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runnning-outof-time · 2 years

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A Getaway | Tommy Shelby x Reader

Request: yes by @rylie-0110

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader (pre war)

Summary: Tommy and (Y/N) decide to spend a few days away from the Small Heath smoke.

Warnings: language, smoking, mentions of familial issues

Word Count: 3232

A/N: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, pre war!Tommy will forever hold a soft spot in my heart. It was fun imagining what he’d be like as a teen (he’s 19 in this story, y’all...don’t worry). I hope this is what you envisioned. Enjoy! :)

I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! - YOUR COMMENTS & REBLOGS HELP ME WRITE!

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future stories similar to this one!

-1909-

A slight rapping that came against the bedroom window once every few minutes pulled (Y/N) from her slumber. At first she thought she was dreaming up the sound, but upon opening her eyes, she managed to see just how it was being made. Someone was throwing rocks against the glass. She didn't even need to walk over to it to know just who it was.

"Tommy," she hissed, squinting her eyes slightly to get a better glimpse of the boy she'd come to love as he stood on the sidewalk, "what're you doing?"

"Come down here!" he called up to her, waving his arm as a physical cue just in case she didn't hear his voice.

"Why? It's two in the bloody morning," she protested, wanting to know more of why he'd shown up at her window.

"Because I want to run away and I want you to come with me!" he answered her, his words making her eyes widen. She then stepped away from the window and worked on putting a pair of socks and shoes and the dress she wore the day before on as quickly as she could. "(Y/N)!" she heard him call out, his voice louder now than it was before.

"Keep your voice down, Tommy!" she whisper-yelled back to him as she looked down at him again. She then held up her index finger, giving him the 'one minute' gesture before she shut the window as quietly as she could. She then snuck down the stairs with the feeling of excitement bubbling up inside of her. This wasn't the first time she'd snuck out to see her boyfriend, but that certainly didn't mean that it wasn't still exhilarating. She attacked the boy standing outside her door with questions the second she opened it: "what are you doing here? Why do you want to run away? Do you know how late it is?"

Tommy grinned as she stepped out onto the sidewalk despite her questioning of him. "Me head's spinning and I need to clear it out. I came here because I want you to come with me, and I know how late it is...just don't care and can't wait a minute longer," he then answered all of her questions, his grin growing as he spoke. "Now c'mere," he concluded his statements by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into his arms. She shrieked at the sudden motion but didn't protest when his lips found hers. "Will you come with me?" he asked her once they'd pulled away.

(Y/N) was only able to nod, still breathless from the kiss they shared. She let him take her hand and begin walking away from her home. "Wait, Tommy, my clothes," she said once it dawned on her that she didn't have anything with her.

"What you're wearing now is beautiful. You don't need anything else," he answered her as he kept walking to where he was intending on taking her. "Besides, we'll only be out for a few days...you won't need no change of clothes."

(Y/N) only huffed in response, knowing full well that they wouldn't be turning around to pack her a bag. So they walked a bit more until another question came to her mind: "how are we getting where we're going?"

"I'm taking a horse from my Uncle Charlie...he won't miss it," he responded without a second's thought, telling (Y/N) that he'd already done the finer preparation work on his way to get her.

"Are you sure?" she still wasn't convinced though.

"Sure as can be," he turned to grin at her for a moment before they got to the gate of Charlie's yard. "Stay out here, ok? I'll only be a minute," he told her and she nodded, allowing him to go through the big enough gap that he'd made in the gate.

Tommy Shelby and (Y/N) (Y/L/N) were both nineteen years old, and they swore that they were in love. They met each other first in the maths class that Tommy never attended five years back and then again just last year when she managed to hide him away from the enraged shoemaker who'd caught him stealing shoes for his younger sister, Ada. She managed to get him out of her parents' storefront before anyone noticed and then helped him deliver the shoes to the eleven year old, who was thrilled to have them. Tommy kept showing up at her family's shop then. Those meetings turned into walks down by the river, which then turned into sneaking away at night to escape the smoke and dust of Small Heath. Much like they were doing tonight.

Moments later, Tommy returned with a saddled horse following behind him. "Who did you get?" (Y/N) asked, unable to make out the color of the horse from just the light of the moon.

"Dolly. She's the best for trips like this," Tommy answered, then climbing into the saddle and steadying himself atop the horse. "Close up the gate and then come up," he told (Y/N), who nodded and went about shutting the gate to the yard before she took Tommy's outstretched hand and managed to climb up into the saddle. Once she was sitting, she wrapped her arms around Tommy's middle and rested her head against his back as he clicked his tongue and got the horse walking.

"You're sure Charlie won't mind?" she checked with him as they trotted down the streets of Small Heath.

"'S a bit too late to ask his opinion now," Tommy answered as he got the horse going faster, to the point where they were at a decent gallop as they hit the edge of the city. (Y/N) sighed and nuzzled her face deeper into the fabric of his blazer, enjoying the feeling of the wind swirling around her as they rode away from civilization and into the countryside. Her grip tightened on his body as she felt herself slowly slipping back into sleep.

(Y/N)'s eyes fluttered open some time later to the feeling of her thigh being patted. "Huh?" she questioned, looking around and becoming more confused when she only saw darkness.

"You up?" she then heard Tommy's voice come from in front of her.

"Yes," she answered, removing her one hand from around his waist so that she could rub her eyes.

"We're here," he told her, "and you didn't drool on my jacket, did you?" there was a smile in his voice as he asked his question.

"Where's here?" she asked him, "and to be honest, I'm not sure," she then answered his question with a smile.

"Where we'll be camping," he answered her, "lemme get off and then I'll help you,” he said as he slid off the horse and extended his hand to her. She took hold of it and also got off the animal with his help.

"Not much of anything here," she commented as they walked through the moonlight field.

"That's the point," he answered as they neared a single tree, "we'll set up here," he decided, tying the horse's reins to the tree. "I'll go find some stuff for a fire. I've got a bed roll, if you'd want to lay that out and sit on it."

"I think I'll be sleeping on it," (Y/N) corrected him, making him chuckle.

"Whichever is fine. I'll be right back," he told her, pressing a kiss to her forehead before he then walked off. (Y/N) watched him disappear before she grabbed the rolled up blanket that was tied to the front of the saddle. She then spread it out before laying down on it. She had every intention to go back to sleep at that moment.

And she managed to. She only opened her eyes when she heard Tommy starting to put together the fire. There were several curses and the sounds of a couple sticks being thrown, but eventually the smell of campfire smoke filled her nostrils. "Well done, Tommy," she whispered, blindly reaching over and managing to find his thigh so that she could pat it before she curled tighter into herself.

Tommy only chuckled at her words of gratitude and slipped the suit jacket off of his shoulders. The last thing (Y/N) felt was the warmth of his jacket being placed over her before she slipped back into slumber.

The chirping of the birds and the slight crackling of the campfire were the sounds that woke (Y/N) the next morning. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, the jacket that was draped over her falling into her lap as she did so. As she blinked a few times, she realized that Tommy wasn’t around the camp. The grey horse, Dolly, that they rode last night was still tied to the tree though, so he couldn't have been too far. She stood from the ground and stretched her arms out before walking out into the field that surrounded her.

She soon found Tommy. He was sitting on what looked to be a rock with his back to her. As she got closer to him, she was able to see that he had a tin mug in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

"Imagine how scared I was...waking up at the camp with no one around," she called out to him as she got closer, making him turn to look at her as a smile formed on his face.

"I heard no screams, so I'm sure you were alright," he responded, waving her over to sit with him then. "How'd you sleep?" he asked her as she sat and accepted the mug that he offered her.

"Not bad, actually," she answered as she sipped on the warm tea that he'd made. "Even in the middle of nowhere, Tommy Shelby still has to have his tea."

"Guilty," he held his hands up in defeat before he took a drag from his cigarette.

"What time were you up at?" she asked him then as she looked out at the field.

"Before sunrise. I came and sat here to watch it," he answered her, his hands falling on top of his bent knees.

"You didn't wake me for it?!" she gasped, her eyes wide as she smacked his leg playfully, "you know how much I love sunrises, Tommy!"

"I know, I know," he raised his hands again, "you were sleeping so peacefully though and I'd already woke you twice last night that I didn't want to do it again," he then said in his defense.

"You better wake me tomorrow," she told him, trying so hard to hold the glare on her face as the smile tried its best to push through.

"I will," he promised her, leaning over and kissing her temple before they both looked out at the rolling hills that surrounded them.

(Y/N) inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled, loving the sweet smell of the summer air that surrounded them. "This really is beautiful," she remarked, her eyes still taking in the greenery.

"It is," Tommy agreed, "I think we may have found our new spot."

"Oh most definitely," she nodded, a smile forming on her face. "Is that..." she trailed off then, standing to get a better look, "is that a creek?" she asked, her eyes widening in excitement as she took in the sight of the flowing stream of water.

"I think it may be," Tommy answered, craning his neck to get a better look. Within seconds, (Y/N) was slipping off her socks and shoes. "(Y/N), what're you..." he wasn't able to even finish his sentence because she was already running down to the water. He just shook his head and laughed as she waded into the creek without hesitation.

"It feels so nice, Tommy!" she called to him from where she was, the water now just reaching her mid-thighs. She spun around then, her dress now floating around her atop the water. "You should come in!"

"I don't know, (Y/N)..." he trailed off, taking a drink from the mug in his hands.

"Come on, Tommy! It's not cold or anything!" she continued to coax him to the water. He was still hesitant, so she continued on, "if you truly did love me, you'd come in this water with me."

Upon hearing that, he let out a sigh. Shaking his head slightly, he sat the mug down on the rock next to him and stood up. He took one last drag of his cigarette and flicked it away before he began walking down the bank to the creek. While he was walking, he began unbuttoning his waistcoat so that he could slip it off of his shoulders. He then unbuttoned his shirt and took that off, coming to a stop at the bank then. Once his pants and shoes had also been discarded, he slowly stepped into the water.

"Shit, (Y/N)...this is not warm at all!" he hissed, clenching his teeth as the rather cold water engulfed his body.

"Yes it is," she disputed him as she waded over to where he was standing with his arms wrapped around himself, "you just need to put some more meat on your bones," she then poked fun at him, smiling as he rolled his eyes.

"I don't want to hear it," he muttered, shaking his head as she came even closer to him. "Oh..." he trailed off, quickly reaching out to grab her and hold her in his arms. She shrieked at the sudden movement but then began giggling as his forehead pressed against hers. "And don't you ever doubt my love for you," he told her, his serious eyes boring into hers as he spoke.

"I won't..." she trailed off, a smile gracing her lips, "ever," she finished her statement by leaning in and matching his lips with hers. Tommy held her tightly to his body and kissed her passionately, in turn making (Y/N) feel like she'd slip down into the water if she wasn't wrapped up in his embrace.

They pulled away moments later and Tommy sent her a wink before dropping his embrace. (Y/N) frowned slightly at him stepping away, but that frown quickly turned into a look of shock as Tommy splashed water on her. "Thomas Michael Shelby, I cannot believe you!!" she shrieked, her hands coming up to wipe the water off of her face, the look of shock still present.

"Do you still love me?" he pondered, unable to keep the grin from his features.

"I do, but that was uncalled for," she told him, a grin now on her face as she splashed him back while saying the final two words of her sentence. Now it was Tommy's turn to look shocked as he wiped the water from his face.

That look only stayed for a few seconds before it turned back into a grin. (Y/N) noticed this, but barely had time to brace herself before more water was being sent in her direction. Shock didn't come this time though. Instead, the smile stayed present as she flung water back; effectively turning it into a water fight.

Some time later, Tommy and (Y/N) were sitting at the fire again. Their wet clothes were hung up on the limb of the tree as they dried in the fastly fading sun.

"It really wasn't smart of me to go in the water with my dress on," (Y/N) said as she rested her head against Tommy's shoulder.

"You're just lucky I thought to take me shirt off," he paused for a moment, "or else you'd be naked," he then glanced over at her with a grin.

"And you'd surely be upset by that," she remarked sarcastically, rolling her eyes as Tommy chuckled at her comment. She was currently wearing his button down shirt, which covered her entire torso and stopped at the middle of her thigh. Tommy, needing to give his shirt to her, was now only wearing his pair of pants.

Their laughter died down as they stared at the fire. (Y/N) was curled into his side and Tommy was sitting with his knees pulled into his chest. "Thanks for coming out here with me, (Y/N)," he spoke a few moments later, "things were getting to be too much to bear...with dad leaving us and all," he then let out a sigh as he thought of the current turmoil within his family.

"Hey..." she trailed off, looking over at him as she noticed the change in his voice, "don't think about that...don't think about him right now," she told him, taking hold of his cheek so that she could turn his head and make him look at her.

"I know I shouldn't, I just..." he paused, exhaling a sigh before he reached over and grabbed the pack of cigarettes sitting on the blanket beside him, "how could he leave his family...even after everything that happened with mum, it's just...it's not fuckin' fair," he ended his statement by striking a match and lighting the cigarette perched between his lips.

(Y/N) frowned as she heard what he had to say. Tommy wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to his family, and it hurt her to see him hurting like this. So she tried to shine a light in the dark he was experiencing, "you'll be alright though, Tommy. Arthur's got that job at the factory now, Polly's coming over to help you with Ada and Finn, and you've still got the shop. You'll make it through, I know you will," she told him, sending a smile in his direction when he looked over at her.

There was a moment of silence between them as they held each other's gazes. Then a lazy smile formed on Tommy's face. "What would I do if I didn't have you, eh?" he pondered out loud, his question making (Y/N)'s smile grow.

"Oh jeez, I don't know..." she trailed off, tapping her chin as she pretended to be in thought for a moment, “I reckon you’d be just fine,” she then told him, sitting her chin on her hand.

Tommy chuckled at her statement before shaking his head, “no. I disagree,” he refuted what she’d said, “I’d probably be going insane out here if I was alone.”

“When then I guess it’s good that you’ve got me,” (Y/N) said, her smile widening as Tommy reached out and pulled her into his chest. She hummed at the feeling of his warmth, her hand hooking into the hem of his pants as she held him close.

“We’ve got better years up ahead, yeah?” his voice broke the silence that had fallen between them.

“Yes, we do,” (Y/N) answered with sureness in her voice. She turned her head and kissed his bare clavicle and in turn, he pressed his lips to the top of her head.

Nothing else was said between them as their main focus fell on the red, yellow, and orange hues of the fire that continued on burning. They stayed wrapped up in each other as the sun fell below the horizon, and when darkness came upon them, they were able to slip into a peaceful sleep.

Tagged: @alreadybroken-ts @magicalxdaydream @the-anxious-youth @cloudofdisney @look-at-the-soul @golden-hoax @elenavampire21 @peaky-cillian @mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @lilyrachelcassidy @notyour-valentine @easilyobessedbutflighty @shelbydelrey @december16-1991 @onlydeadcells @peakyswritings @just-a-blackhole @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry @captivatedbycillianmurphy @yummycastiel @dark-academia-slut

MASTERLIST

#tommy shelby #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby x y/n #tommy shelby imagine #peaky blinders #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders x y/n #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinders fanfiction #peaky blinders fanfic #fanfiction #fanfic

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kmomof4 · 5 months

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A Christmas Surprise: Ch. 4

It's the 🎶final chapter🎶 (yes, I know I'm really dating myself with those notes, but I don't care. I just have to...) and all the happy endings are here!!! Thank you all so much for reading and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Summary: Elsa Jones enlists her friend Emma Swan to come up with a scheme to surprise her niece Alice Jones when her Papa, Killian, returns from deployment just in time for Christmas.

From the beginning on ao3/ Current ch

Rating G Total Christmas fluff ahead!

Words: Almost 6200 of 18,5K

Tagging the usuals. Please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed.

@jrob64 @teamhook @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @artistic-writer @xarandomdreamx @undercaffinatednightmare @the-darkdragonfly @stahlop @superchocovian @pirateprincessofpizza @tiganasummertree @anmylica @cosette141 @motherkatereloyshipper @zaharadessert @jonesfandomfanatic @ultraluckycatnd @jennjenn615 @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 @kymbersmith-90 @booksteaandtoomuchtv @wistfulcynic @mie779 @snowbellewells @lfh1226-linda @aprilqueen84 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @pirateherokillian @elfiola @ilovemesomekillianjones @justanother-unluckysoul@poptart-cat-78 @myfearless-love @goforlaunchcee @searchingwardrobes @gingerpolyglot @gingerchangeling @djlbg @cocohook38 @cs-rylie @thisonesatellite @donteattheappleshook @deckerstarblanche @veryverynotgoodwrites @wefoundloveunderthelight @fleurdepetite @alexa-fangirl-forever @bluewildcatfanatic @qualitycoffeethings

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

The month had flown by, and Killian was due to report back in Boston in less than a week. He wasn’t anywhere near ready to say goodbye to Alice and Emma, even if it was only during the work week. Since Alice was in the middle of the school year in a school she loved, Killian didn’t see the need to bring her to Boston with him when he was planning on being in Storybrooke every weekend anyway. There was no way he was going to stay away from Emma from the first of February to mid April, when he’d finally be separating from the US Navy.

While January had been a desperately needed respite from his normal duties in the Navy, that didn’t mean he’d been idle. He’d spent every minute he could with Emma, falling more and more in love with her as he did, in between sitting for his licensure exam that he blew out of the water, and pursuing the job opportunity in Storybrooke that looked better and better every day. Nemo had said, even before he’d submitted his résumé, that he didn’t foresee any problems bringing him on, but they were now nearly to the target date Nemo had mentioned for having an offer in hand, if he were to be hired.

Killian was making himself an afternoon snack when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

“Hello?”

“Killian?”

Killian’s heart rate sped up when Nemo spoke on the other end of the line.

“Yes, sir,” he greeted the man that he hoped would be his boss in a few months.

Nemo chuckled and Killian’s hope soared.

“Well, there’s no real reason to beat around the bush,” the older man said. “The job is yours if you want it.”

Killian held the phone away from his mouth for a moment as he silently crowed at the ceiling and raised his fist in the air, before drawing it sharply back down in a ‘YESSSS’ gesture.

“I definitely do, Sir.” There was no need to talk to anyone about the decision. He knew he had Liam and Elsa’s full support to pursue and accept the offer when it came, and he’d had enough discussions with Alice to know that she desperately hoped he’d get the job as well. And Emma’s words on New Year’s Eve were the final green light he needed to accept the proposal.

“Excellent,” Nemo said. “You’ll be leading the department. With your experience in the Navy, I can’t think of anyone better suited to do so.”

Killian was stunned, and had to snap his hanging jaw shut before speaking. “Th- Thank you, Sir,” he stammered. “I’m honored.”

“When is your retirement date? I have it here somewhere…” Killian could hear papers rustling over the line and chuckled.

“April 10th is my last day of duty and the ceremony is on the 11th.”

“Very good. How about you start the following Monday, the 16th?” he asked. “That’ll give you a few days of downtime with your family, and to decompress a bit before we throw you in the deep end.” They both laughed at Nemo’s choice of words.

“Good thing I’m in the Navy, then,” Killian quipped. “I’m used to swimming in deep water.” Nemo laughed good naturedly.

“Did you have any other questions for me that we haven’t already addressed? The official offer will be emailed to you in a few minutes. Just for you to have for your records. Can you come in on Monday to get your paperwork squared away and meet a few folks?”

“Yes, I can, Sir,” he replied. “And I don’t have any questions. The offer is very generous, and I’m excited to be leading the team.”

“It’ll be good to have you, Killian. Come in Monday anytime after ten.”

“I will do that, Sir. Thank you.”

Killian hung up his phone and immediately checked his email. There it was. The employment offer that was going to make all his dreams come true. Killian could have leapt with joy.

After another fist pump, Killian ran for the stairs to go tell Liam and Elsa. He would have preferred to share the news with Alice and Emma first, but Alice was at dance class for a little while longer and Emma was at her house. There was no way he’d be able to contain his excitement until he could tell them, so he had to go with who was readily available. Liam had come home early for some reason and had immediately gone upstairs without so much as saying hello when Killian passed him on his way to the kitchen.

He came to a stop outside their bedroom to see Elsa sitting on the end of the bed, her head in her hands, Liam sitting next to her rubbing circles into her back. His excited words died on his lips completely.

Liam looked up at him. His eyes were slightly glazed, and Killian wondered if he really saw him standing there. He looked completely shell shocked, and Elsa’s posture was no better. She rubbed both of her temples, and Killian could just hear low mutterings coming from her mouth.

“Hey, guys,” he said, coming in slowly. “What’s wrong?”

Elsa raised her head, and threw it back laughing. It had a manic quality to it that made Killian even more nervous.

“Your brother,” she began, pointing at Liam who still sat on the bed, his hand on her back.

“M-, ME?!” Liam sputtered.

“Yes, you!”

“Last I checked, babe, it takes two to tango.”

Killian’s confusion suddenly cleared and he moved to the bathroom to see a little white stick sitting on the vanity. PREGNANT showed clearly in the tiny window. Killian had to press his lips together hard to keep from laughing. It may have been a lot of years since he’d had to concern himself with women’s cycles, but it wasn’t rocket science to figure out that his brother and sister-in-law had made fireworks of their own on New Year’s, and this was the result.

“Congratulations,” Killian said, coming back in the room, smirk planted firmly on his face. He could understand their shock and surprise. Elsa was closing in on forty, and Liam was well past that milemarker. Plus, the twins were thirteen years old, and would be fourteen before their new sibling made their appearance. They obviously needed some time to themselves to come to terms with the hard left turn their lives had just taken. But he still wanted to share his own news with them. “I have some good news of my own, if you’re ready to hear it.”

That got both their attentions. Their countenances cleared and a wide smile broke on Elsa’s face.

“Did you hear from Nemo?” Liam asked.

“I did.”

Elsa let out a loud whoop and launched herself at him. But before she reached him, her hand flew to her mouth and she ran for the bathroom instead. He could hear her retching as he followed his brother who’d rushed after her. Killian stood in the doorway to see Liam hovering, and Elsa waving him away.

“This is all your fault,” she said in between heaves, a petulant whine in her voice. “Get away from me.” She disappeared behind the wall separating the toilet from the rest of the bathroom again; whatever she’d eaten earlier making another appearance. “Congratulations, Killian,” she wheezed when she was done. She made it to her feet, slapping Liam’s hand away as he tried to help her up. “Did you tell us first?” she asked. “It’s almost time to go pick up Alice! She’ll be ecstatic!” Killian turned to go, when Elsa spoke again. “Don’t say anything to the kids about this yet.” She waved her hand around in an aimless gesture. “We’ll make an announcement… sometime. Soon.”

“Just the kids?” Killian asked.

“Ohhhh,” Elsa said, realization coming over her. “Yeah, go ahead. You can tell Emma.”

Killian smiled at them both and all but ran from the room.

~*~*~

Killian grinned widely when Alice came out of dance class. As soon as she was in her booster in the back seat with her seatbelt on, Killian turned to her.

“So, you want to stay in Storybrooke, Starfish?”

Alice’s eyes got as big as saucers. “Did you get the job at Uncle Liam’s, Papa?”

“I did,” he replied. Alice’s shout was loud enough to burst his ear drums. “He called a little bit before I came to get you. I’ll start on April 16th.”

Alice unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned across the front seat to hug him as tightly as she could in the awkward position.

“I’m so excited, Papa!” she exclaimed. “So what does that mean? What’s going to happen?”

“Just like what we’ve talked about, Starfish,” he reminded her. “I’ll be heading back to Boston on Wednesday night after you go to bed. I’ll be there Thursday and Friday before coming back Friday night to spend the weekend with all of you. Then I’ll be going back to Boston again Sunday night for the whole week, and I’ll be here on the weekends. I’ll do that every week until I retire on April 11th. You’ll be staying here while I’m there, living with Uncle Liam and Aunt Elsa and your cousins, going to school and dance and all the things you normally do.”

“And after you retire, we’ll still live with Uncle Liam and Aunt Elsa?” she asked.

Killian chuckled. “Oh, no. We’ll move into our own home after I retire.” Killian thought about the house Liam had told him about. It was still on the market, but Killian hadn’t wanted to really look at it until he had the offer in hand. And now that he did, he could begin seriously looking for a home that would accommodate him and Alice and perhaps a couple of others, as well. Killian couldn’t keep the smile off his face if he tried.

“Yayyyy!!!” Alice shouted again, bouncing in her seat.

“Now I want to go see Emma and tell her,” Killian said. “Do you want me to take you home or do you want to come with me?”

Alice bounced in her seat again. “Come with! Come with!”

Killian chuckled and turned the car on. “Alright then. Let’s go.”

No sooner had Killian brought the car to a stop in Emma’s driveway than Alice was out like a shot, shouting as she ran for the front door.

“Miss Swan! Henry! Papa got the job! We’re staying in Storybrooke!”

Killian knew his smile was ridiculously wide with how much his cheeks were hurting, but he couldn’t begrudge his daughter being the one to break the news. He caught up to her as she banged on the door, opened moments later by Henry, followed closely by Emma.

“What?” asked Henry, his own smile taking over his face.

“Papa got the job!” Alice repeated. “We’re staying in Storybrooke!”

Emma’s face looked like the sun coming out from behind the clouds after a storm. She ran for him, and he caught her in his arms, spinning her around as she hugged him tightly and showered kisses all over his face.

Once he put Emma down, Henry and Alice scurried off to his room to play and Emma showed Killian into the living room.

“I’m so happy for you, Killian,” Emma said, sitting down next to him and holding his hand tightly.

“Me, too,” he agreed. “It’s a relief to be sure.” Killian looked her full in the face. “And now that I have the offer in hand, I can start moving forward into this next phase of my life.” He paused and scratched at the spot behind his ear, his eyes skittering away from hers for a moment. He took a deep breath, and met her gaze again, his eyes full of love and hope. “A phase that I hope I’ll have a companion for.”

Emma gasped. They had of course talked about the job and the opportunity it would present for him and Alice, but they’d been careful to steer away from what it might mean for them. But now that the job was certain…

“Calm down, Swan. I’m not proposing.” Emma hoped she kept the surprise and slight disappointment off of her face, but wasn’t sure she succeeded when he winked at her. Or attempted to, anyway. “You’ll know when I do,” he assured her. Emma giggled. “Anyway,” he continued, “I’ll need to start looking for a house for myself and Alice to move into once I’m here permanently. And I was hoping you might join me in that search. To help me find a house for all of us. Where we can be a family.” He paused again, giving her a moment to absorb everything he’d already shared.

“I love you, Emma.”

A gasping sob escaped her and she grabbed him around the neck and pulled him to her until their lips joined in a joyful expression of love, both felt and reciprocated. When air became necessary, she pulled back.

“I love you, too, Killian.”

Killian surged forward and captured her lips with his own, pushing her back on the sofa until she was reclined and every part of her body was fully lined up to his. The passionate kiss they shared was making his head spin, but he knew they couldn’t go any further, not with their children in the next room. Very reluctantly, he pulled back.

“We have to stop, Swan,” he said, “As much as I don’t want to.”

“I know,” she agreed, her own reluctance on full display.

Killian rolled off of her, tucking himself between her and the back of the sofa. “I just had a thought. What would you think about coming down to Boston the Thursday after Valentine's Day? We could have a nice dinner without fighting all the Valentines’ crowds and you could spend the night?” It was a question, and she knew exactly what he was asking. She had to admit, it was something she’d definitely thought about and he obviously had, too.

“I think that sounds like a fine idea, Captain.” She lifted up slightly and kissed him.

“Then I could take Friday off and we could do some touristy things around town before coming home a bit earlier than I normally would.” Emma smiled in agreement.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you.”

“What?”

“You remember what I walked in on on New Year’s?”

Emma’s eyebrows shot up, her cheeks flushing with secondhand embarrassment. “Uh huh.”

“Well, Elsa’s pregnant.”

Emma’s jaw dropped and her eyes widened so much that Killian couldn’t hold back his chuckle.

“Are you kidding me?” She was stunned and couldn’t pretend otherwise.

“Nope,” Killian assured her. “She found out this afternoon. She must have called Liam to come home early. When I came up to tell them about the job, she was…” Killian trailed away, searching for the words. “A bit hysterical? Extremely annoyed? Both? Yes.” He nodded decisively. “Both is good.”

A snort laugh burst out of Emma. “Bless her so much.”

“She said I could tell you, but she doesn’t want to say anything to the kids, just yet.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Emma said, pursing her lips and miming locking them and throwing away the key. “My lips are sealed.”

Killian chuckled. “I can think of another way to keep those lips busy,” he said, eyebrows waggling.

Emma grinned at him. “A method I highly approve of,” she said, before drawing him down into another kiss, celebrating all the news of the day.

~*~*~

The next day was Saturday, and Emma and Elsa were finally enjoying their joint spa day. After the news she’d received the day before, Elsa was especially ready and thankful for it.

Once the ladies were gone, Liam joined Killian in the kitchen where he was just finishing his coffee.

“You ready?”

Killian took his last swallow and got up to put the mug in the sink. “Yep. Let’s go.”

When he had come back home yesterday after giving Emma the news, Killian asked Liam if they could go look at the house he had told him about while the ladies were occupied Saturday morning. Liam’s grin was blinding as he made all the arrangements.

Now they were pulling up in front of a beautiful Nantucket style three story home. It was sky blue with a huge wraparound front porch and a three story turret anchoring the front facade.

Killian’s jaw hung open slightly as Liam opened the gate of the white picket fence on the edge of the sidewalk and moved toward the steps leading up to the front porch. He couldn’t take his eyes off of it as he followed Liam, almost in a daze.

Once inside, Liam took him through the house, from the basement to the finished third story that would be ideal for an office or a game room when the kids were a little older. Or, and a small smile turned up his lips at the thought, perhaps another bedroom, if needed. But as it was, the house was beautiful, inside and out, with all the room they needed for a growing family. The price was a little higher than he wanted, but it had been on the market, sitting empty, since autumn, so Killian was hopeful the sellers would be willing to come down a bit in order to get it off their hands.

Killian’s excitement was sending his heart rate into overdrive. This house was perfect in every way, but he needed to get Emma’s input as well. If she was going to be a part of his life going forward and a part of his family in the not-too-distant future, she needed to be on board with whatever home he bought. The ladies would be done with their pampering about one o’clock; maybe he could bring her over afterward to have a look at it.

“Could I bring Emma back this afternoon when they’re done to have a look?” Killian asked his brother. “I love it. It’s perfect. But I can’t in good conscience make an offer on a place that I would hope will be a home for all of us without getting her opinion first.”

“I completely understand, Brother. And I agree,” Liam said. “Let me let the seller’s agent know, and I’ll give you the key.”

Killian nodded and turned around in a full circle looking at the main floor of the house. He imagined moving into this beautiful home- Emma, Alice, and Henry with him- filling it with love and laughter for a lifetime.

~*~*~

A few hours later, he parked his own car in front of the house and looked at Emma in the passenger seat. Her face was very much like his when he’d seen it for the first time earlier. Killian couldn’t keep the grin off his face if he tried.

“What do you think?”

“It… it’s gorgeous,” she breathed. “Have you…?”

“Swan! No!” he exclaimed, completely shocked she would even ask him that. “I’d never make that kind of decision or make a purchase like this without talking to you first.” He took her hands in his and looked her right in the eyes. “Not if we’re going to have a future together.”

Emma’s heart completely melted. She already knew she loved him, but this was just another confirmation that her heart and soul had found a haven in his. She reached up and pulled him to her in a kiss that he eagerly reciprocated and that quickly turned heated.

“Come on,” he said, pulling away some moments later. “Let me show you the inside.”

Emma followed Killian through the gate and up the front steps. It was the most beautiful house she’d ever seen, the wraparound porch a feature that she’d always wanted in a home. When she’d bought the house she lived in now, her budget didn’t come anywhere close to affording a house with a porch like that. But, she had to try to keep her excitement in check. Killian obviously wanted her honest opinion on the house that he hoped would be a home for all of them, and she couldn’t let her immediate affection for the exterior drive that opinion. The house would have to meet certain thresholds in order to be something they could all live in for many years to come.

And as Killian took her through the house, it became quite obvious that it met every single one of those thresholds. A wide open floor plan and tall ceilings weren’t necessary, but were very welcome additions to the generous square footage, ample storage, kitchen and bath upgrades that thrilled Emma to no end, large bedrooms and even enough room for any future children they might have.

Emma looked at Killian, a soft smile on her face as she imagined moving into this beautiful home with Killian, Henry, and Alice by her side. It was everything she could have hoped and dreamed of.

“So what do you think, Swan?” Killian asked, love and hope in his eyes.

“I love it, Killian,” she said sincerely. She stepped toward him and took his hands in hers, her gaze meeting his. “I can see us, all of us, living here for many, many years. Many happy years.”

The relieved grin on Killian’s face, made her own smile bloom before she drew him into another kiss. When they separated, Killian wrapped his arms around her as they both turned and looked out the back window to the large backyard where the kids would no doubt spend many hours playing.

“I didn’t even ask,” Emma began. “What are they asking for this place?”

“It’s a little more than I can afford,” Killian said, “but it’s been sitting empty for four months, so I’m hoping they’ll be a little more motivated to come down on their asking price.”

“With my income, you could probably afford it,” she suggested.

“Yes, but we’re not married yet, and that will create all kinds of complications that we really don’t need to deal with right now,” he explained, kissing her on the tip of her nose.

“Hmmm, yes, that’s true,” she agreed, smiling at the tender gesture.

“I’ll talk to Liam, make them an offer, and see what they say,” he continued. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could have this squared away before I go back to Boston?” The hope in his eyes made her smile and matched the joy in her own.

“Yes, it really would.”

~*~*~

Retirement day had finally arrived. His last two months, one week, and two days of duty were over and all that was left now was the ceremony that would signify his official separation from the United States Navy. He couldn’t believe how quickly the time had gone. Living it day to day, he didn’t think this day would ever get here, but looking back, the time really had flown by.

The offer he’d given Liam for the house back at the end of January had been eagerly accepted by the sellers, even at significantly below their asking price. His offer wasn’t unfair, but he’d fully expected them to counter, and when they didn’t, he was stunned. They’d closed on the house on Saturday just a couple of weeks ago, to accommodate Killian’s work schedule, and he and Emma had been busy both weekends since, moving boxes and some furniture into it, so they’d be able to fully move in tomorrow. The movers would be collecting the rest of his and Alice’s furniture in Boston tomorrow and bringing it all to Storybrooke. He hoped to be fully moved in and unpacked before he started at Storybrooke Real Estate on Monday.

After Emma visited him in Boston in February, they figured it was time for him to meet her parents. Mary Margaret Swan had immediately welcomed him into their family with open arms. It took just a little longer to win David over, but now the bromance between him and David flourished after Killian assured him of the honor of his intentions.

He peeked through the curtain to see all his loved ones arriving en masse and making their way to the front of the room. As the family members of the retiree, they had reserved seating. Seeing Emma there surrounded by his family and hers, sudden inspiration hit him. There was only one thing missing that would make this day truly perfect. When she spotted him looking at her through the curtain, he signaled her to join him. She turned to her mother for a moment and then started toward the podium and backdrop.

Emma came around the edge of the curtain where Killian waited for her to join him before gathering her into his arms and planting a kiss on her lips that wasn’t nearly enough, but would have to be, given their present location.

“Emma,” he said, sinking down on one knee, “I know you probably didn’t expect this today, but when I saw you come into the room, all I could think of was that I wanted you by my side today as my fiancée, not my girlfriend.” He pulled a small, black velvet box out of his dress blues pocket. Emma gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “These last four months since we met have been the best of my life. I love you more than words can express, more than I ever believed possible. Would you make me the happiest man alive and consent to be my wife?”

Emma’s eyes were filled with tears and she could barely see straight to nod and hold her hand out for him to put the beautiful round diamond solitaire on her finger. She knelt in front of him, taking his face in her hands. The tears escaped her eyelids and rolled down her cheeks as she pulled him to her and kissed him with all the love in her heart.

When they pulled back, she touched her forehead to his, tears still streaking down her face.

“I love you, Killian,” she whispered. “And yes, I want nothing more than to be by your side today as your fiancée.” They were both quiet for a moment, just enjoying the love between them. “I should probably go back out there. They’ll be wondering what’s going on.”

Killian chuckled. “Don’t say anything. Let’s see if anyone notices. If they don’t, we’ll announce it at the reception.”

Emma smiled her agreement. They got to their feet, and Emma moved around the curtain to go back to her seat. Killian peeked through the drape again and saw her sit down on the front row, Elsa on one side of her, Mary Margaret on the other. Killian grinned and pulled back from the drape only to hear twin squeals from the other side of the curtain. He moved back, a wide grin spreading on his face as he saw his fiancée showing off her ring to her best friend and mother.

It was going to be quite a party this afternoon, and he couldn’t wait.

~*~*~

Emma sat before the vanity on her wedding day, watching as her mother gathered her hair into an elegant bun at the nape of her neck and tucked the comb holding her veil underneath.

Everything was ready for her to join her life with the love of her life, Killian Jones.

She rose from her stool and turned to face her mother, best friend, and daughter.

“Oh, Mama,” Alice breathed. “You look so beautiful.”

Emma smiled at the child, her heart swelling with love for her. Once school let out last May, Emma and Killian had both initiated adoption proceedings for Alice and Henry, with Emma’s adoption of Alice going through in August and Killian’s adoption of Henry finalizing just last month due to residency requirements.

“Thank you, baby,” Emma said, opening her arms for her hug. She felt the tears fill her eyes as she looked at her mom and Elsa. Elsa’s own eyes glistened with tears as well. She was radiant in the ice blue gown she wore. You couldn’t even tell that she’d given birth three months ago to a daughter, Lila Emily Rose.

When they first talked about dates for the wedding, Killian had suggested August, thinking that would be plenty of time for the planning, but Elsa, Mary Margaret, and Emma herself had loudly protested that it wasn’t nearly enough time. Plus there was the fact that Elsa didn’t want to be walking down the aisle as Matron of Honor nine months pregnant. And so December 15th was chosen, one year to the day since their meeting.

“You look so beautiful, too.” She stepped back, holding Alice’s hands, then releasing one as Alice spun a perfect pirouette under her arm, the skirt of her dress, a smaller version of Elsa’s, flaring out before settling back around her ankles.

“Your father is gonna cry,” Mary Margaret said, completing the teary eyed trio. “We’re so happy this day has finally come. You’re marrying Killian, joining together to create a new family.” Mary Margaret sniffed, and Elsa handed her a handkerchief.

“One year ago today, I saw something that I’d despaired of ever seeing- my brother-in-law, Killian Jones, noticing a woman,” Elsa said, her smile nostalgic as she remembered Emma and Killian’s first meeting. “He’d been alone for six years, but he was smitten with you from that very first moment, and my heart rejoiced. And now here you are, a year later, about to join your lives together, forever.” Mary Margaret handed the handkerchief back to Elsa when a tear escaped and ran down her face. Emma chuckled and then wiped away her own tears.

Outside the room, they could hear the organ beginning to play Sheep May Safely Graze, the last piece before Mary Margaret was to be seated. They moved from the Bride’s Room to the vestibule, where Emma’s dad, Liam, and Henry waited for them.

Elsa and her mother took their places on either side of Liam, and Alice took Henry’s arm, making Emma’s eyes fill with tears yet again. Henry was growing up much too fast. Holding his arm out to his best friend and now sister, just like a little gentleman, made her realize just how quickly time passed. She shouldn’t be able to see glimpses of the man he would one day become, not yet. She looked at her loved ones, meeting their eyes in turn, accepting the love and joy they all had for her on this special day. Having them all here on the happiest day of her life- loving and supporting her, loving and supporting them- made the day perfect. In every way.

“I’ve waited for this day for years,” David whispered. “In the sense that I hoped you’d one day find someone to love. Someone to love you and Henry the way you deserve. Someone to walk beside you through all the ups and downs of life. Killian is everything a father could want for his daughter and I cannot be happier.” The smile on his face was happy and sad at the same time, and Emma could no longer hold back her tears. She moved toward him, hugging him tightly, his hand coming up to cradle the back of her head.

“Thank you, Daddy,” she whispered. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, sweetheart.”

Emma pulled back and took a deep breath, accepting the now ruined handkerchief from Elsa to dab at her own eyes. Pachebel’s Canon in D was beginning, and Liam led Mary Margaret from the vestibule into the sanctuary. She carried two tall taper candles that she’d place on either side of the Unity candle Emma and Killian would light toward the end of the ceremony. In the absence of Killian’s own mother, he’d asked her if she would step in and fill the role.

Only a few minutes later, Liam and Elsa walked down the aisle, followed by Henry and Alice.

Emma felt David turn toward her, so she raised her eyes to meet his. Tears glistened in them and his smile trembled slightly at the corners.

“This is the… third best day of my life,” he said. “First was marrying your mother. Second was the day of your birth. And now today.”

Emma had nothing to say, so she simply rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

“Are you ready to give me away, Daddy?”

David nodded. “Let's go.”

The doors to the sanctuary opened as the opening bars of the Trumpet Voluntary began to play. She and David entered, and her eyes immediately landed on Killian. He wore his Navy Captain dress blue uniform, and Emma caught her breath at how handsome he was.

She couldn’t take her eyes off of him as they continued moving forward. He beamed as he watched her, his smile lighting up his eyes and his entire face with profound love and unspeakable joy.

When they reached Killian and Liam, the four of them faced the vicar.

“Welcome everyone, to the wedding of Emma Swan and Killian Jones,” he began, addressing the small congregation. He turned his eyes upon David. “Who gives this woman in marriage?”

“Her mother and I do,” David answered. He turned to Emma and placed a tender kiss on her cheek before turning to Killian and placing Emma’s hand in his. With a nod and smile of approval and affection, David turned and took his place next to Mary Margaret to watch the rest of the ceremony.

Emma, Killian, Elsa, and Liam followed the vicar up the steps to the stage before he turned to them and began the ceremony.

Killian couldn’t take his eyes off of his bride. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, period, but today, she was literally breathtaking. She wore a simple gown in a slimline style with a sleeveless deep v-neck wrapped bodice with a satin skirt. Her hair was pulled back into a soft bun, her veil trailing down from the bun almost to the floor. He’d never beheld a more exquisite sight. He missed what all the vicar was saying, simply soaking in the vision that was his almost wife, until he announced it was time for the vows.

“Emma Swan,” he breathed. “I think I may have fallen in love with you on the very day we met. I knew that day my life was about to change for the better, and that sentiment has been proven correct many, many times over. You’ve made my life complete, Emma. I can’t imagine loving you more than I do right now, although I know I will as we walk through life together, because my love for you has grown every single day already. This day do I pledge thee my troth, to share everything in life, the good and the bad. No matter what the future holds, I want you to be certain that I will always, always be by your side. I love you, Emma.”

A hiccupping sob escaped Emma’s lips as she prepared to share her own vows.

“Killian, the day I met you, I had a feeling that there were many wonderful things to come. To look forward to, having you in my life. And it was hardly any time at all before I knew that I loved you and wanted to spend my life with you. Killian, you are the best man I know and I love you deeply. Truly. This day, in the sight of God and our dearly loved friends and family, I promise to love you. To honor you, respect you, cherish you. Walking through life together, the ups and the downs, will be a great adventure with you by my side. Until death do us part.”

Killian swallowed heavily. “And I promise to love, honor, respect, and cherish you, Emma, until death do us part.”

Once the vows were spoken, they exchanged rings, solid white gold bands, the vicar speaking a blessing over the rings. As they moved to light the Unity candle, the vicar read from the Book of Ruth, the passage speaking of never leaving the other, as long as they both shall live.

They returned to the vicar at the foot of the stage where he proudly proclaimed, “Killian, you may kiss your bride!”

Killian grinned, his eyebrows waggling as he took Emma in his arms and dipped her back before joining his lips to hers. The congregation around them erupted into shouts and cheers, but they were oblivious to all of it, simply soaking in the love they had for one another as their lips moved together.

Long moments later, he finally raised them back up and they turned toward all their loved ones as the vicar announced them.

“Presenting Captain and Mrs. Killian Jones!”

The congregation again erupted in cheers as Emma and Killian proceeded back down the aisle, followed by Liam and Elsa, then Henry and Alice.

And they all lived happily ever after.

The End

~*~*~

Thank you for reading and sharing! I'd love to know what you think! Merry Christmas!!!

#a christmas surprise #krystal writes #art by krystal #christmas fluff

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leonscroptop · 5 months

Text

Aftercare <3 (Simon Ghost Rylie fic)

A/n- This is the first time I’m posting a fan fic like… ever. I’ve done plenty of writing in the past just never posted anything so plz have some grace on me 🙏. For this the person who would be y/n is named Luna bcs I refuse to write y/n fics, so you can pretend Luna is you 🤗Feedback is also completely welcome! Just be nice don’t straight up say it sucked 😭. But if you want to give me some tips on how to make my writing better it’s very welcome! Anyway this is short and I hope you enjoy :)

Warnings- fluff, a little nsfw, mainly sfw, soft Simon

I could still feel Simons soft lips travel my body. The way the softness of them would suck on my skin. The wetness of them against my thighs. All of it was over now, but I could still feel him. His hands roaming my body, his sweaty skin against mine. It was all something that wouldn’t leave my mind because, how could I forget?

I lay in bed, still naked while Simon takes a shower in our shared bathroom. The silk of the sheets sticked to my sweaty skin as I continue to think of the events that just took place. Just the thought of it all made me horny again, if that was even possible. I mean damn, seven or so rounds later and I’m still not fully satisfied? He sure was, that’s why he stopped, he also thought I couldn’t handle anymore, and sure he was probably right, but I always craved more.

Simons figure came around the corner from the bathroom. He only wore his boxers, so his chest was on display for me to admire. His body glisten with fresh warm water from his shower. His mask was off as well, his blonde hair was wet and dripped water on the carpet.

“Luna? You awake?” His voice was soft and gentle.

I hummed in response then sat up. “Yeah? Why?” I spoke in the same gentle tone he did.

“I ran you a bath, I used lavender, that’s the one that helps you relax right?” It was so cute when he tried remembering the things I did for self care. He always make sure to take care of me rather than himself after we had fun. It made me love him even more.

“Oh you didn’t have to-“ he immediately cut me off by scooping me in his arms and carrying me to the bathroom. He gently placed my body in the warm water. The room was dimly lit by some candles. Simon then took a seat on the ground next to the tub and helped wash off my body. His hands felt rough, but his touch was gentle and loving.

“Are you ok?” The same question he asked anytime we did stuff with each other. He was the most aggressive guy in bed, but the second he was done he was gentle, caring, it was like a switch he could turn on and off so easily.

“Mhm, I’m just fine.” I looked into his blue eyes, he looked back with love and care.

“I wasn’t too rough? I always get scared I might hurt you…”

“You were just fine dear, you might have left a bruise or two on my hips but… I like that.” I smile at him gently.

He brought his hand up to my hair and started getting it wet so he could rub shampoo in it. “Ok, just tell me if I ever do too much.” Once his hand started scrubbing the shampoo in I shut my eyes and relaxed against his touch. The water was still warm, the air smelt relaxing, and the hands in my hair were loving.

Once I got fully washed off Simon helped me out of the tub then wrapped me with a soft clean towel. It was still hard for me to walk so he scooped me up again and carried me to the bed.

“Pink or blue?” He looked down at me sitting on the edge of the bed.

“What?”

“Your pjs, you want the pink or blue ones?”

“Oh I can get them, you don’t have-“

“Pink it is.” He cut me off again then pulled out my pink silk night gown. He then pulled out a pair of white laced panties. He took both and gown and underwear and helped slip the two on my body. His touch still soft and gentle.

Once I was dressed he climbed into bed with me and pulled me to his chest. His hands played through my wet hair untangling it gently.

“I love you.” He whispered to me as I snuggled in deeper to his skin.

“I love you too.” Then just like that, we both were asleep peacefully in each other’s arms.

#call of duty #ghost riley #simon ghost riley #cod x reader #simon riley #fanfic #cod fanfic #fluff #soft simon riley #writing #cod modern warfare

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jrob64 · 1 year

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Always in My Heart - Ch. 2, A CS Modern AU story

Here is Chapter 2 of my CS Gift Exchange story for @nachocheese-itsmycheese, including a new pic set. This chapter has some fluff and special moments, but fair warning, it also contains some serious angst.

Many thanks to @hookedmom for being my beta, @cs-rylie for being another set of eyes on the story and @kmomof4 for helping me plot.

Story Summary: As children in the same foster home, Emma Swan and Killian Jones became best friends. After being separated, they lost touch for 14 years and thought they would never see each other again.

A chance meeting in London changes everything.

*Trigger Warning* - cancer

Rating: M (for smut in the last chapter - but can be skipped if that’s not your comfort zone)

Words: (Ch. 2) 8362

Chapter 1 found here on Tumblr

Also posted on Ao3 & ffn

*********

The second time Emma Nolan shared a bed with Killian Jones, she was twenty years old and he was twenty-two. They were best friends reunited after years apart.

Killian began to wake up when he heard whimpers coming from Emma. He pushed up to his elbow and looked at the nightstand, where the green digital clock numbers read 4:33.

“Swan?” he whispered, cautiously scooting a little closer to her.

She didn’t answer, but let out another soft whimper. He could tell she was still asleep, but seemed to be in a bit of discomfort from her injuries.

“Emma?” he tried again, gently nudging her right shoulder.

“Hmm?”

“Are you in pain?”

Her eyes cracked open and she turned her head on the pillow, but he could tell she wasn’t fully awake. “Yeah...it hurts.”

“You need to take more medicine.”

“Uh-uh. It’s dark and I don’t remember where I left the bottle.”

“You should stay ahead of the pain and it’s been several hours since you took anything. I’ll look for it, okay?”

She squeezed her eyes shut tightly. After several seconds, she breathed out a heavy sigh before her eyes popped back open and she said, “Okay.”

Killian slid out of bed and used the light on his phone to look around the room, then went into the bathroom, coming back momentarily with a glass of water and a couple of pills. Setting them on the nightstand, he gently eased his arm around her back and helped her sit up enough to swallow the medicine.

“Thanks,” she murmured, as he lowered her back to the mattress.

He climbed back into bed on his side, moving toward the middle. Reaching over, he massaged her shoulder. ”Sleep now, Swan.”

Closing her eyes, she hummed. “Feels good.”

Happy to bring her some comfort, he continued to rub her arm until he heard her breathing deepen, signifying her return to sleep. He followed soon after.

*********

During the next three days, Emma and Killian enjoyed the amenities of the ski resort to occupy their time. They spent time in the lodge game room playing darts, billiards and air hockey, enjoyed the hot tub, and watched movies or sat in front of the gas fireplace in the living area of the suite. No matter what they were doing, they carried on lengthy and effortless conversations, filling in the years they missed with each other and remembering all the things they did when they were at the foster home together.

On the final day of the trip, Emma came out of the bathroom after soaking in the large, whirlpool tub, to find the room empty. She checked her phone for a message from Killian, but didn’t find one. Just as she was getting ready to call him, the door opened and he walked in wearing a huge grin.

“What have you been doing that made you so happy?” she questioned good naturedly.

“I just ordered tickets for us to go on the gondola today. The person down at the front desk said they have a shuttle that can take us there. Is that alright with you, Swan?”

“That sounds like fun! I’ve been watching it move up and down the mountain, but didn’t think about going on it ourselves. Will I be able to ride it with my leg like this?”

“I checked into it and it shouldn’t be a problem. The cars are enclosed and look quite spacious.”

“Well, what are we waiting for then?” she asked excitedly.

He helped her don her winter gear and put on his own, then they rode the elevator down to the lobby. As they made their way outside, the shuttle pulled up in front of the building.

It was a short drive down the road to the gondola site. After they purchased their tickets, Emma was permitted to use the handicap access and was boarded promptly. Killian helped her settle into the car before it began gliding up the mountain, giving them a spectacular view of the surrounding scenery. The skiers and snowboarders below looked miniscule, but Emma still tried to locate Mary Margaret in her bright pink snowsuit.

They both thought the ride was over far too quickly, so when they disembarked, Emma offered to buy tickets for another trip. Killian readily agreed and helped her over to the ticket booth. The second time was just as enjoyable, as they pointed out beautiful sights to each other.

After the gondola returned to base, they went into the little snack shop and treated themselves to warm apple dumplings with ice cream, and hot chocolate.

By the time they returned to the resort, it was midday. They went straight up to their room to change out of their heavy winter outerwear, then watched a movie until Mary Margaret and David knocked on their door. The four of them walked over to the lodge and ate together, talking and laughing into the evening.

Once Emma and Killian returned, they packed their suitcases as much as possible, because they were leaving early the next morning. Killian would be taking an Uber to the airport for a flight back to England, and after seeing him off at the lodge, the other three would leave to drive back to Maine.

A sense of melancholy settled over the room as they silently folded their clothes and stuffed them into their bags. Killian made a sweep of the living room area and the bathroom, while Emma double checked all of the dresser drawers and the closet. When they were satisfied that everything was packed except for what they needed in the morning, they sat together on the sofa, the only light coming from the fireplace in front of them.

He draped his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m going to miss you so much,” she sighed.

“I’ll miss you, too,” he agreed sadly, “but I’m very glad we had this time together. And of course we can continue texting and calling each other.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I’m going to bug you so much, you’ll get tired of it.”

He chuckled. “Not a chance. I’ll look forward to it.”

They lapsed back into silence, each lost in their thoughts.

“You’ll let me know what you find out from your MRI, won’t you?” he asked.

“Absolutely. I really hope there are no tears.”

“I pray there aren’t.”

“And you’ll let me know when you get a job, right?”

“Aye. Hopefully, it won’t take long.”

“I pray it won’t.”

She turned her face up to him and smiled. He returned it, then rested his forehead against hers momentarily.

They remained on the sofa, quietly conversing, for another half hour before deciding to go to bed. Once there, both of them had trouble falling asleep, knowing they would be saying goodbye to each other again in just a few hours.

*********

The next morning was a flurry of activity with final packing, a quick breakfast, and loading the bags into David’s car, while Killian waited for the arrival of his Uber. When he received notification that it was two minutes away, he said his goodbyes to Mary Margaret and David, then turned to Emma.

“Let me know when you arrive back home,” he said, taking her hand and giving it an affectionate squeeze.

“You do the same,” she replied. Leaning her crutches against the wall beside her, she wrapped her arms around him. “Please stay in touch, Killian. I don’t want to lose you again.”

“You have my solemn promise, Swan.”

“Thank you for coming. It was the best surprise ever!”

“Thank you for allowing me to crash your vacation.”

Her arms loosened and she looked up at him. “This whole vacation would have sucked if you hadn’t shown up. You’re the only reason I was able to enjoy it at all!”

He chuckled. “Happy to be of service, milady.”

A dark blue SUV pulled up the driveway and stopped in front of them. “Looks like my ride is here,” Killian commented. He hugged her tightly one more time, before releasing her to bend down and pick up his duffle bag.

The driver exited the vehicle and greeted Killian, taking his bag to put it in the back. Killian’s eyes lingered on his friend for several moments. “Goodbye, Emma,” he finally said.

“Goodbye, Killian. I hope I’ll see you again soon.”

“Me, too.” Unable to think of anything else to say, he raised his hand to give her a little wave, then slipped into the back seat of the waiting SUV. He knew she couldn’t see him through the tinted window, but when he looked at her, she was waving and bravely trying to give him a smile anyway.

As the vehicle started down the winding driveway, he watched Emma out the back window until she faded from view, then settled back into the leather seat with a sigh. He had plenty of time to think during the twenty-five minute drive to the airport, and pondered why it hurt more to say goodbye to Emma this time, than it did in London. Maybe back then it was easier because he was already making plans to surprise her in Vermont, but now he thought it was more than that.

His feelings toward his friend had changed in the days he spent with her and he wasn’t exactly sure when it happened. He simply knew the longer he was with her, the harder it was to keep from kissing her. Their long conversations allowed him to see the woman his childhood friend had become, and he liked what he saw. He was attracted to her wit, humor, intelligence and beauty.

Now the question was, what could he do about it from thousands of miles away?

*********

Emma stood, rooted to the spot, as she watched the SUV disappear, taking Killian away from her yet again. The pain she felt in her heart was almost as bad as the pain in her injured leg, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to examine the reason why.

She wasn’t a person who made friends easily. As a child, it didn’t take her long to come to the conclusion it wasn’t worth the effort. After Killian left, she was never in one place long enough for anyone to get to know her. She was always the ‘new girl’ who warranted stares and whispers, but rarely a genuinely warm welcome from classmates or foster siblings.

When she was adopted by the Nolans, she tagged along with David, and eventually his friends became her friends, too. They all thought of her as their little sister and included her whenever they played sports in the backyard. By the time she entered junior high, she was one of the best female athletes in her grade and began making friends with some of her teammates.

No matter how many friends she made though, none of them took Killian’s place in her heart. He was her first friend, her best friend, but the feelings she felt now had her thinking she wanted him to be more than just a friend, which was crazy, right?

“Ready to go, Sis?”

Emma startled at David’s voice, not realizing how long she had been standing there contemplating her feelings. “Oh, yeah, I’m ready. Let’s get on the road.”

*********

A week after they parted ways, Killian was happy to learn Emma’s MRI showed no signs of tears in her knee or ankle, and that she was using a cane instead of crutches. He was able to share his good news about being offered a job at one of the architectural firms where he had done an internship.

Their daily texts never failed to lift his spirits as he hunted for an apartment and settled into a new routine. He felt very blessed to have Emma in his life again.

*********

Spring semester for Emma was the most busy and demanding of her entire college career. She had more projects, papers and reading to do than in her previous two semesters combined. It didn’t help that getting around was still slow and awkward. If it wasn’t for the daily texts and occasional FaceTime calls from Killian, she didn’t know how she would have made it through. His encouragement lifted her up and calmed her down. He knew just the right things to say to make her laugh when she felt like screaming with frustration. It seemed he could tell how she was feeling just by reading her texts or hearing the tone of her voice.

By mid-April, she had come to two conclusions: she was going to survive the semester from hell, and she was falling hard for her best friend.

*********

Killian rolled his chair away from his desk, stretching his arms above his head. He was thoroughly enjoying the challenge of his job, but being hunched over a computer screen most of the day took its toll.

Pulling out his phone, he saw a message from Liam and grimaced after reading it.

L: We’re trying to get a head count for the wedding reception. Are you bringing a date or not?

He would love to say he was bringing a certain beautiful, blonde-haired lass who was his best friend, and then a sudden thought struck him - what would it hurt to ask? He would pay her airfare and offer her the spare bedroom in his new flat. After the semester she was going through, he felt she deserved some time away. The wedding was two weeks after she finished classes, and he knew she wasn’t planning to start her summer job until the first week of June.

Not wanting to overthink it and talk himself out of it, he pulled up their text thread and typed out a message.

K: Would you consider being my date for my brother’s wedding on May 20? Please?

Glancing at the time, he knew she would be in the middle of her Advanced Composition class and wouldn’t be able to answer for at least another hour. He tried to tamp down the excitement over the prospect of seeing her again, knowing it was a distinct possibility she might say no.

Switching back to Liam’s text, he sent a vague answer.

K: I’ll get back to you on that in a couple of days.

Laying his phone back on the desk, he rose from his chair, grabbed his favorite mug and went to the break room for his afternoon cup of coffee.

*********

Emma sat down at a small table beside the front window of the Student Union and massaged her knee. Even after three months, her injuries still bothered her from time to time, and she still needed physical therapy to strengthen her leg. She took a sip from her Diet Coke and opened a bag of chips, munching on one as she pulled her phone from the pocket of her messenger bag and unlocked it.

When she read the message from Killian, she inhaled sharply. The chip went down sideways and she began coughing, glancing around to make sure no one was rushing over to give her the Heimlich maneuver. She finally caught her breath, tears in her eyes and a sting in her throat from where the chip scraped it.

He was asking her to come to England for his brother’s wedding? As his date?

Did this mean that…could he possibly have feelings for her that went beyond friendship? Or was she reading too much into it? Did he know she thought about him that way? Maybe he just didn’t want to go to the wedding by himself. But if that was the case, wouldn’t he just ask one of his friends who lived in England? Surely any woman he asked would happily jump at the chance to go on a date with such a gorgeous and sweet guy.

She was probably overthinking it. He more than likely just sent her the invitation on the spur of the moment and asked her as his friend, nothing more.

Her initial response was to refuse, as she ran through the excuses in her mind. She was a poor college student and it would be an expensive trip. She needed time to decompress after this semester, before beginning her summer job waitressing, and taking online classes so she could graduate in December. She also promised Mary Margaret to help her with wedding plans.

No matter how many excuses she came up with, another thought overrode them all - she had an opportunity to be with Killian again. How could she say no to that?

Her thumbs hovered over the keyboard as she chewed on her lip. Before sending a reply, she pulled up her banking app and checked her finances. Doing a quick calculation, she realized she could just about afford an airplane ticket and hotel room, but what about meals and transportation?

As if summoned by her deliberation, her phone vibrated with a text from none other than the man whose question was currently making her mind race.

K: I neglected to mention that I will pay for your plane ticket and you’re welcome to stay in my spare bedroom. Never let it be said that Killian Jones is anything less than a gentleman when asking a lady to be his date. I wouldn’t hear of you paying your own way.

Ah, so now that excuse was taken out of the equation. Still, she hesitated. What if she really was reading too much into it? What if his feelings toward her were the same as always, while hers had moved past friendship to… something more… for him? She couldn’t bear to have her heart broken and lose her best friend all in one fell swoop.

She could just go to England, see her friend again, go to the wedding and come back home, never telling him how her feelings had changed. And who knows? Maybe when she saw him again, she would realize her feelings really hadn’t changed, that it was just her mind…and heart… playing tricks on her.

She was definitely overthinking it.

Bringing up the calendar app on her phone, she was surprised to see nothing scheduled for May 20 or any of the days before and after. A smile teased the corners of her lips as that final piece of the puzzle fell into place. Everything was pointing to the idea that she was destined to accept Killian’s invitation.

So she did.

*********

Emma tried to get comfortable in the airplane seat, putting her earbuds in and exhaling a happy sigh. She was very relieved to be finished with the semester that nearly did her in, and even happier that her high GPA was still intact. She reminisced again about how thankful she was for Killian’s support and encouragement throughout the past five months. Now she was just a few hours away from seeing him in person and she could hardly wait.

The last time she was on a plane to England, she was equal parts excited and nervous, and found this time wasn’t any different. She was anxious to see how she reacted to being with Killian again, not really sure if she wanted to confirm that her feelings had deepened.

Trying to put the turmoil of thoughts out of her mind, she tugged a paperback book out of the messenger bag on her lap and started reading.

*********

Killian paced the arrivals area of the airport, checking his phone after every few steps. Emma said she would text him when her plane began disembarking and it was supposed to have landed five minutes ago.

His stomach was in knots, and he couldn’t help but compare it to how he felt when he was planning to go to Vermont. He had been excited to see his friend then, but what he felt now was completely different. He wanted to be more than a friend to Emma and wondered if she reciprocated his feelings.

The phone buzzed in his hand and he sucked in a quick breath. Hopefully before her visit was over, he would find out the answer.

*********

Of course her piece of luggage had to be one of the last to appear on the carousel. When she finally spotted it, Emma impatiently pushed between two people who were texting on their phones instead of watching for their baggage. She snagged her navy blue bag, raised the handle, and turned to exit the area.

Suddenly she heard, “Swan! Over here!” and saw Killian heading her way.

It took them a few moments of dodging people until they were finally hugging each other.

“It’s great to see you again,” she said into his neck, inhaling his unique scent.

They were separated when a man rushing past them bumped his shoulder bag into Emma’s hip, nearly knocking her off her feet, but Killian's strong arms kept her stable. Tossing a brief apology over his shoulder, the man continued on while Killian glared at him.

“Alright there, Swan?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why is it that every time I see you, I’m either almost being knocked on my ass or have injuries from doing just that?”

He laughed, taking the handle of her suitcase from her, while his other hand clasped hers. “I don’t know, but I’m happy to see you walking on your own two feet. Let’s get out of here before that changes.”

Playfully slapping his arm with her free hand, she allowed him to lead her through the throng of people outside to where his car was parked. He stowed her bag in the 'boot' while she circled around to the left side of the car, remembering the passenger seat would be on the opposite side.

As he drove to his apartment, he asked about her flight, and she inquired about the wedding preparations. Their conversation flowed easily, as always, and Emma relaxed more and more as the miles churned away. Her heart was still beating at an accelerated pace, but Killian didn’t seem to notice anything different about her.

But there was something different. Being with him again proved to her that her feelings had gone beyond simple friendship. She was falling in love with her best friend.

*********

It was all Killian could do to keep his focus on the road in front of him. He thought he was prepared to see Emma after five months, hundreds of texts and numerous FaceTime calls, but seeing her beauty in person again was a very pleasant jolt to his system.

When they arrived and he parked his car, he retrieved her luggage and led her inside the building. Upon entering his apartment, she complimented him on the bright, modern space, then followed him down the hallway to the spare room, which was sparsely furnished with a twin bed and small dresser.

“I’m afraid it’s not much,” he apologized, rubbing at a spot behind his ear.

“You forget that I lived in a cramped dorm room for two years,” she laughed. “This is fine. Thank you for providing a place for me to stay and paying for my plane ticket. I probably wouldn’t have been able to come otherwise.”

“My pleasure, Swan. I’m very happy you were able to work it out. Liam and Louise are excited to meet you and to have you join me at the wedding.”

“I look forward to meeting them, too. I’ll finally be able to put faces to their names after hearing so much about them.”

Killian showed her around the rest of his flat, giving her a towel and washcloth when she expressed an interest in taking a shower. While she did, he ordered pizza to be delivered and called Liam to let him know Emma had arrived safely.

After she emerged from the bathroom, hair damp and dressed in casual, comfortable clothes, they ate and caught up with each other some more. He wondered if there would be some awkwardness between them because of the romantic feelings he was developing for her, but was happy to find it was just as easy as always.

*********

Killian took Emma to his brother’s house the next day, where Liam and his fiancée would be attending to last minute details for the wedding. Although she was a little apprehensive to meet Killian’s beloved older brother, Liam set her at ease by greeting her with a broad smile and warm hug.

“Ah, so you’re the famous Emma Swan! My little brother has sung your praises for as long as I can remember. I’ve never seen him happier than when he found you again.”

“You know I’m an adult now, don’t you, Liam?” Killian grumbled. “I’m not your little brother anymore.”

Emma laughed. “I’m very happy we found each other again, too, and to finally meet you, Liam.”

Once Louise arrived, they set to work making small bags of sugar almonds to be placed as favors for the wedding guests. Killian and Liam’s Aunt Aggie stopped in with her homemade Scotch eggs for lunch, greeting Emma just as warmly as Liam and Louise. By the time they left later that afternoon, Emma felt like she had been accepted as an honorary member of the Jones family.

When they got back to Killian’s apartment, Emma unpacked the accessories she brought to wear to the wedding and discovered she forgot to pack her nude heels. He took her shopping to buy a new pair, then they went out to eat at a local pub. Knowing the next day was going to be a busy one with the wedding and reception, they went to bed early; Killian bidding her goodnight with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

Emma lay in bed, recalling the events of the day and wishing she would have acted on her instinct to turn her head into his kiss, so it would have been on the lips instead.

*********

Killian awoke the next morning to a misty, overcast day. He had hoped Liam and Louise would have warm, sunny weather for their special day, but figured since the ceremony wasn’t until late afternoon, there was time for it to clear up.

He went into the kitchen to start the coffee and decided to make English pancakes for breakfast. Just as he was plating up three of the thin, crepe-like treats, Emma came stumbling into the room, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

“Something smells delicious,” she mumbled.

He chuckled. “Are you talking about the coffee or the pancakes?”

“Yes,” she answered with a sly grin.

“Well, help yourself to the coffee. You can have these pancakes as soon as I sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Would you like some strawberries on them, too?”

“Sure,” she said, moving toward the coffee pot.

He set the plate in front of her as soon as she was seated with her mug of coffee. While he was cooking his own pancakes, he heard her moan with pleasure, making him bite his lip to keep from moaning himself. He imagined her making that sound as she was in the throes of passion, and silently admonished himself to get a grip and focus.

When he joined her at the table with his plate, she said, “These are amazing! You’ll have to teach me how to make them sometime.”

He liked how she made it sound like it was inevitable for them to be together again. “I can do that. They’re really quite easy.”

“Maybe for you, but I’m not the greatest in the kitchen,” she commented, before taking another large bite. After chewing and swallowing, she asked, “What’s the schedule for today?”

“We need to be at the church by two o’clock for pictures. The wedding is at three-thirty, with the meal and reception afterwards.”

“I hope what I brought to wear is okay.”

“I’m sure it will be, Swan. There isn’t a specific dress code, except for those of us in the wedding party.”

After they finished eating, they cleaned up the kitchen. “You can take your shower first, Emma. I’m going to call Liam to see if he needs anything,” Killian said, once it was put to rights.

They spent a lazy morning together, watching television and talking. After a light lunch, they maneuvered around each other for the next two hours, getting ready for the big event. As Killian slipped into his white tuxedo shirt, he was happy to notice the sun filtering through the blinds in his room. It looked like Mother Nature was going to cooperate after all.

When he entered the living room, adjusting his cufflinks in the buttonholes, he came to a complete stop. Emma was already there waiting, wearing a knee-length, lace sheath in plum. The dress had a strapless lining, but the lace overlay crossed over one shoulder, giving Killian full view of the other. Her golden hair was swooped back into a low bun, showing off the creamy expanse of her slender neck.

Realizing he was staring, he cleared his throat. “You look…stunning, Swan.”

She self-consciously ran her hands down her sides. “Thank you. My mom bought this dress for me for my induction into an academic sorority last year. I haven’t had an opportunity to wear it again until now. Are you sure it looks alright?”

He took two more steps toward her. “It’s perfect. You’ll be the most beautiful woman there.”

Breathing out a small laugh, she said, “I think that title will belong to Louise, don’t you? All eyes are supposed to be on the bride, after all.” Just as Killian opened his mouth to answer, she added, “Oh, I need to put a few things into my clutch before we go. Give me a couple of minutes.”

“We don’t have to leave for another fifteen, so take your time.” Watching her walk down the short hallway to the bedroom, he couldn’t help thinking that while all eyes were on the bride, he would have a hard time taking his eyes off of Emma.

*********

Emma had made the excuse to leave the room before she began to drool over seeing Killian in a tuxedo. The man was gorgeous to begin with, but put him in a tux and his hotness factor went through the roof.

There was another reason for taking some time to gather herself, though. The adoring way he was looking at her made a thrill of hope run down her spine. Perhaps he did feel something for her besides friendship.

She glanced through the contents of her purse and snapped it shut, determined to tell Killian before she left England how her feelings toward him had changed.

*********

The wedding was beautiful and filled with so much love between the bride and groom, it brought tears to Emma’s eyes. Every time she looked at Killian, he was smiling broadly, clearly happy for his brother. She caught him more than once looking back at her where she sat in the audience beside his Aunt Aggie, and it made the warmth rush into her cheeks.

After enjoying a delicious meal at the reception, they watched Liam and Louise have their first dance together. When the next song began, Killian turned to Emma and held out his hand. “May I have this dance, Swan?”

Placing her hand in his, she commented, “Such a gentleman.”

“If I wasn’t, I would severely disappoint my aunt,” he quipped, winking at the woman herself, who gave him an approving smile.

They moved to the middle of the dance floor, where the newlyweds were continuing to sway, completely oblivious to everyone else around them. Emma put her right hand on his shoulder and felt his arm wrap around her waist, their other hands still clasped together.

Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the other couples on the dance floor and the guests who were standing around the perimeter of it. Then they scanned up to connect with Killian’s, losing herself in their blue depths.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, the words spoken close to her ear.

“I really am, and I want to thank you, Killian, for asking me to come to the wedding. I’m sure you could have found a cheaper date here, after all!”

“I never even considered asking anyone else.”

“Why not?”

He ducked his head and she was sure he would be scratching behind his ear if both of his hands weren’t occupied. After several moments, he looked back up at her with determination shining in his eyes. “Because no one else is as special and important to me as you, Swan. You…I…” He hesitated and her heart started pounding, wondering what his next words were going to be. “I’ve come to think of you as more than a friend, Emma. My feelings…are changing, becoming…bloody hell, I’m making a right mess of this.”

She exhaled slowly, her hand on his shoulder moving to thread her fingers through the ends of his hair. “I think I know what you’re trying to say, Killian, because…it’s gone beyond friendship for me, too. I…really like you.”

“Truly?” he asked, his eyes hopeful.

“Yeah”, she confirmed.

“So, you’re onboard to see where this goes?”

“I mean, I know it’s not going to be easy because of the distance, but…I think it would be worth a try.”

Before she was finished speaking, his hands were framing her face and he was gazing at her with a warm gleam in his fathomless eyes. Then his lips met hers, soft and sweet, and she knew she made the right decision.

*********

By the time they returned to his flat after the reception, Killian’s feet were sore, but his heart was full. He and Emma danced together for nearly every song. He relished having her in his arms and took the opportunity to kiss her at regular intervals.

After parking the car outside his building, they slowly walked inside, with Emma’s heels dangling from Killian’s fingertips and her arm threaded through his elbow. She had been intuitive enough to know she wouldn’t last the day in her new shoes and tucked a pair of ballet slippers into her clutch.

After he unlocked the door, she entered and flopped down onto the sofa. “Tired, Love?” he asked.

“Yes, but it was so much fun! It’s the best time I’ve ever had at a wedding.”

He sank down beside her. “I had a great time, too. I’m sure it had something to do with the fact it was my brother getting married, but I think it was mostly because of the beautiful lady who was my date.”

She rolled her head sideways to look at him. “I don’t know about you, but I’m relieved to have my feelings for you out in the open.”

“Aye, Love, me too. It makes me very happy you’ve made a place in your heart for me.”

Reaching over to take his hand, she said sincerely, “You’ve always been in my heart, Killian, ever since we were kids. I just hope we can work things out.”

He leaned in to brush a kiss across her lips. “I have confidence we will, Emma.”

She smiled and sighed contentedly. “David and Mary Margaret are getting married next March. Do you think you’ll be able to be my date for their wedding?”

“I’ll be sure to put in for the days off once the new year starts.”

Kissing him again, she said, “Good. You’ll get to meet my mom then.”

“Perhaps I could work something out at Christmas, so I can meet her sooner.”

Emma sighed. “Even Christmas seems very far away. We’re always being separated for months at a time.”

“They do say absence makes the heart grow fonder,” he tried to soothe.

“I hate that saying already,” she growled.

He chuckled, then turned to check the clock on the microwave. “It’s getting rather late, Swan. We should probably go to bed. Would you like to leave early for the airport and stop to get some breakfast on the way?”

“That would be really nice. What time do you think we should leave?”

Looking down at their hands where he was tangling his fingers through hers, he said, “By seven o’clock, I suppose. This time with you has gone far too fast.”

“I know. It always does.” She sighed and squeezed his hand. “I wish this night didn’t have to end, but you’re right - we need to go to bed.”

Rising from the couch, he pulled her to her feet and into a hug. “Goodnight, Swan. Pleasant dreams.”

“Goodnight, Killian,” she mumbled into his shoulder. “See you in the morning.”

He reluctantly released her and watched her walk down the hall, turning at the doorway to give him a smile. Feeling his heart swell, he checked to make sure the door was locked, switched off the lights, and went into his own bedroom, hoping to dream, as he so often had, about his friend across the hall, who was now more than his friend.

*********

The next two months after Emma’s trip to England saw the couple continuing to FaceTime and text, though their conversations were longer and more intimate than before. They seemed to never run out of things to share with each other.

Then one afternoon in early August, an hour before he got off work, he received a text from her.

E: Please call me ASAP.

Emma had been telling him for the past few weeks how concerned she was about her mother. Ruth had developed a persistent cough, was having pain in her chest and didn’t have any energy. David and Emma insisted she see a doctor so she finally gave in and made an appointment. The doctor had ordered more tests, which Killian knew she underwent the previous week. He was instantly concerned and went into the empty break room to place the call.

As soon as he heard Emma’s voice, it felt as though a rock dropped into his stomach. It was anguished in a way he’d never heard before. “Swan, what is it? What’s wrong?” he asked anxiously.

“M-my mom…has…cancer,” she choked out, and he closed his eyes, the memory of that same word impacting his life so brutally when he was a little boy. “It…it’s bad, Killian. Stage four lung cancer, inoperable.” Her voice broke on the final word and he gripped the phone tighter, wishing with all his heart he was there to hold her.

“Emma, I’m so, so sorry. How do they plan to treat it?”

He could hear her quiet sobs before she spoke again, her voice clogged with tears. “They…they’re trying to…decide what to do, but…M-Mom says she’s not sure she…” Her voice cut off again and he could feel tears trickling down his own cheeks over his girlfriend’s deep sorrow. “She just…wants to l-live long enough to see D-David and Mary Margaret get married.”

Closing his eyes, he asked the next dreaded question. “Have they given her a prognosis?”

He could barely understand her when she answered. “Three to…six m-months. With treatment…maybe a couple more…”

Killian sank into a chair, his legs unable to hold him any longer. “Emma, I…I don’t know what to say. I wish I could be there with you right now.”

She sniffed and whispered, “So do I. I-I’m taking the Fall semester off. David and Mary Margaret are planning to…move their wedding up, probably to late September or early October. Do you…do you think you would still be able to come if they change the date?”

“I promise I’ll be there, Sweetheart. No matter what it takes, I will definitely be there.”

“Thank you, Killian. I…I should let you get back to work. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

“Emma, Love, please don’t apologize,” he said. “I’m here for you whenever you need me - anytime, day or night. Never hesitate to call me, aye?” He heard her exhale a shaky breath, and took it as a sign of relief that she had a source of support.

“Okay,” she said, her voice a bit stronger. “I have to go. David and Mary Margaret are coming over for dinner tonight and I need to help Mom cook.”

“Would it be alright if I call you later this evening?”

“Yeah, that would be great, if you don’t mind.”

“You know I don’t. I’ll talk to you then.”

“Thanks again, Killian. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Swan.”

He hung up and sunk his head into his hands. He and Emma had spoken numerous times about how many things they had in common. He really hoped both of their mothers succumbing to cancer wouldn’t be added to that list.

*********

Killian exited the airport, his eyes anxiously searching for his girlfriend. When he didn’t see her immediately, he began walking down the sidewalk in search of the yellow VW from the picture she sent to him.

“Hey, handsome.”

He turned quickly to see Emma standing behind him. Dropping his duffle to the ground, he wrapped her tightly in his embrace. For almost two months, he had longed to hold her, giving her some small degree of comfort for her pain.

“Sorry. I had trouble finding a parking space,” she explained, her voice muffled by his chest.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve only been out here a few minutes.” Pulling back to look into her face, he asked, “How are you doing, Love?”

“I’m, uh, okay, I guess,” she said, not meeting his eyes. “Are you ready to go?”

“Aye.” He slung the strap of his duffle bag over his shoulder, then clasped her hand in his. “Lead on, Milady.”

On the drive to Storybrooke, she filled him in on the plans for the wedding, which would be taking place in two day’s time.

“David is staying at the house until after the wedding, and the house has become ‘wedding central’. I’m pretty sure Mary Margaret is trying to keep all of us busy, so we have less time to think about…Mom.” She paused, swallowing hard before continuing. “Unfortunately, even though David has twin beds in his room, the extra bed is completely covered with silk flower arrangements, and Mom sleeps in the living room when she can’t get comfortable in her bed, so you’ll have to…share a bed with me.”

“Is that alright with you?”

She hummed and nodded. “To be honest, I think Mary Margaret arranged it that way on purpose. I haven’t been sleeping very well, and she probably thinks being with you will help.”

He placed his hand over hers where it rested on the gear shift. “I hope it will.”

Briefly turning her head to look at him, she smiled weakly. “Mom is feeling pretty good today. She’s excited to meet you.”

Ruth had started chemo treatments two weeks after her diagnosis, but they made her very sick and lethargic. The doctors hadn’t been optimistic about the effectiveness of the treatments anyway, so after lengthy discussions with her children, she decided to discontinue them. She was still having more good days than bad, and everyone was hopeful the day of the wedding would be one of her ‘good days’.

Killian could tell by the set of Emma’s shoulders and the tension in her voice that she was carrying a heavy burden of emotions. He was already dreading leaving her on Monday. His supervisor, a kind older man named Marco, had been generous in giving him four days off after working there for less than a year, but he had to report to the office on Tuesday or have his pay docked.

When they pulled up in front of a two-story white colonial, Emma cut the engine and looked over at him. “Well, this is home.”

He gave the house and huge yard surrounding it an appraising look, before turning back to her to say, “It looks warm and welcoming. I’m glad you had such a wonderful place to grow up, Love.”

“Yeah, it was great. David and I spent a lot of time outside. Over there,” she said, pointing to a spot at the back of the yard, “is our garden. I thought it was magical being able to grow our own food. Nothing is better than sweet corn fresh from the garden.”

“After everything you’ve told me about your home, it’s nice to see it in person.”

Emma unbuckled her seat belt and opened her door, while Killian did the same. He retrieved his bag from the back seat, then walked hand-in-hand with her up the sidewalk and porch steps.

“We’re here,” she called out, leading him through the front door. He barely had a chance to take a look around the living room before Mary Margaret emerged from the room to their left.

“Hi, Killian,” she said, initiating a hug with him. “We’re so happy you’re here.”

“I’m very happy to be here,” he replied.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw another figure enter the room and heard Emma say, “This is my mom, Ruth.”

Mary Margaret stepped aside to let him approach their matriarch. She looked wan and weak but gave him a warm smile. “Welcome to our home, Killian.”

He wasn’t quite sure how to greet her, so he offered her his hand as he expressed his gratitude for opening her home to him.

She ignored his offer of a handshake, placing her hands on both sides of his face instead. “My Emma has told me so much about you. How wonderful that the two of you were reunited after so many years apart!”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Nolan,” he smiled.

Patting his cheeks, she said, “Please call me Ruth. Now, we thought you would be hungry when you got here, so we’ve prepared a late lunch. Come eat with us.”

Upon entering the kitchen, he greeted David, who was putting filled water glasses on the table. The five of them ate and chatted for twenty minutes before Emma looked at her mother and said, “You look tired, Mom. Why don’t you go lay down and we’ll clean up?”

Ruth nodded wearily and pushed herself up to her feet. “I think I’ll do that. Please wake me in time to help cook dinner, will you?”

They agreed and watched her shuffle out of the room. Mary Margaret broke the silence by speaking in an overly cheery voice, “Killian, I hope you don’t mind, but you’ll have to stay in Emma’s room while you’re here.”

“She already told me and that’s fine with me, as long as David approves,” Killian said with a smirk.

David fixed him with a scowl. “My bedroom is on the other side of the wall, so I better not hear anything that will force me to come over there and defend my sister’s honor.”

All of them shared a laugh before Emma offered to show him to her room. Grabbing his duffle bag out of the living room, he followed her up the stairs.

Ushering him in the door, she said, “It hasn’t changed much since I was a teenager. I asked my dad to paint it yellow a couple of years after I moved in.”

He looked around to take in the pale yellow walls, dotted with posters of music groups and TV shows, and furniture consisting of a double bed, nightstand, dresser, and desk. Dropping his bag on the floor at the foot of the bed, he turned and pulled her into his arms. “Alright there, Swan?”

She nodded into his neck, tightening her grip around his waist. “She’s getting weaker every day. She tries to put up a good front, but we can see it. I…I don’t want to lose her, Killian.”

“I know, Love. I’m so sorry. What can I do to help?”

“Just hold me,” she whispered.

It was the easiest thing he had ever done.

*********

The evening ended up being very pleasant. They enjoyed one of Ruth’s signature dishes of chicken and dumplings, prepared by Emma and Mary Margaret with Ruth’s guidance. Later, they taught Killian how to play the card game ‘Hearts’. He caught onto it so quickly, he ended up winning the last game and David teasingly accused him of cheating.

Ruth tired easily, due to frequent bouts of coughing, but she insisted on staying up until David left to take Mary Margaret home.

Once they were alone, Emma and Killian remained in the living room, enjoying the quiet stillness, while cuddling on the couch. She concentrated on tangling and untangling her fingers with his, her head resting on his shoulder.

After several peaceful moments, she spoke softly, “Killian?”

“Hmm?” he hummed, pressing his lips to her hair.

“I’ve been…waiting to tell you something until I could do it in person.” Leaning back, she looked into his face.

“What’s that, Sweetheart?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.

“You’ve always had a special place in my heart and now that we’ve found each other again, you’ve become very important to me. Even though it’s only been a few months since you came back into my life, I can’t imagine not having you in it.”

When she paused, he assured her, “I feel the same way, Emma.”

She smiled at him before continuing. “What I’m trying to say is…I…I’ve fallen in love with you, Killian.”

His hands came up to cradle her face, with so much joy radiating in his smile. “That’s wonderful to hear, because I’m in love with you, too.”

“You are?” she asked, though she could see the confirmation in his eyes.

“Aye, and I didn’t want to tell you over the phone, either. I wanted to say it while I was holding you in my arms.”

Dipping his head, he brushed his lips against hers twice before deepening the kiss, the gentle pressure of his lips making her melt. His exploring tongue traced the seam of her lips and she welcomed him without hesitation.

The kiss was slow, sweet and undemanding, expressing their love, but not growing heated. They both knew this was not the time or place to take the next big step in their relationship.

Resting his forehead against hers after the kiss, he murmured, “My heart is yours, Emma.”

“I’ll take very good care of it, Killian. I promise.”

*********

Thanks so much for reading, liking, reblogging and commenting, if you’re so inclined. Chapter 3 is on its way to being written, but I can’t state a time frame for when it will be posted yet.

Tagging: @xsajx @hookedmom @kymbersmith-90 @kmomof4 @lassluna @pirateherokillian @teamhook @stahlop @elizabeethan @whimsicallyenchantedrose @resident-of-storybrooke @therooksshiningknight @jennjenn615 @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @killianswannn @stories-enchanted @eleveneitherway @withheartfulloflove @kday426 @djlbg @kristi555 @laschatzi @xarandomdreamx @wyntereyez @goforlaunchcee @yasbio2015 @tiganasummertree @winterbaby89 @wefoundloveunderthelight @hollyethecurious @let-it-raines @jonesfandomfanatic @searchingwardrobes @oncechicagolove @andiirivera @gingerchangeling @everything-person @klynn-stormz @qualitycoffeethings @enchanted-swans @ohmakemeahercules @donteattheappleshook @bluewildcatfanatic @the-darkdragonfly @demisexualemmaswan @grimmswan @spartanguard @flslp87 @ultraluckycatnd @thisonesatellite @captainswan21 @zaharadessert @mariakov81 @snowbellewells @kiwistreetswan @batana54 @nadine200179 @probalicious17 @courtorderedcake @julesep3026 @jackieorioncat @whatthehell102082 @jarienn972 @sthonour @linda8084 @pirateprincesslena @daxx04 @artistic-writer @cocohook38 @captainswan4life85 @molly958 @itsfridaysomewhere @fallingforthecaptain @onceratheart18 @strangestarlighttree @justanother-unluckysoul @mrs-potato-but-likes-tomato @anothersworld @deckerstarblanche @purplehawkcaptain @superchocovian @k-leemac @citygirlscowboy @laughterandbooks @sotangledupinit @apiratewhopines @huntressandlioness1 @gingerpolyglot @motherkatereloyshipper @cs-rylie @anmylica @paradiselady19 @pawshapedheart @vampcoffeegyrl23 @elfiola @softkilly @nachocheese-itsmycheese @iverna @booksteaandtoomuchtv

#csff #csgiftexchange2022 #csgiftexchange #captain swan gift exchange #always in my heart #gift for @nachocheese-itsmycheese #jrob64 #cs fanfiction #captain swan fan fiction #childhood friends #bed sharing #CS hurt/comfort #minor character death #cs smut #CS modern AU

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uraniumshark · 17 days

Text

Bury Me Low Snippet 4

“You absolute moron,” she said as she opened her lab’s refrigerator to find the antidote she needed. “Just because you’re some technological genius... You can’t just come in here and start playing with my projects! This is ectoplasm, the essence of life after death. Messing with this can kill you in the most painful of ways and you just, what, decided you wanted to die faster? Alcohol wasn’t doing it for you anymore?” She pulled out a vial of blue liquid, slamming the fridge door shut. “Or was it to become half ghost? Which requires more than just ectoplasm, may I add. The price all half ghosts have paid to be this way is…”

“What price? One million? Two million? I’ll pay it.”

Drawing up the blue liquid in a syringe, Rylie flicked it a few times. “You have to die, Rand Ridley,” she said as she stabbed him in the arm with the needle, ignoring his protests. “To become a half ghost you have to have everything set in just the right way as electricity and ectoplasm run through you in an excruciatingly painful process. As a ghost portal opens up where you stand, within your body.”

He seemed to scoff, which ticked Rylie off even more. “C’mon. Special people like us? We need our genius preserved.”

She slammed her prosthetic fist against her desk. “No.” Her voice echoed through the lab, her eyes turning her ghostly blue. “The one thing I will never do is help another human become a half ghost, because feeling that was the worst thing I have ever felt in my life,” she said coolly. “I especially won’t help someone as manipulative, egotistical, narcissistic, and paranoid as you become half ghost.” Her words came out in a low hiss, ghostly fangs peeking out from her incisors. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she shook her head. It wouldn’t serve her well to get angry at him. Turning her back on him, she sighed. “Now get out of my lab before you actually kill yourself, because I’m not saving your life a second time today.”

“Rylie, sweetie–”

“Don’t even start,” she snapped as she grabbed a stack of papers. “You gave up your right to be in my family when you dropped me off with the Fenton’s. You’re nothing to me.”

#danny phantom #inside job #rylie fenton #second gen danny phantom #bury me low au

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iwishiwasbatman · 9 months

Text

Masked Love (Part 9)

Pairings- Jason Todd x OC; Dick Grayson x Platonic!OC

Warnings- violence, guns

Summary- Coming off of a loss, Elana decides to take matters into her own hands.

Word Count- 3,920

The whole situation was a mess. We’d been played and used as an instrument for Crane’s plan. Kory’s blast had caused a break in the water main that went out to the whole city. That break allowed Scarecrow’s toxin to enter into the water. Half the city was infected at this point and I had no clue what to do.

I sat in the Batcave with my hands in my hair. I had tried calling Jason, but, to no surprise, he didn’t answer. I kept moving, spinning around in the chair, messing with my hair, throwing pencils across the room. Anything to get my blood flowing to my brain so that I’d could come up with some sort of plan.

“Gotham City used to have a protector, a guardian angel.” I whirled around to face the computer monitor where Crane’s voice was coming from. The Batsymbol showed onscreen before it flipped to the Titans’ one. I scoffed. He hacked the internet. I quickly pulled up another computer to try and track the call. “But Batman abandoned Gotham and left Nightwing and his friends in his place.” Pictures of each Titan, except for myself, were showing with the words “wanted”. “What has Nightwing done?” Video of Nightwing fighting criminals with the words liar flashed on the monitor. “He’s robbing you, poisoning the very water you drink. The water you give to your children. Nightwing is a criminal, protected by Gotham City Police.” The word “terrorist” shown brightly and I had to stop myself from punching the screen out of anger. “Only you can stop him. There will be a $50,000 reward paid to the person who brings him in. Dead or alive. But take heart Gotham, a new hero will rise.” A picture of Jason was onscreen. I almost flipped the table, but instead, I pulled out my phone and texted my boyfriend the word “seriously”. “And you will know his name; Red Hood.” I groaned as a picture of Jason’s helmet showed. After that, the broadcast was over.

I looked over at my other computer to see if it was able to track anything. I couldn’t say I was surprised when I didn’t. I repeatedly hit my forehead against the table in annoyance. This day could not get any worse.

Suddenly, an idea hit me. Maybe to stop the problem, I had to take out the root of the problem. Crane. I pulled up a map of Gotham and marked the places where Crane had been reported since Dick and I broke him out. More than three-fourths of the locations were in the East End, so that’s where I’d start. It wouldn’t be easy, the East End was huge and overrun with crime. My best shot would be talking to a person who knew the area. Lucky for me, I knew someone.

I pulled out my phone and texted my contact in the higher ranks of the mob telling them to meet me at the abandoned ACE Chemicals building. I considered telling Dick about my plan, but I figured he had a lot on his plate already.

“Let’s do this,” I muttered to myself, grabbing my coat, and walking out the door.

—————————

I parked my car, put on a black surgical mask, and pulled up my hood. Slamming the door shut, I walked into the abandoned factory. My boots clicked on the cement floor as I made my way to the catwalk. I settled into the shadows and waited for my contact. About five minutes later, I heard a car pull up outside and footsteps walk into the building. Rylie Pine walked in, looking around around for, well, me.

“You came,” I said from above her. Her head shot up in my direction. “I wasn’t sure you would.”

“And have to worry about running from you? No thanks,” she said.

“Smart,” I said.

“What do you want to know?” she asked, shoving her hands into her pockets.

“Scarecrow. He’s in with Gotham’s biggest gangsters. Where?”

“I’m not sure.” She crossed her arms. “I heard about a meeting with a new guy, who’s made a splash, at the old Stagg Industries warehouse. That was three hours ago.”

“Any clue where he could be now?”

“I think they have a location for meets in case they needed one,” Rylie said. “If you can find some way to get him there, that’ll be your best bet.”

“Where is it?” I asked.

“CCC Construction headquarters,” she told me.

“You’ve been very helpful, Rylie. I’ll be sure to remember that.” I nodded to her.

“Yup, my pleasure.” She gave a tight smile. “What are you gonna do now?”

“I think I’ll go pay a certain mobster a visit.”

—————————

I stood on top of a building that overlooked CCC Construction with my bow strung. I aimed for the front and released the string. An explosion engulfed the entrance in flames. In the madness, I was able to fire a cable arrow and transfer over to the top of the construction building. I slipped in the back entrance.

In the back room, I was able to find a fuse box. I quickly picked the lock to it and pulled out a specialized arrow. I stabbed it into the middle of the circuitry, sending an electric pulse out to fry the entire system. The building went dark.

“Go! Go! I don’t want anything getting in here!” I heard a panicky shout from around a corner. Footsteps filed out of the area and I almost laughed to myself. How stupid do mobsters get? I snuck a peek by leaning my head forward. A plump guy in a black suit stood in the center of four guys with handguns. I strung my arrow and shot through the closest guy’s hand. He screamed and dropped his gun. The remaining guys’ guns whipped toward me, but they were too slow. I slid out and through the ankles of the second guy. Jumping up quickly, I used my bow to smack the gun out of another’s hand. I swept his legs, sending him to ground. I was in the perfect position to dodge a bullet from the last guy. I kicked him in the stomach and then hit him in the head with my bow. The second guy tried get up, so I kicked him in the head, effectively knocking him out.

I looked back up at the boss to see he was twenty feet down the hall in a mad dash. Well, more like a hurried waddle. Sighing, I retracted my bow and took off after him, but down another hallway. He thought he was getting away. Funny. He finally stopped where the two hallways joined and faced away from me. I slowed down to a walk and went up behind him. I heard him sigh in relief and smirked to myself. I tapped him on the shoulder. He whipped around in a panic. I simply smiled and tilted my head.

“Hey,” I sang. “You and I need to talk.”

“Get away from me, freak,” he panicked.

“Rude,” I scoffed. He was visibly trembling now. “Relax, big guy. I’m not gonna hurt you,” I reassured him. “In fact, I need your help.”

“My help?” he asked.

“I just need you to set up a meeting with someone for me. You don’t even have to go.”

“You’re just gonna let me go? No prison?”

“Nope,” I popped the “p”.

“Who do you want a meeting with?” His voice still quivered.

“Scarecrow,” I said. He froze. “Is that a problem?”

“If he finds out, he’ll kill me,” he hissed, though he couldn’t mask his fear.

“Would you rather me do it?” I asked.

“No, no. I-I’ll do it.” He started to pull out his phone, but I stopped him.

“Ah, slowly,” I warned. He slowed down and showed me that it was a phone. I nodded and he quickly text someone.

“Lemme see,” I demanded. Without hesitation, he handed me his phone. Smart. He had made the right decision to request a meeting with Crane instead of doing anything else. “Good job. Nice to see you’re not an idiot.” A text came back from Crane asking why. I typed back that there was an issue with the Huntress.

“What?” the boss asked. “What did he say?”

“Shut up,” I mumbled. Crane quickly responded with a time and place. The old ACE Chemicals building in an hour. “Thank you for your cooperation.” I smiled sarcastically, handing the man back his phone. To his surprise, I socked him in the face, knocking him out. I used my comms to dial 911. “Yeah, hi. I’m calling ‘cuz I have a location on a criminal operation going down at CCC Construction. Get here quick.” I hung up and walked out of the building, a smirk dancing on my face.

—————————

I stood in the shadows of the small meeting room that was set up in the abandoned ACE Chemicals building. Crane was bound to walk in any second and I was ready for him. This was the best chance I had at taking him down and getting Jason back. To save Gotham. I couldn’t screw it up. The bang of a heavy door opening caused me to pull out my throwing knives.

“Mr. Fabinini!” I heard Crane yelled. “This better be good.” He stepped into the room with two men. “Where the heck is he?” Crane looked around the room, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Not here, obviously,” I spoke up. They all snapped toward me and the second they did, I threw the daggers through the guards’ gun hands. They cried out in pain. I threw two more into each of their shoulders, making them yell out again. “Try anything and the next one goes through your forehead,” I threatened. Crane put his hands up in surrender.

“I should’ve expected this,” he chuckled, a smile spread wide across his face.

“Yeah, but you didn’t,” I said. “Saw your video earlier.”

“It was a very well put together video, right?”

“I don’t know. I think it lacked a little bit of truth,” I said.

“Oh, come on. You and I both know the Titans aren’t the heroes that will save this city for good,” he scoffed. “If Batman couldn’t, a group of dysfunctional superfriends won’t stand a chance.”

“Dysfunctional superfriends? You’re just digging for words.” I crossed my arms.

“Maybe I am, but you get my point.” He shrugged.

“Sure.” I nodded. “But enough small talk. You have two options; you get on your knees and let me take you back to Arkham or I can take you out right here.”

“Take me out? You can’t kill, not anymore. You’re too guilt ridden over your past,” he laughed.

“Well, let’s take a moment to review,” I started. “You hooked my boyfriend up with drugs that messed him up and sent him to his death. Then, you brought him back using something incredibly dangerous so that you could you keep him dependent on you because he was hooked on your stupid drug. Under your influence, he killed people, including one my best friends, effectively sending away another one of my friends and shot the man who is practically my brother. He also almost killed me. And you dosed me with some sort of fear toxin and sent an assassin after me. Then you dosed the city I love with drugs and blamed it on my team. Need I go on?”

Crane blinked before chuckling. “Technically, your team did dose the city and yes, I did dose you and send Lady Vic after you, but you’re clearly fine.”

“My point is that you’ve managed to bring me into a situation where I think adding one more tally to my kill count wouldn’t hurt,” I hissed.

“I can see you’re very serious about this,” he said, backing up.

“Choose. Arkham or me,” I ordered.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve decided to add a third option.” About 10 men with guns jumped into the room. “Your death right here.”

“You’re a coward,” I spat, activating my bow.

“I’ve been called worse,” he said. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t think you’d be this stupid. When I heard that you were causing trouble with Mr. Fabinini, I knew if that I’d that were true, he wouldn’t have been able to tell me. You don’t like playing with your food, so…” he gestured around. “I brought friends. I’ll tell Jason you send your regards.” With that, he walked out of the room.

“Boys, boys, can we talk about this?” I asked in a fake sweet tone. Trying to catch them off guard, I shot a quick arrow up at the ceiling. The guns the men held flew up to the arrow and stayed up there. Apparently I wasn’t fast enough. A shot went off before all the guns were ripped from their handlers and grazed me just below the ribs. I bit back a hiss, but stayed standing. “That wasn’t nice,” I mocked, furrowing my eyebrows. I nocked an explosive arrow and shot it at the group. As soon as I released it, I ducked down behind the table. As the arrow hit, I heard it explode.

Figuring I had a second, I looked down at my injury and pressed my hand to it. I was met with a warm, wet feel. Pulling my hand away revealed the deep red of blood. I assumed I was still in shock because I didn’t feel anything besides a dull ache. I peaked my head over the table to see if anyone was still functioning. There were three stragglers. I shot three arrows at the same time into their chests, but not in a spot that would kill them. As quick as possible, taking into account not to agitate my wound anymore than it already was, I hurried out of the room.

Carefully, I got onto my bike and sped out of the area. I dialed Dick through my comms. He took forever to pick up, but eventually did.

“Where are you? Do you know what is going on right now? You can’t just-“

“Disappear. I know,” I cut him off.

“What’s wrong?” he asked after a moment of silence.

“What do you mean?” I laughed breathily.

“Why do you sound like you’re hurt?”

“Wow. You do know me well,” I sighed.

“You’re hurt?!” he exclaimed.

“It’s not bad. It doesn’t even hurt,” I said. “It’s a bullet graze, nothing too serious.”

“Did you just say that a bullet related injury isn’t that bad?”

“Graze. Bullet graze,” I corrected him as I weaved through the traffic. “I just need you to prep some tools for stitching up a too-deep-to-be-normal open wound in my side.”

“Why did you get shot?”

“You know, I was just wondering that,” I said sarcastically. “I usually move faster.”

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

“I know that. I just prefer not to say it over the phone.”

“Fine, but I’m helping you and taking a look at your injury,” he said.

“I’ll be there in five.” I hung up.

As soon as I got into the Cave, Dick was on top me within seconds.

“Are you okay? What happened?” he demanded. I went past him, pulling off my mask and hood.

“I told you, it’s fine,” I assured him, walking over to the table where a needle and thread sat waiting for me.

“Answer the second part, please,” Dick sighed.

“Fine, only because you asked so nicely.” I sat down gingerly, groaning slightly in pain. “I went after Scarecrow. He was smarter than I thought, but I managed to send a message. The other guys look worse.” I went to pick up the needle and thread, but Dick snatched it away before I could.

“I’m sorry, you what?!” he exclaimed.

“Went… after… Jonathan…Crane… aka…Scarecrow,” I said, annunciating every syllable of every word. He gave me a flat look.

“I’m stitching you up,” he said, annoyed.

“I’m more than capable,” I argued.

“I never said you weren’t. I’m just making sure you’re okay.” I sighed and shrugged off my jacket, lifting up the side of my tank top, which was soaked in blood. “Not bad?” Dick asked, raising and eyebrow. I looked at it and grimaced. It certainly didn’t look good. He might’ve been right.

“We’ll, you know what they say about seeing the injury,” I said with a thin smile.

“Do you know what type of bullet it was?” he asked.

“M16 guns, so can’t assume any single type. But probably something not too small.”

“Right,” Dick said absentmindedly. He pulled out disinfectant wipes and began cleaning the wound. I bit back a curse. “Elana, this is a deep graze.”

“Well, it certainly feels that way,” I said.

“What we’re you thinking?”

“I saw his video and I may have gotten a little mad, so I decided to take matters into my own hands,” I explained. “But you’ll find Vincino Fabinini in jail. There is that.”

“I’m not even gonna ask.” Dick shook his head. A hiss escaped my lips as he pulled back at my skin slightly.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Trying to see how deep this goes,” he answered. “It looks pretty deep.”

“It’s a graze. It’ll be fine. Just stitch it up.”

“Okay, but if it gets worse, it’s on you,” he sighed. “Do you know what happened after the video went out?”

“No. What is it?” I asked.

“The people affected by Crane’s toxin became violent, attacking other people. And then there’s people who believed Crane’s video and are coming at us. That’s where everyone else is right now; trying to contain the people.”

“Well, that sounds delightful,” I said sarcastically. “I can go out once you finish this.”

“No,” he said as he began the stitches.

“What do you mean ‘no’?” I asked.

“This won’t take long to heal if you don’t agitate it,” Dick said.

“We’re in the middle of a city-wide epidemic. I’m not sitting back,” I said. Dick finished the stitches and put a gauze pad over the area.

“I may have an idea that would stop the fighting, but we need the entire team here to agree to it.”

—————————

“We turn ourselves in,” Dick said. My mouth fell open.

“I’m sorry, what?” I exclaimed. Dick gave me a look and turned to the rest of the team.

“It makes sense. Barbara will make sure nothing too bad happens to us and this way, we can regain the trust of the people,” he explained.

“We run the chance of being stuck in jail,” Gar pointed out.

“We’ll explain everything to them,” Dick said.

“And if they don’t listen?” I asked.

“Then we’ll figure something out from there,” Dick replied.

“So, we turn ourselves in and then what?” Conner asked.

“And then we post bail, continue doing our work, but in a less public way. Work in the shadows, take this city back night by night,” Dick explained. “It’s not gonna be easy and it’s not gonna be fast, but we can do it.”

“Not that I’m not for this new Batman-type take on things, but I disagree,” I spoke up.

“If you have a better idea, please, now’s the time,” he sighed. I met his gaze and huffed in defeat.

“They hate us,” Gar said sadly.

“They’ve been manipulated into hating us, by Crane,” Kory said.

“Conner, Blackfire, what do you think?” Dick asked.

“It was brutal out there,” Conner sighed. “I don’t want to be looked at like that again.”

“Well, surrender isn’t my thing,” Blackfire said, walking up closer to the rest of us. “But, I am used to people looking at me like I’m a monster, so whatever you all decide on, I’m in.”

“Kory?” Dick asked.

“We’ve played it by the book so far and this is where it’s led us,” Kory said. “So, maybe you’re right; maybe we try it a new way. I’m in.”

“Elana?”

“Personally, I’m a very “stick-it-to-the-man” type of girl in every situation, so my opinion is pretty biased. I don’t like authority,” I said.

“You aren’t a very public member of the Titans. Maybe you could hang back,” Kory suggested.

“I guess I could, but I don’t want to risk losing everyone to prison,” I said.

“I’ll tell you this; if something really bad happens, I know you’ll be able to get us out of any situation. If it gets to that point, you can go right ahead and do what you do,” Dick told me.

“Sounds fair enough. I’m in,” I said. “I’ll be right outside the precinct monitoring comms.”

Dick sighed. “All right, then. Let’s suit up. We go in together. As a team. As a family.”

—————————

I stood in an alley outside the precinct with an WayneTech iPad connected to the city power grid.

“This seems excessive,” Kory said after they walked into the precinct.

“Barbara cleared it with me. It’s all for show,” Dick reassured her. “They need to stand their ground.”

“What’s it look like in there?” I asked.

“The entire police force is standing in here with their guns in hand,” Dick answered under his breath.

“Jeez,” I muttered.

“This is just optics, right?” Gar asked.

“Optics,” Dick echoed. He didn’t sound too sure of himself. It was silent for a few moments before I heard a commotion and a muffled voice.

“I got you,” I heard Conner say. I assumed he was talking to Blackfire. “Back off.” I braced myself at Conner’s voice change.

“Easy,” I heard Dick say. “We’re not here for a fight.”

“Move in!” someone shouted.

“Stand down!” came Barbara’s voice after a series of loud noises. Clearly, that didn’t work because the sound of a fight hit my ears. A couple gunshots went off before I heard Kory yell.

“No!”

“Do I need to come in?” I asked.

“Stay put!” Dick ordered.

“I got lights, cameras for three blocks, and audio at my control. Just say the word and everything goes dark,” I said. I got no reply, only continued sounds of struggle.

“Blackfire!” Kory called. I began to get frustrated with the fact that I couldn’t see anything.

“Wall up!” I heard. The sound of glass breaking both close to me and over comms made me look up. Gar ran past in his tiger form down the street. I decided not to question it.

“I need to get her out of here. Cover us,” Kory said.

“Crap. Go!” I heard Dick tell. The fighting didn’t stop until I heard a muffled voice then a shot. The sound stood still for a moment.

“We gotta get out of here. Now!” Dick yelled. “Huntress,” he lowered his voice.

“Yup. I got ya,” I answered. I shut off the city power grid in a three block radius. No cameras, no lights, no sound. Dick and Conner were free to make their escape.

“Where are the others?” Dick asked. I almost sighed in relief. He got out.

“Gone,” I answered. “Are we headed back to the Cave?”

“No, I don’t think it’s safe,” Dick sighed.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Jason knows about the cave meaning Scarecrow could know. It’s compromised,” Dick said.

“Good thing I brought my stuff to my place just in case,” I muttered.

“Get your stuff and I’ll text you where to meet,” Dick said.

“Sounds good,” I sighed. “Signing off.” I clicked off my comms and shoved the iPad into my backpack. I pulled up my hood and walked further down the alley, away from the flashes of red and blue.

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