#laschatzi

[snowbellewells]

Captain Swan Christmas Reruns presents: And a Teaspoonful of Love

Written by: @laschatzi

Recommended by: @snowbellewells

Summary:  The first Christmas Day dinner at Emma’s and Killian’s new house, and Killian and Snow get into a fight over the perfect recipe for Christmas Pudding. Will this end well? 3,3k words of pure family fluff, as the title indicates.

What we love: I love how the author has the whole blended Charming-Swan-Jones-Mills family together to celebrate the holiday, and most especially the festive competition followed by understanding that plays out between Killian and Snow. It is genuinely priceless. This one shot is full of lovely and memorable moments -funny, steamy, sweet, and touching- it has them all in spades. A real Christmas treat!!

READ IT HERE!

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

The Role of Daddy Charming--A birthday gift for @jrob64

The Role of Daddy Charming

Rating: PG

Relationship: Daddy Charming and Captain Swan

Summary: 4x2 “deleted scene”.  David Nolan had played many roles in his life, but by far the one he's found most important was that of “dad”. The fact that he hadn’t been able to be there for Emma throughout the first 28 years of her life was one of his greatest regrets, so when he noticed the infamous Captain Hook’s interest in his daughter–and even more concerning, her returning that interest–he was determined to intervene. That is, of course, until she was trapped behind an ice wall, and David saw just how deeply and sincerely Killian Jones truly loved her.

Also posted here: ao3

Tagging a few people who may be interested (Let me know if you want to be added or taken off the list): @sailormew4 @annaamell @flslp87 @emmateo26 @bethacaciakay 

@ultraluckycatnd @effulgent-mind @ilovemesomekillianjones @brooke-to-broch 

@missgymgirl @galadriel26 @the-lady-of-misthaven @charmingturkeysandwich 

@jennjenn615 @laschatzi @kimmy46 @snowbellewells @iamanneenigma

@daxx04 @nickillian  @gillie  @britishguyslover @ginnyjinxedandhanshotritafirst

@kmomof4 @linda8084 @golfgirld @captain-swan-coffee @searchingwardrobes 

@hollyethecurious @laughswaytoomuch  @allyourdarlingswans  @winterbaby89 @facesiousbutton82 

@therooksshiningknight @lfh1226-linda @tiganasummertree @jrob64  @anmylica 

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @i-will-sing-no-requiem @bluewildcatfanatic @laianely

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's finally done! I'm sorry your birthday gift is 11 days late @jrob64, but I hope you've at least enjoyed the little snippets I posted on discord as I wrote this! Happy belated birthday!

And without further ado....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Throughout his life, David Nolan had played many roles.  He’d been a son, a brother, a shepherd, a prince, a vet tech, a sheriff’s deputy, but by far, the roles he took most seriously were his roles as husband and father.

If there’s one thing he’d known all his life, it was that he wanted to be a better father than he’d had.  He wanted to be present in his children’s lives.  He’d vowed never to abandon them.

And so it was the greatest regret of his life that he’d done just that mere minutes after his daughter was born.  

Granted, he was forced into the action; it was necessary to protect Emma and give her her best chance.  Still, the shame and heartbreak of that decision had haunted him for the past twenty-nine years.

Surprisingly, during the first curse he’d felt it still, even if he hadn’t known what it was.  More often than he cared to recall, he’d had vague dreams of the black knights, of the wardrobe, of being ripped from someone vitally important to him.  The gloom and near despair of those dreams hung over him like a thundercloud. He’d woken feeling–knowing–that he wasn’t enough, that he’d failed at the most important task of his life.

Once he’d regained his memories and once he realized Emma was back in his life, he’d vowed to make up for lost time, to be the father she’d always needed, to protect her at all costs.

And so it was, when he sat at his kitchen table silently sipping his coffee and staring sightlessly out the window on the morning after the incident at the ice wall, he felt relief…but also helplessness.  He’d almost lost her.  Again.

Snow came up behind him, wrapped an arm around his shoulder and kissed his cheek before taking a seat next to him.

“That’s quite the bleak look on your face,” she whispered. Elsa was, after all, presumably still asleep behind the curtain they’d draped in front of the sofa to give her a bit of privacy. “Yesterday really shook you up, didn’t it?”

He blew out a long breath. “She came this close to freezing to death on my watch, Snow.”

She took his hand and squeezed it.  “But she didn’t.  From all I’ve heard, you were magnificent.  Took charge and found a way to save her.”

He chuckled humorlessly. “I was terrified, but Killian…Killian was, if anything, even worse.  Never seen a man so completely panicked.”

“He loves her,” she said simply, a radiant smile on her face. “I wouldn’t have believed it when we first met him in the Enchanted Forest, but he’s a good man, and he truly loves her.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to get that impression,” David agreed.  “Did you know I gave him that ‘What are your intentions with my daughter?’ speech yesterday before…well…everything?”

“Really?  What did he say?”

“First he gave me hell for being old-fashioned, and then he told me he wouldn’t risk his life for someone he considered loot.  And if there was still any doubt in my mind before the ice wall incident, his reaction removed it.  Whatever else I could say about him, I know he loves her.”

Snow sipped her coffee.  “Maybe you should tell him that.  Give him your blessing, if you will.”

David grimaced.  He may be–grudgingly–willing to admit it to his wife in the privacy of their own kitchen, but admitting it to Hook’s face…well, he wasn’t sure.  “Yeah, maybe when I see him again,” he hedged.

“Perfect,” Snow said.  “You’ll probably have the opportunity any minute, whenever Emma and Hook get up.”

“What?!”

“He stayed the night with her,” Snow said with a grin. “You didn’t know?”

As if to confirm Snow’s statements, Emma and Killian emerged together from the loft. David felt his innate protective dad instincts flared to life.  If Hook had taken advantage of Emma in her vulnerable post-nearly-freezing-to-death state…

“Remember what we just talked about.  He loves her,” Snow murmured only loud enough for him to hear.

David let out a long breath.  She was right.  Reacting badly now would likely only make things worse. “Fine,” he murmured back.

“Morning!” Snow called sunnily to the couple entering the kitchen, as well as Elsa who had just emerged from behind her curtain.  “Anyone want breakfast?”

“Thanks, but I’ve got to get to the station,” Emma said, “I’m sure the phones were blowing up last night with calls about the ice wall.”

“I also must decline,” Killian said, scratching behind his ear.  “I should…get back to Granny’s.”

“See you later for lunch?” Emma asked, looking up at Hook with an open–and what David thought was rather nauseatingly besotted–look.  At his answer in the affirmative, she headed out.

Snow nudged David, and he rolled his eyes.  No time like the present, he supposed.  “Let me give you a lift back to town, Hook,” he said, “I’m headed that direction anyway.”

Hook gave him a wary look, and for a moment, David hoped he was about to decline the offer.  

No such luck.

“I’d appreciate it, mate.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The first minute of their drive was passed in silence.  Killian side-eyed David uncomfortably, wondering when the questions–or probably more precisely, the accusations–would start.

His first inclination was to rile the man up further with sly grins and insinuations about what went on in the Charming’s loft the night before–after all his dashing rapscallion persona was a clock he’d worn as a shield for more years than he could count–but he quickly dismissed it.

This was Swan’s father.  If he truly wished to have a relationship with her–and he did; he wished for a relationship lasting roughly in the neighborhood of forever–it wouldn’t do to antagonize her father.  There was also the fact that he genuinely liked the man, and so…

“You know nothing…untoward…happened last night,” Killian said.

David glanced at him before turning back to the road with a grimace.  “Didn’t ask.  Don’t want to know.”

“Nevertheless,” Killian continued, “Your daughter and I certainly have more respect for you and Snow than to…engage in certain activities…underneath your very nose, not to mention the fact that her lad slept not ten feet from us.”

“Like I said, I didn’t ask,” David repeated, although Killian noted the way the other man’s face relaxed slightly at the reassurance.

“She was still cold,” Killian continued, somehow feeling the need to continue his justification.  “She asked for me to hold her, and I couldn’t refuse.  After coming so bloody close to losing her…”

David pulled into a parking spot in front of Granny’s but didn’t yet kill the engine.  The look he gave Killian this time was sympathetic, understanding. “Almost losing the woman you love does things to a man.”

“Aye,” Killian agreed.  “It was the same feeling of dread, of helplessness, as when the Crocodile crushed Milah’s heart in front of me.  If it had happened again….”

David placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.  “It didn’t,” he said firmly.  “I’ve been trying to remind myself of that all day.  It didn’t.  You didn’t lose your love and I didn’t lose my daughter.”

There was a long silence, in which Killian wondered if he ought to simply exit the vehicle.  He’d just reached for the door handle to do so when David spoke again, this time looking determinedly out the front window, rather than at him.

“There is….something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Aye?”

“That conversation we started to have yesterday, right before everything went to hell…” he continued, “look, I think I was wrong to ever question your intentions.”

“There’s no need to–” Killian began.

“I think there is,” David replied, finally turning toward to him. “It’s been obvious for a while that you love Emma, and it’s not a love that’s going away anytime soon.”

“It’s not a love that’s going away ever,” Killian said firmly.

“Yeah, I’m inclined to believe that” David said. “Anyway, if there ever had been any question about your feelings and intentions, yesterday got rid of them.  I saw how willing you were to do anything to save her.  I supposed what I’m trying to say is…I apologize for ever doubting you.”

Killian’s eyes widened.  Of all the things he’d expected the prince to say to him “I apologize” was rather far down on the list. “Apology accepted, although it is wholly unnecessary.  As someone who does truly love her, I’m pleased she has a father who cares enough to be a touch over-protective.”

David gave a quick, decisive nod.  “I won’t be old fashioned enough to give you my blessing,” he said, “but…I won’t oppose your relationship.”

“That means a great deal to me,” Killian said, “and I know it would mean a lot to Swan as well.”

“Yeah, well,” David said, “just so we’re clear, if you ever hurt her, I’ll run you through with my sword.”

Killian nodded.  “Mate, if I ever hurt her, I’d let you do it with my own.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that night, Emma was vegging on the couch when her dad finally made it home.  After tossing his jacket onto the coat rack, he joined her, gave her a quick hug and kissed the top of her head.  She was slowly but surely getting used to this casual affection from her parents, and it always gave her such a warm, fuzzy, loved feeling.

“Crazy day, huh?” he asked wryly.

Emma chuckled.  “I guess that depends on what you’re comparing it to.  For Storybrooke it was ho hum.”

It had certainly been a busy day.  As she’d expected, they’d had more calls than she could count about the ice wall and the snow monster–or whatever it had been–that had crashed through the town yesterday.  While she and her dad had both been working, they’d been so busy with calls and patrols, they’d barely had a chance to exchange a word all day.

“I guess you’re right about that,” David laughed.  “Any day that doesn’t involve a new villain, monster or crisis is a win around here.”

They lapsed into silence for several moments before Emma spoke again,  “Killian told me about your conversation this morning.”

David gave her a wary look.  “Before you say anything, I do know you’re a grown woman who can make her own decisions.”

She grinned.  “That’s what Killian said at lunch when I started ranting about you treating me like a teenager.  Nothing happened last night, by the way.”

“I know.  Killian told me.”

“Dad,” she said, and her heart turned over at the joy on his face at her use of the word.  “I just….I just want to thank you for, you know, caring and doing whatever you had to to save me.”

“No thanks necessary,” he said.  “You’re my daughter.  I’m always, always going to do everything in my power to help you, no matter the situation.”

She felt the tears come to her eyes.  “I think I’m finally starting to realize that.  Sorry it’s taken so long.  It’s just…I’m not used to having a dad, someone in my corner no matter what.”

Pain came into his eyes at that, and Emma realized how her words had come across. “I’m not blaming you,” she said quickly.  “I know you did what you had to to give me my best chance.”

“Still,” David said, “I wish more than anything that I’d been able to be the father you needed and deserved from the beginning.”

“I wish that too,” she murmured, almost under her breath, “but the past is the past.  You’re here now, and that means everything.”

“And I always will be,” David vowed with a decisive nod.

They lapsed into another silence, broken only by a few soft whimpers from baby Neal as Mary Margaret worked to put him down for the night–or at least as much of the night as he was willing to sleep at any one stretch.

“You know, I wasn’t the only one working frantically to save you last night,” David said slowly.

Emma felt her heart stutter and then soar as she thought of the man to whom her father was referring.  “I know.  Killian told me he’d been worried about me too.”

David blew out a long breath.  “Worried is an understatement.  He was absolutely frantic.  Emma, that man loves you.”

Emma felt the butterflies, that swooping half-excited, half-terrified feeling one gets when she falls head over heels.  She would have to be blind not to see that Killian had fallen in love with her, and she had the sneaking suspicion that somewhere along the way she’d fallen in love with him as well.  Was she ready to admit it?  She wasn’t sure.  That level of vulnerability was scary as hell.

“Yeah, maybe so,” she hedged, trying to make her voice as even as possible, “and I…I…appreciate it.”

David gave her a long look.  “Emma, I know it’s hard for you to trust.  I know it’s hard for you to let yourself believe, and I will have your back one hundred percent whatever you do, but for what it’s worth, I’d give him a chance if I were you.”

“So does that mean you think he’s good enough for me?” Emma teased, uncomfortably aware of the momentous nature of the topic at hand and feeling the need to lighten the mood..

David chuckled.  “You’re my daughter.  No one’s good enough for you, but I suppose if you have to be with someone, he’ll do.”

[jrob64]

Tag List Reset for 2024

If you are on the list below, I appreciate you wanting to be tagged for my Captain Swan fanfic stories. However, I understand that some of you may have moved on from the OUAT fandom, or you simply don't wish to be tagged anymore.

IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE TAGGED, PLEASE COMMENT ON THIS POST TO TELL ME.

IF YOU WOULD RATHER NOT BE TAGGED ANYMORE, YOU CAN EITHER COMMENT TO LET ME KNOW OR DON'T RESPOND AT ALL AND I'LL REMOVE YOU.

If you are reading this and would like to be added to my tag list, please let me know that as well.

THANK YOU to all who have read any of my stories in 2023. Here's hoping for much more CS comment in 2024. Let's keep this fandom alive!!!!

Tagging: @qualitycoffeethings​​​​​​ @grimmswan​​​​​​ @wyntereyez​​​​​​ @the-darkdragonfly​​​​​​ @ultraluckycatnd​​​​​​ @paradiselady19​​​​​​ @julesep3026​​​​​​ @courtorderedcake​​​​​​ @pawshapedheart​​​​​​ @vampcoffeegyrl23​​​​​​ @captainswan4life85​​​​​​ @bluewildcatfanatic​​​​​​ @eleveneitherway​​​ @elfiola​​​​​​ @kday426​​​​​​ @julieenchanted-swans​​​​​​ @andiirivera​​​​​​ @djlbg​​​​​​ @huntressandlioness1​​ @pirateherokillian​​​​​​ @cocohook38​​​​​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​​​​​ @laschatzi​​​​ @zaharadessert​​​​​ @jennjenn615​​​​​​ @yasbio2015​​​​​ @lyssapup27​​​​​​ @nachocheese-itsmycheese​​​​​​ @singersdd​​​​​​ @mie779​​​​​​ @jackieorioncat​​​​​​ ​​​​ @bdevereaux-blanche​​​​​​ ​​​​@searchingwardrobes​​​​​​ @jarienn972​​​​​​ @apiratewhopines​​​​​​​ @softkilly​​​​​​​ @goforlaunchcee​​​​​​​ @captainswan217-blog

[cs-c-ocktoberfest2023]

CS(C)ocktoberfest2023: Mini-event

Art by @iverna​

CS(C)ocktoberfest2023: Mini-event The one time size doesn't matter

Hello all!!! So here we go again. Years back there was an event called Cocktoberfest led by the lovely @initiala and with her blessing I come to offer this one. A smaller version and I hope it's enjoyable.  

To check out the original click on the link.

I'm hoping for at least one item per day. Art, fic or any submission is welcomed.

More info to follow :)

tagging:

@allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 @andiirivera @anothersworld @apiratewhopines @artistic-writer @batana54 @beckettj @bethacaciakay @brooke-to-broch @captainodonoghue @carpedzem @chasedancer17 @cocohook38 @courtorderedcake @darkcolinodonorgasm @deckerstarblanche @demisexualemmaswan @djlbg @donteattheappleshook @dovelyheart @elizabeethan @gingerchangeling @gingerpoliglot @holdingoutforapiratehero @hollyethecurious @hookedonapirate @hookedonaswanprincess @hookedonhiddles @ilovemesomekillianjones @imlaxdris71 @itsfabianadocarmo @jarienn972 @jennjenn615  @jonesfandomfanatic @jrob64 @justanother-unluckysoul @k-leemac @karlyfr13s  @kday426 @killian-will-do @klynn-stormz @kmomof4 @kwistowee @kymbersmith-90 @laschatzi @lassluna @let-it-raines @lfh1226-linda @lonelyspectator12 @mariakov81 @motherkatereloyshipper @officerrogers @ohmakemeahercules @onceratheart18 @pirateherokillian @purplehawkcaptain @resident-of-storybrooke @revanmeetra87 @sailtoafarawayland @sals86 @scribomaniac @searchingwardrobes @seriouslyhooked @shardminds @shireness-says @snowbellewells @sotangledupinit @spacekrulesbians @spartanguard @stahlop @superchocovian @swanslieutenant @tehgreeneyes @the-darkdragonfly @thejollyroger-writer @thepirateandhisson @therealstartraveller776 @thislassishooked @thisonesatellite @tiganasummertree @tomeandflickcorner @ultraluckycatnd @veryverynotgoodwrites @wefoundloveunderthelight @wellhellotragic @whimsicallyenchantedrose @winterbaby89 @iverna @xarandomdreamx @xsajx @zaharadessert @myfearless-love @grimmswan @fleurdepetite @hookmecaptain @once-upon-a-pirate-ship @undercaffinatednightmare @4getfulimaginator2022 @nachocheese-itsmycheese @booksteaandtoomuchtv @OUATadmire @lifeinahole27

[cs-rylie]

My first CSSNS fic, The Journal! A ghost story based on Native American mythology

Updates every Thursday

Taglist below the line - lmk if you want to be added or removed!

@jrob64 @kmomof4 @teamhook @undercaffinatednightmare @booksteaandtoomuchtv @herhookedhero @chronicallybubbly @elfiola @zaharadessert @tiganasummertree @hookedmom @djlbg @stardreamer28 @tequedarasavinon @stahlop @gingerchangeling @middlemistcs13 @csadmire @deckerstarblanche @xellewoods @anmylica @huntressandlioness1 @insanelydeadlybookcollector @lfh1226-linda @motherkatereloyshipper @dashingpiratesandswans @momontheice @rapunzelsghosts @paradiselady19 @a-faekindagirl @eddisfargo @julesep3026 @caityrayeraye @bluewildcatfanatic @kday426 @winterbaby89 @jonesfandomfanatic @charmed101 @bg12sofia @ouat-the-hell @xarandomdreamx @zippoluv @flslp87 @captainswan-shipper88 @grimmswan @laschatzi @jennjenn615 @darkshadow7 @pygmypufftattoo @bizquake

[teamhook]

Captain Swan Event

Hello, CS crew!! I come today with an event idea that has been tossed around in the discord server I run. (originally used for a different event >> CSMM) Okay, the new event  (Captain Swan Co-Storytellers Collaboration) would consist of groups of 3-4 people working together to write a captain swan story.  This is not a one person writes one part and passes on the document and so on until it reaches its end. No, this would be the ultimate team effort in an ensemble of amazing writers! Of course there are details to be ironed out but I wanted to know if anyone here was interested to join. I will share the form to get an idea of who is interested and for a way to contact anyone that wants to join in on the fun. As soon as I can I will reach out to you.

ENSEMBLE FORM

Gonna tag some people I know and I'm sorry if I don't tag everyone. If possible reblog. Thank you lovelies!

@allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 @andiirivera @anothersworld @apiratewhopines @artistic-writer @batana54 @beckettj @bethacaciakay @bixisarusher @branlovestowrite @brooke-to-broch @captainodonoghue @carpedzem @chasedancer17 @cocohook38 @courtorderedcake @darkcolinodonorgasm @deckerstarblanche @demisexualemmaswan @djlbg @donteattheappleshook @dovelyheart @elizabeethan @gingerchangeling @gingerpoliglot @holdingoutforapiratehero @hollyethecurious @hookedonapirate @hookedonaswanprincess @hookedonhiddles @ilovemesomekillianjones @imlaxdris71 @itsfabianadocarmo @jarienn972 @jennjenn615 @jonesfandomfanatic @jrob64 @justanother-unluckysoul @k-leemac @karlyfr13s @kday426 @killian-will-do @klynn-stormz @kmomof4 @kwistowee @kymbersmith-90 @laschatzi @lassluna @let-it-raines @lfh1226-linda @lonelyspectator12 @mariakov81 @motherkatereloyshipper @officerrogers @ohmakemeahercules @onceratheart18 @pirateherokillian @purplehawkcaptain @resident-of-storybrooke @revanmeetra87 @sailtoafarawayland @sals86 @scribomaniac @searchingwardrobes @seriouslyhooked @shardminds @shireness-says @snowbellewells @sotangledupinit @spacekrulesbians @spartanguard @stahlop @superchocovian @swanslieutenant @tehgreeneyes @the-darkdragonfly @thejollyroger-writer @thepirateandhisson @therealstartraveller776 @thislassishooked @thisonesatellite @tiganasummertree @tomeandflickcorner @ultraluckycatnd @veryverynotgoodwrites @wefoundloveunderthelight @wellhellotragic @whimsicallyenchantedrose @winterbaby89 @xarandomdreamx @xsajx @zaharadessert @myfearless-love @cosette141 @grimmswan @fleurdepetite @hookmecaptain @once-upon-a-pirate-ship  @undercaffinatednightmare @4getfulimaginator2022 @nachocheese-itsmycheese @booksteaandtoomuchtv @iverna @OUATadmire

[cathloves]

Get to know you better game! Answer the questions and tag people you want to know better.

Thank you to @jamif for tagging me.

Last Song I listened to: Tell me ma by Shamrock

☘️

Watching: Becoming Elizabeth, The Bear, Always rewatching Once Upon A Time.

Favorite Color: Blue

Sweet/savory/spicy: Sweet, but love savoury and spicy too.

Last thing I Googled: Holidays

Last Book: The darkest part of the forest by Holly Black

Relationship Status: Single

Currently obsessed with: Tbh I haven't really got anything I'm obsessed with right now. I've been too busy recently.

Tagging a few. @laschatzi @hookedbearj @emmakillianns @laianely @killianxswan @lakenymph @she-will-destroy-u @awesomeaddiewhovian @captswn @thecoolestfreakyouknow @lightasthesun

[captainswanfluffyfebruary]

Blown Fuses

Killian Jones is at the airport, on his way to his vacation, when he stumbles over a boy looking for his mother; their start is not smooth. As fate will have it, they have rented neighbor beach houses on Cape Cod. Emma Swan is not amused.

Read on A03 and send fluffy love to @laschatzi

[aprilqueen84]

A Toast To The New Year

A/N: Hello everyone! I wanted to first off by saying that I am very happy to be back writing and that I am thankful to everyone for being so patient for this story. I know that it's a little (three weeks) late but I hope you all love it. This is not betaed so any mistakes and grammar problems are mine, I just wanted to get this out to you. Also if you do not see your name on my tag or you wish to be added let me know!

Tag List: @hollyethecurious, @resident-of-storybrooke, @kmomof4, @jennjenn615, @pirateherokillian, @piinfeathers @enchanted-swans, @superchocolatecocoabear, @deathbycaptainswan, @winterbaby89, @kingofmyheart14, @a-faekindagirl, @kymbersmith-90, @ekr032-blog-blog, @laschatzi, @teamhook, @ilovemesomekillianjones, @capswantrue, @bmbbcs4evr, @kday426, @tiganasummertree, @Ifh1226-linda, @meganhinsley, @xarandomdreamx, @jrob64, @hannahhook7744, @klynn-stormz @therooksshiningknight, @earanemith, @snowbellewells, @motherkatereloyshipper, @emmythedaydreamer, @quirkykayleetam, @onceuponsomechaos, bdevereaux-blanche.

A Toast To The New Year

It was two weeks before Christmas when Emma brought the subject up to Killian as they were sitting around the kitchen table eating breakfast. 

“A  New Year’s Eve Party, Love,” Killian asked perplexed.

Emma nodded her head as she took a sip of her coffee. “Yeah. It’s at Town Hall. Regina is throwing it,” she said nonchalantly.

Killian raised an eyebrow at her. “And what, pray tell, does a New Years Eve party entail love?” 

Emma tilted her head at her husband in confusion for a few seconds before realizing her faux pas. “Oh! I’m sorry babe. Sometimes I forget that you’re still not familiar with some of our traditions,” she said sheepishly

Killian reached across the table and rested it on Emma’s. “It’s alright love, it just goes to show what a modern man I’ve become,” he joked. 

Emma laughed. “Too true. It’s basically just a gathering to celebrate the new year.” she explained.

“I gathered that love, but what does one do at these celebrations?” he asked.

“The ones I’ve been to in the past. Mostly drink.” she responds with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Aye? Sounds like my kind of party Swan,” Killian said jovially.

Emma smiled at him. “Some go out to these extravagant parties where there’s dancing and drinks while others choose the more laid back route and stay in with family and friends. But either way it ends with a countdown to midnight and when the clock strikes 12 you ring in the new year with a kiss.” 

“A kiss you say? Well I think I’m liking the idea of this New Years Eve business more and more,” he said cheekily, wagging his eyebrows at her.

Emma shook her head playfully at her husband. “Of course that would be the first thing that registers to you the most.”

“Can you blame me, love?” He said, giving her a devilish look.

Emma rolled her eyes at her husband's antics. “So what do you think?” she asked, getting back to the subject at hand.

“Well that depends, love. I assume this party is going to be more on the extravagant side?” he hedged a guess.

Emma grimaced a little. “Yeah. Probably. I don’t know all the details yet. Mom only told me about it last night.”

“Well if it means I get to spend the evening dancing with my beautiful wife then count me in,” he said lovingly.

Emma felt herself start to blush slightly. “Charmer.”

“Only for you my love,” he said, lifting her hand up to place a gentle kiss on her knuckles. “Just let me know the full details when you find out and we’ll go from there.”

Emma nodded her head. "Yeah. I'm meeting my Mom for lunch tomorrow and I'll see if she knows anymore about it. Hopefully Regina doesn't go too overboard." 

XX

"A what!" Emma exclaimed. When she asked her mother what the New Years Eve party was going to be like , a variety of scenarios went through her head but she was not prepared for what came out of her mother's mouth.

"A ball! Isn't that exciting!" Snow said gleefully.

Emma just stared at her mother in silence until it finally registered what she said. "What on earth possessed Regina to make the theme of the party a ball? And what kind of ball are we talking about? Fancy dress up, like black tie or..she trailed off, afraid of saying the next part out loud in case the feeling she had was right.

"An Enchantment Forest ball!" Snow said, confirming her worst nightmare.

Emma closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. "Because of course it is." she mumbled under her breath.

Snow continued on, oblivious to the internal turmoil her daughter was going through. “Oh Emma, I can just picture it. Everyone dressed in their ball attire, dancing and mingling,” she lets out a sigh. “It’ll be magical,” she said wistfully.

As she listened to her mother, Emma felt most of her annoyance fade. She realized that it’s been a long time since Snow has been to a ball (the one in Camelot in her opinion didn’t count. She was the Dark One and a man died. Not really a fun celebration.) so she takes a deep breath and says, “That’s a big undertaking. New Year's Eve is only two weeks away. I take it you’re helping Regina out?” she asked.

“Absolutely! When Regina told me what the theme was I jumped at the chance to help. Let me tell you all about it,” Snow said.

As Emma listened to her mother go over the details, one stuck out to her the most. “Wait mom. Ballroom? Town Hall doesn’t have a ballroom.” As soon as she said that Emma noticed Snow grow quiet. When she looked up at her, she saw that her mother was looking down at the table, “Mom?”

“Well it’s not going to be at the Town Hall anymore. It’s not big enough,” Snow said, not quite meeting her eyes.

Emma frowned. “Well where is it going to be?”

“I told Regina that it wasn't a good idea but she was adamant. She said it was the only place that could hold everyone,” Snow said in a rush.

“Slow down Mom. Why are you so upset?” Emma asked.

Snow hesitated before finally saying, “The ball is going to be at The Sorcerer’s  Mansion.”

Emma froze. Memories of spiders and a bright light behind a door ran through her head. “Why? Why would she pick where Gold and Gideon tried to kill me of all places?” She said slightly sticken.

Snow sighed. “I know, I know. I tried to talk her out of it. I really did,” she paused, shrugging her shoulders. “But you know how Regina can get sometimes. You know, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to honey. Your father and I would understand.”

Emma nodded her head. “I know Mom. Let me talk to Killian about it first.”

Snow reached over and patted her hand gently. “Alright sweetheart.”

XXX

Killian watched Emma pace back and forth as she told him about the conversation she had with her mother this afternoon and to say he wasn’t happy about the news would be an understatement. Memories of feeling powerless tied to that fence as the Crocodile taunted him about stealing Emma’s magic and trapping her in that blasted hat. 

“So what do you think?” Emma asked, pulling him back to the present.

Killian glanced up at his wife from where he was seated on the couch. He saw that she was  wringing her hands together and biting her bottom lip. “Come here love,” he said, holding his hand out to her.

Emma walked over, took his hand and sat down next to him. She could immediately feel the tension leave her body. “I’m being silly right? I mean it’s just a building. I shouldn’t let it affect me so much.” 

“It’s not silly Emma,” Killian said softly. 

“I just,” Emma paused, trying to gather her thoughts. “I just hate feeling like this.”

Killian tilted his head at her in question. “Like what love?”

“Like that place has some kind of power over me. I was fine and then as soon as Mom mentioned the Mansion I froze and I was right back there, almost falling for Gold’s trap and fighting a giant spider.” Emma confesses wearily.

Killian couldn’t stand seeing his Swan look so dejected. “Emma. It doesn’t make you powerless. You’ve been through so much over the past few years, it’s only understandable that you would feel like that. Plus you’re not alone, we both have terrible memories of that place, the Gold men tormented us both there.” 

“What a pair we are huh?” Emma said with a chuckle.

Killian smiled at her. “So what do you say we conquer the memories together?”

“What do you mean?” Emma asked, confused.

“Well you said that New Years is a time for new beginnings and for leaving unpleasant things in the past and moving forward right?” Killian asked her.

“Yeah,” Emma replied, still not sure where he was going with this.

“How about we show those memories who’s boss and have the night of our lives,” Killian said animatedly.

“You mean go to the ball?” Emma asked, sort of unsure.

“Aye! Come on Emma. When have you ever backed away from a challenge?” Killian asked teasingly.

Emma playfully glared at him. “A challenge huh? Okay Captain I’ll bite,” she stopped, contemplating something for a few seconds before continuing. “ Under one condition.”

“What’s that?” Killain asked suspiciously

“I get to pick our outfits for the ball,” Emma smiled devilishly at him.

Killian narrowed his eyes at her. “What are you up to, Swan?”

“You’ll have to wait and see,” Emma said before leaning over and placing a lingering kiss to his lips.

XXX

TIme moved quickly after that. Christmas came and went and before everyone knew it, it was New Years Eve. The whole town had been excited for the party with people going into the local clothing shops in droves to find the right outfit to wear. When Emma came up with the idea of what her and Killians outfits were gonna be, she knew exactly the right person to help her. To say her mother was over the moon when she asked for her help (with several promises to keep it a secret)  would be an understatement. She had started to get a little worried because it had been taking longer than anticipated but when she had gotten the phone call the day before the party that they were done, she breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Standing in the foyer, Emma stared at the two garment bags hanging from the coat rack. She was equal parts excited and nervous for the big reveal. Killian had been trying to get out of her for the past two weeks what they were going to wear but she held strong even though he had been very persuasive. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Killians face when he saw them, he won’t know what hit him. Almost as if he sensed her thinking about him, Killian walked through the door at that very minute. Upon seeing her husband Emma quickly went over to him and threw her arm around him.

“Oof!” Killian let out a grunt at the sudden collision. “Not that I’m complaining love but what’s all this about?”

Emma pulled back and looked up at him with a beaming smile across her face. “They’re here!” She said, pulling him over to the coat rack.

“What’s here Swan?” Killian asked with furrowed eyebrows.

“Our outfits for the party!” Emma said enthusiastically, taking one of the garment bags and handing it to him.

Killian looked from the bag to Emma and immediately went to unzip it in anticipation. “No!” Emma called out to stop him. When he looked at her in question she said. “You have to wait.”

“Wait for what?” Killian asked. 

“Until you get upstairs! Everything else you need is in the guest room,” Emma informed him. She then kissed him and turned him towards the stairs. “Go on,” she said, giving him a gentle push. Killian gave her a playful glare before making his way up the stairs two at a time, excitement in his steps. As soon as she heard the guest room door shut Emma grabbed the other bag and headed up to the master bedroom

XXX

Emma stood in front of the full length mirror smoothing her hands over the red fabric of her dress. It was exactly what she wanted. Everything from the sweetheart neckline adorned with rhinestones to the full skirt, It’s perfect she thought. She thinks back to when she first wore this dress in The Enchanted Forest and how despite the circumstances she was in she had such a magical time and.. 

A knock on the door broke her from her thoughts. “Emma,” Killian said softly.

Emma turned toward the door, butterflies suddenly bubbled up in her stomach. “Come in.”

Killian walked through the and upon seeing his wife instantly froze. She was a vision in the dress, just as she was the first time she wore it. “Swan..I..You look,” he stuttered, unable to form the words he needed to say.

Emma walked over to him and took his hand in hers. “Are you surprised? She said with a smile.

Killian looked down at her lovingly. “Very much so.”

Emma reached her hands up to run them along the black lapels of his tan colored jacket. “You look just as handsome in it now as you did then.” she said.

“What made you decide on these outfits Emma?” he asked

Emma took a deep breath to gather her thoughts. “The ball in The Enchanted Forest was the first time in my life I felt truly free, where I could let go for a little while and that was because of you,” she told him.

“Emma,” Killian said softly.

“You give me strength. You did then and you do now and I wanted to recreate what i felt that night so,” she stopped and gestured towards their outfits.

Killian was silent for a few seconds before he swooped down and sealed his lips over hers in a passionate kiss. Emma let out a soft moan and gripped his lapels tightly. They stayed like that for several minutes until the need to breathe made them pull away. They rested their foreheads against each other's and just basked in their for one another. 

XXX

The doorbell ringing from downstairs had them pulling back from each other. "Our chariot awaits my love," Killian says, holding out his arm for Emma to take. 

When they made it outside they were greeted with the sight of a horse drawn carriage waiting for them. To keep with the theme, Regina used magic to conjure them to bring the guests to the ball. The driver of the carriage opened the door for them and Killian helped her up into it, before climbing in behind her. Once they were seated on the plush red seats, Killian knocked on the carriage wall behind him and they were off.

XXX

Emma watched through the window as the scenery changed from the lights and buildings of main street to the darkness of the woods surrounding the town. If she didn’t know any better she would have thought she was actually in The Enchanted Forest and she was a princess on her way to a ball with her prince. 

“Everything alright, love?” Killian asked, slightly concerned about how quiet she’s been.

Emma turned to look at her husband who was sitting beside her. “Yeah,” she said with a smile. “Yean, I’am,” and as she said it Emma realized she really meant it. She didn’t have any nerves or feelings of dread about the night ahead. The only thing she felt was excitement. Killian must have realized the same by the expression on her face because he returned her smile and lifted her hand to place a kiss on her knuckles.

The rest of the ride was made in comfortable silence, both content to just be. As they were looking out the window, lights started to appear in the trees on either side of the road, indicating that they had arrived. When they stopped in front of the mansion the driver opened the carriage door, Killian climbed out first then held out his hand to help her out.

When Emma excited the carriage her eyes widened at the sight before her. Regina and her Mom really went all out. Flowers lined the walkway and up the staircase leading up to the entrance of the mansion, tiki torches were also dotted along the walkway, illuminating the night. As they made their way inside, soft music was playing and lanterns were hung on the walls in the hallway leading into the ballroom.

When they stepped into the ballroom it was like they had been transported back to The Enchanted Forest. The room was decorated with white and gold twinkling strands of lights, tall candelabras stood in the corners of the ballroom bringing a soft glow to the room and round tables draped with white table cloths were placed on either side of the room leaving a generous space in the middle for dancing. 

“Wow! This is amazing!” Emma exclaimed, looking at Killian.

Killian nodded his head. “Aye! This is truly spectacular,” he said in awe.

A voice calling their names had them turning to see Snow and David coming towards them through the crowd. “Emma. Killian. You’re here,” Snow enthusiastically said, immediately pulling her daughter and son-in-law in for a hug.

“Hi Mom,” Emma said, returning her mothers hug. Stepping back she looked around the room then back at Snow. “Mom. Everything looks amazing!”

Snow smiled at her daughter. “I know! It all came together so beautifully. Better than I could have imagined.”

The four of them chatted for a few minutes until the music dimmed and dinner was announced. After everyone was done eating, Regina made a short speech thanking everyone for coming and hopes that they all enjoy the rest of the evening. The dance floor opened after that and couple after couple headed about onto the floor.

Emma watched as the couples spin and sway to the music, absolutely mesmerized by their movements.

“Do you want to join in love?” Killian asked her.

Emma turned to Killian and a refusal was on the tip of her tongue but she stopped herself. “Yeah. I would like that,” she said.

Killian quirked an eyebrow in surprise, obviously not expecting her to say that. He stood and held his hand out to her and led her onto the dance floor. Once they got into position, Killian could tell Emma was a little nervous from the way she was flicking her eyes over the crowd. “Hey," he said quietly, bringing her attention back to him. "Just follow my lead. Remember you picked a partner who knows what they're doing," he told her with a smirk. 

Emma smiled at him and then the two of them began to move to the movements of the music. She's never been big on dancing, especially this kind of dancing but with Killian it was effortless. They spent the rest of the night dancing and visiting with everyone there until there was an announcement to head outback because it was five minutes to midnight.

As they stood on the back lawn waiting for the fireworks to begin Emma reminisced about the past few hours.  She couldn’t stop smiling over how perfect tonight was. The dancing, the music, the atmosphere but most importantly the man beside her. She sometimes still can't believe how lucky she was to have Killian as her husband. That he was patient with her, was there for her and supported her through everything.

“Penny for your thoughts Swan,” Killian said from beside her. 

Before she could say anything, someone in the crowd yelled out that there was 10 seconds to midnight 5,4,3,2,1. The sky erupted in a multitude of colors as the crowd yelled out ‘Happy New Years.’ Emma turned to Killian. “I was thinking how there's nowhere I would rather be than right here with you, at this very moment. I love you.”

“Oh Emma. I love you so much.” They both leaned forward at the same time to seal their love and the new year with a kiss. The kiss was full of promise not for new beginnings but for the continued love they share, a love that they fought for and won. 

[earanemith]

Last line Tag

Got tagged by @mrsmungus Hopefully this last line won't give too much away.

Last line I wrote for Promises made. (and not it's not from the chapter i'll be posting today.

Why? Why. It was the same question Gibbs had asked himself when Kate had been shot, when Jenny had died. Why. The same question Gibbs had asked when learning his wife and daughter were killed. Gibbs wondered how similar the way Tony was feeling to himself all those years ago. There had always been something more between the two partners.

Tagging: @hopeless-nostalgiac, @television-overload @laschatzi

[kazoo5480]

Breaking Down Ch. 21

"They are probably dead!" 

Scott continued sipping his tea as he flipped to the sports section, letting his husband rant and rave until he ran out of steam. 

"I should call the police, right? That rickety cabin probably burned to the ground, and I have no idea where they are!"

Scott choked on his tea, "Rickety Cabin? I highly doubt that, and she texted you when they got there. Auggie, we talked about this. Boundaries. They are just on vacation," he sighed shaking his head. 

August glared at him, hands on his hips, his blue eyes flashing wildly. 

"My sister is supposed to be getting engaged! What if she fell off a cliff? What if Jones murdered her? I mean his nice guy, hot mechanic routine could have just have been a cover. He could be like the BTK of the eastern seaboard!"

"Alright, I love you but for you to even suggest that Killian, our Killian has some dormant serial killer personality means that you've hit your limit and I am putting you to bed." 

He moved and scooped August up, who sputtered indignantly and continued his ranting as Scott headed up the steps past the taped moving boxes. 

"Fine, so he isn't a serial killer. Did he ask her? How are you so calm!" Scott tossed him onto their bed where he lay like a sack of potatoes, muttering at the ceiling. 

"I expect that he did ask, and we are allowing them their privacy. Boundaries. Practice them, because once we move you cannot barge into their home on a whim." 

Scott moved to turn off the lights, and August scooted beneath the covers, huffing. "Boundaries aren't a thing with us! If I want to see my sister, then I have every right to walk in, and make breakfast!"

Scott pulled him by his collar and kissed him. "You are a lunatic, and I love you."

August grumbled and drew the sheet up beneath his arms. "What if a bobcat attacked them? Surely I should call the local authorities to ask."

"Sleep August. Sleep."

"Fine. But I am calling if I don't hear from her tomorrow."

"That's the spirit. Now sleep," Scott muttered before putting his earplugs in. 

@teamhook @kmomof4 @tiganasummertree @holdingoutforapiratehero @courtorderedcake​ @kmomof4 @stahloplop​ @klynn-stormz @laschatzi @captain-k-jones @emmaxjones @ilovemesomekillianjones @tiganasummertreeertree​​ @gingerchangelinggeling​​ @justdramionerob64​​ @onceuponatime-graphics @winterbaby89y89​​ @kmomof4mof4 @katie-dub-dub @ohmightydevviepuuiepuu @elizabeethanthan @whimsicallyenchantedrosechantedrose @resident-of-storybrooke @jennjenn615enn615 @lfh1226-lindalinda @wefoundloveunderthelightderthelight @hollyethecurious @jonesfandomfanaticatic @searchingwardrobesbes @oncechicagoloveove @vampcoffeegyrl23gyrl23 @enchanted-swanss @ohmakemeaherculeshercules @donteattheappleshook @the-darkdragonflyagonfly @demisexualemmaswanualemmaswan @lavenderbudd @spartanguardguard @flslp87p87 @courtorderedcake @onceratheart18heart18 @strangeforeignbeautyestarlighttree @omgmarvelous @justanother-unluckysoulkysoul @anothersworldworld @purplehawkcaptaincaptain @sailtoafarawaylandd​ @hookedonkillianforlife87

[snowbellewells]

Tag 9 People you want to get to know better

{I wasn't tagged, just thought this looked like fun when it crossed my dash this morning. Hope you don't mind if I've tagged you!}

Last Song: "Come Be My River" - Josh Baldwin

Favourite Colour: Yellow (followed by green)

Last film/show: The Nanny (is it weird to admit I have the whole series on dvd?)

Sweet/savoury/spicy: Savory (salty, tangy, love all of that!)

Last thing I googled: Are the Bridgerton iced coffee and creamer flavors still available?

Last Book: Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie

Relationship status: single

Current Obsession(s): Agatha Christie, still OuaT and CS, this one unfinished vampire Killian/Emma/Graham love triangle mystery romance ff (I NEED to know how it ends!!), Regency romances, Georgia research for upcoming girls' trip

tags: @booksteaandtoomuchtv @kazoosandfannypacks @xarandomdreamx @jennjenn615 @belovedcreation @beckettj @laschatzi @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kmomof4 @jrob64

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

4th of July Reruns: Independence Day

Happy 4th of July week to all who celebrate it! I have a couple of old 4th of July themed CS fics that I thought I'd share with all of you, and if all goes well, I'll have a new 4th of July fic to add to Fluffy Fridays this Friday!

Word Count: 2082

Tagging a few people who may be interested (Let me know if you want to be added or taken off the list): @sailormew4 @annaamell @flslp87 @emmateo26 @bethacaciakay 

@ultraluckycatnd @effulgent-mind @ilovemesomekillianjones @kat2609 @brooke-to-broch 

@missgymgirl @galadriel26 @the-lady-of-misthaven @charmingturkeysandwich @jennjenn615 

@laschatzi @kimmy46 @snowbellewells @iamanneenigma @daxx04 

@nickillian  @gillie  @britishguyslover @ginnyjinxedandhanshotritafirst @kmomof4

 @linda8084 @golfgirld @captain-swan-coffee @searchingwardrobes @hollyethecurious 

@laughswaytoomuch  @allyourdarlingswans  @winterbaby89 @facesiousbutton82 @therooksshiningknight 

@lfh1226-linda @tiganasummertree @jrob64  @anmylica @booksteaandtoomuchtv

 @i-will-sing-no-requiem @bluewildcatfanatic @laianely

Summary: This fic was originally posted to my Fluffy Fridays collection sometime around season 6. At the time, it was a "future fic", but now it is more of a slight canon divergence. With the Black Fairy defeated and the final battle won, Storybrooke is enjoying it's happily ever after and trying to make new memories. Emma has some exciting news for Killian.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Independence Day

CS Genre: Future Fic

Spring slowly sizzled into summer—a particularly hot and humid summer in Storybrooke that had Emma grateful that they had indeed decided to stay in the Land Without Magic, a place where air conditioners were a thing.

Ever since the Black Fairy was defeated a few months ago, she and Killian had responded to far more “cat stuck in a tree” or “Leroy double parked in front of Granny’s” calls than “weird, fairy tale villain intent on world domination just destroyed something” calls.

In fact, they’d had no calls about fairy tale villains.  It seemed Storybrooke had finally settled down into a peaceful, sleepy little town, with its requisite cast of eccentric characters.

It had never been the kind of life Emma had imagined she would lead—sheriff in a small town where everyone knows everyone else, married to her true love and so happy she thought she might die from it.  But though it might not be the life she’d expected for herself, it was a life she loved with every fiber in her being.

Even when Regina decided to institute regular town meetings to discuss town business.  (Seriously, they really were turning into Stars Hollow.)  It was at one such meeting about a month ago, that the whole big production had been decided on.

“Now that we’re not, you know, fighting villains every other day,” Leroy had said when Regina called on him to speak, “I think we need to start participating in normal society things.  The 4th of July is coming up.  Let’s do it up right.  Parade, fireworks, the whole shebang.”

Killian leaned over to Emma.  “Perhaps I’m missing something love, but what exactly is the significance of the 4th day of July, and why would it call for an unusual amount of festivity?”

Emma smirked, so glad to get back to the business of enlightening Killian about the modern world rather than, you know, trying not to die or trying to keep him from dying.  “It’s Independence Day in the United States, which is technically the country we live in.  Lots of celebrating goes on that day.”

He’d, as usual, wanted to pepper her with about a million questions.  Seriously, her husband wanted to know everything about everything.  Usually, Emma dealt with it by telling him to go look it up on the “magic box”, aka Internet, but that wasn’t exactly practical during a town meeting.  Seriously, Regina was as strict about “no talking!” in her meetings as the most demanding teacher. 

“Shhh!,” Emma had said as various members of the town began brainstorming ideas for the best (and, honestly the first) 4th of July Storybrooke had ever celebrated.  “You can look it up later.”

In the end they had decided to go with, as Leroy put it, the whole patriotic “shebang”.  There would be a parade through the main street of town in the morning—complete with the Storybrooke high school band and various prominent citizens dressed in their Enchanted Forest finest.  Emma wasn’t sure exactly what their Enchanted Forest attire had to do with the 4th of July, but she’d long since learned not to question these kind of decisions.  It only led to confusion and headaches.  Oh so many headaches.

(And to be honest, as the meeting was really ramping up, Emma realized kind of vaguely that she’d been having more headaches lately…along with way more nausea at weird times…and moments where she felt faint…and so much exhaustion she felt like she could barely get out of bed some mornings.  Maybe she should make an appointment with Dr. Whale to see what was going on with her, but she thought she’d give it a few more weeks.  After all, she’d been under a lot of stress since….well, basically since she moved to Storybrooke, and these weird symptoms were probably nothing more than her body sloughing off the stress and trying to get used to this strange new phenomenon known as “peace”.)

Anyway, the festivities would continue with a town picnic around noon and then fireworks as night fell.

And so it was that Henry and Killian spread out a blanket on the hill overlooking town on the evening of the 4th of July.  Emma set her picnic basket on the blanket, and then sat down beside it, reaching for the ginger ale she always had at the ready lately.  With a small, secret smile, she put a hand on her flat stomach, both excited and terrified about the news she’d received just the day before.

“And you’re sure we’re quite safe, here, love?”  Killian asked as he sat beside her.  “I must admit to being more than a little uneasy at the thought of the dwarfs setting off explosive devices for our amusement.  It seems like a terrible idea.”

They’d talked about fireworks as soon as they’d returned from the town meeting back in June, and Henry had been amazed that Killian had never seen a fireworks display.  “Are you serious?”  Henry asked.  “You’ve never seen fireworks?  Fireworks have been around for like…ever.  I know they were a thing in the Enchanted Forest.  I saw them in my storybook—during Cinderella’s wedding!”

Killian shrugged.  “Oh aye,” he’d said, “I’d heard of them, of course, but as a slave I’d not had much occasion to observe them.  And then once I’d become a pirate…well, I was far more interested in causing the explosions than viewing them.”

“But fireworks are way better than just explosions!” Henry had assured.  “They’re colorful and sparkly.  Sometimes they have special designs.  Some of them light up the sky, and others are like…little bursts of bright light and sound.  And fireworks displays always have a grand finale and it’s just…I can’t explain it, but it’s awesome!”

“How precisely do they work?” Killian asked.  “One lights a fuse and there is an explosion, aye, that I understand, but how do such explosions result in different formations and colors?”

“They just…do,” Henry said, with a little shrug.  “I don’t know how it works.  I just know it’s amazing.”

“I believe I shall consult Mr. Google, then, lad,” Killian said.  “I find it far preferable to understand the mechanisms of my entertainment.”

Of course he did.  Emma should have known.  It had been two weeks after they’d moved in together before they could have their first family movie night because Killian insisted on researching what movies were, how they were made, how they were projected on screen, and how thin, circular discs inserted in a machine could cause said movies to appear on the “moving picture box”.

Her husband was a full-fledged nerd.  A hot one, for sure, but a nerd nonetheless.

“Yes, Killian,” Emma said, coming back to the present and laying her head on her husband’s shoulder.  “I’m sure everything is totally safe.  Leroy’s got everything organized.  Just relax and enjoy the show.”

“I shall attempt to do so,” Killian said, “but I fail to see how colorful lights can elicit as much excitement as you and the lad…ooooooh!”

Emma giggled as the first firework—a large one that changed color from red to white to blue, lit up the Storybrooke night sky.  Killian looked up at the display in wonder, his eyes wide as saucers, a soft, boyish smile draping his face.

Sometimes she looked up at him and it just overwhelmed her all over again how much she loved him.  Now was one of those times.  She felt the tears come to her eyes, and Killian looked down at her in concern.  As usual, he could sense her moods.

“Is all well, Swan?” he asked in concern, reaching up to catch the single tear that fell from her eye.

“It’s more than alright, Killian,” Emma said.  “It’s perfect.  All of this is perfect.  I just love you so much, and I love our life together, and I don’t know what I ever did to deserve it, but life is just about perfect right now.”

He smiled tenderly, and leaned in to kiss her, but just before their lips connected, another firework went off, and Killian turned back to the light display.  Emma smiled, laying her head once again on his shoulder as Henry wandered off to find Violet and watch the show with her.

The fireworks went on and on, and as they moved closer to the grand finale, Emma heard one of the dwarfs (she thought it was Happy’s job?) start the music.  It had been decided that they would end the fireworks display with the 1812 overture, complete with the big finale coming during the cannon fire in the music.

Of course, as soon as it had been decided, Killian had gone to the library and pestered Belle for any information she could give him about the piece of music.

“The customs of this land are incomprehensible, love,” Killian had said that night as he helped her make dinner.  “Why is it customary for this ‘1812 Overture’ to be played at celebrations of this country’s founding?  The founding did not happen in 1812, but a generation before.  What’s more, the piece was written to commemorate an event that has nothing to do with the United States.  That Tchaikovsky fellow wrote the piece to commemorate the moment the Russians defeated Napoleon in his attempts to take over Russia. (Incidentally, is it only me, love, or does this Napoleon sound significantly like the Crocodile?  Small in stature, lust for power, dreams of world domination…)”

“I really don’t know why the 1812 is so popular,” Emma said as she carefully pulled a casserole from the oven.  “It just…is.”

“And it’s full of nationalistic anachronisms,” Killian had continued.

“What’s full of…what?” Henry asked, filching a roll from the bread dish and sitting at the table.

Emma rolled her eyes.  “Your step-dad was about to explain about all the nationalistic anachronisms (whatever those are) in ‘The 1812 Overture’.”

“Quite so,” Killian said.  “The piece features the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, for example, but in 1812, the song had been banned by Napoleon (the total ponce).  Furthermore, the piece utilizes the Russian anthem ‘God Save the Tsar’ near the end, but it had not yet been written as of 1812.  Not much of a historian, this Tchaikovsky.”

Henry groaned.  “Mom, I think we need to ban him from the library.  I already have to suffer through history lessons in school.  Don’t need them when I get home, too.”

A particularly loud volley of fireworks brought Emma back to the present.

“So, are you enjoying your first 4th of July?” Emma asked.

“It’s been quite enjoyable, Swan,” Killian said, “but then any day I get to spend with you and the lad is.”

Emma’s nerves began dancing within her stomach (or was that just the nausea again).  The moment was just about here.  As soon as she’d learned the news from Whale, she’d decided she’d tell Killian just at the climax of the fireworks show.  She wanted to make this moment special.

She just hoped he was as excited about the news as she was.  They hadn’t talked much about it.  This wasn’t something they’d planned; it had just sort of…happened.  What if this wasn’t what he wanted?

“Anything the matter, Swan?” Killian asked just as the cannon began to boom in the music.

“No,” Emma said, taking a deep breath.  “Something’s actually pretty great.  At least I hope you think it is.  I mean, I do, but we haven’t talked about it and…”

“Swan,” Killian said, looking more concerned than ever, “out with it, love.”

Emma took a deep breath, and then leaned in and whispered in his ear.  “Killian, in about 7 ½ months you’re going to be a daddy again.”

His eyes got round again, as he sat up abruptly.  “A father?  I’m to be a father?  You’re with child?”

She smiled tremulously.  “Yeah, Whale thinks I’m about 6 weeks along.  Are you…are you happy about it?  I mean I know we haven’t really discussed it and this is a surprise and…”

He cut her off with a swift, passionate kiss, his hand moving to rest on her still flat belly.  When he pulled back, there were tears in his eyes.  “How can you even ask that, Swan?  Of bloody course I’m happy.  A baby!  A product of our love!  I do believe my life is now absolutely perfect!”

Emma leaned over and kissed him again, the tears streaming from her eyes as overhead the fireworks celebrated right along with the Savior and her Pirate.

[jrob64]

For those of you on my tag list:

I plan to redo my list beginning with the next story I write (after I finish posting ‘Always in My Heart’) If you have liked and/or reblogged any of my last three longer stories (’Taking On Mrs. Jones’, ‘Blow Me Away’ or ‘Always in My Heart’), I will keep you on the list. If not, unless you respond to this post saying you want to remain on, I will stop tagging you. 

If you would like to be added, please tell me that as well. 

Thank you!

Tagging: @xsajx @hookedmom @kymbersmith-90 @kmomof4 @lassluna @pirateherokillian @teamhook @stahlop @elizabeethan @whimsicallyenchantedrose @resident-of-storybrooke @therooksshiningknight @jennjenn615 @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @killianswannn @stories-enchanted @eleveneitherway @withheartfulloflove @kday426 @djlbg @kristi555 @laschatzi @xarandomdreamx @wyntereyez @goforlaunchcee @yasbio2015 @tiganasummertree @winterbaby89 @wefoundloveunderthelight @hollyethecurious @let-it-raines @jonesfandomfanatic @searchingwardrobes @oncechicagolove @andiirivera  @gingerchangeling @everything-person @klynn-stormz @qualitycoffeethings @enchanted-swans @ohmakemeahercules @donteattheappleshook @bluewildcatfanatic @the-darkdragonfly @demisexualemmaswan @grimmswan @spartanguard @flslp87 @ultraluckycatnd @thisonesatellite @captainswan21 @zaharadessert @mariakov81 @snowbellewells @kiwistreetswan @batana54 @nadine200179 @probalicious17 @courtorderedcake @julesep3026 @jackieorioncat @whatthehell102082 @jarienn972 @sthonour @linda8084  @pirateprincesslena @daxx04 @artistic-writer @cocohook38 @captainswan4life85 @molly958 @itsfridaysomewhere @fallingforthecaptain  @onceratheart18 @strangestarlighttree @justanother-unluckysoul @mrs-potato-but-likes-tomato @anothersworld @deckerstarblanche @purplehawkcaptain  @superchocovian @k-leemac @citygirlscowboy @laughterandbooks @sotangledupinit @apiratewhopines @huntressandlioness1 @gingerpolyglot @motherkatereloyshipper @cs-rylie @anmylica @paradiselady19 @pawshapedheart @vampcoffeegyrl23 @elfiola @softkilly @nachocheese-itsmycheese @iverna​ @booksteaandtoomuchtv

[ilovemesomekillianjones]

Post gifs of your 10 favorite TV shows, then tag 10 others. Thanks for the tag @superchocovian ! Here goes:

Tagging @laschatzi @stahlop @jrob64 @cosette141 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kmomof4 @teamhook @eastwesthomeisbest @sotangledupinit @ultraluckycatnd

[cs-rylie]

Chaos ch3

ao3 - ffn (ffn may take a minute to load)

I've been stalling on posting this because my taglist is still in progress. All of you who responded to my posts about it.. I'm overwhelmed 🥰 I thought maybe one or two people would respond, but everytime I go to post this and check my notifications, there's another response. Y'all make me all teary and emotional

Taglist below the line - if I tagged you and you don't want to be here LET ME KNOW. Same if you'd like to be added!

@jrob64 @kmomof4 @teamhook @tiganasummertree @stahlop @hookedmom @booksteaandtoomuchtv @elfiola @winterbaby89 @undercaffinatednightmare @kday426 @zaharadessert @djlbg @xarandomdreamx @jonesfandomfanatic @huntressandlioness1 @lfh1226-linda @motherkatereloyshipper @dashingpiratesandswans @anmylica @hannahhook7744 @stardreamer28 @tequedarasavinon @thomlugaro26 @grimmswan @gingerchangeling @momontheice @insanelydeadlybookcollector @rapunzelsghosts @csadmire @zippoluv @deckerstarblanche @rachelhosking90 @xellewoods @convolutedconundrum @veiled-in-moxie @caityrayeraye @flslp87 @paradiselady19 @bg12sofia @ouat-the-hell @bluewildcatfanatic @eddisfargo @julesep3026 @a-faekindagirl @middlemistcs13 @charmed101 @laschatzi @pirateprincessofpizza