So @exuberant-infatuation sent me a lovely review for Today’s Memory a while back. They asked about the 10k worth of words that I mentioned got edited from the story and asked if I would post some of them. Much of what I have are alternate/extra scenes or extraneous details and dialogue that won’t make a ton of sense out of context. But I did find this scene that I quite liked and thought I would share. It slots into Chapter 8 when everyone is gathered at Granny’s and kid!Emma is freaking out about all the fairytale characters.
The little bell over the diner entrance tinkled and Killian glanced up catching sight of Tinkerbell. His grin broadened. He had sought out the fairy the night before and was only too pleased at her timing. He waved her over.
"Emma. There is someone I would like you to meet."
Killian lifted Emma from the booth and set her on the ground. He placed a hand on her shoulder and pointed to the fairy with his hook. Tinkerbell was dressed in her customary green, her blonde hair piled up in a loose bun, and a welcoming smile on her face.
"Tinkerbell!" Emma shouted jumping in place and causing more than a few heads to turn. Tinkerbell looked taken aback but smiled at Killian. She offered her hand as she crouched down to Emma’s eye level.
"Yes, and you must be Emma Swan."
"Oh. You know my name!" Emma just stared awestruck seemingly unable to say or do anything else. Killian had expected her to pepper the green fairy with questions and he stifled a chuckle at her reticence.
"Of course Hook here told me all about you."
"He did?"
"Aye, lass. Tinkerbell knows a lot about magic. I thought perhaps the two of you could talk or practice together."
"I don't think that's such a good idea." Charming cut into the conversation causing them all to turn. Killian was surprised to see a look of trepidation on the Prince's face. He frowned.
"But Daddy…" Emma began
"It's okay." Tinkerbell jumped in eager to curtail any family confrontation. "How about I tell you about living in Neverland instead?"
Emma eagerly nodded and followed Tinkerbell to an empty table. "Elsa. Come on." Emma pulled Elsa, who had been more interested in her food than the fairy, from her chair. As the girls settled in Killian turned to the prince and raised a questioning eyebrow.
"What was that about?" he asked.
Charming crossed his arms. "Emma's magic is very powerful. I don't think she should be playing around with it."
"David!" The shock in Snow's voice was mirrored on Killian's face.
"What! You can't tell me that her power isn't just a little bit scary."
"You only say that because she threw you across the room." Killian said with a snort.
Charming's indignant reply was lost as Anna spoke up. "Well of course it is scary. I mean they are just kids but they can do all this amazing stuff. And yeah they are good kids and you hope they always do good stuff but there can be accidents." The red head fingered the streak of white hair in her braid. "I kind of understand why my parents were scared. I mean they loved Elsa but I think they also feared her. But they shouldn't have been afraid. They should have done what Killian did. They should have supported her and reassured her. Their magic isn't going to disappear and if they fear it it will only become harder to control. So I think that you should be a bit afraid of Emma using magic but you have to be careful that you don’t shut her out at the same time. “
Anna let out a big sigh at the end of her speech and Killian saw Kristoff reach for her hand.
"Thank you Anna. I will keep that in mind." Charming said quietly.
I liked what Anna said (I may have moved it to somewhere else in the fic I don’t remember) and Emma fangirling over Tink but in the end it dragged the pacing down. Plus I thought it made David look a little alarmist.
I just finished Today’s Memory last night. It was exactly the kind of fluff I was looking for! I loved the way you wrote Killian interacting with the two little girls. #5 and #15 for the question thing ☺
So glad you liked it! It is a really fun and fluffy story. It’s my longest fanfic and I am quite proud of it.
5- What was the hardest part to write?
I think what gave me the most grief was Chapter 8. I wrestled with that chapter and insecurity about it for a very long time. I literally almost gave up writing the story at that point because I just thought it was horrible and WHY was I writing this fic anyway? That chapter was difficult because it was kind of a turning point for the fic. The tone shifted from “oh isn’t this silly” to “OH! This could actually be horrible”. But a lot of the issue was me being in my own head.
15- What did you learn from writing this fic?
I was surprised by the response to this fic. I think up to that point I was under the impression that stories with smut and lots of romance were the only ones that people were interested in reading. But this fic showed me that wasn’t true. That there was room for something outside the standard tropes or AU’s.
From a writing standpoint I learned a lot about writing children and parent dynamics (and that some people will disagree with how the characters parent). I think creating believable children is really hard and I enjoyed the challenge.
Thanks for the questions! Anyone else want to ask me writing questions?
Wait wait wait wait I'm so confused.... Is today's memory done? I thought 14 chapters were gonna be posted
Howdy and thanks for dropping by Nonnie. Sorry for the confusion! The main story is complete but there is going to be an epilogue and that is why I put 14 for the number of parts. The epilogue isn’t really part of the story but exists because of the events that happened in Today’s Memory so they go together. The epilogue (imho) is going to be very fluffy and sweet and probably not what people are expecting. So hopefully it will make up for any confusion over the ending!
So Today’s Memory is being translated into French! A reader contacted me and asked if she could translate it for her sister and put it up on ff.net for other French speakers. How cool is that? She credited me and is being nice enough to translate any reviews! The first chapter is up already! And you better believe I used Google translate to check it out!
It’s such a random thing but it just makes me grin thinking about it!
Idea from the prompt by missyousofaar to the Captain Swan Network.
During the Spell of Shattered Sight Emma and Elsa defeat the Snow Queen but are turned into children in the process. How does the town deal with two magically gifted little girls, especially when one develops a crush on a certain pirate? Also on ff.net. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 on Tumblr.
Thanks to venagrey for being my beta! Also shout out to canwefangirl for helping me rework the ending (some of those sentences are yours!)
Posting today as a little birthday present to spartanguard and sort of a late one for storycaptain (All y’all need to give me more prep time for your birthdays!) This is the technical “end” but there is an epilogue to come!
----
Killian stared at the retreating forms of their visitors from Arendelle. His mind swarmed with thoughts of Emma, how she must be feeling if she had decided to lie to him, her parents, and Henry. From the first day they had met, Killian had known that Emma was a lost girl, an orphan that had walls as high as that beanstalk they had climbed. He had called her an open book on that beanstalk and meant it—but now, after meeting the younger, more open version of Emma, he realized that he had only read a few pages of that book.
His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar click of heels on the sidewalk.
"Your Majesty." he said with a tip of his head, never quite able to rid himself of the protocol and manners he’d been instilled with as a young officer.
"Hook,” she acknowledged, giving his long coat and leather pants a once over before glancing around the outdoor patio. "Where’s the rest of the Charming clan? Henry texted and said Emma had disappeared, but now she’s back?"
He smiled, because now he could laugh at the panic and confusion of the last hour.
"Yes. The young Swan was able to reverse the spell, with some help from Elsa. They returned to the place where they were originally changed, which caused some panic but we found them."
"Well, that is the family motto." Regina let out a huff and Killian wondered if the Queen was miffed that she hadn’t been invited to oversee the attempt at magic.
"They’re inside recounting the escapade to Emma, if you care to join."
Regina looked at the door, no doubt considering the pros and cons of having to listen to those stories.
"If it helps, Emma has no memory of the last two days."
"Really?" Her eyes narrowed.
"Aye. The last thing she and Elsa remember is defeating the Snow Queen."
"Well, that’s convenient." Regina looked to the door. "Are you coming?"
Killian realized that he didn't want to rejoin the festivities, especially if he might somehow tip Regina off to Emma's lying. He gave a short shake of his head.
"I'll be along in a minute."
"Suit yourself." Regina shrugged one shoulder and strode away. He waited until the door had closed on her and, with a sigh, turned to the outdoor tables.
He made himself comfortable in his usual seat by the fence and pulled out his flask to sip at his rum as he thought. He watched as more people arrived at Granny's, no doubt informed by Leroy of Emma's return. They all seemed excited to finally celebrate defeating the latest villain. They exuded the good cheer of the victorious, and Killian found himself smiling as he watched them arriving and eventually spilling out onto the patio with him. Young children raced through the chairs and somewhere behind him he heard the sound of wooden practice swords and laughter. Through the windows, he caught sight of Emma and her family laughing.
His took a sip of rum and his chair was suddenly rocked by a collision. He turned to see a curly brown mop of hair and his stomach turned; it was the Locksely boy, the one that he’d injured.
"Sorry!" The lad squeaked before ducking under the table to retrieve something. He came back up, almost knocking his head on the table edge and forcing Killian to lift it to avoid a collision.
"Steady, lad!" The boy grinned up at him, no trace of fear or recrimination.
"Thank you!" He cried, looking at the lifted table.
Killian nodded. "Keep a handle on your blade, young squire. It's dangerous to be caught without a weapon."
The boy lifted his sword with a grin. "I will,” he answered before running off to continue his play. Killian watched him with a small grin.
"You're good with kids."
Killian turned in his seat in surprise to see Emma standing before him, her head cocked and her arms wrapped around her body as though she were cold. He felt his face grow hot at the compliment. He glanced back at the boys quickly before pushing himself up from the chair with a practiced smirk.
"Yes, love, my charms extend beyond women." He stepped forward, his hand on his belt and his eyebrows dancing. She rolled her eyes. "It's true. Just ask your father, he is quite taken with me these days." She snorted with laughter and he grinned wider. He had missed her so much. But her smile disappeared quickly and despite their proximity, her eyes didn't quite meet his.
"Swan?" His smile dropped and he pinched his eyebrows in worry.
She glanced around the patio. "Can we…uh, talk?"
"Of course, love." He quickly considered their options for a private conversation. "Walk with me?"
She gave a small nod and for a moment, the strong, independent woman disappeared and he saw the vulnerable little girl he had comforted on the floor of her bedroom. He offered his hand and after a pause so brief he thought he imagined it, she took it with both of hers.
He gave her a soft smile as they struck off in the direction of the docks. They walked in silence, Killian waiting for her to say whatever was on her mind, content to have her hand warm in his and their shoulders bumping occasionally as they strolled.
"You walk differently in your pirate clothes,” she murmured.
He chuckled, not sure where the conversation was going. "The coat is quite heavy. Perhaps it changes my balance."
"No. That's not it,” she shook her head but didn't elaborate. They walked on and reached the empty docks before she spoke again.
"Leroy told me you stole his boat this morning."
Killian cursed inwardly at the gossipy dwarf. Emma did not approve of his appropriating boats without asking.
"I merely borrowed it."
"Killian." She pulled him up short and dropped his hand. He turned to face her accusing gaze.
"If I had stolen his dinghy, it would not be safely docked." He gestured toward the boat in question, bobbing on its mooring. "I would be long gone with my prize."
"Was that your plan?" Her voice cracked slightly.
He frowned. "Pardon?"
She gestured to his clothes. "Were you planning on stealing the boat and..and leaving Storybrooke? Leaving all of us behind?" She didn't say "me,” but he heard it anyway. The lost girl was always so quick to assume she would be abandoned.
He thought of Henry asking him the same question that morning, when he had thought he would never see Emma again. He took a deep breath and closed the distance she had opened up between them.
"I will admit that without you, a life in Storybrooke was less than appealing. But I never had serious intentions of leaving you. Even if you had remained a child, my place is here, next to you. And besides, I knew you would want me to teach Henry the fine art of pirating."
She gave him a small smile at that and he felt his heart clench. Gods, he had missed her; all her smiles, all her frowns, all of her. He stepped closer and grasped her hand.
She looked down at their entwined fingers. "So the clothes were just for the benefit of younger me? To impress me with your pirate costume?" She gave him a cautious raised eyebrow.
Usually, this was where he would quip or tease her, but he found that he wanted to tell her the true reason. He had developed the habit of being open, honest and without bravado with younger Emma and he didn't want to stop. He was addicted to this new intimacy.
"When I discovered you might remain a young girl, I felt adrift. I needed something familiar, like my clothes and the feel of the ocean beneath my feet. That's why I changed and why I borrowed the boat."
She smiled at him and laid her hand to his cheek, caressing his small scar. Without saying a word, he knew she understood. He grinned, suddenly cheeky.
"Were you truly worried that I would leave? Your lack of faith wounds me!"
She quirked her mouth. "Well, you did yell at me and leave quite dramatically."
Killian suppressed his grin. In the moment she had forgotten that she wasn't supposed to remember that incident.
"Aye, love, but you accepted my apology."
"Only because I was so happy you were back." She scoffed, landing a light slap on his arm. He let the grin explode on his face as he leaned closer.
"What?" She asked breathlessly, her eyes darting to his lips.
"You remember,” he murmured so low that it took her a full minute to register his words. By then, his mouth was hot against hers. She leaned away with wide eyes.
"You know?"
"Open book, remember?" And before she could answer he dipped back down to capture her lips once more. He could sense the moment she decided to stop thinking about the consequences of his knowledge and abandon herself to the kiss. She surged against him and they stumbled back into the railing. He grinned into her mouth, joy at having her in his arms bubbling out between them. She grinned back, and the kiss slowed and stopped as they rested their foreheads and breathed, grinning like fools.
She ran her hand through his hair.
"I'm your lost princess,” she whispered.
He brought his thumb to stroke the dent on her chin. "Oh. Aye,” he breathed, knowing that what she was really asking was if he loved her.
She kissed him again, gentle and sweet her own way of expressing the words she couldn't quite yet say. She sagged into him as he leaned on the railing. Her hand trailed over his chest and down to the charms on his necklace.
"It's so strange. I remember these being huge and sitting in your lap as you told me about them.” She stroked his dagger charm thoughtfully. He placed his hand over hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"I imagine it is all very overwhelming."
She nods. "Yeah." She rubbed at his charm and he waited for her to say more. He ran his hand in a gentle circle on her back, hoping that she would want to share the burden of her thoughts. After a few moments, she tipped her head up to meet his eyes. Her own were shining with unshed tears.
"Are you going to tell my parents?"
"Of course not, love."
"But you think I should tell them."
He shook his head. "Swan, I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable with. The younger version of you did and said things that you no doubt wish could be undone, but I think your parents would appreciate knowing that they had given you some happy childhood memories."
She glanced away and he felt her tense up.
"Emma?"
"I just think my parents would rather not talk about it."
He stared at her and she shifted away, her eyes still not meeting his.
She shrugged. "I mean, I know what it's like to realize the kid you gave up had a rotten childhood because you weren't there. I’m sure they feel guilty about how screwed up I was. I mean they were pretty eager to get rid of younger me."
Killian let out a bark of laughter.
"What?"
"Emma. Your parents were delighted to get a glimpse of you as a child. They treasured the time they got to spend with you."
She arched her eyebrows, her eyes skeptical. He sighed and led her to a nearby bench. Once seated, he explained to her the complications of what had happened to her, how her parents had decided to play it safe and raise her with no memory of her former life. How the next morning, they had changed their mind, despite the risks involved, because they knew it was what Emma would have wanted.
"They didn't give up the younger version of you because they didn't want you. They love you and want you to be happy, Swan."
She stared down at their clasped hands. "Thank you for telling me, Killian." She breathed before looking up and giving him a gentle smile. "Maybe later, after I’ve had some time, I’ll tell them that I remember."
He grinned back. "Well, don't wait too long. Your parents are not quite as perceptive as I am.” Her smile grew. "But Elsa is a terrible liar, and I can't imagine Anna will be any better."
Emma laughed, then, and the sound warmed his soul. She stood and pulled him up beside her. "Come on, pirate. Before Dad sends Leroy out to find us."
She leaned into him as they walked. "You know, I did learn a lot of new things about you while I was a child,” she teased.
"Such as?"
"You've met the Tooth Fairy."
"Aye."
"You have quite the commanding voice."
"Well, I was a ship’s Captain for a few centuries."
"You can sing. Really sing."
He chuckled. "A fact I was not trying to hide, I assure you."
"You told me about your brother." Her voice grew soft as her finger fiddled with Liam's ring on his hand.
His throat was suddenly too tight to respond, so he kissed the side of her forehead and drew her closer. They walked in silence for a few steps.
When he could trust his voice, he spoke. "I learned quite a bit about you too, love."
"Really?"
"You love the Peter Pan story. And you were more interested in being a pirate than a princess." She chuckled. "You are a natural at magic, sword fighting, and archery." They were almost to Granny’s, so he pulled her to a stop and turned to face her. "Your first instinct is always to help others. To help Elsa when she was scared, to help me find my princess." She blushed. "And no matter what age you are, you find me irresistible." He bit his lower lip and was rewarded with a flick of her eyes to his mouth.
She caught herself and rolled her eyes. "Please."
"Oh. And,” he brushed his hand just below her ribcage and she squirmed away, "You are ticklish."
She swatted his hand. He smirked at her and it only took a moment before she was kissing it off of him. Her own hand ghosted to his waist and he flinched away, pulling back from the kiss to see her grinning triumphantly.
"That knowledge goes both ways, buddy."
He grinned back. This playful Emma was something he had only caught glimpses of before. He wondered if she felt the shift in their relationship; how much easier it was to be open, free spirited. But he didn't ask, just basked in the warmth of her smile as they walked the remaining steps to Granny's.
They were greeted with a loud cheer when they entered the crowded diner. After exchanging words with a dozen or so people, they settled into the booth with her parents and Henry. Snow gave him a knowing smile while David shot him a glare and Henry grinned.
But Killian just smiled broadly at all of them; too happy to have his Swan back to care what conversation they had interrupted.
"Well, what did we miss?" Emma asked suspiciously as her hand found his under the table.
"Oh nothing." Snow started.
"Grandpa was wondering if you two were getting engaged." Henry piped up with a sly grin. It was a harmless jest but Killian felt his face flush red and he released Emma's hand to scratch behind his ear.
"That is not what I said!" David stuttered, red in the face for a different reason. "I was just saying that it was a good thing Emma DIDN'T remember, since you promised Hook you were going to marry him when you grew up."
Henry giggled and even Snow had a small smirk. Killian glanced at Emma. Her cheeks were tinged pink and she refused to meet his eyes. When young Emma had insisted that they would marry someday he had laughed and enjoyed David's annoyance but now the idea felt weighted with new meaning. He could tell Emma felt it too, and while that intrigued him, this was not the time or place to discuss it. He determined to diffuse the situation and fixed a smirk upon his face, turning on the charm.
"It's true, Swan. You were quite insistent. But lest you think I would take advantage. I refused on the grounds that you were too young for me." He bumped her shoulder playfully.
She snorted. "I AM too young for you. There is like a two century age gap!”
The tension relaxed as David slipped into a smile and Snow and Henry chuckled. Killian waved his hand and sent a wink towards Henry as he reached into his back pocket.
"A technicality. And besides you are quite grown up, now." He leaned into her "So what do you say lass? How about we indulge in some more adult activities?" He waggled his eyebrows on the last two words.
Before anyone could manage more than a gasp at his innuendo, he brandished his flask and offered it to her with a wink. The table erupted in laughter as Emma took a drink of his rum. She returned it with a grateful smile and the conversation turned to other topics, the subject of marriage firmly dropped.
Yet Killian couldn't so easily drop the idea in his mind. He had decided a long time ago that being with Emma, in whatever way she needed him, was enough for him. He had hoped she could come to love him and someday let him through her walls but a commitment like marriage had seemed a dream. But now, with their strange new level of intimacy, and her own reaction to the idea he couldn't help but feel alive with the possibility.
David had wandered to the counter with Happy while Henry and Emma were engaged in a serious conversation about "poofing" vs "teleporting" when Snow stood with baby Neal and interrupted Killian's thoughts.
"Killian. Will you take him? I need to run to the bathroom." She didn't wait for his response before leaning forward and placing the squirming prince into his arms.
"Never too early to practice." she whispered before patting his shoulder and disappearing into the crowd. Killian chuckled. David may not like the idea of Emma getting married to her pirate but Snow clearly disagreed.
"What did she say?" Emma asked suspiciously even as her eyes softened at the sight of Killian holding her brother.
He smirked. "I'll tell you when you're older."
--
“Yesterday is but today's memory, and tomorrow is today's dream.” -Khalil Gibran
Idea from the prompt by missyousofaar to the Captain Swan Network.
During the Spell of Shattered Sight Emma and Elsa defeat the Snow Queen but are turned into children in the process. How does the town deal with two magically gifted little girls, especially when one develops a crush on a certain pirate? Also on ff.net. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 on Tumblr.
Huge thanks to venagrey for the beta on this! Thanks to all those who are so excited to see what happens next! Hope it doesn’t disappoint.
----
"No. No. No,” Killian cried as the flash of light faded and Emma and Elsa were nowhere to be found. He couldn't believe this was happening, again.
"Where did they go?" Anna asked. She turned and looked at the confused faces surrounding her. Kristoff pulled her into his arms; his face pinched, as though bracing for the worst.
Anna gasped. "Do you think they're…?” she trailed off, unable to finish the thought that almost everyone was thinking.
"They aren't dead. They’re fine. They just went somewhere else.” Henry spoke firmly, looking at the shocked faces around him. "Mom has gotten really good at teleporting. She must have accidentally taken them somewhere else."
Killian gave him a sharp look. The lad was right; it was possible that while focusing on being an adult, Emma had somehow relocated them in the process.
"Henry is right,” David spoke up as he pulled the boy into a side hug. "We just need to go and find them. It's what this family does best." Snow gave her husband a small smile. Killian felt a little burst of hope push back at the despair that was still threatening to consume him.
"Well, where should we start?" Anna asked. Everyone started answering at once. Killian ignored them; he didn't have patience for talking. He needed to move, to act.
He strode for the door.
"Oh. I guess we are just going, then?" Anna exclaimed as he passed.
His movement triggered the group and he heard them following as he hurried down the stairs. As he burst into the early afternoon sunlight, Killian paused for a moment, trying to guess where Emma might have gone. The rest of them spilled out behind him, Anna babbling about the Snow Queen's cave. He tuned her out and tried to think where in Storybrooke adult Emma would associate with her home and family.
"Granny’s,” he muttered to himself.
"That's what I was thinking." Killian turned with a start to see that he was alone with Henry.
"David?" He asked with a raise of his brow.
"He’s helping Grandma with Neal."
"Ah." Killian gave a curt nod and shifted his weight, considering taking off on his own.
Henry made the decision for him. "Come on. They can catch up. I'll text them." Gratefully, Killian nodded and they took off quickly toward Granny’s.
As they rushed down the street, Killian tried to stop his mind from constructing worst-case scenarios. As they crossed the street, Henry broke the silence.
"They’re okay." He spoke with the conviction that had earned him the moniker of Truest Believer. It occurred to Killian that the lad was rubbing off on him because he found himself agreeing.
"Aye. Your mother is a tough lass."
They were rounding the corner for Granny's front entrance when Killian caught a flash of blue from the alley across the street. He pulled up short and spun on his heel, his long pirate coat fanning out around him.
There, standing in the exact same spot he had found the two little girls only two days ago, were Emma and Elsa. They were talking earnestly, both still dressed in the clothes they had worn when they confronted the Snow Queen. Elsa's long blue gown sparkled in the sunlight and Emma looked practical in her jeans and leather jacket, as though the last few days had never happened.
Relief slammed into him, physically draining him with the release of stress and tension.
"Mom!" Henry yelled as he sprinted across the street.
Emma started from her conversation and turned with a smile for her lad. That smile, the one Killian thought he would never see again, lit up his world. He found himself laughing as he strode towards his Swan.
Emma managed to reach the sidewalk, Elsa trailing behind with a gentle smile, before Henry slammed into her, spinning her in place with his momentum. She let out a huff of laughter as her arms wrapped around him.
"Easy, kid."
As Killian approached, he caught her eye. She smiled back at him and he couldn't help closing the distance and wrapping her and Henry in his arms. He had intended on giving the lad a moment with his mother, but he couldn't wait. He need to feel her in his arms again. He buried his face in her neck and breathed her in, letting himself admit that it felt like coming home. He breathed deep, committing her to his memory.
"Are you okay?" he whispered, and she nodded. Henry shifted between them and Killian reluctantly stepped back. Emma grabbed his hand, tethering them together as her eyes quickly traveled over him, taking in his pirate coat. She arched a questioning eyebrow before turning her attention back to her exuberant son.
"They were worried you were dead. But I knew you had only teleported! Didn't I, Killian?" The lad turned to him for confirmation and Killian's smile turned proud.
"Aye, that you did, lad."
"Teleported? What are you talking about?"
Henry rolled his eyes. "I'm not calling it 'poofing.’ That's lame."
"Poofing, teleporting, whatever you want to call it,” Emma waved her had vaguely to indicate the swirling smoke that often accompanied the magic, "I have never done it."
Killian raised his eyebrows at her statement. Before he or Henry could comment, they were interrupted by the arrival of her parents.
"Emma!" They jogged over briskly, the stroller bouncing on the uneven sidewalk. Killian released her hand and stepped away to make room for the family reunion. He ended up near Elsa, a woman he barely knew but now had a deep affection for. He smiled at her, but her return smile was small and cautious.
"Oh Emma!" Snow began in a rush as they pulled out of their hug. "We were so worried! When you disappeared from the loft, we thought something horrible had happened."
"See!" Henry broke in with a triumphant grin.
Emma held up a halting hand. "Wait, the loft? Mom, Dad, I left you locked up at the station."
Killian felt his eyebrows jumping as he looked to Elsa for confirmation, but she was looking resolutely at the Charmings.
Charming shook his head. "Emma, that was two days ago! Don't you remember?"
Emma shot a confused look at Elsa, who bit her lip and shrugged. "Remember what, exactly?"
Snow and Charming shared a look of shock mingled with a touch of sadness; Emma still had no happy childhood memories.
"Tell us what you remember, love."
Emma shot a glance at Elsa, who had yet to say anything since being found.
"Okay. We cornered Ingrid at the ice cream shop. She was babbling about being a family and how if she had raised us, we wouldn't have been afraid of our powers." Emma paused and drew Henry closer and looked down at the yellow ribbon that was still around her wrist. "She held up this purple rock and the ribbon on her wrist began to glow. I tried to deflect her magic like Regina taught me. I focused my energy on love and home. And then there was a blast that must have thrown us to the alley or something, because that's where we woke up, and then you found us." Emma looked at her parents. "Now tell me what happened."
Killian looked at Charming, who looked at Snow, but it was Henry who spoke.
"The spell backfired or something. You absorbed Ingrid's powers and turned yourself into a kid."
"A kid?" Emma scoffed.
"Yeah. You were both like this tall." Henry waved his hand above the ground. “And you didn't remember anything, but you still had magic."
Emma looked at the other adults for confirmation. When her eyes met Killian’s, he felt a niggling doubt that something was wrong.
"Well, that must have been pretty weird."
Killian shrugged, but Snow and Charming shook their heads.
"No! It was really cute, actually." Snow turned to the still silent Elsa. "You were both adorable. I took pictures!"
Killian noticed the faint blush creep up Elsa's neck as she finally spoke. "Oh. Uh. Thanks." She shifted her eyes towards Killian and gave him a sheepish look.
"It was really awesome,” Henry burst out. "You two kept doing all this awesome magic. Plus you laughed at my ice jokes."
Emma chuckled. "Well, now I have heard everything."
She turned to Killian, a strange look of trepidation on her face. "What do you say pirate? Was it weird, cute, or awesome?"
Killian smirked. "It was…a very unique experience." She narrowed her eyes, not missing his evasiveness.
"Did I do anything embarrassing?"
Killian quirked an eyebrow at Snow; David and Henry grinned.
Emma groaned. "Don't tell me. Or at least don't tell me until I have had something to eat."
Everyone burst into chuckles. The pain and the tension of the last few days had melted and left behind a deep spring of pleasure. Emma rolled her eyes and pushed Henry towards Granny's. Her parents and Elsa followed, but Killian hung back, hoping for a moment alone. As the others crossed the street, Emma stuck her hands in the back pockets of her jeans and stepped up to him.
"Hi,” she managed to say with a bat of her eyelashes before he hooked her elbow and pulled her to him. Their lips crashed together.
With Emma, every kiss had been different, meant something new. They had so few that he felt they were still discovering each other. He attempted to convey his relief and joy at having her restored, felt her hungry response like a thank you. The kiss deepened until their hearts were racing and they found it difficult to breathe. Emma's hands slipped from his hair to grip his collar and yank him even closer. When they pulled apart gasping, their breaths still mingling, he smiled at her.
"Hello,” he whispered. She grinned back and licked her lips, eyes searching his.
"I think I've missed this coat,” she breathed.
"Your younger self was quite fond of it as well."
She tipped her head, a slight darkness entering her eyes. He lifted a hand and stroked her cheek. She smiled and planted a quick kiss on his palm before pulling away.
"Come on. Lets go eat." Her hand slid from his collar to tangle with his. He squeezed it and allowed her to pull him toward the diner, but made a note to ask her later about that darkness.
They made their way to the family, firmly ensconced in their usual corner table. Henry was in the midst of describing how Elsa had made the pond into an ice rink. Elsa's hands were folded in front of her as she politely listened to the tale.
"Then Killian got on the ice and..."
"I don't think we need to mention that,” Killian interrupted, not keen to recount how he maimed a young child.
"No, but it's the best part of the story!" Henry implored before continuing. "So, Killian got on the ice, and I got all the kids together to pile on him."
"I thought it was Emma's idea?" David broke in.
"No it wasn't!" Emma protested, and then quickly added, "I mean, that doesn't sound like me! I was a good kid."
"Actually, younger you was quite mischievous, love."
"Plus you had a crush on Killian,” Snow pointed out with a smirk. The table erupted in laughter and Emma blushed a deep crimson. She was saved by the arrival of their order.
In the general clamor and confusion of sorting out the food, Killian saw Elsa pat Emma's hand comfortingly under the table. The conversation turned to comments on the food and the occasional wondering about what had become of Kristoff and Anna. Although Leroy had been dispatched to find them and tell them the news, they had yet to appear.
When Elsa excused herself to go outside and look out for them, Killian volunteered to keep her company. He wanted a moment alone with the Queen, to confirm his growing suspicions about Emma's tale. Once out on the patio, they stood silently. Killian knew the value of letting someone else fill the silence.
After a few moments, she turned to him with a determined look that reminded him of her younger self about to attempt magic.
"Killian. From Henry's stories, I think that I should thank you for helping while I was a child."
Killian suppressed his grin; she had given him the perfect opening. "Oh, if you remembered, you wouldn't be thanking me. We didn't exactly get along."
Elsa's smooth white brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"You may recall that I am no fan of magic. And a child's magic is very unpredictable. I spent most of my time avoiding you girls."
"No you…" she started, and then shut her mouth so fast it snapped. She looked down at her hands as she wrung them nervously.
Killian let out a low chuckle and leaned forward with a cocked eyebrow. "Your highness, you are a terrible liar."
Elsa dropped her hands and let out a light laugh. "I know. I told Emma. But she made me promise."
Killian shook his head; he should have known it was Emma's idea. Being turned into a child had made her vulnerable and open in a way that, despite the slow dismantling of her walls, she wasn't ready for. He remembered the way she had begged to stay in Storybrooke and how openly she had expressed her desire for a permanent and loving home. These were things Emma didn't want him or her family to know. It was the pain she kept buried so deep she may have forgotten she ever felt it. But now, with her new and fresh memories of childhood, she had to confront it all over again.
"You can't tell her I let it slip,” Elsa implored.
"No, of course not." He gave her a reassuring smile.
The young woman breathed a sigh of relief. "You are a tricky one, pirate."
He offered an exaggerated bow and she rolled her eyes. There was a long pause as they both turned back to look up and down the street.
"I meant it; my thank you." She turned, settling her ice blue yes on his. "When I was a child, I hated my powers. After I hurt Anna, I was so afraid of my magic hurting someone else or of someone finding out how dangerous I was and being scared of me. I spent my childhood alone, ashamed, and scared." She took a deep breath and Killian ducked his head and shuffled his feet. Elsa reached out and pulled him into a warm hug, that, after a few moments of hesitation, he returned.
"You made me proud and excited by my magic. You gave me a briefly happy childhood, and I will never forget that."
She stepped away and Killian smiled sheepishly. "You are welcome, Elsa." She smiled back. "I hope you are better at keeping the secret from Anna,” he continued, desperate to change the subject.
“I’m hoping that once you talk to Emma, I won't need to keep it a secret." She gave him a knowing smile that morphed to a look of excitement. "Anna!"
"Elsa!"
And suddenly, she was rushing away to greet her sister. Killian watched their happy reunion. Anna gave him an enthusiastic wave as the group hurried away from Granny's, no doubt so Elsa could explain everything properly without fear of being overheard. He had no doubt that Elsa would tell Anna everything, probably before he had a chance to talk to Emma about it. Which meant, whether he wanted to or not, he needed to talk to Emma.
kat2609 replied to your post “kat2609 replied to your post:Looking at my WIP folder tonight. ...”
I am very interested to know that! Will be looking forward to it
flirtyhook replied to your post “kat2609 replied to your post:Looking at my WIP folder tonight. ...”
WE ARE GETTING THE END OF THE CLIFFHANGER SOON? YESSSS
I know I have left it so long! I have a lot of guilt about promising to update in a week and then leaving it for almost a month! I never intended to be so slow! I am hoping it is worth the wait though! =)
Hey so I was just wondering if you had updated the story of Emma and Elsa being turned into little children, I forgot the name of it but I really really loved it. Can you just leave a link of it if you did updated. Thanks :)
Hey! Thanks for being so interested and excited about my little story! Today's Memory has not been updated in 2 weeks. The last chapter posted was 11. You can find it on my blog here.
Finishing it is high on my priority list but not quite as high as my offline life stuff. My sister had a baby shortly after I posted the last chapter and I have been living with her and helping take care of her other kids and house work and the like. So not a lot of time for writing! Plus a few scenes are not working quite right which hasn't helped! I can't promise when it will update but I hopefully it will be worth the wait!
(answering this publicly since you aren't the only person who has asked about it!)
