#from teamhook

[searchingwardrobes]

Everything's an Innuendo

Just a little ficlet that came to me after this actually happened with my husband yesterday.

"Killian, not everything is an innuendo!"

"Whatever do you mean, love?" Killian asked, feigning innocence as he sipped his coffee, his eyebrows arching seductively at her over the rim of his cup.

"See!" Emma exclaimed. "That right there -that's what I'm talking about!"

Killian set the mug down and leaned back with a chuckle. He lounged in an appealing way, one arm draped over the back of the booth at Granny's. He tapped his hook against the table in a way that shouldn't have been sexy but somehow was. Her husband could be so infuriating!

"You'll need to be more specific," he teased.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Just this morning before we left the house! I was leaning over in the closet to get my shoes, and you . . ."

She trailed off, slightly distracted by the memory, her face burning. Killian grinned at her triumphantly.

"I what?"

Ugh, he was so smug! "You grabbed me from behind and pulled me down on your lap." She licked her dry lips before continuing. "And I said, 'Killian, I'm trying to get my shoes!' And you said, 'Oh, you'll get your shoes alright.'"

Killian chuckled again.

Emma threw up her hands. "What does that even mean?"

His laughter faded, but his smile remained as he leaned forward and told her earnestly as he took her hand, "It means that I find you beautiful and sexy no matter what you're doing, and I love you."

Emma couldn't help the smile that bloomed on her face as he kissed her hand. She gave a little shrug.

"Well, who can argue with that?"

Tagging @snowbellewells @jrob64 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jrob64 @teamhook @shippingtheswann @shipsxahoy Don't know who else is in this fandom anymore, lol! So please share with anyone else you know who may like this.

[myfearless-love]

Where the Lightning Strikes - CS one-shot

Relationship: Captain Hook | Killian Jones/Emma Swan

Characters: Emma Swan, Captain Hook | Killian Jones

Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Sharing a Bed, There Was Only One Bed, Trapped by Weather, Touch-Starved, Killian Jones Has Self-Worth Issues, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff and Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Mutual Pining, Soft Emma Swan, Slow Burn, Scars

Summary: In which Killian meets his match in stubbornness for perhaps the hundredth time, and Emma questions his definition of "fine." (Enchanted Forest AU)

READ HERE: AO3

Preview:

Tagging some folks who might be interested:

@anmylica @elfiola @zaharadessert @gingerchangeling @undercaffinatednightmare

@jrob64 @teamhook @kmomof4 @jonesfandomfanatic @mie779

@winterbaby89 @tiganasummertree @stahlop @rylieblu @ultraluckycatnd

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

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

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

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

[kmomof4]

A Wedding to Remember Ch. 8 A Wedding to Remember

We are back with the final chapter!!! Yes, everything is resolved, just like I promised, and happy endings abound!! I so hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!!

Once again, thank you @snowbellewells for the lovely artwork above and your most excellent beta skills!!

Summary: Killian Jones, younger brother to the viscount, is home from Cambridge and ready to enter society, including finding himself a wife. Perhaps he may find his future bride here, at a week long house party his sister-in-law is hosting at the Jones country estate before the London season officially begins.

Rating: M (smut)

Words: Almost 1700 of approximately 16k

Tags: Bridgerton Inspired Fic, Matchmaking, Regency Romance

On ao3 From Beginning / Current Chapter

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

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

@donteattheappleshook @undercaffinatednightmare @pirateherokillian @cocohook38 @qualitycoffeethings

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @superchocovian @motherkatereloyshipper @snowbellewells  @djlbg

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

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

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

@soniccat @beckettj @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jonesfandomfanatic

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

@suwya @veryverynotgoodwrites @myfearless-love 

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

Ch. 8 A Wedding to Remember

“Get up, little brother!” Liam exclaimed, bursting into his chamber. 

“Younger brother,” Killian grumbled in response, turning his head into his pillow as Liam crossed the room and threw open the drapes. As soon as he’d done at the windows, he strode to the bed and pulled the covers off him, making Killian huff in displeasure and try to grab the bedclothes in order to cover himself again. He’d barely left the bed in the last week and a half, and if he had anything to say about it, he wasn’t going to leave it now.

Unfortunately, Liam was incredibly stubborn, and as head of the household, he didn’t appear inclined to allow Killian to sulk any longer. 

When they’d arrived back at Jones House in London after the nuptials of Lord and the now Lady Nolan, Killian had sequestered himself in his chambers and hadn’t left them since.

Yes, he’d seen Emma and Lord Cassidy at the festivities, and it was clear beyond any doubt that her betrothed was his old school mate. He tried his best to attend to the proceedings, but was painfully aware of Emma at all times. As sister to the groom, Emma sat near the front of the abbey, with Killian several rows behind her. He could see nothing in terms of affection from either Emma or Cassidy, and when they adjourned to David’s London home for the wedding breakfast, Killian could hardly tear his attention away from the betrothed couple. He didn’t dare approach them. It was doubtful his heart would be able to stand being in her presence as nothing more than an acquaintance. He loved her too much to risk revealing anything by simple proximity. After observing them throughout the morning, Killian was more certain than ever that Emma had no emotional connection to Lord Cassidy. Nothing but a sheet of paper that she’d had no say in nor hand in drafting. 

And he was also certain that Neal’s… tastes… had not changed either.

That was why he’d been stunned nearly speechless by Emma’s revelation of her fiancé. Earl Neal Cassidy held no affection, or desire, for women. His appetites leaned toward the masculine sex. Perhaps that was why his father had arranged the wedding with Emma’s uncle so long ago. To ensure the continuation of his line.

But either way, the betrothal contract was in force and the only people with the power to break it were Lord Gold or David.

David’s wedding day was certainly not the time to inform him of Cassidy’s proclivities - as much as he would have liked to. He would at the same time have also sought David’s blessing to seek Emma’s hand himself, but was unfortunately woefully short of time and opportunity.  Then after the wedding, David was on his brief honeymoon trip and would be returning only for Emma and Cassidy’s wedding celebration. 

Which was today.

Which was why Liam was forcing him out of bed.

“Get up, younger brother and get dressed,” Liam continued. “You are going to the wedding, if I have to drag you kicking and screaming.”

Killian sat up and glared as hard as he could at his brother. Liam stared right back, his arms crossed over his chest, firm and unyielding.

“You know nothing, brother,” Killian groused, grabbing the covers again and lying back down under them. He’d barely gotten settled when they were yanked away from him yet again.

“I know more than you think,” Liam retorted. “And you are going. I will cut your allowance by two thirds for the remainder of the season if you do not.”

That got Killian’s attention. He bolted upright in shock. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me,” he replied coolly. 

The glaring standoff between the brothers lasted less than a minute. Grumbling under his breath, Killian swung his legs out of bed. Liam smirked and began walking toward his chamber door.

“Remember, Killian…” As he grasped the doorknob, Liam’s smirk disappeared to be replaced by a deep love and pride. In him. Killian stilled and looked him in the eye, waiting to hear whatever his brother wanted to say to him. “A man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets. I’ll see you downstairs for breakfast.”

And with that, Viscount Liam Jones left Killian alone.

~*~*~

“Is there any cause why this man and woman should not be joined in Holy Matrimony?” the priest asked.

Killian gulped hard and took a deep breath before rising to his feet. It took a few moments, but soon every eye in the abbey turned to him. Liam and Elsa and his mother looked at him with pride and support. The priest and Emma looked at him with shock. Neal turned to him with surprise that turned to recognition then apprehension. David and Mary Margaret looked at him with hopeful anticipation.

He’d spoken with David before the ceremony began and knew that he had their full support for what he planned to do.

“Yes,” he said, loud enough that everyone could hear him. Emma gasped, her eyes widening as he focused all his attention on her. “They shouldn’t be joined together because she loves me.” He left his seat and approached the front of the abbey where Emma, Neal, and the priest stood. At the bottom of the dias, Killian stopped. “And I love her.”

Gasps and whispers could be heard throughout the abbey, but Killian paid them no mind. He climbed the steps and knelt before Emma. Her gorgeous green eyes were filled with tears, but he wouldn’t be deterred. He pulled the ring he carried out of his pocket and held it up between them. It was a family heirloom with a dark red ruby in the center of the gold filigree, with four small diamonds at the corners. 

“I love you, Emma. Marry me. Marry me. Please,” he implored.

Emma couldn’t speak for a moment at the audacious display before her. She’d last seen Killian when they’d left Jones Hall for London, and now here he was kneeling before her, asking for her hand in marriage. Stunned surprise didn’t begin to describe the turmoil buffeting her heart and mind. 

She looked out at David and Mary Margaret. Their beaming smiles had nothing to do with their own personal happiness, and everything to do with what was happening on the dias. David had told her before escorting her down the aisle that he wouldn’t force her into this marriage if she didn’t want it. Earl Gold had passed over the weekend and so technically, the contract drawn up between him and her uncle was void. Emma had told him it was too late to stop it, and she was still willing to go through with it. She’d kept her love for Killian to herself, and unless she could have him, she wasn’t going to be the target of the mean-spirited gossip of the ton. She’d thought it rather odd when David had nodded in acceptance of her words, but he must have known of Killian’s plan and expected her to accept his proposal.

She looked at Neal. He shrugged as if it made no difference to him. She knew he had the same amount of affection for her as she had for him - that is, none whatsoever. She looked back down into the face of her love and clearly saw the truth of his words. 

He loved her. He loved her. Not anyone else.

The gathered tears began to fall as she nodded her acceptance of his proposal. Killian rose to his feet, joy suffusing his face, and gathered her into his arms. His lips captured hers in front of God, the priest, and the whole congregation, but Emma couldn’t bring herself to care one whit.

The man she loved loved her and had asked her to marry him. Long moments later, the kiss ended, but he still held her close, his nose running alongside hers.

A clearing throat behind him caught his attention. He’d nearly forgotten where he was and who stood around him as he declared his love for Emma for all the world to see. Turning slightly, he saw Neal standing there, profound relief written all over his face. 

“Thank you,” he whispered. “For saving me from this marriage, and keeping my secret.”

Killian nodded. Then Neal turned to the congregation.

“I propose that since we’re all here for a wedding, and since Emma and Killian have declared their love and announced their intentions, that they get married instead.” He then turned to the priest. “Is that acceptable?”

Emma and Killian couldn’t have been more surprised, but as they looked at one another, smiles bloomed on both of their faces as they nodded their agreement. The priest agreed as well, and Neal took his seat next to David as the ceremony continued between Killian Jones and Miss Emma Nolan.

Once their vows were spoken, and they were declared husband and wife, Killian kissed his bride, dipping her down as his lips met hers in a passionate reunion. Cheers from the congregation filled their ears when they finally parted.

“I love you, Mrs. Jones.”

“I love you, too, Mr. Jones.”

Killian ran his nose along the side of Emma’s again and then placed a gentle kiss on the tip before they turned to face the guests. Their families were the first to greet them, with affectionate hugs and joyful tears all around.

As they accepted the warm wishes of their friends and family, Killian took a moment to reflect on the last few weeks. He’d hoped when he arrived at Jones Hall that he’d find his True Love sometime this season, but he never would have believed the twists and turns, the trials and tribulations he’d face to find her. Catching David’s eye, and taking in his and Mary Margaret’s beaming countenances, he couldn’t be more grateful for the woman now on his arm, his Emma, looking at him with the same love and devotion that filled his very soul. 

All of their hearts had found a home and were exactly where they needed to be. Now their happy beginning could truly commence.

The End

~*~*~

Thank you for reading and sharing! And for coming along on this journey with me! I so hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you think!

[laianely]

Day 1. Share the love

I'm participating in Colin's Birthday Celebration Week which @colinodonoghue are running on IG. And this edit was made for Day 1. And also the caption I wrote for this: Many of us (if not all of us 🙃) found out about Colin’s existence thanks to “Once Upon a Time” (that’s why I chose to do Killian edit for the first day). The devilishly handsome pirate burst onto our TV screens and won our hearts. And Colin did an amazing job with this role, making me believe in the character’s sincerity, empathize with his ups and downs, with his losses and rejoice in his gains, and marvel at his dedication to what he believes in, to those he loves. Without Colin’s talent it would hardly be possible.

But Colin is far more than just Killian. And as I get to know him more and more, I never stop admiring him as a person. Despite his popularity, he seems so close. He loves his family. He appreciates his fans. His words are filled with kindness. And the light that comes from him, from his smiles, seems to illuminate the dark world.

Also, Colin is a big introvert, we are very similar in this 🙃 And his ability to withstand the cameras, play on stage in front of a large audience, all those cons with a lot of fans gives me hope that I can handle a lot of challenges too.

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

[hollyethecurious]

Can you add me to your tag list? Part 1 is great, can't wait for Part 2!

Of course! Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed Part 1. I am diligently working on finishing Part 2, so I hope to have it ready for y'all soon.

I also want to congratulate you on being the first person added to my 2025 Curious Crew Tag List! Each year I start over with my tag list, allowing people who may have moved on from the fandom to gracefully exit the list.

So...

Look alive, ya filthy bilge rats! It's time, once again, to sign up for me crew!

It's a clean slate for the new year, so if you'd like to be tagged in my 2025 fics/updates, then please comment on this post, send me an Ask, or slide into my DMs.

I set a writing goal for myself of an average of 300 words per day, which will give me just over 100k words this year, and believe me... I have at least that many words of ideas in me!

Just a reminder, though. I do not do individual lists for each fic. I have one tag list for all updates and new works, so if you asked to be added you'll get notifications for everything. However, you can exit the list at anytime by just shooting me an Ask (I won't post it) or a DM. No worries at all.

Finally, I have made the decision to no longer post on FanFiction.net. I'm sorry for the inconvenience this may cause for some of you, but the site has become so burdensome. Going forward, you can find my fics here on Tumblr and on AO3. I am HollyeLeigh over there.

I look forward to sharing my works with y'all. If you're curious as to what I'll be working on this year, feel free to send me an Ask. I love talking about my ideas and having it out there will keep me accountable, lol!

Thank you to those who have been with me both this past year and the years prior. Your continued support and encouragement means the world to me!

Tagging the 2024 Curious Crew so they can decide weather to come aboard.

(add to tag list)

@kmomof4 @jrob64 @zaharadessert @laianely @booksteaandtoomuchtv

@the-darkdragonfly @undercaffinatednightmare @killianxswan @mie779 @motherkatereloyshipper

@jennjenn615 @jonesfandomfanatic @anmylica @superchocovian @caught-in-the-filter

@winterbaby89 @wyntereyez @stahlop @resident-of-storybrooke @gingerchangeling

@exhaustedpirate @cocohook38 @donteattheappleshook @lfh1226-linda @teamhook

@jackieorioncat @paradiselady19 @snowbellewells @earanemith @ultraluckycatnd

@pirateherokillian @calmjoonie @unworried-corsair @tiganasummertree @captainswan-kellie

@soniccat @kday426 @djlbg @fairytalepretzkle @maggiegreenvt

@natascha-ronin @ilovemesomekillianjones @iamstartraveller776 @deckerstarblanche @shadowsaur

@qualitycoffeethings @idristardis @phoenix-untamed @bluewildcatfanatic @bananachickens

[the-darkdragonfly]

Happy Birthday @donteattheappleshook

Here, have some crack ♥️

Not much happens, it's soft and fun and there's a bath or two...

Evermore - A Captain Swan Tale

Bare feet slipped against the sea soaked shore as she leapt from the boat into the pulsing cold of the harbour, hissing a creative explicit out between clenched teeth, hands tugging against the roll of the tide while she pulled the small craft up into the pebbled beach; the hull scraping against the shore in protest as she tied a clumsy bowline knot. 

Cursing again, she yanked the rope free to redo it; if she lost another boat, she’d never hear the end of it. 

Her fingers hummed with cold, the frigid air of deep winter sinking down into her bones, but the lights in the forest danced the way she’d come to recognize and she hopped quickly up into the boat again to pull the small bag of provisions from its secured place, hefting the satchel onto her shoulder.

The boots she’d discarded before leaping down into the frigid surf- you’ll be cold regardless, love, might as well keep your shoes dry- snugged comfortably back onto her feet, socks pulled from where she’d jammed them down into the toe as her small boat washed towards the familiar foreign shore. 

♥️♥️♥️♥️

Read the rest here.

♥️♥️♥️♥️

Tagging:

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

[i-will-sing-no-requiem]

@imperpetuallylost did this and it seemed like fun so i thought i would do one too

(tagging some mutuals but of course absolutely no pressure to do it especially if you don't celebrate christmas and also even if i didn't tag you i'd still love to get a message from you so feel free to do it!)

@escapadeist @poptart-cat-78 @harrietmjones @not-all-the-prayers @percabethfangirl @obsessivedaydreamer @eponine119 @blue-cookies-and-wise-owls @unorthodox-oblivion @umm0lly @moonysuglysweaters @starlikesilences @on-the-outside @inhale-fandoms-exhale-asdfghjkl @roeyliteratiforever @romantic-elegies @nerd-geek-etc @learningtokeepmyownsecrets @bitchboylinus @grimf4erie @teamhook @theycallme-thejackal @snowbellewells @finneganhart @sagesfandomspot @hamster-on-fire @skatiet @ivebeendressingforrevenge @justanotherconfusedautistic @charismatic-writer @enchantedlandcoffee @octoberconstellation @stripesysheaven @apoppyinmyhair

[snowbellewells]

Halloween ReRuns: Something Spicy & Something Sweet ;P

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

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

Spicy: "The Sweetest Treat"

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

Sweet: "Do-Si-Dos and Tagalongs"

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

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

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

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

@belovedcreation @myfearless-love @teamhook @revanmeetra87

@stahlop @jonesfandomfanatic @eastwesthomeisbest @spartanguard @ultraluckycatnd

@searchingwardrobes @gingerchangeling @gingerpolyglot @motherkatereloyshipper @bromfieldhall

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

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

[jrob64]

Self-Promo Sunday

The other day, I heard the song "That's How You Know" from the movie Enchanted, and it reminded me of this story I wrote. I also recently read an article that said some of the men who danced for that song were original chimney sweeps from "Chim-Chim-Cheree" in Mary Poppins, and the flowers they're holding resemble their chimney sweep brushes. I thought that was pretty cool trivia!

This was originally posted on Valentine's Day 2023, but love stories aren't just for one holiday out of the year, and Captain Swan is my favorite love story. I also have to say I'm quite proud of the pic set I created for it.

This is a one-shot of almost 3300 words, is canon compliant (giving us some CS domestic married scenes) and is rated T. I hope you enjoy it, whether reading it for the first time or rereading it.

You can find it in these places: ffn Ao3 Tumblr

Tagging:

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

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

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

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

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

[undercaffinatednightmare]

I went digging into my eleventy-billion ideas scattered throughout my drive to bring you a list of either last words or close to what I wrote last on the docs. I tried to make sure there wasn’t smut in the lines, but I did curse.

Hopefully this kick starts the muse. She’s been hibernating while real life goes crazy.

@captainswanwipwednesdays

Untitled 1776 fic

With a quick check of herself in the mirror, she threw a shawl around her shoulders and shut the door quietly. When she was certain Arthur wouldn’t see the fear on her face, she opened the door and stepped towards him before Arthur or his men could enter her house again.

Blackberry Summers

“I would give my entire fortune to know those thoughts.” He murmured as he leaned close enough to trail a finger down her cheek. “What was it that made you blush, Swan?”

@teamhook’s fic

“You should learn how to tie one of these things”

“Why? It gives you a sense of accomplishment”

Ice Castles

Her brow furrowed again and she pouted slightly. “What are we doing?”

“I think it’s time a certain Swan took flight.” He kissed the tip of her nose before he picked her up in his arms and stepped onto the ice.

Rear Window

How had she missed that? Emma immediately sent a text to Will before groaning into her pillow. She was completely fucked.

Fairest chapter 5

“I’ve already made an appointment at Ella’s for dress shopping!” Her aunt looked like she might pop from excitement.

Killian wrapped his arms around her waist. This wedding was going to be an explosion of tulle, but at least she wouldn’t be wearing the feather dress.

Untitled A/B/O Smut

“Probably.” He chuckled and brushed a kiss to her shoulder. “But I should probably get some clothes on?”

“In the washer.” She hummed. “I wasn’t thinking.”

Untitled A/B/O

The pull to hold her was too strong to ignore this time. Emma buried her face in his chest as the tears wracked her body. When she finally calmed, she pulled back to meet his eyes. He had no idea what she was looking for, but she found it and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him closer.

Her scent gland was right beside his nose and whatever she was producing made his head swim. He was vaguely aware of her standing on his feet as she tucked herself against him. It didn't matter. She could step on him all she wanted if it meant she'd stay here.

Untitled Supernatural fic

Squeak. Squeak. Squeaksqueaksqueaksqueaksqueak SQUEAK. Squeak. SQUEAK. SqueaksqueakSQUEAKsqueaksqueak SQUEAK. Squeak. Squeak. Squeaksqueaksqueaksqueaksqueak SQUEAK.

A Charming Curse

“You do know who you’re talking to, Miss Charming?” The smooth voice was pure malice.

“You came to me for help, not the other way around.” I shouted at him. “Go find someone who wants magic.”

Captain Who - Eleventh Hour

The crack snapped shut and Olivia stared at her blank bedroom wall, “Who was that?” She asked him. “Was that Prisoner Zero?”

Captain Who - The Snowmen (for @everything-person )

“Snow that can remember? That’s silly.” Was she teasing him? Bloody hell.

“What’s wrong with silly?” He felt a smile tug his lips despite his sour mood. Bloody hell this mood had lasted longer than some of his previous regenerations.

“Nothing. I’m still talking to you.” There it was again. That smirk in her voice, the light in her eyes. A century or two ago, he would have thought she was flirting, but that wasn’t possible anymore. Was it?

“What’s your name?” His manners were a little rusty, but she didn’t seem to mind.

“Emma.” Her smile grew brighter.

“That’s a nice name. Emma.” He turned to return home. “You should definitely keep it.”

How I Met Your Mother

“Didn’t my sister tell you? I was able to catch an earlier flight.” She asked and she draped her coat on the chair. “What’s going on?”

The door burst open as a red haired woman tumbled in. She was followed by a tall muscular blond man with a sandwich nearly falling from his mouth as he navigated the steps. “Liam! Elsa gets in early! Oh…hey Elsa!”

Cordially Invited

“It’s why I came looking for you, Captain. You requested my last two dances, did you not?” She smiled mischievously and handed him her dance card. K Jones was written in the last two entries.

Kaos

Granny, Ruby, and Leroy were having a heated argument when a disembodied female voice interrupted: I’m having trouble understanding you. Playing Shake it Off by Taylor Swift.”

A song filled the dining room and Leroy tugged something from deep in his pockets. “No!” He growled at the talking phone.

Only Murders in the Building

"I swear if you apologize for that, I'll make you wait 10 more years." She rasped.

He rested his forehead against her and chuckled quietly. "I would despair if you did."

Sparkling Cyanide

Six people were thinking about Regina Mills-Gold who had died nearly a year ago.

Citadel

The metal scraping of a chair on the floor made Killian’s eyes throb in pain. Bloody hell. His head was already pounding.

Archie sat across from him and leaned his trusty umbrella against his chair. “Alright, Agent Jones, care to tell me what happened?”

Killian closed his eyes and focused his glare on the inside of his eyelids. “I told you already.” He took a breath and met eyes like chips of ice. “I returned home with my wife.”

Archie drew out his tablet and a pen as he began tapping on a screen. “Right. And who would that be?”

“Olivia Rogers.” He replied.

Parabellum

In the ashes of his happiness something else took shape. If he couldn’t be a better man for her, he could become their worst nightmare.

They should have left him in peace.

Untitled Mashup

"My father loved Egypt so much, he married my mother, who was an Egyptian" Killian Jones to Emma Swan after drinking rum for the first time.

@teamhook ’s Christmas

Someone like Emma deserved better. She deserved a better man that he had been or could hope to be. Maybe, he could give her back her sibling.

I’m Wishing

He chuckled at the odd turn of phrase, but before he could inquire about the relevance of the temperature, the door opened to a stooped, wrinkled old woman with stringy gray hair looking painted. What had Ruby called it? A cartoon?

Death on the Nile

She tilted her head to look at her husband. He truly was beautiful in the sunlight. His big blue eyes sparkled at her when he smiled. She traced the tip of one elven ear with her fingertip and laughed when he caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. For a few moments, she allowed herself to be swept away by the depth of love she saw reflected back in his eyes.

Code: Omega

Killian sighed when his cubicle mate, Ariel, brought him coffee and a danish from her coffee run. "Lass, if Eric doesn't propose soon, we should talk."

"Ha!" She grinned. "You'd never be able to afford me."

"A man can dream." He chuckled. "You are an angel. Thank you."

Aunt Soolie

“Natural?” West looked furious. “Well it might be natural for a sardine, but this girl’s father put me in charge of making sure she grows up to be a proper lady. Which is why tomorrow at 8 o’clock, I’ll be taking this girl to St Meissa Academy and you will only get your depraved hands on her Christmas and summer and I wish I could find a way to stop you from that!”

Blind Date

Emma pressed against him as he drove to the restaurant. She caught the tip of his ear between her teeth and he nearly drove into the other lane. “God your scruff is so sexy. I wanna know how it feels between my legs.”

Traveling Storm

Late that afternoon, they arrived at a clearing and he felt panic set in. A woman grabbed a young girl with blonde curls, but the child slipped past to run away from the house. “Papa!” she shrieked over and over before Teach picked her up and walked back inside. The woman shouted and ran for him, but he grabbed her by the throat and took them both inside.

Tag!

——————-

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

Let me know if you want to be added or removed from the tags 💜

[searchingwardrobes]

Scarborough Fair 10/?

See! Another update! I originally intended to include the wedding in this chapter, but I hit over 2k words and decided it would have to wait. But guess what? Tomorrow there will be another chapter, and it will be a romantic, swoony, steamy one! For now, enjoy the mystery and thickening of the plot in this chapter . . .

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Emma Swan has had a charmed life, despite being a foster child. She has a wonderful family who loves her, and the best friends in the world. The only thing that mars her idyllic existence is her birth mother: a homeless woman who mutters nonsensical rhymes and claims to be Snow White. One fateful night, however, Emma’s world is shattered. Perhaps her mother’s rhymes aren’t nonsense after all.

Rated: M for date rape, dubious consent, teen pregnancy, and sexy times (the good kind!)

Words: Over 2k in this chapter

Chapter One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine

Also on Ao3

Tagging:  (let me know if you wish to be removed or added):  @snowbellewells @teamhook @kmomof4 @jrob64 @xhookswenchx-reads-blog @thisonesatellite @welllpthisishappening @spartanguard @ohmakemeahercules @tiganasummertree @sparlecorn93 @sals86 @pirateprincessofpizza @xarandomdreamx @zaharadessert @huntressandlioness1 @jamif @undercaffinatednightmare @onceratheart18 @sparlecorn93 @sals86 @pirateprincessofpizza @xarandomdreamx @zaharadessert @huntressandlioness1 @jonesfandomfanatic​ @hollyethecurious @lfh1226-linda

Chapter Ten

Killian studied Emma’s profile from the backseat. She was looking out the window, her chin in her hand, and she was worrying her bottom lip. He knew she was nervous about seeing her mother, especially after reading Mary Margaret’s journal. He wished he could make this all easier for her.

“This place we got her into is really nice,” Ingrid explained as she drove through town. “I’ve been trying for years. I think they can really help her here, and she’ll be safe.”

“What will really help her is solving the riddles,” Emma said, pulling away from the window to look at Ingrid. “I’ve only solved the first one!”

“Right,” Ingrid replied.

Emma narrowed her eyes at her foster mother. “You do believe her story, right?”

Ingrid glanced over at Emma, then quickly back to the road. She squirmed in her seat a bit, then sighed. “I don’t know, Emma, to be honest. It’s so completely unbelievable.”

Killian sat up straighter and leaned forward, grasping the back of Ingrid’s seat. “You said you wouldn’t think she was crazy!”

“I don’t!” Ingrid exclaimed. 

In the passenger seat, Emma slid down lower and nibbled on her finger nail. Ingrid glanced in concern over at her. 

“I don’t think you’re crazy, Emma. It’s me trying to process all of this.”

It grew quiet in the car for a bit, then Ingrid spoke again wistfully.

“It would make so much sense, though, thinking back on how your mom was when we met.”

“How so?” Emma asked tentatively, sitting up a bit straighter.

“She didn’t know how to drive. Had never seen a car before, actually. Everything seemed loud and frightening to her. She said things were just too fast, you know?”

“Like where she came from was completely different? Older in a way?” Emma asked.

“Exactly. And even though so much clearly made her nervous, she was also very well spoken and obviously smart. She carried herself with such confidence, too, like -”

“Like royalty?” Killian supplied. 

Ingrid smiled at his reflection in the rearview mirror. “Yeah, like royalty.”

It fell silent in the car again until Emma spoke up hesitantly. “It’s confusing to me too, Ingrid. Sometimes I tell myself it’s all crazy, then other times . . . I don’t know, other times, it makes more sense than anything else in my life ever has.”

“Well,” Ingrid replied, “regardless, we’re all here for you, and we’re going to solve those riddles.”

The car crested the hill then, and the mental health facility came into view. It was a grand mansion of red brick and dark brown wood, older even than the buildings at the university.

“Whoa,” Emma breathed as she looked up at the intimidating manor, “how are we affording this, again?”

“Medicaid?” Killian asked.

“No,” Ingrid answered with a chuckle. “Yet another reason to believe Mary Margaret is Snow White and under a curse. She never had any form of identification, no social security number, no record that she ever existed.”

“I wonder why she chose the name Mary Margaret Swan,” Emma mused.

Ingrid shrugged as she pulled into a parking space. “Maybe Swan because of the cursed princess in Swan Lake? As for Mary Margaret, I think she may have made it up on the spot when we met. She kind of stumbled over it, you know?”

They all exited the car, and as they walked towards the entrance to the mental hospital, Ingrid answered Emma’s first question under her breath.

“A fellow professor at the university used to be a psychologist here. He pulled some strings. And there are non-profit funds for itinerant people.”

The foyer of the massive building was more like the grand home of some turn-of-the-century tycoon than a hospital. Ingrid checked in at the mahogany front desk, and they all got visitors badges, then they headed up the stairs to the second floor. The doors that lined the hallways looked like regular bedroom doors except for the numbers affixed to them and the patient names on the walls beside them. Ingrid knocked lightly on a doorway to the left, and a nurse opened it. 

“She’s just had a dose of medication,” the nurse explained. “She had a bit of a difficult morning, so I don’t know how long she’ll stay awake for your visit.”

“We understand.” Ingrid continued to speak in low tones to the nurse as Emma stepped around her and into the room. Killian was right beside her, his hand resting reassuringly at the small of her back. 

The room was more like a suite, with a sitting area around a fireplace, a window seat lined with bookshelves, and an en suite bathroom. A glimpse into the bathroom was the only sign that this was a hospital, for that room was sterile and utilitarian. 

Mary Margaret lay on the bed under crisp white sheets, a burgundy blanket pulled up to her chin. She looked more pale and thin than Emma had ever seen her, and there were dark circles beneath her emerald eyes. When she saw Emma, however, her face brightened a bit. 

“Emma? Is that you?”

She reached out a hand that was almost bony, and Emma took it as tears welled in her eyes. 

“Yes, it’s me.” 

“You’re alright?”

Emma nodded as she took the chair that was pulled up beside the bed. 

“Yes, I’m alright.” 

Mary Margaret’s gaze flickered and darkened as she looked over Emma’s shoulder. “Who is he?”

“This is Killian,” Emma explained, pulling him closer. “He’s a good man. He loves me.”

Killian eased down to his knees beside the bed. “I asked Emma to marry me.”

Mary Margaret studied his face, then sighed and relaxed into the bed. “So you’re not that horrible boy with the red car.”

“No.” 

“And you’ll take care of my Emma?”

“I would die for her.”

Tears began to course down Mary Margaret’s cheeks. “True love,” she said so softly that Emma and Killian had to lean close to hear her, “it’s the strongest magic of all.”

“Mary Margaret?” Ingrid said gently, coming around to the other side of the bed.”Do you remember me?”

“Ingrid!” Mary Margaret exclaimed. “You kept my promise?”

Ingrid nodded, her own eyes filling with tears. “I love her like my own daughter.”

“Good,” Mary Margaret sagged again, as if conversation wore her out. Then she began to sing:

“O, where are you going?" "To Scarborough fair,"

    Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme;

"Remember me to a lass who lives there,

    For once she was a true love of mine.

And tell her to make me a cambric shirt,

    Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,

Without any seam or needlework,

    And then she shall be a true love of mine.

And tell her to find the town which no one knows,

    Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,

And reunite the lovers there with a kiss ,

    And then she shall be a true love of mine

And there she must sow an acre with but one kernel of corn,

    Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,

Upon the seashore before the tide comes,

   And then she shall be a true love of mine

Her voice grew soft as she sang the last line, and her eyelids started to flutter. Emma leaned close, desperate to get some answers before they left. 

“Ma- er, Mother, how do I find the town no one knows?”

Mary Margaret’s eyes fluttered open. “A place where there are no happy endings,” she murmured. 

“But where?”

“Don’t cross the town line, no, no, no. Bad things will happen. Be careful, dearies.”

Oh no, she was sounding crazy again! Emma stood and grasped her mother by the shoulders. 

“Don’t start that,” she scolded. “I need help to solve these riddles, to help you! To help me! To help my baby!”

Mary Margaret lifted her head and shoulders off the bed, her eyes wide. “The baby’s coming?”

“Yes!”

“We don’t have much time! You have to find the town! You have to find my true love!”

“I know,” Emma choked out, tears spilling down her cheeks, “but how?”

Before her mother could answer, a scream and a crash sounded from the hallway. They all jerked their heads instinctively towards the sound, and Mary Margaret clucked her tongue.

“Princess Belle is not doing well,” she sing-songed, then began to giggle. 

There was another crash and scream, and Ingrid being the eternal caregiver, rushed out into the hall. 

“He won’t let her go,” Mary Margaret began to sob, “or me. Or you.”

“Who won’t let you go?” Emma demanded. She was beginning to lose her patience.

“I can’t say his name! It’s too dangerous!”

Killian put a hand on Emma’s shoulder. “I don’t think we’ll get anything more from her today.” There was another scream and crash, and Emma looked towards the door with concern. Killian squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll go.”

Emma tried to follow him, but Mary Margaret clasped her hand with a grip firmer than she would have expected. 

“Don’t, Emma! He’s here!”

Killian stepped into the hall and closed the door behind him. A nurse and an orderly were rushing into the room across the hall from whence came the frantic screams. But more oddly, Ingrid stood in the middle of the hall gazing with adoration at a man with long gray hair leaning on an ornate cane. She even giggled as he spoke to her - something Killian had never heard Ingrid do in his life. The man looked up and saw Killian. The man’s gaze unnerved him. 

“Is this your son, Ingrid?”

She turned, her face flushed and her eyes bright. “Oh, yes! Well, I mean, my husband’s brother, actually. Though soon to be my son-in-law! Crazy, I know.”

She was gabbering on like a schoolgirl! Killian recoiled as the man stepped closer.

“Who is this, Ingrid?” Killian demanded.

“Oh, he works with me.”

The man inclined his head. “Public relations.”

Killian narrowed his eyes. The man reached out a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Though it seemed irrational, Killian recoiled and reached behind him for the doorknob to Mary Margaret’s room. “Get away from me.”

“Killian!” Ingrid gasped. “Mr. Gold, I’m so sorry for his rudeness.”

“No need for apologies,” the man, Mr. Gold, assured her in dulcet tones. He gazed intently at Killian, rubbing his thumb along an amulet hanging from his neck. Killian blinked, confusion making his vision blur. He let go of the door and stepped closer . . . 

“Is everything okay out here?”

Killian spun to see Emma standing in the open doorway. Her eyes landed on Mr. Gold’s face, and she went suddenly pale. 

“You, you . . .” Emma’s knees began to buckle, and Killian rushed to catch her. 

Emma pressed her face into his chest, and the words she whispered against his shirtfront made his blood run cold. 

“It’s the face I saw . . . when it wasn’t Neal anymore.”

Killian cried out with horror and rage, but when he turned to face the man . . . he was gone! Ingrid stumbled a bit and put a hand to her forehead. 

“What . . .” she mumbled, “what’s going on? Why am I in the hallway?”

“That man you introduced me to,” Killian hissed, “it’s Rumplestiltskin!”

Ingrid’s eyes grew wide even as she shook her head in bewilderment. “What man? I didn’t introduce you to anyone.”

The nurse and the orderly stepped out of the room across the hall, which now was silent. Emma gave a small gasp. 

“Killian,” she whispered, “look at the name by the door!”

“Lacey Cassidy!”

Killian looked down in shock at Emma’s face, and she gave him a small nod. Before the nurse could close the door behind her, the two of them rushed forward.

“We’re here to visit Mrs. Cassidy,” Killian told them. 

The nurse glanced down at their visitor’s badges, then suspiciously into their faces. “And who are you?”

“I was her son’s prom date,” Emma spoke up. 

The nurse’s eyes widened in understanding, and Emma didn’t miss the way she glanced at the small baby bump only recently noticeable under her ribbed tank. She hated the rumors and assumptions, but in this case, it worked in their favor.

“Go ahead,” the nurse conceded, stepping aside. 

They stepped into a room almost identical to Mary Margaret’s. A woman sat at the window seat, clothed in a hospital gown, and stared out the window. Her auburn hair hung wild down her back and in her face. Killian and Emma stepped towards her hesitantly.

“Hello,” Emma said gently. 

She didn’t turn away from the window or acknowledge their presence. 

“Belle?” Killian said, and Emma glanced at him with concern. He shrugged. 

The woman turned then, however, and stared at them for a long, weighted moment. “Yes,” she finally said, her voice scratchy, probably from all the screaming, “that was my name once.”

They drew closer, as if approaching a skittish animal. The woman turned back to the window, humming and twirling her hair. Emma gasped, for the song she hummed was “Scarborough Fair.”

“How do you know that song?”

Belle continued to hum for a few moments, then turned and stared right at Emma. “What kind of lover acts that way? Demanding difficult tasks to prove true love? That’s not true love at all.”

Emma and Killian glanced at one another. They’d never really cared to analyze the world view of the song, but they supposed she had a point. 

“My mother said true love is the strongest magic of all.”

“Yes,” Belle turned and leaned forward, beckoning them closer, “but he hates it!”

“He?” Killian asked. “You mean Rumplestiltskin?”

Belle grabbed both of Killian’s hands. “You’ll have to be strong. You’ll have to believe in her. He didn’t count on you, and it fills him with hate!”

[myfearless-love]

Down the Primrose Path (Chapter 4/? - "memento audere")

Chapters: 4/? — "memento audere"

Rating: Mature

Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV)

Relationship: Captain Hook | Killian Jones/Emma Swan

Characters: Emma Swan, Captain Hook | Killian Jones, Snow White | Mary Margaret Blanchard, Red Riding Hood | Ruby, Geppetto | Marco (Once Upon a Time), Alice Jones | Tilly, Elsa (Once Upon a Time)

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

Summary:

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

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

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

READ HERE: AO3

Preview:

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

Tagging some folks who might be interested:

@anmylica @elfiola @zaharadessert @gingerchangeling @undercaffinatednightmare

@jrob64 @teamhook @kmomof4 @jonesfandomfanatic @mie779

@winterbaby89 @tiganasummertree @stahlop @rylieblu @ultraluckycatnd

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

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

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

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

[kmomof4]

A Wedding to Remember Ch. 5 The Masquerade

We are back! Thank you so much for coming along on this journey with me! I hope you enjoy what's in store for this chapter and let me know what you think!!! Thank you again to @snowbellewells for the beautiful artwork up above!!!

Summary: Killian Jones, younger brother to the viscount, is home from Cambridge and ready to enter society, including finding himself a wife. Perhaps he may find his future bride here, at a weeklong house party his sister-in-law is hosting at the Jones country estate before the London season officially begins.

Rating: M (smut)

Words: Almost 2k of approximately 16k

Tags: Bridgerton Inspired Fic, Matchmaking, Regency Romance

On ao3 From Beginning / Current Chapter

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

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

@donteattheappleshook @undercaffinatednightmare @pirateherokillian @cocohook38 @qualitycoffeethings

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @superchocovian @motherkatereloyshipper @snowbellewells  @djlbg

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

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

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

@soniccat @beckettj @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jonesfandomfanatic

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

@suwya @veryverynotgoodwrites @myfearless-love 

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

Ch. 5 The Masquerade

Killian turned to where David was staring at the door of the ballroom and caught his breath.

It was yet another lightning bolt from heaven. But this time, Killian only saw Miss Emma Nolan. She was dressed in a vibrant red gown with a modest sweetheart neckline and long sleeves. Her hair was gathered up into a loose bun with tendrils hanging down around her face and a thin bandeau that circled the top of her head. She wore a matching red mask, but there was no mistaking the beauty before him. By her side stood Miss Blanchard, a vision in a bejeweled lilac gown with long tulle sleeves that flared from her elbows. Her mask sparkled like her dress under the candlelight.

Killian wrenched his gaze away from the ladies when David began to move toward them and followed swiftly behind him, both reaching the ladies a moment later, before the other gentlemen could appear around them. 

Killian had noted the gobsmacked countenance David sported when he marked the ladies’ entrance, and had expected him to request a dance from Miss Blanchard. But Killian arriving a step behind David meant that his friend had the opportunity to ask his sister to dance instead of Miss Blanchard. Killian was dumbfounded as Miss Nolan placed her hand in her brother’s and he bowed slightly over it, bringing it to his lips.

“You are a vision, Emma,” he murmured. “May I have the honor of a dance?”

Killian heartily agreed with David’s compliment and it took him just a moment to realize that he needed to claim a dance with Miss Blanchard while he could.

“May I have this dance, Miss Blanchard?” he asked softly.

“You may,” she replied, placing her hand in his.

He led her onto the dance floor and drew her into his arms with the beginning steps of the waltz. He didn’t miss the way her gaze sought out David and Miss Nolan with every turn and the added validation to his speculation brought a smile to his lips.

“Perhaps when this dance concludes,” he began, “we can switch partners with David and Miss Nolan.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she stammered. “I did not intend to insinuate in any way that you were an inferior partner.”

“No apology is necessary, Miss Blanchard,” he assured her. “One would have to be blind to not notice the way the two of you look at each other. Am I correct in thinking that you return David’s affections?”

A scarlet blush rose on Miss Blanchard’s cheeks as she cut her eyes back over to where David and Miss Nolan danced about ten feet away.

“There is no need to answer, Miss Blanchard,” he continued. “I am very pleased to hear it.” He stepped back as the music came to an end and bowed before extending his arm and escorting her over to where David and Emma stood.

“May I have this dance, Miss Nolan?” he asked, placing Miss Blanchard’s hand into David’s.

She placed her hand in his, and his heart soared as he led her away from the other couple. 

“I believe your objective has been obtained, milady,” he murmured the moment they were out of earshot.

Miss Nolan’s eyes widened in surprise, her mouth dropping open slightly. “Really?” she breathed. “Why do you think so?”

Killian only just held back a snort of amusement at her question. 

“Just look at them,” he exclaimed, motioning toward David and Miss Blanchard with his chin. “It’s written all over both of them.”

Emma’s brow furrowed in confusion as she searched the ballroom for her brother and Mary Margaret. When she found them, she almost couldn’t suppress her giggle.

“David and Mary Margaret?!” she exclaimed. “Oh, Mr. Jones, no. I can assure you,” she continued, when he looked at her in surprise. “No one knows them better than I do, and if they were in love, I’d be the first to know it. They’ve known each other for years and there’s never been an indication of anything more than familial affinity between them, and that is only because of me. No, there is nothing between David and Mary Margaret.”

Killian thought back to the words he’d spoken to Mary Margaret not a quarter of an hour before as he blinked at his partner and then glanced back at the other couple. No, she was the one who was definitely mistaken about her assertion. Not him. 

“I thought you were talking about yourself,” Miss Nolan continued. “When you said our objective was obtained. But Mary Margaret still seems to me to be enamoured with Mr. Hatter. When we’re alone, she won’t stop talking about him.”

“Miss Nolan,” he said, exasperation lacing his tone, “Surely you haven’t missed the way they’ve been looking at each other since David arrived yesterday. And how closely he holds her now.”

“There’s nothing to miss,” she insisted, starting to become indignant. She stepped away from him a bit, and he was too astounded at her declaration to stop her. Miss Nolan was a supremely intelligent woman. The only explanation Killian could conceive of was that she was unwilling to see the plainly visible affection between her brother and her closest friend.

“Miss Nolan, Miss Blanchard all but confessed to me while we were dancing that she cares for your brother,” he continued. “And as that is the case, you have no cause to continue to fret over her infatuation with Mr. Hatter.”

Killian looked around the ballroom for David and Miss Blanchard. When he didn’t see them, he looked back at Miss Nolan. “They’re not here,” he whispered.

“What?”

“David and Miss Blanchard. They’re gone,” he repeated. Her countenance was equal parts surprised and dismayed as she could now hopefully perceive the veracity of his earlier words.

“You don’t think…”

“I would hope not.” 

He led her from the floor to where Elsa stood speaking to a small group of ladies.

“Pardon the intrusion, Elsa, but I must speak with you,” Killian interrupted.

She turned surprised eyes on him and then back to her guests.

“Please, excuse me,” she apologized before turning her full attention back to them. “What is it?” she asked, brow furrowed in question.

“David and Miss Blanchard,” Killian began before Miss Nolan interrupted him.

“Killian believes them to be in love and now we can’t find them in the ballroom.”

Elsa’s normally pale face whitened even more. “Oh, no,” she breathed. “We must find them. At once.”

Miss Nolan’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Surely you don’t believe…”

Elsa’s shrewd gaze bounced between them; when she settled on him, her eyes echoed his intense concern.

“What I believe is neither here nor there,” she said, quickly cutting Miss Nolan off. Though Killian knew his sister-in-law believed the same as he did. “But I think we can all agree that we need to find them. And quickly.”

They separated - the viscountess to the gardens, Mr. Jones to the men’s and ladies gathering rooms, and Emma to the orangery on the other end of Jones Hall. She was still trying to grasp the meaning of and implications of Mr. Jones' assertion that David and Mary Margaret - the two people she was closest to and loved the most - could themselves be enamoured of one another. 

Surely she would have seen it.

Surely she would have known.

She came to the orangery and stood staring at the doors. Memories she’d completely forgotten suddenly came rushing back - the giddy, schoolgirl behavior of Mary Margaret when she first met David, always making sure that she was in attendance when David came to Miss Moss’s for a visit, asking after him whenever Emma received a letter, and how she insisted on splitting time between her family and Emma’s during school breaks. And David’s behavior, as well - always asking if a received letter was from Miss Blanchard and the glimmer of disappointment in his eyes if it wasn’t; always standing in between them when they were all together, and always asking after Mary Margaret’s welfare in his letters as well as sending his regards.

She couldn’t bring herself to take another step. 

Because she was suddenly quite sure what she’d find when she opened that door.

“Miss Nolan.”

Emma turned to see Mr. Jones striding down the hall, the viscountess not far behind him.

“Did you find them?” she asked, desperately hoping that one of them would answer in the affirmative.

“No,” Mr. Jones answered, arriving at her side. “What are you doing out here? You were supposed to look in the orangery. Did you find them?”

Emma couldn’t answer, her eyes wide and mouth slightly open as the viscountess arrived. She felt Mr. Jones' hand grasp her elbow, but she couldn’t bring herself to move to stop their hostess from opening the door in front of them. 

On trembling legs, Emma slowly followed the viscountess and Mr. Jones into the darkened orangery, the only light the moon up above. A harsh exhale left her lips as she looked around, trying to see through the dense green foliage in front of them.

“Damn,” the viscountess muttered. “Lord Nolan, are you here?” she called, louder.

Emma opened her mouth to call for Mary Margaret, when Mr. Jones covered it with his hand. 

“Don’t call for her,” he whispered. “If she is here, we don’t want them to know we’re looking for both of them.”

Emma nodded, immediately seeing the sense in the plan.

“Lord Nolan,” the viscountess called again.

A rustle further into the greenery could just be heard. Emma closed her eyes and whispered a prayer. Perhaps it was a cat that had been trapped inside the room. If it had been David, surely he would have shown himself when called by name. She opened her eyes again and saw Lady Jones gazing intently at Mr. Jones and motioning to him. He nodded in response and stealthily crept forward until, with a leap as quick as lightning, he pounced, a muffled grunt coming from the ground underneath him.

“David!” Emma cried, as Mr. Jones drew him to his feet, his hand firmly grasping her brother’s collar.

“Where is she?” Mr. Jones demanded.

“Where is who?”

Emma exhaled a long sigh in dismay. She could clearly see that David was lying, and she was forced to admit to herself that all of Mr. Jones’ earlier words were true. 

“Miss Blanchard,” Mr. Jones ground out through grit teeth.

“Perhaps she’s not here,” Emma said desperately. She knew it wasn’t true, but until presented with Mary Margaret herself, she had to try and protect them. Protect them both. “David loves flowers and hates parties.”

David nodded enthusiastically. “It’s true.”

“Killian, let him go,” Lady Jones admonished. 

It was then that she saw it. Behind Lady Jones. A flash of lilac. Emma couldn’t contain her gasp that drew everyone’s attention and then turned to where she was looking. Mr. Jones released David and took one step toward it when David grabbed Mr. Jones from behind, sending them both to the ground with a loud grunt.

This time the gasp that escaped her lips was much louder as Lady Jones disappeared into the greenery and came back a moment later leading Mary Margaret by the wrist. Mary Margaret’s hair was disheveled and her dress was wrinkled and she looked like she was about to cry as her eyes met Emma’s.

“Emma,” she sobbed, her steps hesitant as she moved forward. Emma held out her hands, and Mary Margaret collapsed into her arms, her tears soaking the gown she wore.

“What happened?” she asked, trying to comfort her dearest friend as best she could, rubbing her back soothingly.

“I’m so sorry I lied to you,” she sobbed. Emma pulled back and looked around at the others alarmed. “I love him.”

“That is certainly welcome news,” Lady Jones commented drily. “Because, as of this very minute, you are engaged to be married.”

~*~*~

Thank you for reading and sharing!! We'll be back Wednesday morning!

[laianely]

Did you take my love away from me?

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

[deckerstarblanche]

Welcome to Chapter 2 of “An Offer She Can’t Refuse” FINALLY!

Huge thanks to @ultraluckycatnd for being the best beta ever, to @undercaffinatednightmare for the cool artwork, and to @caught-in-the-filter for the inspiring gifs!

Warning: the smuttiest thing I’ve ever written ;)

TAG LIST: @kmomof4 @ultraluckycatnd @caught-in-the-filter @booksteaandtoomuchtv @jrob64 @djlbg @eddisfargo @stahlop @holdingoutforapiratehero @justanother-unluckysoul @teamhook @gingerchangeling @jonesfandomfanatic @grimmswan @captainfloorouat @cs-rylie @natascha-ronin @vasfasan @veryverynotgoodwrites @bugheadswanjones @everything-person @jackieorioncat

Killian was able to get a Safe House room booked during the drive back to school, much to Emma’s relief. He was such a caring, reliable friend — the perfect guy to be with during such a crazy time. The only thing she had doubts about was how they were supposed to go back to being “just friends” after this was over. Was that even possible? Maybe they could talk about it when her brain didn’t feel like mush.

“You know, I’ve never been to the Safe House building before. Do you think you can hear other people messing around in their rooms? I bet you can’t, because of privacy rules, and hormone stuff. It would get pretty confusing in there if the walls weren’t thick enough, so I’m sure they are…” Emma babbled, pressing her cheek against the cool passenger side window as her head lolled to the side.

“Why don’t you drink some of that water I gave you, love? You might be a bit dehydrated already, and you’ll need your strength,” he urged gently, squeezing her arm. She looked down at the bottle in her lap and glared at him for being right, but the cool water did soothe her parched throat and eased some of the tension in her muscles. By the time they got back to campus, though, Emma was literally limp from exhaustion.

Checking in was incredibly easy. Emma had guessed right; because of the school’s strictly enforced privacy rules, they didn’t have to interact with anyone but the staff member who showed them to their assigned room. A woman from housekeeping led them upstairs while Killian held onto Emma, who had burrowed into her blanket. It was a bit of a mess after their activities in the truck, but she needed it, and whatever Emma needed, she’d get.

Killian remembered learning about situations like this in high school health class: an Omega’s instincts and defensiveness intensified during a heat, so familiar and soothing things shouldn’t be taken away from her. Killian knew it was up to him to make sure Emma felt safe and secure. Once the extra bedding, towels, and cases of water were stored away, the housekeeper left, and they were alone together.

“Ugh, I need to shower,” Emma whined as he set her down, burrowing her face into his chest. He chuckled, kissing the top of her head.

“That can most certainly be arranged. Go and relax, love,” he said, handing her a fluffy blue towel from the stack of stuff they’d been given.

Once he heard the water running, Killian kicked his sneakers off and made himself comfortable on the bed, switching the television on. Mindlessly, he flicked through the channels, trying to calm his frayed nerves. He had never been with an Omega in heat before, and there were so many unknowns. How long would they be here? What if he couldn’t get the job done for some reason, and she rejected him? What would happen if he slipped up and told her his true feelings by mistake?

Maybe watching some baseball would help push the self-doubt away, and get him in the right mindset. By the time the bathroom door opened, Killian was so fully immersed in the Red Sox vs. Cardinals game that he had shifted to the edge of the mattress, laser focused on the screen. He had no idea that Emma snuck up behind him, covering his eyes.

“Hello Swan… I trust you found the shower refreshing?” he asked, drawing one of her wrists to his lips.

“Yeah, absolutely; good pressure, plenty of hot water… I’d give it three stars,” she said with a smile, removing her other hand from his eyes. She perched herself on the corner of the bed, knowingly blocking his view of the television. He didn’t mind in the slightest, as she was wearing nothing but a short terry cloth robe, using the bath towel to dry her hair.

“Why’d you take away a star? Surely a shower that nice would merit four,” Killian teased, before his eyes zoomed in on her robe as it crept up to the tops of her thighs.

“Eyes up here, buddy!” she barked, just convincingly enough to make his ears turn red. Laughing, Emma threw the towel on the floor, finger-combing her hair into loose waves before inching her way back toward the pillows. Once there, she relaxed against them with her legs stretched out, long and lean.

“There wasn’t any room in the shower for my favorite Alpha, and I got lonely,” she sighed, her lips pressing together in an exaggerated pout. “Isn’t that awful?”

Killian nodded, his eyes glazing over at the sight of her laid out before him like a present waiting to be unwrapped. “It’s truly despicable, Swan. We shall have to remedy that at once…” he purred, crawling up until he hovered right over her, caging her in with his arms.

“Yes,” she hissed, quickly undoing the belt so her robe lay open, displaying every square inch of her flushed skin.

“Fucking exquisite,” he rasped, dipping his head to kiss her hungrily, using a knee to nudge her thighs further apart. Emma arched her back and moaned as her head hit the pillow, making sure he got an eyeful of her chest.

“I need to feel your mouth on me, Alpha, and your hands…like what you did in your truck,” she told him hoarsely, reaching up to try and grab him by the collar. He dodged at the last moment, ripping the shirt off himself before diving back down to lick a stripe right between her breasts. She let out a soft moan, her nipples stiffening in response to his touch.

“I am going to worship you tonight, Omega,” he rasped into her shoulder, pausing to nip at the skin above her collarbone before trailing his lips up her graceful neck. “I already know how damn good you feel around me, and that your taste is just delectable, but there’s one more thing that I’m just desperate to learn about…” he told her with a grin, sliding his mouth back down to her chest. He bit down on one nipple while pinching its twin at the same time and she cried out, pressing her pelvis up almost involuntarily.

“Does that mean you’re gonna knot me this time, Alpha? Now that I’ve seen what you have to offer, I want yours even more,” she told him between jagged breaths, cupping his crotch before slipping smoothly out from underneath him to switch their positions.

“Ooh, so fiery…I like this side of you very much.” he smirked, watching her shrug her robe completely off, clawing at the button of his jeans before they popped open. In the time it took him to blink, Emma divested him of his remaining clothing, gasping when his quickly hardening cock sprang up.

She moved up to straddle his thighs, and he watched as she started touching herself, slipping two fingers into her wetness, pumping them lazily before adding a third. “Mmm…Seeing how hard you get, just from watching me touch myself? Alpha, it’s so fucking hot,” she whispered, pulling her fingers out so she could run her slick-covered hand over his length. He shivered and closed his eyes, gripping her hips tightly enough to leave marks as he bit out a few choice curse words.

“You nearly made me come, Omega. It’s a damn lucky thing that I have amazing control,” he said, raising himself up on his elbows. “But that’s enough teasing for now; get up on your knees,” he ordered, the words rising up from some feral place deep in his gut. His eyes were dark with lust, and his gaze roamed freely over her entire body.

Emma was in a similar state, licking her lips as she admired the lean muscular planes of his form. For as long as they were in this room, he was her Alpha, and she felt very possessive. She rose back up, never losing eye contact after she’d positioned herself to sink down onto his cock. Her movements were almost torturously slow, teasing him and squeezing her inner muscles to give him just a little extra stimulation.

“You like that, Alpha?”

He liked it; hell, he loved it. The instant they were fully joined, she ground her ass against his thighs and they both moaned loudly at the relief of it, savoring the feeling together. Emma leaned forward, placing both hands on this chest as she began rolling her hips. In response, Killian thrust upward, bending his knees for better leverage.

“I want you to tell me exactly how you like to be touched, Omega,” he urged, squeezing her ass as he watched her writhing above him. “I want to know so I can find all of the new places to touch, and the ways to make you scream and beg for more,” he revealed.

“My nipples are really sensitive right now,” she breathed, raking her fingers through his chest hair. “Bite them, squeeze them, whatever…I’m getting closer!”

“As you wish,” Killian growled, thrusting faster as he ran his rough hands over her breasts, twisting and rolling until she let out a shriek of pure pleasure, repeating his name as she tightened around him, shaking from the force of her release. As difficult as it was to hold himself off, Killian managed, only pulling out as her aftershocks tapered down. If he dared to look at his cock, fully engorged and dripping with her essence, he would have popped his knot, losing complete control of himself. He had to move quickly.

“If you want my knot, I need you to get on all fours and turn around… NOW,” he growled, mostly from the pain of literally holding off his orgasm. Wordlessly, she did just as he asked, still lightheaded from her own pleasure. She could feel fresh slick trickling down her thighs, as if her body knew what was coming. Listening to that inner voice, Emma tucked her arms under her forehead and lifted her ass a little higher in the air.

She felt his hands smoothing down her back and hips as he moved into position behind her. The heat from his body was almost overwhelming but still she shivered, craving more. Killian’s familiar scent calmed her down, as did the gentleness in his voice when he spoke.

“Before we take this step, Emma, I need to ask you one more time: are you sure this is what you want?”

“Oh, fuck yes,” she purred, and before she knew it, he covered her body with his, thrusting into her completely. Emma had never felt so full in all her life, and she knew instantly that she’d made the right choice in her partner. Adjusting her position a bit, she took several deep breaths, enjoying the pressure and stretch from his girth at the new angle.

“Everything ok, Iove?” he asked, sounding worried that she was in pain.

“I feel wonderful, Alpha,” she soothed, lifting her hips higher and arching her back so he could slide all the way in. Her ass wiggled against his balls, causing him to pant harshly, unsure how much longer he’d be able to hold on. Emma turned her head, looking up at him as best she could. “Why are you holding back, Killian? I’m ready, and I want you,” she told him, rocking her hips back as she arched her spine to further encourage him.

“I want you too, love— believe me,” he rasped, nuzzling into her neck as he squeezed her hip. “You feel so unbelievably perfect. Touch yourself, so we can do this together…It will feel so much more satisfying for you, I swear it,” he pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion.

Emma was so moved by his constant consideration that she just nodded, bringing her fingers back to circle her clit roughly. That seemed to satisfy him, so he finally started moving again, taking her with fast, deep strokes. “Oh yes, Alpha, that’s the spot…Fuck! You feel so good,” Emma cried as she hurtled toward another release.

“I knew you could get yourself there, Omega. So unbelievably sexy,” he groaned, voice low and seductive. “You feel like heaven around my cock…”

There were no more words after that, just the sounds of their ragged breathing and slick skin colliding, building up toward a frenzied climax. She fell first, the tension mounting until it finally broke into seemingly endless waves of pleasure. With a final snap of his hips, he pushed forward, and when her muscles stretched enough to capture his knot, he could finally let go.

Experiencing such intense intimacy with Emma was the most satisfying high Killian had ever felt. He came hard, and as her walls spasmed, their bodies locked together to ensure that his release remained exactly where it was supposed to be.

In that moment he knew, with an almost primal certainty, that he had found his mate.

By the time the aftershocks ceased, they were sweaty and exhausted, barely able to coordinate themselves to lie down comfortably. Emma yawned, stretching her limbs as carefully as she could to avoid jostling his knot, but Killian was already falling asleep, his arm slung loosely across her hips. Aside from where they were joined, he made sure to keep an inch or two of space between them, avoiding too much skin contact for her comfort. It was exactly that kind of care, even to the smallest gesture, that made Emma’s heart swell with affection. The wonderful guy behind her was so thoughtful that he knew, without having to ask, how much she valued her space.

Emma wanted to let go of all her worries, and just bask in the incredible endorphin rush until she fell asleep — but her brain wouldn’t stop spinning. She heard his mind-blowing words and thinly veiled feelings on a loop inside her head, and it scared her to death. She knew what would happen if she allowed him in too close; they’d get too serious, too fast. Then, like so many other people in her life — from the parents she’d never known, to all the foster homes filled with neglect and broken promises —- he’d get tired of or abandon her. Everything, including their friendship, would crumble into dust.

Long before Emma met Killian, she had decided that she wouldn’t let anything distract her from her work, and it was even more true now. She couldn’t afford the emotional and physical maelstrom that a real heat caused, so going back on her meds was the best way to achieve her goals, even if it meant forcing herself to walk away from the man whose embrace had begun to feel like home. As her eyes drifted shut, Emma resolved to make her feelings clear after her hormones had settled.

##########

Killian awoke peacefully, just as the morning sun’s first rays began to filter in through the window blinds.

He was disoriented for a moment, knowing that he wasn’t in his own bed, but the soft snores from the body next to him, hopelessly tangled in the sheets, gave him a quick reminder.

Emma.

Emma, who apparently snored in her sleep? She was dozing on her side, facing the wall, so he propped himself up on one elbow, content just to watch her over her shoulder.

They’d had quite an exhausting night, so he was glad that she was able to get some rest. A few of the old wives’ tales he’d heard over the years ran through his head: Omegas who couldn’t sleep for days straight during a heat because their bodies needed constant stimulation; guys who almost asphyxiated in their partner’s slick during oral sex; the couple who spent 12 hours in an intimate tie because every time they tried to separate, it triggered simultaneous orgasms. At least that couple was trying for a baby, so they got their happy — albeit, unconventional — ending.

He shifted to focus his attention on his bedmate, who looked so peaceful and far removed from the chaos her body was going through. She had a small smile on her face, like she was in the middle of a very pleasant dream, and it filled his heart with happiness.

Dammit, get yourself together, man! Killian thought, chastising himself for such un-Alphalike behavior. It brought back unpleasant memories of his domineering father, who always berated him for walking away from playground fights as a child. Brennan Jones never walked away from a brawl, a “value” he tried to instill in his sons every single day, until he up and abandoned them in the dead of night.

Killian and his brother had worked hard to rise above their father’s pettiness, and as a result, Liam found a wonderful wife and partner in Elsa. Emma had a similar quality about her, enabling Killian to be softer and more in touch with his emotions. He had never experienced that with anyone else, not even his brother.

The woman in question was fast asleep at the moment, so he could take the time to memorize every freckle and laugh line on her face. If she ever found out how deeply he truly felt about her, she’d get scared and put distance between them. In the literal heat of the moment, Killian decided to let all of their issues and hangups fall to the side for a while. He wanted to enjoy this experience, and for that to happen, he needed to be unburdened.

A few minutes later, he fell asleep, breathing in the light floral scent of her shampoo.

###########

When they awoke after a long snooze, Emma was wild-eyed and wanting once again, but at least he persuaded her to guzzle down two water bottles and a Lemon Luna Bar before they got back down to business.

Unfortunately, a series of loud knocks on the door popped their bubble of serenity.

“Killian, just be as quick as you can…I need you,” Emma whined, writhing against the rumpled sheets. He stole one more kiss before sliding off the bed, nearly biting through his lower lip when he saw her, lying there all naked and glowing, waiting for him.

“Don’t you worry, sweetheart. In a few minutes, I’m going to give you exactly what you need,” he assured her soothingly, pulling on his discarded jeans and a grey t-shirt before slipping out the door.

He was flummoxed to see a woman in crisp blue scrubs standing at the door, holding a clipboard. A cardboard box stood by her side.

“Good evening, Mr. Jones, my name is Tracy and I’m the on-call nurse tonight. It’s just about time for your 24 hour check-in, so I have to ask you a few quick questions, then I’ll be on my way. I’ve also got your laundered personal items,” she said cheerfully, gesturing for him to pick it up.

“Oh sure, thanks very much! Everything is just fine here, really…” Killian replied, bending to grab the box so she wouldn’t see his face and ears turn a ridiculous shade of pink.

She still had a list of questions for him, so Killian raked a hand through his hair, shoved a thumb into his front belt loops, and prayed that she wouldn’t ask about bodily fluids. “Ok, let’s see now: any fevers, dehydration, headaches, or dizziness to report?”

“None at all. I’ve been paying close attention to her hydration,” he answered, looking at the nurse’s immaculately white shoes in order to avoid her gaze.

“Good. No excessive bleeding, burning, chest pain, or hmm...panic attacks?” she asked, jotting a few check marks down in her notes.

“Definitely not, although she might start panicking if I don’t get back in there!” he joked with a tight smile, looking up just as the nurse raised her eyebrows, looking suspiciously like she didn’t mind his intense discomfort. He felt mortified. What other invasive questions was this woman going to ask?

“Well, if you don’t have any questions for me, I think that’ll do it for now. See, that wasn’t so bad, was it Mr. Jones?” she asked, her chipper tone causing Killian’s jaw to clench. “Remember, call us in case either of you have any dehydration symptoms or are in need of more supplies. We’ll see you again in about 12 hours. Bye now!”’

“Thanks very much, Tracy. Have a pleasant evening!” he called as the nurse walked down the hall, off to harass another hard-working “caregiver.”

Apparently, that was the official name in this place for people like him.

Relieved that the strange interlude was over, Killian went back into the darkened room. The bed was empty, and his protective hackles raised immediately, despite there being no realistic way that Emma could have gone far. Nevertheless, his pheromone-heightened senses caused him to worry, so he breathed a sigh of relief at the sound of the shower running. Heart hammering, Killian walked past the small kitchen to the bathroom door and knocked tentatively.

“Killian? You’re back, finally! I decided to take a quick shower, so I’ll be out in just a sec,” Emma’s voice floated over the spray. The thought of her, wet and naked and covered in soap suds, sent blood rushing south so fast that his head spun.

“Aye, love! Take as long as you need,” he called, cursing under his breath when his voice cracked like a gawky teenager. While she finished up in the shower, Killian occupied himself by changing the sheets and checking the room’s thermostat before stripping down to his boxers and settling back into the bed.

By that point in their time together, he was so attuned to her needs that even the faint sound of her humming happily to herself aroused him to full mast. It was almost ridiculous how badly he wanted her. The desire to offer his body and to be fully accepted into hers, combined with his new knowledge of her taste and scent nearly overwhelmed him, driving him closer to a heat-induced rut.

An Alpha’s version of heat, ruts occurred naturally about 3-4 times a year, but they only lasted 48 hours at most. In cases where an Omega’s heat induced a state of rut in her Alpha partner, it usually meant that the pair had the highest compatibility rate for producing healthy children. Some people even believed that it was proof that the couple were soulmates.

The thought of it happening to them gave Killian the oddest sense of pride, but he knew Emma would freak out if he dared ever mention that subject in her company.

“Heyyyy, looks like you’re having some interesting thoughts over there! What are you up to?” Emma asked, leaning against the wall wearing nothing but a towel and a smile. Her wet hair was combed back and her skin was glowing, making her look like a siren in terry cloth.

“Oh, nothing too exciting,” he answered playfully, wiggling his eyebrows in a way that always made her laugh. He pulled the sheets away from the tent in his boxers, patting the spot next to him on the bed with a teasing grin. “You know, I do have something for you over here, if you’re interested…”

Emma couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his cheesy line, even though she knew she’d be in his arms in less than a minute.

And gladly stay in his arms forever, her heat-addled brain admitted traitorously.

But Emma didn’t really care to think about everyday life problems, not while her brain was all fogged up. Especially not while there was a sinfully attractive man waiting for her, ready to fulfill her every need and desire. She stayed where she was for a few seconds longer, enjoying the way his beautiful blue eyes looked her up and down, gazing admiringly at her form. He made her feel like the sexiest, most treasured woman in the world.

“I might be interested…” Emma murmured, finally answering as she sauntered over to the bed, rounding the corner to stand right next to him.

Killian just smirked, and before she could do any more teasing, he grabbed her by the waist and dropped her gently onto the bed.

“What’d you do that for?” Emma sputtered, moving to sit up. Heat or no heat, she didn’t like surprises.

“I’m sorry for the lack of warning, Swan, but I really do need you to be on the bed for what I have planned,” he revealed, his voice pitched down to a low rumble as he encouraged her to back up against the pillows. When she was arranged as he desired, Killian brought his hand up to stroke her cheek gently, and she melted into his touch.

Emma took his face in her hands and drew him in, kissing him hungrily as he pulled the towel from her body. It fell to the floor with a soft swoosh, but she didn’t even notice because his hands were everywhere. They roamed over her curves as his lips traveled to her neck, where a few moments of playful nipping and kissing her there elicited a series of needy moans. When he grazed her scent gland with his teeth, she shivered with delight, his name on her lips.

“Hmm, you smell absolutely delicious,” he whispered against her neck, inhaling deeply right near the sensitive gland. Emma sighed with pleasure, dragging her nails through the hair on his chest as he purred contentedly at the attention. She inhaled sharply as his fingertips brushed over the wetness between her thighs, clicking his tongue in mock disapproval while his index finger swirled around her clit.

“Alpha…” she pleaded, sliding down the pillows as she opened her thighs wider, inviting him to settle in between.

“Why didn’t you tell me how wet you were already, Omega?” he teased, chuckling as he continued exploring her folds, fingers gliding in and out effortlessly while she writhed pleasurably under his touch.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed you. Just keep doing what you’re doing,” she ordered, eyes screwed shut as the familiar tension began to coil in her belly.

“More of my fingers, or will you let me pay homage to your beautiful body with my mouth?” he crooned, watching carefully as she opened her eyes, eager as he was for her consent. Emma reached up to kiss him while she thought it over, enjoying the smooth and confident way he curled and darted his tongue. When they pulled apart, she was gasping for breath, desperate for his touch.

“Mmm, I haven’t had any good experiences receiving oral before, but I think you’re about to change that, Alpha. Fuck me with that pretty mouth of yours.”

His face lit up, as if she’d just told him that he won the lottery. It was so adorable and unexpected that Emma couldn't help but grin back, blushing.

“Absolutely. I promise that you won’t regret it,” he told her, his cute smile turning into a leer as he zeroed in on her dripping center. “Lie back now, Omega, and lift your hips,” he instructed, quickly grabbing a larger pillow to position her pelvis where he wanted it.

Killian sat back on his heels to admire his handiwork. There she was, fully exposed to him; her golden hair looked wild and free against the sheets, and her beautiful face was flushed with arousal. Slowly, he slid his palms from her shoulders to her sternum, pausing to lavish attention on her breasts. All the while, he planted scorching kisses on her neck, across her collarbones, and down to her rib cage.

Not wanting to miss a detail, he skimmed his hands from her taut stomach to her slick-dampened thighs, as his tongue trailed down to her navel.

“Alpha…PLEASE!” Emma begged, so worked up that her entire body shook.

“Patience,” Killian chided gently, placing a kiss to each inner thigh, then one brush of his lips to her center. Just when she thought she would burst, he surged forward, finally burying his tongue inside of her. Expertly, he massaged her clit with his mouth while using his fingers to stroke her g-spot to a quick, toe-curling release.

Her scream was a sound he’d never forget: uninhibited, passionate, and strong, just like the woman herself. As Emma’s breathing slowed, Killian slowly unwound himself from her body. Sliding up to lie next to her, he propped himself on one elbow to face her.

“Mmm, that was wonderful. Thank you,” she nearly slurred, cracking her eyes open slowly.

“You’re most welcome. Would you like a drink?”

She nodded, so he reached over to the nightstand where he’d stored a few water bottles. They both drank silently as Emma collected herself, her hazy eyes clearing and sharpening to hone in on her partner’s clear need of her.

“Alpha,” she murmured, looking down at his clothed erection.“You look like you could use some serious TLC. Take those off and let me take care of-”

Killian put a finger to her lips, cutting her off with a grin. “I’ll show you serious; get up, love,” he said , raising his eyebrows in a way that piqued her interest. She moved to let him get off the bed and followed him over to the front edge. He stripped, then sat down and grabbed her hands, drawing her in close. She narrowed her eyes, wondering what the hell he was up to.

“What are you doing?”

“I have a new idea, but I need you to trust me. I’d never hurt you, Emma; I can promise you that,” he assured, bringing her hands to his lips so he could place a kiss atop both sets of knuckles. The gesture made her smile, and she nodded in agreement. “All you need to do is get up on the bed, knees bent. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Looking more than a bit skeptical, Emma climbed onto his lap and straddled his hips on her knees as requested, placing her hands on his shoulders for balance. Almost immediately, he kissed her roughly, sucking her lower lip into his mouth while squeezing her hips. It felt as if every nerve in her body lit up in excitement as slick dripped onto his shaft.

“Ohhh, Emma…fuck, I thought I could wait, but I need to be inside of you right now. Just lift up, love…” he panted, sounding absolutely wrecked with lust.

“Yes, Alpha, please…” She did as he asked and immediately felt his cock nudging her entrance, hot and rock hard. Killian groaned as he guided himself inside of her, and she angled her descent, sinking down onto him as he began to rock up. He wrapped an arm around her, kissing her neck while Emma clutched at the back of his head, combing her fingers through his hair.

The position was intense: he was so deep now that he was hitting new places inside of her, making her shiver even though they were both damp from exertion and slick. They kept rocking against each other, finding a rhythm as they picked up speed.

“Killian,” Emma said with a hoarse voice, swallowing thickly. He raised his head from where it was nestled against her shoulder.

“Yes, love?”

“The way we are now…you’re hitting the perfect spot. It’s good for me, but is it good for you?” She asked, moving a sweaty lock of hair off his forehead.

“Don’t worry about me, Omega. This part’s all about you,” he breathed, trying to concentrate his efforts on hitting the same spot over and over so she could come. His muscles were beginning to tire, and he was dying to knot her, then take a shower and fall asleep, but he loved the closeness they had in this position.

Emma could tell that he was exhausted, so she kissed him and moved faster, snaking her fingers down to rub circles against her clit.

“That’s it, Omega,” he whispered, breaking their kiss as he stared down at her fingers moving so close to where they were joined. “I can feel you getting even hotter inside, that’s how I know you’re close. Tell me to go faster if that’s what you need, Emma…”

“Yes, faster and harder, please!” she begged, her breathy moans getting more frantic and louder as she approached her peak. The moment she snapped, he felt an incredible spasm of muscles gripping almost his entire length. While Emma was in a state of total ecstasy, Killian realized that he was on the brink too, with no hope of staving it off.

He gazed at her longingly, feeling like his blood was racing like liquid fire through his veins. His mind was consumed with images of knotting her slicked up body against the wall, pumping her so full of his release that he wouldn’t need to mark her; every Alpha on campus would know that she was off-limits.

“Emma, I want to pick you up and knot you against the fucking wall. I’ve been picturing it since we got here,” he confessed, groaning almost painfully as he pulled out of her warmth. “Now is the perfect moment; you’ve come so many times that you’re more than ready to take my knot. Will you let me?”

“DO IT. I want it, Alpha, now!” Emma hissed, gripping his neck and wrapping her legs around his waist. Her command gave Killian a surge of strength, and he rose, slamming her up against the nearest wall as he gripped the backs of her thighs. Guided as if by instinct, she grabbed hold of him, frantically angled their bodies until they clicked right back into alignment, like two puzzle pieces.

The heat generated between them increased rapidly into an inferno, as sweat and slick rolled down their bodies. He pounded into her like a man possessed, bracing his forehead against her chest as each thrust brought them closer to the brink.

“Mmm, I wish it could always be like this, Omega. I’d be balls-deep inside you every fucking night,” he growled, the sound coming from deep inside his chest, vibrating against her own.

“Yes, Alpha,” she agreed breathlessly, nodding as she held him closer, the thought of it taking shape inside her head. “Always want your knot inside me!”

“Then you shall have it,” he muttered darkly, pulling back once more before he slammed his pulsing knot deep inside her, making Emma scream his title as her orgasm overwhelmed her. His own release was long and satisfying, as if their bodies were urging each other to give more and more until oversensitivity forced them to stop moving. Breathing hard, they nearly slumped against the wall, until Emma tapped her heel against the ticklish spot on the back of his right thigh.

“Wench,” Killian groaned, making her laugh as he managed to get them over to the bed and onto their sides. With a sigh, she tucked her head under his chin, and once their breathing normalized, a comfortable silence filled the room.

##########

It took longer than usual for his knot to deflate, leaving them both sticky and uncomfortable. After separating, they rolled away from each other for a while, both needing breathing space and time to process what had just happened between them.

Emma melted into her pillow as she lay on her stomach, flinging her right arm in his general direction. Killian reached for her fingers, interlacing them with his as he gazed up at the ceiling.

“Holy shit, Killian, I don’t even know what to say! That was amazing,” she marveled, turning to face him. “Does knotting just get better and better every time? I don’t know if that can be topped,” she chuckled, amused by her own double entendre.

He laughed too, but his mind was whirling with confusion. He had no idea whether or not he should tell her the truth, the one he kept hidden away. In the end, Killian decided to confess only halfway.

“I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me, it’s like any kind of sex: best practiced with someone you really care for.” he told her softly, hoping that hearing the seriousness in his voice and seeing the love he felt for her in his eyes would help him get through to her.

Her eyes widened, showing a mix of emotions: affection, sincerity, tentative happiness…but fear was lurking in the background, just waiting to push its way forward. Luckily, though, she softened, opening her arms as she turned to face him.

“Killian, will you just hold me for a little bit?”

Without answering, he reached for her and scooped her into his arms. She laid her cheek against his chest, nuzzling into his warmth as she draped one leg lazily over his.

“Of course I will, love. I always will; you know that right?” he murmured into her hair, kissing the top of her head before resting his own back on the cool pillow. To Killian’s surprise, Emma snaked one arm around his waist and curled against him, holding onto his bicep like she wanted to make sure he wouldn’t go anywhere.

As he listened to her breathing even out, he combed his fingers gently through her hair, wishing this perfect moment with an unguarded Emma could last forever.

##########

When Emma appeared in the doorway to her and Mary Margaret’s room two days later, eyes red-rimmed and baggy from exhaustion, her roommate knew something was deeply wrong.

“What happened, sweetie?” Mary Margaret asked gently, guiding her friend back inside, her familiar fleece blanket trailing sadly behind her.

“This morning, I woke up just as the sun was starting to rise, and even though I don’t usually have any problem getting back to sleep, I felt so dizzy that I couldn’t close my eyes! Drinking water helped, but I haven’t felt so bad in years — just nauseous, bloated, and really sore from the past three days,” Emma told her, dropping onto her desk chair with a thump. “All of those times when you said that a natural heat’s end feels like a hangover, I thought you were being dramatic. Now, I know better…” she groaned, turning around in her chair to lay her head on the desk.

“Hey, c’mere,” Mary Margaret urged, holding her arms out, and after a few moments of hesitation, Emma turned and accepted the supportive hug, grateful that she wasn’t being judged. “I don’t understand why you insisted on coming back here all by yourself. Where’s Killian?”

When Mary Margaret pulled back and clasped Emma’s shoulders, she knew that it was time for her to explain her actions.

“Emma, did you check out of the building without telling Killian? Does he know that you left? I’m not judging, just asking…”

Emma’s silence answered the question, and Mary Margaret’s heart shattered for both of her friends. She and David had high hopes that the pair of them would just realize once and for all how perfect they were for each other.

“I just had to get out of there! I was starting to get claustrophobic, and I didn’t want to deal with him worrying about me, so I left. He was sleeping so peacefully that I didn’t have the heart to wake him,” she tried to reason, but Emma knew how irresponsible her actions had been.

“How could you do that to him?” Mary Margaret gasped, trying to rein in her shock at Emma’s carelessness. Unfortunately, the tears running down Emma’s face showed that she had failed.

“Listen, I need a long shower and a good nap. I can’t deal with these feelings right now,” Emma said dully, shrugging her shoulders as she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. Mary Margaret’s expression softened.

“That sounds like a good plan, Emma. Do you want me to leave so you can have some private time?” She asked, but Emma shook her head vehemently, clearly wanting comfort from her friend.

“After I get back, why don’t we spend some time together? Let’s watch some brainless tv, and maybe make hot cocoa with cinnamon. It’d be nice to hang out,” Emma cajoled, grabbing her shower caddy and towel so she could use their floor’s shared bathroom.

“Of course!” Mary Margaret replied with a placid smile. Once Emma left the room, she picked up her cell phone, telling David to be on the lookout for his own roommate. Killian hadn’t returned yet.

“Killian’s cell phone is still going directly to voicemail, so the only thing we can do is wait for him to surface. I’m sure he’s just fine,” David reassured her, but Mary Margaret wasn’t placated.

“You’d be more concerned if you had seen the way Emma looked when she got back, David! She’s a wreck, and it looks like she spent a long time crying. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her cry before! Usually, Emma keeps everything inside and Killian’s the one who wears his heart on his sleeve. I’m worried about him…” she whisper-spoke into the phone, just in case Emma returned.

“I’ll let you know the minute I hear something. He’s probably just licking his wounds somewhere — what Emma did sounds pretty heartless to me, so I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s hurting,” David pointed out, and Mary Margaret sighed in agreement.

“Don’t judge her too harshly, David. Promise that you’ll call me when he gets back, in case he needs a hug, or even just a friendly shoulder to lean on?”

“I promise.”

[the-darkdragonfly]

NEW CHAPTER! Tempest - A Captain Duckling Tale

Chapter 9

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

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

His father. 

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

“Emma…”

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

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

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

An orphan, that’s what he had said. 

But it had been a lie. 

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

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

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

I know you can help us, Emma. 

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