang the bell and screamed at the guards and slaves to kill the beast in the arena, but no one moved to do so.

Killian was fully focused on the men in front of him, but was also dimly aware of his True Love. She was still crouched on the ground, but she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. The transformation now complete, he let loose a full, ringing howl of victory as he leapt toward the largest of the men, still frozen in terror. His claws sank into the man’s chest, blood flowing like rivers down the expanse of bare skin. Killian clamped his jaws down on his head, his canines piercing bone, until with a powerful shake of his head, the skin of the man’s face and the bone underneath tore away from the skull, exposing the soft brain tissue contained within. The man’s screams were abruptly cut off when Killian swiped his claws from the gaping head wound to the top of his chest.

He then turned his attention to the two men on either side of his first victim. He quickly took care of the both of them - the first, ripping his head off with one swipe of his powerful paw, and the second, using all of his front claws to open his enemy’s chest cavity and gut, his intestines spilling to the ground in front of him - before he turned around looking for the one who’d taunted him in the first place.

The smugness was gone, but a look of grim determination had replaced it as the man, armed with only a sword, and wolf circled one another. The uproar among the audience had all but completely died away, the spectators watching in horrified fascination to see who would emerge the victor.

The man lunged and Killian backed up, well out of reach of the sword his opponent wielded. As they circled, Killian became fully aware of something that had only tickled the edge of his mind in the last several minutes as he faced off with the other men. He had both his front paws! Did that mean that his hand would also be restored when he returned to human form? He had no time to ponder the question as his adversary jabbed toward him again.

“Do you really think you can win?” he asked. His eyes gleamed, and the smugness that had disappeared after Killian killed the others was coloring his countenance once again. “You’re nothing but an animal. I’m going to kill you and skin you and hang your pelt on the wall where I can see it every single day for the rest of my life.”

Killian bared his teeth, a low and vicious growl coming from his throat before he surged forward briefly, snapping at the other man. Giving him a good look of exactly what he was up against. Fear flooded his adversary’s eyes, and the hand holding his sword in front of him began to shake uncontrollably. They continued to circle one another, but the man wasn’t paying attention to their surroundings and was nearing the bodies of two of their dead competitors. It was only a moment later when his foot came down squarely on the innards Killian had spilled earlier and flew out from under him, landing him flat on his back amid the blood and gore-covered ground.

Killian wasted no time. With a mighty leap, he landed on top of the man, his claws making ribbons of his enemy’s bare skin. He’d dropped his sword when he fell, and now reached for it as his screams filled Killian’s ears. Biting down on his upper arm, arterial blood sprayed his muzzle as he ripped it clean away from his shoulder. Killian slung the severed limb away before he turned back and tore the man’s throat out. The terror-filled and agonized screams turned to choking gurgles before they died away completely.

Killian looked up into the seats surrounding the arena. The masses were completely quiet and still, obviously not over the shock of what they’d just witnessed. When his gaze landed on Arthur’s, the despot’s eyes widened in panic, and he made haste to exit his elaborately decorated box. The rest of the audience followed the king’s lead, screaming and running for the exits. With another triumphant howl, Killian ran for the wall and cleared it with a single jump. He quickly caught up with the oppressive tyrant, leaping toward him and landing on his back, pushing him to the ground. He bit down on the exposed skin of his neck and was rewarded with another spray of blood signaling the end of the vile oppressor.

The arena was now empty, save him and his True Love. He leapt back down to the ground and walked slowly towards her. She was crouched on the ground, her head hidden behind her arms, her golden hair shielding most of her body from view. He stopped, unwilling to terrify her even more than he already had, and changed back to his human form. He looked down and gasped when he saw his left hand completely restored.

He moved toward her again as she lifted her head and looked around at the empty arena.

“Where are your captors, milady?” he asked, gently.

“Gone, my lord,” she breathed. “Did you… what…?”

He unclasped the cloak he still wore from around his neck and spread it across her, covering her rags, though there was no one now to gawk or stare lustfully at her. She grabbed the edges and pulled it more fully around her as she rose to her feet, giving him a grateful nod.

“You’re him.” Her voice wasn’t much more than a whisper and was filled with an awe that Killian didn’t understand.

“I’m… who?” he asked, confused.

“You’re him,” she answered, a bit stronger that time. “My True Love.”

Killian couldn’t hope to hide his surprise at her words.

“Yes,” he exclaimed, excitement bubbling over into a beaming smile. “How did you know?”

“You were missing a hand before you transformed,” she explained, haltingly. She couldn’t hold his gaze for any length of time, her eyes bouncing between his and his restored hand that she gently took in her own, her other hand tracing the veins and bones there. “My parents told me before I was taken that if I ever lost a limb, I’d lose my wolf until I found my True Love.”

“You’re a wolf?” Killian almost fell to his knees in shock. He knew there had to be more out there like him, but he’d never met another. Not even his mother. Killian’s wolf came from his father, who’d died long before his own wolf manifested.

She nodded shyly and showed him her arm with the silver bracelet.

“That’s why they put this on me,” she explained. “To keep me from changing. Could you take it off? I can’t. But someone else can.”

“Of course.” He pulled the bracelet off and threw it to the other side of the arena.

She frowned, and Killian thought he’d never seen anything more adorable in his life. “If they hadn’t forced me to wear it, I would’ve made short work of those two before they could get me two steps in here.”

Killian smiled and gathered her in his arms, placing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “That’s my girl.” After holding her for a moment, relishing the feel of her arms around him and the True Love between them, he released her. “My name is Killian. Killian Jones.”

“My name is Emma. Emma Swan.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Emma Swan.”

She smiled softly and finally met his gaze. “You as well, Killian Jones.”

She looked around before meeting his eyes once again. “So what now?” she asked.

“I have no desire to stay here,” he muttered darkly. “Shall we run?”

Her face broke into a beautiful smile. “Yes, please. I haven’t been able to change for almost a year. Since they took me from my home.”

“I have no home,” he said, a note of melancholy in his words. He looked at his True Love again, his mate, and felt a bone deep contentment that he’d never known. “You’re my home now, Emma.”

“And you’re mine, Killian.” Her smile was full of joy as she got down on all fours before him. “Let’s run.”

He joined her on the ground and transformed. When he came back to himself, he saw a pure white wolf in front of him with eyes of green. She tilted her muzzle to the sky and released a long howl before running for the wall surrounding them. He joined her, his howl mixing with hers in a haunting melody that sent chills down his spine. He followed her over the wall and they ran, ran, and ran away from their past and into their future.

Together.

~*~*~

Thank you so much for reading and sharing!!! I hope you enjoyed it and would love to hear what you thought!!! Please give Kit all the love as well for her gorgeous artwork!!! The Supernatural Summer will continue with more fics and art dropping about every other day through the end of August, and I so hope you enjoy this last round!!!

#cssns24 #the arena #krystal writes #art by motherkatereloyshipper

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undercaffinatednightmare · 8 months ago

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Blackberry Summers - Chapter 3

What’s this? Another chapter and it’s not even Wednesday? 😱

The chapter count is up!

Tag!

@jrob64 @resident-of-storybrooke @lfh1226-linda @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite @motherkatereloyshipper @soniccat @beckettj @zaharadessert @winterbaby89 @earanemith @everything-person @elizabeethan @elfiola @anmylica @booksteaandtoomuchtv @tiganasummertree @teamhook @caught-in-the-filter @ilovemesomekillianjones @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jonesfandomfanatic @kmomof4 @laianely @stahlop @gingerchangeling @hollyethecurious @exhaustedpirate @ultraluckycatnd @xarandomdreamx @belovedcreation @shady-swan-jones @ohmakemeahercules @bdevereaux-blanche @donteattheappleshook @the-darkdragonfly @poptart-cat-78 @snowbellewells

#undercaffinatednightmare fics #captain swan #let’s get kraken #cs blackberry summers #writing weekend #captainswanwipwednesdays

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jrob64 · 7 months ago

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Ghosted

Chapter 1 - Hauntings

Here is the first chapter of my contribution for this year's Captain Swan Supernatural Summer. I have many people to thank for helping me get this written and posted by my assigned date.

Thank you to my fellow mods of CSSNS24 - @winterbaby89 @stahlop @ultraluckycatnd and @kmomof4. I'm so glad we've had such a great response to this last event!

More thanks to Krystal for creating the absolutely amazing pic set for this story. It turned out great, didn't it? Making Neal and Liam appear ghostly was the handiwork of @motherkatereloyshipper, so she also deserves my appreciation.

Rounding out my list of thank yous is my ever-loyal beta, @hookedmom. I've been writing CS stories for nearly six years and she's been with me for the vast majority of them!

I anticipate this story being 3-4 chapters long in total. It isn't completely written yet, so unfortunately I can't provide a posting schedule, but I assure you it WILL be finished. If you're not on my tag list and would like to be informed when future chapters post, please let me know.

DISCLAIMER: All I know about ghost hunting is what I've watched on Ghost Adventures (which is worth watching simply for the entertainment factor.) I also know next to nothing about how YouTube works beyond being a viewer. Please excuse all errors and keep in mind that this is fanfic and isn't meant to be completely accurate!

SUMMARY: When Emma Swan’s ex-boyfriend dies, she’s haunted by his ghost. Her neighbor, Killian Jones, a ghost hunter who has a YouTube channel, realizes what’s happening and offers to help. However, there’s more at stake than simply helping the apparition move on. There’s also the matter of Killian telling Emma he’s in love with her.

Rating: T (subject to change)

Words (Chapter 1): 4700

Also posted to ffn and Ao3

Juggling a large Americano and a blueberry scone, Emma Swan made a beeline across the coffee shop for the small table in the corner. Whenever she stopped in, she tried to sit there because it was beside the window and was only big enough for one chair. Even when the shop was crowded, no one could join her or bother her by asking if ‘this seat is taken’. She could be left alone, which was the way she preferred it in the mornings.

Taking a sip of the near-scalding beverage, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes, savoring the aromatic flavor on her tongue. She tried not to make a habit of coming to this shop, but her coffee maker died over the weekend and she needed her shot of caffeine.

She was nibbling on the corner of her scone when she felt her phone vibrate with an incoming text. Pulling it out of the back pocket of her jeans, she saw that it was from her friend Ruby. The partial message on the lock screen said I’ve got huge news. Are you sitting down?

Emma huffed out a sound of amusement as she unlocked her phone. Ruby’s ‘huge’ news was probably that Graham Humbert, who worked at the police station where Ruby was the dispatcher, had switched to a different scent of cologne. Instead, her eyes widened as she read the rest of the message:

They found Neal Cassidy dead in his cell this morning. Apparent suicide. Guess you won’t have to worry about him stalking you again when he gets out.

It took her a few moments to digest the information. For nearly two years, thoughts of that man had never been far from the forefront of her mind. The memories of their blossoming romantic relationship, which were replaced by her suspicions and ultimate confirmation of his criminal activities, raced through her brain as she stared at the message for an inordinate amount of time.

When she finally started typing a response to Ruby, a shadow fell across the table, blocking the late morning sun. It didn’t move for several moments, so she glanced up, meaning to find the source of it on the other side of the window.

And looked directly into the eyes of Neal Cassidy.

Shocked beyond words, she squeezed her eyes closed, then blinked repeatedly before she looked up again, her heart hammering in her chest.

He was gone.

*********

Emma met Neal at a car dealership where he worked as a salesman. She was looking to trade in her yellow VW bug for something more reliable and he was eager to help. He was charming and funny, so when he asked her out on a date after the sale was made, she didn’t hesitate to accept.

They dated for six months before she started getting the feeling that he was selling more than cars. Hearing him have secretive one-sided conversations on the phone and seeing him meet shady looking characters in neighborhoods known to be frequented by crime lords made her suspicious, but the day she found a small bag of crack cocaine in his apartment was the day she was officially done with him.

When she broke it off, Neal begged her to stay, bragging about how he was in line to become very important and wealthy someday soon, and would provide her with everything her heart desired. Emma assured him she did not desire to be in the company of drug dealers and walked away, determined to put that chapter of her life behind her.

Having witnessed his sales techniques, she was well aware that he was persistent, but his persistence rapidly turned into obsession. She received dozens of texts from him every day, along with numerous calls she refused to answer. After listening to a few voicemails he left declaring his love for her, she deleted the rest and blocked his number.

That didn’t deter him, though. He continued showing up at her apartment, the gym where she worked out, and her place of employment - the swanky hotel where she tended bar. It was annoying, but she didn’t feel threatened and didn’t think a restraining order against him was necessary.

After several months of rebuffing or simply ignoring him, she was relieved when two days in a row went by without any contact from him. Then Ruby called to tell her he had been busted for drug trafficking and was awaiting a hearing. A trial followed, he was sentenced to five years in prison, and Emma hoped she had seen the last of Neal Cassidy.

*********

Emma dragged herself up the two flights of stairs to her apartment on wobbly legs. She was still trembling from the encounter at the coffee shop, unable to shake the image of her deceased ex-boyfriend from her mind.

She had finally managed to send Ruby a text, asking her if she had proof Neal was actually dead. Ruby replied that her friend Dorothy, who worked at the prison where Neal was serving his time, saw his body on the gurney as he was taken out, and talked to the guard who found him hanging by a bed sheet. He was definitely dead.

The only explanation Emma could come up with for seeing Neal outside the window was that the shock of reading Ruby’s text caused her to conjure an image of him. But that didn’t explain the feeling she had of being watched or followed all the way home, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

When she reached the third floor, she wasn’t surprised to see her friend and neighbor, Killian Jones, in the hallway between their two doors, fiddling with a metal box which was emitting a strange humming sound. As a paranormal investigator and the host of a popular YouTube channel called “Killian Jones - Ghost Hunter”, he was always trying out various pieces of equipment.

He glanced up, his striking blue eyes fastening on her before his face split into a grin. “Hey, Swan. How are you today?”

She answered vaguely as she stopped in front of her door. Suddenly, the humming sound increased in volume and pitch and Killian’s smile faded into a look of confusion. Picking up what looked like a radar gun laying beside him on the floor, he stood and held it between himself and Emma.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

He didn’t answer, too intent on circling her slowly and studying the numbers on the gadget. When he finally looked up several seconds later, he hesitantly commented, “Swan…it appears you have a…a ghost following you.”

Emma felt the blood drain from her face and her knees buckle, which was the last thing she remembered before everything went black.

Killian barely caught Emma in time to keep her from hitting the floor as she fainted. Hoisting her up into his arms, he carried her inside his apartment. This was not how he expected her to end up in his arms, but he would take what he could get.

*********

The two of them had lived beside each other ever since Killian moved into the apartment next to hers when he arrived in Boston five years ago. At first, they just exchanged pleasantries when they passed in the hall. After a few months, they began to have short conversations about the weather and their frustration with the landlord. That led to them doing favors for one another, such as taking in packages, bringing the other’s clothes upstairs from the laundry room, and picking up items one of them forgot to buy at the grocery store. Eventually, they built up enough trust in each other that they traded apartment keys to make it more convenient to drop things off.

Every once in a while, they would share a pizza while watching TV in one of their apartments. Seeing Emma so relaxed in her own home, laughing and bantering with him, started Killian down the road of developing deeper feelings toward her. He was enamored with her wit and intelligence and thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met.

At times, he witnessed men coming to her door to pick her up for a date, something that always left him feeling bereft. Fortunately, most of them never came around more than once. He enjoyed listening to her humorous assessments of each man’s shortcomings afterwards.

Then she started dating Neal Cassidy, and during those months, Killian hardly saw her. When he did bump into the couple, Neal treated him with disdain, looking down his nose at him and scoffing at everything Killian said. It was made worse by the fact that Emma didn’t even seem to notice. Killian was sure he had missed his chance of acting on his feelings for her.

He almost felt guilty for being ecstatic upon finding out she’d broken up with Neal. His happiness turned to concern and then anger when Emma told him Neal wouldn’t leave her alone. The two men had words several times when Killian found him hanging around in the hall outside her apartment. Then Emma told him Neal had been arrested and sent to prison, and he was beyond relieved that the idiot wouldn’t be bothering her anymore.

Still, Killian didn’t ask her out, reasoning that she’d just gotten out of a bad relationship. He continued to fall for her more and more, while she remained completely unaware of his burgeoning feelings toward her. Feelings that, by now, felt a lot like love.

*********

After laying her on his couch, Killian tapped Emma’s cheeks, urging, “Swan! Swan! Wake up! You have to wake up, Love.” When she didn’t respond, he scrubbed a hand down his face. “Bloody hell, Lass. I didn’t mean to frighten you that badly.”

He glanced around the living room, trying to figure out what to do to help Emma regain consciousness. Going into his kitchen, he took a clean dish towel out of the drawer, placed some ice cubes inside and while there, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

She was still out cold when he emerged a minute later. Concern etched his face. In all the years he lived next door to Emma Swan, he never knew her to be anything but tough and strong. Seeing her lying there so ashen and unmoving unnerved him. He lifted her head slightly to place the ice under her neck.

Convinced there was nothing more he could do at the moment, he went back out to the hallway and collected his EMF meter, noticing that it was back to a steady hum. Picking up the infrared thermometer he had dropped, he saw the temperature had returned to normal. No more cold spots. Apparently whatever spirit that had entered the hallway with Emma was gone.

Reentering his apartment, he sat on the coffee table in front of the sofa to keep vigil over his neighbor, continuing to pat her cheeks and call her name from time to time. After several more long minutes, her eyelids began to flutter, then slowly opened. Her eyes darted around, obviously trying to figure out where she was. He could tell the moment she figured it out, because she groaned and covered her face with her hands.

“Please tell me I didn’t faint,” she pleaded.

“I wish I could, but that would be untrue,” he responded, tilting his head to offer her a small, reassuring smile when she uncovered her eyes.

She started to sit up, but he put a hand to her shoulder to stop her. “Easy, Swan. Better lie still a bit longer.”

With a huff of annoyance, she laid back down, adjusting the ice pack behind her neck. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

“You’re welcome.”

She lay quietly for a while, nibbling on her bottom lip. “May I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Why, uh…why did you say that I had a ghost with me?”

She was obviously trying to pass off the question as being simply one of curiosity, but the look in her eyes told him she was quite serious about it.

“The infrared thermometer showed a definite cold spot and the EMF detector…”

“EMF detector?” she questioned. “What’s that?”

He sighed in frustration. “Don’t you ever watch my videos, Swan?” No matter how many times he talked to her about his show, he could never get her to commit to watching his YouTube channel.

“You know I don’t believe in ghosts,” she said.

He rolled his eyes before explaining. “An EMF detector measures electromagnetic fields. A high reading indicates the presence of a spirit.” He paused, making sure he worded his next statement carefully. “And perhaps you had better rethink your position on ghosts, because my instruments strongly suggested paranormal activity around you.”

She closed her eyes and cursed. Killian picked up the bottle of water and held it out to her. She sat up and accepted it, taking a long drink as she propped her feet on the table beside him.

“Care to enlighten me as to why you fainted when I told you my findings?” he inquired.

Capping the bottle, she held it against her forehead for a minute or two - long enough for Killian to wonder if she was going to give him an answer. Finally, she looked up at him and murmured, “Do you remember Neal Cassidy?”

“The wanker who hung around outside your apartment for months after you broke up with him?”

“That’s the one. Did I tell you that he was sentenced to prison for drug trafficking?”

“Aye, you did.”

“Well, apparently he hung himself in his cell. They found his body this morning.”

Killian let out a low whistle. “You think it could be his spirit that was causing my instruments to spike?”

She looked down again, fiddling with the label on the water bottle. “Possibly…because…” She drew in a deep breath. “Because I saw him outside the coffee shop this morning,” she said on an exhale.

Trying not to overreact and make Emma even more uncomfortable, he swallowed hard. “Now, when you say you saw him…”

“I mean I saw him,” she emphasized. “My friend Ruby texted to tell me about Neal’s death and as I was in the process of answering her, I noticed this shadow that didn’t move outside the window where I was sitting. When I looked up, Neal was standing there, staring right at me. I blinked, then he was gone.”

Killian’s ‘ghost hunter’ mind was getting excited about the prospect of being able to investigate a spirit practically under his own nose, but his heart went out to her. Being haunted was something he was more or less used to, but he wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

“Did you see him again after that?” he asked.

“No, but I had this…feeling while I was walking home; like someone was watching me. It really freaked me out.”

“So when I told you there was a ghost following you…”

“It was lights out for me.” She buried her face in her hands. “I’m so embarrassed. I’ve never fainted before.”

Killian reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “There’s no reason for embarrassment, Love. I’ve met many people who’ve had the exact same reaction when faced with the possibility of being in the presence of a ghost.”

“Seriously?”

He rubbed his thumb against the bridge of his nose, trying to contain his impatience. “If you watched my YouTube channel, you would be aware of that.”

“No offense, but the last thing I want to do right now is watch people being haunted.”

“That’s quite understandable, considering what you’ve been through today.”

She took another swig of water, then looked up at him. “Do you think he’s gone? Moved on, or whatever?”

Killian blew out a breath. “Probably not. My guess is he has unfinished business or he would have already moved on.”

“That’s just great,” Emma muttered sarcastically. “How long can I expect him to hang around?”

“Until he accomplishes what he needs to do.”

“So what am I supposed to do until then?” she moaned.

“Just go about your daily routine. If you see him or sense he’s there, gently tell him that he has died and needs to move on.”

“So saying ‘go to hell’ wouldn’t be a wise choice?”

He bark laughed. “I’m not sure that would be very effective.”

She drained the rest of the water, set the empty bottle on the table and stood up. Killian stood too, placing his hand on the small of her back. “Alright there, Swan?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m gonna go get something to eat and take it easy this afternoon until I have to go to work.”

“That sounds like a good plan.” As she started toward the door, he added, “Uh, Emma? Could I ask a favor of you?”

She turned to look at him. “A favor for the guy who carried me into his apartment and took care of me when I fainted like a prissy debutante? Sure.”

“If, um, if Neal’s spirit does reappear, would you be opposed to letting me document it?”

Crossing her arms over her chest, she tilted her head in contemplation. “What would you do exactly?”

“Use equipment to detect paranormal activity and post it to my YouTube channel.”

“You mean that ESPN detector and stuff like that?”

He sighed in exasperation. “It’s EMF, Swan. Yes, that and voice recorders to conduct EVP sessions…”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “Stop saying letters. You know I don’t know what that shit means.”

“Electronic voice phenomena sessions record sounds or voices from ghosts. If he’s trying to communicate with you, we might be able to pick it up on a voice recorder.”

Shrugging, she replied, “That’s fine. I’m sure it would get lots of hits for your channel.”

He stepped into her personal space, sincerity shining in his eyes. “I hope you know that’s not why I want to do this, Emma. My goal is to help you encourage him to move on so you will no longer have to deal with him. It’s bad enough he stalked you while he was alive; doing it after he’s dead is even worse.”

She gave a slight nod. “You’re right about that.” Pushing up to her toes, she brushed a kiss to his cheek. “Thanks again for everything, Killian. If I get the feeling he’s back, I’ll call you right away.”

“Day or night, Swan. I’m at your beck and call.”

“Good to know,” she smirked. “I’ll see you later.”

He watched her walk out the door, reaching up to rub his cheek where she kissed him. He was going to have to do his best to remain professional around her, but potentially having Emma as his next subject was going to be quite the challenge.

*********

Emma entered her apartment, quickly flipped on the light switch, and glanced around nervously. Not seeing or sensing anything out of the ordinary, she moved into the kitchen.

After heating up leftovers and eating lunch, she climbed into her worn, comfy recliner to scroll through Hulu. She tried to concentrate on her selected show, but her eyes kept darting around the room. “Fuck you, Neal,” she muttered. “Making me paranoid in my own home.”

Finally giving up on watching TV, she went into her bedroom to select her clothes for work that evening. Then she decided to take a long, relaxing bath. The longer she soaked in the tub without any sign of Neal’s ghostly image, the more she relaxed.

By the time she left for work three hours later, she was nearly back to her normal self and very hopeful that he had indeed moved on.

*********

After Emma left his apartment, Killian tidied up - dumping the melting ice cubes into the sink, hanging the towel to dry, and throwing the empty water bottle into his recycling bin. Then he checked all of his ghost hunting equipment, setting the batteries to charge if they were a little low.

Plopping down on the couch, he pulled up the message app on his phone and clicked on the group text with his technical director, Belle French, and his assistant, Will Scarlett.

K: We may have a new gig right here in my apartment building.

As expected, he got an immediate response from Will. The man’s eyes were practically glued to his phone screen most of the time.

W: Got a haunter right under your nose, do ya?

Belle’s answer several minutes later was a little more refined.

B: Can you provide us with any details?

K: My neighbor’s ex-boyfriend committed suicide in prison and she’s experiencing some paranormal activity. She says she saw his ghost outside a coffee shop and when she got home, I was in the hall with the EMF meter and thermo. Both of them spiked.

B: Oh, wow! That’s incredible! Sad for the guy and your neighbor, but what an opportunity!

W: Is this neighbor the hot blonde you’ve been crushin’ on for years?

Killian dropped his head back and groaned. He should have known better than to have confessed his unrequited feelings to his assistant during a boring all-nighter in an old warehouse in Portland, Maine last year.

K: That’s a very crass way to put it, but yes, it’s Emma.

W: You mean we might actually get to meet her?

K: Not if you’re going to be an ass about it.

W: I’ll be on me best behavior, I promise.

K: Why doesn’t that reassure me?

B: What are your plans, Killian?

Leave it to Belle to be the peacemaker of the conversation, Killian thought. If he was feeling vengeful toward Will, he could mention the crush his friend had on the auburn-haired beauty. How she never realized it, Killian would never know. Will was the very definition of heart eyes whenever he was around her.

K: I’ve got my equipment ready to go. If she senses anything, she’s going to call me. If it’s a recurring thing, we’ll set up an EVP session. I’ll let you know if anything happens. Just wanted to put you on alert.

B: Sounds good. I’ll be editing tomorrow. The new episode should be ready to post by Thursday.

K: Thanks, Belle. You’re the best!

W: He’s right, ya know. You really are bloody brilliant.

Seriously - how could she not see it when Will was always falling all over himself to proclaim her perfection?

Once Killian ended the conversation, he wandered into the room he used as his office.

“Hello, little brother.”

*********

From a very early age, Killian had been able to sense paranormal activity. He was confused by it for many years, but as he grew and began to read about ghosts, he realized he had a gift, albeit an unwanted one.

When he was twelve, his mother passed and he was there to witness her soul departing her body. She only stayed long enough to declare her never-ending love for her boys and bid him goodbye, before she moved on to her eternal reward.

Eight years later, when Liam died in a naval training exercise, Killian expected him to join their mother. However, his brother’s apparition began appearing to him from time to time. At first, his appearance was simply a mist, barely recognizable, but as Killian did more research into the paranormal and practiced tapping into his abilities, it became more discernible. Still, he was frustrated that he could see his brother, but was unable to speak to him.

He purchased several pieces of equipment used by paranormal investigators, hoping to enhance his encounters with Liam. They turned out to be very helpful, but Liam soon learned to communicate with his brother well enough that the tools weren’t necessary.

On a whim, Killian posted videos of himself explaining the use of equipment to make contact with ghosts on YouTube, and soon he was in demand as a paranormal investigator. People were willing to pay large sums of money to be able to make contact with their departed loved ones, or to encourage ghosts to move on. He quit his job as a dock worker and began traveling, taking his friend Will along with him, and when the technical aspects of editing and posting to YouTube proved too daunting, he hired Belle.

Even his closest friends were unaware that Killian’s deceased brother appeared and spoke with him on a regular basis; he wanted to keep that part of his life to himself.

*********

It still startled Killian whenever the apparition of his brother appeared, but it wasn’t ever an unwelcome intrusion. His visits never lasted long, but there was always enough time for a nice chat.

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten I’m a grown man and therefore your younger brother,” Killian reminded Liam, for at least the fiftieth time.

“I’m not sure that’s technically true any more, since you’ve now lived past the age I was when I died.”

Killian hated it when Liam talked about his own death. “You were born before me, so you’ll always be older.”

“Hmm…” Liam responded, giving his brother the maddening little nod that meant he was right and Killian was wrong. “So, the lovely lass you’re pining for was here today, aye?”

“How did you know that?” Killian asked unnecessarily. Obviously Liam had popped in and, being a tad preoccupied taking care of Emma, he hadn’t noticed.

“I’m not doing the job of watching over my little brother very well if I don’t know what’s going on in his life.”

Killian had never come right out and asked Liam about the unfinished business that kept him from moving on, but having been his guardian for years before his death, he was sure it was to continue taking care of him. Not that he needed it, but he wasn’t complaining, as long as he had a chance to have his older brother with him in some shape or form.

“She, uh…she fainted so I brought her in to lay her on my sofa. I couldn’t very well let her lay on the floor in the hallway.”

“What caused her to faint?” Liam asked, his playful tone giving way to concern.

“Seems she was visited by the ghost of her departed ex-boyfriend. You didn’t see him hanging around, did you?”

“You know spirits seldom bump into one another, unless they were associated with each other while they were living.”

“I just thought I would ask. It spooked her badly - no pun intended.”

“Have you agreed to help her?”

“Aye, if I can. The guy made her life miserable when he was alive. She shouldn’t have to put up with him after his death.”

Liam studied his brother for several moments. “Perhaps this will give you a chance to get closer to her. Maybe you’ll even work up the nerve to finally ask her out.”

Killian sighed. “I’m not going to do that when she’s so vulnerable, Liam. I simply want to get the tosser to move on.”

“And after that?”

“I don’t know,” Killian conceded.

“You’ve had feelings for that lass for ages, Killy. When are you going to act on them?”

“I’m afraid she’s only ever going to think of me as a friend. If I ask her out and she turns me down, I might lose her friendship, and I don’t want that to happen.”

“You’ll never know unless you try.”

Killian didn’t answer. He’d had this conversation with his brother before and Liam always pushed him to ask Emma out. He didn’t understand why his love life was so important to his brother, but whenever he asked him, Liam was evasive and refused to answer.

“Just think about it, Killian. I have to go. I love you, Brother.”

“Love you, too, Liam.”

He watched his brother’s translucent form dissolve, leaving him sad and lonely, as always. He didn’t know when Liam would complete his unfinished business, but he did know that when he finally did, Killian would be left alone once again.

Unbeknownst to him, Liam’s unfinished business was to see his brother happily married to the love of his life, but it was up to Killian to take the first step.

*********

Thanks very much for reading. Be sure to check out the other great stories in the CSSNS24 collection!

Tagging:

@qualitycoffeethings @grimmswan @cs-rylie @wyntereyez @kmomof4 @hookedmom @ultraluckycatnd @paradiselady19 @xarandomdreamx @motherkatereloyshipper @lfh1226-linda

@pawshapedheart @vampcoffeegyrl23 @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic @eleveneitherway @elfiola @kday426

@julieenchanted-swans @gingerchangeling @andiirivera @djlbg @jonesfandomfanatic @snowbellewells @anmylica @booksteaandtoomuchtv @cocohook38 @ilovemesomekillianjones

@zaharadessert @lyssapup27 @undercaffinatednightmare @winterbaby89 @jennjenn615 @xsajx @jackieorioncat @teamhook @soniccat @jarienn972 @softkilly @kymbersmith-90 @apiratewhopines

@hollyethecurious @laianely @resident-of-storybrooke @exhaustedpirate @caught-in-the-filter @stahlop @veryverynotgoodwrites @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite @whimsicallyenchantedrose @earanemith @superchocovian @idristardis @captainswan-kellie @beckettj @cssns

#cssns24 #ghosted #chapter 1 #jrob64 #art by krystal #captain swan supernatural summer #paranormal investigators #youtube #cs modern au #neighbors to lovers #csff

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snowbellewells · 3 months ago

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Halloween ReRuns: Something Spicy & Something Sweet ;P

So, I had started the first of my Autumn Prompt Bingo Card stories and had hoped to be able to post it, but it isn't ready yet. Then, I had the thought that I could post a couple of stories I've written for previous Autumns/Halloweens and maybe some new people would see and enjoy them who hadn't before. The "spicy" one (which, it's me, so for most people probably not actually that spicy) was written for @kmomof4's birthday in mid-October some years back, and the sweet one is totally self-indulgent, prompted by a hilarious post I saw on here once about what Killian would make of the Girl Scouts and their cookie sales, and how he would be a total pushover for them and buy all the cookies.

Anyway, if you're interested, here are a couple of my older Halloween fics for your evening's entertainment!

Spicy: "The Sweetest Treat"

Summary: After Storybrooke’s first Harvest Day Festival winds down, Emma has a sweet and sultry surprise in store for her pirate husband. (hard T - or maybe an M?)

Sweet: "Do-Si-Dos and Tagalongs"

Summary: Originally written for a CS Halloweek on Tumblr... featuring lots of fluff and a pirate captain who can't resist adorably mischievous Girl Scouts. ;)

Set somewhere in the vague post-s6 future, assuming everyone had stayed in Storybrooke and they all carried on from the happy beginning we saw in the Season 6 finale.

Tagging a few who might enjoy: @jennjenn615 @booksteaandtoomuchtv @anmylica @xarandomdreamx @lfh1226-linda

@xsajx @bluewildcatfanatic @apiratewhopines @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jrob64 @goforlaunchcee

@belovedcreation @myfearless-love @teamhook @revanmeetra87

@stahlop @jonesfandomfanatic @eastwesthomeisbest @spartanguard @ultraluckycatnd

@searchingwardrobes @gingerchangeling @gingerpolyglot @motherkatereloyshipper @bromfieldhall

@everything-person @undercaffinatednightmare @caught-in-the-filter @elizabeethan @donteattheappleshook

@shady-swan-jones @let-it-raines @the-darkdragonfly @therooksshiningknight @resident-of-storybrooke

#cs ff #cs halloween reruns #two cs one shot fics #do-si-dos and tagalongs #the sweetest treat

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whimsicallyenchantedrose · 6 months ago

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The Role of Daddy Charming--A birthday gift for @jrob64

The Role of Daddy Charming

Rating: PG

Relationship: Daddy Charming and Captain Swan

Summary: 4x2 “deleted scene”. David Nolan had played many roles in his life, but by far the one he's found most important was that of “dad”. The fact that he hadn’t been able to be there for Emma throughout the first 28 years of her life was one of his greatest regrets, so when he noticed the infamous Captain Hook’s interest in his daughter–and even more concerning, her returning that interest–he was determined to intervene. That is, of course, until she was trapped behind an ice wall, and David saw just how deeply and sincerely Killian Jones truly loved her.

Also posted here: ao3

Tagging a few people who may be interested (Let me know if you want to be added or taken off the list): @sailormew4 @annaamell @flslp87 @emmateo26 @bethacaciakay

@ultraluckycatnd @effulgent-mind @ilovemesomekillianjones @brooke-to-broch

@missgymgirl @galadriel26 @the-lady-of-misthaven @charmingturkeysandwich

@jennjenn615 @laschatzi @kimmy46 @snowbellewells @iamanneenigma

@daxx04 @nickillian @gillie @britishguyslover @ginnyjinxedandhanshotritafirst

@kmomof4 @linda8084 @golfgirld @captain-swan-coffee @searchingwardrobes

@hollyethecurious @laughswaytoomuch @allyourdarlingswans @winterbaby89 @facesiousbutton82

@therooksshiningknight @lfh1226-linda @tiganasummertree @jrob64 @anmylica

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @i-will-sing-no-requiem @bluewildcatfanatic @laianely

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

It's finally done! I'm sorry your birthday gift is 11 days late @jrob64, but I hope you've at least enjoyed the little snippets I posted on discord as I wrote this! Happy belated birthday!

And without further ado....

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

Throughout his life, David Nolan had played many roles. He’d been a son, a brother, a shepherd, a prince, a vet tech, a sheriff’s deputy, but by far, the roles he took most seriously were his roles as husband and father.

If there’s one thing he’d known all his life, it was that he wanted to be a better father than he’d had. He wanted to be present in his children’s lives. He’d vowed never to abandon them.

And so it was the greatest regret of his life that he’d done just that mere minutes after his daughter was born.

Granted, he was forced into the action; it was necessary to protect Emma and give her her best chance. Still, the shame and heartbreak of that decision had haunted him for the past twenty-nine years.

Surprisingly, during the first curse he’d felt it still, even if he hadn’t known what it was. More often than he cared to recall, he’d had vague dreams of the black knights, of the wardrobe, of being ripped from someone vitally important to him. The gloom and near despair of those dreams hung over him like a thundercloud. He’d woken feeling–knowing–that he wasn’t enough, that he’d failed at the most important task of his life.

Once he’d regained his memories and once he realized Emma was back in his life, he’d vowed to make up for lost time, to be the father she’d always needed, to protect her at all costs.

And so it was, when he sat at his kitchen table silently sipping his coffee and staring sightlessly out the window on the morning after the incident at the ice wall, he felt relief…but also helplessness. He’d almost lost her. Again.

Snow came up behind him, wrapped an arm around his shoulder and kissed his cheek before taking a seat next to him.

“That’s quite the bleak look on your face,” she whispered. Elsa was, after all, presumably still asleep behind the curtain they’d draped in front of the sofa to give her a bit of privacy. “Yesterday really shook you up, didn’t it?”

He blew out a long breath. “She came this close to freezing to death on my watch, Snow.”

She took his hand and squeezed it. “But she didn’t. From all I’ve heard, you were magnificent. Took charge and found a way to save her.”

He chuckled humorlessly. “I was terrified, but Killian…Killian was, if anything, even worse. Never seen a man so completely panicked.”

“He loves her,” she said simply, a radiant smile on her face. “I wouldn’t have believed it when we first met him in the Enchanted Forest, but he’s a good man, and he truly loves her.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to get that impression,” David agreed. “Did you know I gave him that ‘What are your intentions with my daughter?’ speech yesterday before…well…everything?”

“Really? What did he say?”

“First he gave me hell for being old-fashioned, and then he told me he wouldn’t risk his life for someone he considered loot. And if there was still any doubt in my mind before the ice wall incident, his reaction removed it. Whatever else I could say about him, I know he loves her.”

Snow sipped her coffee. “Maybe you should tell him that. Give him your blessing, if you will.”

David grimaced. He may be–grudgingly–willing to admit it to his wife in the privacy of their own kitchen, but admitting it to Hook’s face…well, he wasn’t sure. “Yeah, maybe when I see him again,” he hedged.

“Perfect,” Snow said. “You’ll probably have the opportunity any minute, whenever Emma and Hook get up.”

“What?!”

“He stayed the night with her,” Snow said with a grin. “You didn’t know?”

As if to confirm Snow’s statements, Emma and Killian emerged together from the loft. David felt his innate protective dad instincts flared to life. If Hook had taken advantage of Emma in her vulnerable post-nearly-freezing-to-death state…

“Remember what we just talked about. He loves her,” Snow murmured only loud enough for him to hear.

David let out a long breath. She was right. Reacting badly now would likely only make things worse. “Fine,” he murmured back.

“Morning!” Snow called sunnily to the couple entering the kitchen, as well as Elsa who had just emerged from behind her curtain. “Anyone want breakfast?”

“Thanks, but I’ve got to get to the station,” Emma said, “I’m sure the phones were blowing up last night with calls about the ice wall.”

“I also must decline,” Killian said, scratching behind his ear. “I should…get back to Granny’s.”

“See you later for lunch?” Emma asked, looking up at Hook with an open–and what David thought was rather nauseatingly besotted–look. At his answer in the affirmative, she headed out.

Snow nudged David, and he rolled his eyes. No time like the present, he supposed. “Let me give you a lift back to town, Hook,” he said, “I’m headed that direction anyway.”

Hook gave him a wary look, and for a moment, David hoped he was about to decline the offer.

No such luck.

“I’d appreciate it, mate.”

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

The first minute of their drive was passed in silence. Killian side-eyed David uncomfortably, wondering when the questions–or probably more precisely, the accusations–would start.

His first inclination was to rile the man up further with sly grins and insinuations about what went on in the Charming’s loft the night before–after all his dashing rapscallion persona was a clock he’d worn as a shield for more years than he could count–but he quickly dismissed it.

This was Swan’s father. If he truly wished to have a relationship with her–and he did; he wished for a relationship lasting roughly in the neighborhood of forever–it wouldn’t do to antagonize her father. There was also the fact that he genuinely liked the man, and so…

“You know nothing…untoward…happened last night,” Killian said.

David glanced at him before turning back to the road with a grimace. “Didn’t ask. Don’t want to know.”

“Nevertheless,” Killian continued, “Your daughter and I certainly have more respect for you and Snow than to…engage in certain activities…underneath your very nose, not to mention the fact that her lad slept not ten feet from us.”

“Like I said, I didn’t ask,” David repeated, although Killian noted the way the other man’s face relaxed slightly at the reassurance.

“She was still cold,” Killian continued, somehow feeling the need to continue his justification. “She asked for me to hold her, and I couldn’t refuse. After coming so bloody close to losing her…”

David pulled into a parking spot in front of Granny’s but didn’t yet kill the engine. The look he gave Killian this time was sympathetic, understanding. “Almost losing the woman you love does things to a man.”

“Aye,” Killian agreed. “It was the same feeling of dread, of helplessness, as when the Crocodile crushed Milah’s heart in front of me. If it had happened again….”

David placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It didn’t,” he said firmly. “I’ve been trying to remind myself of that all day. It didn’t. You didn’t lose your love and I didn’t lose my daughter.”

There was a long silence, in which Killian wondered if he ought to simply exit the vehicle. He’d just reached for the door handle to do so when David spoke again, this time looking determinedly out the front window, rather than at him.

“There is….something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Aye?”

“That conversation we started to have yesterday, right before everything went to hell…” he continued, “look, I think I was wrong to ever question your intentions.”

“There’s no need to–” Killian began.

“I think there is,” David replied, finally turning toward to him. “It’s been obvious for a while that you love Emma, and it’s not a love that’s going away anytime soon.”

“It’s not a love that’s going away ever,” Killian said firmly.

“Yeah, I’m inclined to believe that” David said. “Anyway, if there ever had been any question about your feelings and intentions, yesterday got rid of them. I saw how willing you were to do anything to save her. I supposed what I’m trying to say is…I apologize for ever doubting you.”

Killian’s eyes widened. Of all the things he’d expected the prince to say to him “I apologize” was rather far down on the list. “Apology accepted, although it is wholly unnecessary. As someone who does truly love her, I’m pleased she has a father who cares enough to be a touch over-protective.”

David gave a quick, decisive nod. “I won’t be old fashioned enough to give you my blessing,” he said, “but…I won’t oppose your relationship.”

“That means a great deal to me,” Killian said, “and I know it would mean a lot to Swan as well.”

“Yeah, well,” David said, “just so we’re clear, if you ever hurt her, I’ll run you through with my sword.”

Killian nodded. “Mate, if I ever hurt her, I’d let you do it with my own.”

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

Later that night, Emma was vegging on the couch when her dad finally made it home. After tossing his jacket onto the coat rack, he joined her, gave her a quick hug and kissed the top of her head. She was slowly but surely getting used to this casual affection from her parents, and it always gave her such a warm, fuzzy, loved feeling.

“Crazy day, huh?” he asked wryly.

Emma chuckled. “I guess that depends on what you’re comparing it to. For Storybrooke it was ho hum.”

It had certainly been a busy day. As she’d expected, they’d had more calls than she could count about the ice wall and the snow monster–or whatever it had been–that had crashed through the town yesterday. While she and her dad had both been working, they’d been so busy with calls and patrols, they’d barely had a chance to exchange a word all day.

“I guess you’re right about that,” David laughed. “Any day that doesn’t involve a new villain, monster or crisis is a win around here.”

They lapsed into silence for several moments before Emma spoke again, “Killian told me about your conversation this morning.”

David gave her a wary look. “Before you say anything, I do know you’re a grown woman who can make her own decisions.”

She grinned. “That’s what Killian said at lunch when I started ranting about you treating me like a teenager. Nothing happened last night, by the way.”

“I know. Killian told me.”

“Dad,” she said, and her heart turned over at the joy on his face at her use of the word. “I just….I just want to thank you for, you know, caring and doing whatever you had to to save me.”

“No thanks necessary,” he said. “You’re my daughter. I’m always, always going to do everything in my power to help you, no matter the situation.”

She felt the tears come to her eyes. “I think I’m finally starting to realize that. Sorry it’s taken so long. It’s just…I’m not used to having a dad, someone in my corner no matter what.”

Pain came into his eyes at that, and Emma realized how her words had come across. “I’m not blaming you,” she said quickly. “I know you did what you had to to give me my best chance.”

“Still,” David said, “I wish more than anything that I’d been able to be the father you needed and deserved from the beginning.”

“I wish that too,” she murmured, almost under her breath, “but the past is the past. You’re here now, and that means everything.”

“And I always will be,” David vowed with a decisive nod.

They lapsed into another silence, broken only by a few soft whimpers from baby Neal as Mary Margaret worked to put him down for the night–or at least as much of the night as he was willing to sleep at any one stretch.

“You know, I wasn’t the only one working frantically to save you last night,” David said slowly.

Emma felt her heart stutter and then soar as she thought of the man to whom her father was referring. “I know. Killian told me he’d been worried about me too.”

David blew out a long breath. “Worried is an understatement. He was absolutely frantic. Emma, that man loves you.”

Emma felt the butterflies, that swooping half-excited, half-terrified feeling one gets when she falls head over heels. She would have to be blind not to see that Killian had fallen in love with her, and she had the sneaking suspicion that somewhere along the way she’d fallen in love with him as well. Was she ready to admit it? She wasn’t sure. That level of vulnerability was scary as hell.

“Yeah, maybe so,” she hedged, trying to make her voice as even as possible, “and I…I…appreciate it.”

David gave her a long look. “Emma, I know it’s hard for you to trust. I know it’s hard for you to let yourself believe, and I will have your back one hundred percent whatever you do, but for what it’s worth, I’d give him a chance if I were you.”

“So does that mean you think he’s good enough for me?” Emma teased, uncomfortably aware of the momentous nature of the topic at hand and feeling the need to lighten the mood..

David chuckled. “You’re my daughter. No one’s good enough for you, but I suppose if you have to be with someone, he’ll do.”

#captain swan fanfiction #daddy charming fanfiction #ouat fanfiction #4x2 deleted scene #my fanfiction #fandom friends' birthday gifts

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cssns · 2 years ago

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Get to Know Your Mods

Our final mod is @ultraluckycatnd! This is also her first year as a mod so give her a warm welcome!

How long have you been a part of the CS fandom?

I've been a part of the fandom for 10 years now. I stumbled upon a Tumblr post via Pinterest after the 3A finale, and down the rabbit hole I went.

What is your favorite part about fandom?

I love the camaraderie between everyone, no matter their likes/dislikes, where they're from, what language they speak, etc. We all have a common interest, and it's amazing to me how diverse we really are.

What drew you to this event?

I've been a beta for this event for many years now and have been amazed at the content that our wonderfully talented shipmates have come up with over the years. When I was asked to join as a mod this year, I enthusiastically said yes!

Will you be participating either as a writer or artist? If so, what will you be doing?

I'm nowhere near that talented, but I will serve as beta for a few of our wonderful writers.

What do you do in your "real life?"

I'm finishing up my 18th year teaching music, all within the same school district. Currently, I am a General Music teacher at an elementary school (K-5) and 5th grade band director, as well as the flute clinician for the high school band.

What are you most looking forward to in this event?

I'm looking forward to all of the stories and art that are going to be produced. I've seen the list of ideas for the stories, and as an avid reader, I can't wait to read them all! And the art I know is going to be out of this world, helping those stories come to life.

#GTKM #CSSNS23 #ultraluckycatnd #gtkm mod interview

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laianely · 5 days ago

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Crawling back to...

Tag people who may be interested: @killianxswan @teamhook @booksteaandtoomuchtv @exhaustedpirate @anmylica @hollyethecurious @kmomof4 @winterbaby89 @undercaffinatednightmare @resident-of-storybrooke @caught-in-the-filter @tiganasummertree @stahlords @lfh1226-linda @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite @motherkatereloyshipper @soniccat @jrob64 @beckettj @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jonesfandomfanatic @zaharadessert @bluewildcatfanatic @once-upon-a-happy-end @ultraluckycatnd @qualitycoffeethings @deckerstarblanche

#killian jones #captain hook #once upon a time #ouat #once upon a time edit #ouat edit #laianely's edits

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exhaustedpirate · 7 months ago

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ring my bell

a little fix-it fic for that one scene in season 6 that needed to be handled better and without drama (aka 6x14) a big thanks to @ultraluckycatnd for being my beta!

rated T | 2679 words

also on AO3

summary: Maybe Killian has trained Emma too well. Maybe she doesn’t mind it so much.

Emma’s not human before her coffee. Her eyes are stuck somewhere between the end of the universe and the bottom of the sea. She can feel every pore on her skin and hear the walls whispering among them.

That’s maybe an exaggeration but no one should expect her to be alive before her coffee.

“Good morning, love.”

Not even her shirtless boyfriend can revive her and isn’t that a bigger sign than her vacant eyes? Killian chuckles behind her and she envies his ability to be so active so early in the morning. It’s nine in the morning but they only fell asleep around midnight, christening the new bed and all. Maybe Emma is becoming an old woman.

Killian places a cup of deliciously smelling coffee in front of her and she feels a kiss on her temple. She clutches the mug like it’s her only lifeline. The hot strong liquid coats her throat and connects some synapses in her brain, like the shocks of a defibrillator. Emma raises her head to look at Killian, a soft smile on her lips that he returns with an amused glint in his eyes.

“Good morning.” And really, what’s better than the soft kiss of the man you love? “How did you know?”

“Open book.” And he winks like he read it in her face that she needs coffee in the morning. “Breakfast?”

And that’s probably how it starts.

Killian moved in with her to the big house he and Henry chose. His sea chest almost empty at the end of the bed, his many books on the book shelves next to hers, his new modern clothes sharing the same space as hers and, best of all, his body sharing a bed with hers.

And every morning, after she shuffles down to the kitchen and plops down at the table, he’ll greet her with, “Good morning, love.” He’ll place a cup of coffee in front of her, kiss her temple and wait until she takes that first life-giving sip. He’ll wait until she looks up at him and smiles. “Good morning.” And then he’ll kiss her and offer her breakfast.

He adjusts when Henry stays over. Because her son takes after her, Killian now has two zombies at the kitchen table.

“Good morning, love,” There’s the thunk of a mug on the wooden table and a kiss to her temple. “Good morning, lad.” And another thunk followed by a rustle of brown hair.

Mother and son have a sip of coffee and hot cocoa, respectively, and turn up at the pirate. “Good morning.” They say in unison and Killian’s smile, that first time and all the subsequent mornings, is brighter than the summer sun coming from the window.

There’s still a kiss to her lips but also a soft pat to Henry’s shoulder and he still asks. “Breakfast?” And waits for their answer before returning to the stove.

It becomes instinct. Every morning, bar any unforeseen circumstances, she waits for the coffee cup to be placed in front of her after a loving greeting and for a kiss to her temple. A sip of her coffee and then a soft kiss to her lips. All followed by an amazing breakfast. She’s spoiled.

Maybe that’s why she notices something is wrong right away.

After her horrible trip to a universe created by a wish, she cherishes the return to the routine, to her cup of coffee and her amazing boyfriend. And it’s almost perfect.

“Good morning,” he says and places the coffee in front of her but there’s no weight of a kiss on her temple and when she takes a sip of the coffee, he isn’t there when she looks up to greet him, his back to her as he focuses on the stove, preparing them a delicious breakfast.

Then there’s no greeting, there’s a mug of coffee and a kiss but no smile and no kiss on her lips.

Then there’s none of it and the house is quiet when she wakes up, no pirate preparing coffee in the kitchen but a thoughtful man sitting on the living room couch, eyes on the un-lit fireplace and a dreamcatcher in his hand.

That’s a far rougher wake-up than a delicious coffee and a kiss on her lips. There’s a history to those entwined cords and beads, a bad history - a history of darkness and secrets. But she knows Killian, trusts him with her life.

Emma leans against the wall and takes a deep breath. “Good morning.”

Killian startles and his wide eyes find hers. “Emma,” he breathes out and stumbles to his feet, his bare feet and yesterday’s clothes, she notes and wonders if he ever went to bed last night - and beats herself up for being so exhausted that she didn’t notice. “I haven’t made your coffee. I’m sorry, love.”

He doesn’t look at her, his hand tightening its grip on the dreamcatcher as he tries to walk past her to the kitchen, his movements jerky and tortured. She stops him with a hand on his arm, the same arm that holds the cursed object in a shaky grip. “Killian…”

He looks at her then and she almost loses her breath at the emotions displayed in his eyes - he may consider her an open book, but she’s just as good reading him. But she sees the way his breathing changes, the way he wants to say it all, to tell her everything, but doesn’t know how.

So she doesn’t let him. Emma pulls him to the kitchen, makes him sit in her chair, takes the dreamcatcher from his hand and places it on the table. She sends out a thanks to the timer on the coffee machine before she pours the hot beverage into a mug. She places it in front of Killian and kisses him on the temple and ignores the smell of rum.

Slowly, he takes a sip from the coffee and looks up at her, the love and fear in his eyes making her breath catch. “Good morning,” he whispers and what else can she do except kiss him on his beautiful lips.

“Breakfast?” she asks.

“I don’t want to ruin it.”

“I’m the one making breakfast, Killian, you can be sure it’ll be ruined.” Her teasing tone is barely there, her need to deflect a difficult conversation with humor cemented by the intensity of his eyes.

“Emma…”

She can’t.

She goes back to the coffee machine to pour herself a coffee. “I’m guessing you were out with my dad until late, should I be worried?” She lets out a poor imitation of her laugh as she sits at the table taking a sip of her coffee. It only increases her anxiety.

“Emma.” His hand covers her free one and she stops.

She has to stop.

“What happened?” she asks in a blank tone, her heart prepared for the pain.

“I helped your father yesterday.” He is not looking at her, focused on the coffee in his mug but his hand is still over hers. She turns her hand around to hold onto his, a show of support but also to draw from his strength, his love. “The Evil Queen brought up his father’s disappearance and I helped him find out what really happened. We, uhm, we-” His eyes glance at hers and she sees shame. “We took magic from the shed. I distracted you while David went in.”

“Oh.”

Maybe she should be more hurt but she’s thankful to have an explanation for his strange behavior. Maybe she should be angry but he’s already feeling guilty enough as it is.

“I didn’t want your father to get into trouble on his own and he almost did, he-he found out who was the last person to see his father alive and he almost, he almost killed him. I saw the anger in his eyes and I recognised it.” His hand is gripping hers like a vice but she barely feels it, grateful that he feels comforted by her touch as she does his. “He got some closure, even if he didn’t find out what happened exactly.”

“That’s not why you haven’t slept all night.”

Killian shakes his head and takes a deep breath. He raises his head to look at her, his eyes resigned but determined. “The puppet, August, he brought me pages from the book, pages he had been so ashamed of that he ripped them from the book.” Emma nods, she remembers the evidence of that ripping. “Those pages they- they brought forth a memory. Emma, I-” His voice cracks and she places her other hand on top of his. “I killed David’s father.” His eyes were shining with unshed tears. “I’m the reason your father grew up without his.”

“Killian-”

“I-I didn’t even know who he was,” he continues, his eyes glazed over in memory and guilt. “He spoke of going back to his son and still, I-I killed him.”

“Killian.” One of her hands cups his cheek and she watches as he blinks away the haze, his eyes returning to the present, to her. “Breathe.”

His eyes are wide but still he obeys and takes a deep shaking breath and then another and another, each more stable than the previous. His eyes fall on the dreamcatcher between them and he sighs. “I wanted to get rid of it, that memory. I knew it would ruin all that I have tried to build here. Your father seemed content to let go of that ghost, he even gav-” He stops himself, his eyes glancing between hers, a secret hidden in his gaze - a different secret, one that gave him hope but a secret nonetheless - and she let him keep it. “I could have just gotten rid of it, spare all of us the pain but-”

“You don’t have the magic to make it work,” she finishes for him, her lips pressed tight.

“No,” he sighs, shame taking over the blue. “So I sat on that couch all night, thinking.”

She lets the silence rest between them for a moment. “You need to tell my dad.”

He looks at her then, his eyes wide with fear and panic. “Emma, I-”

“He’ll forgive you, Killian.” She wipes her thumb over the apple of his cheek. “He’s the only one who can.”

“What if he doesn’t forgive me? What if he can’t bear to see my face again? What if he takes back his blessing?” He rambles on as he removes his hand from her grip and runs it over his already disheveled hair and Emma tries to contain her surprise at his slip of the tongue. “What if this is the thing that destroys all the happiness I found?”

His eyes are desperate and panicked and she decides to let his accidental revelation pass by. “I don’t know, Killian,” she confesses, her tone reassuring and her hand laying over his brace. “All I know is that I love you and I’ll be by your side in this.”

“No.” He shakes his head and tries to move away from her touch but she doesn’t let him. “I can’t let you do that. He’s your father and I was the villain who destroyed his family, I-”

“But that’s it, isn’t it?” Her lips tick up in a small smile, a smile meant to ease his worry. “You were a villain but you’ve changed so much. You died to save us, Killian, and we’ll never forget that.”

His eyes are wide in wonder, this time, his lips parted. “How can you be so calm over this? How can you stay by my side when I’ve fucked everything up?”

“I love you,” she shrugs. “And we’ve fucked things up before. I killed you, babe,” she laughs self-deprecatingly, ignoring the still regular nightmares over that night. “At this point, there’s nothing else we can do except face the consequences.”

He is quiet as he looks into her eyes and she knows that he’ll see nothing but love and trust. “I love you, Emma Swan.” His hand finds her jaw and he pulls her into a soft, loving kiss and her morning finds its balance. “I’m going to talk to your father right now.”

Killian stands at once and she almost laughs at his determination. “Actually, babe?” She stops him with a hand on his. “You should take a shower first.” Her nose scrunches up and she presses her lips together as he smells himself.

“Right.” His cheeks grow red. “Thank you, my love.” He kisses her temple, a hard push against her skin, showing her his gratitude in a way other than words.

She has a plate of scrambled eggs in front of her by the time he rushes down the stairs. He almost skitters to a stop at the doorway and turns to her, anxiety in his eyes and pages clutched in his fist. Spearing a generous forkful of eggs, she holds back her grin at the way he thankfully takes her held out fork.

“You’re going to be okay.”

He nods at her vow of confidence and his grip on the paper loosens. There is another moment of silence before he makes his way out of the house. Despite her confidence, she shares his nerves.

It takes time. Everything takes time.

But, soon, there is a zombified Emma plopping down on the kitchen chair, a handsome pirate wishing her a good morning, a cup of coffee, a kiss on the head and, finally, a revived Emma can wish him a good morning as well and they can share a kiss. There is a lovely breakfast that they share and make them ready to face the day.

Balance is restored and the bonds of their family are made stronger.

The next time the routine falters - a small delay, a burning of breakfast, a rushed kiss - she is less surprised. Less worried. Because she knows why, what she doesn’t know is when.

Emma blames her lack of coffee as the reason why she doesn’t notice him sitting down next to her after giving her a coffee, she doesn’t notice the way he fumbles with a velvet box in his lap. Doesn’t notice it until she’s kissed him good morning and his eyes go to his lap. About time.

“I wanted to make it special, something incredibly grand and too convoluted to reflect my love for you,” Killian says and his voice is filled with nerves. When he looks at her, his eyes are filled with that love she knows so well because it’s reflected on hers along with their unshed tears. “This is where we’re building our future, our happy ending, and it felt right to do it here. After you’ve had your coffee, of course.”

They share a watery laugh and her hand finds his right wrist, hoping to give him the courage to say what he wants to say, to say what she wants to hear. Killian takes a deep breath and she does the same, in preparation, in quiet excitement.

“Emma Swan, you are the loveliest being I’ve ever met in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evenings and at night.” His lips tick up in a trembling smile. “And I would be honored to share all those moments with you. Will you marry me?”

Emma takes another breath, her heart pounding against her ribs and she has to stop it from yelling out her answer. Because there is no doubt in her mind, in her heart of what it is. Her hands cup his cheeks, her eyes staring into his.

“Yes, Killian Jones, I will mar-” He doesn’t let her finish and really, there are better things she can be doing with her mouth than talking. Like kissing her fiancé.

They share smiles that reflect a future together, a happy ending. Smiles that reflect a future with morning coffee and morning kisses. Smiles that reflect a future with the love of her life. She can get used to that, the smiling, the kisses and, of course, the coffee.

#carolina writes #ouat ff #cs ff #ouat 6x14 #killian jones #emma swan #captain hook #captainswan

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myfearless-love · 12 days ago

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Down the Primrose Path (Chapter 2/? - "Schrödinger's Fiancée")

Chapters: 2/? — "Schrödinger's Fiancée"

Rating: Mature

Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV)

Relationship: Captain Hook | Killian Jones/Emma Swan

Additional Tags: Captain Swan - Freeform, Captain Swan Regency, There Was Only One Bed. Friends to Lovers, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Duke Killian Jones, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Scarred Killian Jones, Hurt/Comfort, BAMF Emma Swan

Summary:

Desperate times demand bold actions, and Emma Swan is about to pull off the ultimate gamble: faking an engagement to the elusive Duke of Hookshire to rescue her family from financial ruin. Her plan seems foolproof—until Killian Jones, London's most reclusive and mysterious nobleman, learns of his sudden engagement.

Once a celebrated figure of society, a tragedy drove Killian into self-imposed exile. Now, intrigued by the daring woman claiming to be his fiancée, he steps back into the spotlight, determined to turn the tables.

In a game where hearts are on the line, can a fabricated love affair turn real, or will the truth shatter more than just their reputations?

READ HERE: AO3

Preview:

Hey everyone! Chapter two is here, and I couldn’t wait to introduce Killian. I’ve been toying with the idea of his backstory for so long—what shaped him and turned him into the person he is now. This story felt like the right one to finally explore that, especially with the challenges he’s facing. I’m really excited to share this part of his journey with you all—can’t wait to hear your thoughts! 😊

As always, a huge thanks to my beta, @xarandomdreamx, for correcting my mistakes and encouraging me with her thoughtful comments ❤️

Tagging some folks who might be interested:

@anmylica @elfiola @zaharadessert @gingerchangeling @undercaffinatednightmare

@jrob64 @teamhook @kmomof4 @jonesfandomfanatic @mie779

@winterbaby89 @tiganasummertree @stahlop @rylieblu @ultraluckycatnd

@eddisfargo @booksteaandtoomuchtv @laianely @hollyethecurious @resident-of-storybrooke

@beckettj @whimsicallyenchantedrose @captainswan-kellie @veryverynotgoodwrites @lfh1226-linda

@snowbellewells @caught-in-the-filter @shady-swan-jones @bluewildcatfanatic @fairytalepetzkle

(Let me know if you want to be added or removed from the list)

#captain swan #killian jones #emma swan #cs ff #emma x killian #captain hook #once upon a time #ouat ff #ouat #captain swan ff #captain swan fanfic #regency au #fake engagement #cs #DTPP #niki writes

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the-darkdragonfly · 6 months ago

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NEW CHAPTER! Tempest - A Captain Duckling Tale

Chapter 9

HEY!!! Tumblr hated me yesterday, but I'm back online now! I actually am not really sure why this chapter fought me so hard... but she was a tough nut! A million cookies to Maddie for cleaning up my mess 🥰

♥️♥️♥️♥️

A clawed hand, fingers gnarled like the branches on the oak tree her mother had taught her to climb as a child, reached through the bars towards her, Neal’s forearm pressing her solidly into the space between himself and the cage which held the creature.

His father.

She’d shaken her head- you’re an orphan, you told me that you were an orphan- when he’d revealed to her who and what the creature was.

“Emma…”

Her name was the creaking whine of an old door, hinges displeased, moving in the wind- Emma- the snap hiss of cold against metal.

“Don’t be afraid,” Neal soothed, pressing her closer to the bars, her slippered feet scrambling on the damp stones, unable to find purchase. “I told him about you, he’s been waiting to meet you for a long time.”

She’d trembled, skin cold from fright, fingers tingling with the chill of the damp and the fear which ratcheted through her blood.

An orphan, that’s what he had said.

But it had been a lie.

Not a lie, a secret- he’d whispered in her ear, as he pressed her steadily forward, the creature’s fingernails grazing her skin before she managed to twist away, bolting up the stairs barefoot, slippers discarded on against the stone twist of the hallway, her back slamming against the door which guarded the dungeon she hadn’t know existed until Neal, Baelfire, led her down into the depths of the earth.

That’s the name the creature had called him, pacing across the back of his cell, floor worn smooth from the action.

How long had the man been down here, she wondered, Neal’s hand warm at her elbow, a deceitful type of comfort she’d quickly learned, skin prickled with the chill of suppressed magic. Of evil.

I know you can help us, Emma.

♥️♥️♥️♥️

Read the rest here

It’s been a while - catch up here

Read my other stuff here

Tagging the usual suspects

@elizabeethan @donteattheappleshook @sailtoafarawayland @teamhook @wefoundloveunderthelight @caught-in-the-filter @ultraluckycatnd @veryverynotgood @snowbellewells @hollyethecurious @jrob64 @kmomof4 @artistic-writer @gingerpolyglot @xarandomdreamx @justanother-unluckysoul @zaharadessert @karlyfr13s @tiganasummertree @wyntereyez @klynn-stormz @onceratheart18 @rkrbirdgirl @ouatdaily @blowmiakisscolin @courtorderedcake @winterbaby89 @pirateprincessofpizza @superchocovian @deckerstarblanche @alexa-fangirl-forever @stahlop @undercaffinatednightmare @lostintheskyfaraway @anmylica @motherkatereloyshipper @last-tsarina @lfh1226-linda @hookedmom @yikes-00 @midnighth0ur @paradiselady19 @jonesfandomfanatic

♥️♥️♥️♥️

#tempest #the darkdragonfly #a captain duckling tale #captain swan #killian jones #emma x killian #emma swan #sassy pants will scarlet

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kmomof4 · 1 month ago

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New Year's Revelations A New Years Fic by kmomof4

Here's my third offering for Winter/Holiday Bingo!! And while I am stretching the prompt - Bah Humbug - a bit, I'm counting it and declaring Bingo!!! I figured since Emma and Killian are watching A Christmas Carol, it worked.

And now on to the fic! Many thanks to @jrob64 for beta services and to @hollyethecurious for keeping the Bingo challenge going through the holidays!!!

Rating: T

Words: Almost 3100

Tags: New Year's Fic, Holiday Fluff, Bingo Fic

On ao3

Tagging the usuals. Please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed.

@jrob64 @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @the-darkdragonfly @jennjenn615

@donteattheappleshook @undercaffinatednightmare @pirateherokillian @cocohook38 @qualitycoffeethings

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @superchocovian @motherkatereloyshipper @snowbellewells @djlbg

@lfh1226-linda @xarandomdreamx @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic @anmylica

@laianely @resident-of-storybrooke @exhaustedpirate @gingerchangeling @caught-in-the-filter

@ultraluckycatnd @stahlop @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite @captainswan-kellie

@soniccat @beckettj @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jonesfandomfanatic

@elfiola @zaharadessert @ilovemesomekillianjones @mie779 @kymbersmith-90

@suwya @veryverynotgoodwrites @myfearless-love

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

Bingo Prompt: Bah Humbug

New Year's Revelations

Emma Swan stomped down the hall toward her apartment, grumbling the entire way. She’d been gone the better part of a week, over Christmas Eve and Day no less, chasing a skip who thought he’d be able to make it into Canada before she got him. He didn’t succeed, of course - Emma Swan always caught her man - but it did mean that she had to forgo her favorite Christmas tradition of watching A Christmas Carol, The Musical on Christmas Eve and then enjoying Christmas brunch with her brother and sister-in-law, plus her entire extended family.

She got to her door and was just inserting the key in the lock when her neighbor, Killian Jones poked his head out of his door and spoke.

“What’s the news, Swan?” He stepped out into the hallway, his brow furrowed in concern. “I could hear you and your grumbling all the way in my living room. Is everything alright? Haven’t seen you in a few days.”

Emma turned to him and hoped her cheeks weren’t actually as red as she thought they might be, or if they were, her smoking hot neighbor would simply attribute their rosy hue to the cold temperature outside. As soon as her eyes landed on him, her stomach flipped the way it always did when she saw him. She hoped he wasn’t aware of that either.

“I was chasing a skip,” she said, irritation dripping from her words. “He thought he could make it to Canada.”

Killian propped himself up on the door jamb and waggled his eyebrows flirtatiously at her. He was rewarded with the twitching of the corner of her lips and an eye roll that never failed to make him grin in delight.

“I have no doubt that you set him straight on that particular issue,” he replied.

“Of course,” she said with a proud smirk.

“But that doesn’t account for the stomping and grumbling I could hear,” he repeated.

“Oh,” she said, her smirk disappearing to be replaced by a thoroughly disgruntled frown. “The payday may have really been worth it, but since I wasn’t home on Christmas Eve and Day, I missed my favorite Christmas traditions.”

“I’m sorry, Swan,” he commiserated. “What were those traditions, if you don’t mind me asking?”

The blush that touched her cheeks was utterly adorable and Killian’s heart fluttered. She bit her bottom lip and he couldn’t help but picture himself doing the same as he kissed her the way he’d wanted to since the day they met. She was a tough lass, and in the six months since he’d moved in down the hall from her, she’d always rebuffed his flirtatious advances with a knowing smirk and eye roll. But Killian was nothing if not patient and in those same six months, she’d lowered her walls just enough for him to realize that Emma Swan’s heart was a precious treasure and should be protected at all costs. He was in this for the long haul, after all. As his older brother was fond of saying, a man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets.

“I, ah,” she stammered briefly, “On Christmas Eve, I like to watch A Christmas Carol, The Musical,” she admitted bashfully. “It’s my favorite of all the adaptations.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that version,” Killian said, a little stunned at the revelation. A Christmas Carol was one of his favorite Christmas stories and he thought he’d seen every movie out there.

Emma’s countenance turned wistful and this time Killian’s heart twisted in sympathy.

“Oh, it's wonderful,” she shared. “A couple of the songs never fail to make me cry, no matter how many times I’ve seen it.” The frown returned. “But that Ozman asshole kept me from it this year. And now I have to wait…” she trailed away for a moment, obviously doing the math in her head, “358 days to watch it.”

“Pfft,” Killian blurted out. “Nonsense, Swan. It’s only the seventh day of Christmas.” She stared at him blankly. “You know,” he continued, cautiously, “the Twelve Days of Christmas? Seven swans a swimming? You do know the song don’t you?”

“Well, yeah,” she huffed. “Of course, I do. But what does that have to do with watching my favorite Christmas movie?”

“Christmas movies and shows and food and all the other Christmas accoutrements,” he explained, “can and should be enjoyed all the way through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Which ends on January 5th. And the argument can be made that Christmas doesn’t end until the evening of the 6th, Epiphany, when the magi visited the Baby Jesus.”

Emma continued to stare at him, her eyes wide and jaw hanging open just slightly. Killian scratched behind his ear bashfully.

“All that to say, Swan,” he continued, “there’s no reason to wait an entire year to watch your favorite Christmas movie since it’s still technically Christmas.”

“Huh,” she breathed. “Well, I guess not.” She turned back to her door, but then suddenly turned back to him, her blush back in full force. “Would you like to watch it with me?” she asked. “You said you hadn’t heard of it before.”

Killian couldn’t stop the grin that took over his face. “I’d be delighted to, Swan. Thank you for the invitation. Can I bring anything to snack on or drink?”

“All I have to eat is Granny’s fruit cake she gave everyone on the floor on Christmas Eve,” she said, referring to the fierce, but kindly old woman who lived in 3A nearest the elevator on their floor. “She caught me just as I was leaving. I also have the fixings for hot chocolate.”

“I’ll bring us some sustenance then. What time should I come over?”

“Give me an hour to take a bath and get the grime off me.”

Killian nodded. “I’ll see you in an hour, Swan.”

~*~*~

An hour later, Killian stood at Emma’s door balancing a charcuterie board he’d just picked up from the local market down on the corner and a bottle of champagne the proprietor had recommended to accompany it. He hoped he wasn’t overstepping by bringing the alcohol, but it was New Year’s Eve after all, and he couldn’t help but hope that after a glass or two of the bubbly, he’d be able to summon the courage to tell Emma how he felt and ask to court her as a woman like her deserved.

Emma opened the door and Killian’s nervousness melted away. She was dressed in warm flannel pjs with red HO HO HO’s all over it. It, and she, were both so cute, he almost laughed in delight.

Her eyes lit up when she saw him and she hurriedly took the board from him.

“You didn’t have to do this, Killian!” she protested, but without any real heat.

“Of course I did, Swan,” he countered. “When you shared what you had to eat, I knew we’d need more than that, so I put in an online order with Mr. Clark down the street. Granny was very sweet to share the fruit cake with us,” he continued, “with all the time and effort she put into it, but after one slice, I think it might be put to better use as a paperweight. Or a doorstop.”

Emma snorted in surprise and led him into her apartment. “I actually really like it and take it to David and Mary Margaret’s Christmas Day brunch every year. Another of my traditions I had to miss out on because of that bastard,” she threw over her shoulder as she put the charcuterie board on the kitchen counter. “There’s enough people there that most of it gets eaten, and I can enjoy the rest without the guilt. But don’t let Granny fool you,” she whispered conspiratorially, “She gets the fruit cake from the Collin Street Bakery in Texas. She doesn’t know that I know her secret,” she continued with a wink, making Killian laugh heartily.

“Well, her secret is safe with me, as well,” Killian assured her. He placed the champagne on the counter next to the board. “I hope you don’t mind, but Mr. Clark suggested it, and since it’s New Year’s Eve…”

“Oh, no,” she said, her eyebrows rising in surprise. “I don’t mind at all. But you don’t have any New Year’s plans? No date to ring the new year in with?” Her eyes were looking everywhere except at him and hope filled Killian’s heart. Perhaps she wasn’t as indifferent to him as she purported to be.

“Ah, no, Swan,” he admitted, bashfully, scratching behind his ear again. “Teaching at the university didn’t allow me much time to develop a social life this semester. And I’d normally be spending the holidays with my brother and sister-in-law, but she had an emergency c-section on Christmas Eve and has only just gotten home from the hospital. So I’m waiting a couple more days before heading up. Give them a chance to settle in with my brand new nephew.”

“How exciting,” Emma said with a smile, then her eyes softened as she continued. “You’re a good brother, Killian.”

Killian smiled and set to uncovering the board while Emma rummaged in the cabinets for some wine glasses. Once she found some, they started loading their plates with the culinary delights presented on the board. Deciding to save the champagne for later, Emma prepared them both a hot chocolate to start with before settling down on the floor between the sofa and coffee table. Killian had been sitting comfortably at one end of the sofa, his plate on the coffee table, but when she sat, he joined her on the floor.

“At least until we’re done eating,” she explained, shyly. She woke the tv up and pressed play to start the movie.

Killian had to admit, he could see why this adaptation of A Christmas Carol was Emma’s favorite. The performances, especially by Kelsey Grammer as Scrooge, were outstanding and the music sent his spirit soaring. Almost as much as did Emma cuddling into his side during Marley’s appearance. He’d seen many movies and even live performances of A Christmas Carol over the years, with that particular scene running the gamut between humorous and terrifying. This one leaned hard toward the latter and Killian couldn’t tell if his thundering heartbeat was from the scene or the thrill of placing his arm around Emma’s shoulder when she buried her head in his chest.

“I had nightmares after watching this the first time,” she confided, as Jacob Marley, played by Jason Alexander, began to sing of the horror of the links he’d formed with his own hands during his lifetime. “And I haven’t watched the scene since.” Her voice wasn’t much above a whisper, but this close to her mouth, Killian had no trouble hearing her words. “But the song is pretty spectacular.”

Killian had to agree.

As the movie went on, Emma never moved from his side and he rejoiced that she seemed not to mind his affectionate touches - stroking her arm, running his fingers through her golden hair - as they watched. His eyes filled with tears at the tender affection between young Ebenezer Scrooge and his lady love, Emily, and when Emma looked up at him to gauge his reaction to their duet - her favorite song in the movie - Killian’s heart nearly stopped at the brief glimpse of naked longing he thought, he hoped, he saw in her eyes before her emotions were once again shuttered behind the wall he’d patiently chipped away at for six months.

The joy and delight of the Ghost of Christmas Present and the scenes he showed Scrooge from Christmas Day reminded Killian of the many blessings in his life - not the least of which was the woman in his arms - and to take pleasure in the small things that most people tend to overlook. And when the old blind woman was revealed to be the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be, Killian saw his own opportunity, along with Ebenezer Scrooge, to change the trajectory of his life. If he could be brave enough to take that first step and open his heart to love.

Happy tears rolled down Emma’s cheeks as the final few songs blended one into another into another, and Killian’s rolled down his face as well to be absorbed by her hair as his head rested on hers.

Yes, A Christmas Carol was one of his very favorite stories of all time, not just for Christmas, but the musical score of this movie enhanced his enjoyment to the very heights and shot the adaptation to the top of his Christmas watch list forever and ever, amen.

Tiny Tim had just declared “God bless us, every one!” and Scrooge lifted his joyful face to the morning sun when Emma moved away from his side and turned to look at him, a beaming smile on her face.

“Well?” she asked, “What did you think?”

Killian’s smile matched her own as he gathered his thoughts.

“You were right.” The squeal that met his statement, startled him a bit. Never in their six month acquaintance had Emma been so open and free with him as she had been this night, and he never would have guessed that somewhere in the depths of her heart lived a little girl who’d delight like this in sharing a beloved movie with a friend. He was obviously wrong about that and that knowledge gave him the impetus to shore up his courage and commit to words the sentiments in his heart.

“It was truly wonderful and I completely understand and agree with your assessment that it’s the best adaptation out there,” he continued.

Emma clapped in delight, glee covering her face before she snuggled back into his side, her head cushioned on his chest, her arms wrapped around his waist.

“I knew you’d love it,” she gushed before suddenly pulling back, nervousness taking over the joy on her countenance. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I didn’t mean to overstep.” She bit her lip, cheeks flaming as her eyes darted around, looking everywhere except at him. “I usually… don’t…”

Killian hurriedly took her hands in his own, realizing exactly what she was trying to say.

“Emma, no, please,” he said, entirely indifferent to the pleading note in his voice. “You didn’t overstep at all. I’ve wanted to be close to you like this ever since we met. I’ve merely tried to follow your lead in the development of our friendship…” he trailed away, his eyes darting around the room for a moment before settling on hers again, “of our, ah, relationship,” he finished softly.

He released her hand and reached up and stroked the back of his hand down the side of her face.

“There’s nothing I’d love more than the opportunity to win your heart.”

“Really?” she breathed. The fear mixed with vulnerability he saw in her eyes made his heart clench and he held her gaze and prayed that she’d clearly see everything he wanted to say reflected there.

“Really, Emma,” he assured her. “Your heart is a priceless treasure and I would be honored if you’d deem me worthy of holding and protecting it.”

The fear in her eyes melted away, and was replaced by a gentle shyness that he never would have guessed was hidden by those walls of hers she showed the world at large. That knowledge nearly made him gasp in surprise as she slowly leaned back in, searching his gaze for - he assumed - the veracity of his words. She must have found what she was looking for as she made herself comfortable again using him as a makeshift pillow.

He wrapped his own arms around her and placed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head.

“Does this mean…”

He could feel her smile against his chest as a small giggle escaped her.

“Yes, Killian,” she replied before looking back up at him. Killian’s gaze bounced back and forth for a moment between her twin veridian pools before he lowered his head and captured her lips with his own.

It was pure sweetness and magic and Killian could have drowned in her. Then his phone alarm chose to go off at that moment. He fumbled for a bit, not wanting the kiss to end, trying to reach his phone and turn the blasted signal off without parting from Emma, but it soon became clear that wasn’t happening. He released her and pulled the phone out of his pocket, groaning in realization.

“I set the alarm for ten to midnight, to wake myself up for the ball drop.”

Emma smirked. “Your own tradition you don’t like to miss, I guess?” she asked.

Killian waggled his eyebrows at her. “I’d gladly have missed it to keep kissing you,” he quipped.

Emma suddenly jumped up and ran for the kitchen, bringing back the champagne he’d brought, along with the two wine glasses.

“We can ring in the new year properly,” she informed him. “Will you please go bring the food in?”

“Of course,” he replied, rising and going to the kitchen. By the time he got back out to the living room, she’d pulled up the New York City ball drop on the tv and was anxiously waiting for him to arrive to open the bottle.

He popped the champagne and poured them both a glass just as the final countdown began.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven,” they counted together, their gazes fixed on one another rather than the screen. “Six, five, four, three…” Their voices got softer and softer the closer to the end they got. “Two, one…”

“Happy New Year, Emma,” he whispered.

“Happy New Year, Killian,” she whispered back.

This time when he captured her lips, nothing interrupted them until the sun rose on New Year's Day, shining into Emma’s bedroom since she’d neglected to close her blackout curtains when they’d stumbled in the night before - much too preoccupied with each other to bother with a little thing like curtains.

Emma groaned in annoyance and turned away from the window, burying her face in Killian’s naked chest, only to groan louder when he jumped up, ran to the window, shut the drapes, and jumped back into bed, gathering her back in his arms. Her groan of annoyance turned into a hum of contentment as she snuggled back into him.

“Go back to sleep, my love,” he whispered. “I’ll be here when you wake up.”

The End

~*~*~

Happy New Year everyone!!! Thank you for reading and sharing!!! I'd love to hear what you think! See y'all in 2025!!!

#new year's revelations #winter holiday bingo #krystal writes #art by krystal #new year's fic

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