#a moment to breath and enjoy things for enjoyment sake before everything goes to shit and the plot moves forward

[the-innefable-idiot]

i blame capitalism for people complaining about kinnporsche not having a plot

no i won't elaborate

[2nd-rate-film-school]

Why Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Is Actually a Masterpiece of Modern Blockbuster Cinema

This is a review written by my friend and fellow filmmaker, @kubrickking. It’s a bit long, since she is a huge fan (and good film critic, imo), but it is definitely worth the read.

Since my sisters and I saw Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, we have all shared a sense of undying loyalty to the franchise. As BIG Disneyland people, the ride was a staple in our short lives long before we even understood how the concept could become a movie. Thus, we’ve enjoyed going to the midnight premieres, viewing the ride updates, and gathering pirate merchandise through the years. At this point, however, I think it’s fair to say that while we will see whatever film they release, we consider ourselves more fans of the original trilogy than what has followed with Dead Men Tell No Tales and - what was that fourth one called again?

To that point, this review is going to be biased as shit. I was an impressionable kid when I first saw these films and I will always remember them fondly. That being said, I just rewatched them at the age of twenty and feel my reaction is very similar. I was only fourteen when I saw the fourth film and was able to admit that it was terrible. In addition, know that this is not a reflection on Johnny Depp or any of the recent publicity he has faced. I am, and would hope you are as well, able to separate his work as an actor in this series from the recent revelations about his personal life.

As a side note, I am operating this review under the information given in the films, not the historical accuracy of pirates during this time. I don’t know if pirates regularly helped transport slaves and I acknowledge that the themes related to pirates having duality as both savage criminals and good men shows undeniable moral ambiguity regarding the historical truth. Jack, along with Will, is a romanticized version of a “good” pirate for the sake of a family-friendly protagonist in a story about pirates. And this analysis operates under a full awareness of that fact.

Regardless, one of the things that has always bothered me is the dismissal of the third film subtitled At World’s End. Common criticism of the film labels it as too long, too odd, and too exaggerated with little at stake and even littler sense to it. I do agree that any viewers expecting a simple, enjoyable action flick will be undoubtedly disappointed with the third Pirates offering. However, if you’re the part of the audience that is at all invested in Jack’s dive into the Kraken at the end of Dead Man’s Chest and is smart enough to realize the film is only truly 15 minutes longer than the other two, At World’s End delivers more than you could ever ask for as a conclusive chapter.

While the first film is obviously the most efficient and coherent on both a plot and tonal level, the third film acts as a bridge for cohesiveness between the entire trilogy without shying away from taking risks. And I firmly believe these risks pay off. Unfortunately, a majority of viewers feel it is more madness than brilliance. And to them I say, “It’s remarkable how often those two traits coincide.”

The film begins on such a dark note that it’s easy to see how people get the initial impression that it will not be a “fun ride.” A montage of hangings with a somber pirates hymn that ends with the murder of a child who can’t even reach the noose without a barrel to stand on is quite a way to open a film. And those are the kinds of risks you will see taken throughout the entirety of the movie’s 169 minutes. And I intend to prove to you that they are worth it.

From that first moment onward, you are given a direct association for the villain which up to this film is still underdeveloped and has done the majority of his evil actions off screen. The actions of Lord Cutler Beckett - or the pathetic cousin from another Keira Knightley film: Pride and Prejudice - now have tangibility. He’s no longer just the plot device for the evil Davy Jones, but a bastard in his own right. While Jones did senselessly murder sailors with the Kraken, his actions were motivated by a personal and justified search for Jack. But he never murdered children during a crackdown on pirate conspirators. Beckett’s actions serve as a power play, but also as revenge for Jack's refusal to transport slaves for the East India Trading Company; okay I’ll admit, Beckett’s motivations are still a little glossed over. But the film is juggling so many of the series' villains, anti-heroes, and “bloody pirates” with selfish motivations that a further explanation just isn’t necessary. Let me clarify that. Beckett’s specific personal motivations beyond greed for fucking everything up would simply distract from what we all really care about: Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Fucking Swann.

The film proceeds to build characters and set up future plot efficiently as the setting moves to Singapore, which is not a “random” or “meaningless” choice as some would have you believe. Dialogue from Jack in the first film and during the search for him in the second have previously established Singapore as a hub for a significant band of pirates. Their journey there serves a two-fold purpose of procuring mythological navigational charts that will provide a course to Davy Jones’ Locker as well as a ship and crew to get them there. They do all the pirate-y things like misdirect attention to allow an alternate plan of stealing the charts including a crew below the floorboards ready to provide weaponry and the secondary motivation of enlisting Sao Feng in the meeting of the Bretheren Court. It also gives just a glimpse of the assertion and decisiveness that Elizabeth has carried over from her choice to sacrifice Jack to the Kraken at the end of Dead Man’s Chest.

The number one thing I love about the romance at the center of Pirates is that Elizabeth and Will still have their individual character arcs, motivations, and plot. Even after the revelation that Elizabeth indeed left Jack, they do not immediately fall back into the simple conflicts related to their affections. A confrontation below deck parallels the scene from the first film as secrets and feelings are once again revealed. But instead of making this the focus, they both decide to carry on their journeys making their own choices. In fact, the root of their individual character arcs can be traced back to the first twenty minutes of the first film, Elizabeth’s being a more internal struggle and Will’s a more external one. Elizabeth continuously evaluates her own evolving moral beliefs and desires for her life; does she condone, participate in, and forgive the actions of pirates or does she condemn them. Meanwhile, Will must focus on the familial promise and connection with his pirate father Bootstrap Bill Turner that has been a source of conflict for him since the opening sequence of the series.

Just as it has always been, their love story at the heart of it is pulled apart and put back together by the choices they make and, thus, the people they choose to become. Neither needs the other for fulfillment per say - this is why Will always waits until the last moment to profess his love or insist they marry - but they work better together than they do apart. And that is why their ending is both ironic and essential. Their marriage being officiated by Barbosa in between sword fights with cursed pirates is the only appropriate setting for the unification of the two and one of the best damn scenes.

Call me dumb or sappy, but this romance still feels honest and emotional to me in its restraint. Even though I know it was cooked up in some board room meeting of Hollywood execs, I still genuinely feel invested in it. I think it comes down to the fact that they don’t hit you over the head with it. They allow the female character room to breathe and grow independent from the romance; which is perhaps why you can interpret her ending as either the greatest or worst conclusion to a character arc. Elizabeth’s speech to the crew of the Black Pearl before they enter into battle with the Flying Dutchman gives me chills every time. Because of her heart, dedication, and true duality, she is able to understand and act on the conflict with a decisiveness and purpose that none of the other pirates can. She has allegiance to her beliefs unlike the fickle criminals around her. She fights with and for values and a purpose, enjoying the adventure and adrenaline along the way.

In a similar way, Jack Sparrow’s character is fairly consistent through this film. There is justified criticism about Depp’s performance becoming a parody of the original idea as the series has progressed, and I would agree that it has never been as pure as it was in the first film. However, I don’t feel that Sparrow becomes a full caricature until the fourth film onward and I will tell you why.

Sparrow has always been defined by equal parts wit and luck. The details of his plans or the existence of them at all has always been left up to the interpretation of the audience, with rather blatant characterization from British soldiers about if he “plans it all out or just makes it up as he goes along.” While we can assume he gets lucky a lot and doesn’t always win - i.e. the mutiny that is ingrained in his character’s history - there is obvious intelligence lurking underneath all his actions. He’s persuasive and charming in the way a dirty, murderous pirate shouldn’t and doesn’t need to be. For example, Jack spends most of the second film convincing others that the only way to get what they want is to help him first. He weighs their desires and presents ultimatums, using whatever he has as leverage against them. Jack’s long-winded dialogue scenes where he talks someone around his finger function in the same way that deduction scenes do for Sherlock Holmes.

What makes this most impressive, or the laziest writing ever, is that the people around him are often not unintelligent people. Elizabeth, Barbosa, and Will have all outsmarted Jack on screen by the beginning of the third movie, Elizabeth’s trickery even proving fatal for him. Because of this, Jack’s character is only half what’s written for him.  He is also half Depp’s performance, which does not feel strained in the original three films. Some classic Jack Sparrow moments you may have forgotten actually take place in this film include the canon firing springboard onto the pearl with Beckett’s toy figure in the mouth of the barrel, the discovery and following flipping of the ship to return home, and the manipulation of the Bretheren court to approve a vote for pirate king and subsequent battle with Beckett.

Also, if your argument is that Jack became the main character when he should only be a strong supporting character, HE DOESN’T EVEN APPEAR ON SCREEN UNTIL THIRTY-TWO MINUTES INTO THE FILM. He is a supporting character in this movie. That is tremendous restraint considering the major draw for most viewers, which was heavily capitalized upon by Disney, was Depp’s performance as Captain Jack. And when they finally do show him, it is a lengthy eight minute sequence of him arguing with himself, eating peanuts, licking rocks, and rocks becoming crabs that roll the Pearl over sand into an ocean. Not necessarily the audience-catering character re-introduction you’d see in a Marvel film. Jack is in a mythological purgatory or hell that represents the silly and truly odd essence of pirate lore, and the filmmakers honor that. From the moment Jack is back with the crew on the Pearl, his comedic moments hit every time - with the exception of the angel and devil shoulder Jacks. His interactions with everyone from Barbosa to Will to Davy Jones to Beckett are spot on. Jack is witty, wily, and wondrous as ever while twisting the desires of those around him to spare his life time and time again.

But it’s not just the comedic moments this film gets right, it also nails the emotional and dramatic ones. Particularly Will’s final moments after being stabbed by Davy Jones and Jack’s confrontation with the now dead and beached Kraken hit perfectly. Still, my favorite scene of the whole film has to be Elizabeth’s speech which leads the Pearl into battle with the Dutchman. Dialogue from three male characters plays out in the background as the camera circles Elizabeth, in solemn reflection over the release of Calypso and the impending fight. “Then what shall we die for?” she questions Barbosa. Then she continues with the fiercest fifty second monologue, throwing Barbosa’s words back at him and using them in a way he never could to inspire the pirates aboard the Pearl to rise to the occasion and “hoist the colours” - effectively answering the plea of the chain gang in the beginning of the film.

As with many blockbusters, there is a dramatic scene where the audience typically laughs out of turn. So let me be clear: if you even laugh a little bit during Elizabeth’s desperate attempts to bring her ghostly father aboard, you have no heart whatsoever. It is quite obvious to the audience, who has already been told the people in the boats are dead, that Governor Swann is beyond help. However, to the eye of someone who has seen the mythical Kraken devour the living person beside them, it may not seem so impossible that her father can also be saved. As a matter of fact, why couldn’t they save him?? I am still crying during this scene ten years later. Not because I loved his character, but because I can easily imagine my own parent afloat in one of those boats and my own hysterical attempts to reach them. Take a moment, please, and imagine your parent in this position. Not so stupid now, is she??

And this brings me to my favorite thing about the film: the visual language. Working with supernatural fables and period piece restrictions, At World’s End utilizes an array of solid and effective visuals that stimulate on levels of both the studium and the punctum. An Asian pirate ship floats on still water like glass that reflects the starry night into a mirror image, as they travel into a dimension of suspended time and space at the world’s end to retrieve a dead soul from eternal purgatory. Jack Sparrow gazes into his own reflection in the dead eye of the rotting beast that killed him and contemplates the true nature of freedom in relation to immortality. “The world used to be a bigger place,” says Barbosa and Jack responds, “The world’s still the same. There’s just less in it.” The wrath of a scorned lover materializes into a swirling maelstrom that becomes the setting for the separation of another pair of lovers. Jack holds the heart of a monster in his hand, blade at the ready, and hesitates in completing the task for fear that he faces his own future cruelty. These images as well as others in the film elevate interesting and elaborate themes into dynamic expressions of consciousness. Don’t even get me started on the coloring. And you get all those layers with an amazing dose of action and thrills.

Also, the effects in this movie still look great because they are 90% practical. Wait, you mean the series with skeleton and fish pirates has practical effects? Yes, you asshat, CGI was only used to supplement the majority of the special effects you see. While certain settings and the crew of the Dutchman are obviously computer generated, all the scenes involving ship effects were either done with the built-to-scale, fully functioning set pieces or models before receiving any post-production visual effects aid. The scenes underwater were actually shot underwater with all the lead cast and the final twenty-minute storm battle was shot on the ship decks with manufactured torrential rain for 10 weeks straight. Not cool enough yet? They also actually blew up Beckett’s ship and layered the shots of him and the other soldiers on it. That Singapore set they blew up was indoors with at least four feet of water and an entire series of buildings on stilts. And honestly that’s almost nothing compared to the shit they actually did in the second film.

Okay. I think I have to wrap this up now because if I even get started on Hans Zimmer’s score, this could double in word count. If you can’t tell already, I really enjoy this super under-appreciated film and I absolutely adore this series as a whole. It has flaws, it can be stupid at times, and sometimes moments fall flat. But the code for a “good” film is "more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules." I still feel my love for this series has been well-founded and well-intentioned for 14 years strong (nearly 70% of my life). Now if you remember "Pirates 3” as being a dud, I encourage you to rewatch and rediscover the magic within. If you were waiting for the "opportune moment," this is it!

[hookedonapirate]

Wild at Heart (Chapter 3/?)

Read: Prologue Ch 1 Ch 2

Graphic Art credit to the lovely and wonderful @jell-obeans Thank you so much!

Summary: Born and raised by rich parents, Emma Nolan has always done what’s expected of her, from what clothes to wear to what school to attend, what career to pursue and even who to marry. After graduating from Harvard and going back home to Storybrooke, South Carolina, she agrees to marry Oz Walsh by the wishes of her parents. With a year of engagement behind her, she goes to Boston for business and has to fly back home to get to her wedding. What happens when she has a run-in at the airport with a dashing, blue-eyed thief who is apparently bound and determined to throw a wrench in all of her plans? Will she make it back to Storybrooke on time for her wedding or will she find her home along the way?

A/N: I know some of you are waiting for an update for Tangle Up In Blue, but not to worry, it will be up next, hopefully soon. Thanks for your patience!

Rating: M

AO3 FFN

The rain died down as Emma walked back to the hotel to retrieve her things while Killian went to get his car. She grabbed her suitcase and carry-on bag, letting Graham carry them down the elevator for her. “Everything all right, Emma?” he asked, his words laced with concern.

Emma flashed him a smile and nodded. “Everything's perfect. I just got offered a ride home,” she explained shortly. “So I won't be needing the room after all.”

“That's good to hear. Although, I'm sad to see you go again,” he assured her as they reached the elevator and stepped inside. He pressed the button for the first floor and set the suitcase at his side as the doors slid shut. He kept looking at her, nervously fidgeting with his fingers as the elevator descended, but Emma didn't pay much attention. She just stared off into space, dreading the trip back home as the classical music enveloped her ears. The hotel used to play the most God awful tunes until Emma lodged a complaint about it. Now, it was more to her liking and listening to it didn't make her want to gouge her eyeballs out.

Graham and Emma were both silent when they reached the desired floor and the door opened with a ding.

“Well, don't be shy. I hope you will consider the Crown Plaza anytime you visit Boston.” The Irishman finally managed, winking at her after they emerged from the elevator. He spoke formally because he was required to, but at the same time she knew he was sincere.

“Thank you,” she said graciously as they made their way to the front desk where he checked her out of the room. He then grabbed her luggage and escorted her out of the hotel himself.

She was used to the attention she received from the opposite sex. They always went out of their way to please her. Sometimes she couldn't understand why, she only accepted it. Females, on the other hand always hated her for whatever reason - whether they were jealous or just didn't care for Emma's personality - she didn't really know. But maybe she was a bit stiff and closed off sometimes - okay, probably most of the time.

”Do you have a ride Emma?” he asked, a bit confused when there wasn't a cab outside waiting for her.

“Yeah, my driver will be here soon,” she assured him.

“Oh,” he uttered, as though he were appalled by that idea. “Would you like me to wait with you?”

“No, that's okay. I'll be fine.” She leaned in to kiss Graham's cheek, trying to disguise the nervous pit in her stomach as she heard the man's breath hitch. When she pulled away, he touched his cheek, a dazed look in eyes as a smile took over his face. Normally Emma would return it with a flirtatious smile - she loved the attention - but right now she could only offer a half-hearted grin.

“Alright, have a safe trip, Emma.”

“Thanks, Graham.” Emma cringed as he set her bags down and disappeared inside the hotel. She highly doubted the trip would be safe, considering who her driver was, and it certainly would not be enjoyable.

Emma waited by the curb, her arms crossed as she tapped her foot impatiently and checked her watch. When she and Killian had separated, he said he would give her fifteen minutes. It had now been twenty.

Finally, she saw him pull up to the curb and her jaw dropped, seeing the vehicle he was driving. 

She stepped forward and opened the passenger door, bending down to catch his gaze. “I am not driving in this piece of shit,” she stated firmly. “We’ll rent a car. I'll pay for it.”

Killian put out his hands in protest. “Whoa whoa whoa, don't be dissing my ride. We’re driving her whether you want to or not. We play by my rules,” he argued through gritted teeth from his seat. “Now get your boney arse in the car before I decide to change my mind and drop your diary in the mail.”

She sighed wearily. “Fine, but don't whine to me when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.”

“Believe me, I won't.”

Letting out another exasperated sigh, she got in the car and slammed the door shut. Killian eyed her in confusion. “Your bags?”

“What, you're not going to be a gentleman and get them for me?” she asked, irritated.

Killian laughed, raising an eyebrow. “Sorry, love. For your information, I am always a gentleman, but just so we’re perfectly clear, I am certainly not one of your lapdogs. There's a difference between being a gentleman and being whipped. You may have other men wrapped around your dainty little finger, but I'm not one of them.”

“Ugggh…. fine!” She huffed in frustration and got out of the car, picking up her luggage and going around to the trunk. She waited impatiently for him to open it but when he didn't, she walked up to his door and pounded her fist on the window. He rolled it down with a mocking grin.

“Yes, princess?”

She put up her arms. “Hello? Open the trunk you asshole!”

Killian raised his left hand to his ear. “I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you through your rudeness and name calling. Maybe you should try asking nicely.” He started rolling the window back up, but she put her fingers on the edge of it, attempting to stop it.

“Will you please open the fucking trunk, oh so kind sir?” she muttered sarcastically as he stopped the window from shutting. She was about two seconds away from punching him in the face to wipe off the smug grin he was giving her.

“Princess has a foul mouth,” he said, shaking his head. “I normally would enjoy such dirty talk but right now I'm going to need you try that again. This time, pretend to sound as though you mean it.”

Emma gritted her teeth, speaking in the most sincere tone she could muster. “Could you please open the trunk so we can be on our way and you can get your precious money.” She topped it off by flashing him a sweet smile.

“That's more like it.” He pressed a button from where he sat, popping the trunk open for her.

“Thank you,” she flashed him a fake smirk and marched back over to the trunk. Using all of her strength, she lifted the suitcase and threw it in, along with her carry-on. She didn't realize until then just how heavy her suitcase was. After shutting the trunk, she got in the car and buckled her seatbelt.

He pulled away from the hotel and got on the road, driving until he reached a bridge over the river. She eyed him cautiously as he pulled off to the side of the road. “Why did you stop here? You're not planning on murdering me and throwing my body in the river are you? My Mom's a damn good lawyer and my Father was the best cop on the force before he became the mayor. I wouldn't mess with them like that if I were you.”

Killian rolled his eyes and handed her a prepaid phone. “The idea is tempting, but you're worth more to me alive, as odd as that sounds. Now I need you to call your parents and tell them what we discussed, and only that. Got it?”

She scolded him, snatching the phone. She had to get rid of the one she had for fear of Walsh or her parents using it to track her down. And she was so torn up knowing that Walsh couldn't constantly call and text her - okay maybe not so much. “Yes, I got it.” As Emma dialed her parents’ number, she couldn't believe she was actually going through with this. She's lied to her parents before. She's snuck out in the middle of the night when she wasn't supposed to, she's agreed to do things for the sake of appeasing her parents, even when she didn't really want to do them. She's lied to Walsh obviously - basically their entire relationship was a lie. But making them believe she was kidnapped so this dirty thief could steal her parents money was wrong on so many levels. The thought of deceiving and making her parents even more worried than they already were made her heart constrict.

Listening to the rings as she waited for someone to answer, the sound seemed deafening to her ears even though the volume was not very high.

“The Nolan residence.”

Emma swallowed thickly, hearing the housekeeper on the other end. It was a familiar voice and put her at ease a bit. Dortha had worked for the Nolans since Emma was old enough to remember her. She took care of Emma whenever her parents weren't home and treated her like a friend rather than a child, which Emma had always appreciated.

“Hi, Dortha.”

“Oh hi Miss Emma, I'm sorry. I didn't recognize the number.”

“It's okay, I'm on a prepaid phone. I just need to talk to my parents.”

“Of course. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, everything's fine,” Emma replied softly. “I just have to let them know I'm on my way home.”

“Oh that's wonderful. They'll be so happy to hear. Your mother isn't here at the moment but let me get your father.”

“Thanks, Dortha.” Emma waited for what seemed like forever until she heard the sound of her father's voice and a small smile pulled at her lips.

“Princess?”

“Daddy…”

“Did you find a way back to us, baby? Your mother and I have been worried sick.”

“Actually…” Emma's voice became shaky as she glanced over at Killian, who was staring at her intently. “Daddy… I’m being held for ransom…”

She heard nothing but silence on the other end.

“Father?”

Finally, she heard him clearing his throat before speaking. “Are you…?”

“Yeah, I'm fine. My captor is taking me back home… but he's asking for five hundred thousand dollars for a safe return,” Emma explained, remembering her conversation with Killian in the alley about what he wanted her to say.

“Did he… did he hurt you?” Her father asked nervously, not even concerned about the money. “I swear to God I'll kill him if he lays a hand on you.”

“No… I'm fine, I promise,” she breathed out, briefly closing her eyes. She hated lying to him. She hated making him worried.

She heard her father breathe a deep sigh in relief. “Thank God. Can I speak with him please?”

“Yeah.” She handed the phone to Killian. “He wants to speak with you.”

Killian took it, changing it to speakerphone before he spoke in a deep tone. “Your daughter will be returned safely, I assure you. As long as you all cooperate, there will be no problems. I expect five hundred thousand dollars in unmarked bills and when your daughter and I reach South Carolina, Emma will call to inform you of further instructions and where to drop the money off. If I suspect that any cops are involved, you will not see your daughter ever again got it?” Killian asked, his voice unwavering.

Emma let out a small gasp at the thought.

“I understand,” she heard her father say, his voice completely wrecked with worry. “You'll get your money. Just bring her home safely, you hear me. If you so much as harm one hair on my daughter's head, you will not live long enough to spend any of the it.”

“Easy Mr. Mayor, there's no need for threats. I assure you your daughter is in good hands.” Killian turned his head and flashed her an inappropriate smirk. She responded with a disapproving eye roll before turning her head to look out the passenger window. She just couldn't wait to get this over with and get back home.

Killian gave the phone back to her, urging her to end the call. “I love you, daddy. Tell mom I love her too.”

“Okay, love you too, sweetie. Get home safely.”

“I will, promise.” Emma said goodbye to her father before ending the call, tears threatening her eyes. It pained her knowing that her parents would would be worried sick not knowing if she was alright or not.

“What, you mean Walsh doesn't get an ‘I love you’ message too?” Killian teased, undoing his seatbelt as she glared at him, ignoring what he asked her.

“Was that really necessary, telling him he’ll never see me again if there are cops involved?”

He shrugged. “I needed it to be believable.” Opening the door, he stepped out of the vehicle, tossing the phone over the bridge and into the river. He came back and took his seat again. “Ready to go, love?”

“Don't call me that. I am not your love,” she muttered spitefully.

“Do you prefer princess?”

“Do you prefer me shoving my six inch heel up your ass?”

He threw her a dirty smirk as though he weren't opposed to the idea. “How did you know I was into that?” he asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

Emma sighed and crossed her arms over her chest as she sank back in her chair. “I figured you were a freak like that. In fact I'm surprised you're not handcuffing me to the door handle.”

“I do like it kinky, but as much as I love the idea of you in handcuffs, that would make this an actual kidnapping. And I'm not trying to keep you against your will. You're free to go at anytime. Unless being in handcuffs is your thing?” he asked suggestively.

She ignored the last part he said. “If I do leave, you’ll just mail my diary to my fiancé and ruin my life, that's all. You do realize it's still considered kidnapping, right? This is no different than some creep who lures little children into his van by baiting them with sweets or teddy bears.”

“You're right about that; kids don't know any better, and neither do you,” he said sarcastically. “Except they're innocent and you most certainly are not. Although you're also right about the diary but whether it would ruin your life is debatable. But that's entirely up to you, princess.”

“Just drive,” she demanded curtly. “And don't call me princess or I'll deliver that promise about driving my heal up your ass. I doubt it would feel good but that's entirely up to you,” she said sharply, flashing him a sarcastic smirk.

“Ooh, you're a tough lass,” he chuckled, waving his finger at her. “I like it.” He reached behind him, grabbing something from the backseat and handing it to her. It was a paper bag from the sushi place she was going to eat at before being rudely interrupted.

“What's this?” she asked, arching an eyebrow in confusion.

“It's called food, love. I figured I owed it to you since I stole you away from your dinner.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You expect me to eat in the car like some slob? I don't think so.”

“Then don't eat. It makes no difference to me,” he said taking the bag from her. “But we’re only stopping for gas and sleep, that's it.”

“Fine, I'll eat it.” Emma sighed and took it back, their fingers brushing against one another, making her breath hitch. She quickly pulled her hand away, taking the bag with her and looking inside of it. She had to hide the smile threatening her lips, seeing the assortment of her favorite kinds of fish in the to-go container. Mackerel and Salmon and Tuna along with some California Rolls. She grabbed the chopsticks and opened the container.

Once she sampled the Salmon, closing her eyes and savoring the texture and taste in her mouth before swallowing, she had never been so happy to eat sushi, even though she didn't like to eat in front of people. She was raised to believe that type of dining etiquette was rude. It was even more awkward with Killian staring at her while she ate and licked her lips. “Sorry,” she apologized, offering him the tray. “Would you like one?”

Killian chuckled, shaking his head.

“What? It's impolite to eat in front of people who aren't also eating.”

“Ah, so you do have manners.”

“Of course I do. I grew up in a wealthy household where anything else was not tolerated. Whether I choose to use them on you or not is a completely different story.”

“Well, for your information, I already ate. I just find it quite exhilarating watching you enjoy sushi,” he said, throwing her a sultry smirk. “I like a lass who knows how to eat fish.”

Emma's breath caught in her throat. She rolled her eyes, unable to decide whether that was really creepy or oddly arousing. “Are there any more kinky quirks I should be aware of before I have to endure forteen hours in the car with you?”

He turned his head, arching an intrigued brow as he leaned in, swiping his tongue across his lips. “Wouldn't you like to know?” he asked, his voice dripping with pure sin.

She lost another breath, her eyes falling to his lips as she tried to steady her fingers. Perhaps she did want to know, but she wasn't about to admit it. He was blackmailing her for crying out loud. So instead she gulped as his blue depths pierced into her for what seemed like hours rather than seconds before she caught herself and tore herself away, looking down at her sushi. “Would you just drive please? I want to get home as soon as possible,” she said quietly, taking another fish between her chopsticks and sliding it into her mouth.

He complied, looking towards the road and taking the wheel. “As you wish.”

Killian pulled away from the side of the road as Emma looked out her window. They were both silent as he continued through town.

She wasn't looking forward to being stuck in the car with him for fourteen hours - if his shitty yellow Volkswagen would even make it that far.

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