I've only just discovered your lovely "follower thingy." There aren't many prompts left, but I'm thinking, "If you leave now, you lose everything" might be a good fit for something with the Captain Crossbow BROtp. Please? :)
Oh my goodness, Trish, I am so sorry you have waited so long for this response! Sometimes you just have to wait for the thought to hit and apparently it was slightly angsty, heartfelt Captain Crossbow that won the day on this one. I may also have managed to explain where Ruby is!
You know better than most that I love the idea of Granny and Killian being friends as I think they have a lot in common, so thank you thank you thank you for the chance to play in their brOTP again.
The things you’ve lost
Killian Jones was sitting at the counter at Granny’s when Ruby Lucas announced her desire for a life beyond the invisible walls of Storybrooke. And although the Widow Lucas had made it known that she saw him as far more than just a paying customer, it didn’t seem his place to be witness to the most personal of family discussions.
It shouldn’t have been surprising. He, more than most, knew the lure of the wide world, the urge to explore, to experience beyond the four walls that were your home. For him it was the sea, as it had been for Liam, for their father before them. He had seen the kindred spirit in her, had spent many an hour regaling her with tales of the realms he had seen, all the while watching the hunger in her eyes to live that kind of life.
He hoped against hope that his storytelling ability had not been the catalyst in Ruby’s decision. The older woman had come to mean a lot to him - a mother figure in many ways, a dear, dear friend in others - and he had no desire to be the reason for her heart breaking.
“You know what it is like,” Ruby said. “I need to be free, I can’t spend my whole life here in Storybrooke.”
“All I know is I have built this business for you. It is all for you, Ruby and it means nothing.” Granny turned her back on her granddaughter, who slumped onto the stool next to the pirate.
“Tell her, Killian,” Ruby pleaded. “Tell her about all the places you’ve been and what it’s like to see the world. She might listen to you."
"Lass, this is between you and your Grandmother." His voice was quiet, and he watched the older woman wipe away a surreptitious tear, unseen by Ruby. "Its a family matter."
Ruby humphed in frustration. "The curse may as well still be here. I'm still living the same day over and over."
Granny turned sharply and stared at her granddaughter. "Fine," she hissed, conscious of the interested eyes of customers. "Go. See the world. But know that if you leave now, you lose everything. There's no guarantee you’ll ever get back."
Anything further was swallowed up by Ruby enveloping her grandmother in a bear hug. Killian turned his attention to his coffee as the two women embraced, whispering assurances that one was a damned fool and the other was an old stick in the mud.
"What do you have to do to get a cup of coffee around here?" The booming voice of Grumpy did nothing to interrupt the family moment. With a thoughtful look at Granny and Ruby, Killian slipped behind the counter, collecting the coffee pot before stopping at the dwarf's stool.
"A few manners are always a positive first step," he said as he poured a steaming cup and pushed it across the counter.
~~~~~
He was there to lace a cup of tea with a generous dram of rum - not quite generous enough, at first - when she returned from the town line, having said goodbye to the last remaining member of her family.
Something he was all too familiar with.
“What do I do now?” she sighed. “She won’t come back, she wanted this too badly. What happens to this place?”
In all the time he had lived in the guest house, with all the evenings they had sat at this very counter, nursing a drink and sharing their stories, never had he heard her sound so defeated. Without hope.
“You keep going,” he said, placing his hand on hers. The bell over the door jangled and the first of the morning’s regulars came in and began to settle themselves in their usual positions around the diner. “We can begin with feeding the hungry masses.”
“We?” she questioned as she made her way behind the counter. He followed behind her, scooping up a stray apron with his hook and looping it over his head.
“We,” he replied, turning his back for her to tie the strings behind him. “What else are friends for, love?”
She looked him up and down in his black leather and crisp white apron then reached up to pat his cheek gently. “Family, Killian. You must know you are family.”
He breathed out deeply, taking in her words and the genuine warmth in her often gruff expression. “That,” he said, pulling her into a hug, “would be my honour.”
~~~~~
The prodigal werewolf found her way back home eventually - rounded belly and eager doctor in tow. She had planned a surprise for her grandmother, had organised her return secretly, but as it turned out, it was Ruby that got the surprise.
Killian was behind the counter, white apron on black, pouring coffee and schmoozing the locals like he was born to it. She watched silently from the window outside, a smile crossing her face as she saw how comfortable he was, how he worked around the limitations of his hook, how the customers responded to his warmth and humour. Granny emerged from the kitchen, laughing with Killian in passing, and Ruby folded her hands across her belly as she watched her family at work.
For she had no doubt that the pirate was one of them.
Granny had told her once that by leaving she would lose everything. But here, outside her home, with people she loved and who loved her in return, she could think of nothing but what she had gained.
With that thought, she pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Thanks so much capaldisrighteyebrow for being a Captain Crossbow fan! Please check the tag as you will find other CCbow fun there (HINT: There is at least one where Granny is a bit tipsy and lets it be known she thinks the pirate is a good sort) hellomommanerd also writes a bit of CCbow so check her out too!
Congrats on the follower milestone! I've really liked the one shots. Could you do "If you leave now, you lose everything.”? I'm thinking captain charming, but whoever you think it will work with would be great too.
A/N: blinkedyblink requested this as part of my Random Follower Thingy quite some time (and about 200 followers ago) and I am so sorry that you had to wait so long. Still, time has given me a plot device in Arthur. Disclaimer: I have ignored pretty much every possible detail about the Camelot storyline except that Charming and Arthur will bro-hard and that Arthur will be in Storybrooke at some point. All time, potential family relationships and other factors I ignored!
Poker night.
It had begun as an attempt to maintain some semblance of normality as Emma had sunk into darkness - a distraction for the man who was watching her fall. Solidarity between men.
But with the Saviour returned to them, her light magic once again at the fore, it had become a habit, a ritual between mates who may have come from very different worlds but found themselves thrust together in this one. Time to unwind, to joke, to bicker unmercilessly.
It was poker night.
They would gather around a table at Granny’s - the Prince, the pirate, the thieves and the doctor - all vying to be the winner, to take home the ultimate prize. Not the miniscule jackpot, of course - they played for matchsticks half the time - but the honour of knowing they had inflicted maximum damage on the credibility of the others. They all prided themselves on a quick wit and this was the time to show it to its best
Years in the forest with the likes of Scarlet had sharpened Robin’s tongue, while the knave himself was master of the nautical put down - rumour had it he used the time spent in the library with Belle in thorough research on the topic - frequently ignoring the basic rules about commenting on the size of a man’s ship. The accent definitely added emphasis - the dropped consonants and colourful epithets a perfect complement to the man’s natural sass.
The doctor was possessed of a naturally acerbic turn of phrase, quick to make fun of the slightest weakness, while Killian had perfected just the right balance of innuendo to maximise the prince’s discomfort about his relationship with Emma, while maintaining some sense of decorum regarding the woman he loved. And David - well, every comedy act needed a straight man, and he performed the task admirably.
Which was not to say he did not take the chance to push a few buttons when it arose.
When Whale cancelled due to pressing hospital business, David was quick to suggest he had a fifth to take his seat at the poker table. Arriving deliberately after his friends, he ushered his guest into the diner with a flourish.
“Gentlemen, I believe you all know Arthur?”
Amid the handshakes and small talk, the fleeting look of distaste on the pirate’s face was not missed by the prince. Despite their differences - and Killian’s insistence in reminding him the effect a devilishly handsome pirate (his words) could have on an otherwise highly sensible woman - their friendship was real and important to both of them. No matter how much Snow and Emma tried to call it a ‘bromance’.
Arthur, on the other hand, understood the life of a ruler, the demands placed on your time and energy. Arthur lead armies, ruled kingdoms, fought battles. Plus Arthur did NOT date his daughter. It was a very relaxing friendship in more ways than one.
With the added bonus of igniting an obvious spark of something resembling jealousy in Killian Jones. And there was not a chance that David was not going to milk that for all it was worth.
"Played much poker, your Highness? Robin was gracious as always.
"None, in fact," the King replied. "But David has been kind enough to give me a brief rundown on the rules of the game."
Killian snorted derisively. "And you imagined that would help? If you are under Dave's tutelage then I shall thoroughly enjoy separating you from your money."
"Worried, pirate?" David’s success relied on not rising to Killian’s bait. Easy to do when you knew you held the trump card.
“Hardly,” Killian sneered. “His Highness would be unlikely to win a game of Go Fish if he is taking your advice.”
“We’ll see,” David said with a laugh, ushering Arthur into the seat next to Killian as Will dealt the first hand.
~~~~
The proximity of Arthur coupled with a disturbing run of beginners’ luck was definitely grating on Killian. David became more jovial with each hand, asking a multitude of questions of the KIng, engaging him in conversations about this battle and that war until the pirate could take no more.
Thanking this modern realm profusely for the ability to contact Emma via written message, he sent a text in the hope of a rescue.
KILLIAN: Swan, your father and his new consort have me at my wits end. Send help.
Hoping for a swift reply, he returned his attention to the game, his cards once again a dismal collection. The smile on the face of Arthur - clearly he had learned his poker face, or lack thereof, from the prince - suggested he prepare himself for another loss, but he was saved by the chimes of his talking phone.
EMMA: No time to be jealous, Killian. I’m sure David still loves you.
Like father, like daughter, he thought ruefully. As Arthur raised the stakes yet again, he tossed his cards face down in defeat. Sighing heavily, he watched as the KIng once again slid all the winnings in his direction. The man grinned and elbowed Killian in the ribs.
“Looks like I managed a basic grasp of the rules, eh, Jones?”
“Perhaps we should try that Go Fish tournament next,” David added from across the table.
Killian’s phone chimed again. This time there was a picture attached to the message which he opened and immediately thanked his lucky stars he had kept the device below the table. Minx that she was, Swan had given him the perfect reason to call it a night. Black lace was always a siren call where she was concerned. The attached message was simple, yet perfect.
EMMA: I need you at home.
He wasted no time in making his intentions known.
“Well, lads, it appears Swan requires me unexpectedly at home.” He said nothing as Will raised a sardonic eyebrow, looking from KIllian to David with a smirk. Fighting to maintain his advantage, David was quick to protest.
“If you leave now, you’ll lose everything. Emma is a very capable woman, I am sure you could stay a little longer.”
A slow smile came over Killian’s face, as he looked at his meagre winnings and then at the prince.
“Indeed, though after tonight’s effort I have little to lose by leaving,” he said as he slid the collection of small coins and matchsticks into the kitty. He stood, and clapped his hand on David’s shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. “I doubt you want to know what I gain if I do. Your daughter is most definitely a capable woman. Good night, fellows.”
With a wink and a ridiculous smirk, Killian made his way to the door, leaving David squirming in his chair.
captain-k-jones sent me a prompt for a follower milestone which turned into a little more than the 700 or so words I envisioned originally.The prompt actually gets a look in today! And Captain Charming. It is all happening.
Thanks to zengoalie for doing beta duties on this whole thing. And to everyone who has reblogged and commented - MWAH!!
PART ONE PART TWO
Hold the Elevator - Part 3
“What is she doing here, Dave?”
Stretching his long legs out on his bed, Killian listened as David exhaled noisily. He had no doubt his manager and long time friend had been expecting this phone call eventually, but his encounter with Emma by the pool last night had expedited the need for it. There was something about her and he would be damned if David’s managerial machinations would stand in the way of him finding out what that was.
“She, Killian?” His manager was taking playing dumb to an art form this morning. Killian could do games, if that was what he wanted to play.
“She, David. That woman would not choose this hotel if she didn’t think there was publicity in it. We’ve been mates a long time but I am completely on board with changing that situation if required.” On the other end of the phone, David cleared his throat uncomfortably.
“Her management approached me. She is really into you and she wanted to meet you and with the new album coming out I thought it would help…”
“I am going to stop you right there, Dave. Just so we can both have a little moment to consider the fact you think so little of my new album that you sold me out to the highest bidder. Stabbed me in the back, if you will?”
“No...I...just…” David’s discomfort was music to Killian’s ears. Just the response he had been looking for, he thought with a smirk. Time to really make him squirm.
“Well, there is a small problem with your grand plan, David. I have met a girl. Without your assistance.”
There was silence.
“Dave?”
“That’s great, Killian. Who is she?”
Killian could almost hear the managerial cogs turning as David thought about how he was going to avoid a tabloid blowout. The next nugget of information was not going to slow those cogs down.
“Her name is Emma. I don’t have all the details, but I believe she is a cat burglar or pickpocket of some description. Anyway, I will see you at the gig tonight.”
He hung up, supremely satisfied, to the sound of David sputtering in shock.
~~~~
Emma was sitting at the bar in the lobby, when her message tone sounded. She didn’t need to look at her phone to know exactly who would be texting her.
Ruby: So. How was it????
Emma: The new songs are amazing.
Ruby: Not what I was asking about. How was he???
Emma: Too busy to talk to me. Don’t go thinking this is some big thing. He flirted with me once.
Ruby: Twice. At least.
Emma: Maybe.
She was saved from committing to a response by a loud commotion at the door to the hotel. Turning in her bar stool, she watched as Killian entered, flanked by a light haired man she was fairly sure was his manager, with Zelena and her cast of thousands bringing up the rear.
The redhead was fighting to match pace with Killian, one arm outstretched and resting on his in an attempt to keep her balance on another pair of ridiculous heels. Glad she had sat at the far end of the bar where she could remain unseen, Emma watched as Zelena manouvered herself into position at his side. Engrossed in conversation with the other man, Killian appeared not to notice and when the group stopped at the reserved section of the bar he all but ran into her.
She was quick to put her arms around him to steady herself, pulling him far closer than was necessary and definitely holding on longer than she needed to.
That was not a pang of jealousy.
Nor was it relief when she watched Killian pull away firmly and direct Zelena to a chair some distance from his own.
Her phone was beeping continuously, Ruby nothing if not determined, but Emma found she could not take her eyes off the scene in front of her. Now settled safely away from his pursuer, Killian spoke animatedly to those around him, obviously discussing the evening’s performance. His face was lit by a wide smile, making him even more impossibly attractive and when he threw his head back and laughed Emma felt a tug low in her belly that was impossible to ignore.
This was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous.
Deciding it was not healthy to stare at the man quite this much, she turned her attention back to formulating an appropriate answer to Ruby’s last text. The barman placed a fresh rum and coke in front of her and she looked at him questioningly. She may have got a great deal on her room, but she definitely had a one drink limit at these prices.
"Oh, I didn't order another drink," she protested, pushing the glass back towards the server.
"It's on me, love." Emma looked up to find Killian had made his way over, the smile that had sent a rush of heat through her from a distance now directed at her. His voice was as warm and melodious as she remembered, and it took her back to the small bar where she had heard the same tones singing only an hour earlier. "A thank you for coming tonight."
He raised his glass to hers and clinked them gently. "To new friends."
She nodded, still overwhelmed by the fact he had noticed her at the gig, that he had seen her here. At the way he smelled, and the pull of his button down over his shoulders and the genuine warmth of the smile that was just for her...
Her phone pulled her back to reality as yet another message from Ruby came through.
"Sorry, my friend wanted to hear about the gig. And she is fairly persistent."
Killian chuckled. "Shall we send her something to assuage her curiosity? Nolan!" he called across the bar. "We require your assistance." The fair haired man made his way across to them, and as he came Emma caught sight of Zelena, her lips pursed in anger. Their eyes met for just a second and Emma could not look away quick enough.
"David, Emma. Emma, David." The formalities out of the way, Killian handed the phone to David and pulled Emma in close to him. His hand settled just below her rib cage and he rested his head on hers. She put her arm tentatively around his waist, not daring to do more than rest her fingers on his lightly muscled frame lest she lose all semblance of dignity.
"Say cheese, Swan." As David took the picture, it dawned on Emma that it was not Killian the musician, favourite singer, lock screen picture, having this effect on her. It was the man she had shared an empty pool deck with, the one who had made her laugh and looked at her like she was something - being close to him was what was playing havoc with her senses.
"Right,” he announced, his arm still firmly around her. “Send that and come have drink with us. I would love to hear what you thought…” His words were cut short by a hand on his arm.
“Killian, it so sweet the way you look after your fans.” The tone of Zelena’s voice suggested to Emma that it was actually anything but. And that his fans were possibly the lowest form of life. She looked pointedly at Emma, an attempt to stake a claim perhaps, but Killian was quick to interject.
“Actually, this is Emma and…” Zelena reached out a finger and touched it to his lips before he could finish.
“Ssshhh.” Her voice was a stage whisper, and Emma could feel Killian tense as she spoke. “Darling, you are too nice to these people.” The redhead turned back to Emma and fixed her in an unpleasant stare.
“What you don’t realise, dear, is that a man like Killian gets very little downtime and it is so unfair of you to expect him to spend it taking silly selfies and signing bar napkins.” Killian bristled beside her and it seemed natural to Emma to lightly squeeze where her arm still rested on his back, a signal that she was ok despite the attack. If she noticed the effect her words were having, it was not enough to deter Zelena. “As a fan, you need to respect his privacy and back off, he is entitled to time with his friends…”
It appeared that was enough.
“Ms Mills, I am going to stop you there,” Killian interrupted, his voice steady despite the anger clearly evident in his clenched jaw. He turned to David, who had been looking nervously between his client and the interloper since the conversation began and said; “Nolan, please entertain Emma while I have a quick word with Ms Mills. Try not to throw me under another bus while I’m gone, OK?”
He stepped away from her and went to usher Zelena into another part of the bar, but paused a moment before leaning in close to Emma’s ear. His breath on her skin sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine, despite the situation, and she felt that now familiar flush of warmth in her cheeks.
“If he asks if you are a pick pocket, love, just go with it. Embellish if you have to.” The wink that accompanied this request had Emma biting her lower lip to stop a highly inappropriate giggle escaping.
Not to mention the sudden urge to kiss the small smirk off his face as he stood there.
Damn you Ruby, she thought, you put those ideas in my head.
She managed to nod in response as he lead Zelena away to a quieter part of the bar. David sat next to her and smiled apologetically, but Emma knew he would have one ear on what was going on with Killian, ready to step in if required. They were both angled in such a way to afford them a view and Emma was straining to try and make out Killian’s words.
“...respect boundaries...respect people…”
“So, Emma.” David’s voice interrupted her concentration as she watched Zelena’s face contort in anger. “How did you meet Killian?”
She looked at him in surprise. “We’re going to do the small talk thing now? You don’t want to keep an ear on this?”
David smiled at her. “I should. But I must admit I would like to know what you do for a living.”
Emma was saved from following Killian’s instructions to embellish - what the hell had he told his manager about her? - by the shrill sound of Zelena’s voice. She stood face to face with Killian, her finger pointed in his face,
“You need me. What can some pathetic nobody do for your career?” Her eyes flashed as Killian stood his ground. His voice had been quiet and calm throughout and Emma struggled to hear his response. She had no such issue hearing Zelena’s.
“Fine, I’ll leave. You go and see what dating her will do for you. Go and live with her, then! See if I care.” She pushed past him, quickly surrounded by her entourage of hangers on. Turning on the nearest compliant face she ordered, “Walsh, go and find us a decent hotel. I will not be in this dump a moment longer.”
Killian caught her eye as he returned to the bar, and smiled softly. Emma shook her head in disbelief. The realisation of what he must have said was dawning and she pushed down the urge to panic. Or run. Before she had the chance, he was there. Strong arms pulled her towards him and she relaxed into his hug. The tension seemed to ebb away from them both and Emma sighed happily.
A less than subtle throat clearing came from the direction of David and Killian pulled back and grinned at her.
“Looks like David has a few loose ends to tie up.” He waved an expressive hand towards the remnants of Zelena’s crowd, including her own manager who was looking decidedly disgruntled. “But I am assuming the next round is on him.”
David went to protest, but Killian wasn't finished. “Hand over your wallet, mate.” He paused then looked pointedly at Emma. “Unless you have already lifted it, Swan?” If Emma had thought she wanted to kiss the smirk off his face before, it had nothing on this one. It was all she could do not to grab the lapels of his plaid shirt and launch herself at him.
Instead she looked at them both in mock frustration. “I am a bail bondsperson, you idiots, not some kind of master criminal.” Killian laughed and slapped Dave on the shoulder.
“Lucky for you mate. You have enough damage to mop up already. Better get to it.” With a friendly shove, he sent David off to manage whatever he needed to. Emma could see a crowd milling near the hotel doors, and even she realised that people meant cellphones and potential issues.
Alone again, Killian climbed onto the neighbouring bar stool. A wave of his hand at the bar staff had two fresh drinks to them almost instantly but instead of picking up his glass, he covered Emma’s hand with his. His fingers curled around hers, warm and sure and Emma couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m sorry, love, that you had to put up with that.”
“Zelena being a nut job is hardly your fault,” Emma replied and he laughed. It was rich and deep and she knew she needed to hear it again. And again.
His thumb was playing gently over the back of her hand, and she was supremely conscious of the cool touch of his silver ring on her skin. “There is one small thing I need to confess to you, Swan.”
Emma looked questioningly at him, eyebrows arched. “What’s that?”
“Zelena suggested I should go live with you, but I must admit I am not ready for such a commitment at this point. I hope you can accept this.”
“I can,” she answered with a grin, and he lifted her hand to his lips, brushing gently over her knuckles. The same flush of heat overtook her and she was sure he must have heard the catch in her breath.
“Glad to hear it Swan, as I think I would like to be a bit more sure of my worldly possessions not ending up going to the highest bidder before we take that step.” She slapped him playfully on the arm by way of response. But he was not finished apparently.
“I am, however, more than ready to ask you to have dinner with me, Emma. Will you?”
There was nothing she could think of in that moment that she wanted more.
captain-k-jones sent me a prompt for a follower milestone which turned into a little more than the 700 or so words I envisioned originally. We are yet to see any part of her actual prompt appear either...
PART ONE
I did actual research for this scene! If you want a visual of where this all happens go and check out the first picture in THIS ARTICLE
Hold the Elevator - Part Two
Killian pushed open the door to the darkened pool area, reveling in the quiet and the solitude. The full length windows of the 40th floor looking out over the twinkling city lights and the gentle ripples on the sparkling surface of the pool combined to give him a sense of serenity he found in few other places in this city. It was one of the reasons he insisted David book this hotel every time they came here, and the privilege of fame meant the clearly posted sign of closing times could easily be circumvented.
No photographers, no fans, no...her - just him and his thoughts.
Some of which were particularly hostile towards his joke of a manager who had allowed this ridiculous situation to occur in the first place. What David was thinking sharing his schedule with Zelena’s people he had no idea, but she had been relentless in her pursuit ever since. He had to hand it to the woman, she could work a room and wrangle a photo opportunity at a world class level and Killian could see clearly how she had propelled herself on to the covers of every tabloid magazine and dodgy entertainment news show around.
Because she was utilising exactly the same skills in her attempt to achieve her next goal. Him.
Notoriety was a bit easier to catch, he hoped.
As he sunk on to one of the loungers around the crystal water, he heard a smothered sneeze from the corner of the room. Apparently he was not the only one enjoying the quiet.
Rising to investigate just who he was sharing his solitude with, he caught a glimpse of blonde hair and long legs, encased in black boots. He grinned, realising he might just know exactly who had intruded on his thoughts.
And that he wasn’t at all disappointed to be intruded upon.
“Well, Swan, we meet again,” he announced as he reached her lounger. She looked up tentatively, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes.
“Oh, hi,” she answered, sounding a little flustered. “Sorry, I was just…” He shook his head with a smile to stop her.
“No need to explain to me, Swan, I am hardly able to comment on your blatant rule-breaking when I am breaking them myself.” She laughed at that, a soft chuckle that made him want to hear it again immediately. That thought stilled him for a moment - it had been a long time since he had felt that particular urge or, indeed, that tiny spark of attraction that had first hit him when her eyes had met his in the elevator.
He found he kind of liked it.
“Still,” he continued, “I am curious how you came to pass through the locked door, Ms Emma Swan. Are you in possession of skills in burglary that you hide behind the guise of weary traveller? Should I worry for the safety of my possessions?”
The grin that formed on her lips was something to behold. Her eyes came alive as she shrugged her shoulders in a non-committal way, brows raised and staring at him as if daring him to say more.
God, he could be in some trouble here.
“I’ll take that response as a yes.”
“Probably a good idea,” she quipped. “I could get good money on eBay for your stuff.”
It was his turn to laugh aloud. He tried to remember the last time he had met a girl that made him feel so...normal. Like it had been before his single had been the biggest hit of the year and the awards started coming and tours and recording and all the other rigmarole that went along with it. And he was grateful for it, truly he was, but sometimes he missed the anonymity that singing in dive bars and smoky pubs had afforded him.
Emma Swan had clearly known who he was when he stepped into that elevator - but right now it didn’t seem to matter. Leaning back in his chair, he relaxed into the companionable silence and the girl beside him seemed to do the same.
Clearly something was playing on her mind, however. “So, won’t your girlfriend be looking for you?”
The shudder was involuntary but none the less real for it. “I certainly hope not. And she’s certainly not my girlfriend.”
“Does she know that?”
A straight shooter, then. He liked that.
“I owe you an apology, love, for the debacle earlier. It appears Ms Mills has set her sights on me and is quite persistent in her pursuit. And for some reason known only to him, my supposed manager is encouraging her.”
Emma pursed her lips in confusion. “There’s no need to apologise. We were in an elevator. You were charming. I had my little fangirl experience with the hand kissing -” despite the lightness of her tone, he could see a flush of pink colour her cheeks as she remembered - “and life went on.”
He wasn’t so sure about that.
“Nevertheless, Swan, I would like to offer you a small token by way of an apology. I am trying out some new material at a small club tomorrow evening and I would love to invite you along. Perhaps let me know what you think?”
He pulled his wallet from his pocket, casting a jokingly suspicious eye over Emma as he did. She snorted at him and he took out a business card and handed it to her.
“Just give this to the bloke on the door,” he said. “If you feel like coming along. You may, of course, be a death metal kind of girl and it's completely not your thing.”
She took the card and the gentle brush of her fingers on his sent a shiver of anticipation up his spine. Oh he was in trouble, of that he had no doubt.
“I’ll try,” she replied, standing and gathering her belongings. “Goodnight.”
He watched as she walked away, unable to pry his eyes from this woman who had captured his attention so fully in such a little time.
As she pushed the door open, she looked back over her shoulder, a wide grin playing across her face. “By the way, seeing as you were curious, I may have picked the lock. I’ve picked up a few tricks in my line of work.”
Captain Charming + "Go and live with her, then! See if I care.” I feel like this would be awesome for an AU story!
A/N: Miranda, you have been waiting a LONG time, (I’m sorry) but the idea finally hit me and I went with it. And it will end up being three parts...which are almost done...but I didn’t want you to have to wait any more. In a predictable turn of events, your prompt line won’t appear till later.
Welcome to the Musical!Killian AU world -imagine that from me LOL- where Killian is a major music star, Emma is not and a certain crazy-eyed witch is a crazy eyed something else.
I started writing this after the one and only Colin related dream I have ever had - involving the elevator and, strangely, scapeartist - and I can’t lie, all that convention craziness certainly spurred it along. Thanks to zengoalie for reading it over and reminding me there is a line between fan fiction and wishful thinking LOL.
Rated: FFF for fully fluffy fluff
Hold the Elevator
The vacation was exactly what Emma Swan had needed. The months of late nights and ridiculous work hours that had followed her messy break up with Walsh had really taken their toll. Her boss had all but ordered her to take time away and after some fairly ineffectual protests she had agreed.
And standing here in her New York hotel room, in the space and the silence that was all hers alone, she was very glad she had. The last minute mystery hotel website had been another great idea. This place was way beyond what she could normally afford - she was fairly certain she had spotted at least one celebrity face in the lobby - and she was going to take every possible advantage. The fancy shampoo in the bathroom didn’t stand a chance.
She thrust open the curtains and looked out over the hustle and bustle below, torn between getting out into the city and exploring and revelling in the peace of this amazing room and the equally amazing bath tub that had made her jaw drop.
Exploring, then bath, she decided.
Grabbing the essentials and throwing them in her tote, she took one last look around her home for the next few days and headed out the door towards the elevators. There was so much to see, she wasn't sure where to start but she was ready to try.
When the doors slid open on her floor, she moved straight to the back of the elevator and leaned against the rail, scrolling maps on her phone so she was ready as soon as she hit the street. Emma couldn't remember ever being this many floors up from the lobby in any building so she was going to make use of every minute.
She was deep in mental planning when the ding of the bell indicated a stop. The doors slid open silently and a figure stepped in. A whiff of expensive cologne and something ridiculously manly reached her and she couldn't resist checking out who it was that smelled so good. She raised her eyes slowly, trying to be subtle, and found herself faced with a manicured scruff and the bluest eyes she had ever seen.
Familiar blue eyes. Disturbingly familiar.
"Oh my god, its you." The words came out involuntarily and Emma felt a flush rise in her cheeks. The blue eyes sparkled with amusement at her words.
"Killian will do," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Don't look at his lips, she thought, warning alarms ringing madly in her head. Don't look at the ridiculously handsome face that may or may not be the wallpaper on the very phone you are holding...oh shit...hide your phone.
She scrambled to put the offending device away as he continued.
"But you have me at a disadvantage, love. You know my name, but I have no idea of yours."
She breathed deeply, hoping the moment to compose herself would be enough to allow actual words to.come out of her mouth rather than the random string of nonsense she was envisioning.
"I'm Emma. Emma Swan."
Nice work Emma, she said to herself, keeping cool. Not freaking out at all about your favourite singer of all time standing next to you. Smelling like that. And looking like that...oh god...
Emma bit hard on her lip in the desperate hope of keeping her internal monologue exactly that.
"Well, Emma Swan. It's a pleasure to meet you." His voice was smooth and rich and his accent washed over her, bringing that flush to the surface again as he continued. "What brings you to New York?"
Was he kidding with the questions?
“Um...just a vacation.”
“Excellent.” He grinned at her as the elevator doors slid open and gestured for her to step out ahead of him. She sucked in a breath as she realised his hand was lightly resting on the small of her back as she exited.
“Well, Swan, it has been a delight.” He fixed his gaze on her, making her traitorous knees struggle to keep her upright. He held out a hand and she took it hesitantly, realising there was no way she could shake his hand and speak at the same time. She nodded a response, hoping he would not think she was a complete loser.
But instead of shaking her hand as she expected, he lifted it to his lips and brushed a gentle kiss on her knuckles, accompanied by the most mischievous wink she had ever seen. She fought valiantly against the giggle that began to form in her throat, but was saved from any need to answer him by a shrill voice cutting across the lobby.
“Killian! There you are, darling.”
Emma heard him swear under his breath as a willowy red-head in a brilliant green blouse tottered towards them on the highest heels she had ever seen. It took Emma a moment to realise she had seen this very woman on the cover of several of the trashy gossip magazines she had treated herself to at the airport that morning. Zelena Mills was possibly the most famous woman on the planet and - if the articles she had been reading earlier held true - involved with Killian Jones.
“I’ll just be going then…” Emma started, but he still had hold of her hand and seemed unwilling to let it go.
“Please don’t.” The words were so quiet she almost thought she had imagined them, especially as he was swept into a cloud of expensive perfume and air kisses. Zelena hooked her arm into Killian’s and began to lead him away, ignoring Emma’s presence and the fact he still had her fingers captured in his.
Not for long.
As Zelena pulled him towards the greenery of the lobby, he looked back over his shoulder at Emma.
“I hope we run into each other again, Swan.”
Emma could do nothing but smile awkwardly at him as she headed out into the city. She leaned back against the wall outside the hotel’s revolving door, head spinning, needing a moment to process the surreal experience that was Killian Jones in the flesh. There was really only one thing for it, she thought, retrieving her phone from her pocket.
“Ruby? Are you sitting down? You are not going to believe what just happened.”
KG! I finally wrote your follower prompt! I broke the rules a little and it is not strictly CS but I hope you will forgive me?
Family Game Night
Sunday night dinner had quickly become a family tradition,especially after Emma and Henry (and inevitably Killian) had made their ownhome in the cottage near the water. They would gather in the loft, each contributingtheir part to the communal feast, enjoying each other’s company over a tablegroaning under the weight of the food.
Sometimes they kept it to immediate family, a chance tospend some quiet moments enjoying the relative peace now that the darkness wasdefeated. Dinner would often turn into a crowded couch, popcorn at the ready,movies queued and ready. The pop culture education of Killian Jones, Emmacalled it as she cuddled tightly into him, ensuring her father’s discomfort foryet another night.
Other evenings, the circle extended to Regina, Robin andRoland - a very different type of gathering where the women looked on in mockdespair at the ridiculous antics of their male counterparts.
Not the small ones.
On these larger, more raucous nights, there would be dancebattles and Mario Kart tournaments. Sometimes karaoke was the order of the day –Killian proved a dab hand at an eighties power ballad while Robin took on the currentpop hits with abandon.
(Today was fairy tale, indeed, Emma had quipped.)
But the highlight was always after the children were tuckedaway in bed, Henry attached via headphones to his tablet for the night. The rumwould flow freely – red wine for Regina – and the board games would come out ofthe closet.
No matter how much rum was taken, Robin’s hand wasconsistently steady as he removed the bread basket or the funny bone inOperation. Mary Margaret, conversely, got the giggles every time and thebuzzing echoed through the apartment.
Killian, unsurprisingly, was often the Yahtzee champion, hismastery of the dice unmatched and his uncanny knack of rolling a much neededtwo at the opportune moment was the stuff of legends. Or loaded dice, Emmasuspected, but the amazement on her father’s face as her pirate snatchedvictory from the jaws of defeat yet again was worth the foul play.
Regina proved a worthy adversary for Captain Vocabulary whenScrabble was the game of the evening. Her selections were added to the boardwith her trademark snark and the battle of wits proved an entertainingspectator sport. When the dictionaries came out, the other players often retired with a drink firmly in hand, cheeringon their favourite.
(Except for the nights when the rum had taken firm hold priorto the game. On these evenings, when the word choices quickly turned from highbrowto decidedly dirty, Mary Margaret often snuck ahead with cleverly placed cursesand euphemisms that impressed even the pirate.)
It was the Pictionary tournament, however, that nearly endedbadly. Each paired with their respective partners, Killian and Emma werequickly surging ahead. David, rum loosening his tongue, complained loudly thatthey were somehow cheating, that they couldn’t get the answers so quickly, thatKillian was too good at drawing. As Killian stepped up to draw for Emma, hechecked the card and could not help but laugh at the options.
He began to draw and realised Emma had caught on quickly. Andwas planning to play with her father a little first.
(He heartily approved of the pirate in her.)
“Sword,” she called out, as he drew a long, thin shape.
“Stab…attack...kill.”
David began to protest, but Killian was quick to try tosmooth the waters.
“Swan, don’t upset your father. Not now. We should begracious in victory.” He turned back to the chart and added to his drawing.
“Is it prince? Minion? No – I know, father?”
David could hold his tongue no longer. “Hey, enough of the youstabbed me crap. I was cursed! And it wasn’t my idea.” Mary Margaret gave him asharp slap on the thigh for that one.
Killian had a decided smirk. “Dave, I have forgiven you mybrutal murder. I had thought after that nothing you could do could vex me. Butan apology for casting doubt on the honesty of our victory is in order.”
David looked down and mumbled out an apology of sorts. Hesat back, arms crossed in what appeared to be a sulk.
“What was the answer?” Robin asked, the game seeminglyabandoned.
“Oh, it was indeed sword,” Killian replied, his arms goingaround Emma and planting a soft kiss on her cheek.
If you'd be so kind...I want Captain Swan and “Please don’t argue. You have to leave right now, you aren’t safe here.”
Oh my lord Carrie, I have finally done it! A bit of post 5??? speculation for you my darling friend. I am supremely grateful for whatever it was that brought you into my life because you are AWESOME!!
(It was my turn on the wine)
What lies beneath
Her magic had been crackling beneath the surface for sometime. It was as if her time as the Dark One had awakened something within her –some deeper connection to the light that fuelled her power. The darkness hadbeen taken from her but this surge of energy remained.
She had kept it hidden from all of them, acted as ifeverything was normal but she knew she would be forever altered. Her controlwalked a thin line, her magic threatening to spill over at any moment – andsomehow his proximity made it all the more difficult.
Killian had been by her side since he had found her andbrought her back. As had Henry, her parents, the rest of Storybrooke. There hadbeen no quiet moment to finish what they had started as the darkness engulfedher, no time to say the words that had tripped her up time after time untilthere had been no other chance than the worst one of all.
The love she felt for Killian had fought through thedarkness. Even in its depths, she felt the pull of her heart – anchoring her inlight and hope, battling the forces that tethered her elsewhere.
When his hand brushed hers, she could not believe the sparkswere not visible to everyone around them. Her skin crackled, her body hummed,electricity coursed through every fibre. She held her breath as she waited –for the lights to blow out, or the windows to shatter. She was putting everyoneshe loved in danger.
“I need a minute.” She was gone from the booth before hecould protest, or pull her back.
(If he touched her now there was no telling what damage shewould do.)
She stood in the hall, back against the wall, eyes closed, herbreath coming in shallow pants. The energy continued to spark within her,simmering, maybe settling a little.
“Swan?”
The timbre of his voice was enough to set the power bubblingagain. She opened her eyes, deep breaths her only weapon against the magic ashe looked at her searchingly.
“That was a sudden departure, love. You have me concerned.”He took a step towards her and a ripple of power surged down her spine. Sheheld up a hand cautiously, willing him to stay back.
“Killian, listen to me. And please don’t argue. You have toleave right now, you aren’t safe here.”
His features clouded in confusion. Another step, anotherrush of electricity.
“My magic, Killian. I’m losing control of it. It’s worse whenyou are near me. I need to…” She trailed off, hot tears threatening to spilldown her cheeks. Someone hated her, somewhere, she was sure. She wanted nothingmore than to be with him, to let him wrap his arms around her and love her. Butat what cost?
Her moment of despair distracted her from his movementtowards her. His hand was on her face, hook pulling her against him, lipscrashing into hers – the match for a kiss they had shared on this very spotwhat seemed like a lifetime ago. That day, she had held his heart. Today heheld hers.
The lights flickered as she kissed him back, hungrily,desperately. His tongue swept across her lips, and she opened them willingly, alow moan forming in the back of her throat. His hand moved to tangle in herhair, tilting her head gently as he deepened the kiss.
As they came up for air, a tiny moment of reflection, Emmarealised the crackle that had threatened to overwhelm her had taken on a newform. She could feel the power still, beneath her skin, but now it felt likestrength, like a calm that reached out and enveloped them both. It had neverbeen darkness fighting against them. It had been her magic fighting for them.
It was light and hope and…
“I love you,” she breathed, their foreheads touching as heheld her close, his joy at having her in his arms, her magic wrapped aroundthem, written clearly on his features.
“Aye, Swan. And I, you.”
My random follower thingy has spiraled out of control in a good way. Watch this space for a master post of all the prompt fics!
KATH, I WANT CAPTAIN CROSSBOW with "You embarrassed me this evening." Please! :o) (And congratulations!!! Many happy returns!!!)
It is embarrassing how far down my inbox I had to go to find this ask - always-comment-on-the-mutton I am sorry it has taken so long! (And I know there are still more of you waiting as well) I think it is only fitting that the little story I planned to write for you, my favourite hungry sheep, spiraled completely out of control and became an 1000 word + number. I took a tiny bit of poetic license and changed ‘this’ to ‘last’ because dusty, hungover Granny was a funnier prospect...
The morning after the night before
It was one of the more difficult mornings she couldremember. As the shrill of her alarm pierced the early morning silence, hereyes rebelled against the idea of opening at all. She may have been arespectable business owner in this community for more years than she cared torecall, her diner open as reliably as clockwork, but today the temptation toturn over in her bed and sleep off the after effects of last night’scelebration was almost stronger.
That damned clock was lucky her crossbow wasn’t to hand.
Forcing her eyes open, she tried to remember the details oflast night’s celebration. All the residents of Storybrooke had wanted to bethere to welcome the Saviour home – the Dark One’s Curse thwarted and thedarkness contained far away. The details were definitely hazy – the wide smileof the Captain, the echo of Leroy’s foghorn voice off the diner walls, youngHenry by his mother’s side. And someone knocking.
She wished she didn’t remember the knocking. And it justwouldn’t stop…
She sat bolt upright as the figure burst into her room. Thatexplained the knocking, she thought, as her granddaughter eyed her up and down.Ruby’s eyes flashed and a decided smirk played across her lips.
“Feeling well this morning, are we?”
She barely recognised the sound that came out of her ownmouth in response.
Ruby snorted. “That good? Excellent. Remember all thedetails? Because quite frankly, you embarrassed me last evening.” The pause wasdefinitely for effect – just to let the enormity of that statement sink in.
“Yep – it was that good. While you get dressed and ready tohelp me sort out the disaster downstairs you think about it.” Ruby flounced outof the room, all legs and attitude, as ever.
What on earth had she done?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first flash of memory came as she walked gingerly downthe stairs to the diner.
“Captain!” she hadcalled out. “Come have a drink with me!” Firmly ensconced with his nowconfirmed True Love, the pirate had smiled indulgently and planted a kiss onEmma’s cheek before joining her at the bar.
“Only the best for thehero of the hour,” she had announced, pouring generous tumblers of her bestrum.
“Hardly, milady,” hehad replied. “It was, without doubt, a team effort.” She passed him a glass andheld hers out, waiting for the clink. He obliged quickly and took anappreciative sip.
She threw back theglass, draining every drop in one long swallow.
She had a very clear memory of a highly arched eyebrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The state of her diner stopped her in her tracks. Not sinceMaleficent and her mates laid ruin to the place had she seen it look like this.Ruby was sweeping up some broken glass, while plates and glasses still litteredmany of the tables. Streamers hung haphazardly from the ceiling, cut through atrandom lengths.
Ruby was busy behind the counter, and looked up when sheheard her grandmother approaching. She shook her head indulgently. Perhaps afew more minutes had been required to look presentable.
“Had any revelations yet?” she asked, the wolfish grin evenmore intense than earlier.
“Hmm,” she murmured, picking up a tray and starting on thetables. As she came to the corner booth, another flash over took her…
The Saviour and herpirate were seated closely in the booth, his arm around her shoulder, her headrested on him. The picture of happiness.
Until Granny Lucas,proprietor of this establishment decided to join the party.
“Move over pirate,”she had said, shuffling herself in as close as she could. Another tumbler ofrum was in her hand – possibly not the second one either – and the amber liquidsloshed dangerously as she moved.
“Cap’n,” she hadslurred (yes, definitely slurred) draping an arm around his shoulder. “Youknow, I didn’t like you when you first got here. Didn’t like you at all.Pirate. But you’re all right.”
There was definitelybarely concealed laughter from the Saviour, her face buried in the pirate’sneck.
“You’re a strikingman, too. Mr Lucas was a striking man. Not as handsome as you, perhaps. Youhave lovely eyes, Cap’n. Doesn’t he have lovely eyes, Emma?”
She had looked deeplyin his eyes then, as the Saviour gave up her attempt to hide her laughter.
Oh Gods, she had tried to engage Emma in a conversationabout her boyfriend’s eyes. She would never be able to look at the Saviour inquite the same way again…
“Oh yeah, that was the scene of a particularly specialmoment,” Ruby whispered from across the room, well aware her Grandmother wouldhear it.
Ruby had made her a cup of coffee and taken pity on herpounding head. She sat at the counter, head in hands as she tried to establisha method of coping with the potential embarrassment. The room was back in somesemblance of order and Ruby turned the sign on the door to ‘Open’ inpreparation for the day. She lived in hope that the other residents ofStorybrooke were feeling as hungover as she was.
The jangle of bells (who had THAT bright idea?) proved theywere not.
Another whispered remark from her granddaughter reached herears. “Oh look, it’s your new boyfriend.” Ruby’s laughter echoed through the diner asone final memory seared itself into her brain.
The tumblers of rumwere definitely getting fuller and harder to hold on to. The people weredispersing, the celebration over although she herself was more than prepared tokeep going for some hours yet. The jukebox was playing 80s power ballads andshe was thinking about a dance. All she needed was a partner…
Emma and Killian had cometowards her, all smiles, arms around each other as if they would never againlet go.
“Come for a dance, Cap’nHandsome?” she had called. “Emma won’t mind, will you?” The Saviour was quickto shake her head, indicating to her pirate to go right ahead.
She had seen heropportunity and attempted to seize his hand and pull him into a twirl.
“Perhaps another time,milady,” he had replied with a mischievous wink. “Swan here has had quite theordeal and it is time for her to be home in her bed, I believe. Many thanks foryour hospitality, yet again.”
She held her arms out,first to Emma, who hugged her quickly and softly suggested she get some sleep.As if she needed it. Then it was the pirate’s turn. She had folded her armsaround his middle, holding him tightly. Herhands had had a mind of their own…
Oh lord, she had squeezed his…
And now he stood at the counter, wide grin on his face,chatting to Ruby as if nothing had happened. She had never felt such embarrassmentin all her life. They had developed a special friendship in the time he hadlived here and now her wandering, drunken hands had ended it.
“Good morning, milady.” His voice cut through the silence ashe appeared beside her. “I do hope you are not feeling the after effects of atruly excellent evening too badly this morning.”
She shook her head quickly (a mistake if ever there wasone), barely able to make eye contact and certainly unable to speak.
“One strange thing,” he continued. “I must have partaken inmore rum than I imagined, as I find myself unable to recall many of the eventsof last night. The sign of an excellent night out, I believe!”
She looked up and saw him smiling kindly at her, a smile shereturned weakly, appreciating the public gesture of this man who had become sodear to her.
He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Theaccompanying words were meant only for her, the softest of whispers in anattempt to avoid Ruby’s overhearing.
“If not for Swan, milady, you would be just my type. I likea firm hand.”
And with that, he winked at her, collected the takeoutcoffees Ruby had placed on the counter and headed out the door without a backwardsglance.
I love the fact that you inspire silliness in me Lovely Mutton! Most of my best silly comes from you.
Tagging a couple of fellow Captain Crossbowers hellomommanerd and capaldisrighteyebrow just in case!
