#you should have a reminder of how beautiful you are as a woman always<3333< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[maurine07]

So today is fanfic writers’ appreciation day (thank you to @openheartfanfics for reminding us of that) and I just wanted to log in for a bit to show some writers my love because y’all are the backbone of our society. Without you, we would’ve all been miserable. So I’m just going to tag some of the writers that come to mind and while I would love to tag each and every single one of you but I’ll probably forget someone so I’m really sorry for that. You are all super talented and I’m in awe of each one of you beautiful people.

@terrm9 Terr, darling, I could write an entire book about how amazing your writing is and how much I love it. You’re an incredible writer and person. The writing style is so beautiful and unique and simply ethereal and I’m so in love with it. Every single time I read a fic of yours, no matter how many times I did, I always marvel at how one can possess so much talent. There is not one trope that you cannot write. How you write the characters, their emotions, you always know the characters and how they think, they would act so well, it’s insane, how you describe everything, the surroundings, what the person is doing, everything is always so perfect. Your mimi series The Couple & The Others is one of my favorites and it's comforting to me, it makes me feel at home. Cieli di Toscana is also a favorite of mine. I love everything about that fic so much. I also love your ch. 11 rewrite with the prompts "There are people who love you" and "Give me a hug, please". I adore the hurt/comfort in those two. The angst is just ugh- it's so good, way too good and it destroys me. As well as A thousand moons, a thousand waves, goodness that fic is just pure and utter perfection, I have no words to describe it. And How much mystery, this love of mine...wow. Seriously wow, I still haven't recovered from how amazing it was. It's so beautiful, they say they're so soft and tender with each other, it's perfect, so perfect. And of course, your you give it to me anyway series is one of the best things I've ever read and I have reread it so many times to the point where I'm not even sure it's healthy. I love it, I love it, I love it, more than words can say. And your OCs, Chiara, Lina, the Ray family, you always know how to make them feel so real. You are truly so magnificent and I just love you and everything you do<3333

@jamespotterthefirst Bree! God, where do I even start? Everything you do is out of this world. Other than the fact that you're extremely kind and funny, you're so wonderfully talented and I love you. The dynamics between Lilac and Ethan are everything, EVERYTHING I TELL YOU. I love how you include the gang as much as you do and how you write them. And while I absolutely love every single fic you write, For A Long Time Now and Most Beautiful will always have a special place in my heart. And I don't think I have to tell you how much I love Lilac. I adore that woman with my entire heart. She's amazing and I would do anything she asks me to. Thank you for creating her and just got being such an incredible part of this fandom❤

@writer-ish Kat, your writing is so stunning. Like, everything about it is so amazing. The way you write Brooke and Ethan, their banter, Brooke's sass, your smut, just everything is pure perfection. I love everything you write but makai is just something else. I especially love B&E in it for some reason, just them being so in love and soft with each other. And you know how much I love Brooke. I would choose her over Ethan any day. She's just incredible and Ethan should worship her like the goddess she is, period😌

@the-pale-goddess Hilde, my angst and smut Queen, there are no words, absolutely none, to describe how much I love your writing. Ma'am, is there anything you can't do? (Other than not break our heart further, of course. One of these days you're gonna need to pay for my therapy. I cannot count the amount of times I was like: I'm feeling pretty happy today. Let me go to Hilde's masterlist and break my own heart. I actually do that so many times, it's pretty concerning.) I'm so in awe of everything you do, your angst? Unmatched. Your smut? So freaking hot. Your fluff? Makes my heart melt. Running to the Edge of the World and (as much as I shouldn't be admitting this in public but) Cabin Fever are just amazing, AMAZING. Puncture Wound is also one of my favorites of yours, the angst, the longing. God, it's so perfect. Conquest is superior to anything, everything and everyone. And of course, Contaminated. That fic breaks my heart yet I read so often that I almost know it by heart. I love LOVE Ethan and Tiffany's relationship even if I am a bit jealous of Ethan. They're the OTP, period. And um... Can I please have Miss Addams' hand in marriage? Like, you can call me Pietro mf Maximoff because I will take a bullet for her. I may also have some unresolved trauma and mommy issues but I promise, I will not make her wait two years just to commit or run to the Amazon and sleep with a coworker. She's my Virgo Queen and I'm so in love with her. The point is, your writing is perfect and I love it so much❤❤❤

@monsoonblooms12 Manamee, you beautiful soul, we don't deserve you and your mind blowing talent. Everything you write is just beautiful and my mind cannot process how you do it. Your fics, your edits, your moodboards, there is nothing you're not good at. And you're such a wonderful person and it makes me want to cry sometimes. I love you, darling❤❤

@blossomanarchy I read your meet my MC posts (and I will get to reblogging those later. I have them in my drafts. I just don't really have any energy at the moment.) and I love Amelia so much. She's already one of absolute favorite MCs. I truly look forward to your fic (if you ever decide to post it, I will be eagerly waiting for it and I have no doubt it will be magnificent) And your moodboards are absolutely stunning. I could stare at them for hours, hell, even the rest of my life. They're so freaking pretty!!💗💗

@takemyopenheart Avy, you're so freaking talented and I love your writing super much. Luz is amazing and I love her more than words can say. I adore her relationship with Ethan so much. Your fluff is god-tier and your smut is just *chef's kiss* as well as your angst. Yours were some of the first fics I read for OH and I still love them just as much as the first time I read them if not more.💕💕

@mvalentine Mal, goodness, you are a godsend to this fandom. I cannot, for the life of me, find the words to properly describe how freaking amazing your writing is. Lana is a Queen and I'm in love with everything about her. Like, I need her to reject me so I can move on already. I love the way you write L&E. They're such an amazing couple and they have my whole heart (also, ngl, I miss them like crazy). Hold On To Me makes me sob every time I read it and it was heaven a moment ago is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read in my life, the sheer beauty of it, it's poetry. You're incredible, my dear and your writing is so beautiful.<333

@genevievemd Sara, from the minute I read your first fic, I knew you were an incredible writer and I was so right. I love everything about your writing, everything. G&E are couple goals and I love them so much. Your angst kills me every single time. Like, you seriously need to stop hurting me so much, I can't take it anymore. But seriously, you're extremely talented and I love you❤❤

@stygianflood Hiya, I just spent a good five minutes trying to come up with any words to describe how freaking beautiful and otherworldly your writing is and I couldn't find any because it's truly undescribable, in the best way possible. Like the Shoreline and the Sea and Bridge over Troubled Water always bring me an immense amount of comfort. They feel like a warm hug even though they hurt. I've binged your masterlist so many times and I still can't process how you're so talented.❤❤❤

@anntoldst0ries Ann, my love, I don't know how to put into words how much I adore you and your writing. It's freaking poetry. It's so smooth. Like I could be reading one of your fics and I come across a line that is just so utterly beautiful and I'm just like: how?? How can one be so talented and come up with such beautiful lines? Lost in Translation is one of those fics that I cannot process because it's so incredible, it's so unbelievable how you manage to capture Ethan's character and thoughts and emotions so well. Coda is just perfection, girl, your smut is so good. And as much as I love all your fics, Shinrin-Yoku will always be my favorite. I love how you write about Noelle's metal health. It makes her feel so real and I really do appreciate that fic so much. You're incredible and your writing is just so magical and I will forever be so in awe of you.💗💗💗

@gryffindordaughterofathena Dri, god, I have no clue how you do it but you always manage to leave speechless and awestruck by your writing. It's so poetic and beautiful and I love everything about it. The way you write the characters and their emotional will always make me so damn emotional. You're just so brilliant and I love all your work so much.❤❤

@starrystarrytrouble All hail Queen Ruby, our savior from the nightmare that was OH3 canon. I know you're not here these days but I just wanted you to know that I appreciate you and all the work you've put into this fandom so much. You're so so incredibly talented. E&E are god-tier and I love them so much, more than I can put into words. Secret is one of my favorites mainly because I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers but also because I love E&E in that fic so much. Also, Anonymous! That fic is everything, I love it so much. And Eve is just amazing. I love everything you create and I miss you💕💕💕

@writinghereandthere Ana, I know we haven’t interacted before and that I haven’t reblogged any of your fics before but I seriously love your writing so so much. I’ve read and reread your masterlist more times than I could count and every single time, I was left more in awe of you than the last. Your writing style is just so beautiful and so magnetic. Like, if anyone interrupts me while I’m reading one of your fics, they can say bye bye to the world. Your do you fear death? series is just something else. It’s so out of this world. Fourteen Hours is amazing, it was the first fic I read of yours and it made me fall in love with your writing, the first I read it, I immediately loved it so much. I love how you write Mariana and Ethan so much, they’re everything. And I'm so in love with Mariana. God, she's so perfect! And Two Days breaks my heart every time I read it but it’s one of my comfort fics. More Than A Drawer is also a favorite of mine. I love the domesticity of it so much. And Golden! God, that fic! How the hell did you write that?? It’s so fucking brilliant and I don’t have the right words to describe it. Also!! Finer Things is one of the best things I have ever read. I am an absolute whore for Harper Emery and that masterpiece just increased that. It’s so magnificent! You’re just so freaking incredible and I will always wonder how you’re so so talented❤️❤️

I'm pretty sure I forgot some amazingly talented people and I'm so sorry for that, truly. Your fics have always been a source of comfort to me. During some of the worst times in my life, I would always find happiness and comfort in your beautiful creations. Hope all of you are having a great day and I hope you know how truly appreciated you are💕💕💕💕

[40sbarnes]

Medici: Spymasters of Florence

Chapter 13: A Flicker of Melted Ice

okay just letting you all know i have this story planned for 20 chapters and it should still fit into that... sorry it’s super long!! i do appreciate you guys still sticking around <3 

also a special appreciation to @nana035 who has been so so kind and supportive from the very start!! i appreciate your comments and asks so much <3333

tag list; @brynthebulldozer @mythicalamphitrite @nana035 @valravnsraven @hannahhistorian92 @not-thatweird @isaac-lahey-is-bae @angrygardendeer @unstoppable-xavi

pairings; slow slowburn lorenzo x reader, platonic francesco x reader

Hundreds of voices spoke over each other, all droning into one loud chatter as it reached your ears. You had successfully made your way into the banquette. Lorenzo had entered separately earlier, of course, to avoid suspicion, trusting you to snake your own way in. Which you had. You stood at the end of the hall, taking in the scene before you. You were now dawned in your new dress, which forced your posture that slight bit taller. Between you and Lorenzo fussing, you had figured your hair into a resemblance of how you'd seen noble women wear it. Still, you felt a little out of your depths. You had performed similar missions for Pazzi before, he claimed it as one of the advantages of having a woman work for him, but those had been in Florence. Sure, Venice wasn't all so different, but you weren't granted the same knowledge Lorenzo's schooling as a child had given him. You knew little of the place, or the people there either.

It was certainly an unsettling feeling, not having the secrets of the guests stored away, as if they were weapons themselves. Of course, you still had your actual weapons, but a nonviolent route was always preferred. You never appreciated the sensation of Lorenzo being better equipped than you, but as you scanned the crowd, and you found him entertaining a group as they threw their heads back in laughter, you were forced to endure it. His eyes fell on yours for a second, his lips twitching further into the smirk already sitting on his face, you shot him the tiniest of smiles before looking away, in fear someone would notice. 

And then, you began to work. Making your way around the hall, eavesdropping on the finest of the Venetian population. Most of it was beyond boring, rich people droning on about rich people things. Some of it was juicy, but nothing of real substance, nothing that could help Lorenzo until…, you over heard the name 'Jacopo Pazzi' fall from someone's lips, and you made your way closer. They were discussing exactly what you'd hoped.

"Well he promised Vitelli a percentage of the trade through Bologna when they cease trade with Milan," one of the men spoke.

"How can Pazzi promise such a thing? Isn't Medici pushing for a treaty with Milan currently?" They lowered their voices as they continued, clearly aware the man they spoke of was in attendance.

"It won't pass. Not after his sister disgraced Soderini and his son. They needed his vote," the men sounded far too smug for your liking.

"A Pazzi in charge of Florence? I never thought I'd see the day," they all chuckled, and you had to stop yourself from joining in. They wouldn't see that day. Not if you could help it.

Parting from the groups of people standing around, you searched the room for Lorenzo once again. You eventually located him, on the dance floor, engaging in the routine everyone magically seemed to know. You assumed it to be taught in their schooling, and you imagined a young Lorenzo tripping over his feet. You forced the smile off your face, surveying not only Lorenzo but the people surrounding him, the dance seemed repetitive enough, and if you joined it would be an inconspicuous way to discuss your new found information with him.

Edging closer to the dance floor, you continued to watch Lorenzo, as he switched partners to a beautiful young woman. She whispered something in his ear, and a grin fell onto his lips. You felt your heart twinge slightly, but forced the feeling away as you tried to keep a straight face.

"Not enjoying the banquet?" To your shock, Vitelli had appeared at your side. You immediately bowed your head.

"No, Messer, the banquet is wonderful. Your grandson even more so," you congratulated him, hoping he wasn't offended.

"A heavy boy he is as well," he chuckled, and you eased up slightly, seeing his light humour.

"That is what they're saying," you grinned, your eyes not listening to your better judgement and falling on Lorenzo where he was still enjoying himself.

"Madonna..." he trailed off, not knowing your name.

"Cellini," you finished for him, "Anastasia Cellini."

"Well, Madonna Cellini, how long are you planning on watching the festivities before joining in?" His question caught you off guard.

Your eyes locked on his, before quickly shifting to the floor beneath you. "Me? No... I couldn't," you shook your head, playing up the modest act you knew noble women to put on.

"Why ever not?"

"I have two left feet," you chuckled, holding your hands together in front of you.

"Luckily for you, I have two right," you spun to the sound of the voice, to see one of the men who had been discussing Lorenzo earlier standing behind you.

"Cousin!" Vitelli embraced the man, they must've been second cousins or something of the matter, as the man didn't seem many years your senior.

"Madonna Cellini, this is my cousin, Porziano Lisi," Vitelli introduced you too, and you curtseyed before him, but he took your hand into his, placing a kiss on your knuckles.

"My pleasure," he lowered your hand, although not quite letting go of it. You felt eyes on you, but you didn't dare look for the owner. "Well, shall we?" He offered, strolling backwards to lead you to the floor as the band came to the end of the song.

"Enjoy!" Vitelli laughed, before spinning around to the people waiting to congratulate him.

"I was not spinning a tale when I said I do not have an aptitude for dancing," you warned him, as he positioned you in line with the rest of the dancers, readying themselves for the next song. You glanced over your shoulder to see Lorenzo staring at you, not seeming amused. You turned back to your partner, Lorenzo wasn't far behind, and it wouldn't take long to get to him.

"I find that hard to believe, a woman of your grace," Lisi grinned down at you, you mustered a smile back, as the gentle strumming of the bands instruments began to fill the hall once again.

In fairness to your partner, he lead you in the dance with little trouble, and when it came time to swap partners, you found yourself facing Lorenzo already. You don't know how he managed it, but you were grateful. He was more than enough to satisfy your quota for dealing with rich men.

"I didn't realise we were here to enjoy ourselves, Bellondini," Lorenzo smiled, his hand mirroring yours, as you began the movements of the dance.

"That's amusing coming from you," you bit back laughter, "but I certainly am not. I've been busy," you raised an eyebrow as you turned to face him, continuing the dance, although you were notably close. Lorenzo mimicked you, his own brows lifting, asking a question he didn't say aloud.

"Pazzi promised Vitelli profits of trade he has set up with Bologna when Milan falls through," you informed him of your findings.

Lorenzo scrunched his nose in frustration, glancing away for a moment, "Well..." he sounded defeated.

"No, not well, Pazzi can't promise that. Not with your Milan treaty," you reminded him, confused as to why he seemed so pessimistic.

"I don't know if there will be a treaty. Not without Soderini's vote," Lorenzo sighed, as he lifted his arm to twirl you underneath. "And now that my sister won't marry his son, I fear I will no longer have it"

"Don't you have someone other than Bianca you can sell off to Bastiano?" You teased, Lorenzo sharing a smug look with you.

"His heart was set on her," his face suddenly fell serious.

"So melt it, and reset it," your faces were but inches from each other. Lorenzo let out a chuckle at your words.

"I'm sure you know all about melting hearts," his thumb brushed the back of your hand, "but reset on who? Are you offering?" You scoffed at his words, making his grin wider. "Oh, come on, surely a marriage to a wealthy man is your dream. Then you could legally steal from him," he bartered, just mocking you at this point.

"I can assure you I do not spend my nights dreaming of marrying Bastiano Soderini," you smirked up at him.

"No?" He questioned, his breath warm on your skin.

"No," you replied simply.

Lorenzo grinned, his eyes locked on your own, "Then who?"

You took in a breath at his words, not having a witty reply. Lorenzo took a step forward, you hadn't even realised you would be changing partners, but you soon fell into step with the man now standing beside you. Lorenzo stole one last glance as he peered back over his shoulder, before focusing back on the dance.

At the next swap, Lorenzo excused himself, and you carefully watched, as he greeted Vitelli, and they left the hall soon after. He must've come up with something, as he always does. You waited a song or two more before leaving, muttering about how you were parched, and heading to one of the tables full of food. You poured yourself a drink, keeping up the excuse. When you were sure no one was looking, you slipped two drops of the poison into your drink, swirling it slightly with your finger before taking a sip. You had been upping your dose slowly, and felt barely anything at a double dose anymore. It gave you a strange sense of accomplishment, pouring the liquid down your throat that could quite literally kill anyone else in the room.

You remained at the table, unsure of what the next move was. You assumed Lorenzo would ensure Vitelli's vote soon enough, it was probably time for you to exit soon. Your eyes fell on the man of the evening himself as he re-entered the hall, although he did not seem a joyful as you would have hoped.

Vitelli soon joined you at the table, pouring himself a drink just as you had, notably without your secret ingredient. His eyes shot across the table of delicacies, before he moved for the gelato, now somewhat melted, and began scooping it into a bowl. He didn't even seem to notice your presence, he was so caught up in himself.

You took a step closer to him. "Not enjoying the banquet?" You teased, and his eyes fell on you. He quickly tried to shed his anxious exterior, although it wasn't too effective, he shot you a smile.

"We meet again, Madonna," he raised his glass to yours before taking a large swig, “have you tried the gelato?” he continued smiling anxiously, eating a scoop of it.

"Is everything alright, Messer?" You furrowed your brows, lowering your voice slightly so only he could hear you.

"I feel as though I have been split in two," he was no longer looking at you, instead his focus was on the man who had given him all this stress. Lorenzo was making his way throughout the banquet again, although now he seemed to be saying his goodbyes.

You pitied Vitelli, "I'm familiar with the feeling," you hummer. All too familiar.

"I shouldn't burden you with my problems, I apologise," he turned back to you.

"Do not worry for me, Messer, I enjoy being of assistance," when you got paid for it.

"Well, it is like this. I was certain about something, it seemed to be the best option. But now I feel torn. Maybe it wasn't as simple as I had imagined, as I had hoped," he watched the content of his cup as he swirled it with a flick of his wrist. "I do not know what the right choice is," he glanced back to you, searching your eyes as if they would give him the answer. You sympathised with him, having had this internal struggle since you'd first began working for Lorenzo.

"But you do know," you told him. As did you.

"Pardon?" He was confused, rightfully so.

"You do know what is right. Your heart knows," your eyes found Lorenzo's, he turned away as they did, exiting the banquet.

Vitelli seemed deep in contemplation at his words. "You've always known," you told him.

He nodded slowly, accepting your words. "I suppose I have," a hint of a grin fell on his features, "what helpful advice on a matter I have told you nothing of," he laughed, the stress fading away.

"I will not push any boundaries and dare ask," you began, Vitelli cutting you off.

"It is a Florentine matter. I suppose it would hold no importance to you even if I told you. But a young man was in attendance at this very banquet, attempting for my vote in a matter there," he explained, and you acted as if it was all new information to you.

"I see," you nodded along, "and his attempts?"

"I imagined would be futile. Still, I entertained him and now..." he trailed off, "I don't suppose you know Lorenzo de ‘Medici?" Your composure was tested, but you held it.

"Not personally, no," you shook your head, lying through your teeth, "but I have certainly heard of him and his family."

"And?" He pushed, desperate for your advice.

"You fear voting in his favour?" You took a sip of your drink, your eyes watching Vitelli for his reaction.

"Well no, certainly not, it's tha-" you cut off his ramble before it could begin.

"Things are not always as complicated as we make them, Messer," you could tell that whatever Lorenzo had done had worked. Vitelli would vote for him. You simply knew it.

"Maybe so," he took a drink himself, before a woman appeared behind him, gushing over his grandson, and he was pulled away from you.

"Thank you, Madonna!" You simply nodded at his brisk goodbye, finishing your drink before heading off yourself.

The warm reds of the sunset seemed to perfectly match your attire as you skipped down the front steps, feeling a chill as the night air crept over your skin. You were staying not too far from where the banquet was held, in another quaint inn. You set off down the road, until you sensed someone behind you.

Ready to strike, you spun around to Lorenzo already grinning at you. "You never told me you could dance."

[claudiasjeancregg]

ok um no preference between the two but 37 w/ Danny concannon/cj OR 23 with Leo mcgarry/Jordan Kendall (none of his love arcs get enough love :-((( ). Also, hi!!

hi!! thank you so much for sending in these prompts-. i couldn’t decide so i did both lmao. the first one’s pretty short though. i hope you’re having a good night!

23. “Just once.” Leo McGarry/Jordon Kendall (282 words)

“Just once.”

“No!”

Leo laughed at her stubborn expression.

“Come on,” he pleaded, in a way not appropriate for someone his age.

“Leo, I’m your lawyer,” Jordon replied, exasperated. “It wouldn’t be appropriate to-”

“You’re kidding me! At least give me a real excuse..”

Leo realized exactly how much he sounded like Josh as he said that. He wasn’t fond of that thought at all, so he pushed it away, continuing to bother her instead. Jordon held up a hand, pretending to ignore him, but the smile on her face gave away her true feelings.

“We won’t talk about anything work related, okay? I promise. No... nuclear disasters, or assassinations, or secret government plots.” Leo couldn’t help but grin at her glare.

“Too soon?”

“Yes! Leo-” Jordan threw her hands up in the air, like she didn't know where to begin with him. Leo caught them, taking advantage of her pause to pull her hands close to his chest. He smirked at the bewildered look on her face.

“Go to dinner with me. Tomorrow night.”

She started to protest, but stopped abruptly when Leo pulled away. She stood there, waiting for him to say something, but he just walked away.

“Leo!” she said, in that tone of voice he had grown increasingly familiar with recently.

“7:30. Old Ebbit Grill. I’ll see you there.”

He spouted off the details without looking back, smiling to himself as he left the room. God, he wanted her to come. He hadn’t wanted to get to know a woman like this in years- honestly, he barely remembered what to do.

All you have to do is show up, he reminded himself. The rest was up to her.

37. “Wanna dance?” CJ Cregg/Danny Concannon (812 words)

“Wanna dance?”

Danny slid up to her with a cocky expression, placing his arms on the bar right beside hers.

“Hello, Daniel,” CJ replied. She ignored his question completely. “I heard you were part of Josh’s master plan.”

He grinned at her, adjusting his tie with joking formality.

“Yes I was. We will go down in history- no, I’m serious!” he insisted.“We will go down in history as the most-”

“-idiotic men who have ever lived?” CJ interrupted.

An expression of mock hurt flashed over Danny’s face. CJ absolutely hated the moment of pause it gave her.

“No,” Danny scoffed. He started to come up with a comeback, but something about CJ’s face always made his brain stop working.

“Danny... should I be worried?”

She was being serious now, and he immediately knew what she was referring to.

“Nah. They’re- you know. It’s right in front of their eyes, but- no. Not tonight, at least.”

CJ sighed, not meeting Danny’s eyes. “I wish they could-“

“I know.”

The two of them never talked about Josh and Donna in specific terms- no one did- but it was on everyone’s mind tonight. Danny was still a reporter, of course- and as much as she hated it, she knew she could never fully trust him. Not right now. But today had proved to her, once again, that he actually cared. And maybe she could let go. It was the Inauguration Ball, after all. She could give him one night.

Danny really had thought that tonight would be the night for his two friends- with the way Josh had been talking about her, it seemed impossible that he hadn’t come to the same conclusion as everyone else.

He smiled thinking about it- “I swear, CJ, the way they were looking at each other-”

CJ’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me these things! I don’t want to know!”

He laughed, and after a moment, she laughed too. God, he had missed that laugh.  She never looked more radiant, more whole than when she laughed. In the past few days, there hadn’t been much to laugh about, though. At least today was a break- for them, for the President, for Josh and Donna.

“You look beautiful tonight, CJ.”

“Danny-“

“I'm not doing anything! I’m just saying, I think you look beautiful.” Her cheeks heated up, and she smiled.

“Thank you,” she whispered, lightly brushing a hand over his tie.

Danny couldn’t breathe as she touched him, freezing up for a moment. Her touch felt electric, and he didn’t know what he was supposed to do next except ask her to stay there forever. But that wasn’t an option. Right? 

“So,” he said, already preparing for her refusal. “How about that dance?”

CJ paused. Why was she actually considering this? You’re the press secretary, she reminded herself, and he’s a reporter. And-

“CJ, It’s just a dance.”

Damn, he was good. He always knew exactly what she was thinking- not that she necessarily minded.

“Right. Okay. Yes.”

His eyes bugged out, and CJ was brought back to the time she had accepted his invitation for a date- well, a “business dinner.” That had been a good night. She had been too busy to go out, but he hadn’t given up, coming to her office with Chinese food and sitting with her while she worked.

“Wait- really? You’ll dance with me?”

CJ grinned at him, stepping away from the bar counter. She held out a hand, and he clasped it tightly.

“Yes, Fishboy. One dance- don’t make me regret this.” He straightened up, and spun her close to him. Their proximity made her heart start racing. She had missed this, missed him- no one had ever made her feel like this beside him.

They walked onto the dance floor, and CJ had to fight the urge to look around. She knew people were watching, but for once, she really couldn’t care less. 

Danny noticed her expression tighten, but didn't say anything. Instead, he put his hands on her hips and pulled her closer. She felt herself relaxing, and wanted to say something- thank you, I’m sorry, can we do this forever? But she didn’t know how he would respond- well, no. She did know, and that terrified her. 

Danny felt her hands move, circling his neck more firmly. 

“Thanks for the dance,” he whispered into her shoulder. 

CJ shivered, just a little- her height made his positioning a little more intimate than it would be otherwise, but he wasn’t making a big deal out of it. Of course he wasn’t, she thought. It was Danny. 

That thought made her smile- it was Danny, and that’s why she was doing this. That’s why she had let her guard down, fully opening herself up for the first time since- well, since Simon.

“Anytime,” she responded- and to her surprise, she actually meant it.

that was so much fun!! i’ve never written for either of these pairings, for some reason- but i loved it. thank you so much for sending this in, i hope you liked them<3333 

come talk to me about this show/send more prompts whenever! xoxo

[jaehyunavenue]

a fool ♡ nyt {1.6k words}

pride and prejudice!yuta + y/n

in which mr. nakamoto proves to be the most infuriating of men.

"that's not to say that i'm fond of you," mr. nakamoto said, his chest pushed out, eyes as icy as a winter morning's frozen lake. you felt the crowd around you try to push back a gasp, but a few had found the challenge too hard.

"let's get out of here," your friend whispered to you, a warm hand guiding you through the crowd.

it had been a few months since your aforementioned best friend had announced her engagement to mr. dong sicheng, and society had been abuzz at the news of this pairing. so what else could've made this even more sensational, if not for mr. nakamoto, mr. dong's intimidating best friend, falling for the bride-to-be's soul sister? society was drinking this up.

the entire situation was infurtiating, because you had no idea where these rumors were coming from. a man like him had no shred of love left in his body, so how could he give it to someone else?

you had tried to call as little attention to yourself as you wove through the crowd, but this had proven to be nearly impossible. believing you'd finally get some more alone time with mr. nakamoto, you had followed the advice of your sisters and dressed up a bit. karma knew though, because she had come to tell you you should've known your place.

you were in the midst of an intellectual discussion, when you felt the people around you come closer. it's them, right? was the phrase on everyone's mind.

"you know, you're pretty smart, miss y/n," mr. nakamoto had simply stated. a few older women around you two snickered, and it seemed to have caught him off-guard.

"that's not to say i'm fond of you."

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"y/n, darling!" your mother shouted up the stairs. "please come down!"

you hurried to tie the ribbon in your hair, getting out of your room and instantly rushing down.

"what is it, mother dear?" you inquired.

"i've just received notice that your friend has come down with a fever! oh dear, could you fetch a carriage and send some soup to her? i believe both her and mr. dong sicheng are at mr. nakamoto's manor."

"she's what?" you asked again. you felt as if your heart would explode. recently, you'd heard of a new sickness that was claiming many lives, and it always started off with a simple fever. your heart automatically assumed the worse, so it didn't take you long before you carried the soup out.

"elizabeth, have you seen the carriage?" you asked your maid.

"miss, i believe your father had some important business in london. they're not to arrive in a week or two."

and so it wasn't long before you headed to the stalls, picked the healthiest-looking horse, and headed out.

"y/n!" your mother screamed. you could feel her anger, so you rushed, hoping she wouldn't catch up to you just as you were heading out.

your sister was right outside when she saw you speeding past her on her horse.

"who will marry you??" you could hear her temper from behind. "a lady never rides alone!"

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the newly-brewed storm was now in full swing, whipping your skirts around. your horse tried to gallop ahead, but her whines had slowly gotten more and more frequent.

"it's okay, it's just a storm," you tried muttering.

just at that second, your horse slipped and fell, and you fell in too. your pink dress was now a mix of browns and blacks, dirtied by mud.

and, as if that wasn't enough, your horse got up with a whine and raced back in the opposite direction.

to say you were having a bad day would be an understatement.

you got up, looking around. the heavy rain was making it hard to figure out where you were, but you could still manage to recognize some of the outlines around you. if you were correct, you were just over the halfway mark of your journey. it would take you about an hour and a half to continue, and about two hours if you wanted to head back home. there was only one rational choice.

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you were sure you looked like hell. the mud on your dress had dried in random spurts, your hair was drenched and stuck to your forehead, and the cold weather had made you develop a runny nose after just under two hours of walking. the soup you carried with you was now freezing cold, but you still made your way forward.

you had entered the front garden of mr. nakamoto, and even your soured mood couldn't help hiding the admiration in your eyes. you had heard about his family and his influence, but this garden was above what you had imagined. marble statues sat alongside perfectly trimmed trees, and the beautiful arrangements of roses occasionally gave way to tiny groves hiding elegant, but small fountains.

you turned around, feeling embarrassed at how your muddy footsteps had left marks on the gravel. the storm had quieted down meanwhile, and now you could think clearly. standing right in front of the door of the most gorgeous manor you had ever seen, you were seriously considering leaving the soup on the doorstep and heading back. your hand was angled already, ready to knock, but it slowly made its’ way down. how could you possibly come in, looking like this and knowing this was his house, especially after what he had told you last week?

you turned around, making your way back, when you heard the front door open.

"if my cat dragged in something looking like you, i'd throw it back out," his gruff voice greeted you. "come in."

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what had been one sick woman had become two sick women after your courageous trip. your mother was instantly assured of your safety and informed that you couldn't possibly come back home in the state you were in, and she had granted you permission to stay at mr. nakamoto's. after all, he could afford a better physician and was closer to him too, so you could only benefit from the situation. so why did you feel so out of place?

mr. dong sicheng was constantly calling friends over, trying to entertain his fiance and her best friend as well as possible and yet, your host had done nothing but give you the occasional odd eye. the drawing room conversations always ended with a snarky remark towards your side, which would result in everyone slowly dissipating to their rooms, and you'd be left in the dark of your chambers, trying to fight your cold off.

your friend was almost all better, but she refused to leave you alone, taking mr. dong sicheng and his entertaining skills away with her too. so, slowly but surely, you had started feeling like a bother, spoiling what was proving to be a gradually sunnier month. the physician said you were definitely on the road to getting better, it's just that you had a few symptoms that were harder to get through. so why did it feel like you were only getting worse?

the night was slowly settling in, and you eased yourself into your bed. just as you lay down, you felt your head ache aggressively, and it had taken you all you could muster to ring the maid bell before you passed out.

once you woke up though, the maid was not the one holding the cool, damp cloth to your forehead. instead, a pair of dark eyes had greeted yours'.

"the physician just left," mr. nakamoto had started. "he said this was likely your illness' last try, and you should definitely be improving after your fainting spell."

you mused over this new piece of information. yes, you did feel better. although you were still undeniably sick, you did not feel as weak as before. your cold was now just a pestering side-event, instead of a death sentence.

you tried to rise out of bed, but were met with protests. his hand touched your shoulder, and you could feel the warmth of his fingers through your nightgown as he pushed you back into bed. the man you had considered so stern and unforgiving proved to have the softest of touches.

"you know-" he began, voice heavy with what would soon become another harangue against your foolish ways.

"i know, i really do," you stopped him before he could continue. "i was stupid. i should've waited, or called for help, or-"

and yet, as his fingers pushed a curl of hair behind your ear, you could feel none of that condescending attitude he usually had.

"do you think that's what i was about to tell you?" he whispered back, the slight ghost of a mischievous smile flashing across his features, eyes angled to the floor.

"like you would miss the chance to remind me how much of a fool i am?" you fired back. your newly improved condition had offered some of your fire back to you.

"do you really think that's what i think of you?" he asked calmly, but his smile was now evident on his face.

"is it not? because if it isn't, you clearly aren't making it obvious. thank you for all the times you've made me seem inferior to you in front of society then." you shot at him, lower lip jutting out subconsciously.

he really must hate me, you thought. it seemed as though as he always tried to make you seem as stupid as possible, with his witty remarks and cool exterior, and especially in front of those deemed important. maybe that's why you were surprised as your thoughts got interrupted by his face, hovering just above your's.

"then maybe i should try harder," he said, almost sadly, and his thumb rested over your chin, just as his lips enveloped your's in the sweetest of kisses.

honk, she’s back. finals are (almost) over and i’ve been meaning to write this for a while (this was actually originally meant for jaehyun !!! but i thought yuta would fit better) and i finally got to doing it! so pls (hopefully) expect some more stuff in the upcoming week. as for now, thank you for reading <3333

p.s. istg if this doesnt show up in the tags ill LITERALLY rip my hair out

[noahreids]

Beauty in the Aftermath (CS FF) | 7/14

Summary: Confronted with the sudden appearance of her birth parents, Emma, in a moment of panic, runs. She flees the diner, Storybrooke, the country. She finds herself a day later in the Dublin, Ireland Airport terminal wondering what the hell she has gotten herself into. With some fear, a little determination and a considerable amount of faking it along the way, she sets off on a trip she never planned on taking but needed more than she ever knew. She finds herself, she finds a Brit adrift on his own journey and finds out what home really means.

Rated: M (Sexual content in later chapters & some Irish whiskey along the way).

Also on: AO3 | FFN Tumblr: [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 ] Art!: Cover | Ch.1 | Ch.3 | Ch.5 | Ch.7 |

A/N: I loved reading all your thoughts and reactions to the last chapter (and the story as a whole!) Thank you for all your support and love, it continues to overwhelm and bring me all the smiles. <3333

Please go check out the amazing art @imagnifika​ has made for this chapter! I love everything she’s done but, I adore how she’s brought the postcards to life and just shows perfectly the progression of these two. Thank you, Kate! xo

Always, thanks to @shippingtheswann for the cheering and beta work (go read her wonderful story!), @imagnifika for finding the heart of the story with her art, @halobxist & @meanderingcaptainswanmusings for everything xo. And please keep supporting all the other CSBB authors and artists. The content everyone is bringing is truly amazing.

And now the morning after...

Chapter 7

The hostel is quiet and still when Emma jolts awake, nearly falling to the side from her prone position against the wall. She barely manages to hold in her groan as she straightens her neck but she swallows it back when she feels warm breath against her stomach. She holds her whole body still as she looks down to find Killian has moved in the night.

He’s turned in his sleep, curled into her now. He looks younger despite his beard being more unkempt than usual, perhaps it’s the red in it that is coming through or that some color has returned to his cheeks. She feels a measure of relief that he appears to have slept through the night and there’s another feeling, one she won’t name yet that settles over her seeing him seek her out in his sleep.

She also really needs to pee. How inconvenient.

She tries to quickly figure out the logistics of getting out from under him without waking him up.

She has to hope, between the drink and the stressful day, that he’s a heavy sleeper. She gently lifts the pillow and although he shifts, he doesn’t wake. She manages to slide out from under him and gingerly gets to her feet, her whole body protesting the movements.

As she stretches, she mentally goes through her itinerary, trying to come up with a better plan for the day. She would rather not head out on the road right away. She bites her lip watching Killian sleep. She’s hesitant to make a decision without him but after his revelation the night before, part of her thinks he might regret passing Londonderry by.

She glances up as a thin strip of light slips through the curtains, dancing across her bare feet. She silently pads over to the window and peeks outside. The sun is just beginning to rise through the buildings. She watches as a man below wipes down a few tables and chairs, clearing them of the early morning dew. He continues with a practiced ease to set them up for breakfast, just as a delivery truck rumbles to a stop. A woman exits, calling out a greeting Emma can’t hear, but the smile that blooms across the man’s face is answer enough as he meets the woman around back. Together they cart in cellophane wrapped trays holding what looks to be pastries and sugary confections.

On cue, Emma’s stomach grumbles, a clear reminder they never got around to eating dinner the night before.

“Well I know where I’m eating,” she mumbles, giving a quick glance to Killian who continues to lightly snore through it all.

She looks back out the window and to the blue sky. It’s only sparsely marked with clouds, just wisps of a painter’s brush, likely to fade to nothing as the sun rises higher in the sky. A truly beautiful day, it would be a shame to miss it.

Emma gathers her things for the shower, and turns off both their alarms, the decision made.

She just hopes it’s the right one.

xo

Oh God, she hopes it’s the right one. She hopes this is not another of Emma’s rash decisions.

“Hey.” Emma mumbles to a guest going into the room beside her. She waits for the door to close before even attempting to open her own.  

Rash decisions. Rash, impulsive, careless – she stops her thought process and shakes her head. This one isn’t careless, as a matter of fact, she has put a lot of thought into this one. She’s even rehearsed exactly what she wants to say to Killian a dozen times before finding herself where she is at the moment. She’s had a full conversation while washing her hair and while she picked up coffee had planned her recourse if he absolutely wanted to leave.

She smiles thinking of the little café across the street.

The gentleman she had seen cleaning the tables earlier had greeted her warmly as soon as she hesitantly walked into the place. His name was Nemo and the café was his. He insisted she take an extra scone for Killian – she maybe had nervously mentioned her friend was under the weather but she wasn’t sure if he’d want one. Nemo had winked and handed her an extra after she paid. “This one's for you. You can decide what you do with the other, but heed my advice, a scone often makes everything a little better.”

Emma shifts one coffee to the crook of her elbow, grips the other in one hand and holds the bag of treats in her teeth while she searches her pockets for the room key. Once she finds it, she hovers over the handle trying to work up the courage to make the last step into the room. Half a dozen times she cancels in her mind all the new plans she’s made.

Might it not be best to let Killian take the lead?

But she can hear Ruby’s voice in the back of her mind, suck it up buttercup, she’d say. So, with resolve, Emma shoves the key into the lock and bursts into the room with a little more gusto than she had planned. She just manages to brace her chin on the coffee in the crook of her elbow before it slips out.

You got this, Swan – she thinks and allows herself a steadying breath.

“Alright there, love?”

Emma eyes shoot up towards the voice.

Killian is sitting up in bed, sheets around his waist, hair sticking up on one side. His eyes seem to still be adjusting to the light of day but there’s a small smile pulling at his lips and Emma feels a small part of her settle.

“Mm, perfect,” she mumbles around the bag, nudging the door closed with her foot. She crosses to the nearest flat surface, and carefully puts down the coffees and bag. She tucks her hands into her back pockets and turns to face Killian.

“Hi,” she adds, rocking back on her heels.

He shakes his head, a small smile peeking out, momentarily looking away but brings his gaze back to her, rubbing a hand through his unruly hair.

“Hi,” he answers, eyes squeezing shut. “My head is fucking pounding.”

She doesn’t mean to let the snort of laughter slip but it does and he narrows his eyes at her.

“Sorry,” she whispers and takes a few steps forward. He’s shaking his head again.

“It’s all my doing. You’re more than permitted to have a laugh at my expense.”

He swings his legs to the floor and attempts to push himself out of bed but his head must protest the movements because he drops his elbows to his knees and cradles his head in his hands.

Emma rushes to grab the pills she had laid out before leaving and joins him on the bed, sitting beside him.

“No, not at all, I didn’t mean, I um, I have pills that might help,” she trails off as his hand closes over hers. He tilts his head to look at her.

“It’s okay, love. Thank you.”

His thumbs rubs back and forth over her pulse point before sliding to take the pills.

“Uh, your water is —”

Emma motions to the head of the bed. He grabs the bottle and knocks back the pills in one smooth motion. She watches his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows and has to divert her eyes. She runs her hands nervously up and down her thighs.

“I have coffee for you, if you feel like your stomach can handle it. I also have a danish. Oh, and a scone. Nemo insisted I take it. Apparently it has healing properties.”

She goes to push off the bed but Killian’s hand slips to her thigh, giving her a little squeeze. She looks down at the long fingers, feels the heat of his hand. She looks over. He’s got his eyebrow raised.

“Nemo?” he asks.

“Oh. There’s a little coffee shop across the street. We should go there, to— later. Anyway, the man who owns the place, that’s Nemo. I think I looked a little frazzled, so he gave me a free scone.”

“You look lovely, as you always do,” Killian says quietly.

That’s absolutely not where Emma thought this conversation was going. She feels her cheeks flush. Actually, this is not at all how she thought this entire morning was going to go. She desperately tries to get her mind back on track but it’s difficult with his sleep rough voice and his warm hand on her thigh.

“Right, I mean, thanks,” she internally groans. What the hell is she doing? She shakes her head and tells herself to count to ten. Once she reaches it, she turns to face him and finds Killian watching her, eyes blue and clear. The weariness of the night before still lingers on the edges but it’s not nearly as staggering as the night before. The Killian she’s grown to know is back and her words get caught in her throat.

“You stayed with me all night.”

It’s not a question but she still doesn’t know how to respond, except if he knows that she stayed all night did he --

“Did you wake up? Did you have—,”

“No nightmares,” he answers without having to hear her question. She feels herself relax again. “Did you sleep?” he asks.

“I’m fine,” Emma answers quickly.

“Emma.”

“Of course I slept.”

It doesn’t look like he believes her so she decides to change the subject and go all in with her plan.

“I was thinking. Well, actually I woke up and looked out the window and the sun was shining and I thought, it’s an absolutely gorgeous day, it would be terrible to spend it in the car.”

She chances a glance his way and he appears to be waiting her out.

“Right. Um, so, I spoke with the owners and we can have this room for another night. I thought maybe you would want to spend another day here and see some of the things we missed yesterday. We can skip the night in Letterkenny and just head straight to Glencolumbkille tomorrow. It’ll be a longer drive but I don’t mind. Unless you do. Then I mean, we can do whatever you want. We can skip all of…” Emma’s words abruptly cut off when Killian’s fingers find her chin and tilt her face towards his.

Before she knows what’s happening his lips are pressed firmly to her forehead. He drops his head but not before she feels the scratch of stubble against her cheek, and the warmth of his lips ghost the corner of her mouth.

“Thank you,” he finally says.

She blinks up at him.

“Thank you for last night, for the coffee, for the extra day. It’s perfect.”

And he’s looking at her like she’s more than she is, like she’s the light and good he mentioned the night before. She doesn’t know how to handle that. He didn’t really mean it anyway, right?

“I’ll let you do what you have to do. There’s some books in the common room I wanted to look at,” she finally says instead of acknowledging his comments, pushing from the bed.

“Emma.”

“Take your time. We don’t have a schedule today,” she adds, grabbing her coffee and heading to the door.

“Emma,” he repeats in that same earnest tone.

She pauses, hand on the handle.

“You’re welcome, Killian.”

She takes a deep breath.

“But it’s not necessary. Anything you need, anything.”

And before he can say anything else, she slips out of the room. She closes the door with a soft click and leans back against it, suddenly desperate to catch her breath.

She has a fleeting thought, a moment where she almost questions what the hell she is doing. What the hell are all these emotions welling up inside her? Emotions that would normally send her into a panic but as she catches her breath, there is something about the way her heart is pounding that doesn’t make her want to run. It makes her happy to be right where she is.

Huh. Curiouser and curiouser.

xo

Staying is the right decision after all.

She knows it is as they amble about the town with no real direction, the contrast from the day before remarkable. There is no pressure to rush through it all, there’s an ease to their exploring, and Killian seems to take everything in with a new appreciation. His camera comes out, slowly at first but more confidently as the day goes on, he spends time explaining a lot of what Liam had been drawn to when they had originally planned to come.

She knows it’s the right decision as the shadows slip from his expression and she knows it because he tells her so, when he surprises her with a tight hug and a thank you pressed into her hair.

It’s nearing the end of the day when they sit in companionable silence on a bench by the river Foyle, soaking in the last of the sun. They watch as pleasure crafts drift by and salmon fishermen pull into the warf with the last of their haul.

“I’ve often thought, when I managed to be rational about it, that I wouldn’t have made a good Navy man,” Killian says out of blue, not taking his eyes off the closest wharf. There are a few men securing lines, their laughs carrying across the water.

She turns to take in Killian’s profile, there’s a small breeze and it catches in his hair and she pictures him at the helm of a ship.

“Why’s that? Because I can see you on the water.”

His gaze travels slowly to hers and his mouth ticks up as if he can somehow read her thoughts. She feels the blush heat her face and he must see it too because he reaches out to draw a finger across the apple of her cheek.

He’s been doing that a lot more too, reaching out, touching. Whether it’s a hand on her back, or a squeeze to her arm. She almost convinces herself it’s just the after effects of the night before. She’s simply a steadying presence. But then his eyes linger longer, they drop to her lips and Emma catches herself leaning in a little more, thinking a little more, wanting a little more.

Killian taps the tip of her nose with his index finger and laughs when Emma shifts back, nose scrunched up.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t like to be on the water. Quite the opposite, I’d love to be able to work on the water. Liam and I, we used to work on small vessels, minor maintenance, swabbing the deck at the end of each day. I didn’t feel I would ever graduate past an ordinary seaman but eventually I came across a captain that appreciated my hard work. That old man entertained my questions, gave me new tasks and eventually taught me a few things about the mechanics of the ship, where he got his own start and allowed me to tinker further with a few things. It’s why I went into marine engineering.”

Killian pauses to look back out at the water.

“So why not a Navy man then?”

He shrugs but there’s more to it, so she waits him out, more than happy to watch the color of the fading sun dance across his features. Eventually, with a wry smile, he speaks.

“I’ve been known to have a hard time following orders. A little headstrong perhaps. Liam was always the more dependable Jones.”

Emma turns on the bench, bringing her legs up to sit cross legged and tilts her head to study him. He glances at her out of the corner of his eye. She can’t quite read his expression but she doesn’t like what he’s not saying, selling himself short.

“I’ve come to depend on you,” she whispers and it has his eyes snapping to hers. “I could have muddled through this trip alone but, I’m really glad I don’t have to.”

Killian opens his mouth to say something but she doesn’t give him a chance.

“And you know, I see a man in front of me that I’m absolutely convinced Liam would be proud of.”

He blinks at her wide-eyed, lost for words, so she simply shrugs, studying him further until an idea pops into her head.

“A pirate then perhaps? Captain of your own boat.”

He throws his head back and laughs, her statement breaking the tension. He shakes his head, eyes dancing across her face.

“Ship, Swan.”

“Ok, Pirate Killian, your own ship.”

“Mmm, you might be onto something,” he agrees and his smile is back. They both turn back to the water, and watch as the sky fades further to yellows and pinks.

“Wait. Give me your best pirate smolder. Can’t be a pirate captain and not have the look down.”

He chuckles softly and for a moment she doesn’t think he is going to do it but then he schools his features and looks away.

“You dare question this Captain’s smolder?” he asks dropping his voice lower, a small air of menace before turning to stare her down.

She had been kidding but –

“Uh,” Emma mumbles her mouth dropping open a little, clearly unprepared. His grin is wide and delighted, and his whole appearance changes morphing once again back into the Killian she –

She what?

The Killian she really, really cares about.

“And will you be my wench? Scouring the seas with me?” he asks and laughs at the unimpressed look she gives him. He wraps his arm around her shoulders and pulls her close. “My first mate then?”

She pretends to think about and finally looks up.

She’s closer than she realized, she’s close enough that another inch would bring her lips to his and she has a fleeting thought, would he taste like the sea? Would he taste like home?

She swallows hard and looks down but not without accidentally brushing her nose along his jaw.

“We could negotiate something, co-captains maybe,” she finally whispers.

She can feel his laugh more than she can hear it, so she presses herself closer, happy when his arm slips lower, holding her tighter.

“As you wish, love.”

xo

They don’t have a late night, instead they fill up on fish and chips and turn in early, each retreating to their side of the room, Killian finding a book to read and Emma looking through her guidebook for the coming days.

Emma pulls out the postcard she was using as a placeholder, a similar view of the waterfront they had been watching earlier. Her finger traces across the sailboats dotting the dark water before flipping it over.

Let’s sail away...

You said that earlier, taking my hand and leading us towards dinner.

I didn’t say anything out loud but I hope you know my answer.

Today, tomorrow, whenever.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Emma’s pen stills on the last exclamation mark as Killian’s yawns become to frequent to ignore. She stows the card away and watches as he rubs his eyes, clearly exhausted, but forcing himself to stay awake. He blinks in an attempt to focus on the pages in front of him.

“It’s almost eleven. I guess we should get some sleep if we want to get on the road early tomorrow. We have a longer drive than normal ahead of us.”

She waits for his reaction, even though she’s pretty sure she knows what he’s doing.

He startles and looks up, minor panic in his expression but he hides it quickly.

“Right. Yeah, we probably should.”

She gets up from her bed, as an idea forms. She keeps her back to him, worried she won’t be able to lie without him picking up on it.

“I’m going to go see if I can settle up with the place, let them know we’ll be off early. Why don’t you use the bathroom first.”

She pretends to look through her bag and grabs the first piece of paper she sees. She looks over at Killian who is staring at his bunk, scratching behind is ear.

“Killian?”

“Yeah, yeah. Sure,” he mumbles and she feels a little bad but she also thinks she knows how he’d have reacted if she made her suggestion obvious. She slips out of the room but doesn’t close the door fully. She waits just on the other side, and when she hears the click from the bathroom door, she heads back in.

It’s a quick rush to pull her sleep clothes on and situate herself in his bunk, this time she brings her own pillow and props herself up. She busies herself on her phone and doesn’t look up when he emerges from the bathroom.

She doesn’t think either of them breathe.

“Emma,” he says softly, her name an exhale.

“Mmm?” she hums, just barely glancing up. He’s frozen in the doorway, clutching his t-shirt to his bare chest.

She hadn’t anticipated that. She focuses on her phone but pats the narrow bunk beside her.

He takes a few steps forward and she peeks up. He’s ringing the t-shirt in his grip.

“You don’t have to do this,” he finally says.

She drops her phone to her lap and fixes him with an unimpressed look, although inside, her heart is beating frantically.

“Of course I don’t have to, I want to. Come to bed,” she says, glad her tone doesn’t hint at her nerves.

He shifts from side to side, jaw clenching.

“You won’t be comfortable,” he argues but they both know it’s a half-hearted at best. Emma stares him down a moment before rearranging her pillow beside his. She lays down on her side and makes a show of settling in her spot.

“Oh my god, your bed is sooo much more comfortable than mine. I guess we’ll have to share. It wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of you to impose uncomfortable sleeping arrangements on me.”

She takes his small snort of laughter as a victory. He still waivers a moment but ultimately drops his shirt and brace over his bag and quietly pads over to turn off the light.

“I don’t quite believe your logic really holds up,” he whispers into the dark.

“But?” she prompts, eyes adjusting to the darkness. He crosses the room and carefully sits on the edge of the bunk, looking down at her.

“But I’m too bloody tired to argue and --” his words trail off as he shakes his head and lowers himself to his pillow, pulling his legs onto the bed. He settles on his side, back to her, as stiff as ever.

But Emma, rather than doing the same, chooses not to hesitate, instead she brings the covers up and slides closer. She brings her hand to his hair and resumes her movements of the night before and decides to not let him off the hook so easily.

“And what, Killian?” she whispers, her breath ghosting across his bare shoulders, lips itching to follow the same path but knowing it’s not the right time.

He reaches back, stilling her movements and pulls her arm around him, resting her hand over his heart. And instead of panicking, she lets her body melt into his warmth. How can she panic over something that feels so right?

“And it’s hard to argue against something I so desperately want.”

She freezes over his confession but her heart kicks up into a beautiful mess.

She presses her lips to his shoulder, and whispers her words so close that hopefully, he not only hear them but feels them against his skin as well.

“I’m right here. You’ve got me, I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

His breath shudders out but his grip tightens on her hand and best of all, he doesn’t argue, finally falling asleep in a matter of minutes.

“I’m yours,” she finds herself whispering into his skin before drifting off herself.

----

Thanks for reading!

Tell me, Emma and Killian went for fish and chips for comfort food, what’s yours?

See you next week for Chapter 8!