This little one shot fits right into show canon during episode 3x18, and more than being divergent or AU, it’s missing moments in a way - or at least, it’s the thoughts and feelings behind some of the quieter, tiny moments we saw onscreen. I was attempting some stylistic things in this, and to switch from Emma to Killian’s point of view at various moments in that episode. I still think the result turned out pretty well. Enjoy, and please let me know what you think!
Can also be found on AO3 or ff.net
"The Simplest Touch"
by: @snowbellewells
He acts as though he is cursed.
Emma Swan doesn't understand what has changed in the pirate captain, but something is different. His eyes haven't twinkled mischievously at her these last few days, and she suddenly realizes how much she liked the playful attention, how it made her cheeks flush and her heart beat fast, even as she rolled her eyes and pushed him away. His innuendos are missing from their most recent interactions, and though Emma did nothing to encourage his outrageous attentions when he was lobbing them at her constantly, she feels strangely bereft now that they are gone. When he does toss her a line now, it feels empty without the lascivious heat and intent, and she comes close to begging Hook to tell her what is wrong, what has changed…why he no longer seems to want her.
Thinking back over the past week, Emma cannot come up with any new disagreements they have had, insults or slights directed at Hook. There is no way for her to question him the way she wants without revealing just how much she really cares, how much he does mean to her. Instead, she practices her magic, making sure she can protect him – and all of those she loves – prompts and playfully needles him while trying not to let his blackened mood and purposeful distance sting…and she hopefully watches and waits.
^^^00000000000000000000000000000000000^^^^
She touches his stump as if it is the most normal thing in the world.
It nearly steals his breath, heat rising unbidden within him at the sensation of her fingers lightly gripping the leather that covers his violently truncated wrist. So many years – literal ages – have passed since anyone made to hold what was once his left hand, and the sensation of warmth and comfort would risk bringing him to his knees if he were not already seated at Regina's table. Most avoid getting anywhere near his left arm, and especially the prosthetic hook and brace, but his Swan has surprised him once again and claimed even more of his affection.
Killian Jones, notorious pirate captain and erstwhile villain of the realms, is holding his breath at the mere pressure of a lost princess's fingers, but he cannot help the reaction. For one horrified second, he had wanted to shy away from her, pull his arm from her grasp for fear she would make contact with the amputated limb and show disgust, but he had held himself steady, and now he is praying that she doesn't let go. Emma prompts inexplicable reactions within him: thaws parts of him long frozen in hatred and anger and makes him want to feel. Her simplest touch can do things to him that the most powerful magician surely could not accomplish. This though, is new and even more intimate. Her gentle clasp around his brace, that he swears he can feel completely even through the heavy leather, shows no fear, no horror or repulsion, and speaks to him of nothing more than pure, blessed acceptance. His devotion to her swells even higher – when he could have sworn he would never be able to love her more than he already did.
Her fingers clasp just a bit tighter, holding on that tiniest bit more firmly, almost as though she wants to stroke his skin. Her eyes lift from where they have followed her fingers' movements to meet his gaze. She gives him a wavering half-smile, in spite of the chaos and dead witch summoning about to begin, nods to him slightly, and he simply knows. They are in this together now, and they will be from now on…
^^^^0000000000000000000000000000^^^^
He had nearly guided her down the stairs with a hand at the small of her back.
Emma sucks in a sharp breath at the tingling sensation he causes with his good hand wavering just shy of touching her until he snatches it away. Whatever has been troubling Hook is still present; he retreats just before making physical contact, and it has the effect of making Emma feel starved for his touch. She doesn't understand the reversal that seems to have taken place; her following him, being drawn to him, and Hook pulling away from her, but he seems to have decided he is some sort of poison – a threat – the way he so studiously avoids contact when always before he has been creeping into her personal space.
They are preparing to leave Regina's after the failed séance, to make another patrol seeking signs of the Wicked Witch. She wants to pull him after her, drag him off into the woods where they can find some true privacy, not be overheard, and she can demand that he explain what is troubling him. The near-touch was tantalizing enough in its assumed closeness and almost possessive nature. The pirate captain, for all his dangerous rebel tendencies, is an old-fashioned gentleman when all is said and done. The chivalry in his nature still sometimes steals the breath of a formerly unwanted, ignored, orphan Lost Girl. Moments like this one, where they are about to go out seeking danger again, show her anew that he is right here at her back, intending to guard it with all that he has.
She brushes her hair back impatiently from her face, stealing a quick glance over her shoulder at Hook before turning again to precede him down the steps. There are too many words she wants to say to him for the company they have and the task they are attempting, but she wants him to know that she is onto him, she sees what he is doing, and she wants to help. He wouldn't allow her to be alone in a world of lies, and so now she won't let him drown in whatever lie he is determinedly keeping.
Her skin burns with longing for the touch he almost gave unthinkingly, and then robbed them both of. She is not accustomed to letting someone else take care of her; it is a concession, a weakness that has always made her distinctly uncomfortable. Wanting to allow him so much of her now is both frightening and a long-awaited relief. They will fix whatever has been marred – she will not leave him alone until he tells her his secret – so that she has the chance to experience how good letting him in could be.
^^^^0000000000000000000000000^^^
Killian knows that he has been cursed.
If he had thought there was any loophole, any way to lessen the pain for what has been lost, he sees now that those were vain hopes.
He watches Emma darkly as he broods in his seat at one of the booths in Granny's Diner. She seems so light, so happy, since she has just made a mug of cocoa with cinnamon appear before her at the counter, and he wants to smile, to chuckle along with her, and celebrate her unparalleled brilliance when she magically makes it disappear and reappear in front of him. He does not wish to darken her mood or spoil her moment, but he cannot bring much joy to the surface either.
Cringing at himself, Killian wants to stab his hook into his own chest when he snaps at her for playfully stealing the weapon with her powers. The mischievous light in her eyes flickers fitfully, and she stops teasing him, lowering into the other bench at his claimed table. She starts to reach out, to take his hand, and he wants so badly to meet her halfway, to pull her close, to rain kisses all over her face and tell her everything. Knowing that he can do neither seems almost too cruel to bear, but he cannot give in. The risk is too great; he will not have anyone else he loves hurt because he fails them.
Something in Emma's expression makes him think she knows, or has guessed, more than he realized, and he lets himself dare to hope that she understands his fear. She cocks her head, raising an eyebrow at him curiously and blowing out a tense breath. Finally, she comes out and asks him beseechingly what is wrong. He leans forward, literally biting his tongue so as not to let it all pour from him in a rush.
Then Belle is there interrupting breathlessly, and Emma snaps back to attention, a true leader through and through. He cannot help watching her in awe, drawn to stay near her; despite the pain it causes, he cannot separate from her. He watches her make up her mind and stand from the table. Following her, he cannot help believing in this tough, street smart princess, and hoping that there may still be a cure for Killian Jones – a chance for redemption at the touch of Emma Swan.
Tagging a few who may enjoy: @kmomof4 @jennjenn615 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @searchingwardrobes @hollyethecurious @thislassishooked @winterbaby89 @teamhook @revanmeetra87 @spartanguard @effulgentcolors @let-it-raines @resident-of-storybrooke @darkcolinodonorgasm @profdanglaisstuff @thisonesatellite @snidgetsafan @shireness-says @tiganasummertree @optomisticgirl @therooksshiningknight @lfh1226-linda
18 part AU written for @cssns. Part 1, Part 2. Story available on AO3 Here and FF Here. Banner created by the amazingly talented @shipsxahoy!!
Killian Jones is a wolf shifter without roots, without plans, and without a pack. He’s a rogue, someone humans should avoid and shifters should be wary of given his lineage. But one night years back set him on a path he didn’t realize he was taking, a path leading to a future he is destined for. That future is tied up in one woman – a human named Emma Nolan. Together Emma and Killian will find not only answers, but a love that’s truly fated. But will love be enough to set them free, or will past demons win out in the end? (Answer: love always wins – I am writing this so despite some tiny pockets of angst it’s basically a fluff-filled insta-love fest). Rated M.
A/N: All right friends so this is another chapter that has a hard flashback, and honestly, since it’s from Killian’s past, it’s going to be more difficult for some of you than last chapter. For my most lighthearted readers, I want to give you the chance to avoid it because there is a lot of emotion, and mentions of violence. I didn’t tag it as graphic violence because it’s not super descriptive, but just want to warn people as it might be triggering. The flashback scene is in italics (though I also use italics in the scene after because there is a phone call). You can skip the flashback if you so choose and just ask me for the reader’s digest version (as some of you did last week) and then take comfort in the fluff that comes out after. For the rest of you who like the angst, or who torture yourselves with it already outside of my stories, I hope you will enjoy. That being said I appreciate you all so much for reading and I would love to hear what you guys think!
Pacing through the yard that surrounded his cabin in the woods, Killian couldn’t help but feel like all control was slipping away from him.
Since the moment he’d first seen Emma, there was an undeniable spark and a sudden awareness he was not used to. Never in his life had he reacted like this to someone, but despite the deeper instincts that told him that she was his true mate, it took really meeting her and feeling her skin against his to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they were meant to be.
In any other situation, a shifter would be joyous on this day. To find one’s true mate was a gift that nature itself brought every shifter soul. Finding one’s other half was fated, written into the very fabric of a shifter’s being. As such, there were few in their community who went through life without eventually finding their someone. But Killian was a lone wolf now, and he’d put aside any ideas of a life with a partner to love and protect. He’d grown confortable in the solitude and he was well acquainted with the silence. Even in moments of weakness, when he’d felt how lonely his life had truly become, Killian never imagined this would be his destiny. He never could have conceived of this; that the girl he crossed paths with all those years ago – the girl he still thought of more than he should – would find her way back to him and that she would be the one.
For one thing, Emma was a human and that presented huge problems, the biggest being that this pull he felt and this intrinsic knowledge that she was the one might not be reciprocated. Killian wasn’t sure what Emma was feeling. Sure he saw that their attraction was mutual, and he could scent her desire when she’d been nestled in his arms yesterday, but he could hardly believe that he mattered as much to her as she did to him. Being his true mate meant that Emma was now his whole world, the best part of his life, the happiness shifters were promised and that he couldn’t believe he was lucky enough to have.
Even if Emma felt that way in return, those feelings would likely scare her senseless. Humans, after all, had no such fated customs. Oh they had concepts of ‘true love’ or ‘love at first sight,’ and of course they had well matched pairs who undoubtedly belonged together, but it wasn’t the same. The ties that bound shifter mates were unbreakable, the bond so strong it could never fade away. When mates came together as one it was a literal infusion of two souls. It was more than love in so many ways, and Killian was slightly terrified he’d give away all that emotion if he were to see her again.
Normally there would be no question of whether a shifter would seek out their destined pair, but for Killian things were different. Despite the fact that there was no denying Emma was his, Killian didn’t know if it was right to pursue her. His wolf was determined that there would be no life worth having without Emma in it, and in his heart Killian felt the same, but rationally he had to think this through. He hardly lived a life of constant safety. There was a reason he moved every few months and that he looked over his shoulder more than the average person. Was it right to bring someone into that? Yes, she was his mate, but would she want to be? If Emma had free will, if she wasn’t bogged down with the instinct that told them to be together, would Emma choose him? Could he even ask her to?
Unconsciously his hand rose to touch the space upon his chest where Emma had first collided with him yesterday, and though it was covered with the thin cotton of his well worn t-shirt, Killian knew what lay beneath. There was a mark there now, a swirled kind of insignia – the one that represented his shifter bloodline. It was an ancient symbol that might appear to be a tan tattoo to the untrained eye, and it was just more proof that Killian and Emma belonged together. Somewhere on her body Emma would have a similar shape where his hands first touched her, and Killian had spent all the moments of the morning when he wasn’t battling with himself trying to think of where he’d left it. It all happened so fast that he couldn’t be sure. The only thing he knew for certain was that he had a deep seeded need to see it again and to mark her more in other ways.
Wherever his imprint had landed, Emma’s mark on him was even more significant than it otherwise would have been. It was remarkable that she was his one and that she’d left a part of her with him to be sure, but in the process she’d also ended up healing a very old scar, one left as a bitter memory of the worst night of his life...
“Oi, you fuckin wankers! Get off the bloody street!”
The yell from an older bloke out his window into the busy London night might have been offensive to anyone else, but Killian took comfort in the grumpy, caustic ways of some of his fellow neighbors. It was a lost cause to be yelling at any passersby right now. The rugby match against Liverpool had let out only a few hours before and there were hours yet to be spent at the pubs for the fans. A loss might have garnered the people in this borough a quieter night, but as it was there was celebration to be had, and, as such, very little quiet.
“Well good evening to you too, mate,” Liam joked loud enough for the man to hear, pulling a laugh from Killian. “God we live among a load of batty people. Think it’s a human thing?”
Killian shrugged as he continued to chuckle at Liam’s feigned censure. It wasn’t a very common thing for Liam to give in to a good mood, but tonight Killian had enjoyed watching his brother relax. Liam worked too hard trying to help their Mum and Killian, and finally, after months of not giving himself any kind of break, their mother had had enough. She’d hemmed and hawed about how Liam was twenty-four years old. He should be out in the world, enjoying his life, making mistakes and learning from them, but that wasn’t Liam’s style. Killian knew it had already taken a lot for Liam just to go to one rugby game, and he didn’t imagine there would be more of such excursions anytime soon.
“Mum’s going to be disappointed, you know,” Killian said as they left the busier area of the bar district and headed back towards home. “I think she was half hoping you’d get me drunk and we’d roll in at four in the morning.”
“That was never going to happen,” Liam stated resolutely and Killian sighed, shaking his head.
“Of course not brother, because heaven forbid you break a rule.”
Killian wished those words had been more clearly said in jest than how he relayed them. It was true that Liam was more uptight than most people – many had even gone so far as to call him stuffy and repressed – but even if he didn’t like it, Killian knew there was a reason. Ten years had passed since they left their old life behind, but for Liam the memories of the existence they once led were far stronger than they were for Killian. All the same, Killian just didn’t understand why Liam allowed himself to be so affected. There had been no sign of their father or fellow pack-mates since they left, and they’d done everything magically possible to block the pack bond that would allow their father to track them, but Liam was still ever-vigilant. He took the protector role so seriously, and in every other aspect of his life he held himself to the same high standard. It was admirable, but honestly it was also exhausting and a bit alienating. It was difficult for Killian to feel truly close to Liam because of it, and Killian had often felt like he lacked the honor Liam embodied because following the letter of the law didn’t come so naturally to him.
“Rules exist for a reason, Killian. You’d -,”
“Do well to remember that, I know I know,” Killian said on an exhale. It wasn’t worth getting into a row with Liam about it. They just saw the world differently, that was what Mum always said. She also said that was perfectly okay – the world needed differences of opinion, and their family was better for having them.
“Things will change for you in a few months. When your first phase comes, you’ll understand the gravity of the situation. With secrets like the ones we carry, rules become a blessing.”
Liam had been feeding Killian the same line since Killian was thirteen and first started rebelling against some of the expectations in his life. On the first full moon after his eighteenth birthday, he would make the final connection with his wolf and he’d be able to shift for the first time. When that happened, Liam believed Killian’s restlessness would fade and his temperament would grow milder, but Killian doubted that. He’d been dreaming of the day he’d finally come of age since he was old enough to understand what he was. He couldn’t wait to roam – to run free as the animal within. When that day came he wouldn’t crave restriction and guidelines as his brother seemed to think. He would finally know what it was to live, and he wouldn’t limit himself, not for one damn moment.
“If you say so, broth-,”
Before Killian could get the word out, Liam’s arm shot out in a signal for Killian to stop and go quiet. This was something his brother had done hundreds of times in their youth, but there had never been reason for it since they came to England. The sense of foreboding that crept over Killian was sharp and uneasy, and then he caught the scent – another shifter was nearby, and the smell was sickeningly familiar. Their father was here – he’d found them.
“Mum,” Killian whispered and before Liam could stop him he broke into a sprint, running the rest of the way to their home. He’d never moved so quickly in his life but his body wasn’t his own. When he made it to the house his heart dropped – the front door was broken open but the lights were all out. Killian’s blood ran cold but he stepped forward only to have Liam hold him back.
“Killian, no. You stay behind me. You understand?”
Killian must have given some indication that he would listen as Liam led the way, and as they moved into their once safe and serene home, Killian felt like he was walking through a nightmare. The house was trashed, with no corner left untarnished. It was obvious that no human had done this and evidence of animal activity was all over the place. Claw marks bore into the walls, bite marks marred furniture and trinkets along the way, and their mother’s delicate, pastel décor lay broken and shattered on the floor.
The further inside that they moved, the more Killian’s dread increased. The house was still now. There was no sound, no sensible living presence anywhere that he could sense, so by the time they made it to the kitchen and found the scene of their father’s final crime, Killian was devastated but not exactly surprised.
Things from there were simultaneously hazy and crystal clear. One second grief washed over him and just as quickly he felt like he was being ripped apart at the seems. Somehow the trauma of what awaited them detonated Killian’s shifter instinct before it was time, and as he crumbled to the ground he transformed from boy to wolf. Once in that state his mind was wracked with the sharpest sense of pain and this all-consuming fear. He was completely out of control and all he could think was that he had to run. He had to get out of there. He’d find his father and he’d kill him for killing her. But before Killian could make it much farther than the front door he was tackled to the ground by another wolf.
Killian, you have to stop! his brother pushed in his mind, but Killian didn’t know how. He felt totally consumed by his animal and he had no idea how to do this. Liam had only told him the most rudimentary things about shifting, he hadn’t even really started his preparations and he had no ability to tame the instincts that were driving his world right now. You’ll expose us if you keep going!
Killian didn’t give a damn if the whole bloody world knew what he was. What did that matter when their mother was gone? What did anything matter? All that mattered was avenging her death. She couldn’t die without justice. She couldn’t have been hurt that way and their father go free, but where Killian had an unyielding need to fight, Liam was still stronger.
I don’t want to hurt you, Killian, Liam said at one point when the fight was already lost. Liam held Killian down in a stance where he couldn’t break free, but still Killian struggled. He fought and he fought, and just as he was about to let out a howl of pure frustration Liam’s paws dug in further. His claws pierced skin where they lay just above his lungs and Killian let out a low whine. The physical pain was terrible, but it was the only thing that proved enough to break the spell he was under. One second he was a wolf and the next he was back to himself, though his chest was bleeding from where Liam had punctured skin.
“I’m sorry,” Liam said, his face white as a sheet after he shifted back. He’d looked shell-shocked when they found their Mum, but now he was even more disturbed. “I’m so so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I –,”
“She’s gone,” Killian whispered, ignoring his brother and the blood that spilled from his wound. “She’s dead. He … he killed her.”
“Killian, we have to clean you up. You’re in shock right now but I hurt you badly.”
“We have to kill him,” Killian said, ignoring Liam’s point. “You know that don’t you? He has to die for this.”
“Killian -,”
“I’m going to kill him, Liam!” Killian yelled, the mania of the moment having not faded in the slightest. “I’m going to kill him for taking her like this. I don’t care about your rules – I don’t care about pack law – I’m going to find him and I’m going to end him.”
“We both will,” Liam whispered, and though the promise was soft, Killian knew it was honest. “But not tonight, Killian.”
“But we have to -,” Before Killian could continue Liam interrupted, his voice stronger now and his tone absolute.
“You want to take on our father, brother? You need to learn how. He’s the alpha of the strongest pack in the Americas and he didn’t get that way by luck. He’s animal first, barely a man anymore, and he’s got skills you couldn’t dream of yet. I promise you you’ll get your revenge, but I won’t lead you to your own slaughter. We wait until we know we can beat him, and in the meantime we run. We have to go before he decides to come back and finish the job.” …
The shrill sound of a ringing phone pulled Killian from the memory, and it took him a minute to realize the phone was his. It should have been obvious since he was out here in the woods alone, but he used the damn thing so infrequently that he never got quite used to it. There were only two people in the world who had this number, and as he accepted the call Killian already knew which one would be calling.
“What’s going on, Ruby?” he asked, hoping in spite of himself that his cousin wouldn’t hear the lingering shakiness the memory left behind.
“What’s going on? Seriously, you’re asking me that? You’re the one who found your true mate, Killian! When were you going to tell me?!”
Killian sighed as the fingers of his left hand came to rub at his temples. He loved Ruby as his cousin and his best friend since they were young, but her gifts always seemed to show up when he was least in the mood for them. Without fail Ruby knew when something big was going on with Killian, because that was what happened when your cousin had a father who was shifter and a mother who was a witch – you ended up being the focus of her prophetic, wolfy powers. Usually it was a mild annoyance, but today her added response to the new twist in Killian’s life wasn’t exactly ideal.
“Clearly I didn’t need to.”
“Ugh, Killian! Just because I have visions sometimes does not mean you don’t call me when important stuff happens. You know I’ve waited a whole week for you to call -,”
“A week?” Killian asked, surprised. “I only met her two days ago. You knew I was going to find Emma and you didn’t tell me?”
“Well of course I didn’t tell you. If I did you never would have gone to her. I couldn’t risk that. I mean you’re already questioning it as is, can you imagine if you knew before hand?”
“I never would have come,” Killian confessed, a sense of shame rising in his chest as he did. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but if given the choice back before he’d actually seen Emma again, Killian would have avoided attachment at all cost. Now though he felt sick at even the idea of having never found Emma. Even if he dreaded the darkness he could bring into her life, Killian knew he wanted her and that he always would.
“Exactly. And we couldn’t have that. She’s your perfect match – your mate. You, Mr. ‘I can’t have anyone, I have to go it alone’ have a mate! It’s like a freaking miracle! I swear Granny almost passed out from joy when I told her.”
“She’s human,” Killian said, his mind wandering back over that complication. He’d never heard of any shifter with a human mate. It simply didn’t happen.
“She is?” Ruby asked, surprised. “Huh, I didn’t get that in the vision.”
“Well she is,” Killian said, his heart hammering in his chest just at the thought of Emma’s status. As a human she was weaker, more vulnerable. It scared the shit out of him, and his animal was anxious to go find her again and make sure she was safe. Still he remained where he was, fighting off the urge.
“And you’re what? Disappointed? Seriously?! Who gives a shit if she’s human? She’s your mate!”
Killian remained quiet at Ruby’s outburst. He understood her reaction, really he did. It was something that merited celebration instead of fear. Finding his mate should make him the happiest shifter alive right now, but where he felt that sense of freedom and completion at having found her, he also felt the weight of the unknown. This wasn’t a black and white, cut and dry situation. It had to be handled with care, and he needed to keep his wits about him, as hard as that was.
“Okay, that was bad. I shouldn’t be yelling. You’re anxious about it I get it, and I didn’t call to make things worse,” Ruby asserted, completely undermining everything she’d done since he answered the phone.
“No. Despite what you think, Killy, I called to help you.” Ruby’s use of his nickname when he was just a boy showed the depths of her care for him. All criticism aside, Ruby was very clearly on his team and only wanted the best for him, even if she was more than a little pushy. “I thought you should know that I’ve seen what’s coming.”
“And you’re actually going to tell me what you saw?” Killian asked, curious as to what would prompt Ruby to do that. Usually she was guarded about the glimpses she had into the future, especially distant happenings. For her to confide in Killian was a break from the norm.
“Not everything,” Ruby replied. “But enough so that you know that there is no choice here. You and Emma belong together. In every version of the future I’ve seen it’s you two together in the end. Even if you run right now, the two of you will find your way back to each other, so you might as well just stay and spare yourselves the heartache.”
“You’re serious?” Killian asked, the hope in his voice ringing out clear as day. To hear this assurance from Ruby was a balm he’d so desperately needed, and knowing that no matter what they’d find their way to each other meant that Killian felt free to choose her now even if it didn’t feel fair to burden her with the baggage of his past.
“Mhmm. You’ve found yourself a pretty determined mate, Killian. She’s gonna give you a run for your money.”
She already has, Killian thought to himself, or so he believed. He took it from Ruby’s giggle through the phone that maybe he had actually said those words aloud.
“I can hardly wait for all of this to happen. I haven’t been to a wedding in… well, ever really, and I get to be an Auntie! Well technically a second cousin, but we’re gonna call me an aunt. And there’s going to be a lot of little ones, so -,”
The vision of his future life that Ruby painted stole Killian’s breath away for a moment. He couldn’t put into words just how sweet a dream it was. To think that he and Emma would find all that together brought him hope he’d long since lost. He wanted nothing more in the world than to call her his wife and to cement the bond that mating would provide, even if they knew so little about each other right now. Time would no doubt strengthen this feeling that she was the one, so to think of them sealing their union and starting a family together filled him with a sense of need and want that threatened to wear down all his self-control. But he had to get a grip on himself and on Ruby before she pushed him right over the edge.
“All right Ruby, I get your point. Just… give me some time. Please.”
“You can take all the time you need,” Ruby said happily, knowing she’d won and that he would now stay and try and make this work with Emma. “Just remember, every moment that you wait is one you won’t get back.”
Confident that she’d done her job and pushed Killian back on the path towards his true mate, Ruby said that she had to go and get back to Granny. Killian asked her to say hi for him, and Ruby promised she would, also informing him that she’d be in touch again soon. But as he put the phone away and he moved back outside, Killian’s mind was stuck on that final insight from Ruby about time and the risk of wasting it. Right now he was hesitating about which path to follow towards the future that he wanted, but in doing so he was denying himself precious moments with Emma. He knew that seeing her would make him happy and that being in her light, even if just for a moment, would be worth anything in the world. So why was he still here, wasting away the day when he could be with her, trying to make her see him as he saw her?
With that guiding thought in mind, Killian set out from the cabin and turned on the senses he’d tried dulling through the day. The best part of knowing his mate’s scent now was that tracking her was easy, but with Emma he hardly knew what to expect. He was aware that thanks to her many friends and close-knit family that it was very likely she’d be with other people, making his approach that much harder, but he hoped that somehow he’d time things right to find her alone. He’d take Emma anyway he could get her, but the idea of them having a moment to themselves prompted a swirling sense of rightness in his heart, the one that felt an awful lot like happiness, something he’d gone without for quite a while.
Making his way through town, the faces that passed him were a blur. Everyone was kind, everyone greeted him with a friendly ‘hello’ or ‘how ya doin?’ and Killian did his best to reciprocate, but he couldn’t linger. He couldn’t bear the thought of spending his time mingling, not when he knew he was getting closer and closer to his Emma. By the time he’d made it to the little park where she was, his whole body hummed with anticipation. Then the moment came where he spotted her on an ivory colored bench under a massive willow tree, lost in the pages of a book, and it felt like he’d transcended to a whole new kind of heaven.
Seeing her sitting there, bathed in summer sunlight as her golden hair cascaded over her shoulder, Killian felt like he was seeing Emma for the first time all over again. The intensity of emotion that washed over him just being this close was amazing. It never stopped feeling like the world was alive because of her, and like he was finally awake enough to feel it when he was in her presence once again.
It struck Killian as unbelievable that he’d been able to go on this long without her. Obviously she’d been too young for his wolf to know they were destined for each other back in Boston, but since finding her again he felt the weight of their separation ferociously. Despite what he’d said to Ruby before, about not coming back if he’d known he’d find his mate, Killian knew that choice would have come from pure ignorance. Before arriving in Storybrooke he could never have conceived of someone like Emma, for to know her was to love her and to want her happiness more than anything else in the world.
As if she sensed him staring at her, Emma’s eyes moved up from where they’d been taking in the words upon the pages of her book and immediately found him. The high he felt as she looked at him was heady, but it was made even more powerful when he saw the reaction his appearance prompted. Excitement overcame her, her smile was genuine even if it was shy, and Killian could hear the increase of her heartbeat from here, tapping out the same frenzied, frantic pace that his danced anytime she was near. Every part of her reaction called out to him, and as if he was compelled to move forward, he closed the distance between them until he was right beside her.
“Hey,” she greeted, somehow walking the fine line between cool and collected and slightly timid at the same time.
“Good morning, love. I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Killian tilted his head, motioning towards her book, which he realized was a copy of The Princess Bride.
“No, not at all,” Emma said, motioning for him to sit down. “I’ve read this book a hundred times already.”
“I saw the movie when I was just a lad,” Killian replied with a smile as he took a seat beside her, leaving only an inch between them. Their air around them crackled with energy, and though it was cool for a summer day, Killian felt his temperature rise at his closeness to Emma. “Never got around to reading the book. How do they stack up?”
“They are both brilliant, but I think I like the book the best. Thus the constant rereads.”
“And the bookmark.”
Emma looked down at the marker for her page and a beautiful shade of pink tinted her cheeks. It fascinated Killian to watch for multiple reasons, none more so than the fact that this blush didn’t come from embarrassment. There was nothing to be ashamed about in having a bookmark covered in buttercups, and when she looked back up at him he saw the truth in her eyes. Her flush had come from interest in him and from pleasure. She liked that he knew this tiny detail of her favorite story, and Killian swore to himself right then and there that he’d learn everything that made Emma similarly happy so he could see this look for the rest of his days.
“What can I say? When I like something I go all in.”
“No half-assing it for you, love?”
“Never,” Emma replied with a laugh.
Killian grinned at the easy conversation and the humor in Emma’s voice. She was so exuberant, so full of a light that was infectious, and Killian didn’t think it had anything to do with the fact that they were true mates. This feeling of goodness and serenity was all Emma. Her brilliancy and brightness was organically of her making, and he wanted to revel in it as long as he could. The only problem was Killian had fast become tongue tied, and though he had a million things he’d like to ask her, no words would form.
“You know I was hoping I would see you today,” Emma confessed, not seeming to be bothered by his lack of ability to add more to their conversation. Her admission shocked and delighted him.
“That feeling is entirely mutual, Emma. In fact it’s the reason I’m here.”
“You mean to tell me that you braved town just for me?” Emma asked, teasing him even as her thoughtful green eyes told him she was desperate to know the answer. Instinctively he reached for her hand, taking it in his and the rush that came when their skin made contact almost drove all coherent thoughts from his mind. Nevertheless he pressed on.
“Aye, love, and I would do far more for a moment in your company.”
A minute passed between them, charged with all these words they both left unsaid. Instead his thumb grazed across her wrist and their eyes held. It was the sweetest form of torture, having Emma so close and knowing what this was between them but not being able to act. He had to keep his instincts to go faster tamped down and let Emma lead the way. It was the only way this would ever work.
“It’s the craziest thing…” Emma said as she blinked and shook her head, looking back out to the park for a few seconds before she returned his gaze. “I feel like I know you already but we’ve only just met.”
Her words were intoxicating to Killian as they symbolized that Emma was feeling the same pull between them. She didn’t know what it meant, of course, but it was glorious to hear her put the feelings they shared in such a way. Her bravery astounded him. That she would be so giving and so honest was amazing to him, but he had to be wary of saying too much. If he allowed himself to confess all that he felt she’d likely call him a mad man, or worse, run from him, neither of which he could ever survive.
“Sometimes that’s how it goes,” Killian said lightly. “Or so I’ve been told. I’ve never felt that way myself. Not until you.”
Emma’s smile told him that he’d made the right choice in the end, and he was damn proud that he could bring her any kind of joy. It felt like he was king of the whole bloody world, and he was so drunk off of the pleasure of the moment he failed to notice that they were no longer alone. Despite his usually unbeatable awareness of his surroundings, it took a few seconds for Killian to realize that there were two women standing across the park and watching them closely. He recognized them from his walking about town yesterday, and he believed they were friends of Emma’s. That suspicion was then confirmed when Emma followed his gaze and spied them herself.
“Oh crap. I’m never gonna hear the end of this,” Emma said with a sigh, and though Killian wanted nothing more than to ease her burdens, he knew stepping in would only make things worse.
“Friends of yours?” Killian asked as he reluctantly pulled his hand back from hers, already missing the connection between them.
“The best. But they’ve got that look – I better go talk to them,” Emma said as she grabbed the bag that was at her side and stood up. Killian did the same, wanting to prolong the moment as long as he could. His mind grappled with a way to keep her longer or to secure another time for him to see her as soon as possible. But before he could find an answer, Emma offered one of her own.
“Do you like coffee?” she blurted out, and though it was an innocent question Killian could tell Emma hadn’t actually meant to say it aloud.
“I do,” he responded, intrigued at where this conversation was now going.
“Well the town diner has really good coffee, surprisingly enough. It’s nothing fancy, but…”
“But the best coffee rarely is,” Killian finished and Emma nodded. She looked suddenly flustered, as if she was embarrassed by the fact that she’d been about to ask him on a date. Her eyes flittered between him and her friends in a show of her growing nerves, so Killian stepped in to fill the role he’d been wanting to take on since he found her here. “The thing with coffee though, is it’s all about timing. I defer to your expertise, love. What’s the best time for a coffee in Storybrooke?”
“Eight fifteen,” Emma said with a relieved smile, before she clarified. “In the morning. Not at night.”
“Right then. Well I suppose since we’re both in the know that I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, love.”
“Good,” Emma replied, her lips curling up in a beatific smile that made his heart ache to take her in his arms and whisk her away, friends be damned. Instead though he stayed as he was and watched as she departed with a final goodbye. “See you tomorrow, Killian.”
“Aye. I’ll see you then.”
Post-Note: Hey all – so hopefully you’re still with me and enjoying the story. I know that the flashbacks have been hard, with Emma and Killian both having really difficult moments in their pasts but the backstory actually is important to the present story for CS and the rest of this AU where things from the past will come back at different points. That being said, I’ve promised fluff and I hope that I have delivered. We’ve got a good dose of insta-love and pining here, and though there are interruptions (god I hate those pesky friends sometimes!) it’s that same kind of cuteness I love to write in all my fics. Hope that you guys enjoyed and have a great rest of your weekend!
Tag list (if you’d like to be added just let me know):@jennjenn615 @winterbaby89 @kmomof4 @teamhook@coliferoncer @ultraluckycatnd @resident-of-storybrooke @snarkycaptainswan4 @artistic-writer @allofdafandoms-blog @eastside-divebar @snowbellewells
Summary: Killian & Emma were childhood sweethearts but fell apart after he received orders for a military tour in Afghanistan. Injury caused him to leave the service & seven years later, Emma returned back to their hometown as a result of a tragedy. Will they be able to fall back in love with each other or has too much damage been done? Rated M for marijuana use, language, and eventual smut.
A/N: Hi again! Here is another one of my WIP's with a preview of the most recent chapter and a link to the full story below so I don't clog up y'alls dashes cuz I'm on mobile lol. I'm hoping to have everything moved over to AO3 in the next week or so as well. I'm excited for the transition! But for now, you can find the rest of this chapter, the whole story, and all my other works on FFN under doodlelolly0910. Huge shoutout to my amazing beta @kmomof4 who is the very bestest and as always, thanks for reading, reblogging, and reviewing!
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It turned out that small town policing was exactly as Emma expected it to be. People waved and smiled when she was out on patrol. She spent a lot of time enforcing city ordinances, rather than hunting down criminals. She broke up a single bar fight that resulted in Mary Margaret's Uncle Leroy spending the evening in a jail cell, only to be released the next day with a promise to behave. She was greeted by name when people saw her on the street or in a store. It was quiet. It was peaceful. Her first week was an overall success.
But unfortunately, policing a small town also meant dealing with the small town gossip. Lord, she'd almost forgotten.
Spending her teenage years as one of the only foster children in the entire town of Storybrooke, she had learned very quickly how to let rumors and whispers roll off her back. When she left for New York with Neal, she had gained a level of anonymity that was refreshing after spending so long with everyone's nose in her business. She was invisible, but in a good way. She had gotten a little too comfortable with it, apparently. Even though she was aware of the constant scrutiny she was subject to since her return to town and subsequent arrest, even she didn't see what happened that Friday coming.
READ THE REST OF THIS CHAPTER AND ALL OTHER CHAPTERS HERE:
I realize this fic has been recommended before (I saw a lovely rec for it just a couple weeks ago) but that rec reminded me I hadn’t read it yet, and once I did..... Well, let’s just say, the suggestion to check this one out for yourself bears repeating! I was reading this yesterday, and my eyes were burning from the tears welling up. This long one shot is angsty for sure, with painful misunderstandings as two people try to do what each thinks is best for the other, and only cause themselves more pain and loneliness in the process. Still, there’s so much loveliness too. The village that surrounds and loves them both (Liam, David and MM, etc.) is wonderful, and this story has one of the most adorable and irresistible versions of Hope Jones I’ve read.
Summary: Emma's now ex cheated on her and he's holding her stuff hostage until she talks to him. When the guys she trains at her gym get wind of it, they decide they won't let that stand. Based on a Tumblr post. Rated M for slightly descriptive and sometimes salty language. Also available on FFN.
A/N: So there was a story floating around Tumblr of a true account similar to this story and a few people suggested a OUaT version be done. It wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote it, so here it is. I'm sure someone else will write a better one at some point, but here's my crack at it. Lemme know what you think :D
"One, two, cross!"
Killian let out little puffs off breath with each swing against the large punching bag currently being bolstered by his friend, fellow muay thai fighter, and roommate, Robin Locksley. It was supposed to be just another training day, getting ready for their upcoming fight, but the gym was uncharacteristically lacking the presence of the feisty blonde proprietor of the little establishment. A few other guys littered the small space, tinkering around with the free weights and some of the more basic equipment. It seemed they were all waiting on Emma Swan.
"Kick left! One, two, hook!"
He continued to follow Robin's direction, perspiration gathering at his hairline and sliding down the overlong umber locks falling over his forehead. He let his eyes flit over the room again, wondering what could possibly have postponed the arrival of the usually up-with-the-birds, first one to arrive, last one to leave, dedicated personal trainer he'd come to adore in the last six months since he and his brother started coming to Swan Personal Fitness. He recognized a couple of the guys. Anton "Tiny" Fagioli and "Little" John Sherwood, both ironically nicknamed 300 pound linebackers for the New England Patriots, as well as Killian's older brother and former SAS member of Her Majesty's Navy, Liam Jones, were standing in front of the wall of mirrors tossing a couple medicine balls back and forth. David Nolan, Emma's adoptive brother and client, also an Olympic bronze medalist wrestler, was jogging on a treadmill near the window, tablet propped up against the machine display and queued to something on Netflix. Will Scarlett, a third member to their muay thai team, other roommate, and slight loose cannon sat nearby reading a book. Still no Emma, though. It really wasn't like her to be this late.
"Where the bloody hell are you, Swan?" He gritted out, giving the bag a particularly hard jab. He needed a challenge, and Emma could always deliver. As if on cue, the door crashed open and the blonde whirlwind herself burst into the room looking like the goddess of fury personified. Radiant and tumultuous. All activity stopped, the medicine balls dropping to the floor, Will snapping his book shut and standing, David awkwardly trying to turn his tablet off before his sister could reprimand him, and Robin and Killian halting their practice. The men all faced the woman, ready to greet her and begin their sessions, but sobering when they caught sight of her disheveled appearance. She was dressed in her workout clothes, a stretchy neon pink halter tank and black lycra Capri leggings that fit her like a glove, but her jacket was half zipped and hanging off her shoulder like she'd put it on in a hurry. Her long golden hair was in a loose messy bun, almost falling out of the elastic she secured it with. Her face was red and splotchy, green eyes blazing, and it was more than a little apparent she'd been crying. She stormed towards the back office, punching a speed bag as hard as she could as she passed. A screech erupted from her with the effort, the bag left swinging violently in her wake.
"Gym's closed today. Everybody go home. I'll call you to reschedule." Her stuffed up sounding voice echoed through the silence in the room. She didn't bother to look at any of them as she slammed the door to her office behind her. Killian and Liam exchanged a look from across the room and David immediately charged off in the direction of his sister's office.
Slowly, almost unnoticed, the rest of the men started to drift towards the middle of the room into a crowd, every eye glued to the closed door. But no one dared get too close. Killian strained to hear the muffled exclamations coming from the office, but he couldn't make anything out except the inflections of the conversation, which told him brother and sister were both very upset. Killian frowned.
The door flew open again and Emma came rocketing through it, David hot on her heels.
"... and the only one that saves me is me!" she half shouted back at her brother over her shoulder that now had a couple gym bags slung over her shoulder. Her jacket was now zipped and her hair was retied in a sleek ponytail. Killian couldn't help the soft smile that quirked his lips at her words, despite the fresh tear tracks on her cheeks. He'd always respected her ability to take care of herself. David grabbed her arm.
"Just hang on a second, Emma, Jesus! You're for sure he's cheating on you?" David asked and Killian felt his jaw clench. He could sense every man in the room bristling at the question and he could tell Emma felt it too by the horrified flash of embarrassment in her eyes. Her gaze hardened again and she spun on her heel.
"Yes, David," she hissed and David gulped. "I don't know what you'd call it when you walk in and find your boyfriend's cock in his fucking neighbor's mouth, but I'm pretty sure I can classify that as cheating." Killian felt rage immediately flood his system. How on earth did this sodding imbecile have such a beautiful, intelligent, driven creature like Emma Swan all to himself and seek out someone else?! It seemed the rest of the guys had heard enough as well.
"Oi, Emma, love," Will Scarlett was the first to step forward, a dark intensity to his features now that was a sharp contrast to his normally boyish facade. "Remind us again where this bloke lives, won't you?" Emma blinked at him twice, and suddenly remembered herself, shaking her head briskly.
"No. Nuh-uh. Nope. Guys. I got this. I appreciate the concern, but-" Emma started but Liam quickly butted in, always ready to take charge of any given situation.
"I know the place. I've given Emma a ride there a few times before," he said, ignoring her objections and Anton and John grunted, signifying their willingness to go along.
"I've got the SUV today, lads," Robin offered and Liam nodded in approval.
"Are you guys not listening?!" Emma protested again, flapping her arms at her sides in exasperation. "Do. Not. Go. Over. There." She poked her slender finger into Liam's chest after each word. "Neal is not worth it. I just want to get his shit out of my apartment and move on." She palmed her forehead, kneading away the tension. Killian had remained silent through the exchange, simply observing, not wishing his near explosive level temper to get the better of him. From the snarl on David's tomato-red face, he was struggling with the same thing. Liam nodded, reluctantly.
"Do you need anyone to accompany you to retrieve your things from his flat, love?" Killian found his voice and he was surprised at how gentle it sounded despite the anger he felt.
Emma shook her head no, squeezing her eyes shut tightly before blinking them open again. "There's nothing there that I can't replace," she insisted, then added so softly he nearly missed it, "Almost nothing."
"Almost nothing?" he repeated, stepping towards her.
"It's not important. I can live without it." Emma tossed her ponytail over her shoulder and shrugged the bags higher up. "I really gotta go, guys. Gym's closed. David, lock up when you all leave, please?" She tried to make for the door again but David cut off her escape.
"No way, Em," he grit out. "What is it?"
She was silent and shifted on her feet, eyes glued to the floor. She looked much younger then her 28 years and for a moment, Killian saw the lost look overcome her features that had drawn him to her in the first place. Same recognizes same, after all.
"It's just the cigar box," she mumbled and tried to move away again, but David caught her arm again.
"Emma." Her name came out on David's disbelieving exhale and Killian briefly wondered what significance this cigar box held.
"It's not a big deal," she affirmed and David looked at her like she'd grown a second head.
"Not a big- Emma! It's a huge deal!" David exclaimed and Emma's face pinched in exasperation. "Emma, let's just get in the car, we'll go over there and get it, and-"
"Don't you think I tried to grab my shit, David?" she snapped. "He wouldn't let me! He kept blocking my path with a sheet wrapped around his waist while his slut hid in the bathroom, telling me I was overreacting and we could talk about it," she seethed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You know what? I'm not doing this. Lock up, David. Good-bye." She pointedly sidestepped her brother and stormed through the door. The men stood behind, looking at each other, not sure what to do next. Killian's blood was still boiling.
"So, about that address, mate..." Will looked at Liam with a wide grin.
"Emma said no, Will. Don't make her angrier than she already is," Robin admonished.
"You don't understand," David interrupted. "We have to get that box back. It's important to Emma and she's going to regret leaving it. That box... well, it's her whole life."
"David's right." Liam stepped forward. "He can't just hold Emma's belongings hostage like this. I'm going to get them. I'm pretty sure David is in. I know Will is. Little brother?"
"Younger brother, and aye, I'm in," Killian said through a still clenched jaw. Liam grinned.
"Roooobin?" Will sidled up to the man and batted his eyelashes, pouting his lower lip out exaggeratedly. "We could really use the SUV right about now..." he singsonged.
"Fine." He sighed and pointed his finger in Will's face that was now lit up with a grin. "But if this goes south with Emma, I'm claiming kidnapping. Tiny? Little John?"
"Yep. Lead the way." Anton cracked his knuckles and Will's eyes widened slightly.
And so they went, first to the locker room to change into more street appropriate clothing (and ones that didn't smell like they were the gym rats they actually were), then to squeeze into the three rows of Robin's SUV. Robin, of course, took the driver's seat and Liam immediately claimed shotgun. Killian and David occupied the third row and, despite the spaciousness the interior offered, Will found himself tightly sandwiched between two of the NFL's finest. Killian chuckled at the sight of his friend uncomfortably squirming between the two men, trying to pretzel his limbs atop themselves to give Anton and Little John's larger frames more room.
"I want to thank you for doing this, Killian." David's voice beside him had Killian breaking from his amusement and turning his attention. "I know you and I haven't always been on the best of terms, but you've definitely grown on me a bit, and I appreciate your help today." Killian's eyes lit up with mirth. From the first innuendo that had slipped from Killian's lips in Emma's direction, David had had a decided dislike for him. Over time, the two had battled wits ferociously, even coming to a heated grappling match that ended in a black eye for David and a split lip for Killian, then being pulled apart by Robin and Liam. They had made the two sit and hash out their concerns and once they did, Killian and David had actually become fast friends.
"Well, well, Dave. Here I thought my affections unreciprocated. But I do tend to have that effect on people. Nevertheless, you are most welcome." Killian waggled his eyebrows and David rolled his eyes.
"Don't make me regret my gratitude, jackass," he retorted with a chuckle. Killian clapped him on the shoulder, eyes firmly fixed forward.
The ride was quiet, save for the murmuring coming from the front seat as Liam gave direction to Emma's ex's abode. Apparently the companionable silence the others experienced was not a shared sentiment of Will Scarlett's. He fiddled with his phone in his lap, and suddenly the first notes of AC/DC's Thunderstruck blared through the speakers courtesy of Robin's Bluetooth radio, startling the occupants of the vehicle.
"You could have bloody asked, Scarlett, you arse!" Robin wrenched the volume down on the radio but didn't turn it off.
"Oi! Why'd you assume it's me?!" Will rebuffed and Robin snorted.
"Perhaps because you've forced us all to listen to it everyday at the gym because, and I quote-"
"'Nothing gets you pumped like Thunderstruck'," everyone in the car finished. Will huffed indignantly.
"Well, it's true," he grumbled like a petulant child. The conversation died down again but now the space was filled with the soft sounds of guitar and drums. Killian smirked and lifted his head to bob it to the beat, but was taken off guard when Tiny and Little John stomped their feet as the same time as the chanted "thunder" part, vibrating the whole car. Will looked between the two, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning, and started to move to the beat. The giants beside him smirked as well. They did it again the next time the lyric rolled around. As the first verse came, the biggest surprise came from the passenger seat.
"I was caught, in the middle of a railroad track..." Liam sang along, mimicking the gravelly falsetto of the lead singer.
"THUNDER!" Anton, John, and, most enthusiastically, Will chanted in the backseat. Liam looked back over his shoulder and caught Killian's curious but amused expression and shrugged with a grin. Killian chuckled at his brother, shaking his head lightly.
"I was gone and I knew there was no turning back..." Liam continued, facing himself back forward.
"THUNDER!" The chant was joined by Killian and David this time and Robin groaned, wordlessly cranking the volume back up. Will cheered and the rest of the boys all began to bang their heads enthusiastically with the beat.
The song was still going when they pulled up to the apartment complex, all occupants of the car continuing their spirited singing and movements to the music until Robin turned the car off. The mood in the car sobered, but not dampened thanks in part to the song (not that anyone would ever admit that to Scarlett), a serious sense encompassing them all in preparation to face the object of their collective ire.
The apartment building was a bit run down looking, clearly an older building that had all of the doors leading directly outside. They all piled out of the vehicle and came to stand in a huddle next to it. Killian was itching to find the bloke that had hurt Emma and make him feel pain himself. He tightened his jaw and surveyed the parking lot, looking for a sign of him. He'd only seen Neal a handful of times in the half year he'd known Emma, but he could recognize him if he saw him.
"Alright. I think Robin and I are going to go up there and try to talk with him. It's probably a wise idea for the rest of you to sit tight here for the time being." Liam said, crossing his arms over his chest. An outbreak of objections came from David, Killian, and Will all at once. Anton and John both accepted the instruction and leaned against the car, causing it to lurch.
"Not a chance," David spat, furious. "And who the hell put you in charge?"
"I'm merely suggesting that since you and Killian are the most likely to punch him in the face on sight, and Anton and John may scare the bugger off, that you wait here for a moment so this can hopefully be resolved in a peaceful manner." Liam lifted one hand from its position against his other arm in placation.
"Well then why do I have to stay?" Scarlett piped up, offended.
"Because you're insane," Robin replied matter-of-factly. Will pondered this for a moment, then pouted out his lower lip with a shrug of acceptance.
"Okay? Everyone okay?" Liam asked, looking around the group for confirmation. David nodded briskly, not looking at him.
"Aye," Killian replied begrudgingly. He was going to need to make a dentist appointment with all of the teeth grinding he was doing today. He just wanted to punch the arse, get Emma's stuff, and be done with it. Maybe Liam was on to something. He watched as his brother and Robin walked away talking amongst one another as they made their way across the parking lot and up the rickety metal staircase to the apartment numbered 204 on the second level. Robin lifted his fist and knocked.
The door swung open and there he stood, unkempt brown hair sticking up in all directions, scruff on his jaw reading more slovenly than anything, a hand reaching up to scratch his belly underneath his wife beater tank as he said something to Liam and Robin that he couldn't hear. A flash of cocky amusement overcame his features as they responded and he squared his shoulders, crossing his arms over his chest. He began to respond, guys voice quickly rising in volume until the rest of them could hear him clearly. Killian felt his knuckles crack as he balled a fist.
"...because this is between me and Emma and you two clowns aren't going to scare me into doing anything! If Emma wants to grow up and talk, she knows where to find me," Neal shouted and promptly slammed the door in Liam and Robin's faces. Before Killian even registered his actions, he found his feet carrying him intently across the parking lot. David and Will moved half a heartbeat after he did, quickly catching up to him and matching him stride for stride. Robin and Liam had now turned back down the stairs and were walking just as speedily in their direction.
"Mate..." Robin held up a hand in warning and Killian physically brushed it aside as they came face to face.
"No, mate," he growled. "We tried it your way. Now it's our turn."
"Yeah!" Will added, nodding. Killian looked at him out of the side of his eye and Will nodded to Killian as well in reaffirmation.
"Yeah, so we are gonna go up there," David cut in and he jabbed his finger in the direction of Neal's door. "And we are getting Emma's stuff back, one way or another."
"Yeah!" Will said again, more enthusiastically, swinging his fist in agreement. Liam gave him a look and drew his mouth into a thin line and for a second, Killian thought his brother might punch Will. He continued on, drawing Liam's attention back to the matter at hand.
"Aye, and we're not about to let that bleeding troglodyte slam the door on us and walk away!" Killian near shouted.
"Yeah!" Will popped in once more, exceeding Killian's volume.
"SHUT UP SCARLETT!" The four shouted at him in unison.
"Okay, take it easy." He held his arms up in defense. A loud knocking sound came from behind them and their heads whipped towards the noise. In the midst of the argument, Anton and John had taken it upon themselves to try again. Somehow the two lumbering football players had walked right past them and up the stairs unnoticed, right to Neal's door, where they were now waiting for him to answer.
"Okay, I guess we're going back." Robin's eyebrows jumped up his forehead and he blew out his breath.
"Come on," Liam grumbled, seemingly both out of exasperation and as an instruction. He, Killian, and Robin started towards the stairs. Will whooped like a gibbon and ran towards the backside of the staircase. David gave him a passing glance of curiosity before heading after the others. As he rejoined the other men, a rattling sound started beneath them. They collectively looked towards the ground and they stared in disbelief as Will Scarlett, instead of walking up the stairs, decided to climb the wrought iron framework. As he ascended the banister and crouched down on the barrier at the top like an owl on its perch, the door to Neal's apartment opened.
"Yo, didn't I say..." Neal's words died in his throat as he was met with a wall of well built men. "Who-o... the hell are you?" Neal pointed between the group, swallowing nervously.
"This is the Justice League," Will quipped and then dropped his voice into something low and gravelly. "I'm Batman."
"Ignore him," Liam said dismissively with a sharp look back at Will who was still perched on the banister. He hopped down, not looking chastised in the least.
"We're friends of Miss Emma's," Anton said to Neal. "She's left some things here and we're here to retrieve them." He stepped forward, crowding the doorway, Little John moving with him. Neal paled a little at their proximity and let out a nervous laugh.
"Well, y'know, you guys can't just, y'know, like, come in my place, or whatever," Neal objected, voice laced with false bravado.
"We're not asking." David looked like he was about to explode.
"Oh, uh, hey...David. Didn't see you... there..." He and Neal locked gazes for a moment and silence descended. Neal must've recognized that he was half a second away from David's fist landing across his jaw because he bobbed his head once in acquiescence and stepped back, opening the door with a sigh so they could enter. David barreled past everyone immediately and made his way inside. Anton and John followed him, then Liam, Robin, and Will. Killian stood there a moment longer, just looking at the man who had hurt Emma.
He didn't get it. How the hell had someone as amazing and beautiful and successful as Emma Swan end up with a loser like Neal? He had watched the blonde goddess from afar, knowing she was untouchable because of this Neal character. He didn't know what this guy was about, but he did know one thing: he absolutely did not deserve her. Neal must have felt Killian's eyes on him because he turned and looked at Killian and leaned against the door, cockiness returning.
"Aren't ya gonna join your pals?" he asked, nodding inside.
"Aye," was all Killian could manage and he took a step forward to walk into the building.
"'Aye'?" Neal mocked. "What are you, a pirate?" Killian's eyes flashed dangerously and he paused midstep.
"Maybe I am, mate." He popped the T at the end of the word, punching the enunciation like he wanted to do to Neal's face. Killian grinned a cocky smile of his own, teeth bared like a panther ready to strike, and stepped closer to the man. "If I were, I'd probably be here to keelhaul your sorry hide for your exceedingly bad form with the Lady Swan. But being that I'm just a lowly MMA fighter, I guess that's going to have to remain a fantasy." He brushed an imaginary piece of lint off Neal's shoulder and Neal shrugged him off.
"Yeah, I bet you're a real stud in the ring, being taught by a chick," Neal scoffed and Killian was on him before the last word left his mouth, pulling him up by the front of his shirt and turning his scoff into a surprised gasp.
"Why don't we find out?" Killian's voice was dark and low. Neal swallowed.
"Hey, man..." he sputtered.
"Killian!" Liam's voice made Killian's head snap in his direction. Liam looked between the both of them and nodded his head back for Killian to come with him. "Don't waste your energy." Killian looked back to Neal and released him with a shove. Neal reached up automatically to smooth his shirt back out and eyed the brothers warily. Killian kept his eyes on Neal until he reached his brother and they headed out of the entryway together.
The apartment was a flurry of activity. Tiny and Little John were idly lifting furniture, not apparently looking for anything in particular, just flexing their muscles so Neal knew what they were capable of. Will was nowhere to be seen, but David was a man on a mission, tearing through drawers and closets with only one goal in mind: the mysterious cigar box. Robin and Liam seemed to be the only other ones actually looking, gathering clothes and toiletries that looked feminine and hoping they all belonged to Emma, given the circumstance. Killian wandered through the apartment, but he found he couldn't tear himself far from Neal, and shadowed him as he moved through the throng of people in his house. Neal was aware of his presence, glancing nervously over his shoulder from time to time, but wisely saying nothing. Will emerged from the kitchen after awhile, a grocery sack in one hand and a sandwich in the other. Killian looked at him, almost impressed. Will shrugged and grinned around a mouthful of bread, meat, and lettuce.
It didn't take much longer to wrap things up and for the men to begin to clear out of the apartment. They'd gathered everything they could think of that belonged to Emma and began to exit through the front door.
"Thanks for your hospitality!" Will called as he, thankfully, descended the stairs. David and Killian were the last to leave and as they stepped out the door, a call of David's name from Neal stopped them.
"Hey, uh, just, can you tell Emma to call me?" He fidgeted on his feet, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his basketball shorts. "And, uh, no hard feelings, right?" He pulled one of his hands out of his pocket and gestured between them. David paused a moment with an incredulous chuckle. Like a lightning flash, David moved with frightening accuracy and punched Neal straight across the jaw. Neal stumbled back into his door, his hand immediately flying up to soothe the area.
"What the fuck?!" Neal exclaimed and looked angrily back up to David. Killian stood by, looking positively gleeful at this turn of events. David moved closer to Neal and pointed a menacing finger in his face.
"You stay away from my sister. Far, far, away. No hard feelings, right?" he mocked and Neal nodded, palm still cradling his jaw. Killian ambled over to the two and leaned himself on David's shoulder.
"Well, we best be off, mate," Killian informed Neal jovially, then nodded to his jaw. "You should probably put some ice on that." He clicked his tongue against his teeth and raised his eyebrows. Neal glowered and went back inside without another word, slamming the door behind him. David immediately shook out his hand, his knuckles already darkening.
"Shit, that asshole had a harder jaw than I thought." David chuckled and Killian laughed along with him, patting him on the shoulder before they made their way back to the car. The seven of them loaded themselves and their bounty into the SUV and drove off as the tones of Thunderstruck started up again.
“Honestly, just stop it.” or "You don't want me." preferably set on season 3b because I'm missing the best CS pining angst of all time ♥
heh. Mmm s3. Oh do I miss s3… Let’s call this a deleted scene, eh? (I did both)
From here (prompts still open)
“Hey there, Saviour.”
Emma rolled her eyes, fingers tightening ever so slightly on the glass in front of her. Hook settled in beside her. His duster brushed her thigh as he swung it behind his leg.
“What’re you drinking?” He plucked the glass from her hand, and sniffed, grimacing immediately. “This won’t do at all. Allow me, luv.”
She gaped at him as he pulled a different flask from a pocket and began pouring.
“Seriously? You go from pretty much ignoring me to full blown flirt? Make up your mind.”
He ducked his head to catch her gaze through his eyelashes, licking his top lip as slowly as possible. Her heart sped up despite herself. It’s not like Emma had been enjoying Hook’s weird, humourless mood, but the complete 180 was jarring. And almost weirder, somehow.
“My mind is always made up when it comes to you, luv.”
She found herself mirroring him, leaning in until their shoulders were touching. Emma snapped herself out if it and grabbed her glass back from him.
“Honestly, just stop it.”
Emma wasn’t sure what she wanted him to stop, just, something was off and he wasn’t going to get away from avoiding her questions. She tossed the drink back, relishing the burn on the way down. That was… definitely not rum. She stared at her the empty glass until a warm, rough hand landed on her own. Hook’s smile wavered in front of her, his infuriatingly biteable lips were so close. So close… he winked at her and stood up. He traced the hook up her sleeve to brush her hair back over a shoulder. Emma closed her eyes, enjoying the shiver that ran through her at his touch. Her eyes were still shut when she felt his breath at her ear.
“Make me, Saviour.”
Her eyes flew open, but he was already gone. Oh she was going to make him alright. Emma stood up on shaky legs, managing to wrestle her coat on. The room was spinning a lot more than she remembered from before. Did diners spin? She couldn’t really remember. What she knew was that she needed to find Killian and make him pay for… something. Or stop something. Stop avoiding her? That was it. Yeah.
***
The horizon sparkled in the twilight, the harbor lights and early stars vying for brilliance on the water. Killian let the pull of the sea wash over him. He hadn’t allowed himself to be lost in it of late, instead lost in the inescapable pull of Emma Swan. It was soothing, letting go. Forgetting for a blissful moment that he was cursed to hurt the one he loved. It was a good thing he had no ship, or the urge to sail away would’ve been overbearing. They would all be much safer if he left, Zelena saw the weakness in the group and exploited it. He grimaced. He was out here to calm himself so he could face another day, not wallow in self-pity.
Killian heard familiar, if unsteady, footsteps headed in his direction. He stood as she approached. His fingers itches for his flask, if she was looking to continue their discussion before Belle’s interruption, then he sorely desired a drink. Those thoughts fled when he saw Emma swaying with each step, growing precariously close to the dock’s edge. Killian sprinted over, catching her just in time as her foot slipped.
“Swan? What’s wrong?”
Emma blinked up at him with glassy eyes, lips stretching out in a predatory grin. “Waz wron’? Wazwrong is you running away. Is you being grumpy Hook. Is, is we no kissing. We should kiss. We should kiss everywhere.”
Killian’s blood froze. Her hands wrapped around his neck, pulling him in and he couldn’t stop his arms from tightening. Her nose brushed the underside of his ear, intelligible words breathed into his neck. His legs were nearly shaking with the effort of not reacting to her attention, nor dropping her to the ground. A moan came out involuntarily when her lips latched above his collarbone.
“Emma, Emma you have to stop.”
“Why?”
“Emma,” he managed to pull her back slightly, her mouth still moving as if searching for him. “You don’t want me, something is making you do this.”
Her brow furrowed as she stared up at him. “I don’? Where you been? I want you. I want. I want, I have now?”
Killian squashed the false hope back, chastising himself. Zelena had to have done something to her, she wasn’t in her right mind. No matter how badly he wished it to be true, it wasn’t. More than that, his selfish need for forgiveness, to be better, cost him any chance to touch his lips to hers again.
He watched Emma struggle to stay awake, hands still trying to urge his head down to hers. “No luv, you don’t want me. You want sleep, aye? Sleep, and you can have what you really want.”
Her eyes fluttered shut finally, and she grew limp in his arms.
“Sleep n’ I can have you? ‘Kay. Night, Killian,” she murmured.
His knees gave out with her words, and he managed to lower them both gently to the ground. He had to retrieve her parents, and quick. His pulse raced looking down at her, wrapped up in his embrace. His self control was not going to last long. Damn that witch.
