#Though there’s only really a select few that yell in this sort of accusatory way and point fingers and I’m thinking of Idyllia!

[softservesoymilk]

Bitches be fighting (it’s the head children 😘☺️)

[kdelarenta]

3:00 am

pairing: sebastian wynric x f!speaker

rating: umm kind of angst kind of ?? idk

notes: had to delete the previous version because tumblr is acting up, sebastian belongs to @speakergame

tagged: @pearlsandsteel , @aplethoraoffictionalboys

She should be sleeping,she knows this.This isn't the first shitty motel she's had to stay in and not the first time a lovely neighbour decided to have some 'fun' (very loud fun) at three in the morning.

Good for them - at least they're getting some.

She just wishes it wasn't at three in the fucking morning,she hasn't been sleeping well as it is and she has to drive tomorrow. Sebastian did offer to take over though - of course he did. She can't explain it really,she still wants to drive. Josephine wasn't  a person who could give someone else the wheel or a person who could just sit in the back seat (and relax). If she wasn't on a mission, she was training. If she wasn't driving,she was navigating. If she had free time,she was watching Emily - making sure she's okay. She doesn't think she can stop. Still it doesn't matter,she doesn't think.(about any of it really,she jumps and kicks and runs and saves and punches and then punches some more when she can't. can't save - can't save everyone).

Yeah...she's not going to sleep any time soon. Kicking the sheets off does nothing to keep off the heat that's been suffocating her since she layed down.

Getting a drink from that wending machine she saw in the hallway doesn't seem like a bad idea at all.

Catching sight of herself in the mirror she can see that she looks like hell,it's like the constant unease she's been feeling had managed to bleed out all over her face. She was wearing her pajamas- black shorts and an oversized grey t-shirt with a questionable quote ( god she would never ever buy it on her own but Em saw it and thought it looked cute and gave her that goofy smile and of course she had to buy it). Smiling despite herself she decides to go out anyway. It's three in the morning,no one's going to see her .

The hallway is quiet besides the constant moans and groans and shouts of someone's name - Paul. Well damn Paul. She's fully grinning now,she can't even bring herself to be mad. Taking a few turns she makes her way to the wending machine. Choosing from all the drinks is easy once she spots her favorite,she puts in the money,selects the drink and waits. The drink starts to move and then stops midway. Sighing,she presses the number again but the can is still stuck. She presses again - nothing.

,,Oh come on" she groans to no one in particular and smacks the machine. Nothing - the can just stays the same,mocking her.

Yeah,fuck this.

She's already halfway through the debate of whether she should continue kicking the machine or just going back to bed when she notices she's not alone. Sebastian is standing by the wall behind her. She doesn't know how long he'd been standing there but the small amused smile on his face gives away that he definitely saw everything. Great.

,,What?"

The accusatory tone and the wild hand gestures sure aren't helping her look any less embarrassed.

,,I want a Cola"

The tone of her voice brings out a low chuckle that warms her from the inside out. Just her luck that he's the one who's awake right now. It's not the first time that fate,karma or whoever has tried to shove promises of love and happiness in her face. Putting them just at the right place at the right time,taunting her with the things she wants but can't afford to have. This time feels different though,like they're more tightly intertwined instead of loosely vowen together. It'd be cruel really, if she wasn't enjoying it so much.

He makes his way over to her,stopping in front of the machine to examine it closely. That smile is still there as he pulls out a few bills and puts them in the machine. She watches him put in the same numbers and low and behold,both cans of soda fall down without a hitch. She's way more impressed than she should be but she does a good job of hiding it behind a carefully neutraled face and a small 'thank you'. He looks pleased with himself as she slowly sips the soda - the cool drink does nothing for her because now she's warm for a completely different reason. Neither of them talk as the moment continues interrupted only by the noise that starts up again and can somehow still be heard from over there.

,,Something keeping you up?"

His mocking tone is rewarded by a sharp glare that only seems to amuse him more.

,,Ha ha,very funny" her words are dry but she's still smiling. Their amused glance soon turns into one of their staring contests. Neither of them wants to back down and she wants to think that's it's just because they're both incredibly stubborn and not because they want to keep looking at each other's eyes. The thought brings a different sort of unease - every glance,every comeback,every accidental touch feels wrong,like she should know better (and she should). That's why she looks away first,like she always does.

,,So did you just want to play comedian or is there a reason why you're awake?"

Changing the subject - always a safe bet. The words are a little harsher than she intends them to be but he doesn't seem bothered. She's convinced he simply doesn't care because the possibility that he might actually be onto what she's doing makes the unease spread all the way from her stomach to her throat.

,,I was reading the case files again" There's a pause, she sees him tense for a moment. ,,This one feels..."

,, - tricky."

,, - different."

They turn to look at each other, settling in the feeling of quiet understanding. He gives a small nod.

So it's not just her.

She knows it's risky business . She remembers the early years - the first cases. The high of returning someone safely home , the hope of helping people live another day,the pride of being useful,of making a change. From that high - there's only one way down.

She remembers Em crying,lifeless bodies and the smell of blood under the shower. Waiting for Emily to fall asleep so she can cry too - figure out how she's going to look herself in the mirror tomorrow. It takes years.It takes practice. The words are clear and strict and second nature.

,, We can't save everyone."

,, I know."

She has to stop herself from asking how he knows - it's not her place. It's better like that anyway,she lets Em be positive and fly for a bit but she's right there to ground her again before she falls. Lost in thought she almost misses the way he's been analyzing her. His eyes skim over her face,briefly stopping at her eyes until they stop to her shirt. She expects him to smile or make a comment. Nothing.

,,Let me drive tomorrow."

She almost doesn't let him finish,the words leaving her mind before she registers them.

,,No need,I'll drive."

,,You're exhausted Josephine."

The strict look he gives her makes her want to roll her eyes. She wants to shout in frustration. It's fine. Why are you like this?

,,I'll manage."

This seems to set him off judging by the scowl quickly forming on this face. They're going to start shouting soon aren't they?

,,Why are you always like this? Just let me do this for you."

The words make her inhale sharply. The need to backtrack is almost suffocating, to just run to her room and leave him here or to just shout whatever to make him let it go.But she can already feel the agitation melting from her face. She can't yell, she can't argue, it's three in the morning and she's tired.

She takes a deep breath,wondering how people do this. How it comes so easy,spilling your soul all over the floor and watching it stain shoes. His shoes are clean - they should remain so. She can't see her face but whatever expression she has makes his soften almost too quickly in return. Maybe he's tired too ( tired of her).

,,Um.." is all that escapes her, an unintelligent sound amongst the thousand words that want to claw their way out.

,, I'm not ungrateful."

She hopes she sounds convincing but all she can focus on is the desperation that seeps out. Out of guilt or out of the inability to explain.

,, I know." he breathes out. And she knows he means it,his eyes are too honest and too soft when they find hers. It really is unfair, all of it.

,, I don't have the luxury of trusting people." The words stick like honey as she drags them out. She should probably say more,she should say more - because it's Sebastian and he's here and he understands.

,, Then trust me"

He sounds so resolute,so honest that she can't look him in the eye,she wouldn't dare. Her ears are pulsing,she's going to explode so instead she focuses on his hands. They're warm - she knows this. She wants to make a home there. She wants to put down roots,stay locked in them forever and surrender to the blazing warmth of a thousand suns. She can see it so clearly - the late night conversations,coffee dates,game nights with Emily, warm embraces and soft kisses.

This isn't the first daydream showed down her throat and it won't be the last. After the case he's going to leave. He'll get payed, he'll leave and she'll never see him again and that will be the end of it.

He won't be there when she eventually fails, she won't get the chance to fail him and she's glad.

She shakes her head and heads back to her room.

She's glad.

[seriouslyhooked]

Under Your Persuasion

It’s the coldest Valentine’s Day on record, and Killian and Emma decide the best way to spend the holiday is a quiet dinner, some mood music and a little Netflix…and chill. Rated M. Also on FF Here and AO3 Here.

A/N: Here is an unexpected fic in honor of Valentine’s Day this week! Two years ago today I wrote this story about Killian and Emma on Valentine’s Day, and it still remains one of my favorite oneshots I have had the pleasure of writing. I’ve added a bit to this chapter of fluffy, smutty goodness, so I hope you all enjoy and thanks for reading!

“I had it all planned, Swan. I gathered intel from every corner of this town and even that blasted internet with Belle’s help!” Killian waved his hook around in frustration as he gave Emma his thoughts on the new obstacle separating them from their night out, one that the both of them had been waiting on for quite a while.

Emma smiled despite herself as Killian shuddered at the very thought of the computer, as if the internet was still this evil, undesirable thing. But he was right, Valentine’s Day was something people usually planned for and no one could have planned for this cold front. Negative five degrees Fahrenheit, feels like negative thirty? It was insanity and there was no way either of them were leaving this house now that the bug wouldn’t start and everywhere in town was closed to fend off the frigid temps.

“We can always do Valentine’s Day tomorrow if you want,” Emma offered. Killian’s eyes flashed an accusatory glance at the mention of such a possibility.

“And admit defeat?” Emma laughed at his resistance, moving towards him and running her fingers over his chest before her hand came to rest above his heart.

“Or we could just stay in. Make dinner, watch a little Netflix and then…” The rest of her thoughts didn’t require vocalization. Killian seemed to like the unspoken promise of what might come after the Netflix, especially if his hand and hook coming around her waist were any indication.

“Perhaps this blasted cold isn’t such a bad thing after all,” Killian said swiftly before he bent down to her lips for a kiss. At the contact Emma felt herself warming up, despite the chill that clung around the whole of the town. Before long the kiss deepened, and if Emma were honest with herself, both of them were definitely to blame for things taking a not so PG turn. Finally, however, she pulled back, intent on creating a night to remember even if it was just a night in at the house.

“Later,” she promised before taking a step back and putting some space between them.

Killian looked like he may argue that point a bit but ultimately nodded and moved past her to the kitchen, one of Emma’s favorite parts of their home. It had, in many ways, become the central space. A place where she, Killian, Henry, and often the rest of their friends and family came together to celebrate the peace they’d all found recently. But tonight there was no big gathering. It was just the two of them, since Henry was out at Regina’s, and Emma couldn’t regret that fact when she knew all that awaited her and her husband this evening.

Unsurprisingly, Killian took the lead on making dinner and Emma knew better than to step on his toes when he was in the zone. He was more than able to make them a lovely meal, hell he’d done it enough over the past few months once Henry finally foisted some cookbooks from their realm that didn’t require mackerel or the like. But there was a known fact in the Swan/Jones household that as good as Killian might be at prepping a meal, Emma’s getting too close ran the risk of upending that. It seemed her pirate was easily distracted, at least when it came to her.

Instead of offering to be his second then, Emma focused on the table and the wine and putting on a bit of music for the two of them to listen to. She flipped through the stations until landing on the classics and through the speakers they were crooned to by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin. Eventually one of Emma’s favorite songs came on, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” It was an old standard, one that had been sung time and again by all sorts of artists, but tonight, the music gods were blessing her with the Ella Fitzgerald rendition, which was undoubtedly Emma’s favorite. She swayed a bit to the opening instrumentals and felt herself singing along to the words quietly.

I’ve got you under my skin I’ve got you deep in the heart of me So deep in my heart that you’re really a part of me I’ve got you under my skin I’d tried not to give in

Emma felt Killian approach despite the fact that he was intentionally sneaking up behind her in that stealthy way of his. She enjoyed the feel of his arms coming around to hold her hips and pull them back against him. His mouth bent down to kiss her cheek and Emma closed her eyes for a moment, luxuriating in the feel of him with her. Tonight they were safe and together, and that was a truly magical thing.

“The food?” Emma asked, not actually giving a damn even as she inquired given how good it felt to be here with Killian.

“It will keep. Dance with me, love.”

He didn’t need to ask her twice. At the request Emma around and stepped into his arms as they moved about the space between the dining room and the living room with the ease and grace of a couple in love. It was something similar to that dance they’d shared when he was a prince and she was his princess back in the Enchanted Forest, or that time he’d distracted her from Darkness in Camelot, but it was also something from this world too. It blended into the perfect kind of movement, making for a perfect moment where two hearts were one.

I said to myself this affair never will go so well But why should I try to resist when, baby I know you so well I’ve got you under my skin

“I do, you know, have you under my skin,” Killian said in response to the song and Emma rolled her eyes at his comment to stave off too sappy a moment. Even all this time later she found herself resisting being too overtly cute, but Killian never wavered, always offering her compliments and cheesy moments to satisfy her secretly romantic heart.

“That line work on all the girls?” Killian scoffed in reply.

“What maidens have I known in this realm other than you? Besides, you know well enough that nothing else has ever compared to you, Emma,” Killian responded and Emma sighed dramatically, even though his words sent a happy thrill shooting through her.

“Do you make a habit of talking while dancing?” Emma countered and he threw her one of those goofy smiles, pulling her body slightly closer.

“Only with you, Swan.”

I’d sacrifice anything come what might For the sake of having you near

Two more lines were all it took for Killian to feel commentary was necessary again, and though Emma feigned continued annoyance, she loved the thoughts he felt were necessary to share with her.

“Well that part is true enough. You beat out everything else I’ve ever known, Swan,” Killian professed.

“Everything?” Emma asked jokingly.

“Aye, love, anything and everything.”

“Even rum?” Emma teased and he laughed, mumbling about how she was too bloody smart, but that yes she would always trump his libation of choice.

In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night And repeats, repeats in my ear Don’t you know, little fool, you never can win? Use your mentality, wake up to reality

This time it was Emma’s turn to make a confession of her own that she thought Killian would like to hear. It was years in the making, and it had taken a long and winding road for Emma to feel safe and ready enough to say things like this.

“That little voice in the back of my head went quiet a long time ago,” Emma whispered and Killian’s hook ran across her back in a soothing motion, a sign of silent affirmation that he appreciated her words.

“Is that right, love?” Emma nodded, her eyes locked on his gleaming blue ones.

“Mhmm. Because this is the new normal. Having you, loving you, is the most natural thing to me now.”

Killian’s responding grin was warm and filled with love and hope, and it made those same butterflies that were never far away when he was here surge to the surface. True love, Emma had found, didn’t mean that they never fought or argued or faced tough trials. It just meant that Emma was certain of Killian, and that her heart was devoted to his fully. There was no room for old fears and hang-ups. Not anymore.

But each time that I do just the thought of you Makes me stop before I begin Cause I’ve got you under my skin

Emma laid her head against his shoulder, loving the safety she felt in Killian’s arms and knowing that the magic between them was true and that their love merited more than celebration once a year. Valentine’s Day was an excuse to make more time for each other but it was hardly the only time they felt this connection. Her romantic pirate captain made sure of that, and over time Emma had evolved to seek out such special moments as well. The thought of that transformation and the man that made it possible made Emma really joyous.

I would sacrifice anything come what might For the sake of havin you near In spire of the warning voice that comes in the night And repeats, how it yells in my ear Don’t you know, little fool, you never can win? Why not use your mentality, step up, wake up to reality? But each time I do just the thought of you Makes me stop just before I begin Cause I’ve got you under my skin Yes, I’ve got you under my skin

As the song wound down, Emma looked back up at Killian who stepped away and raised one of her hands to his lips. With just a look that told her of his love, he walked back into the kitchen to finish up their meal and Emma moved to the TV to select a movie.

She really didn’t want one of the generic February 14th flicks. No Valentine’s Day or He’s Just Not That Into You for them. And much as Emma might like to watch one of the ridiculously over the top action movies Henry had laying around, she always felt bad for Killian who needed to ask question after question about logistics to follow. Inspiration struck however, when she thought back to their dancing together.

The joke about his talking when he danced reminded her of Pride and Prejudice, which the two of them had already seen roughly five times together because Killian was an avid fan, but Jane Austen had five other published books all made into movies. In the end, Emma decided on Persuasion, one of her favorites that she felt never got enough credit. It also didn’t hurt that it followed the daughter of the aristocracy and a naval Captain. It seemed particularly fitting actually. She brought it up to the Netflix queue and let it sit while they enjoyed their candle lit dinner in the dining room. Some time later they were ready for the movie and Emma gave Killian the basic rundown of the story.

“Anne Elliot is a woman of a certain age who let the love of her life get away because she let herself be persuaded that they weren’t a good match.” Killian looked disapproving at Emma’s summary.

“She let herself be persuaded to leave him behind?” Killian asked and Emma nodded.

“Yeah, but they get a second chance and-,” Killian was stuck on the first part still and interrupted.

“You mean to tell me she found love, a love she sees as true, and let someone persuade her to forsake it?” Emma nodded again. He growled low. “That is unfathomable. There’s no way you could relate to that, is there Swan?”

Emma felt her heartbeat quicken at the gruff tone of his words and the trail of sensation his fingers left as they moved about her body. She shook her head, seeking to calm the distress that was causing his heightened response.

“No I know myself enough to make my own decisions.” Killian smiled at her words and pulled her closer to him.

“Aye love, and you’ve decided on me, largely thanks to my persuasions.”

With those words said, Killian’s mouth closed in on Emma’s in a scorching kiss that Emma gave herself over to freely. She moved her hands up behind his neck, felt her fingers intertwine with soft hair as she arched closer to him for more contact. His hand made its way under the soft cotton of her red dress that she’d donned for the evening at home and she felt his fingers move up towards where she wanted them most. He growled when he realized she wasn’t wearing anything underneath.

“You’ve been bare for me all this time, Swan?”

“I know how much you like that,” Emma quipped breathily, living for the hunger in his eyes right now.

His hand trailed further to where she wanted him, his thumb circling her clit and causing her breath to catch. Emma let out a sigh with his name on her lips urging him on. Soon two of his other fingers filled her, driving her crazy, pushing her to the brink so quickly. She came down from the climax and felt Killian lifting her from the couch to their bedroom. Once there, he set her down and helped her remove the dress as she worked to remove the belt from his dark jeans along with the shirt and vest he wore. It was a process, but once over the reward was great. Like always, the sight of him naked before her made Emma’s blood hum with attraction and lust. It made her need to touch him spike and her want for his touch to skyrocket.

“You’re even easier to read when in the throws of passion, my love,” Killian whispered, his eyes never leaving her and never failing to display the enormity of his feelings for her.

Emma sighed into his touch as he led her back to their bed. He took his time kissing down her neck, across her breasts, focusing on her nipples with the nips and sucks that Emma needed. When she felt near drowned in desire, he moved further down the flat planes of her stomach, to her hip, down her thigh, opening her legs to expose her for his taking. When his mouth was on her center she couldn’t help but buck against him, accepting the mindless pleasure that he so willingly bestowed, breathless and needy until he set her flying again.

In those gloriously bright moments she felt so free, so above all of the world’s evils. Only Killian could give her this, and only Killian could bring that feeling to her everyday with just a look. She loved him so much that there weren’t words. As she came back down from the crushing high, she pulled him back up to look in her eyes.

“I could never be persuaded to leave you. Never again. You’re it for me now and always,” Emma promised.

Killian smiled, not the cocky grin of a self-assured pirate, but the boyish one of a man who was truly happy. She kissed him, tasting herself on his lips and she used the distraction to switch their positions so she was on top. Emma worked his now achingly hard cock with her hands, loving the way she controlled his pleasure just as much as he controlled hers. When he was close, she lined herself up with him and rode him, bringing them both that sense of connection they thrived off of. Their rhythm was hard and fast, both of them calling each other’s names as they chased that special brand of ecstasy that this kind of love provided. When they’d reached it, the two of them lay for a moment together in the comfort of each other’s arms. Finally Emma spoke again.

“It’s still a good movie though.”

Killian chuckled low at her claims about the movie he had long since forgotten and pulled her from bed, throwing one of his shirts over her and bringing her back to the couch. He pressed play on the remote and after a while agreed that she was right. The story was intriguing, a look at how sometimes love couldn’t bear the brunt of outside influence. Some people weren’t lucky enough to have the faith that Emma and Killian did. In the end love still won out for Anne and her Captain, but neither Killian or Emma envied it. What they had was perfect for them, crazy fairytale antics or not, and as the credits rolled, Emma showed Killian just how much she appreciated their personal story all over again.

Years later, when Emma looked back at the memory of that day, it may not have been the grandest Valentine’s in the course of all the one’s they shared, but it was one of her favorites. It was a moment of peace and love between just the two of them, a time when the world was both incredibly small and filled with possibility. And after all, how many people really got that on Valentine’s Day?

Post-Note: Getting to feature of of my favorite songs and one of my favorite movies in one onsehot was a huge excitement factor for me when I first published this story, and I can safely say I loved coming back and reading/reworking this once again. Anyway, I hope you all have had a lovely Valentines and that at the very least everyone has maxed out on their candy quota for a while. Thank you so much for reading, and have a great rest of your day!!

[oc-fics]

~On the Edge~

Fanfic for @skipperwing, featuring The Crimson Fly (Below cut for length)

In retrospect, wearing a mask and leaping out into a stranger’s presence in the worst part of town could be misinterpreted as an attempted mugging. With a wry grumble, the Crimson Fly rubbed their aching shoulder. That old lady must have had bricks in her handbag! That’d be the last time CF would offer help with someone’s groceries. Well… last time for that particular night. Unless someone else was struggling with groceries. Then maybe. Probably. Okay, they’d definitely get help.

Blasted moral compass.

Steady dripping echoed in the depths of the city’s storm drains as the costumed kid trudged along the fractured sidewalks, choosing to save energy on flashy leaps and general acrobatics for the moment an audience was present. The cat following behind didn’t count. Yet. As desperately boring as the evening was becoming, though, no crime on the radar was a good thing, right? In theory it was. Of course it was. But… quiet nights were also uncomfortable; allowing whispering doubts to creep their miasma straight into any self confidence about the sort of difference a masked vigilante might be making in the world.

“Hey, kid! Halloween was last month. What the heck are you doing in a place like this?”

CF blinked and turned toward the voice. Just a patrolling officer.

“Uh,” CF paused to pick at the neck of their costume, stalling. “You know. Fighting the good fight? Keeping watch over a sleeping city? Trying to lose the cat who’s been following me for an hour because I smell like tuna because I fell in the dumpster behind the fish market because I misjudged a jump and it’s not like I need a reminder about-“

“Breathe, kid.” the officer interrupted with a wince.

“Right. Whew…”

“Officer Edge,” the badge on his chest was indicated by way of an introduction. “I’m just glad you’re not, ya know, a goblin or somethin’. This is a spooky shift, I’ll tell ya. It’s really been rustling my jimmies if you know what I mean. The jimmies. They aaaaare rustled. Probably best for you to scoot along home.”

Was that an attempt at humor? Something to calm a wandering child? How irritating. It was only sometimes that the mighty Crimson Fly was denied entry to a PG-13 movie, and maturity had nothing to do with a number anyway! Couldn’t the cop see the tricep definition? Did he need a ticket to the gun show??? Deflating a little from the internal argument, the Crimson Fly decided to forgo making too many assumptions just yet and simply responded with a forced chuckle of recognition. Pick your battles to win your wars. Time to make an exit.

“Thanks, officer Edge. I’ll do that.”

“Sounds like a plan,” the officer smiled. “OH! But stay away from 3rd Street, yeah? That’s where we’ve seen all those goblins, and holy moley you do not want to run into one of those! They bite. Dunno why I said that. The bus stop outta here isn’t anywhere near 3rd Street. Oh, well! Have a good night, pajama dude!”

As the officer turned on his heel, pajama dude squinted up at the street sign. 2nd Street was spelled out in peeling white font, paralleling 3rd Street just through a squat row of various businesses. Well, now it had to be investigated! To keep up appearances, CF marched in a completely different direction long enough to be certain that nobody would follow… besides that cat!!! GO HOME ALREADY!!!

Maybe up and over would be the best approach. With a bracing hop in place, they sucked in a harsh breath and leaped up to scale the wall of a tall apartment building, finger pads stuck fast to the aged brick. It was working. It wouldn’t fail tonight. One hand after the other… concentrate… don’t look down. It played on repeat as a personal mantra of success. Soon enough, a perfect height presented itself to launch in a flailing arc to force a fall or flight response spasming through their body to trigger the buzzing wings into action!

“Wooo! Aha, yes!”

Adrenaline pumped hard, assuring a safe flight (prompted mostly through sheer exhilaration).

“That’d better not be you, kid!” officer Edge called up, alerted by the sudden whoop of victory.

“Don’t worry! It’s not!” CF yelled back cheekily.

“Okay good!” was not the response expected, but it was the one given.

Perhaps this particular fellow was not the brightest taco in the apple stand. Shocked and delighted by the lack of obstacles regardless, the Crimson Fly darted in a quick zig-zag to the next street and came to light on a fire escape. Sputtering street lights offered little in the way of illumination. It was barely enough to drive the heavy shade of evening into submission even in its smallest doses.

“Allllright, ‘goblins’. What are you really?” CF mumbled quietly, struggling to ignore the funk the mask was giving off from earlier dumpster diving.

Thankfully, their patience wasn’t tested too heavily. A soft creak sounded below. Action! The warehouse next door rumbled and squeaked in protest as a metal grate was shoved aside to offer exit to a hoard of at least two dozen… goblins. Goblins?! They were real??? Actually real?! Whoa. This was a little above the Crimson Fly’s pay grade, but if it wasn’t looked into… moral… compass… argh.

Once the last creature had lumbered off into the night, CF nabbed the opportunity to drop and roll through the door before it screeched shut.

Giant tubes filled with viscous red fluids were sprawled across the interior, each with its own goblin creature suspended inside. Even in the state of supposed slumber, they were a creepy sight to behold. The vigilante slowly reached out as if to touch the container when a voice interrupted the bad decision.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you!”

CF spun in place, fists balled and legs poised, only to realize that it was officer Edge. The posture relaxed fractionally. At least the fuzz was showing up to help. A little action beforehand would have been more fun, but at the end of the day the authorities were doing their job. Weren’t they? Where was the backup? You were supposed to have backup in a raid, right?

“I told you to go home. I didn’t account for your clearly crippling disability of selective hearing.” Edge droned, his voice losing all of the bumbling, friendly overtones. “Since you’re here, though, perhaps… an opinion?”

“Yeah! My opinion is that you’re a crooked cop! You’re involved in this!” the Crimson Fly asserted, pointing an accusatory finger.

“We’re well past that, try to keep up.” Edge sighed, signaling for the returning hoard to close off the exit. “This is my brainchild. Aren’t you tired of seeing the world as it is? Don’t you find it demoralizing to know that sometimes there’s just nothing you can do to upset the apple cart for the better?”

“Oh-kaaaaaay? What do goblin monsters have to do with any of that?” CF asked.

“If you release enough pigeons, people will never notice the dove in the flock.” Edge replied with a strained smile. “While my goblins raid the streets, it will cause a bump in police activity by necessity. The media will be in a frenzy, spreading fear and unrest like a disease. Panicked people make poor decisions, you know. Very poor decisions.”

“…And?”

“And I’m afraid that’s all you’re getting for now. I’m not about to monologue the entirety of my plans. That would be foolish.” Edge smirked, signaling for the ranks to close in.

From the way the beasts had lumbered about on their initial exit of the building, CF would have thought them slow and stupid. On the contrary, they gave him a run for his money in a big way with their synchronized attack formations! He dodged, leaped, kicked, and flew, only barely keeping a step ahead of them to pick off each assailant one by one.

“Whaddaya think of that?” the kid panted as the last goblin tumbled dramatically to the ground.

“I think they’ve done a splendid job of herding you like a sheep among many collies.” Edge answered brightly.

A crane above suddenly released a moderate stack of wooden pallets directly on top on the startled hero. It fell with a splintering crack, splatting CF flat to the floor. All of the air left their lungs in a great whoosh, leaving them gasping in a desperate attempt to breathe as they crawled from the debris. Unfortunately, they only made it a few feet before a heavy foot pressed down on their back, halting any progress.

CF gave a strangled cry as the cuticle attaching wing joints to skin and muscle strained and stretched under the false officer’s boot. Wheezing breaths stained the fabric of their mask with spittle and coppery blood. This was wrong. The good guy charges in and the bad guy is defeated in a blaze of fancy footwork and jabs. That’s how it works! That’s how it’s supposed to work! Panic seized their chest at the realization that nobody would be coming to break this up. A missing kid would be static noise in the news, lost in the rabble, and they would die here, crunched under someone’s shoe like a helpless bug.

Help me.

CF wriggled and bucked, only to be forced back into place by superior weight.

“You won’t get away with this…!”

“You’re probably going to die here, and that’s the best thing you can think of? Pretty tired line, don’t you think, sport?” Edge commiserated. “I’m not going to outright kill you, as an aside. But I would love to study you… this fffffun little anatomy addition you’ve got. The power of flight. What a time to be alive. Flying goblins would certainly help in the fear factor.”

For a moment, Edge seemed lost in thought, as though he’d completely forgotten the Crimson Fly was there. In his mind, he could see something beautiful in the near distance that wasn’t quite within the realm of reality. It wasn’t enough of a fantasy that he budged his boot even an inch, but is was enough that he was oblivious to the ball of flying claws and fluff that leaped down from the rafters above! With a tiny meow, er, war cry, the cat which had been following CF all night latched itself onto the villain’s back. Beads of blood peeked through the dark fabric of Edge’s uniform, prompting an angry curse and a fair bit of struggling. Just enough for an escape!

Goblins all around were staggering back to consciousness, cluttering the floor with unsteady bodies. All the afternoons trying to dart through a busy subway station were finally paying off! Closely followed by the cat, the Crimson Fly darted though the chaos and out into the street. They only had a moment at most, so they gathered up the cat and beat feet to the bus station, clambering aboard the roof of it just as it veered out of the side streets. It wasn’t until they’d moved from an off ramp onto the highway that the hammering in the little hero’s chest slowed, if only slightly.

“This guy’s gonna be harder to deal with than I thought…” they muttered, idly stroking the cat.

To be continued...?

[seriouslyhooked]

Under Your Persuasion

It's the coldest Valentine's Day on record, and Killian and Emma decide the best way to spend the holiday is a quiet dinner, some mood music, and a little Netflix...and chill. One shot story about a casual Valentine's for Captain Swan filled with fluff and smut. Rated M. Also on FF Here.

A/N: A year ago today I wrote this story, and it still remains one of my favorite oneshots I have had the pleasure of writing. Hope you all enjoy and thanks for reading.

“I had it all planned, Swan. I gathered intel from every corner of this town and even that blasted internet with Belle’s help.” Killian waved his hook around in frustration as he gave her his thoughts on the new obstacle separating them from their night out, one that the both of them had been waiting on for quite a while.

Emma smiled despite herself as Killian shuddered, as if the internet was still this evil, undesirable thing. But he was right, Valentine’s Day was something people usually planned for and no one could have planned for this cold front. -5 degrees Fahrenheit, feels like -30? It was insanity and there was no way either of them were leaving this house now that the bug wouldn’t start and everywhere in town was closed to fend off the frigid temps.

“We can always do Valentine’s Day tomorrow if you want.” His eyes flashed an accusatory glance.

“And admit defeat?” Emma laughed at his resistance, moving towards him and running a hand over his chest.

“Or we could just stay in. Make dinner, watch a little Netflix and then…” Killian seemed to like the unspoken promise of what might come after the Netflix especially if his hand and hook coming around her waist were any indication.

“Perhaps this blasted cold isn’t such a bad thing after all.” Killian bent down to her lips for a kiss and Emma felt herself warming despite the chill that clung around the whole of the town. Before long the kiss deepened, and if Emma were honest with herself, both of them were definitely to blame. Finally, however, she pulled back, intent on creating a night to remember even if it was just a night in at the house.

“Later,” she promised before taking a step back.

Killian looked like he may argue that point a bit but ultimately nodded and moved past her to the kitchen, one of Emma’s favorite parts of their home. Once there, Killian took the lead on making dinner and Emma knew better than to step on his toes. He was more than able to make them a lovely meal, hell he’d done it enough over the past few months, and Emma ran the risk of upending that anytime she got too close.

Instead, Emma focused on the table and the wine and putting on a bit of music for the two of them to listen to. She flipped through the stations until landing on the classics and through the speakers they were crooned to by the likes of Sinatra and Crosby and Martin. Eventually one of Emma’s favorite songs came on, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” It was an old standard, one that had been sung time and again by all sorts of artists, but tonight, Pandora was blessing her with the Ella Fitzgerald rendition, which was undoubtedly Emma’s favorite. She swayed a bit to the opening instrumentals and felt herself singing along to the words quietly.

I’ve got you under my skin I’ve got you deep in the heart of me So deep in my heart that you’re really a part of me I’ve got you under my skin I’d tried not to give in

Emma felt Killian approach her and enjoyed the feel of his arms coming around to hold her hips and pull them back against him. His mouth bent down to kiss her cheek and Emma closed her eyes for a moment, luxuriating in the feel of him with her. Tonight they were safe and together, and that was a truly magical thing.

“The food?” Emma asked, not actually giving a damn even as she inquired given how good it felt to be here with Killian.

“It will keep. Dance with me, love.” So she did, turning around and stepping into his arms as they moved about the space between the dining room and the living room with the ease and grace of a couple in love.

I said to myself this affair never will go so well But why should I try to resist when, baby I know you so well I’ve got you under my skin

“I do, you know,” Killian said in response to the song and Emma rolled her eyes at his comment to stave off too sappy a moment.

“That line work on all the girls?” Killian scoffed in reply.

“What maidens have I known in this realm other than you? Besides, you know well enough that nothing else has ever compared to this,” Killian responded and Emma sighed dramatically, even though his words sent a happy thrill shooting through her.

“Do you make a habit of talking while dancing?” Emma countered and he threw her one of those goofy smiles, pulling her body slightly closer.

“Only with you, Swan.”

I’d sacrifice anything come what might For the sake of having you near

Two more lines were all it took for Killian to feel commentary was necessary again, and though Emma feigned continued annoyance, she loved the thoughts he felt were necessary to share with her.

“Well that part is true enough. You beat out everything else I’ve ever known, Swan,” Killian professed.

“Everything?” Emma asked jokingly.

“Aye, love, anything and everything.”

“Even rum?” Emma teased and he laughed, mumbling about how she was too bloody smart, but that yes she would always trump his libation of choice.

In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night And repeats, repeats in my ear Don’t you know, little fool, you never can win? Use your mentality, wake up to reality

This time it was Emma’s turn to make a confession of her own that she thought Killian would like to hear. It was years in the making, and it had taken a long and winding road for Emma to feel safe and ready enough to say things like this.

“That little voice in the back of my head went quiet a long time ago,” Emma whispered and Killian’s hook ran across her back in a soothing motion, a sign of silent affirmation that he appreciated her words.

“Is that right, love?” Emma nodded.

“Mhmm. Because this is the new normal. Having you, loving you, is the most natural thing to me now.”

Killian’s responding grin was warm and filled with love and hope, and it made those same butterflies that were never far away when he was here surge to the surface. True love, Emma had found, didn’t mean that they never fought or argued or faced tough trials. It just meant that Emma was certain of Killian, and that her heart was devoted to his fully. There was no room for old fears and hang-ups. Not anymore.

But each time that I do just the thought of you Makes me stop before I begin Cause I’ve got you under my skin

Emma laid her head against his shoulder, loving the safety she felt in Killian’s arms and knowing that the magic between them was true and that their love merited more than celebration once a year. Valentine’s Day was an excuse to make more time for each other but it was hardly the only time they felt this connection. Her romantic pirate captain made sure of that, and over time Emma had evolved to seek out such special moments as well. The thought of that transformation and the man that made it possible made Emma really joyous.

I would sacrifice anything come what might For the sake of havin you near In spire of the warning voice that comes in the night And repeats, how it yells in my ear Don’t you know, little fool, you never can win? Why not use your mentality, step up, wake up to reality? But each time I do just the thought of you Makes me stop just before I begin Cause I’ve got you under my skin Yes, I’ve got you under my skin

As the song wound down, Emma looked back up at Killian who stepped back and raised one of her hands to his lips. With just a look that told her of his love, he walked back into the kitchen to finish up their meal and Emma moved to the TV to select a movie.

She really didn’t want one of the generic February 14th flicks. No Valentine’s Day or He’s Just Not That Into You for them. And much as Emma might like to watch one of the ridiculously over the top action movies Henry had laying around, she always felt bad for Killian who needed to ask question after question about logistics to follow. Inspiration struck however, when she thought back to their dancing together.

The joke about his talking when he danced reminded her of Pride and Prejudice which the two of them had already seen roughly five times together, but Jane Austen had five other published books all made into movies. In the end, Emma decided on Persuasion, one of her favorites that she felt never got enough credit. It also didn’t hurt that it followed the daughter of the aristocracy and a naval Captain. It seemed particularly fitting actually. She brought it up to the Netflix queue and let it sit while they enjoyed their candle lit dinner in the dining room. Some time later they were ready for the movie and Emma gave Killian the basic rundown of the story.

“Anne Elliot is a woman of a certain age who let the love of her life get away because she let herself be persuaded that they weren’t a good match.” Killian looked disapproving.

“She let herself be persuaded to leave him behind?” Killian asked and Emma nodded.

“Yeah, but they get a second chance and-,” Killian was stuck on the first part still and interrupted.

“You mean to tell me she found love, a love she sees as true, and let someone persuade her to forsake it?” Emma nodded again. He growled low. “That is unfathomable. There’s no way you could relate to that, is there Swan?”

Emma felt her heartbeat quicken at the gruff tone of his words and the trail of sensation his fingers left as they moved about her body. She shook her head, seeking to calm the distress that was causing his heightened response.

“No I know myself enough to make my own decisions.” Killian smiled at her words and pulled her closer to him.

“Aye love, and you’ve decided on me, largely thanks to my persuasions.”

With those words said, Killian’s mouth closed in on Emma’s in a scorching kiss that Emma gave herself over to freely. She moved her hands up behind his neck, felt her fingers intertwine with the soft hair on his nape as she arched closer to him for more contact. His hand made its way under the soft cotton of her red dress that she’d donned for the evening at home and she felt his hand move up to her heat. He growled when he realized she wasn’t wearing anything underneath.

“You’ve been bare for me all this time, Swan?”

“I know how much you like that,” Emma quipped breathily.

His hand trailed further to where she wanted him, his thumb circling her clit and causing her breath to catch. Emma let out a sigh with his name on her lips urging him on. Soon two of his other fingers filled her, driving her crazy, pushing her to the brink so quickly. She came down from the climax and felt Killian lifting her from the couch to their bedroom. Once there, he set her down and helped her remove the dress as she worked to remove the belt from his dark jeans along with the shirt and vest he wore. It was a process, but once over the reward was great. Like always, the sight of him naked before her made Emma’s blood hum with attraction and lust. It made her need to touch him spike and her want for his touch to skyrocket.

“You’re even easier to read when in the throws of passion, my love,” Killian whispered, his eyes never leaving her and never failing to display the enormity of his feelings for her.

Emma sighed into his touch as he led her back to their bed. He took his time kissing down her neck, across her breasts, focusing on her nipples with the nips and sucks that Emma needed. When she felt near drowned in desire, he moved further down the flat planes of her stomach, to her hip, down her thigh, opening her legs to expose her for his taking. When his mouth was on her center she couldn’t help but buck against him, accepting the mindless pleasure that he so willingly bestowed, breathless and needy until he set her flying again.

In those gloriously bright moments she felt so free, so above all of the world’s evils. Only Killian could give her this, and only Killian could bring that feeling to her everyday with just a look. She loved him so much that there weren’t words. As she came back down from the crushing high, she pulled him back up to look in her eyes.

“I could never be persuaded to leave you. Never again. You’re it for me now and always,” Emma promised.

Killian smiled, not the cocky grin of a self-assured pirate, but the boyish one of a man who was truly happy. She kissed him, tasting herself on his lips and she used the distraction to switch their positions so she was on top. Emma worked his now achingly hard cock with her hands, loving the way she controlled his pleasure just as much as he controlled hers. When he was close, she lined herself up with him and rode him, bringing them both that sense of connection they thrived off of. Their rhythm was hard and fast, both of them calling each other’s names as they chased that special brand of ecstasy that this kind of love provided. When they’d reached it, the two of them lay for a moment together in the comfort of each other’s arms. Finally Emma spoke again.

“It’s still a good movie though.”

Killian chuckled low at her claims about the movie he had long since forgotten and pulled her from bed, throwing one of his shirts over her and bringing her back to the couch. He pressed play on the remote and after a while agreed that she was right. The story was intriguing, a look at how sometimes love couldn’t bear the brunt of outside influence. Some people weren’t lucky enough to have the faith that Emma and Killian did. In the end love still won out for Anne and her Captain, but neither Killian or Emma envied it. What they had was perfect for them, crazy fairytale antics or not, and as the credits rolled, Emma showed Killian just how much she appreciated their personal story all over again.

Years later, when Emma looked back at the memory of that day, it may not have been the grandest Valentine’s in the course of all the one’s they shared, but it was one of her favorites. It was a moment of peace and love between just the two of them, a time when the world was both incredibly small and filled with possibility. And after all, how many people really got that on Valentine’s Day?

Post-Note: Getting to feature of my favorite songs and my favorite movies in one onsehot was a huge excitement factor for me when I first published this story, and I can safely say I loved coming back and reading this once again. Anyway, I hope you all have had a lovely Valentines and that at the very least everyone has maxed out on their candy quota for a while. Thank you so much for reading, and have a great rest of your day!