#soft swan queen sunday

[snowbellewells]

Self Promo Sunday: "Still Here in Spirit"

This week's promo fic is just a bit of a missing moment/divergence from early season five. I was feeling a bit of angst at the end of 5x02 when Emma was left outside the diner watching the rest of her family together, and I think this was mostly born out of that feeling. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for this little one shot, and here's hoping you may enjoy it too....

Summary: Though Emma cannot be with him as he wonders just what wrong makes his love keep her distance, Killian and all her family and friends still keep the Savior close to their hearts...

Can also be read on AO3 or ff.net if that is your preference...

by: @snowbellewells

Chuckling good naturedly in spite of himself from where he leans casually against the staircase railing in Regina Mills' spacious foyer, Killian Jones watches the festive bustling and last minute preparations before the Hood-Mills-Charming families can head out on the streets of Storybrooke trick or treating. He had truly held no interest in the odd modern day custom of dressing up in unusual garb and wandering the streets begging others for sweets. Of the many strange and ridiculous-seeming practices he has been introduced to in this realm, this so-called "Halloween" seems to be one of the most ludicrous.

However, when Henry had looked at him hopefully, urging his mother's boyfriend to join them on this nighttime excursion, Killian found he could not deny the lad. There is a certain expression Swan's boy possesses – fervent, wide-eyed and engaging – that reminds him so much of Emma that day Storybrooke had been on the brink of destruction and she had looked straight into his soul and urged him to be a part of something, that he is hard-pressed to deny Henry anything, despite what his original inclinations might be. Though his weary soul had balked at laughing with light heart and playfully making merry when his love was out there somewhere, alone, cloaked in darkness and lost in her bitterness at wrongs the rest of them cannot remember committing, watching the group straightening each other's outfits, gathering Roland and little Neal's baskets for candy, and warmly trying to enjoy what they can of this moment of relative calm – even if one of their number is missing – makes him smile through the twinges of pain.

Reaching out affectionately to straighten Henry's green woolen cape and then the quiver slung over his shoulder, Killian feels the corners of his mouth pull up in a reluctant but sincere smile at the picture the boy paints in his get-up with his assorted motley band of outfitted family. There had been heated debate whether Henry should dress as knight like his Gramps or a pirate like his adopted stepfather until the boy had eventually settled the dispute by dressing like Robin as a bandit of the forest. His other surrogate parent had tried to appear casual about it, but the glimmer in his eyes as he loaned his old cape and quiver had given away how flattered he was, not to mention the Queen's grin of joyful satisfaction and the couple rogue tears she had brushed away. It warmed Killian's ancient pirate heart as well, even though he had lost out on having a miniature double for the night's festivities.

The boy gives him a nod of thanks, and pirate and young prince's eyes meet for a charged moment of bittersweet understanding, both knowing Emma should be there with them and yet not wanting to voice how much her absence hurts. Not wanting to speak sadness into an evening that is trying to enjoy the good moments.

Then, with a steadying hand on the lad's shoulder, Killian vows to follow him and make sure this "Outlaw of Storybrooke Forest" rapidly becoming a young man enjoys himself tonight. Emma would wish it, and someday – he swears to himself – he will tell her about tonight's hijinks, and her parents dressed as Bonnie and Clyde (whoever they might be) with Regina and Robin as Romeo and Juliet in tow. Little Roland looks a bit out of place in their group dressed as a "minion" – which Henry had explained was in some moving picture the little lad had just seen – and bouncing around the rest of them as if he simply cannot wait another moment from them to be off.

The night progresses beautifully, with laughter and smiles that Killian knows he will hold in his memory for years to come. Being drawn into and accepted as part of a family, and necessary for its happy celebrations, was a gift he had long since forgotten and never expected to be a part of again. Yet, he cannot help wishing Emma could be here with them, looking on proudly as Henry takes care to see that Roland doesn't get too far ahead and become lost, that his little uncle is given his fair share of their sugary haul, and constantly glancing back at the group of adults who love him as if making sure that they too are happy and content. His Swan would be so proud of the good heart and concern for others her son continues to show, despite moving into those sometimes troublesome teenage years. He wishes so fervently that she was there beside him, her small, strong hand slipped into his, her head laid gently on his shoulder, just barely leaning into his side as they walk, that his hand clenches into a tight fist at the absence. Those easy, safe, and comfortable times together seem so far removed now from the cold distance that the Darkness has formed between them.

Still, there are many good moments too: Granny and Ruby offering wolf-shaped cookies and hot chocolate to all those who come to their door, with Ruby smirking and shooting a playful wink to he, Snow and Charming from beneath the painted wolf face and ears she wears atop her dark curls and asking, "Well, what else would I be for Halloween?" with a playful giggle; Belle meeting every child at the door to the library all lit up with carved pumpkins in each window, eager to give them a handpicked book of their very own, and taking a moment to slip a gilt-edged paperback into his hand as well. "It's The Princess Bride," she whispers surreptitiously to him with a sympathetic smile. "Emma mentioned how much she liked it once, and when I re-read it, I knew that you would appreciate it too, Killian."

By the time the group reaches the mines where the dwarves and fairies are giving lighted tours of the caves and sending their guests off for home with hot apple cider to warm their hands and stomachs, Killian is truly feeling cheered – if only at the happiness of those around him and the comfort of being welcomed wholeheartedly into their midst. When he parts ways with Henry and the rest of Emma's loved ones at the loft, savoring the hug Henry gives him before bounding after Regina, Robin, and Roland to get back to their house and go through all his candy, and possibly holding on a bit too tightly to the lad for just a moment, he pauses in the street lights' glow, peering into the night and mulling his next course of action.

Eventually he turns back toward the Jolly Roger and the docks, walking slowly and trying to keep himself from whispering Emma's name into the quiet evening. He knows that bringing her to him when she is not herself will only bring him more pain; their last encounter in his private quarters had taught him that lesson all too well. However, as he boards his beloved ship, strides across the deck and comes to stand by the wheel, gazing up at the clear night's multitude of stars, he does leave her a small remembrance. "I know you're out there somewhere, Love," he whispers to the breeze. "I cannot hold you tonight as I desire, but you were never far from all of our minds. Enjoy your Halloween treat."

He slips below quickly, knowing that tangling wits and words with her now will only make things worse. Head bowed, he can only hope she will sense how much he misses her in the gesture and that she – the real Emma - will feel a moment of his care. The captain has entered his cabin, leaning against the closed door and praying desperately that she is not lost in torment somewhere with no one beside her, when on the deck above him, a swirl of magical smoke clears, and Emma appears by the ship's wheel, a tentative, tiny smile upon her lips. Picking up the still-hot cup of cider he has left for her there, she takes a sip and imagines that the warmth spreading through her at first swallow is from him being able to hold her close once more. For now, it is the only treat they can allow themselves… so she closes her eyes, thinks of him, and tries to let it be enough.

Tagging a few who might enjoy: @jennjenn615 @searchingwardrobes @kmomof4 @laschatzi @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jrob64 @apiratewhopines @xsajx @bluewildcatfanatic @lfh1226-linda @teamhook @revanmeetra87 @stahlop @sotangledupinit @justanother-unluckysoul @drowned-dreamer @gingerchangeling @gingerpolyglot @blackwidownat2814 @elizabeethan @the-darkdragonfly @donteattheappleshook @booksteaandtoomuchtv @kazoosandfannypacks @tiganasummertree @optomisticgirl @spartanguard @therooksshiningknight

[unikittybigbrightworldau]

Citizens and Background Characters Galore

I'll add some bite-sized bits of info for minor characters and background characters I haven't talked about yet.

🎊 Fanmade Unikingdom Citizens:

Mabel

Pepper

Calvin

Beatrice

William

Gracey

Marie

Ink

Val

Ribbon

Pheasala, a noisy pheasant/salamander who trained with Hawkodile and Eagleator in the dojo

Maya

Annie

Ringo

Carmine, Mabel’s father

Meryl, Mabel’s mother

Millie, Mabel’s older sister

Scarlet, Mabel’s younger sister

Douglas and Max, Mabel’s younger brothers

Princess Unear, Unikitty and Puppycorn’s mother who is retired

Prince Pericorn, Unikitty and Puppycorn’s father who is also retired

Rosa, a soft-hearted axolotl

Bigbang, an exuberant sports commentator

😠 Fanmade Frowntown Citizens:

Master Cupid

Estelle

May

Samuel

Jane

Mayor Melancholia

🍨 Citizens of Ice Cream Land:

King Dairycone

Queen Snowcorn

Neapolitan

Floela, a friend of Neapolitan's and a butterfly enthusiast

Judge Fudge, a fudge square judge who hears proceedings in Ice Cream Land’s local courthouse and carries out the laws the king and queen create

Coco, a chocolate ice cream

Mintfoot, a mint chocolate chip ice cream with large feet

Dough, an ice cream sandwich 

Toffee Chip, a vanilla ice cream with toffee chips on his head

Caramella, a caramel square

Sprinklehead, a strawberry ice cream with thousands of sprinkles

Bananilla, a hybrid of vanilla and banana-flavored ice cream

Randy, a bubblegum ice cream

Marshscotch, a hybrid of a marshmallow square and a butterscotch square

Cottonette, a cotton candy ice cream

Wafflecone, a waffle cone 

Browncake, a hybrid of brownie batter and cake batter ice cream

Sunday, an ice cream sundae

Olivia, a peanut butter-flavored ice cream

Iceberry, a snow cone involved with the Ice Cream Bowl Palace Guard

Jamison Woolforth

Dawn Woolforth

The Milkman, a cow who harvests milk from the waterways and delivers it to people throughout Ice Cream Land

🦢 Citizens of Swan Lake:

Angela, a ballet instructor and Swanna's mom

Christopher, a trumpetist and Swanna's dad

Ziggy, Swanna's wild little brother

Prime Minister Odetta Swan

Siegfried Swan

Phil, an expert on feelings

Marmotter, aka “Armot,” a marmoset/otter hybrid who Phil was buddies with in college

Fiona, a swan girl

Edmund, Fiona’s brother

Lila, Dr. Fox’s cousin who invented a machine that lets you watch your dreams

🪸 Citizens of Marevi:

Queen Moonlily

King Nettle

Clamilla

Snailtop

Celina, aka Nightrain

Pierre

Elena

Dominic

Felicia

Julien

Yogurt

Meringue

Whip

Emilio, Spike’s grandfather who is a meteorologist and plays the flute

Xenia, Spike’s grandmother who works with undersea technology

Coach Ursula, an oarfish and Shelltop’s volleyball coach

Gabbro, a crab/pufferfish hybrid on Shelltop’s volleyball team and the teammate he’s closest with

Carla, a cardinal fish on Shelltop’s team 

Natalie Nautilusia, a nautilus who is a close friend to Waterlily and Spike

Aura, an oyster and a friend of Waterlily

Dr. Mako, a mako shark who the Seagang and their families regularly go to see for help

Thorn, a sea urchin hairstylist

Basseel, a bass/eel hybrid

Eleanor, a ladyfish

Filippa, Eleanor’s sister

Prudencia, a vaquita

Sardino Beguino, a sardine

Dottie Houndshark, a houndshark 

Angarrot, an angelfish/parrotfish hybrid

Cell, a calico fish (a fictitious species), Eliza, a vampire squid, and Manuel, a manta ray, who all went to film school with Marcella

Chrysa, a crinoid/anemone hybrid and a regular customer of Cream’s family’s bakery

Dave Seaweed, a patch of seaweed who directed Quoth the Penguin, “Nevermore!”, a show that Spike was in

Dolores Whiteside, a white-sided dolphin and drummer

Andreas, an anglerfish

Marlibut, a marlin/halibut hybrid, Cerise Inka, a squid, and The Sea Devil, a seadevil, Marevian musicians who had acting roles in Quoth the Penguin, “Nevermore!”

💐 Citizens of Botania:

Lord Monarch, a monarch butterfly fairy

Fern, one of Kira’s brothers who gardens

Allegra, a butterfly fairy who is a trapeze artist

Zora, a dragontail butterfly who travels across the drier regions

Bia, who makes tools and structures using things she finds in nature

Emi, Kira's grandmother who raised her and her siblings

Desiréé, a deer/mole hybrid

Rose, a rose/ruby Gemflower

Carnation, a carnation/rose quartz Gemflower

Sapphire, a morning glory/sapphire Gemflower

Cherry Blossom, a cherry blossom/cherry blossom agate Gemflower

Freesia, a freesia/carnelian Gemflower

Moonstone, an angel’s trumpet/moonstone Gemflower

Needle

Jessie, Dr. Fox’s grandmother, who has a degree in environmental science

Lucinda, her great-grandmother

Jay, her great-uncle

Forrest, Felix, Don and Rosemary, Benton’s cousins

Vita, her older sister

👑 Citizens of Elegancia:

Prince Alfredo, a white peacock and son of Queen Carnelia

Princess Anastasia, a pink peacock and daughter of Queen Carnelia

Captain Ember, a phoenix and head of the Elegancian royal guard

Sir Arthur Wolf

Felicity Wolf

Benton, Dr. Fox’s father who engineered a space-traveling car

Carriette, Dr. Fox’s mother

Boomerang, her younger brother

Rover, her uncle who is a forensic scientist

Daisy, Rover’s wife and the creator of Snapdragon

Nico, one of Dr. Fox’s cousins

Kamie and Berry, her youngest cousins

Snowfox, a stuck-up bully of Dr. Fox and Dr. Bunny who was cursed with perceiving herself as ugly

Ivy, a poison ivy/violet hybrid and Snowfox’s friend

Dusty, a paleontologist and archeologist who Dr. Fox and Dr. Bunny knew in their classes

🪄 Citizens of Charm Valley: 

Estara, one of Trey’s mothers who can predict the future

Luna, Trey’s other mother

Arcentharion, the elf mage who rules over Charm Valley

Hilda, Imogen’s aunt

———

*Queen Carnelia was created by CharStar. The characters I listed here were created by me.

**Snowfox was a collab between me and CharStar. Her @ is ButterflyRage410 on Wattpad.

[langtanfarvingar]

To go to Lvov. Which station for Lvov, if not in a dream, at dawn, when dew gleams on a suitcase, when express trains and bullet trains are being born. To leave in haste for Lvov, night or day, in September or in March. But only if Lvov exists, if it is to be found within the frontiers and not just in my new passport, if lances of trees —of poplar and ash—still breathe aloud like Indians, and if streams mumble their dark Esperanto, and grass snakes like soft signs in the Russian language disappear into thickets. To pack and set off, to leave without a trace, at noon, to vanish like fainting maidens. And burdocks, green armies of burdocks, and below, under the canvas of a Venetian café, the snails converse about eternity. But the cathedral rises, you remember, so straight, as straight as Sunday and white napkins and a bucket full of raspberries standing on the floor, and my desire which wasn’t born yet, only gardens and weeds and the amber of Queen Anne cherries, and indecent Fredro. There was always too much of Lvov, no one could comprehend its boroughs, hear the murmur of each stone scorched by the sun, at night the Orthodox church’s silence was unlike that of the cathedral, the Jesuits baptized plants, leaf by leaf, but they grew, grew so mindlessly, and joy hovered everywhere, in hallways and in coffee mills revolving by themselves, in blue teapots, in starch, which was the first formalist, in drops of rain and in the thorns of roses. Frozen forsythia yellowed by the window. The bells pealed and the air vibrated, the cornets of nuns sailed like schooners near the theater, there was so much of the world that it had to do encores over and over, the audience was in frenzy and didn’t want to leave the house. My aunts couldn’t have known yet that I’d resurrect them, and lived so trustfully; so singly; servants, clean and ironed, ran for fresh cream, inside the houses a bit of anger and great expectation, Brzozowski came as a visiting lecturer, one of my uncles kept writing a poem entitled Why, dedicated to the Almighty, and there was too much of Lvov, it brimmed the container, it burst glasses, overflowed each pond, lake, smoked through every chimney, turned into fire, storm, laughed with lightning, grew meek, returned home, read the New Testament, slept on a sofa beside the Carpathian rug, there was too much of Lvov, and now there isn’t any, it grew relentlessly and the scissors cut it, chilly gardeners as always in May, without mercy, without love, ah, wait till warm June comes with soft ferns, boundless fields of summer, i.e., the reality. But scissors cut it, along the line and through the fiber, tailors, gardeners, censors cut the body and the wreaths, pruning shears worked diligently, as in a child’s cutout along the dotted line of a roe deer or a swan. Scissors, penknives, and razor blades scratched, cut, and shortened the voluptuous dresses of prelates, of squares and houses, and trees fell soundlessly, as in a jungle, and the cathedral trembled, people bade goodbye without handkerchiefs, no tears, such a dry mouth, I won’t see you anymore, so much death awaits you, why must every city become Jerusalem and every man a Jew, and now in a hurry just pack, always, each day, and go breathless, go to Lvov, after all it exists, quiet and pure as a peach. It is everywhere.

Adam Zagajewski, To Go To Lvov

[parkerbombshell]

The Menace's Attic #1066

The Menace's Attic The Menace’s Attic Mon-Sat 5pm EST bombshellradio.com  on ​Bombshell Radio Sunday’s 8pm EST New Shows Wednesday’s 1pm-2pm EST 10am-11am PDT 6pm-7pm BST bombshellradio.com Repeats Friday 5pm EST #classics #pop #rock #classicrock #themenacesattic #BombshellRadio   This Week – Episode #1066(09/02/2022)“A Tribute To A Man With A Beat And Songwriting Chops Too. A Dennis The Menace Concert Update. And Lots Of Other Stuff TBD From There!”   Opening Song Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly (Coral) Set #1 Nick Didn’t Get Enough Time And Elvis Turned Out To Keep His Hero Backstage. Both Are True Facts. The Question Is Which One Would Stand Up In Court? And Who Ends Up Spending Their Life With A Pick Axe On The Rockpile? Half A Boy And Half A Man – Nick Lowe (Columbia) Hand In Hand – Elvis Costello (Columbia) I Knew The Bride (When She Used To Rock ‘n Roll) – Nick Lowe (Columbia) How Long – Ace (Anchor) Girls Talk – Dave Edmunds (Swan Song) Set #2 Turns Out There’s A Lot More Than The Expected Da Da. Da Da Da Da Da Da – Of Course If You Come Out Of Your American Cell You Already Know That Sire! Sex Dwarf – Soft Cell (Sire) Join The Party (Single Version) – M (Sire) Behind The Wheel (7”Remix) – Depeche Mode (Sire) Tubular Bells (Pretty Boys And Pretty Girls) – Boys Don’t Cry (Sire) Set #3 Diana Was Anything But A Diva At The Hollywood Bowl – She Was Pleased To Be 78 And Performing The Songs That Still Reigned Supreme! Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross (Motown) Up On The Mountain – The Magnificents (Vee Jay) Mississippi Queen – Mountain (Windfall) Set #4 This One Is For My Grandmother Who Found Her Way Out Of A Potential Holocaust To A Job At A Department Store In Downtown Brooklyn Where She Spent Most Of Her Time Preventing Shoplifting! Meanwhile At The Nearby Soul Record Shop Yours Truly Bought This Spinners Song That Was On Repeat And Highly Appropriate! Fish Ain’t Bitin’ – Lamont Dozier (Warner Bros) Give Me Just A Little More Time – Chairmen Of The Board (Invictus) Closing Song Song From M*A*S*H – Al DeLory (Capitol) The Menace's Attic Podcasts   Read the full article

[willow-hermione]

Regina is under Emma’s spell

I wanted to make something fun for Swen today that was related to musicals and weddings. This is what I came up with. It’s simple, but I hope you guys enjoy it :D

Song: Under your spell by Tara Maclay (Amber Benson) from the Buffy musical episode :D

[coalitiongirl]

Soft Swan Queen Sunday!!

I was thinking about next Sunday and how unpleasant it will probably be for us, and personally, I don’t really want to sit around dreading what’s to come! So I was thinking about a way to make this really nice and fun for us all with a Soft Swan Queen Sunday this week! 

You can make fic, ficlets, art, headcanons, happy posts, anything that is Soft and Good about Swan Queen (or anything that isn’t all that Soft, just make it Swan Queen!!) and we’ll all post on Sunday in both the Swan Queen tag and the Soft Swan Queen Sunday tag so everyone has a good, happy tag to be in on Sunday if they want to be!!

Anyway, I will attempt to write something and I have a rec list otherwise and anyone who wants to can join in!! SWEN deserves good things, and this community is wonderful and takes care of each other so well and ily all!!! ❤️💛💚💙💜💖

[smallepsilon]

[tokeepuhappy]

Short video I made for Soft Swan Queen Sunday.

[shadowdianne]

SQ: The kisses we share

breaking the kiss to say something, staying so close that you’re murmuring into each other’s mouths

Her lips tasted like cider and something so distinctly magical that Emma opened her eyes as she moved slightly away, hands still around the other woman’s neck, body so close to hers she could feel the thrumming on the other woman’s heart against her ribcage. The veins on Regina’s neck pumped and pulsed against her fingertips, her eyes so dark she felt herself falling. Her lips were still close enough to keep tasting the richness of the cider and the rush of the magic on every breath and so she darted her tongue forward, licking hers as well and looking hungrily at the shudder that suddenly fell upon Regina’s body, lips glistening as she trembled, on the verge of closing them.

“What do you want?” She asked, her words writing themselves on Regina’s mouth as she kept looking at her, lips close, too close and her fingers suddenly cold against warm flesh. She curled them, feeling the woman’s hair caressing her fingertips as she swallowed, wanting, needing more-

Regina’s eyes were warm as she stared back, a smile painting red and white on her skin as she moved towards her. Emma’s breath itched as the older woman licked her upper lip back, her own heart jumping as she smelled the woman’s scent flooding her senses, making her mind reel.

“You.”

 moving around while kissing, stumbling over things, pushing each other back against the wall/onto the bed

Regina let out a strangled groan as she felt her back impact against her closet. The feeling of the warm wood against her half-bared back made her open her eyes, grasping Emma’s curves as she did so, not really seeing anything else in the dimly lighted room except the blonde’s own eyes glowing in dirty white and flecks of gold and green.

Feeling how the other woman bit her bottom lip before thrusting again, quick hands grabbing her blouse and tugging it until she felt how the seams started to give away, Regina rose her right foot, her calf grazing the younger woman’s still clothed leg as she coiled it around her, not really caring about anything else but the kiss. Trapping Emma’s tongue with her teeth for a second before letting her go Regina’s hand roamed free, grabbing flesh once it was under her fingertips and pushing herself against the blonde’s, not really wanting to stop.

Emma mewled and so she closed her eyes again, sighing into the kiss as she felt the younger woman’s right hand began her descend along her body, blunt nails leaving scorching lines as she kept on tugging, marking and licking.

“More. Give me more.”

kissing so desperately that their whole body curves into the other person’s 

She didn’t dare to think or stop, she didn’t even considered the option as she inhaled, her chest pushing against Emma’s, against the flimsy tank top she wore, her hands warm, too warm as she moved away the long blonde tresses that kept her away from touching the woman’s lips, plump and pink as she smiled gently, moving towards her, grabbing every bit of clothing as she pushed, as she moved alongside with her.

She could feel every breath, a mirror of her own. She could feel every touch of the woman’s bare legs against her own, the freshly brushed teeth and the minty aftertaste quickly evaporating as she kept kissing, tasting, savoring. She could feel the graze of the still too present clothes and the tickling of the woman’s hair as they fell on her wrists while she kept kissing, just a second more.

“Regina.” She heard, spelled too close, muttered to far for her body to do anything else but cry as she kept on kissing, desperate, needy, of touching the other’s body, tasting the sweat she could feel already pooling on the younger woman’s collarbones. Close, too close, and yet too far.

“Emma.” She answered back, not wanting to think on anything else but them, that moment, as they kept moving, as they kept kissing each other. Letting out a strangled sob she detached her mouth from Emma’s, gasping again as she felt the blonde’s fingers tweak her right nipple, a plea written on her eyes as she stared back at her.

“More. More… mor…”

Based on this

[merlin-of-gallifrey]

Bringing back these for today, Swan Mills Family Wedding <3 

Base photo credit/compositional credit to Trenholm Photo

Please credit me if reposted, thanks!

[snowbellewells]

Self Promo Sunday: “One Little Ray of Hope”

This week I’m re-running my @csss20 gift fic: “One Little Ray of Hope” (originally written for my giftee @let-it-raines) I was genuinely nervous writing this one because I adored Raines’ writing so much. But she was truly kind about sweet about having me as her Santa, and I thought this one would be fun to look back at this week...

There are two part to it. I’ve linked Part Two at the end of this first part, and the story can also be found on AO3 if that is your preference. Enjoy - and Merry Christmas Eve!

Summary: The Enchanted Forest under the Evil Queen's reign may be a dark and dangerous place, but at a lowly tavern one wintry night, a captain and a serving girl still keep a welcome spark alive.

“One Little Ray of Hope”

by: @snowbellewells

              Though the fire in the stone hearth was blazing merrily, the lights from their lamps battled the dark sky and frigid wind blasting flurries of snow outside their windows, and the jovial voices of many of their regulars mingled on the air to make things cozy inside the little inn and tavern, Emma Swan still shivered at the winter's chill. There, was some hint of frost that wouldn't go away, forming small icy crystals inside her chest - one particular voice that always stood out from the rest to her ears, was missing. She cursed herself for noticing, cursed him for being so unmistakable, and slammed an empty tankard onto her tray as she cleared the just-vacated table more violently than she had meant to.

              Naturally Ruby would be passing by just then, on her way to wait on some exuberant new arrivals, and she playfully arched one of her dark brows with a teasing smirk. "Looks like someone's a little frustrated this evening."

              From over her shoulder, where Emma hadn't even realized anyone was nearby, Tink tittered with a playful little giggle to Ruby, "Well, you know, we do seem to be short some of Emma's favorite guests this evening…" pirate was not her special anything. Honestly, she was just tired, overworked, overheated, and ready for some fresh air away from the evening crowd. It didn't have anything to do with the fact that Captain Killian Jones, with his unfairly blue eyes and his stomach-flipping accent wasn't here pestering her and getting in her way. What did she care if his farewell to her before he set sail nearly two months' back was that he would return in time for the Yuletide festivities? False hope and nonsense, all of it anyway…

              And yet… tomorrow was Christmas day, her traitorous mind whispered as she plunked her heavy tray of dishes on the counter where the Widow Lucas - the proprietor of their inn, and 'Granny' to all of them - was serving up orders and Ashley was doing dishes as fast as she could to serve warm bread and hearty stew on them once more. Again, her approach was none too gentle, as she huffed out a breath of air and pushed her hair from her face impatiently.

              "Careful there, my girl. Any dishes you break will be comin' from your pay," the widow threatened idly. Granny put on a tough front - one had to in a rough and tumble harbor town - and she meant business if she had to bring out her crossbow from where she kept it close to hand beneath the counter, but she was a soft heart beneath the necessary bluster and hard shell. She loved all "her girls" and most of her patrons dearly, wanting them to know they were welcome and cared for in her inn - and while many like she and her granddaughter had little in the way of blood-related family, she aimed to give them a feeling of home in her place.

              Emma smiled slightly, acknowledging Granny's words without comment, despite knowing the older woman would do no such thing. She unloaded the dirtied tankards and bowls more carefully into the soapy water for Ashley and forced herself to draw a couple of deep breaths as Granny loaded her up with the next order.

              Just as Emma moved to lift the tray and move off again, Granny placed her own hand over Emma's kindly, keeping her there until Emma met her eyes. "Don't let Ruby irk you. She means no harm," was the quietly offered advice, to which Emma nodded sagely, already knowing as much. It was only when Granny winked and added, "Of course, if you're awaiting some handsome sailor, I wager he'll be here soon," that Emma let out an exasperated huff and spun away to the sound of her boss and pseudo-grandmother's laughter at her back. Shaking her head, she seethed, 'Everyone thinks I'm waiting for Jones…. Well, I'm not!'

              The night went on without much further interruption; the snow fell in continued flakes, swirled and eddied by the window and pilling up on the windowsills. Inside their crowded tavern, however, the cozy warmth continued to rise right along with the songs and laughter of those gathered within. Soon Emma found her face flushed, cheeks pinked from the heat and close quarters. Even as the gathered crowd began to dwindle, slowly trickling out the door and homeward in twos and threes, as she, Ruby, Tink, and Ashley began to wipe down empty tables and see to storing up leftover food and seeing drinks stoppered and sealed for the night. Granny had gone upstairs nearly an hour before as the midnight hour had come and gone, claiming her old bones needed the rest, and Mulan, who did not appear the musical type, but who had once confessed when more than a bit tipsy on dwarf mead that her parents had seen that she was learn all sorts of marriageable skills in the hopes of seeing her matched with a smart, dashing husband before she had left home to make her own way - had switched from plunking out bawdy sea shanties and reels for the gathered revelers and lighting begun pecking out chords to a few softer and slower Yuletide carols as a background accompaniment to the cleaning and the quieter murmurs of those who still lingered in conversation over their last drinks.

              Not long after, Ruby silently slipped out the kitchen exit in back with the solemn huntsman who came every night to break bread and drink not at all, other than to drink in her presence and bask in her company, had stood and followed her like a silent shade as she beckoned from the doorway. Ashley had headed upstairs herself for some rest in her own apartments, as had Tink, saying the last town gazette's gossip section was calling her name. Mulan had paused at the door before heading to her own house a couple streets over, telling Emma she would make rounds of the block first, to see that all stragglers had gone home, and no trouble was lingering about them before she left.

              Emma thanked the beautiful warrior sincerely, knowing that it was no more or less than the other woman did every night, determined that these friends who took her and all others at face value, welcoming all lost and weary travelers without trying to change them were safe and secure. She would see no harm come to the Widow Lucas and her adopted "sisters" on her watch; Emma knew Mulan took that charge upon herself as a sworn duty. The rest of them would never have put such weight on her shoulders, but each one of them also slept easier knowing Mulan was nearby. The slim build, shining curtain of silky black hair and delicate features could have long ago earned Mulan the hand of any prince, pirate, or nobleman who laid eyes on her, but those physical attributes all deceptively hid her strength, speed, and core of deadly steel if anyone threatened harm to those she loved.

              "We'll be alright," Emma assured again, as Mulan bid her goodnight. "Everyone was in good spirits this evening. No fights, no trouble. Please rest easy once you get home. I can't imagine anything should happen until we see you again tomorrow."

              "As you say," the raven-haired woman replied simply, and with a slight dip of her head in a bow, she turned and slipped into the night with such soundless agility and grace that she seemed to melt into the darkness - unseen in mere seconds.

              Closing the door at last, Emma latched it securely, making certain the tavern and rooms above were locked properly for the night. She then began to move about the large, open main room, blowing out the candles still left aglow on scattered tabletops and snuffing out the wall sconces as well as she made a final pass around the main space. At last her final chores were complete, one last lit candle in her hand as she stood before the front window, looking down the moonlit street toward the docks for a moment longer. Captain Jones and his crew had yet to be seen in town, and while she could tell the others she didn't care - could even tell herself that in the light of day - here alone in the silent frosty night, Emma couldn't help wondering where he might be, and if he were well.

              "Jones, if you're out there," she murmured, hoping only the snow and ice and the Christmas star would hear her, "Take care or yourself… and be safe 'til we meet again."

              She had crossed the darkened room, placed her hand on the stair rail and was on the first step up to the second floor, when she heard the lightest rapping at the side door into the alley. Pausing there, Emma held her breath, listening uncertainly for the knock again, hardly daring to hope. She only had her candle in hand, the shadows long around her. Were Ruby and her huntsman still outside keeping each other warm despite the winter's chill? Could there be a prowler who had lain in wait until their self-appointed guardian had left for the night, or might it be the visitor she had been promised? The face she had looked for in anticipation every time the inn's door had opened to welcome a new patron that night? She would deny it to anyone, but those dark brows arched up into his windswept hair in challenge or jest, over eyes as blue as his beloved ocean, had been sorely missed; she had hoped to see him home again for Christmas more than she wanted to allow herself.

              She drew nearer to the side entrance, not wishing to give any her presence if the person on the other side bore ill intent, but straining to hear all the same; seeking some sign she was right and to confirm the feeling she had about who awaited on the other side. Gathering her courage, Emma reached for the fireplace poker beside the large stone hearth. Its embers were now dead for the night, but only a short while ago it had been blazing hotly, heating the entire space. She was not some frightened child at any rate; she'd hold her own against any intruder if the opened door led to a nasty surprise.

              Sure enough, the rapping came again, more firmly and with the added hushed entreaty, "Swan? Are you still about, Lass? Emma Swan! It's Captain Jones if you're still about and wish to see your sailor!"

              Her concerns brushed aside at the tones of that voice she could not mistake, Emma let the metal of her makeshift weapon clatter against the stone as it dropped from her fingers. With an exuberant little cry, she was at the door and lifting the latch in a second. The candle in her hand flickered and nearly went out with the stunned breath that left her upon glimpsing his handsome form once again after so long away.

              To his credit, Jones didn't tease; instead looking rather stunned himself as his gaze appeared busy drinking her in as well. Soon, he slipped inside out of the blustery chill and, seeing that her hand holding lighted taper was shaking considerably, he took it from her with care and reached to light the nearest sconce, casting their immediate surroundings with enough warm glow by which to see.

              Finally, she regained enough of her faculties to speak, and Emma stuttered, "It seemed you were not coming, Captain. Ruby mocked me all day for my foul temper and Tink joined in of course to say it was due to my missing and certain pirate and his crew. The busybodies!" she scoffed. But then she reached across the space between hem to catch his hand. "I did worry you might have been arrested, or hurt, or wrecked…or lost…any number of things. Or perhaps I gave you no clear assurance, and instead you had moved on, not to return."

              Killian shook his head just barely, looking troubled that she could even think he would abandon or fail her so easily. "Hardly Lass," he stated fervently, a sort of fiery glow in his eyes she had not seen before. I did say I would return by Yuletide, did I not? A pirate I might be, but I still have my honor.  It would take more than the increased vigilance of the Evil Queen and her forces to keep me away."

              Emma sucked in a worried breath at the cause of his delay. They all hoped to keep far under the notice of the usurper monarch - as cold and cruel as she was darkly attractive, she would end a life as easily as snapping her fingers, and at the slightest provocation, real or imagined. Life had been all the harder and more fraught with danger since Regina had wrested the crown from her kind and gentle stepdaughter Snow White, the rightful heir to the crown. If Killian were wanted by Queen Regina and had snuck back into her borders only to keep his promise, Emma could not bear to consider what would happen if he were discovered.

              Now was the moment of truth, before anymore needless time slipped past. It was time she told him what she had realized while no teasing friends or rowdy onlookers were listening in. "I missed you," she finally managed to croak out around the lump in her throat. "Thank you… Killian…for keeping your word."

              He dipped his head to look into her eyes where she had dropped her gaze to her feet. A strong, calloused hand, warm and gentle in its intent, tipped her chin back up to stare into his searching gaze. "Of course, Swan - Emma. All I could have wished for this holiday was…" he paused, his tongue darting out to wet his lips nervously and a hand coming up to worry the spot behind his ear - gesture she had long ago noticed signified nervousness. But he plunged on determinedly, "was to see you again, to see you and give you this."

              Pulling a small pouch from some inner pocket of his long leather jacket, he held it out to her with sparkling eyes, appearing almost boyish for a moment in his eagerness to see her open his gift, and whispering "Happy Christmas, Emma," as he placed it in her upturned palm.

              Emma's mouth formed a surprised "O", having not expected or hoped for anything more than his safe return. Opening the ties, she tilted the soft material until the item within spilled out in her hand. Holding up a long, golden chain with an exquisite stone of lovely pale green, near to jade in color, swinging from it, she was enchanted by the pendant he had brought her. "Oh, it's gorgeous," she breathed, rather stunned at how nice the piece of jewelry was.  She wore (or even owned, to be honest) little of such finery.

              "It's sea glass," Killian explained, taking the piece back in nimble fingers when she offered it, then turned, lifting her long hair so he could place the chain around her neck and fasten it for her. "Though sailors believe sea glass is good luck, that it keeps the wearer safe, and I would always wish you to be so, I knew it had to be yours because of the color. It reminded me vividly of your eyes…" Though the necklace was secured, his fingers still grazed featherlight along her skin, causing prickles of awareness to course throughout her body, and his own voice had turned decidedly husky.

              At last, Emma turned to face him once more, breaking the trance between them, but needing to thank him, and for him to see how touched she was by his gift, even if her voice was breathless and her words trembled with emotion. "I don't know what to say. You shouldn't have, but I adore it all the same. I'll treasure it, Killian. Truly." And without further hesitation or pausing to think and second guess, Emma threw her arms around him, squeezing him tightly to her. "Thank you," she whispered against his chest, breathing in the salty, spicy essence of him and nuzzling against his chest. She realized with a force that almost knocked her off her feet that she never wanted to let go.

              She felt Killian Jones' fingers thread through her hair, stroking gently, reverently as they stood there wrapped up in each other, swaying slightly in the candle glow and the howl of the wind outside. Emma felt they might indeed stay that way forever, and that neither of them would mind at all, until more rapid knocking interrupted their silent moment. The door handle rattled urgently, and she heard a nervous voice she recognized as Killian's first mate's speaking in hurried words. "Cap'n, you told me to summon you when an hour had gone. I've already seen one patrol of black guard go by. If they notice the Jolly in the harbor…"

              "Aye, Smee," he gritted out, stopping the anxious flow of words. "Head back and make ready to sail. I'll follow in a moment."

              He sighed as he turned back to Emma, tracing his thumb over the apple of her cheek and pausing to caress the dimple in her chin as he cradled her face in his hand.

              "You have to go," she acknowledged reluctantly; hating it, but understanding and wanting to see him safe, just as he did her. Her words were wistful, wishing he could stay there with her - or that she could run away with him - but it was too much, too quickly, no matter how she dreaded being parted again so soon.

              "I must, for now," he affirmed, the regret lacing every syllable of his words. "But I hope that now you know I will return."

              She nodded mutely, her mind trying to memorize every detail of his face, his voice, his touch, until she could see him again. "And I will be here waiting for you," she promised with equal intent.

              Bending slightly, Killian brushed his lips against her cheek, his stubble tickling her skin and again making her shiver at the sensation. It was the lightest and most gallant of kisses, and yet it only served to make her burn for more - for him to take her in his arms, for those firm lips to kiss her everywhere, for him to take her to her own apartments, or back to his cabin. It would keep her burning for however long they might be kept apart.

              As he had to leave, heading out again into the dark night, Emma stood at the door watching until the very second his vanished from her sight, no longer able to deny how anxiously she would await his return.

On to Part Two...

Tagging a few who might enjoy.... @jennjenn615 @kmomof4 @searchingwardrobes @whimsicallyenchantedrose @laschatzi @jrob64 @apiratewhopines @anmylica @sotangledupinit @elizabeethan @donteattheappleshook @the-darkdragonfly @teamhook @revanmeetra87 @spartanguard @therooksshiningknight @optomisticgirl @tiganasummertree @scientificapricot @tomeandflickcorner @thislassishooked @ilovemesomekillianjones @resident-of-storybrooke @ineffablecolors @xsajx @darkcolinodonorgasm @winterbaby89 @gingerchangeling @gingerpolyglot @hollyethecurious @linda8084 @lfh1226-linda @xarandomdreamx @kazoosandfannypacks @booksteaandtoomuchtv @bluewildcatfanatic​

[themooonfish]

All these years she has thought about the ability to walk away from everything and everyone a terrible curse, an unfortunate side affect of her orphaned and rootless state. Never once has she considered it for what it truly was. A privilege. A choice. Easier than staying and facing the real bogarts in her closet who were always the warm flesh and bone that walked beside her in the early evenings or woke with arms and legs slung over her own, never the things that went bump in the night.

this is a promise (with a catch) written by the moonfish

chapter 1| chapter 2| chapter 3| chapter 4

[swen4lyfe]

[bi-bi-byee]

I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it.

Just some fluffy drabble in which Emma watches Regina sleep. 

Also on AO3

Regina always fell asleep fairly quickly whereas Emma took a little longer to find rest unless she was truly in need of it. Once she was asleep she could sleep for days however falling asleep in itself, that was the hardest part for her. She snuggled herself closer towards her girlfriend, her leg wrapped protectively over the top of Regina's. She rested her head closer, her nose being tickled gently by silky brown locks. She breathed in deeply allowing for Regina's scent to envelope her. A smile passed her lips as she embraced the familiar smell of home. 

She had always scoffed or rolled her eyes when she had heard people refer to their lovers as their home. She never really got that phrase, it wasn't like Regina had a couch and a TV set inside of her, right? But now she was beginning to understand it better, it wasn’t the physical attributes of the home; it was the emotional ones. Regina was her home, she made her feel safe, loved and really, there was no other place she would rather be than wrapped up in the arms of Regina Mills. 

The evened out hum of Regina's breathes always seemed to comfort her. She withdrew herself slightly from her partner and looked on to admire the way that her lips pursed together, apart only enough for a stream of air to pass in and out. She didn't know how it was possible but every time she looked at Regina she always looked even more beautiful than she had done before. 

A peaceful silence resided in the dark room. The only source of light coming from the small crack between the curtains that hung before the large windows. The soft glow from the streetlights outside offered a welcoming gleam which rested on them perfectly. Emma propped up her chin on the palm of her hand, her elbow situated in the pillow so she could look directly at her lover. 

"Regina." She whispered softly into her ear, her cool breath ghosting over tanned skin. When there was no reply she didn't feel so guilty about staring aimlessly at her partner. 

Admiring Regina had become her favorite night time ritual, it allowed her to forget about the bad things in her life and focus on the good things. For once she could see a future for herself and that future was with Regina and Henry. It seemed as if she had searched for so long for her happy ending that she hadn't realised that it was right in front of her the whole time. 

She gently grasped a lock of brown hair and laced it between her thumb and fore finger, twirling it loosely around in small circles. Regina's hair was always super soft and always smelled divine. She often borrowed her shampoo to see if her hair would turn out to be as soft as Regina's but so far it hadn't worked. After a few more moments of dreamily playing she gently dropped the loop of hair and let it rest back on the toned shoulder where it had been sitting before. 

Emma extended her arm a little so she could look at her lover more clearly. The way the light rested on her features made her look almost angelic. The dainty light from the window created a golden glow which faintly illuminated every contour of her face. Her eyelashes which were both enviously full and long sat on the top of her cheeks comfortably, each lash curving perfectly upwards. Emma found herself wishing that Regina was awake now, if only to stare into those deep brown eyes which she had fallen so helplessly in love with. 

She let her own eyes hover down and rest on a pair of full pink lips. Those lips always drove her crazy, especially when she couldn't lay claim on them all those years ago. The small scar on her top lip especially drove her mad. Regina had once told her that she hated it but Emma's opinion was the complete opposite. She loved that little scar, it was so unique and so Regina and it felt amazing when she dipped her tongue over it. She smirked at the thought, if Regina knew what she was thinking right now she would sure to be in the doghouse tomorrow. 

Emma leaned her head back slightly and admired the profile of the woman she loved. She often found herself wondering what it was that Regina dreamed about. She had asked her once but she had said that she hadn't remembered. She'd have to remember to ask her again, maybe tomorrow. She hoped that she would dream of wonderful things, like picnics in the park and horseback riding on the beach. Those simple little things that were so easy but held so much love. She really hoped that Regina had nothing but the sweetest of dreams because she deserved nothing less. 

She leaned forward and placed a small kiss on Regina's bare shoulder. The simple act creating a warmth inside of her chest. She traced a finger over her bicep, lazily drawing patterns on the cool skin of Regina's. It still surprised her just how easily the two of them fell into this relationship. It was as if one day they were each other's worst enemies and the next they were hopelessly in love with one another. Regina was possibly the most complicated, intriguing and beautiful human being she had ever met and she was sure that she would spend the rest of her life getting to know everything about her and that excited her more than anything.

A yawn crept up on her and she slowly dropped her arm and allowed for her head to rest on the pillow. She snuggled a little closer into Regina once again and trailed her hand down her lover’s arm until her hand linked in with hers. She let her eyes flutter closed and nuzzled her nose into the fresh appley scent of dark hair. She accepted the invitation of sleep and let her mind wander into the unconscious.

[coalitiongirl]

A year in the lives of Emma and Regina, falling in love all the way through and doing every bit of it backwards.

Emma reaches for Regina’s hand again, but Regina’s moved her ice cream to it instead. “Though, I mean, if I were into women, your mom would definitely be first on my list,” she tells Henry.

“I’m flattered,” Regina says dryly.

Her voice sounds a little strained, and Emma tries to lighten the tone. She hadn’t thought Regina would be uncomfortable with the idea of…well, Henry has two mommies, but the Enchanted Forest had seemed a little regressive. “What? Are you saying I’m not on your list?”

“Yes, Emma,” Regina says, and she barks out a choked laugh of her own. “If I were into women, you would definitely be on my list.”