phiralovesloki requested: Eating in the same diner every morning and the waitress ALWAYS mixes up our orders so why don’t we just sit at the same table to save her the trouble.
I hope you like it love!
Best Served
“Here you go, hot chocolate with whipped cream and pancakes, Enjoy!”
Killian Jones sighed in exasperation as he ran his hand through his hair. It was the fifth time in the last two weeks that his order had been mistaken. He knew the brunette waitress was a little air headed, but she was not incapable of doing her job.
From the other side of the counter, he heard the same exasperated sigh he’d just released and shifted in his stool. Yeap, it seemed the blonde with green eyes had been the victim of the mishap again. It had been always her that got his order and each time they’d shared a smile or a frustrated sigh and exchanged the plates. Each time he noticed a new freckle on her face, a new gold flicker on her green eyes, or a new curl on her blonde hair.
She lifted her head and her eyes connected with him. He shrugged pointing to his plate and she shook her head in disbelief. He made a quick decision in that very instant as he grabbed the plate and the mug and headed her way.
“I believe you got the tea and the ham and cheese triple egg omelette?” He asked as his eyes scanned her plate and mug.
“And you got the hot chocolate and pancakes?”
“Whipped cream included. I think it’s only missing the cinnamon.”
“You’ve noticed.” She said impressed.
“I’m quite perceptive, love.” He tilted his head to point at the vacant stool next to hers. “Is this seat taken?”
“It appears it is now…” She said smiling.
He grinned and sat down, carefully setting the plate and mug on the counter. They swiftly changed orders.
“You know…” He said, taking a sip of his black tea, “If we are going to exchange orders, might as well know our names, don’t you think?” He smiled, “I’m Killian Jones.”
“Emma Swan.” She replied as she sprinkled cinnamon on her drink before taking a sip. A little of the cream got in her nose and he looked mesmerized at her.
“You got a little- here” He said before his fingers reached to remove the cream from her nose. His eyes connected with hers and suddenly time froze and he was drowning in her eyes and he couldn’t, wouldn’t, tear away from her gaze, his fingers still lingering near her face. She fluttered her eyelashes and that seemed to bring him out of his daze. He cleared his throat before removing his hand and reaching for his omelette.
“Thanks…” She whispered and he briefly nodded.
They stood there, eating in comfortable silence. At the end of their breakfast, she placed a couple of notes on the counter and stood to leave. He didn’t know what compelled him to do it, but his hand reached to stop her before she left.
“Emma…” He said, trying to hide the nervousness in his voice, “since this seems to be a recurrent event, what do you say if I – if we…” he scratched behind his ear and she gave him a sweet smile that encouraged him to continue…. “Perhaps it would be best if we share a table next time… that would ensure us at least getting our order on the same table, right?”
She hesitated for a brief second before she nodded. “Second booth to the left? Tomorrow at 8?” She asked.
“Aye.”
(She sat opposite him the first day.
He paid for her breakfast the second day.
She arrived first and ordered for him on the third day.
She reached to graze her lips on his cheek as a goodbye on the fourth day.
He pulled her to him and kissed her softly as a goodbye on the fifth day. She reciprocated.
She sat on the same side of the booth as he on the sixth day.
They entered the diner holding hands on the seventh day.)
(“See?” Granny said to Ruby that day, her hand motioning towards Killian and Emma enraptured with each other. “I told you it was worth it mixing their orders”. Ruby smiled at her grandmother’s matchmaking skills.)
ligeiia requested “You broke into my apartment drunk thinking it was your friend’s house and I should call the cops but my cat kinda likes you so we’re good” AU
For Laura, la loca mas linda de todas. I took a couple of liberties with this one… but you know me, I always do.
Drunk and disorderly
Late night insomnia had been a regular companion in his life for the past few years. Ever since the accident, the phantom pain and the memories would sometimes keep him up at night. So he laid there in his couch, watching some mindless program on the television, while Scoundrel would snuggle on his chest, softly snoring and purring. It wasn’t sleep, but at least he could relax into the soft fur of the animal and find some resemblance of rest.
Until he heard the sounds of someone maneuvering his door. Scoundrel quickly jumped to the floor and Killian stood up hastily, his eyes searching for an appropriate object a one-handed man could use to defend himself if needed. There wasn’t much, unless the hooks on the sailing themed ornament hanging on his wall were actually sharp. The irony of a grown 21st century man with a missing hand waving a hook around was not lost on him.
Before he had any more time to dwell on such things, his door opened and he watched confused as a blonde stumbled in like she owned the place. She was wearing a short black skirt, a red blouse and impressive high heels. She quickly shut down the door and rested her forehead on the wood, her back to him. He tried to avoid it, he did, but he couldn’t help the way his head tilted on its own accord and he admired her long legs and delectable arse.
It might have only been a few seconds, but he finally came to his senses and cleared his throat.
The blonde by the door sighed, “I know, I’m sorry. This is the last time I hear Ruby. I drank too many shots and I couldn’t remember my address, so I gave them yours.” She slurred a little half of the words as she turned around. And then she took one look at him and froze.
“You’re not Mary Margaret.” She said.
“Clearly.” He replied slightly amused.
“Why are you on Mary Margaret’s apartment?” She inquired in a demanding tone and he cocked his eyebrow at her. But before he was able to reply, Scoundrel had trotted towards her and was rubbing himself against her legs.
Emma jumped startled before she looked down, “Hey, buddy!” she said before she bent down to observe the cat, “He’s cute”, she softly caressed Scoundrel, and the bloody animal purred and leaned his head to her touch, “When did Mary Margaret get a cat?”
“Love, perhaps it’s time for you to realize that this is not Mary Margaret’s apartment. And if you are referring to the Mary Margaret that has short dark hair and fair eyes, then you missed her place by a floor.” He said smirking.
Blondie’s (yes, that was what he was calling her in his mind) eyes widened in astonishment before a lovely shade of red tinted her cheeks.
“Shit, I am so sorry! I can’t believe I miscounted the floors… my legs were killing me on this damn heels and I’ve drank a little too much… please don’t call the police on me.” She pleaded.
“I won’t,” He said, taking a hesitant step towards her and his cat, who was still rubbing against her with clear devotion, “although it would be interesting to know how you actually unlocked my door.”
Blondie’s flustered face and lower lip biting were the most endearing thing he’d seen in a long long time. He took another step in her direction and he slowly bent down to pick up his cat, “Let me claim back my lovely companion, although he seemed to have taken quite an admiration with you.”
She smiled sheepishly at him, and then her eyes wandered towards his arms and he could tell the moment she’d noticed his left stump, because her eyes widened in surprise. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and she lifted her gaze to his face.
“My apologies,” He said embarrassingly, “I wasn’t expecting company so I didn’t think of making myself presentable.”
“Oh my god, I am the worst person in the world.” She said, finally straightening up, her eyes wide with horror.
“I really don’t think…” He started but she was apparently on a rant.
“I broke into your apartment drunk late at night, I questioned you and now I’ve been staring blatantly at your missing hand, making you uncomfortable in your own house… I am the worst evil witch that has ever graced the earth.” She said quickly before she reached for the door. “I am going to go now and please pretend you never met me…”
She opened the door and he tried to stop her “Wait!” He said but she was already out of the door.
“At least tell me your name…” He whispered to himself.
/-/
He could have asked Mary Margaret about her. He’d thought about it many times during that week: just showing on her door and asking her about her friend. But he’d refrained, it almost seem like bad form to go inquire about the whereabouts of someone he’d seen for less than 5 minutes.
The knock on his door brought him out of his reverie. Scoundrel quickly darted to the door, and he made his way too. “Easy, lad. I’ll get there” He soothed him as he opened the door.
He stood there frozen for a second before his face broke into a huge grin. “Blondie…” He said.
She smiled sheepishly at him, a black box on her hands. “Hi…” She said, “I’ve come bearing an apology gift for my terrible behavior the other night. These are the best pastries in town. I hope you can forgive me…” She handed the package to him before she noticed the cat rubbing against her legs. “Hey, buddy” She said softly.
“Scoundrel.” He said and she looked confused at him, “That’s his name.” He explained.
She nodded and stood there, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m truly sorry.” She offered.
He shrugged, “It’s not a big deal, but... you know, you came here late at night, charmed a lad with your enticing beauty, and soft hands’ caresses and then you don’t call, you don’t write. Scoundrel has feelings you know? We didn’t even know your name…” He finished with a smirk.
She rolled her eyes before smiling at him. “Emma.”
“Nice to meet you, Emma. I’m Killian”
“So… are we ok?” She asked
He tilted his head, “I’m not sure, Scoundrel spent all week waiting by the door for you…”
“He did?” She asked in a flirty voice.
“Aye, he did.” He replied with a soft smile.
“How can I make it up to him?”
“Well, you could, perhaps, let his owner take you to dinner?” He asked softly.
“I think that can be arranged.”
/-/
Mary Margaret knocked on Killian’s door the morning after their date. Killian opened the door slightly ajar, a small smile on his face.
“Mary Margaret, hi, what can I do for you?” He asked.
“I wanted to know how things went last night. I’m trying to call Emma but she’s not answering…”
“It went well,” Killian replied shortly, still not opening the door.
“Killian is everything ok? Did Emma say something? She can be a little prickly sometimes but she has a good heart,” Mary Margaret started but Killian interrupted.
“Really, it went well…”
“Why aren’t you opening the door?”
“I – I’m not decent…” Killian said nervously.
“At 10 am in the morning?!?” Mary Margaret asked
A voice came from the apartment, “Oh for crying out loud, let her in, she’s relentless,”
Killian gave Mary Margaret a sheepish smile as he opened the door and Mary Margaret witnessed Emma standing close to Killian, wearing only a man’s shirt, Scoundrel on her arms.
“As you can see, milady, the date hasn’t quite ended yet…” Killian said biting his lower lip.
“Oh… I’m so sorry, I – I’ll leave now.” Mary Margaret said before she turned around to give Emma a beaming smile “Would you make it to tonight’s dinner, Emma?”
Emma bit her lower lip as she looked at Killian, “I don’t know, I might or I might not… it depends on how my date goes.” She shrugged.
“He’s more than welcomed to join us.” Mary Margaret said, her eyes darting to Killian’s genuine smile.
“I’ll ask him and let you know,” Emma said smiling. “Now leave.”
Killian closed the door and turned around to look at Emma.
“Do you think Scoundrel’s owner would be interested in having dinner with my very nosy friends tonight?” She asked.
“I think he’d love to.” Killian offered, cocking an eyebrow at her before reaching to pull her into a kiss.
a violinist who only plays classical music and a metal guitarist dislike each other’s preferred genre but have to perform a duet au requested by watchmechooseyou
Also, dedicated to the wonderful captain-k-jones who needed some cheer up
This is M-(ish)… a few more daring descriptions on this one (blame the beer).
Bohemian Rhapsody
It had been the glasses. And that tight bun on her hair. There was no other reason to explain the situation he was finding himself in. Which was not an unpleasant one, by all means. Quite the opposite.
He’d groaned in frustration when he had been assigned to perform their end of the year duet with Emma Swan. Emma - bloody classical violinist –Swan; who took one look at him and sneered with contempt.
And then he knocked on her door that evening and she answered wearing a knee length pencil skirt, white shirt, black cardigan, hair in tight bun and those god damn black rimmed glasses.
He hadn’t been in her apartment for more than ten minutes when they were already fighting about what they were going to perform. There had been snarky comments, condescending tones, arched eyebrows (on both sides), smug smirks (on his side) and eye rolls (on hers). And all of the sudden there was kissing. Heavy kissing as he pinned her against the wall and proceeded to map the skin of her neck with this tongue and untie that bloody bun and watch her blonde hair cascading free. Her moans where enough to make any man’s blood rush downward and he’d been no exception.
They didn’t even make it to the bedroom the first time, and he took her fast and hard against the wall, his body connecting with hers until they both saw stars in the back of their eyes. And later, when she looked at him, skin flushed and hair mussed, but still wearing those damn glasses; he groaned again and lifted her in his arms to take her to the bed.
They never discussed the duet again that night or the next morning, but he left her apartment with his lips swollen and his hair a complete mess, a goofy grin plastered on his face.
It had been the necklace. And the unbuttoned shirt. There was no other explanation. She’d written off their previous encounter as a slip, product of clear artistic frustrations on both sides. She had been less than happy to be paired with Killian – fucking metal guitarist and I am gift from the sex gods attitude – Jones; and clearly she needed to work up that anger before focusing on the duet. But they had done that and she was ready to move on and be professional.
Or that was what she thought until he’d answered the door of his apartment with his shirt half buttoned, all that chest hair she’d gotten acquainted with the previous time in sight and that charmed necklace. And it only took one smug smirk from him and she had grabbed that damn necklace and pulled him to her in a fierce kiss. Soon they had collapsed on the on the couch, kissing fiercely as she straddled him and her hips ground against his.
They had at least made it to his bedroom this time. At least for the first time. The shower was a different story.
They agreed to meet on neutral ground the third time, and when he walked in on the rehearsal room she was playing her violin, the tune unknown to him but quite appealing.
She stopped when she noticed him.
“Don’t stop,” He said, “I quite liked it. Who is the composer?” He added as he took his guitar from his case and plugged it in.
She blushed and averted her eyes.
“Swan, did you write that?” He asked marveled. She nodded hesitantly and he smiled genuinely at her. “Play it again…” He asked. “I have an idea.”
She started to play again and he listened for a few musical compasses before jumping in and improvising with his guitar, his own creativity mixing with hers in perfect harmony. They both looked at each other shockingly by the time they were finished.
“Quick! Write that down!” She said and he rushed to grab a pen and ruled paper and hastily scribbled down the notes of the melody.
“We should really work on this for the duet, Emma.” He said. “What do you say we order some pizza and work on it? Your place or mine?”
She hesitated but he looked at her reassuringly, “Strictly business, I promise. Nothing but working on the music.”
They did work on the music for a few hours, sharing slices of pizza and beer while they worked together on complementing Emma’s original composition with Killian’s inspiration. He used his acoustic guitar to play softly some of the notes but at some point, his fingers ended up playing her body into a perfect tune that had her screaming against his lips. Again. And again.
And it finally became a routine, long hours of the evening and the night working in their duet, finding that they could bring the best of each other’s talent before they inevitably finished their duet in bed. Or the couch. The shower. And his kitchen counter one time or two.
He looked nervous when he answered the door a week before the performance and she looked at him questioningly.
“I – I got you something.” He said, scratching the back of his head. “You don’t have to use it, but I thought perhaps you’d like to. And if that is the case, then you needed it before the performance.”
She looked at him intrigued as he went to his bedroom and came back and handed her a package.
“Open it…” He whispered.
She tore the paper apart and her heart stopped at the sight of a modern black electrical violin.
“The shape almost looks like a Swan.” He said. “It reminded me of you.” He looked at her, his blue eyes boring into hers. “You don’t have to play it for the duet if you are not comfortable… I just wanted you to have it.”
She threw herself into his arms, kissing him fiercely and she carefully placed the violin in the counter before merging her body to his in a tight embrace.
At some point in the night, she finally played the new violin for the first time. For him. Naked. In his bed. (He doesn’t think he’ll ever forget that image. Nor he wants to.)
He adjusted his black tie and flattened his pristine black suit jacket the day of the performance. He hadn’t told her, but he wanted to impress her and he dressed as any member of a classical orchestra would dress. He wanted everything to be perfect for the duet.
His jaw dropped when he saw her show up in a short black and grey plaid skirt, thick black pantyhose, combat boots and a white shirt tied with a knot at her belly button. The black electrical violin he’d given her resting on her hands.
She looked at him surprised as well, before giving him the brightest smile he’d ever seen.
They rocked the duet, literally and metaphorically speaking, and as the crowd was given them a standing ovation, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. He rested his forehead against hers, breathing her in.
“Promise me we’ll never stop playing with each other…” He asked, his nuzzling his nose with hers.
yo-itsjo requested “One is a hockey player and the other a figure skater fighting over who has the ice rink for the afternoon.”
A/N: I have got on an ice rink like once in my entire life. All the praises to zengoalie for helping me with this one. (and I took some liberties)
Pair Spin
Emma Swan finished one of her spins and looked up, a small smile on her face. It’s been months since her injury and she still had a long way to go into her recovery until she was at competition level again; but it was the first time she’d been able to do those movements in weeks and she was happy. She heard the sound of hands clapping and rolled her eyes before looking at the benches where the dark haired hockey coach was bowing at her.
“You finally got the hang of it, Swan!” He yelled at her.
“Shut up, Killian!” She spat back, her eyes checking the clock on the wall to verify that her time was up and that she needed to clear the ice for his team’s practice. “I’ll get off now…”
She skated towards the nearest exit and it took him less than a minute to skate right next to her.
“You are doing better, Swan.” He complimented her sincerely and she lifted her eyes from her skates to find his glinting blue eyes. She smiled shyly at him and he scratched behind his ear. “Too bad you make a mess out of my ice, love.” He smirked, his eyebrows raising as he skated backwards towards his players, his eyes still on her.
/-/
She looked at the clock on the wall, the minutes ticking marking that her time on the ice was about to start, yet Killian was still crouched in the middle of the ice, talking to one of the kids he was coaching. It would have been cute if she didn’t have to worry that he’d take more time to clear the rink than what he had left. Ok. Perhaps it was still cute. In that ovary burst kind of way.
“Sorry…” He said as he skated towards her, hair disheveled and cheeks slightly flushed. “He’s having a rough time at home and he’s putting a lot of pressure on himself. I – I just needed a moment back there.” He scratched behind his ear, “You can take extra time at the end of your allotted hour to make up for it. I’ll manage on my next practice.”
“Thank you,” She said as she stepped into the ice and he watched her skate, her figure long and graceful as the name she carried.
He smiled to himself before heading for the bench and taking the time between practices to help some of the kids tape their sticks.
She could feel his eyes on her as he busied himself with the next group of kids, buckling up the helmets, checking that the pads on the goalie where on the correct legs and tying skate laces. And she knew it shouldn’t have any effect on her, but it did. Knowing that he was looking, that he was paying attention to her routine and her movements, it motivated her to do just a little more, to push herself a little more. But it was only so she could see him scoff at her in annoyance at the state of the ice once she was done. Yes. It was only for that.
/-/
Emma was losing her patience. Scratch that. She had lost her patience. Completely.
She was finally ready to start pair skating and her partner was terrible. Ok. Maybe not terrible per se, but Eric was clearly not at the level she used to be. And there was no one else so she was stuck with the guy. He was a really nice guy, and her girlfriend made the best crab cakes in the state; but Emma was not convinced.
She’d been injured before, she was barely coming out of it. She couldn’t risk a bad fall and get another injury. She was not going to come back from it.
Killian watched Emma skate with her partner from his place on the benches and he could feel the insecurity in her movements. Eric was not bad, but he clearly needed a little more coaching than what he was getting from Emma. His head perked up attentively as he saw them approaching a certain part of the routine, apprehension invading his body. And then he watched her bail at the last minute on the movement and his heart skipped a beat.
He watched her skate around, clearly frustrated with the situation and a thought came to him. “Bloody Hell…” He whispered to himself.
“Swan!” He yelled at her. “Don’t do anything else… give me 10 min, I’ll be right there.”
“What?!?” Emma asked confused.
“10 minutes!!”
Ten minutes later, Emma looked baffled at Killian Jones skating elegantly his way towards her. But he wasn’t wearing hockey stakes, he was on figure skates.
“How did you…” She started but he cut her off by skating around her and giving her a devilishly smirk before turning to Eric.
“Pay attention, lad.” He said gently but with confidence. “We will show you how to do it. It’s not so hard, you just have to feel the moment…” He turned around and tilted his head, smiling at her and extending his hand. “Now, Swan, if you’d be so kind…”
“You want me to skate with you?!?” She asked, her face a mix of surprise and terror. “A death spiral?!”
He skated until he was inches from her, invading her personal space. “Try something new, darling. It’s called trust.” He grabbed her hand and held it firmly. “I won’t let you fall, Swan.” He whispered fervently and her breath caught in her throat before she bit her lip and nodded at him. He skated away. “Let’s pick it up from a few movements prior in your routine, shall we?” He said and he raised an eyebrow at her confusion, “I’ve seen you do this routine for weeks, love, of course I know it.”
She should have been scared, but it didn’t happen. Not for a single moment as she skated with him and he spun her around; his arms and strength and confidence making her feel safe in a way she hadn’t felt in or outside of the ice. In a long time.
And when he pulled her to him at the end of the movement, she let herself fall into his arms, lingering there a little longer than needed.
He cleared his throat as he pulled away from her and turned his attention to Eric. “You can do it, mate. Just have confidence.” He smiled before skating away.
She followed him towards the exit of the rink. “Skate with me.” She asked but Killian shook his head, smiling at her.
“You need someone for competitions. And there’s no bloody way in hell that I’ll compete, Swan. I like what I do, and that is coaching.” He spoke softly, tentatively “I could, however, give you some advice on how to successfully train that poor sod you have as partner.” He finished smirking at her. “I’ve coached for years, love. I have more experience than you.”
She gave him a sideways smile. “I guess I could listen to what you have to say.”
He beamed at her, “Brilliant. Dinner tonight? I’ll pick you up at 8.”
She shrugged, “Why not?”
Later that night, as he was kissing her senseless, his body pressing hers against her door in a way they both have dreamt of doing for months, he knew he’d definitely skate with her again. And again. Just not for competitions.
startswithhope requested #2. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks and you made a heart with the foam and I decided to drink it here so I can smile at you some more.
Dee, I took a couple of liberties with this story, but I hope you like it!
Latte Art
“Killian, latte on a cappuccino cup, to drink here. They specifically requested not to have a Styrofoam cup…” He heard Belle spoke the order and he smiled as he faced the espresso machine. Yes. Finally a kind soul had given him the chance he most desperately needed to practice his latte art skills. The world championship might still be a few months away, but Killian knew that practice made perfection. His eyebrows burrowed in concentration as he set it all up, frothing the milk to the perfect point, carefully constructing the image on the cup.
He smiled in satisfaction at the concentric heart design as he placed the cup on the tray and slowly turned around to deliver the order.
And then he almost dropped his perfect masterpiece as he lost himself in the most beautiful green eyes he’d ever seen.
The blonde girl smiled at him and Killian broke out of his daze, shaking his head and carefully placing the tray in front of her.
“Enjoy your coffee, love.” He whispered in a soft voice, smiling shyly at her and scratching behind his ear.
Emma reached for her tray and she froze at the beautiful heart drawing on her latte. She lifted his head to look at the dark haired, blue eyed barista, but he’d already turned back to the espresso machine; his face showing the signs of deep concentration as he prepared the next order.
She smiled to herself as she headed to one of the tables and reached for her book.
/-/
He recognized her the next time she walked in and he smiled softly at the sight of the blonde curls and green eyes. Their eyes found each other, lingering for a brief moment before the ringing of her phone startled her.
“Emma Swan…” He heard her say as she approached Belle and placed her order.
His back to her, he smiled to himself when she requested a latte in a cappuccino cup; to drink on the cafe. His hand reached for the steam wand as he started to carefully prepare her coffee.
She couldn’t stop the gasp that left her lips at the sight of the beautiful swan that garnished her coffee.
“I hope you enjoy your coffee, love.” He smiled at her, tilting his head.
“This is beautiful, it makes not want to drink my coffee… I don’t want to ruin it.” She said biting her lower lip.
His eyes met hers, deep cobalt blue staring at her intensely, before he smirked and spoke in a lilting accent.
“It’s meant to be ephemeral, love. And don’t worry, I’ll be here to make you another should you find yourself missing this one.” He smirked at her. “Just ask for Killian.”
“Thank you, Killian.” She smiled back. “I’m Emma.”
“Nice to meet you, Emma.” He said, his eyes lingering for one more second before he turned around to focus on his next order.
/-/
She carefully grabbed the tray and walked towards the counter, where he was busy cleaning the espresso machine.
“Can I leave this with you?” She asked hesitantly.
“Sure,” He said as he turned around and threw the rag over his shoulder. “How was the coffee?” He inquired nervously.
“It was perfect.” She smiled at him.
“Glad to hear that.” He bowed at her.
She rolled her eyes before giving him a small smile, “Thank you, Killian.”
“You’re welcome, Emma.” He whispered as he watched her leave; sighing as he reached for the tray.
He smirked as he grabbed the napkin in it, scribbled down with a phone number and two words in it.
Call me.
(He remember being nervous that year during the competition, so nervous that his hands were almost shaking as he did his thing. But nothing compared with how much his hands shook when he wrote Will you marry me in her coffee that morning almost a year later.)
onceuponaprincessworld requested #48. I’m calling to cancel our date because I’m actually in the ER right now, sorry. …I mean, sure, I guess you can come down here, but… okay…
Lean on me
Hi, this is Emma, I know we were supposed to meet today but I have to cancel our date.
Is everything ok, lass?
Emma looked at the text on her phone as she bit her lower lip, pondering her choices. She couldn’t go out today but she didn’t want to blow him off. Ruby had insisted he was a nice guy and he seemed nice by the messages they’ve exchanged. And the one phone call where she learned he had a sexy accent. A really sexy one. She sighed.
Everything is fine-ish. I just fell and sprained my ankle so I came to have it checked. I need to wait for the x rays and all that… so I won’t make it time for our date.
Do you need anything? Which hospital are you? I’ll come get you.
No, really, is fine. I can manage.
Darling, you’ve sprained your ankle… you cannot manage. Which hospital?
Boston Central.
I’ll be there in 20 minutes
Really, it’s not necessary.
20. Minutes.
OK.
She put the phone down and sighed as she took inventory of her loose old jeans, wrinkled shirt and messy hair.
(No, she did not try to comb her hair into a respectable shape. It was impossible anyway.)
She was texting her work to let them know she’d need a few days off when she heard someone clearing their throat. She lifted her head to encounter the most beautiful blue eyes she’d seen in her life. That were currently in the face of a very handsome dark haired men. He smiled at her.
“Emma? It’s Killian. Killian Jones…” He said in that sexy voice she’d heard on the phone.
“Hi. Emma Swan.” Was all she managed to say.
“Are you ok? How are you feeling?” He asked concerned as he approached her.
“I’m fine, just sore. It hurts a little.” She said and he raised an eyebrow at her. “Ok, it hurts like hell.” She admitted and he smiled at her. It was only then that he seemed to remember what he was carrying.
“These are for you.” He said as he handed her a bouquet of red roses and a Styrofoam cup.
“You shouldn’t have…” Emma said nervously as she grabbed the cup. He promptly took the flowers again and left them on the side table. She took a sip of the cup and tasted the hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon.
“How did you know?” She asked marveled.
He smirked, tilting his head. “I texted Ruby. She gave me some advice. Now…” He said as he sat next to her by the bed. “Do you prefer a game of cards or a crossword to pass the time?”
She smiled at him. “Let’s try the crossword.”
Forty five minutes later, after a lot of laughter but little actual words in the paper, the doctor came back to discharge her, encouraging her not to put much weight on her ankle and handing her a pair of crutches.
“There is no way I am using those.” Emma said crossing her arms as the doctor left.
“No problem. I can always carry you to my car.” Killian said. “It’s not that far…”
“Your car?”
“I’m taking you home. What did you expect, Swan?” He replied slightly annoyed by her question.
She smiled as she grabbed the crutches. “You can’t carry me all the way.” She retorted.
As they arrived to her building, the front steps proved to be a problem. He smiled at her and he handed her the flowers and helped her grab the crutches before he lifted her and carried her. She couldn’t help but laugh as he put her down softly at the door, her body swaying towards him.
“Thank you, Killian…” She smiled at him.
“Well, it might not have been the most conventional first date, but I had a great time, Emma.” He said softly as his hand tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You think you’d be interested in a second date once you can walk again?” He asked hesitantly.
She bit her lower lip, “I don’t think I can wait that long.” She leaned in and brush her lips to his and he reciprocated the kiss immediately.
“Call me tomorrow?” She asked as she pulled away from him.
“Aye, I will.” He replied before he captured her lips in a second kiss.
The new handyman’s hot so I’m gonna keep breaking stuff
a special thanks to brooke-to-broch for helping me figure out house appliances in the US!
Breaking Bad
“Emma, you have a blown fuse or something, cause there is no power in here.” Ruby announced as Emma entered her house and found her friend perched on her couch, flipping a magazine.
“Great! Just what I needed.” Emma sighed before grabbing her phone and typing a quick text. “I’ll let Killian know.”
“Killian?” Ruby asked.
“New landlord. He moved in recently from England for grad school and he’s the one in charge to fix stuff now…” Emma said as she went to grab a glass of water.
Ten minutes later, her power was back and five minutes after that, there was a knock on her door. She went to open and Ruby peered to see a handsome dark haired guy smiling at Emma.
“All set, Swan?” He asked politely.
“Yeah, thank you, Killian.” Emma smiled. “Good luck with your paper, is due tonight isn’t it?”
“Aye.”
“Sorry to have interrupted you.” She said and he waved his hand dismissively.
“It’s finished and I am always here to provide dashing rescues to fair lasses.” He smirked at her and she rolled her eyes at him, scoffing. “See you later, Swan.” He bowed his head slightly before turning around and leaving.
“That’s your new landlord?” Ruby asked and Emma looked at her scornfully.
“Ruby, behave.” Emma warned and Ruby nodded.
/-/
Her garbage disposal broke the next week and it took Killian two hours to fix it.
“How did this happen?” Emma said embarrassed. “I swear that I am not a pig, I do clean this regularly.”
“It’s OK, Swan.” He grunted from underneath the sink. “These things happen. How is work by the way? Did you catch the guy the other night?”
“Yes, I did.” She told him proudly. “He was so busy looking at my cleavage that he did not see the handcuffs coming.”
“Well, you cut quite the figure on that red dress, love.” He said as he finally got up, cleaning his hands with a rag.
She blushed light. “Thank you…”
“You’re welcome, Emma.” He said, scratching behind his ear sheepishly.
/-/
“What do you think it might be?” She asked as he examined the shutters.
“I think it’s stuck… perhaps one of the lads pulled a prank on you.” Killian said biting his lower lip. “It will take me a while to pull this apart to fix it, though.”
“I was going to order some pizza anyway…” She shrugged. “I’ll get a large one and treat you to dinner.”
“You’re too kind, Emma.” He said as he pulled a screwdriver from his toolbox.
“It’s the least I can do.”
/-/
“I’m jinxed. Someone cast a curse on me.”
“Swan, don’t be melodramatic… things break, it’s not a big deal.” He said as he looked into her water heater. He turned around and pulled his keys from his pocket. “If you need a hot shower, feel free to use mine, love. I know you have to work tonight.”
“Really?”
He gave her a small smile. “Go. I’ll stay here and have this fixed by the time you get back.”
“Thank you, Killian. You are my savior.” She smiled at him.
“Don’t mention it, Emma. Just be careful tonight.” He said worryingly.
“I will.”
/-/
Emma met Ruby after catching her skip that night.
“So, how are things with Killian?” Ruby asked.
“What do you mean?” Emma looked at her confused and Ruby sighed.
“Emma, I am running out of things to break in your house… can you please make a move?” Ruby scoffed at her.
“It was you?!? How could you?” Emma said outraged.
“Emma, he’s single, gorgeous and nice. And he looks at you with adoring eyes. Or do you really think landlords actually spend hours fixing a stuck shutter?!?” Ruby gave her a wolfish grin. “Make a move.”
/-/
Emma knocked on his door nervously that night. He opened the door in jeans and shirt and he leaned on the doorframe.
“It’s fixed, lass. You’ll have hot water from now on.”
“Thanks.” She said.
“Did you catch the guy?” He asked, his head tilting.
“Yeap.” She said. “And I got a drink with Ruby… I – I” She started.
“Swan, is everything ok?” He asked concerned.
She sighed and averted her gaze. “It was Ruby. She’s been breaking the stuff in my house so you have to come fix it. She- she got this insane idea that you and I…”
“That you and I what?” He asked, lowering his head until he met her eyes. His gaze was kind and curious.
“She was trying to get us together.” She said blushing.
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry, Killian. You’ve wasted a lot of time… I just – I am sorry.” She said before turning around and walking away, too embarrassed to face him.
“Emma…” He said as he went to her, grabbing her arm and turning her so she was facing him. He looked at her for a moment before clearing his throat nervously. “Would you – er – would you be interested?”
“In what?” She asked confused.
“Getting together.” He said, a faint blush coming to his cheeks and he averted his eyes.
She leaned in and press her kiss softly to kiss. “Perhaps.” She whispered before going back to her apartment.
(She texted him fifteen minutes later that her bathroom sink was leaking.)
I asked hook-come-back-to-me back in the day to write this prompt for me. And she did a beautiful piece! And later on, we exchanged messages about how I’d picture this prompt and she told me I had to write it... so here it is!
43. “You’re a celebrity and I’m a paparazzo, sorry friend can I take pictures of you to pay my rent next month??”
Scoop
Emma Swan took her head out and peered around. The parking lot was deserted. She couldn’t believe she was going to be able to actually have a coffee run without encountering the paparazzi. She loved being an actress and she was thrilled and thankful about her successful career, but sometimes she missed her privacy.
She quickly exited the café and adjusted her sunglasses as she made way to the car. She had almost reached it when she heard the click of a camera. But then a voice spoke behind her. “Coast is clear, Swan.”
She sighed in relief before turning around and facing the dark haired photographer that was smirking at her. “What did you do this time, Jones?” She asked smiling at him.
“I told them you were going through the back door and into the bookstore nearby.” He spoke walking towards her, his lilting voice carrying softly in the air. “And they all took off in that direction.”
She nodded at him. “Thank you, Killian.”
“There’s nothing to be thankful for, Emma. You should be able to have a coffee in peace, love.” He said sheepishly and motioned to her car. “You should hurry in case they come back this way. I’ll walk you.” He offered and she started walking next to him, nudging her shoulder with his.
They’ve known each other for years. Ever since sophomore year in college, when her roommate Mary Margaret started dating his roommate David and somehow they ended up intertwined in each other’s lives. She was majoring in drama, he was into art photography. And while her career took off quickly, his didn’t. He had talent, Emma knew it. She’d seen some of his works at school. But a constant need to pay the bills had driven him to take a few of these blasted jobs (as he called them) and between that and some other gigs he might get, he barely had time to devote to his true passion.
“How’s everything?” She asked eagerly as she sipped her coffee.
“Same as usual, scrapping by.” He shrugged. She stopped in her tracks and he was forced to stop and turn to her, sighing. “It’s fine, Emma. We are approaching red carpet season, I’ll be able to get some good pictures to sell then.”
“But that is hours and hours of photographic stakeout…” She said. “It’ll take time away from your art.”
He smiled sadly at her. “Perhaps it’s time for me to face that this is what my life is going to be, Swan. It’s not the end of the world.” He replied, resignation and almost defeat in his voice.
“No.” She said fervently. He couldn’t give up. She was not going to let him. “No, you can’t give up.” She smiled mischievously at him. “Take some pics of me, now.”
“What?!?” He asked between surprised and offended. “No, love. I won’t do that to you…”
“I am asking you to do it. They never get me on candid shots like this, and it’s mostly thanks to the fact that you alert me about where they are and tip them in the other direction if needed. I know pics of me are highly demanded.” She smirked at him. “This will help you buy some time for your art.”
He sighed, shaking his head. “Swan… I can’t.”
She looked at him with pleading eyes as she rested her hand on his arm, “Let me do it…”
He finally nodded. “I owe you, Swan.”
“No, you don’t. We’re friends. We have each other’s backs.” She replied as she purposely disheveled her hair and took off her sunglasses. “Make sure you make me look awful. They’ll love it.”
“Like that is even possible… you’re bloody beautiful all the time, Emma.” The words were spoken softly, almost to himself as she was walking away from him to give the sense that he had caught her walking towards her car. But she heard them. And it was hard to hide the smile that crept in her face at the words.
/-/
She ran into him at a BBQ in Mary Margaret and David’s house weeks later. She’d seen the pictures plastered all over the tabloids and social media; and she had not seen him among the photographers during the red carpet season (not that she was looking for him per se, but he was a familiar face she used to focus her eyes on while posing for the cameras). She figured that he’d been able to sell the pictures for a good price.
He broke into a huge grin when he saw her coming and he spoke a few words to Will before leaving his friends, grabbing two beers and almost running towards her.
“Hey.” He said handing her a beer, his blue eyes dancing with something that almost resembled joy. “It’s great to see you.”
“Hey…” She replied, biting her lower lip. “It’s good to see you too. I’ve missed you on the red carpet.”
He chuckled as he took a sip of his beer. “I was able to skip that entire season, thanks to you.” He pointed at her, his eyebrows raising and she rolled her eyes at him.
“It wasn’t a big deal.” She deflected. “Tell me, what have you been up to?”
“Well, I took that time to finally put my portfolio together and visit a few galleries, introduced myself to some people…”
“And?” She asked eagerly.
His eyes shined brightly as he rocked back and forth on his heels. “And I’ll be showing my work in a gallery in a few weeks.”
“Killian! That is great!” She said, so excited about the news that she threw herself in his arms, catching him by surprise. He lost his balance for a second, taking a step back and giggling; before he stood firm and caught her in his arms, hugging her back.
“Thank you, Emma.” He whispered in her hair. She clung to him for a moment longer, before pulling back and smiling at him.
He walked her to her car at the end of the night. She reached to open the door when his voice stopped her.
“Emma.” He said and she turned around to face him, her back leaning against the car door. He looked at her, and gave her a small smile, “Would you come to the exhibition? I – I’d love for you to be there…” He trailed off, scratching behind his ear and averting his eyes.
She smiled softly at him. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything, Killian.”
He looked back at her, and his hand reached to tuck a stand of her hair behind her ear. “I wouldn’t have done it without you, Swan. Thank you, for not letting me give up.” He whispered, his eyes boring into hers.
An idea came to her. “Do you have your camera with you?” She asked.
“It’s on my satchel… Why?” He asked confused.
“Give it to me.” She said and put out her hand. He reached for his satchel and pulled his camera. She took it from his hands and quickly navigated the settings. Then she put the camera on the hood of her car and angled it towards them.
“Swan, what are you doing?” He asked tilting his head, confused.
She got closer to him and smiled almost shyly. “I’m thinking you need another scoop to buy you a few more weeks without having to work crazy paparazzi hours…”
And then she pulled him by the lapels of his jacket and kissed him, her lips pressing insistently against his. He froze for a second before his hand tangled in her hair and he was kissing her back, his head tilting as her mouth opened and her tongue danced with his, making them both dizzy. They were both barely aware of the flashlight going off.
When they finally came out for air, she looked at him. “You think it worked?” She asked him breathless.
He gave her an amused look, “I don’t bloody care about the picture… come here.” He said as he pulled her to him, kissing her unabashedly.
/-/
He noticed the paparazzi outside her house the next morning, and he walked casually towards them; hair disheveled and shirt slightly wrinkled. He stood there silently, as they all raved about trying to get the scoop on the mysterious stranger that had been spotted entering the house with her the night before.
And then she opened the gates of her house, a blonde vision in jeans and a black shirt, hair in a ponytail, no makeup, swollen lips and a red mark on her neck. He raised her eyebrows at her and she smiled dashingly as she made a beeline directly at him.
It was only then he noticed the camera on her hand and chuckled to himself.
“You forgot your camera…” She told him mischievously.
“Aye. It seems I did.” He replied biting his lower lip.
She rolled her eyes before getting on her tiptoes and kissing him.
“Have a nice day at work.” She said before turning around and going back to her house.
He was barely aware of the flashes that were capturing this moment, his eyes fixated on her back (and lower back) as she walked away. He grinned goofily.
