#cssecretsanta

[bvck-barnes]

some day we'll be grown and i'll be fine with packing up cardboard boxes filled and sad farewells and I'll be fine with that goodbye as long as i don't say goodbye to you as well

hi, it's santa here! and this is my little gift for @i-will-sing-no-requiem for the @cssecretsanta2020 i really hope you like it and happy holidays ♡

[cssecretsanta2020]

I know it’s August but the holidays feel fast approaching and with that my mind turns to this event.

I know the Once Upon a Time and Captain Swan fandom has dwindled over the years and with that events have begun to disappear. This being one of the last standing.

I don’t wish to see the event go but I don’t know if I have it in me to run this event or even if there is any more willing participants.

If there is interest in this event maybe I can do one last year or if anyone is available to co run it/run it in my stead.

PLEASE INTERACT WITH THIS POST AND BOOST IT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS EVENT CONTINUE! REBLOG COMMENT ADD TAGS! LIKES MEAN NOTHING BECAUSE I CANT DETERMINE MEANING BEHIND THEM!

[laianely]

The Words

Merry Christmas @colinoeyebrows !

I'm your Secret Santa for @cssecretsanta2020 this year! I was very excited to get your name, as it was just recently when we had our introduction and conversation on IG 😉 I hope you like the edit I created for you! I tried to combine scenes and outfits that you like and make coloring with shades of your favorite color. I had to make this post again because of tumblr glitch (it just cut out quite long pert of this edit, and I don't know why it happened), but now it's complete here)

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

[csgiftexchange]

This event will again not be taking place this year.

I am focusing on my, and possibly the, last year of Captain Swan Secret Santa. Which does currently have sign ups live right now. You can find that post HERE

But I want to make it clear though this event has only happened one year this event is not abandoned. The one year it did happen it was very fun and I enjoyed running it. I do hope that this event can run next year maybe we can even do a Christmas in July gift exchange so we don't have to wait for the winter season.

[colinoeyebrows]

Hey!

I'm you CS Secret Santa gifter and I want to know you better to be able to create something that would make you really happy!

So I want to start with a couple of questions:

What do you like more - fluff or angst? Or something else?

What is your favorite season?

What are your favorite songs that you associate with CS?

Hey Santa hope you are well. <3 I like a mix of both haha so fluff and angst. My favourite season is probably s3 and s5. They are both some of my favourites. Uhmm, I think Florence and the Machine - Never Let Me Go & Christina Perri - The Words are the first songs that come to my mind haha.

Hope you had a good weekend!

[cssecretsanta2020]

This is a stunning gif set!

Emma Swan, a capable and strong-willed 21st-century woman, travels to Scotland in search of her birth parents. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses a mysterious ritual. Wanting to investigate further, she heads to the house nearby. Upon entering, she's suddenly transported back in time to 1743. There she meets the dashing Highland warrior, Killian Jones, to whom Emma finds herself being drawn.

-CS Outlander!AU

Surprise, surprise, @cocohook38 !! I'm your @cssecretsanta2020 !!! It has been great talking to you and I really hope you like this and you're not disappointed! As I promised, I will also post a little graphic to go along with this gifset!

[bvck-barnes]

Hello there Friend and Ho Ho Ho!! This is your CS Secret Santa reporting for duty! ☃️ Here at the North Pole things have taken a decidedly frosty turn. If it is cold where you are too, the elves and I hope you are staying healthy for the holiday season.

I look forward to getting to know you as your gift is prepared! Santa hopes you enjoy CS fic, as that is his specialty. He and the elves and reindeer are a bit old-fashioned - sadly not as skilled in newfangled presents like videos and gifs, unfortunately.

To start off getting acquainted, what are some of the things you look forward to most about this time of year? And also, what are a couple of your favorite things about CaptainSwan, or OuaT in general?

hi santa ♡ i hope you're okay and enjoying the cold weather! here we don't get reaaaally cold temperatures (sadly) but it's definitely chillier than usual. i'm so so excited to get to know more about you too, and getting a fic is literally my ideal christmas so you're AMAZING already.

what i look forward the most during this season, i'm gonna be honest i've never been a fan of christmas bc it's not always fun with the fam but this is my first year spending it with a partner and he's amazing and so i guess this time i'm looking forward to just finding joy in that ♡.

aaand finally (sorry i talk a lot) my favorite thing about ouat is emma, i started this show when i was like 16 and she was the first character i ever fully saw myself reflected in, to this day i think i still do in so many ways. and then captain swan will always be my otp bc of the way they both helped each other become a better version of themselves in their own way and break down the walls they had. honestly i could talk about them for hours and hours lol. i would also love to hear what you love about those two!

[cssecretsanta2020]

CSSS 2024 Sign Ups OPEN

You can sign up HERE.

You can learn a bit about this event HERE. Gives a general summary, rules, gift ideas, and a rough schedule.

Not up for being a Santa read up on being a Santa's Helper HERE.

Signs ups close November 26. Pairings go out between November 29th - 30th.

[laianely]

Ho Ho Ho! It is your secret Santa dropping into your chimney at the death of night to leave you this ask- oops that sounded stalkerish...just like how I stalk your page for your lovely edits! Enough with my terrible attempts at (dark??) humor and let's get into the thick of it (*eyes the KSI memes*). Oops looks like I'm already rolling away from the topic. So my dear giftee I have a few questions for you- what is your favorite captain swan scene and what are your favorite tropes? If you'd like to share a favorite fanfic (or a feww) too that would be lovely. Hopefully this wasn't very question heavy (or bad humor centric)- I'm writing this 5 minutes before my sleigh driving test (yeah don't tell peeta I said it was the reindeer doing the work). In all seriousness, I do apologize for the delay its exam week and I didn't check my email until today. I look forward to your response and I'm hoping you have a great week!

Yours truly

Santa number one million and one

Hey Santa! Nice to meet you! I like your enthusiasm in stalking me, haha 🙃

My favorite CS scenes ● "You traded your ship for me?" ● Their first dance at the ball ● Middlemist field kiss ● Killian's death in 5x8 ● Killian's death in 5x11 ● Elevator scene in 5x20 Some fluff, some angst - full range of emotions 😅 I love time travel theme and love their "Back to the Future" adventure. Also love the whole plotline with Dark One Killian, his death and his resurrection.

2. As for my favorite fanfics I'm a huge fan of the series "Alone, Until I Get Home" now. I love the great balance of fluff, angst, casual family moments and magic curses in it. Also I love "Breathe Out (So I Can Breathe You In)" - it's some kind of character exploration of Killian through his dreams. "Stolen Hearts" - Captain Duckling fanfic with the good balance of adventures, love and smut. "Straight to You" - 1000% angsty work where Killian and Emma were cursed and separated. And she needs to find him and to give birth to their child before his 32 birthday. Otherwise he will die and this loop will begin again. Thank your for your questions:) I hope it will help. Have a great week!

[cssecretsanta2020]

This is a great list of questions to get to know your giftee better. And just a reminder Santas do have to send an anonymous message at least once a week. But we always encourage more if you can!

I saw this post going around about how there's not a lot of interaction for @cssecretsanta2020 and also @csgiftexchange [hope it's okay that I tagged you guys] between the gifters and their people. I know there's quite a few people who probably feel the same way, so I've decided to make a Captain Swan Christmas Ask Game. Obviously, anyone can participate, reblog, and send asks, but it also might be helpful for those of us who aren't quite sure what questions to ask our giftees.

GIftees, if you want a little more interaction from your secret santa/gift exchanger, (or just other users in general!) feel free to reblog!

Givers, if your giftee has reblogged this, you know have a few ideas for some questions to ask them (and don't forget to reblog it yourself so your giver can hit you up with some asks)

Without any further overexplanation from kazzy: Captain Swan Christmas Ask Game

How long have you been a Once Upon a Time Fan?

Around what point in the series did you start shipping Captain Swan?

Favorite Captain Swan scene?

What are some non-Captain Swan ships you ship?

What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?

How are you doing on your giftexchange/secretsanta gift?

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?

Favorite Christmas/holiday treat?

Favorite hot drink?

On a scale of 1-10, how much do you decorate/prepare for Christmas?

Got most of your holiday shopping done?

Do you feel like you have a set Christmas aesthetic?

What's a favorite holiday memory of yours?

Favorite Christmas movie?

Favorite Christmas song?

Favorite Christmas TV special episode?

What does Christmas mean to you?

Do you have any Captain Swan Christmas headcanons?

Favorite Captain Swan headcanons in general?

Have you ever participated in this kind of event before?

Favorite kind of Christmas cookie?

A few of your favorite CaptainSwan fic recommendations (either ones you wrote or ones you've read.)

What's Christmas morning like for you?

Do you do any of the holiday cooking/baking?

Do you have any favorite christmas outfits or accessories?

Do you own any OUaT merch?

What's your biggest Christmas wish this year?

What are some of your favorite platonic relationships Killian and Emma have?

What are some of your non-ouat OTPs?

What's your opinion on X [character, story arc, holiday thing, ext.]

Merry Christmas, loves!

[cssecretsanta2020]

Check IN

Hi Hello everyone! SO sorry i have been away for a moment and lost track of the days. I am getting back to everyones asks and messages now so please check and get back to me as soon as possible.

This is a the check in point please follow the instructions below

LIKE if you have been contacted by your secret santa.

REPLY to this post with a sad face :( if you have not been contacted by your secret santa.

REBLOG to signal boost this post so all participating can respond.

[laianely]

*insert main failed cool intro ideas*

I apologize for making a mess of your floors and for well.....breaking into your house. The chimney was wide open and the fire put out- a lovely glass of milk perched on the table top. My Santa senses were tingling- i knew you had great taste but that only left me with more questions. If Santa may ask..

1. What are your favorite songs?

2. Whats your favorite Christmas activity or tradition?

3. Whats your favorite Christmas classic (book movie or tale)?

4. What's your favorite color?

5. What's your favorite trope? (ex:enemies to lovers)

6. What are things you do not want in your gift (things you dislike)?

Santa has been cooking up some ideas for some potential fic idea. I would like to ask you which one you like the most and if you'd like me to change anything or include anything. After all Santa wants to give you a gift you'll truly enjoy (I think my Santa impressions are starting to get too creepy now-oops).

Idea 1. Reverse Isekai- "I accidentally summoned a pirate into my room instead of the demon I was trying to make a deal with" This could be a play on season 5 in an alternate universe where Killian kills rumplestiltskin and becomes the dark one. Emma "accidentally" summons him instead and he's not happy about it. But in trying to find a way to get him back to his world....they grow on each other and he decides to stay or leave (depends on the ending- they could find a way to make him mortal or he could stay with her until she dies or there's a time limit on how long killian could stay and he ends up disappearing and she spends ages trying to find him.

Idea 2. That darned book- "Classic! I got consumed by a book of fairytales and I'm now a gaurdian angel for a self destructive pirate. How do I prevent him from doing anything drastic without revealing my identity". There could be a fun spin on things where Emma posses items near him causing him to think the Jolly Roger is haunted....captain floor who? We could have angst and misunderstandings with killian thinking Emma is working for rumple. We could have messups where Emma tries to do something good but it backfires. We could have a blue fairy and tinkerbell moment with Emma returning back to the real world and Killian realizing life isn't the same without her so he trades his ship and travels all the way too find her + some groveling and a happy go lucky ending.

Idea 3. A play on real life- Emma and killian are in college and they hate each other guts. They're both theater kids and have secured the lead roles in the college play much to their distress acting as a captive prince and a cutthroat pirate captain. Unfortunately for them their dislike for each other is so strong the fairytale gods decide to intervene and transmigrate them onto blackbeards ship as lovely deckhands. Will they be able to work together and find a way to escape or will they continue to bicker their way to doom? Basically over time they'll grow to trust and open up to each other which is the key to their escape.

4. Ghost of the Christmas past present and future for both Emma and Killian. Haven't thought much about this one.

Do let me know which one you like the best and feel free to offer suggestions and I could even refine or write a few more blurbs out. Hope you've been doing well and taking care of yourself!

PS: I apologize if this is a mess and filled with typos lol (its 3 am and I'm so exhausted from rehearsals 😭)

Hey Santa!

I suppose next time I should prepare not only milk for you but also a bed so you could rest, 'cause omg, 3am!

I think I have a lot of favorite songs) It's really hard to choose but I'll try... "I'm yours" by Isabel LaRosa "Too sweet" by Hozier "Touch" by July Talk "Ruby with the sharpest lies" by Des Rocs "Come with me now" by Kongos "Particles" by Nothing But Thieves "Valkyrie" by Battle Tapes "Breathe" by Window to the Abbey "Royalty" by Neoni

Exchange gifts 🤭 Also I like Christmas decorations with all those beautiful lights.

I'm not sure if it's classic but I love "Love Actually".

Blue is on top and purple is second favorite.

Well, I've searched what things considered a trope, so the things that popped up in my mind Enemies to lovers (obviously 🙃), friends to lovers, fake dating, Hurt/Comfort, Happy Ending

A/B/O, gore and body horror aren't my things absolutely. Also I usually don't like bad endings.

As for your ideas, they all sounds really interesting! But my favorite two is 1 and 2. And... I think I like the first one more) But if you'll have some difficulties with it, the second one is still an option.

I don't have any particular requirements or ideas for it, but I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Have fun! And please take care of yourself!

[eastwesthomeisbest]

When I was kissing on my baby

And she put her love down soft and sweet

In the low lamp light I was free

Heaven and hell were words to me

*************************************************

And my next gift for @donteattheappleshook as CS Secret Santa! ( @cssecretsanta2020 )

🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄

[eastwesthomeisbest]

OMG! Thank you so much @hollyethecurious ! I love it! Can't wait to read the second part!

Sorry I didn't reply right away but I was inspired! I liked the story so much, that I want to make some artwork for it! And here's what I came up with! Hope you like it! Happy Holidays!

@cssecretsanta2020 @kmomof4 @snowbellewells @lifeinahole27 @cocohook38 @ilovemesomekillianjones @teamhook @resident-of-storybrooke

CS AU: Sleeps Ten, My Ass (1/2)

Summary: It's become tradition for Emma Swan to spend the holidays with her brother, their cousins, and their families. This Christmas was no different. The group booked a four night stay at a cozy mountain cabin to celebrate. The listing said it sleeps ten, but upon arrival they discover a small issue. The listing was wrong and now Emma and Killian Jones, the only two single people within their group, have to spend the next four nights sharing a bed. Fortunately... they've shared a bed before.

A/N: @eastwesthomeisbest it is I, your CS Secret Santa! Thank you for being so patient and understanding! I'm sorry I couldn't post this sooner, but between the normal busyness of the holidays and my entire family coming down with Covid, finding time to write was a struggle. I hope you find this worth the wait. It was lovely hearing about your traditions and I hope you had a fantastic holiday!

Thanks to @kmomof4 for looking this over for me and to the @cssecretsanta2020 for once again hosting a fantastic event. Side note, this fic also completes my Only One Bed: Holiday Edition CS Winter Bingo square!

Rated eventual E / Also available on ao3 / add to tag list / Curious? Come Ask Me!

Part One

She was late. Super late. Incredibly late. Late enough that she was certain her brother had already called the cops to report her missing. Late enough that it was already pitch black on the back mountain road, forcing her to drive at a creeping speed so she didn’t careen off the side of a cliff, which was making her even more late.

In her defense, they should all have expected that she’d be late. She was always late. Every dinner, every holiday get together, every vacation, every celebration, Emma Swan was always notoriously late.

Not because she didn’t want to spend time with her family. Far from. She just… wasn’t always in control over her own schedule. Bail bonds and bounty hunting wasn’t exactly a 9 to 5 gig, and when a mark finally crawled out of whatever hole in which he (it was more often than not a he) had hid himself away through some dumbass attempt to avoid the consequences of his own dumbass actions, well… many times it meant a change in her plans.

Was it annoying? Yes.

Did she make sure to take out that frustration on the perp? Also, yes.

Was it even worse for the offender when he made her late for the Christmas get-together her cousin Elsa had planned for them all - a four night stay at a picturesque mountain cabin big enough to sleep three married couples and two singles with amenities that would keep them cozy and content over the holiday? Oh, yes.

Big. Fat. Yes.

To go with the big fat payout she needed in order to pay her portion of said holiday getaway.

Rounding another winding corner, the soft glow of the illuminated cabin stirred a strange mix of sensations in her chest; a swirl of relief at nearly being there and panic over what was awaiting her inside. Parking her bug next to the vehicles that signalled she was indeed the last to arrive, Emma fortified herself for a moment before exiting the vehicle, grabbing her bag, and marching up to the cabin as though she were about to face a firing squad.

David, her brother, and Liam, Elsa’s husband, would likely scold her with their hands firmly planted on their hips or their arms crossed tightly over their chests. The rebukes would be drowned out by David’s wife, Mary Margaret, and Elsa’ sister, Anna, who would both rush at Emma and force her into claustrophobic hugs while they expressed their worry and relief, offering Emma a blanket, a place by the fire, a plate of food, a cup of tea, all without taking a breath between them as Anna’s husband, Kristoff, tried to tell the women to let Emma breathe and get settled.

The only one who would not be making a fuss would likely already have a drink ready for her, a knowing smirk teasing his lips as he tried to stifle an eye roll at the group’s overreaction.

Killian Jones. Liam’s brother and the only other single member of their group.

Hand on the doorknob, Emma took a deep breath and opened the door to the expected chaos. And chaos there was, but… none of it seemed to be about her and her tardiness.

Elsa and David were in the kitchen. One of their phones, clearly on speaker, was held between them as they argued with whoever was on the other end of the line. Liam and Kristoff were seated at the dining table with a laptop open, the elder Jones frantically typing and clicking as Kristoff scrolled on his phone with a furrowed brow.

“There’s nothing up here that could be used as an extra one,” Anna called out from the top of the stairs. “Mary Margaret and I have looked through all the closets and checked all the furniture.”

None of them had noticed her presence yet, and she was about to say something when heavy boot falls sounded from the porch behind her.

“Ah, Swan. You arrived in one piece then?” Killian said cheekily with an arm full of firewood.

“Uh, yeah,” she replied, setting her bag down so she could help with the load he was carrying. “Sorry I’m late.”

“No worries,” he assured her, making his way to the fireplace and stacking their logs beside the hearth. “You missed the initial excitement, but you’ve made it in time to witness the spiral everyone has since descended into.” Emma glanced around the cabin at the said spiral, wondering what had set everyone off as Killian added a couple of logs to the fire, then grabbed the poker so he could stoke it. “I told them I’d make do on the couch, or even a pallet on the floor, but--”

“Sleeps ten, my ass!” Elsa shouted as she angrily hung up the call. “They swapped out the couch and forgot to update the listing!”

“What?” Emma said, but no one other than Killian seemed to have heard her, or even realized she was there.

“That’s ridiculous!” Liam bellowed. “What do they plan to do about it?”

“Can they bring an air mattress or cot?” Kristoff asked, still scrolling through his phone. “Because none of the local stores seem to have one, and even if they did, they’d be closed by the time we got back to town.”

Killian stepped away from the fire he’d coaxed back to life and into the metaphorical one building at the kitchen island where the rest of their group - save for Emma - had gathered.

“I already told you, the couch will be fine.”

“Don’t be silly, Killian,” Anna replied. “Have you seen that couch? It’s far too narrow and your feet are gonna dangle off the end.”

“Then the floor will suit me--”

“For the amount of money we spent renting this place, you are not sleeping on the floor,” Elsa declared. “I cannot believe this! How could they make a mistake like that?”

“What did the owner say?” Mary Margaret asked, setting out a platter of food she’d removed from the fridge and encouraging everyone to eat something… as though snacking would somehow fix the issue. An issue Emma still wasn’t sure was the cause of everyone’s upset.

“He won’t do anything,” Elsa snapped. “He said they had to replace the couch, which had been a sleeper, and apparently forgot to update the listing, but didn’t see the problem since we only have eight people, not ten, and there are four king size beds.”

“Didn’t you explain that there weren’t four couples, though?”

“Oh, she did,” David interjected. “But the man didn’t seem to care about anything other than getting back to his tropical Christmas vacation.”

“So what do we do?” Anna asked. “Where is Killian gonna sleep?”

“He and I can just share the bed.”

Seven heads collectively snapped in her direction, a mixture of shock and surprise being directed her way as her family, for the first time, realized she was there and then computed her words.

Words she would later blame on the fact that although no one seemed bothered by the fact she was late, she still felt the need to make up for it and therefore was compelled to offer a solution to the problem, even if said solution meant sharing a bed with a man she absolutely did not have feelings for and no one would convince her otherwise, not even her own treacherous heart, and thereby torturing herself for the next several days.

“Are you sure, love?” Killian asked, his eyes scrutinizing her, looking for any hint that she might be regretting the offer and wished to back out. “I wouldn’t want you to do anything you weren’t completely comfortable with.”

“Are you planning to make it uncomfortable for her?” David asked in his overly protective, brotherly tone. “Because I’m warning you--”

“Warning him?” Liam braced his hands against the top of the island and leaned over it, staring David down as he asked, “Are you insinuating my brother is some sort of cad who would take advantage of--”

“We all know Killian’s reputation.”

“Okay,” Emma interjected before things could escalate further. “I think you’re all forgetting that I have a reputation, too. Of being able to take care of myself. Besides, I trust Killian. We’re both adults. There’s no reason for either of us to sleep on a couch or the floor when there is a perfectly good bed, big enough for us to share. So…” She marched back over to where she’d dropped her bag and collected it as she continued on, “If you don’t mind. I’ve had a long day and all I want right now is a shower and some sleep.” Directing her gaze to Killian she asked, “Where’s your stuff?”

“It’s uh…” he began, scratching behind his ear as he furtively cast a glance towards David. “It’s on the landing.”

“Great,” she said, turning towards the stairs. “Grab it on your way up so you can settle in while I shower.”

“Emma,” Mary Margaret called out. “Are you sure you don’t want anything to eat or--”

“I’m fine,” Emma answered back halfway up the stairs. “I’ll see you all in the morning.” Looking over her shoulder, she saw Killian hesitate at the bottom step. “Are you coming?”

“Aye,” he answered, following after her two steps at a time and grabbing his duffle before slipping into the room behind her.

Tossing his bag onto the bed, he glanced around the room and inquired one last time, “You’re certain you’re okay with this, Swan?”

“Yes, Jones,” Emma replied in an exasperated tone she hoped masked the nerves currently coursing through her. After gathering up her toiletry items, she straightened and faced him, a thought suddenly occurring to her. “Unless… You are uncomfortable with it and would rather--”

“No, no,” he insisted, his shoulders relaxing and his usual cocky demeanor coming forward. “It’s not that,” he said in a cheeky and slightly taunting tone.

“What is it then?” Emma asked, trying hard to not be taken in by his charm as he swaggered towards her.

“Well, I seem to remember you saying something about it being a one time thing the last time we shared a bed,” he crooned, twisting a section of her hair around his finger. “Seems you’ll have to eat those words now.”

Emma wet her lips and tried to squash the delighted feeling surging through her at the way his eyes dropped to follow the motion. “Bad form bringing up our… what did you call it?” she asked in a mocking tone as she cocked her head to one side. “Our dalliance?” He winced at her terrible attempt to mimic his accent and they both chortled as she reminded him, “I thought we agreed to never speak of that night again.”

“You’re right, Swan. Bad form indeed,” he conceded in a soft timbre. “My apologies, love.”

He backed away and retreated to the other side of the room where he made himself busy unpacking his duffle. “Go ahead and shower, Swan,” he said. “I’ll hop in after you.”

“Thanks,” she threw out over her shoulder as she shut herself in the bathroom, suddenly very eager to have a bit of separation from him. From him and the memory of that night. The night they had shared a bed - and a whole lot more - with one another after copious amounts of alcohol and hours on a dance floor somewhere in the Caribbean during the cruise they’d all taken together earlier that year to celebrate Liam and Elsa’s wedding.

A memory that stubbornly refused to be cast aside, making for a very long shower - a fitful, highly inappropriate shower - especially considering the man she’d been fixated on was in the next room, waiting on her to finish so he could get naked and wet and…

Dear God, Emma. Get a grip!

Emerging from the bathroom, adorned in her pajamas with her wet hair wrapped in a towel, Emma hoped the red in her cheeks would be chalked up to the heat of the shower and not because her fantasies had gotten away from her.

“All yours,” she said, pulling her hair dryer out of her bag and plugging it into the wall at the makeshift vanity.

She combed through the wet strands as Killian hovered at the doorway to the bathroom. Pausing her actions, she stared up at him expectantly, trying not to remember what he looked like shirtless.

“About before,” he said, his voice deep with an edge of concern. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable by bringing up that night, I just…” He left out a heavy breath and ran his hand through his hair. “I was just trying to bring a bit of levity to an otherwise tense situa--”

“Killian,” she said, waving him off. “It’s fine. Really. You didn’t upset me by bringing it up.” Shrugging, she tried to give off a sense of nonchalance about the whole thing. “It happened. We’ve both moved on from it. No big deal.”

“Right,” he said with a bit of a drawl. “Well… I’ll try not to take too long, so as to not keep you up.” Glancing towards the bed, he said, “I hope it’s okay that I took that side. I didn’t know if you had one you preferred.”

Emma turned to see which side he’d taken. Not that it mattered.

“Honestly,” she answered, “I don’t really have one. It’s not like I share my bed often enough with anyone to develop a preference.”

“Aye. Same,” he replied with that adorable lopsided smile of his.

Emma’s heart fluttered for several seconds after he disappeared into the bathroom. He didn’t often share his bed? Really? Like David had said earlier, Killian had a bit of a reputation as a ladies’ man. It was one of the reasons she’d pulled back after their night together; she’d hated being just another notch on his bedpost.

How many notches had he added since her, she wondered.

She had plenty of time to contemplate that question. It wasn’t until well after she’d dried her hair, set her alarm, and settled under the covers that Killian emerged from the bathroom. The last drowsy thought Emma had was whether he’d taken advantage of the memory of them together to help let off some steam whilst he was in the shower like she had. She didn’t get a chance to dwell on the thought, though. The tiring day had caught up to her and sleep took over the moment she felt the bed dip beside her.

~/~

“Morning, Emma! Sleep well?”

Anna’s voice was far too perky for the current early morning hour, causing Emma to grimace as she shuffled past the red headed woman on her way to the kitchen.

“Oh, sorry,” Anna whispered, tiptoeing behind her. “Coffee? I just brewed a fresh pot.”

“Please,” Emma grumbled, slumping down onto one of the barstools at the island. “A fresh pot? How early did you get up?”

“Mary Margaret and I got up with the guys,” she said, pouring Emma a cup, then placing it and a tray of fixings on the counter top in front of her. “We wanted to make sure they got a good meal and some coffee before they headed out.”

Emma nodded her understanding, adding enough sugar to her cup that it would have earned her a disgusted look from Killian had he been there and not out traipsing through the woods with an axe. It was an annual tradition at this point. For the past five years - ever since the Jones brothers had entered their lives through Liam and Elsa’s courtship - the guys went out on Christmas Eve morning and cut down a tree for them to decorate. While they were out finding the perfect specimen, Mary Margaret would lead - or in Emma’s case, berate - the girls in making the decorations. The guys would join in once they got back and set up the tree, and the day would be spent stringing popcorn or dried oranges or cranberries for garland as well as attempting to avoid tiny cuts from the origami-esque construction of paper or cardboard ornaments.

There were also snacks and cocktails, the occasional break from crafting to watch a Christmas movie or play a game. Of course, every year, Emma and Killian would insist they watch Die Hard, which Mary Margaret would dismiss as not being a Christmas movie and an argument would ensue - mostly because it gave both Emma and Killian a perverse sense of pleasure to rile up Mary Margaret. Not that they didn’t love the movie or wholeheartedly believe that it was, in fact, a Christmas movie.

“Oh, Emma! You’re up!” Mary Margaret set down a stack of boxes on the island, the contents of which held various crafting supplies no doubt. “Did you get some breakfast?”

Emma shook her head and waved off the woman’s attempt to feed her. “Not yet,” she said. “I’ll get something after I’m sufficiently caffeinated.”

“Well drink up,” Mary Margaret ordered as she began to retreat back into the room she and David were using. “We need to get going on these decorations.”

A moment later she returned with several sacks and with Anna’s help, began organizing the supplies. Emma took that as her cue to find another place to enjoy her coffee.

Glancing out the French doors that led to the back deck she caught sight of a platinum blonde braid. Emma grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped it around her shoulders before joining Elsa in the peace and quiet of the mountain morning.

“Hey,” she said, pulling Elsa’s attention away from the view. “Mind if I join you?”

“Please do,” Elsa replied, making room on the bench. “Do you want me to turn on the heater?”

It shouldn’t have surprised Emma that her cousin hadn’t already started the propane heater. The cold had never seemed to bother her like it did Emma.

“No, I’ve got it.” Emma cranked up the heat then sat down, snuggling into the blanket she’d brought out with her.

“Sleep okay?” Elsa asked. “Any problems with the room?”

“No,” Emma answered, taking a sip of her coffee before adding, “The room’s great. Very comfortable.”

“Good,” Elsa said, turning her attention back towards the snowy mountain view. “And sharing with Killian? That, uh… Did that go okay?”

Emma rolled her eyes and hid her knowing smirk behind her mug. “It was fine,” she replied.

“I mean, I’m sure Killian was a gentleman, I just hate that the two of you have to endure this awkwardness when I did my best to--”

“Elsa,” Emma interrupted. “It isn’t your fault, and we will make do. It’s fine. Really.”

The icy blonde’s shoulders relaxed and a puff of exhaled air lingered at her lips for a moment before she said, “Good. I’m glad.” With a furtive glance in Emma’s direction she muttered, “Let’s just hope David thinks it's all fine.”

“I’m a big girl,” Emma reminded her cousin. “David will get over it.”

“I don’t know,” Elsa replied in a sing-song tone. “He was looking pretty hostile this morning when Killian sauntered down the stairs with a whistle on his lips. I’m pretty sure Liam made sure to be the one who took the axe when they left.”

The two women shared a chuckle, both of them knowing full well there was no danger of the men resorting to violence, even if they did bluster a bit.

“I’m sure Killian is reveling in the opportunity to needle David, but I trust Liam to make sure cooler heads prevail.”

“And his needling wouldn’t have any elements of truth in it, right?” Elsa inquired, not so subtly.

Emma sighed exasperatedly. “No,” she stated adamantly. “Nothing happened, and nothing is going to happen.”

She shifted uncomfortably under Elsa’s scrutiny, her piercing blue eyes cutting through her assertions as she hummed a dubious sound.

“If you say so.”

Emma was about to double down on her words, but was cut off by Anna’s sudden appearance.

“Everything is ready! Come make decorations with us!”

Emma and Elsa shared a resigned look then followed Anna back into the cabin, after shutting off the heater, of course. The ladies then spent the next hour or so making handmade decorations whilst also prepping food items for the upcoming meals.

When the guys returned, Emma stayed out of the way. She’d learned from years past to just let David, Liam, Mary Margaret, and Elsa duke it out on the best way to set up the tree. While the four of them conferenced in the living room, she joined Anna in the kitchen, who was busy making everyone a hot cocoa.

“Need a hand?”

“Yes, please!”

The two women filled and garnished mugs of hot cocoa while every so often peeking outside to watch Kristoff and Killian clean up the tree. Once it was suitable for indoors - and they’d gotten the final word of where to set it up - the men brought it inside and secured it in the stand. Everyone stood back to admire the magnificent find as Emma and Anna handed out the beverages.

“Jones,” Emma said, offering him a hot cup as she came to stand beside him.

“Thank you, love,” he replied, slightly out of breath. A half-smile pulled at his lips and crinkled at the corner of his eyes when he noticed she’d adorned his in the same manner as hers - with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It was how she’d always taken her cocoa and slowly but surely she was converting the rest of their group to do the same.

“It’s a great looking tree,” she commented, sipping her hot chocolate nonchalantly so he wouldn’t read too much into her compliment.

“Aye,” he said, taking another long look at the fruit of his and the other men’s labor. A fruit that was quickly filling the living room with a pungent pine scent that tickled Emma’s sinuses. “And what of your efforts?” he asked, turning his attention onto her. “Care to show me what you lasses have been working on and how I might assist?”

Emma rolled her eyes and led him to the dining table where he prompted her to give him a demonstration of the crafting. Soon, the others joined them and the day went on just as Emma knew it would: completing the decorations, stringing lights and garlands, decorating the tree, gorging themselves on a big meal, partaking in snacks, then some drinks, then some more drinks, and arguing over then watching several Christmas themed movies and shows. Unfortunately, no Die Hard.

“You know, Swan,” Killian whispered in her ear as everyone began to disperse from the living room to turn in for the night. “We have a TV with streaming services in our room…”

The feel of his breath against the shell of her ear, as well as the way he said ‘our room’ sent a thrill up her spine.

Fortunately, he didn’t seem to notice.

Was it fortunate?

“Your point?” she said, her voice a little too breathy, but maybe he’d think it was because they’d just climbed the steep steps to the second floor.

“My point,” he continued, following her into their - THE - room, “is once we’ve showered and readied ourselves, we can watch Die Hard in bed and celebrate the season properly.”

“Sounds like a plan, Jones,” she replied, even as her heart skipped a few beats at the reminder they’d both be taking turns getting naked and wet with only a flimsy door that did not lock between them.

Ever the gentleman, Killian let her go first. While he took his turn, she busied herself with getting ready for bed, queuing up the movie, and adding an extra blanket to the stack of covers. In no time, they were settled on their respective sides of the bed, enjoying watching John McClane run around Nakatomi Plaza barefoot whilst being a ‘fly in the ointment’ to Hans Gruber.

They both barely remained conscious, but somehow got to the credits before crashing. The constant recitation of dialogue probably helped.

At some point in the night, a rustling sound in the corner of the room stirred Emma. Instinctively, she reached over to feel for Killian, only to find his side of the bed empty.

“Killian?” she croaked out, his name heavy on her tongue from sleep. “What are you--”

“The heat went out,” he told her, making her aware of her own shivering and the frigid air of the room. “Elsa is having kittens over it,” he went on to explain. “Giving the owner a right earful as we speak.”

A low hum and soft glow began to fill the room. Killian stood and visibly shook himself before heading back to bed.

“What’s that?” Emma asked, shifting in bed and moving closer to the middle.

“Space heater,” Killian answered, still shivering from the cold. “The owner relented and gave us the code to the storage closet. There were a few of these in there.”

Emma hummed in response, her mind weighing whether to bring up the idea of--

“Swan?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you mind if we… that is,” he hedged, clearing his throat. “Until the heater manages to raise the temperature, would you be okay if we…”

“Sure,” she said, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically as she scooted closer to him.

“Thank you, love,” he murmured, his chest already plastered against her back and his face buried in the crook of her neck.

Emma moaned in relief, the heat of his body already warming her and staying the chills that had made her tense. In an effort to find a comfortable position for her legs - without entangling them with his - she rocked her hips back into his and felt…

“Bloody hell,” Killian grumbled in an embarrassed tone as he pulled away. “Apologies, Swan. I didn’t intend--”

“Killian,” she laughed, rolling over to face him. “It’s fine. It happens. You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“I just don’t want you to think I have ulterior motives for suggesting--”

“I don’t,” she assured him. “I know guys can’t always control… that.”

“Well, I am usually much more in control of such things, I assure you.”

“I’m sure you are,” she said in an appeasing tone, earning her a side-eyed glare. “Seriously, though,” she continued, trying to coax him back to her. “Your morning wood doesn’t offend me, so will you please come back here.”

He relented after some not so gentle tugging, and a moment later they were once again entwined in the other’s arms.

“Mmmm,” Emma hummed, nestling a bit further into his chest. “How are you always so warm? I feel like I’m always cold.”

As Emma drifted off to sleep she was certain she heard him say, “I know, love. But I’ll always be here for you when you need to keep warm.”

Part Two - Coming Soon!

Tagging the Curious Crew: (add to tag list)

(Please be advised that I only keep one tag list for all fic updates and new works. If at any time you wish to be removed, just shoot me an ask or a DM. No worries.)

@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

[cssecretsanta2020]

Santas Last Christmas

And with our finale gift given ends my era of running Captain Swan Secret Santa.

I took over this event after only participating in it twice myself and having never run an event before. I had no idea of all the stress and challenges that came with it. But it was an experience I will soon not forget.

If anyone is willing to take over please let me know! I don't wish to see this event go but I know I cannot be responsible for it anymore.

Thank you to all the participants Santas and helper a like without you this event wouldn't happen.

[csgiftexchange]

SIGN UPS ARE OPEN

You can fill out the sign up form HERE

Sign up will be open until November 26. 

This event happening is determined by the number of people that sign up. That being said it will happen even if there are only 4 of us this year. So please don’t be discouraged give this event a shot and sign up.

This event is happening along side Captain Swan Secret Santa. You can sign up for both or pick one. That being said once Sign Ups are closed you cannot switch events if you only signed up for one. Dropping out of event LAST MINUTE or failing to give a gift will automatically make you not eligible for next year.