#(Its a 5+1 fic but also has a prologue chapter at the beginning

[familyofpaladins]

Me: I have this idea for a fic! I think it will be about 9-10k words! A good amount! Not too little not too much!

*10k words later*

Me: .... I'm only half done. Haha... ha O_O

#Hhnnnghfkdjdkd #I'm actually not entielrybsure how far done I am because I keep skipping around which part I'm writing #It's got 7 chapters. Chp 2 is 90% done(mostly needs editing) chp 1 is.... I think around 40% done. I'm not sure #I think chp 4 is around 75% done but I might end up writing more there and it will get longer. Or it will be short and its almost done #Chp 5 is about 70-80 done. #Chapter 3 is only 20% done #And 6 and 7 have like two sentences in them #(Its a 5+1 fic but also has a prologue chapter at the beginning #Which is the only reason I'm able to bebop around so much and know how done each one is) #Chapter 2 is so funny too. Because I wa like. man this is going to be a short chapter. I need to add a little more to match the others #It's the longest one so far #🙃 #Okay but I am excited about this #I hope I finish this #Writing woes

[subbe93]

The Light in my Nightmares, T, Epilogue

A/N: Another story has come to its end. To be honest, this still makes me a little confused that I really can write long fics and give them an end. I mean there are so many stories in the past that I have started but never ended.

The only “bad thing” I have realized with long fics is the fact that you have too much time to get attached to them. I mean I’m working so much for them, but when comes the time to start to work on another fic, I feel like I can’t concentrate on the new one because I’m still somehow locked into the old one ^^’

And the other “problem” is that it kind of makes me sad to end them ^^’ I mean I’m happy that this comes to its end and I can start work and publish other fics that I got in my mind, but it still feels like it’s hard to believe that I’m not editing this fic anymore, there is no new chapter on next week…

But I’m happy that this story ends now. And I’m very happy that you have shown interest in this fic! I hope this was what was hoped for and I hope you have enjoyed this ❤

Prologue ~ Chapter 1 ~ Chapter 2 ~ Chapter 3 ~ Chapter 4 ~ Chapter 5 ~ Chapter 6 ~ Chapter 7 ~ Chapter 8 ~ Chapter 9 ~ Chapter 10 ~ Chapter 11 ~ Chapter 12 ~ Chapter 13 ~ Chapter 14 ~ Chapter 15 ~ Chapter 16

Epilogue

~ Five years later ~

Mom. Dad. I… I really wish you would be here now. Hah, never thought I would say this out loud or feel like this after we took her down, but today, I… I really hope you would be coming home. I hope you would be somewhere, maybe waiting for an airplane landing or maybe you would be driving back home.

I… I wish you could see me now. I wish you could come home and see how I’m doing or how I have moved forward in my life. I wonder… would you be proud of me? Ran said that you would be.

Yeah, I wish I would have met her much earlier than I did. Well, part of me is happy that I haven’t because I’m afraid I would have lost her like I lost you and… many others. But at the same time, I… I really love her. She is everything, and I wish you would have met her. I wonder if you would have liked her. Well, of course, you would have. I feel like everyone loves her. Makes me pretty jealous when others look after her.

I still feel like she deserves much more. Yet, she always comes back to me. Every time she sees that I’m jealous, she just smiles at me, tell me that I’m all she wants and kisses me. And sometimes I even feel like she is a little jealous of me. Can you believe it? Though, maybe I just think too much, but sometimes she gets mad and I don’t understand why, but… I think that happens when some other woman is talking to me. Still don't get it, but when I asked about it, she didn’t admit anything. Hah, she is kind of cute when she is pouting, but I don’t like to make her mad. She can be like a storm when she is angry.

I also hate to see her sad or worried. Makes me feel powerless because I don’t know what to say or do to make her feel better. But she always says that it’s enough that I’m with her.

I’m also kind of confused that she wanted to marry me, but I’m happy. She makes me so happy.

Shinichi looked on the ground for a moment before turning to look at the safety seat which was beside him. In there was sleeping only a week and a half old little girl. She was a beautiful miracle, something that Shinichi hadn’t believed to have some years ago, after… But now, he had a family. A wife and a little daughter.

He was happy, he really was, but… He felt a little sadness and jealousy since today was the day when their friends and Ran’s parents were coming to meet their little princess for the first time. It wasn’t like he didn’t come along with Ran’s parents. It had been a little rocky beginning since somehow Ran’s father kept Ran still a little daughter who shouldn’t date anyone, and… well, her mother was more likely preconceived towards him, but after all, they had warmed to him.

But the realization that his parents wouldn’t be there, seeing their little miracle, had hit him too hard last night. They wouldn’t be there.

“I… I really wish you would be there to see her too”, Shinichi said silently and touched the baby’s cheek carefully. The baby didn’t mind, just continued her silent sleeping. “See her and get to know her and… be grandparents. Like you probably wanted to be. Who you… deserved to be.”

He heard footsteps. They came closer. He let the baby be and raised his head. Ran walked slowly towards them, smiling like always. He could see from her face that she was a little bit tired, but it wasn’t a surprise since she was the one who had given the birth, and in the end, their weekdays with the baby had taken so much more energy than he had thought. But it was worth it. And like other parents had told them many times, it would be over soon.

“I took those flowers to the trashcan”, she said when she stopped. Shinichi nodded before standing up. They could have taken them when they would have left, but Shinichi believed that Ran just wanted to give him a little moment to be alone. She was an awesome woman like that. She was always so understanding, and sometimes it felt like she read him like an open book.

“Thanks”, he said and straightened his arm. She came closer, clued beside his side, and wrapped her arms around him. He let his cheek rest against her head and looked at the grave, staring at his parents’ names.

“I miss them.”

“I know”, Ran answered, tightening her hug a little. “But I think they would be very proud of you.”

He hummed as an answer. And he believed it. Well, he still regretted some things and wished they would have gone differently, but he had accepted them. He had made peace with the past, and most thanks of it belonged to Ran. She had been there when he had needed her. She had supported him with his dreams and job even though she sometimes was worried and reminded him how dangerous it would be to be a detective. She got worried easily, and Shinichi kind of hated to be a reason for it, but she never told him to stop. She was the light who had driven his nightmares away, the reason why he didn’t have them much anymore. Hallucinations and sudden attacks were only memories, and nightmares he got very rarely anymore.

He felt like he was free. He had let go of the past and moved forward. And she had been there, as she promised.

Now his life seemed so much better.

“I wonder if they would have liked me.”

Shinichi raised his eyebrows even though he knew that she wouldn’t see it. “What?” he asked and let out a little laugh. “They would have loved you.”

She pressed herself closer even though it was impossible. “Are you sure?”

“I am”, he answered and smiled, tightening his arm around her. “I can feel it.”

“You?” she asked and moved a little away from him. Shinichi turned to look at her and saw doubtfully smile on her face. “Feeling things like that?”

“Yeah”, he answered with a proud smile.

Ran rolled her eyes. “And you always tease me when I say things like that!”

He let out a laugh. “Well, you are who you hang out with.”

She rolled her eyes again and looked away. Shinichi bent a little, took his face close to hers, searched her lips, and closed his eyes. “I love you”, he whispered and before she had time to answer, he pressed his lips against hers.

The kiss was gentle, loving. Sending all the feelings to each other, that happiness they felt…

Ran opened her eyes when she felt Shinichi back off from the kiss. She looked at those beautiful blue eyes which looked much healthier, brighter, and purified, and the smile… She loved to see his real smile. The man he had met almost six years ago, had been only a shadow of him.

He had gone a long way to become the man he was right now, and Ran was proud of him. She was happy that many years ago, she went to that room and was stubborn enough to be his friend. And she was happy that he had started to move on back then.

But she would have never could guess back then how much she would love that man.

“We should probably head back”, Shinichi spoke, and Ran felt how his hand stroked her back gently. “Isn’t our guests arriving at an hour?”

“If you are ready?” Ran answered.

Blue eyes left her gaze, looking at the grave. There was a hint of sadness before he lowered his head and sighed.

“Yeah”, he answered and met her gaze, showing her a little smile. “I’m ready.”

Ran nodded and observed how Shinichi turned and bent a little to grab the baby’s safety seat’s handle and lifted it. Ran turned to look at the gravestone. In front of it were red and pink carnations, meaning love and missing. She looked at the dates and finally their names: Kudo Yusaku and Yukiko.

I really wish you could see your son right now, she thought, hoping they would hear it. He has come a long way, but he is fine. I looked after him, as I promised. And I’m going to do it in the future. I’m doing my best…

“Ran?”

She turned to look at him. He had turned halfway to look at her with a puzzling look. “Are you coming, or…?”

“I’m coming”, she answered with a smile. She glanced at the grave for the last time, sending her last thoughts to them before turning and going to him, grabbing the handle of the safety seat to carry it with him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Thank you for every like, every comment, and every share ❤ And thank you for reading ❤

#ShinRan #The Light in my Nightmares #PTSD!Shinichi #Detective Conan #Darkfic #Hurt/Comfort #Romance #Fanfiction #Shinichi Kudo #Ran Mouri #Epilogue

[toastingpencils37]

Eclipse Born AU Masterpost

Blog Masterpost

This is going to serve as the master post for my AU, from which all the fics shall be linked. It will be edited as time passes and more information gets added.

The Eclipse Born AU is a multi-seasonal series (with oneshots sprinkled here and there), separated into two main arcs. (Of course with tiny arcs within the main arcs). The first 5 seasons will be arc 1, which is basically the ninja learning what an eclipse born and other things are, and finding out who is the Elemental Master Eclipse Born. The second arc, set after season 5, will be the aftermath and the events said aftermath causes (As well as two major flashbacks taking place long before Arc 1).

This AU will mess up a lot of lore, because where would be the fun in not doing so?

This series will not be child friendly, as there will be quite a lot of violence and gore within it.

If anyone has questions, feel free to ask in my askbox.

Onto the fic list. This list shall change, mainly with titles being added where something was listed as nameless. I do also want to note that each multi-chapter fic in this series will have a masterpost of its own holding the table of contents and beginning notes to start the reader off.

And now, the list:

Crystals and Blood (Ninjago Is Always On Some Shit)

Series Prologue: Of Empty Caves and Ghosts: Coming Soon

Memories of a Moonlit Sea (That I Used To Be)

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

The Recovery One-Shots

Season 6

2 Month One-Shot Chock Full of Trauma

Season 7

Season 8

Season 9

#eclipse born au #ninjago eclipse born au #ninjago #ninjago au #toasty's fics #eclipse born au masterpost #eclipse born au fics

[baoshan-sanren]

Chapter 35

of the wwx emperor au I’m thinking of calling – you know what? I suck at titles. let’s just accept the fact that I’ll slap something vaguely poetic on this thing when it’s finished, and that it will probably have no relation to the actual fic

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 Part 1 | Chapter 8 Part 2 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 Part 1 | Chapter 15 Part 2 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21 | Chapter 22 Part 1 | Chapter 22 Part 2 | Chapter 23 | Chapter 24 | Chapter 25 | Chapter 26 | Chapter 27 | Chapter 28 | Chapter 29 | Chapter 30 | Chapter 31 | Chapter 32 | Chapter 33 | Chapter 34

Wei Ying rises while the sky is still dark.

The servants show no surprise, despite the fact that he had gone to sleep mere two hours before. His sleepless nights and early risings are nothing to be remarked upon. There is some bewilderment when he insists on immediately dressing for an audience, but it is well hidden. It is no ordinary audience he is dressing for, that much is immediately clear. The black dragon robe, stiff and severe, is hardly an appropriate morning outfit. It is a robe for trials and executions, and Wei Ying enhances its effect by passing over the intricate hair ornaments for the Dragon Crown, its delicate pearls reflecting the candlelight.

This causes more than one startled gaze, most exchanged behind the hard line of his back. Wei Ying knows that behind the curtain of pearls, his face is partially concealed, giving no hints to his mood, or his state of mind. Today, Nie HuaiSang will rise early as well, and begin to work on the Council, one vulnerable Sect Leader at a time. But before he can even begin, Wei Ying must do his part in bringing the Council to his heel.

The sky has only began to lighten when he finally leaves his chambers. The Jade Sword Palace is hushed, as if holding its breath. He sends two servants to summon the High Councilor to the Emperor’s public study, and admonishes that he will tolerate no delays. Two servants instead of one can be seen as an honor, but Wei Ying already knows that shocked whispers will spread like wildfire in the seemingly empty hallways. The Emperor has dressed for an execution, and demanded the High Councilor’s presence. Speculation will reach a fever pitch long before uncle Jiang manages to slip on his shoes.

Wei Ying sends another servant to the Imperial guest chambers, assuming that the Lan Sect must have risen already, regardless of how late Lan Zhan had lingered on the rooftop the night before. The servant does not carry an order, but a politely worded request, that the Second Young Master of the Lan Sect join the Emperor for noonday tea. It is unlikely that any tea will actually be served, and despite all the unpleasant tasks Wei Ying has before him, it is the meeting with Lan Zhan he frets about the most.

They had not said more than a dozen words to each other before parting. Still, Wei Ying is tentatively hopeful. He cannot help but feel that some type of understanding had been reached, despite the silence. It is possible that he is entirely wrong, and that the day will end in heartbreak and anguish. However, this is a worry for later, one he cannot allow to distract him from now.

The public study is as cold and cavernous as it had been the night before. It has never been a room where one welcomes a friend or an ally. The gilded desk sits on an elevated platform, the chair a monstrosity only slightly less elaborate than the throne in the main banquet hall. Sitting down, he keeps his posture stiff and straight, sleeves draped over the arms. The dragon carved into the back of the seat arches above him, twisting sinuously to gaze out over his right shoulder, a subtle reminder that the Emperor is power personified, his sheer existence a divine blessing on the ordinary mortals.  

Wei Ying resists the urge to wipe his sweaty palms on the robe.

The servants hurry to place a mat at the foot of the desk, and Wei Ying allows them to do so before ordering it removed. He dismisses them immediately after, knowing they will mutter and speculate amongst themselves. In less than two hours, the entire court will believe that the High Councilor’s moments on this plane of existence are numbered.

A part of Wei Ying feels pity for uncle Jiang. The man is no longer young; it is nearly time for him to retire in comfort, after having spent his life performing an invaluable service to the Empire. Another part of Wei Ying believes that uncle Jiang could use a little stress in his life, a little uncertainty, and perhaps even a little bit of fear. The man had grown comfortable in his role. Too comfortable, as Nie HuaiSang has admonished more than once in the past two years. It is time to shake up the ground underneath him, and find out how, exactly, he plans to keep his footing.

Wei Ying had declared that he will tolerate no delays, and uncle Jiang takes him at his word. He arrives not long after the servants have departed, nothing about his appearance giving away the early hour. The man is dressed as if he had spent the night standing perfectly still in his robes, simply waiting for the Emperor’s summons. But Wei Ying knows uncle Jiang well, easily recognizing the caution in the man’s posture.

A single glance tells Jiang FengMian everything he needs to know. The Emperor seated stiffly, as if facing an unpleasant task. The presence of the dragon robes and the Dragon Crown. The lack of a mat for him to kneel comfortably, and pay his respects in the usual way. A lesser man would drop to the marble floors and admit his crime, even if he did not know what crime he had committed. Uncle Jiang does not.

He lowers himself gracefully, murmuring a greeting. Wei Ying knows that the cold marble floors are hard on his knees. It is an effort, to look on cooly, to delay the necessary permission uncle Jiang needs in order to rise to his feet. Wei Ying counts to thirty, slowly, feeling sweat gather on his temples. The black dragon robe is intimidating and necessary, but it is also suffocating, the glistening layers of silk much heavier than they appear to be.

“Rise, High Councilor,” Wei Ying says, his voice hard.

Uncle Jiang gets to his feet.

He will not speak first; Wei Ying knows this. Nie HuaiSang’s court maneuverings and tactics are entirely self-taught; some have come from observation, but a great deal come from an inborn talent that Wei Ying has never had. Over the years, Wei Ying has learned much from his Companion. But this does not change the fact that majority of the lessons on ruling effectively had come from Uncle Jiang himself, and that there are very few tactics Wei Ying can employ that the man will not find transparent.

Uncle Jiang is clearly expecting some reprimand when it comes to the Lan Sect and their treatment. He is also likely to have considered the influence of Xiao XingChen’s presence, the possible reasons for his arrival, and the backlash of any events in the Empire that Wei Ying had not been aware of before, which could reasonably be considered the High Councilor’s fault and responsibility. He may even anticipate Wei Ying’s marriage plans. Wei Ying would not put it past the man to have a list of very sensible reasons why the Second Young Master of the Lan Sect would not make a proper Emperor Consort.

Wei Ying does not give him an opportunity.

“The Jin Sect has overreached one too many times,” Wei Ying says, “Jiang YanLi’s betrothal to the Young Master Jin is no longer pleasing to the Emperor. You will dissolve this arrangement today.”

It is rare to see uncle Jiang visibly reel. Wei Ying does not give him time to think.

“The High Councilor has served me well. The Empire is grateful for your perseverance and devotion. However, it is time for the High Councilor to yield his seat to a more youthful perspective. I am sure you will find that retirement has its own charms. Lotus Pier must be quite lovely this time of the year.”

Wei Ying smiles, a movement of the lips utterly disconnected from the rest of his features, all partially concealed by a curtain of shimmering pearls.

Uncle Jiang opens his mouth, then closes it, his expression no longer calm and collected, his skin color taking on an unhealthy, sallow hue.

“The Emperor has come of age, High Councilor,” Wei Ying says gently, “the Jiang Sect presence at court is no longer necessary.”

In the back of his mind, a steady mantra of do not qi deviate is repeating itself in increasingly alarmed tone, accumulating in a loud exclamation of fuck as uncle Jiang drops to his knees again.

“This subject begs to know how he has offended,” the man exclaims.

Wei Ying fights a relieved breath, and leans back in his seat.

He counts again, slower this time, watching the light of the rising sun move across the marble floors.

Finally, when he is quite certain that uncle Jiang’s knees must be starting to ache, he taps his finger on the arm of the chair.

“Rise, High Councilor. Let us speak of invitations, shall we?”

#the untamed #cql #mdzs #ficlet #m #wwx emperor au #DAY 6 #LORD #we are getting there #the end is on the horizon

[cssns]

We’re here!!! *SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY* It’s time for the CSSNS20 Roundup!!!!

It has been quite a ride y’all... 

I just want to take a moment here at the beginning of the post to thank everyone who has ever been a part of this event from 2018 to now. Y’all are the ones who made this event what it is and I cannot be more grateful to have had the privilege of manning the helm for the past three years. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!! There’s been too many participants over the years to name everyone, but I have to give a shoutout to my personal support team and the mods from all three years. Each one of them has contributed in innumerable ways and this event never would have happened without each of them and their contribution. @hollyethecurious​ @winterbaby89​ @katie-dub​, @thisonesatellite​ and @profdanglaisstuff​. Thank you so much ladies!!! I never could have done this without you all!!!

Now that the event is over, I want to let everyone know that I will be inviting other supernatural fic to the collection over on ao3. When I first started reading fan fiction, I stumbled across the Black Swan and Red Hooks Collection, a collection for smutty fics, that continues to grow today. I want to do the same thing with the Supernatural Summer Collection. As more supernatural fics are written, I will invite them to the collection.

We are now at the close, and it’s time to round up all the wonderful fics and art that we’ve been blessed with in this year’s event. At the end of the post, I’ll highlight all the fic from previous years that have also updated this summer.  Active MC’s will continue updating until they are finished. And without further ado, HERE WE GOOOOOOO!!!!

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

On June 1st, @itsfabianadocarmo dropped a vampire aesthetic inspired by the Countess from American Horror Story: Hotel. SOOO incredible! It gave me chills! You can find it here.

On June 3rd, I ( @kmomof4​ ) dropped Of Darkness, Vampires, and Soulmates. I figured that since this was our last year, I should write for it for once. Breathtaking art by @spartanguard. Banner Prologue Ch1 Ch2 Ch3 Ch4 Ch5 Ch6 Ch7 Ch8

On June 6th, @demisexualemmaswan dropped By the Moon’s Rise, featuring CS as werewolves. Oh my WORD! The pack politics going on…It is off to a fantastic start and I can’t wait for more!                                                   Gorgeous art by @courtorderedcake. Killian Emma David

On June 9th, @snowbellewells dropped A Cottage By the Sea. An Enchanted Forest Lieutenant Duckling AU. The last chapter left me CHEERING and I can’t wait to see where she takes this!                                                                  Lovely art by @searchingwardrobes. 

On June 11th, @katie-dub dropped Awakening, her fic inspired by the TV show Being Human. I am not familiar with the show, but this fic, oh my WORD!!! I had no words, and so I reblogged with gifs. Can’t wait for more!!!

On June 14th, @lassluna dropped her fic, Swan’s Hourglass, a Legend of Zelda AU. I absolutely LOVE her use of the side characters and Emma is absolutely bad ass!!! Can’t wait for more!!                                                                  Beautiful Artwork by @eastwesthomeisbest.

On June 17th, @hollyethecurious​ dropped her Vampire Diary’s inspired The Craving In Between. Fun, intriguing, and SPICY!!!                                          Perfect Artwork by @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713​.

On June 20, @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713​ dropped her original Angel!Emma/Demon!Killian aesthetic. Absolutely PERFECT!!!

On June 23, @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713​ dropped another aesthetic that I was inspired to write a fic for! The Moon… Tells the Sea is the tale of were-mermaid Emma and her mate. aesthetic on Tumblr

On June 25, @eastwesthomeisbest​ dropped original Vampire!Killian artwork His Sweet Kiss. BREATHTAKING and sooooo chilling!!!

On June 27th, @kymbersmith-90​ dropped her Soliciting for Dracula: Outtake. So GREAT to be taken back to that universe first presented during CS Halloweek last year! Original fic on Ao3 Tumblr link with art

On June 29th, @imlaxdris71​ dropped her Shadowhunters AU, The Price of Blood. I am not at all familiar with Shadowhunters, but this fic is so AWESOME already and I can’t wait for more!!!                                                                          I was thrilled to provide artwork for this incredible fic!

On July 2, @ohmightydevviepuu​ and @thisonesatellite​ posted The Sword and the Heart, their retelling of all of s5. Let me tell you, THIS is what we should have gotten on the show!!! I can’t WAIT for the next chapter!!!                         Awe-inspiring artwork by @thisonesatellite​ and @profdanglaisstuff​.

On July 5, @snowbellewells​ posted For Once, Don’t Let Go, her CS ghost story. Spooky and soooo SWEET all at once!!!                                                            Chill-inducing, perfect artwork by @hollyethecurious​.

On July 7, @stahlop​ posted Making a Memory, her fic inspired by The Parent Trap. This fic is absolutely AWESOME, y’all!!! Lisa has sucked me in to this blending of one of my all time favorite live action Disney movies and Once canon and I CANNOT WAIT for more of it!!!                                                     Lovely and perfect artwork by @gingerchangeling​.

On July 9, @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713​ posted her original vampire aesthetic. Mm mm mm mm mmmmmmm!!!

On July 13, @shardminds​ posted her Witcher AU, Silver for Monsters. I have been BESIDE myself waiting for this fic, even though I’m not familiar with the show and the first chapter did not disappoint!!! Can’t wait for more!!!          Swoon-worthy artwork by @artistic-writer​.

On July 15, @eastwesthomeisbest​ posted original Fairy artwork, Within You, inspired by Carnival Row. Absolutely BREATHTAKING!!! Then on July 26, she posted Fear Me Or Love Me… It’s All the Same, and reduced me to a screaming flailing mess!

On July 18, @lovelivingmydreams​ posted Labors of Love, her Greek gods AU. This fic is fantastic and I am LOVING every bit of it!! I’ve been told to strap myself in, so I have and am eagerly waiting for the next chapter!!!            Beautiful artwork by @mariakov81​ Banner Ch1 Ch2 Ch3 Ch4 Ch5 

On July 21, @jarienn972​ posted La Sirena, her Siren Emma fic. A BEAUTIFUL mystery and I can’t wait to see where she goes with this!!!                      Gorgeous artwork by @courtorderedcake​.

On July 23, @shireness-says​ posted A Fate Woven in Thread and Ink, her fic inspired by The Night Circus. This fic is pure magic. Absolutely STUNNING in its beauty and I am BESIDE myself waiting for the next chapter!!!               Incredible artwork by @eirabach​. 

On July 29, @winterbythesea​ posted The Truth In a Masquerade featuring dueling CS at a vampire masquerade! WELL WORTH all the teasing we endured on the discord!

On Aug. 1, @profdanglaisstuff​ posted The Eternal and Unseen, an epic tale of fae, werewolf, and vampire coming together to defeat a common enemy. This fic is absolutely INCREDIBLE and I can’t wait for the next chapter!!!        Beautiful artwork 1 2 3 by @carpedzem​.

@xhookswenchx​ posted her werewolf MC, Waning Moon, on Aug. 2. I am soooo in LOVE with this beautiful fic and can’t wait for more of it!!!            Beautiful and precious artwork Banner 1 2 3 4 5 by @mariakov81​.

@whimsicallyenchantedrose​ posted her MC, More Than All the Jewels in the Realm on Aug. 4. Kinda a ghost/soulmate MC. You’ll see what I mean… Absolutely FANTASTIC already!!!                                                               Beautifully haunting artwork by @searchingwardrobes​.

@thejollyroger-writer​​ posted the first chapter of THE WASTELAND on Aug. 6, where the hero group goes on a magical journey to save Killian. This world she has built is INCREDIBLE and I am loving this fic soooo much!!!                    Incredible artwork 1 2 3 4 5 by @spartanguard​.

On Aug. 8, @imlaxdris71​ posted her werewolf MC, The Beast of Aurum. My heart hurts so much for Killian ALREADY!!!! I can’t wait for more!!!               Artwork by me, @kmomof4​.

On Aug. 10, @eastwesthomeisbest​ dropped original Demon Killian artwork, I’m Your Darkest Dream. Gave me CHILLS!!!

Aug. 13, @ohmightydevviepuu​ posted  From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea as part of her writersmonth2020 project. A 3a divergence that is absolutely HEART WRENCHING and BEAUTIFUL!!!                                                     Beautiful artwork by @mariakov81​ 

On Aug. 14, @spartanguard​ posted her fix it fic for West Side Story, Even Death Won’t Part Us Now, featuring CS as vampires. I am absolutely BESIDE MYSELF over this fic, y'all!!! I love it sooooo MUCH!!! Breathtaking and perfect artwork 1 2 3 by @thesschesthair​.

Aug. 18, @hollyethecurious​ posted her Sleepy Hollow AU, Some Legends are Best Kept as Legends. This fic is MAGNIFICENT and I can’t wait for more!!! Artwork by herself.

Aug. 20, @darkcolinodonorgasm​ posted her Siren Emma MC, A Song of Sin and Desire. This is gonna be an INCREDIBLE fic, y'all!!! I love it already!!! Gorgeous artwork by @artistic-writer​.

On Aug. 22, @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 posted fantastic original artwork for a fic by @teamhook​ that she posted in September, The Wolf and the Savior. The setup of this fic has me on the edge of my seat and I can’t WAIT to see what’s next!!! 

Aug. 24, @courtorderedcake​ posted her demon MC, Majestically To Far Beyond. This fic really is fun and I am LOVING it, y’all!!! Can't wait for more!!!                             Artwork by me, @kmomof4​.

Aug. 26, @cocohook38​ posted her Dark Swan/Werewolf Killian MC, I’ll Be Waiting For You By the Blood Moon. This is a FANTASTIC take on the Dark Swan and I can’t wait for more of it!!!                                                              Breathtaking artwork by @eastwesthomeisbest​.

And finally, rounding out our event on Aug. 30, @seriouslyhooked​ posted Lost Souls and Reveries: The Sequel, a continuation of her CSSNS18 fic, Lost Souls and Reveries. This first chapter was soooo precious and lovely and I can’t wait to see where she goes with this!!! Exquisite artwork by @clockadile​.

Over the course of the summer, we had several fics from previous years update, in some cases, several times! 

Until the Stars Are All Alight by @whimsicallyenchantedrose​ updated several times. Beautiful artwork by @clockadile​. This is her LOTR/CS crossover and I love it sooooo much!!!!

@kymbersmith-90​ updated both of her fics from CSSNS18, Slayer and Divine Intervention. Perfect artwork complements of @hollyethecurious​ (x) (x). Both of these fics are sooooo GREAT, even to someone who hasn’t watched either show that they were inspired by!!!

@courtorderedcake​ updated Hallow, her epic fic of Fae princess Emma and Dark One Killian. We have now journeyed to Sultana Jasmine’s court and we are closing in on the end of their journey!!! Latest Tumblr chapter link with art

@darkcolinodonorgasm​ updated One Day, her LadyHawke inspired AU that she kills me with every single chapter!!! We are now on ch5 of 7.  Tumblr ch link Beautiful Artwork by @sherlockianwhovian​

@eirabach​ rewrote her CSSNS18 submission Glow for the CS Rewritathon this spring and summer. It can be found in its entirety in the CSSNS20 collection on ao3 here. I loved it when she originally wrote it, and I loved it even more this time!!!

Well, that’s it, y’all!!!! Who would have thought when I came up with this idea almost three years ago now that we would have such participation and enthusiasm across this fabulous fandom? We have been blessed with EPIC, INCREDIBLE, GORGEOUS, BREATHTAKING, FUN, LOVELY, MAGNIFICENT fics and art these last three years!!! As I said at the top of this post, the collection on ao3 will continue to be active as well as this blog as more supernatural fics are written and shared. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for coming along on this ride with me. Y’all have all made it soooo worthwhile!!! All the love, everyone!!!

#cssns20 roundup #CSSNS 2020 roundup #event roundup

[theinvisibledreamergirl]

MASTERLIST (OH & ROD)

In progress...

My MC’s Biography

My MC’s appreciation posts

Wishes for holidays

My MC’s application at Edenbrook and her ID Badge

Vogue Magazine

My MC’s astrological sign and facts

My MC’s passport

OPEN HEART & RIDE OR DIE (AU + rewrites) in a chronological order

*Available on Wattpad too!*

FACE CLAIMS (these include everyone who is in the AU’s)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Series

“Fighting through hell” AU ?

A phone call from Boston Massachusetts to London changes forever the life of the 21 year old medical student Klaudia Helena Craig who has to fight the most inevitable thing: the mafia and the gangsters. With the help of her father’s colleague Detective Jason Shaw she travels to Los Angeles to track down a criminal band called The Mercy Park Crew with its chief: Teppei Kaneko. But is revenge the solve of everything and will she find the truth behind her parents and brother’s death?

Open Heart Book 1 AU

Klaudia (Klaw) Helena Craig is now a 25 year old freshly graduated medical student who starts her path in medicine and surgery at Edenbrook Hospital under the eyes of the 35 year old diagnostician Dr. Ethan Ramsey. But her quest of finding the doctor who destroyed her life when she was only 16 still continues. With her past events will she make it to the top besides her three times PTSD experiences? And will she believe in love again?

Prologue : “My Love Will Never Die”

Chapter 1: “The Beginning of Everything”

Chapter 2: “First Impressions”

Chapter 3: “Born to be a Rebel”

Chapter 4: “People’s needs”

Chapter 5: “Endless Fury”

Spin off (Chap. 5): “Already Broken”

Chapter 6: “Some secrets remain secrets”

Chapter 7: “An unexpected support”

Spin off (Chap. 7): “Reflecting”

A.N: The remaining fics are private for a while ‘cause they need to be rewritten again! Sorry for anyone who might be new to this!

Chapter 8: “Friendship questioned”

Chapter 9: TBA

Chapter 10: TBA

Chapter 11: TBA

“Before everything was revealed” AU ? (events after OH Book 1 AU)

In southern states of two different continents two doctors try to find themselves in two frontal battles: the Cholera in South America and the Civil War in South Africa. But how long will they resist and are their lives at stake?

Open Heart Book 2 AU ?

The first year of residency begins for the doctors of Edenbrook Hospital with new challenges, new interns and new life problems- friendship and love. Also what has happened to a British fellow friend that has everyone concern about her?

Mini Series

A Triangle of Love

What if MC didn’t get her place at Edenbrook Hospital at first but her boyfriend did? And what happens if she comes in the 2nd year of residency as a surgeon? *work in progress*

Part 1: “Sweet dreams, TN” (NSWF)

Part 2: “She’s thunderstorms”

Part 3: “Do Me a Favour” *coming soon*

One shots

The Grinch Girl

(Someone doesn’t like Christmas and it’s not who you think it is)

Words from an attending

(Ethan writes his feelings for MC in a diary)

Has everything changed?

Part one | Part two

(A rewrite of episode one of OH Book 3)

Late Night Talks

(When MC feels insecure about her board’s exams and Ethan does a wicked little plan to get her to sleep.)

The scars she left to me

(Which is the worst wound: a boy’s or a girl’s? A ROD fic.)

Hopeless

(A photo posted on Instagram that led to a deep conversation. After PITA patient encounter.)

Waves of sadness

(Bryce confesses his feelings to MC but the latter doesn’t feel the same way. Bryce x MC fic.)

From hell with love

(Now she’s convinced more than ever that she f***ed everything up.)

Prompt requests

#79. I don’t care what anyone else thinks.

#49. Who hurt you? #50. Nothing is wrong with you.

#3. Please don’t walk out of that door.

#60. You look like you could use a hug. #72. You need sleep.

Heart cookies *newest*

Drabbles (or nonsense things)

Maybe...

Nonsense

Klaw’s thoughts

Ig posts, edits and SMS texts

Instagram post (1)

Instagram post (2)

Instagram post (3)

Instagram post (4)

Instagram post (5)

Instagram post (6)

Instagram chats (1)

SMS text (1)

P.S : I’ve put question marks because as I’ve already said my mind is full of different variables for these and a little reminder:  English is not my first language. Masterlist will be updated when fics are uploaded.

Perma tag: @starrystarrytrouble​​ / @schnitzelbutterfingers / @shewillreadyou / @maurine07 / @miss-smrxtiee / @hopelessromantics4life / @nikki-2406 /

OH AU tag list: @drariellevalentine / @zeniamiii / @shanzay44 / @jooous / @udishaman / @takemyopenheart

One shots tag list: @romereadingshop

Let me know if anyone else wants to be tagged! ❤️

#open heart #open heart choices #ride or die choices #open heart fan fiction #ride or die fan fiction #my fanfic ideas #my open heart mc #and #my ride or die mc #klaw craig #open heart fan fic #open heart face claims #ride or die face claims #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #colt kaneko x mc #my masterlist #im such a mess #my writing #rookie writer

[gingyboo]

Mirror Mirror

A/N: Again many thanks to @booglebug

Description- Soulmates existed. People knew that much. Soulmates were rare, a handful in each generation, an unexplainable phenomenon that formed a bond closer than blood and more sacred than marriage.

Bucky finds his soulmate when he needs her most. Little does he know how much she needs him too.

(Soulmate au that slots pretty much in to the MCU but with soulmates. Set after TFATWS.)

Pairing- Bucky Barnes x OFC

Warnings- Mentions of violence and guns, but its mostly fluff, drama and angst.

This is a multi chaptered fic.

Please like, comment, reblog!

prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3Chapter4Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

----------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9

Shuri led Nancy back to her lab, Nancy looked around in awe at the screens and monitors. She saw one with Bucky’s face on it, lines of data forming around the edge.

“I’m monitoring Bucky, trying to see what caused last nights relapse, but it got me thinking.” She explained leading Nancy to a chair beside her desk. “Soulmates have been around as long as anyone can remember, but no real research has been done, they tend to be quite secretive.” She said inspecting Nancy’s neck with warm fingers. “If your willing I have some theories I’d like to test.”

“What were you thinking?” Nancy asked,

“There’s some form of bio-chemical link between you and Bucky, symbiosis of sorts, I’ve seen your medical records, I know what happened to you following the blip. From what I’ve found those soulmates who were separated, well most of them didn’t make it, and their soulmates never returned.”

“And you want to test how far this link goes?” Nancy said, realising the plan.

“Exactly that.” She grinned opening a small metal box beside her. Inside was a small, round metallic device, it looked similar to the beads around her wrist only flatter. “May I?” She indicated to the back of Nancy’s neck. Nancy swept her loose hair round to her front as Shuri pressed the disk to the nape of her neck. It felt cool and weightless. “There, that’ll measure your brain activity, your vitals and the like. I’ll compare the two of you, see if there’s any consistencies.”

“That’s so cool.” Nancy remarked seeing her own picture appear on the screen next to Bucky’s, her own data starting to appear.

“It you think that’s cool, you haven’t seen anything yet.” She stood up gesturing Nancy to follow. “I was thinking about why you should have survived when the other separated soulmates died. I thought what the difference could be. The serum that runs in Bucky’s veins, it’s never run in yours, but you’re bound to him and you were born decades after he was experimented on. If I’m right about this link then I think you might have some of his capabilities.” Nancy stared at her bewildered.

“I have never had any form super strength.” She protested.

“Maybe not, but recovering, like you did, that was impressive.” Shuri insisted. She led Nancy to the training room.

“What do you need me to do?” Nancy sprung lightly from foot to foot, she’d missed her gym back in London.

“Just a few basic exercises at first, we’ll go from there.”

Shuri started her running on a treadmill built into a panel on the floor. Her heart rate was monitored as well as the impact her feet were having on the ground. She then moved her to some loose weights, measuring the nerve activity in her muscles. She led her over to some targets on the wall, passing her some throwing knives. Her aim wasn’t poor but far from perfect, Shuri kept tapping away on her screen in the corner. By the end of the session Nancy’s bones ached and her head was dizzy with exhaustion. When they returned to the lab Shuri indicated to a bed in the corner.

“Do you think you could rest in here, I’d love to take readings from your sleep state.” Nancy simply nodded, the poor sleep the previous night twinned with the exertions in the training room allowed sleep to come easily.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Buck we need you on your A game today,” Sam said coming to sit beside Bucky as Torres flew the jet over Europe. “We’re doing this for her.”

“I know.” Bucky said scratching his head, “I just thought this was over.”

“I know you did. This was just a relapse. Shuri will figure out what’s going on up there,” he indicated to Bucky’s temple, “And we’ll fix it.” Bucky shook his head.

“It’s not that simple he could’ve killed her Sam. I could have killed her” He almost shouted.

“No you couldn’t, don’t you see?” Sam persisted, “She stopped you, she brought you back. No Russian words, no powers, no helicopter to the head. Just her. Now I only know one other person who could do that.”

“Steve.” Bucky sighed.

“Exactly.”

“But I hurt her, how could she ever forgive me. Who wants to be with someone capable of that?”

“She’s your soulmate, you’re not capable of hurting her and she’s not capable of hating you.” Although Sam’s words were encouraging, Bucky still felt the guilt pulsing through his veins. Every time he closed his eyes her face appeared behind his lids, contorted in pain, pleading with him. He tried to focus on mission at hand, finding the dark-haired man, getting to the bottom of his pursuit of Nancy. He just had to focus. He dove into his pocket pulling out the compact mirror Nancy had given him the night before. Before it had all gone so wrong. He opened it seeing only himself staring back. He imagined her there smiling back at him. He snapped it shut again pulling out his phone to send her a text.

‘I miss you.’ He started, staring at his phone not knowing what else to say. He sent the text closing his phone and heading into the cockpit to see the sky opening up in front of them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Miss Cartwright,” Shuri gently shook her awake. “There’s something I’d like you to see.” Nancy stretched out on the bed.

“Please, it’s Nancy, Just Nancy.” She protested, dragging her aching limbs out of the bed.

“Alright Nancy, look at this.” She enlarged a stream of data on the screen. “This shows your brain activity whilst sleeping, your subconscious.”

“Okay.” Nancy said following the rise and fall of the red line.

“Okay, so this is Bucky’s subconscious.” She dragged his data across to overlap Nancy’s. “Do you see the spikes here?” Nancy nodded, “it echoes the spikes in yours.”

“No, that’s not possible.” Nancy starred at the overlapping lines in amazement.

“You see the Winter Solider, he is part of Bucky’s subconscious,” Shuri explained.

“So you mean…” realisation dawned in her eyes.

“I think it’s possible something in your subconscious woke him up. And in waking him he reverted to what he knows.” Shuri continued.

“Killing.” Nancy sobbed.

“But you also managed to stop him. The winter solider stood down for you.”

“He did.” Nancy sniffed, she’d stopped him, she’d brought Bucky back.

“He did, and I think I might be able to figure out what it was that woke him to begin with, but I’ll need to do some more tests with you first. Are you up for it?” Shuri asked, excitement ablaze in her eyes.

“Could it help him, stop it from happening again, he’ll be tearing himself apart over this.”

“I think it might.”

“Then yes, whatever it takes.” Nancy said with all the conviction she possessed. “But I wonder if you could do me a favour?”

“Of course,” the Princess agreed.

“I’d like to look into the circumstances of my brother’s death, would you help me?”

“Sure.” She said smiling sympathetically. Nancy always hated other people’s pity, but she had gotten used to it. She closed her eyes.

“We can’t tell anyone what we’re doing though, please, not my father, not even Bucky, not till I know what I could be looking at.” Nancy bit her lip nervously, she hoped she was right in trusting Shuri, she knew she couldn’t find what she needed alone.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christopher Cartwright had been at the top of his game, fresh out of Eton, good grades, a loving family, when he’d decided to enrol at Sandhurst. He felt with everything going on in the world he had a duty to his country to serve. So, serve he did, throwing himself into military training with enthusiasm. He’d never seen his mother look as proud as the day he passed out, an officer of the Royal Navy. That night he’d partied like it was the last night on earth. After that he was fully committed, swearing his life to the military, dumping his then boyfriend, throwing away any previous ideas of joining politics like his father, rejecting his sisters calls. He was a solider now, his duty had to come first. Two tours and 5 medals later he was recruited by a specialist training facility. It was on one of these training missions that tragedy struck, and he perished at sea along with his whole unit. All further information was classified, an empty casket had been buried, no body could be recovered.

Nancy had been 18 at the time. It had destroyed her parent’s marriage, caused her father to flee the country, her mother to move county and Nancy to be left alone. Nancy remembered the funeral well, the black coffin draped in the union flag, Kit’s military portrait standing at the front, the rose arrangements reading ‘Brother’ and ’Son’. People she hadn’t known had stood up sharing stories she’d never heard. They’d shaken her father’s hand and patted her on the shoulder. The whole day had seemed surreal, like it was for someone else’s brother.

The months following were filled with crippling grief. Then university provided a helpful distraction and Nancy managed to throw herself into her degree. In all that time she’d never really dealt with what his death meant for her, her heart never could accept that her big brother, who had always been there, was gone. He was the one who’d chase her around the garden with a water pistol and the hottest day of the year. He had snuck into her room during the thunderstorms to hold her hand because he knew how much they’d scared her. They’d grown together and played together. He’d pulled funny faces behind their mother’s back when she was being told off. She’d snuck into their father’s study to steal back Kit’s Gameboy when it was confiscated for pulling faces behind their mother’s back. She remembered terrorising Acedown Court’s garden with screams and cheers playing pirates with the neighbour’s children. Falling asleep in the back of the car on the way back from holiday after eating too many travel sweets. They had been a double act. Until he’d joined the Navy.

Then a few weeks ago the first glimpse of hope, a hope she didn’t dare speak out loud, not even to Bucky. The man in with dark hair, he could be lying, he most likely was, but there was a chance. Kit might just be alive. She’d be damned if she didn’t find him.

#bucky barnes #winter solider #sam wilson #captain america #mcu #mcu fic #soulmate

[wiseabsol]

20 Mewtwo Fanfics Recs

Since I’ve been getting more Mewtwo asks recently, I thought I would make a post to promote some of the Mewtwo fics that have caught my eye over the years. Here is a round-up of the ones that were the most memorable and influential to me when I was growing up, as well as some that look promising for other fans to check out!

MEMORABLE FICS:

1. Damaged by Cheshire Kat24

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8906040/1/Damaged

Summary: Living life to its fullest is never easy. A lesson Mewtwo learns the hard way after sustaining an injury that even his abilities cannot heal without help. With his new friends, he embarks on a journey that will define not only his place in the world, but that of his entire species.

My thoughts: While I never managed to read the entire story, this is a classic and was probably the first long, multi-chapter story with Mewtwo as the lead.

2. Shadows Like You by cosmicmewtwo

Link: Not available, though you can hit her up on Tumblr for the file.

Summary: Driven by his hunger for power, Giovanni creates three new Mewtwos. The clones seem to be under control...but for how long? And how will Mewtwo himself be affected?

My thoughts: This was incredibly influential to my writing, being a huge part of the inspiration behind “TPRS.” The Mewthrees introduced here were great and I checked every day for updates until this fic was complete. As a humorous aside, when I was a wee lass with barely any fic to my name, I sent cosmicmewtwo a message asking if I could use Mewthree characters in my own story, without realizing that cosmicmewtwo didn’t own that concept. She, bless her heart, confusedly told me to go ahead with my story and supported some of my earliest fics.

3. Anomaly by Dark Magician Girl Aeris

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3173119/1/Anomaly

Summary: When Mewtwo erased his memory from the minds of Team Rocket, he overlooked the computers they used in studying him. Now a second member of the race has been created by even more unorthodox means than the first. And boy, is she mad!

My thoughts: Aeris is excellent at writing Mewtwo, to the point where this is probably the most canon-compliant depiction of him that I’ve come across. This adventure story is also well-written and has a lot of feel-good moments. I wish that she’d managed to finish it, but what she has, along with the connected one-shots, is worth digging into.

4. The Sword and Shield Series by Kayasuri-n

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3535877/1/Sword-and-Shield

Summary: Detective Brenda Johnson was looking for something suspicious when she entered the lab, not a connection between Team Rocket and gym leader Giovanni Rocketto. She certainly wasn’t expecting Mewtwo. Rated M for Murder and other subjects.

My thoughts: So if you’re looking for a super fun murder mystery ride, this one is for you! I still desperately want to see what the remake would look like. That said, there are several entries in the old series, all of which are great.

5. More Than Just Shadow by Kirlien

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3602934/1/More-Than-Just-Shadow

Summary: Amy was sitting quietly on the doublebed, watching over the wounded Pokémon. “Mewtwo…What are you?…Who are you?” she whispered faintly, her fingers brushing against his cheek slightly in a soothing motion.

My thoughts: I remember this fic for how it captured the golden feeling of innocence in the Pokemon franchise. While dark things were happening in this story, there was a sense of warmth and compassion that I’ve always admired. This is another one that I wish had been finished, but what is here is worth digging into.

6. Between Two Worlds by Leonardo Mystic

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/505048/1/Between-Two-Worlds

Summary: Ki is a teenage girl with special powers. Who one day accidentally discovers the Team Rocket project of Mewtwo. 

My thoughts: This was one of the first Mewtwo fics I ever read and was the most memorable in the romance category. I’d call it one of the classics and an interesting rewrite of the original movie. 

7. Forgotten by Melora Maxwell

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/926885/1/Forgotten

Summary: The humans have a most strange saying. Curiosity killed the cat. I suppose in my case, it would be curiosity killed the clone. For it is what I am.

My thoughts: This one was responsible for the genesis of “Angelic Shadows.” It’s angsty and, despite being lean in the way of descriptions, it has a strong emotional impact. It’s a shame that it never got an ending, because it seems like it was within a few chapters of being complete. Even so, if you like gritty, this is a good one to look into.  

8. Eclipsed by Meriah

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4468231/1/Eclipsed

Summary: A young woman named Sutichay carries Arei, a miraculous child, whose birth will bring about a religious conflict. Later in the chaos, Arei is made the priestess of Mewtwo, and her growing attraction to him stirs the anger of Sabrina, his wife.

My thoughts: While this fic only has a few chapters, the premise is imagination, the writing is lovely, and it deserved more attention than it received. This was also the inspiration for my story “Hollow.” When Meriah discarded the original prologue for “Eclipsed,” she allowed me to use it—and the character Arei—as a jumping off point for my own story. The result was two very different tales with similar thematic cores.

9. The Incomplete Soul Saga by Miyuutsuu

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/888889/Miyuutsuu

Summary: What is my true purpose in life?

My thoughts: If you’re looking for more grit, we have this odd series by Miyuutsuu, who wrote his stories with the Rule of Cool. Want Mewtwo to have a sword? An angsty romance with a gym leader? Possibly some loss of limbs? Then here you go! It’s a dark action/adventure story with a different flavor than anything else on this list.

10. Of Moonlight Shadows and Echoes Past by ZeoViolet

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/620186/1/Of-Moonlight-Shadows-and-Echoes-Past

Summary: A Psychic teenager named Sharie, daughter of one of Mewtwo’s creators, finds a baby Mewtwo Giovanni forgot about…and eventually, runs into Mewtwo himself.

My thoughts: This was my favorite Mewtwo fic and one that I still think of fondly. The writing is lush, the premise is solid, and I definitely wanted to see where it would have gone. It’s another classic of the fandom.  

11. If You Let Me by Byoshi

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4129309/1/If-You-Let-Me

Summary: Every Pokemon Smasher must have a master, and the rule is no different for Mewtwo. A tug-of-war begins between Peach and Ganondorf, conflicted but united in their attempt to use Mewtwo to overthrow Master Hand.

My thoughts: I don’t have much to say about this one, other than I really enjoyed it, found the premise intriguing, and wished I could have seen more of the central relationship in it. Sadly, like many of these entries, it was discontinued.

PROMISING FICS:

These are fics that I haven’t actually read, but appear to have pull in the fandom and have definitely had a lot of hard work put into them.

12. Mute, Too by FalconPain

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3931388/1/Mute-Too

Summary: After losing a battle to the dark Pokémon Darkrai, Mewtwo awakens to find that he no longer has his psychic abilities. No longer able to float, read minds, or even talk to humans or Pokémon, he must rebuild his life. But how much of this can he take?

13. Forsaken by lilpurplebird

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5842142/1/Forsaken

Summary: Being a Legendary isn’t always a good thing—they realized that too late when the world came to an end. Mercifully, they were given another chance, but at a cost: They had agreed in a previous life to become mortal should they have failed to uphold their duties. Unbeknownst to them, however, there is a dark power lying in wait, targeting Mew and Mewtwo to do its dirty work…

14. Crossing of the Paths by MMMAJ Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/1252581/1/Crossing-of-the-Paths

Summary: Mewtwo can no longer stand living with humans, so he creates a dimensional portal and randomly wanders the web of infinite universes. This is the tale of the places he sees and the people he meets. 

15. Lines in the Sand by Shinymonkey8

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6847646/1/Lines-in-the-Sand

Summary: After finally escaping from Giovanni, Mewtwo has a chance to live his life free, and sadly alone… But when fate leads him to something he would have never expected, a female of his own species, his life is turned upside-down…. 

16. Human, Monster, Hybrid Series by TheFrogFromHell

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3082844/1/Human

Summary: When Mewtwo lured six trainers into his trap on New Island, he’d planned to begin his reign of terror on the human world. He hadn’t planned on being nearly destroyed by the battle that ensued, or on being nursed back to health by a human—a member of the species he’d despised enough to want to eradicate from the earth. Now, Mewtwo is torn between his hatred for his creators, and the new, mysterious emotions he feels for Misty, the human that saved his life. One again, his true purpose is in question: will he still choose to destroy the world, or will these unfamiliar insights change the way Mewtwo views humans, pokémon, and even himself. 

17. From Dark To Light by Whozawhatcha

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7659746/1/From-Dark-To-Light

Summary: Mewtwo falls for a Gardevoir, but hesitates to reveal any of his past to her, considering the circumstances. However, his past and Team Rocket do catch up to him, and how will they manage? And with strife with this Gardevoir’s mother, how will they continue to be together? What are her true motives for keeping her daughter from this mysterious pokemon?

18. The Mewblade Series by Vaporeon Lugia Krabby

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2967855/1/Her-Beginning

Summary: Welcome to the real complexity of the Pokemon World. Here we experience the full extent of this world alongside Mewblade, a Mewthree. This prologue introduces Mewblade, following the beginnings of Mewtwo. This opens a larger plot, full of depth and death.

Note: While this isn’t a Mewtwo-centric fic, it has been a prominent work in the fandom for ages.

SOME CAUTIOUS SMUT RECS:

So looking up Mewtwo smut can be dicey, since many of the writers of said smut tend to prefer dub-con or non-con scenes, with Mewtwo being a dominant alpha male/sexually-aggressive character. This can be triggering for some readers. The following two stories are not exactly exceptions to that pattern (well, “The Mewtwo File” is, but I have different qualms about it), but the romance in them helps to mellow them out.

19. The Mewtwo File by Alisonven

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4200365/1/The-Mewtwo-File

Summary: This is the story of the young clone Mewtwo and Aiko, his only human friend, the daughter of his creator.

My thoughts: This is a well-written story and has some good Mewtwo/Ai content in it, albeit features an AU version of them. That said, I have qualms about the sex in here, thanks to the difference between Mewtwo’s and Aiko’s psychological maturities. Aiko is clearly an adult, while Mewtwo reads more like a teenager. Some readers were fine with that; I felt squicked. There is also a casual use of sexual assault in a later chapter, so be aware of that going into this.

20. Primial Instinct by Sonic Sunshine

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3486169/1/Primial-Instinct

Summary: Mewtwo tells us the story of how he found and nearly lost love through his eyes. His journey of discovery is one filled with dilemmas, and even the most powerful Pokemon is helpless to stop it. Mewtwo x Lucario.

My thoughts: There are also casual uses of sexual assault in this, including from Mewtwo, which I wasn’t keen on. That being said, this is well-written and the central relationship is interesting, so who knows, it might scratch the yaoi itch for those of you who love the genre.

#Mewtwo #fanfiction recommendation #Pokemon

[whoareyouandwhyshouldicare]

To all my fellow LoVe shippers who are feeling down I have one thing to say.

I can’t make the last 8 minute of season 4 disappear but I can recommend some really great LoVe fanfiction that will make you feel at least a little bit better. So without further ado here are a few of my favorite LoVe fics!

A Hard Habit to Break  by  mskatej   Nothing gets Veronica over her failed relationships better than Logan Echolls.    

...And Long For You  by  AbsolutelyIris It was moments like those Veronica wished she could be like Lilly- storm into his house and curse and yell and damn him to hell before demanding he fuck her...and like with Lilly, he would gladly, if reluctantly, do so.      

 “Any Love Is Good Love, Baby”  by wily_one24   Apparently, Hollywood was wrong, the devil did not wear Prada, the devil wore butch black boots and tiny little skirts.                                

The Best (and Only) Kept Secret in Neptune  by  vixleonard Even when they hated each other, Logan and Veronica just couldn't stay away from each other.                     

The Burdened Vessel  by  vixleonard   Veronica needs a favor only Logan can help her with.              

Every Belt That Ever Hit Someone (Is Still Made to Hold Something Up)  by igrockspock   Logan doesn't get any votes for Most Changed at the ten-year reunion, which is bullshit when you think about it.  In the past ten  years, everything in his life has changed.  He's joined the Navy, dated a pop star, and figured out that Dick Casablancas can occasionally behave like a real human being.  Only one thing hasn't changed: he's still in love with Veronica Mars.  Oh, and he's suspected of murdering his girlfriend.

"Fear and Loathing in Neptune"   by wily_one24 Veronica Mars was going to get herself laid. Series  Part 1 of Any Love  

A Fine and Endless Cycle  by kartography A freshman year at Hearst and the cyclical nature of love                                         

Fireworks by AliLamba Veronica is technically not a virgin, and awkward results ensue. An AU version of LoVe's first time.                

For the Sake of a Friend by jacedesbff   What if Logan and Veronica were involved in a secret relationship throughout the events of Season 1?     

The Game of Trust  by Kantayra of Yore (Kantayra)   This time Veronica really did trust him, and she knew how to prove it...    

Getcha, Getcha, Getcha, Getcha  by  Kantayra of Yore (Kantayra) Veronica and Logan prank each other. Really, it's shameless the way they flirt...  

Give Me The Ocean  by scandalpants   Post Season 3 AU.  Veronica decides what she really wants.  Spoiler: it's not Piz.                                              

Home Is Where The Heart Is by: lv63   AU preseries and forward, begins in season 1. this story is all about veronica and her friends. angst, mystery, humor and romance, LoVe and MaDi. summary in prologue. 

I Hate You Because by: SilverLining2k6   Mid 1X3 - Meet John Smith.    Logan, Veronica, a pool, snark, and a made up drinking game.

i knew you were trouble when you walked in  by youcallitwinter   And, it's just—  Logan had always been her intense high-school romance, sure. But she had, somewhere along the way, in some secret corner of her mind, convinced herself that was all he was; a high-school romance. Explosive, powerful, passionate, and bound to burn itself out eventually

(Im)Perfection  by  AbsolutelyIris The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.                

In a World by: my shangri-la   A/U! Exploring the 'what ifs' that could have happened if Lilly Kane hadn't been murdered, and her secrets – and others – had come out anyway. Pairings: Lilly/Logan, past Duncan/Veronica, eventual Logan/Veronica. (Story begins with Lilly as a senior, the rest are juniors.)

In the kind of world where we belong  by  Anonymous  There was always something missing.  A Lilly Kane sized hole in both their hearts.  Instead of going to see Aaron Echolls on October 3rd Lilly decides to comfort a friend and their lives change forever.A very smutty OT3 take on what might have happened if Lilly had lived.

Kid Things  by sowell   5 years after graduation, Logan comes back to Neptune to ask Veronica for help.                      

King of Mars  by: HGRising   AU. In which everyone has a story to tell but not everyone gets the chance. And, things make more sense from a different perspective. Ever wonder why Veronica Mars was Lilly Kane's best friend? There's redemption for some and condemnation for others when the secrets come out. And everyone's got a good one.

Landmine  by  AbsolutelyIris It needed to be forgotten, and quick.             

The Long Way Home  by  AbsolutelyIris   "We should take the long way home." 

Matching Pink Bikinis  by  Anonymous Veronica and Lilly wear matching pink bikinis to Logan's for a pool day.  This is pure threesome smut, folks.                

Pink Lemonade (Logan/Veronica/Lilly)  On a trip to Honolulu, Lilly manages to bring Veronica out of her pink, frosty shell. Spoilers/Warnings: This is a threesome fic and therefore includes some femslash.        

Playing Hide and Seek With the Truth by: jenwin23   Continuation of the Truth series. The kids go back to school. Old issues remain while more secrets will be revealed, relationships will change and lives will crumble.

The Real Thing by: Josielynn   AU. Logan and Lilly are off again/on again. Duncan is dating Meg. Veronica was never friends with Lilly. Logan sees Veronica in her soccer uniform and wants to date her.

Scotch on the Rocks (A FanFic Tribute)  by kmd0107   A long time ago...there was an incredibly hot LoVeLy trilogy fic (Pink Lemonade & Sex on the Beach) started over on Live Journal that never got its third part.  This is a tribute to what that might have been.   Logan POV of the evolving sexual and emotional relationship between himself, Veronica, and Lilly.              

Scourging Fire, Blazing Soul  by Nerdyesque   What if Veronica didn't grow up with the 09ers, but came into their lives prior to Lilly's death? How would her presence affect Duncan, Lilly, Logan, the Kanes, and the Echolls? Also, who is Veronica without Keith Mars' loving protection?      

Sex on the Beach (Logan/Veronica/Lilly) NC-17 Lilly's chapter in my Drinks Series. Nobody wants to talk about what happened in Hawaii, and it's driving Lilly crazy. How could she possibly make what happened less awkward? By making it happen again, of course!        

Some Truths Hurt by: jenwin23 Jumping off point: V gets Duncan's journal in Echolls' Family Xmas. AU from there but many canon events happen too. All characters in the VM-verse make an appearance, but it is a LoVe story. In script format-but give it a try, it's well written.

The Third Kane by: Mac-alicious   Lilly, Duncan and Veronica Kane rule the social scene in Neptune. The three are loyal and inseparable. They once believed there was nothing that could come between them. They didn't count on Logan Echolls.

Time, Make It Go Faster Or Just Rewind  by  kmd0107  Logan being ‘the real-Logan’ is so familiar that she almost can’t help but give in to it, even if it’s just a one night pass.   She’ll embrace this moment out of time and the walls and armor can go back up tomorrow.AU from 1x4 Wrath of Con              

Truths Too Big to be Told  by: jenwin23 Sequel to Some Truths Hurt. It's summer time and more than the weather is hot. Neptune is embroiled in class warfare, Veronica is looking into the mystery of another dead girl, the fallout from Lilly's case continues, and more secrets will be revealed.

I’m also throwing in some of my favorite MaDi (Mac and Dick) fics because Dick needs a hug too.

The ABCs of Mac and Dick by: jenwin23   The ABC challenge with Mac and Dick. Created for Madi lover at VM Santa 2010 at livejournal. Cross-posted. In letter order, not in chronological order.

Bodycount by: BIFF1   Cassidy and Mac meet a little earlier and a little blood-lust gives him an entirely different problem when it comes to forming a real relationship with Mac. AU with MAJOR season two SPOILERS! Mac/Cass, Mac/Dick, Mac/Cass/Dick

Casablancas Kryptonite By: BIFF1   "You just don't get it. She's like kryptonite or something." Dick looked at his brother and thought about those blue eyes that cut and the way her mouth twisted around insults. Yeah maybe she was kyptonite. Casablancas kyptonite because isn't he just as weak.

Casual? By: BIFF1   It's just sex. Casual sex. no attachments, just good hot sex. But that was the summer and now school is about to start up again and Veronica's back from Virginia and can tell that something is up. They can stop, no problem...

The Charm Bracelet by: DalWriter   Future Fic. Who Knew Prince Charming Would be Dick Casablancas? Mac reminisces as she looks at a charm bracelet Dick gave her.

Commitment Buffers by: BIFF1   Dick and Mac live with Logan and Veronica in their attempt to have some sort of commitment buffer between them. Only problem with the arrangement is that Mac and Dick tolerate each other at best which is a big improvement as far as their concerned. However living in such close quarters may prove difficult when it becomes obvious that they may actually sort of like each other.

Dark Day by: BIFF1   It's Cassidy Casablancas' birthday and the two people closest to him are falling apart. She just wants to hide away from the world for the rest of the week, just drink and cry and be with someone who gets it and no one gets it more than Dick. Not as angsty as it sounds, promise. Now complete with happy ending!

Electrify by: BIFF1   A guilt trip from Logan has landed Dick in a crowded tent with Mac. With a lightening storm raging outside he can't sleep and it appears neither can she.

Rendezvous by: BIFF1   A collection of one-shots. In which Dick and Mac are forced together by fate or friends and hook up. Because I apparently really like writing them hooking up.

Secret Santa By: BIFF1   Saw this homemade sweater from hell prompt from VMficRec. It's a November challenge but I couldn't help myself. Just some fun when Mac pulls Dick's name for Secret Santa. She figures a six pack and porn until he makes a big deal about not wanting anything handmade. She can't really help herself, she spends the month knitting Dick a sweater.

#veronica mars #LoVe #Logan Echolls #logan x veronica #fanfiction #fan fiction #season 4 fix it #veronica mars fanfiction #fanfic #logan deserved better

[winkyjinki]

author asks 1-30 GO!

WHEW OK STRAP IN BUCKO (I already answered 1&29 uwu)

2. When you’re writing a new story, what is the one thing you need to know before you can start?

This is gonna sound so like “duh bitch” but I always need to know AT LEAST how I want it to end. Or like the almost-end. Bc it’s like if you know where you want to go then you can figure out how to build up to that moment. 

They always say it’s not abt the destination, but the journey. But like in this case, you need to know the destination to figure out the journey oop--

3. How do you know when a scene is “done”?

This is gonna sound so vague but like... when I feel like it’s complete? Like when I think it’s served its purpose in the fic.

In theatre, every single scene has a purpose in building up to the climax & resolution, so I always try to make sure that each scene has served its purpose in moving the plot along/gives you something for a later plot point.

4. How do you know when a chapter is “done”?

Ummm... I try to end it at a good point. Honestly this is the hardest for me because I always want to end it at a good point but also where it feels like the equivalent of a half-cadence in music (it doesn’t feel complete).

That’s like my best explanation.

5. How do you know when a story is “done”?

I think my story is done when I’ve neatly wrapped up the plot to my liking while also leaving as little loose ends as possible.

This is a boring answer lmao but it’s really my best explanation.

6. Where do your titles come from?

Most of my titles come from songs that my fics remind me of. I try to make it be like ~poetic~ bc I can’t come up w titles from the pits of my brain but I can def try to find the perfect song lyric LOL

7. How do you feel about prologues?

I feel like it’s really useful for setting some background info that you want to reference but don’t actually want to explain in the main story LOL but it’s def not necessary

8. How do you feel about epilogues?

Another thing that I feel is def not necessary but sometimes you want a little “what happens next?”...as a treat

9. Do you tend to have an external narrator or use one of the characters?

I like the idea of using a limited POV, so I like to use one of the characters for narration. Bc in my opinion it’s a little much when you’re like spending so much time being ~omniscient~ but that’s just my opinion.

10. Does your narrator move from character to character? 

Ummm honestly it depends for me. Like for me it’s like...if the story calls for it in my heart. 

I usually like to keep it to one character unless I’m planning a more complex story that calls for a lot of different POVs!

11. What punctuation do you love too much?

Bruh... Commas, semicolons and this bitch (–) are my holy grail I feel like I’m the queen of run-on sentences.

12. What punctuation do you hate with a passion?

Okay I don’t HATE them but I really don’t like the overuse!!!!! of exclamation points!!!!!! I use them a lot when I’m just posting about stuff I’m really passionate about like that’s cute I just am not too crazy about that in like prose & creative writing. I wouldn’t say it’s a pet peeve, per se, but it’s just not my cup of tea :/

13. What grammar tends to cause problems when you’re writing?

Idek what this means but like I guess I struggle with writing verbs in the right POV bc, like I said, I'm the queen of run on sentences so I tend to lose focus on what’s the subject of the sentence.

14. What’s the one word you can never spell/use properly, no matter how hard you try?

I am actually illiterate so I always end up misspelling words ALL the time just bc like my brain will turn off. I used to use the word “futile” incorrectly all the time but once I like actually found out how to use it correctly, I’ve been pretty good :0

15. How do you write a really good metaphor?

Bro when I figure it out I will SHARE

I don’t have a strategy--sometimes I just write good ones and idek how it happened oof--

16. What is your best piece of advice for writing angst scenes?

If you are HURTING by the time you’re done with it, you did it right. When I write angst, I know it’s good if my heart hurts by the end of it LOL

17. What is your best piece of advice for writing hurt/comfort scenes?

Kinda the same as 16, like it hurts but in a better way. This will probably also be the same as my answer for 22, but if it just makes you soft, you’re doing well.

Soft & hurt is the combo you need for that.

18. What is your best piece of advice for writing comedy scenes?

I like to share these scenes with people (beta readers, friends, etc.) and see how they receive them. Even if they don’t laugh like SUPER HARD, I think it’s worth keeping if they make positive comments and they say stuff like “That’s a mood.” or “I related to that hard.” bc in my humble opinion that’s good enough for me.

I’m working on a Trashmouth comedy special series, and I literally just read the skits to my friends and see what lands and what doesn’t.

I just like to treat any comedy scene as a comedy skit. Just see what lands !

19. What is your best piece of advice for writing action scenes?

Oh man, I don’t do a lot of those, so I don’t really have much advice for that :( maybe in like a year I’ll have something for that lollll

20. What is your best piece of advice for writing smut scenes?

Now I’m no expert on doing the dirty, but I did read up on how to write like...good sex scenes....and a lot of the sources say to (in my own words) overload on thought and emotion. 

Like honestly I don’t read smut for the sex (I mean like.... I get hype when my ship gets nasty but that’s beside the point), I read it to see how someone comes undone for their lover and I think that’s IMPORTANT. Tbh anyone can write sex, but like I need that connection.

21. What is your best piece of advice for writing romance scenes?

Overload on that thought and emotion, dude. Make your heart THROB. I like to make this a matter of building tension and setting the release. Like no I will not be giving you that kiss yet bc that’s too easy. Build it up a little bit.

Talk about slow burn

22. What is your best piece of advice for writing fluff scenes?

If you read it and you feel like you might explode from how much these characters love each other, you are doing amazing, sweetie.

23. How do you balance your characters in an ensemble story?

I like to list out the primary, secondary, and side characters and figure out where they come in the story, what the relationships are, what purpose they serve the plot, stuff like that.

In a theatre standpoint (obviously), any character in a play has their own purpose and without even one of them, you can’t wrap that story up neatly. Like in Ancient Greek plays, even the smallest part played an integral part in moving the plot along.

24. How do you balance your characters when there are only a two or three in a story?

I like to think about what purpose each character serves in the story. I also like to think about whether this story revolves around one character, or if it delves into each character’s story and they kind of intertwine. Maybe they’re family or a team or roommates, or maybe they’re strangers whose lives are connected in some way if you wanna take that route.

I think when there are so little characters, you get more room to make them their own people. And you have that possibility of making it a collection of stories that come together without making it so confusing.

I think about that in, like, a theatre standpoint obviously.

25. How do you create an original character?

AAA I’ve never really made an OC but honestly I like to think it’s like making a sim LOL I’m so sorry to EVERYONE who’s ever made an OC.

I don’t even remember was my OC building process was like when I wrote original stories in, like, middle school.

26. How do you go about world building?

Oof ok I’ve been writing fanfic for as long as I can remember so that’s kinda cheating a little bit LOL it’s self explanatory.

But in the few original stories I’ve written (and honestly even when I write for some AUs), I base a lot of things on my own reality. So like people I know, places I like to go to, events that have taken place in my lifetime, they’re like the template, and depending on the nature of this world (realistic, fantasy, modern, futuristic, etc), that’s like how I’ll mold it to be part of that world.

27. Do you try to do most of your research ahead of writing (when research is necessary) or do you do it as things come up?

Honestly, I research things as they come up because things are always gonna come up. I’m constantly coming up with little things I can add into my fics, and I like to try all my ideas to see if they work with the story. I don’t want to scrap an idea just bc it’s not in my archive of research.

I also think when you get too wrapped up in technicalities, you lose focus of the actual story, so I like to jump in and do all my fact-checking as I go along!

28. How do you make sure your plot points are there while also making them blend in with the story?

This is something that I’m still figuring out because I’m just now getting back into writing longer fics, but I think as long as you make them fit in a way that they serve the plot or they play into one of your characters’ motives then it’s a good plot point!

30. How do you edit your stories?

This is gonna sound so extra, but I rewrite ALL OF IT from the beginning. When I do this, it really helps me figure out how to write thing in a more efficient and effective manner.

And I cannot stress this enough, beta readers are SO useful. You can do all of the proofreading you want, but someone who’s reading your writing will probably catch more spelling and grammar mistakes honestly. Also, they can give you insight on what might need more development, what might not make as much sense, and what really isn’t that necessary.

#asks #that was a LOT #LMAOOO #but honestly it was super fun answering all of these #thank you Angela for making me actually think abt my writing oof #i adore u so many #uwuuuu

[mayquita]

Pictures of Reality - Epilogue

Hi everyone! I can’t believe that we have reached the last stage of this journey, but yes, this is the final chapter. I’d like to express my gratitude one last time to all of you for your comments, kudos, likes, reviews and reblogs. Thank you so so much.

Summary: Emma Swan returns to her birthplace, Storybrooke, in search of a fresh start after a life marked by abandonment and betrayal. After a year there, she finds the stability she needed and also the possibility of learning about one of her passions, photography. Killian Jones, a former British war reporter with a tragic past, establishes himself in the same town as an instructor of photography, following in the footsteps of his best friends, the Nolans. What will happen when their paths cross? Will their common passion for photography help them heal old wounds?

Rating: M (Language, mature themes, implied sex)

Warnings: Alcohol abuse, mentions of the loss of a limb in an armed conflict.

Other ships / Characters: Although, obviously, this is a cs fic, Snowing plays a major role here, mainly David. In fact, the story contains three different points of view, those of Emma, Killian and David. Also, Henry appears in the story as Regina’s adopted son but he is not Emma’s biological son.

Beta: I’d like to express my gratitude, as always, to my beta @jarienn972 I’m aware that you have had to deal with a monster of more than 100k words and English is not my mother tongue, so I value your effort even more.

Artist / art: Go visit @imagnifika’s blog and enjoy her amazing art. There are two arts accompanying this chapter, the first one includes a moment that happens at the beginning. Regarding the second one, I'm putting it at the end, for reasons. That art is special for me because I made a request to Kate and she made her magic in no time and create that amazing edit. Thank you so much.

Art for the prologue/ Art for chapter 1 / Art for chapter 2 and banner / Art for chapter 3/ Art for chapters 4-5  / Art for chapters 6-7/ Art for chapter 8 / Art for chapter 10 / Art for chapter 11 / Art for the epilogue

Special mention to @saraswans , thank you so much for your perpetual support, for believing in me when I doubted myself and for offering ideas to make this story grow. Another special mention to @onceuponaprincessworld , It has been a pleasure to chat with you throughout these months :)

Don’t forget to go read and enjoy the rest of the amazing csbb stories and art.

Word count: ~ 8400 (116k total in 16 chapters)

Also on (From the beginning): Ao3 / Ffnet (Current Chapter) Ao3 / Ffnet

Tumblr: Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11  Chapter 12  Chapter 13  Chapter 14

What to expect from this chapter? We’re celebrating Emma’s new birthday… and more…

EPILOGUE

Emma Swan. Storybrooke - October 23, 2018

Even though Killian was waiting for her in the living room, Emma took her time to study her reflection in the bathroom mirror. On the day of her twenty-ninth birthday, she looked exactly like the day before.

Well, that's not entirely true, she thought as she pursed her lips as if to throw a kiss. Since today was her special day, she had pushed herself with her physical appearance, having every intention of leaving her boyfriend bewitched the moment she made her entrance.

Her eyes seemed bigger and the green color brighter thanks to the discreet dusting of eyeshadow that she had applied and just the right amount of mascara. Her lips were an invitation to be kissed and her hair fell in soft golden waves over one of her shoulders, just the way he liked.

True, it was her birthday, she should be the one who received special attention. Killian also didn't need any push to, well, satisfy her in every way, but she enjoyed this game of seduction and already knew in advance that her boyfriend was going to spend the whole evening thinking about the best way to get rid of that dress and have his way with her. If she played her cards well, that might happen even earlier than expected.

Indeed, the chosen dress was perfect for her plans, she checked as she turned to catch the different angles through the mirror. Her attire choice had been a flowing draped creamy dress accented with a gemstone belt. There was also another small detail, a zipper running down the back of the dress so she might need help to finish dressing. After one last look at her reflection, her lips drew a wicked smirk and then she went in search of her improvised assistant.

Killian did not disappoint her. The moment she appeared in the living room, walking toward him while her hips swayed slightly, his eyes locked on her, following her every move. When she got to where he was, she turned around, showing her bare back as she cast a suggestive glance over her shoulder. "I may need some help."

"Bloody hell, Swan. We should be leaving in fifteen minutes." He growled, his warm breath caressing the skin of the back of her neck and sending a chill down her spine.

"Where's the rush? It's my day today. I'm allowed to be late." She purred and then bit her lower lip, feeling the first touch —and she hoped not the last one— of his fingers on her bare back.

An hour later and after being thoroughly satisfied, they finally left his (their) apartment, both wearing the same sated smiles and flushed cheeks.

Their destiny was uncertain, at least for her. The only thing Killian had revealed to her was that they were going out of town to get her birthday present but that, evidently, they would be back in time for the party at Granny's in her honor. Still, on the drive to that unknown destination, she insisted, since she didn't feel particularly comfortable when things were not under her control, even for a good reason.

 "Where are we going?”

"Out of town, Swan.”

(Rolling eyes)

“Is my gift something physical?”

“You'll discover it shortly, love.”

(Really?)

“When we arrive? (Yes, I know, I'm behaving like a little girl, but I don't care)” 

“Patience is a virtue, just relax and enjoy the ride.”

( Double rolling eyes)

So she had no choice but to ‘enjoy the ride’ by looking out the window and trying to figure out from the different directions they took where they would go. To be honest, she also glanced at Killian from time to time who was exuding total confidence driving his new adapted vehicle as if he had been doing it all his life instead of just for the past three months.

She didn't stop admiring the ease with which Killian had ended up accepting his prosthesis and its implications, using the substitute of his hand to his advantage instead of making it an inconvenience. Still, the road to that level of acceptance had been long and hard — more than two years. Even now, he experienced some rough days, when the frustration of not being able to do something took over him or when the phantom pains of his missing limb paid him an unexpected visit.

Today wasn't one of those days, fortunately, since she couldn't bear to see Killian suffer, whatever the reason. Today his bright smile, his mischievous gaze, and that expression, a mixture of contentment and nervousness —  probably due to her impending surprise— made him irresistible in her eyes.

She supposed that they were going to Boston when they passed the sign with that name and turned onto the road that would take them to the center of the city. Her curiosity grew at times while she wondered what would await them there. When Killian started parking a few minutes later, Emma peered out the window, but nothing rang a bell.

She then looked at Killian, "I don't see anything interesting out there. Where are we supposed to be?" She asked, sounding perhaps a little more grumbling than she felt.

Killian smirked at her after rolling his eyes. "I'm afraid we're going to have to walk a bit. Also, I need to ask you a favor. Can I trust you?"

"It depends..." She tried to hide her true feelings by masking them with a halo of indifference, despite the fact that the damn bastard had managed to capture her interest, leaving her a nervous wreck and beyond excited.

"I need to blindfold you until we get to the place. That or you offer me enough confidence to walk there with your eyes closed. So, what's your choice, Swan?"

"I don't get the need for so much mystery but anyway - eyes closed. You’re not going to ruin my makeup for the second time this morning." She pouted as she felt her cheeks flush, recalling the reasons for the first time.

Killian also seemed to remember since, despite his smug grin, the tips of his ears turned a deep red in a way that made him so freaking adorable. Gods! She loved that man.

"Okay, let's do this." He patted the steering wheel of the car and, just as he was about to open the door to get out of the car, he turned to her, raising an eyebrow in warning. "Don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a second."

"You and I know that, surprise or not, you aren't able to take your eyes off me." She countered. Two could play this game.

"And you and I both know it's all your fault. You're irresistible, love." Without giving her time to react, Killian leaned toward her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips before turning and getting out of the car.

He was at her side in an instant, opening the door and offering her his hand to help her out. She pressed her lips together holding back a snort. Always the gentleman... "Now, if the lady would be so kind as to close her eyes..." She gave him one last look, letting out a deep sigh before dropping her eyelids. "Trust me, Swan." He whispered in her ear, sending goosebumps down her skin. Next, she felt him draw her to him slightly and wrap his arm around her shoulders. "Let yourself go."

And that she did. Walking blindly, depending on someone else to guide her steps so as not to stumble or simply not to hit any obstacle on the sidewalk, turned out to be a demonstration of absolute trust in her partner. But, although there was always a bit of innate fear, she felt safe, once again, in his arms.

They didn't walk for long. If her sense of direction didn't betray her, they simply went around the corner and stopped a few steps later. "We're almost there, don't open your eyes yet."

When Killian moved away from her, she felt unprotected somehow and very tempted to do just that - open her eyes. She resisted though. Instead, she decided to use the rest of her senses to figure out what was happening around her.

She heard the tinkling of what sounded like keys, mixed with the ambient noise of the street. Then Killian's warm hand entwined with hers as he pulled her subtly. "We're almost there, just a few more steps, love." He whispered again.

Emma let herself be guided, feeling the temperature rise as they entered wherever Killian had taken her. The outside sound was muffled the moment the door closed behind them, giving way to absolute silence.

Killian pulled her once more, making her walk a few steps, her heels echoing broadly on the smooth surface of the floor. That gave her a clue that they were probably in a large room, getting her curiosity and impatience to increase.

"It's alright, Swan. You can open your eyes now." Killian muttered behind her.

She opened her eyes slowly, blinking a couple of times until her vision adapted to the new lighting in the room. When her gaze finally settled on what she found in front of her, her mouth fell open on a gasp and her eyes widened. "Holy shit!"

Her gaze traveled throughout the room while she remained in awe, unable to believe what she saw. They were in an exhibition hall. And her image -  several of her images - appeared in all the photographs that hung on the walls.

Her gaze then fell on Killian who remained silent at her side, his brows furrowed slightly, waiting for her reaction. "You did this, didn't you?" She mumbled in a barely audible voice, her hand waving in an attempt to encompass the entire room.

"Aye?" He wrinkled his nose as he closed one eye, as if suddenly feeling insecure.

"Let's see if I understood correctly... You've organized a photo exhibit in a Boston showroom, using the photographs you took of me?"

"That would be a pretty accurate description." He confirmed tentatively while handing her an explanatory brochure.

The former British war reporter and award-winning photographer, Killian Jones, reappears after three inactive years to present us a new photographic collection, inspired by his muse, The Lady Swan, to whom the exhibition owes its name. True to his style, the collection stands out for the elegance and sophistication of simple lines alternated with powerful lighting games. All the photographs are in black and white, endowing the collection with the sobriety that characterizes the artist.

 The complete collection is for sale. All the benefits obtained will go to different non-governmental organizations that currently collaborate in locations of various active armed conflicts, as well as those working in cities that have suffered war attacks.

"Oh my God." A wave of pride, admiration and pure love seized her, causing her to throw her arms around his boyfriend's neck while kissing him hard. "You're bloody amazing." She mumbled in a poor attempt to imitate his accent as she grabbed the back of his head, sprinkling kisses on his cheeks, lips and any exposed skin of his face.

"I suppose that by your reaction, you approve of it." Killian said between chuckles, while trying to respond to her kissing attack with one of his own.

She pulled back a bit of him looking for her eyes. "Are you kidding me? This is wonderful, and I haven't even seen the photos in detail yet... As long as there are not any inappropriate photos... You know what I mean..." Emma raised an eyebrow suggestively while she bit her lower lip.

"You'll have to verify it for yourself." He winked at her, but then his expression changed to a more serious one. "The exhibition hall doesn't open to the public for another week, but I wanted to show it to you before, both as a birthday present and also to confirm that you give us permission to use your image. Just say the word and we will back out. This is important, Swan. " Killian looked at her intently.

She had no doubt that he would do it, that if she didn't agree, he would take down all the photos on the wall with his own hands. That certainty did nothing but increase her feelings towards him, causing a lump in her throat while she looked at him completely stunned, unable to utter any words.

Killian must have interpreted her silence in the wrong way because before she could reply, he continued with his explanation. "It's reward enough for me to have witnessed your reaction. That’s what I wanted when I set up all this, to show you how wonderful you are as a model and maybe, to believe in myself again. I’m getting it now through your reaction. I don't give a shit about what others may think."

"Others, and with others, I mean the rest of the world, are going to be impressed with your art. You deserve to have the rest of the world recognize your talent in the same way that I do." She nodded to emphasize her speech. Her reaction managed to pull a smile from his lips, to which she responded with one of her own. "And now, I may need a special guide to tour this exhibition." Emma offered her hand, ready to enjoy her gift in its entirety.

What impressed her the most about Killian's art work, besides his undeniable talent, was that walking around the room observing the photos was like walking through their shared memories. Each image, from the simple photo of her strolling on the beach at sunset to the photo in which only her hands appeared braiding her hair, all had a special meaning for her, and for both as a couple.

But there were four special photos that caused her to gasp when her eyes landed on them. The first photo was chosen from that photo shoot in early May, when she was wearing his black shirt. Yeah, the one with the bare shoulder.

It was amazing how Killian had managed to capture her enigmatic gaze and convey sensuality and delicacy at the same time. He made her look like a powerful and impressive woman. A strange sensation settled in the pit of her stomach when she saw herself in that startling image, as if she did not identify with the person that appeared.

Killian must have sensed the emotion crossing her mind since he circled her waist with his arms from behind as he murmured in her ear. "It seems that I changed my mind and I've decided to share the marvel I've got for a girlfriend with the rest of the world." "I'm not complaining." She turned her head looking for his lips for a quick kiss. "I look damn good there. I don't know how you did it." "It's all your merit, Swan." "Sure." She rolled her eyes as she continued walking.

The next photo pulled her lips into a smile for both the image itself and the memory behind it. Killian had managed to capture a close-up of one of her eyes and a tear that had begun to slide down her cheek. A new wave of admiration washed over her since he had captured the moment, pausing the tear eternally on its way down. And even though the photo was black and white, the intense brightness of her gaze was evident.

What people wouldn't know was the light source or that she wasn't crying with sadness - well, maybe yes, or, whatever... They had watched Titanic together for the first time a couple of months ago and Killian had made fun of her from the very beginning since she had been trying to hold back tears throughout the film. With the inevitable death of Jack, she hadn't been able to help it anymore and a furtive tear had finally escaped. Killian had decided at that precise moment to grab his camera, of course. And now, they were seeing the result right here.

Approaching the next photo, the one that occupied a privileged place in the room for obvious reasons, she screamed, literally. "Oh my God!"

The dimensions of the photo were somewhat larger than the others, which made it stand out even more. Emma’s image stood in the center of the picture with her back to the camera, submerged up to her waist in a lake. She wore a white dress and over it, a kind of light coat of the same color, adorned with fake feathers. She had her arms raised on either side of her body at shoulder height, the wide sleeves of her cloak creating the effect of wings in the air. Her hair was pulled up in a high bun and her head was slightly tilted upwards, her neck stretched out, her elegant posture emulating a swan. The light at that hour of the day fell over her in such a way that it seemed that a luminous halo surrounded her. The image was hypnotic and powerful and perfect. And it was her boyfriend's artwork.

But the best of all was the story behind that picture. They had found the cloak while walking through an antique market one summer day and Killian had felt inspired, so he had spent the next two days looking for the best location to carry out the photo shoot. Despite her initial apprehension of getting into the water with clothes on, she had enjoyed the photo shoot, following Killian's instructions and contributing with her own ideas since she was enthusiastic about emulating her namesake swan.

Given that the place Killian had found was sufficiently recondite, they had decided to celebrate the end of the session in a rather pleasurable way, gaining not only memories of one of her best jobs as an improvised model, but memories of making love under the trees, a blanket of vegetation beneath them. A warm feeling ran through her body as Emma shared a knowing glance with Killian. Without a doubt, their minds were reliving that unforgettable moment.

She remembered something else too - something not so nice. She had been so excited to see the result of the photos that she had felt totally devastated when Killian had told her that he had inexplicably lost the content of that photo shoot.

"You didn't lose the photos! You're a liar!" She recriminated him poking a finger into his chest.

"Sorry?" Killian gave her an apologetic look, but the grin he wore indicated he didn't feel sorry at all. "I needed you to see the picture for the first time right here, Swan." His lips drew a pout in his attempt to defend himself.

"I want a copy of this photo." She sued.

"As you wish." His head made a slight bow. "You can have all the copies you want, love." He assured.

She looked at the image again, discovering with each glance a new small detail, like the few clouds that adorned the sky. "It's just perfect, Killian. Congratulations."

"Again, the merit is all yours. Well, and maybe the sun also has something to do with it as that day, it decided to grace us with its splendor. But I mean it, you're not only stunning but you're always willing to participate in my crazy ideas. I really appreciate it, Emma." As he spoke he approached her, invading her personal space and placing both his hand and his prosthesis on either side of her waist. She, in turn, encircled his neck with her arms.

"I'm in love with an artist, I'm the privileged one here, believe me."

After being enthralled for a few seconds, both lost in each other's eyes, Killian shook his head slightly, as if trying to get out of the trance and offered his hand to Emma, guiding her to the last photograph of the exhibit.

Again, contemplating the image brought more emotion to her already excited heart. This time her eyes filled with tears and her heart fluttered as she looked at the picture in front of her. A photo of a family hug that she remembered very well, of the day she had finally decided to accept that she was part of a family. She had her back to the camera, but the image did show the faces of her parents, both wrapping her up in a protective hug, wearing the same expression of relief and love.

"That's the only photo of the collection that I took with my mobile, but I felt the need to include it here, since that's your life now - our life." He corrected himself as he reached for her cheek to wipe away the tears.

"See? You ended up messing up my makeup." She made a sound that was half-sob and half-giggle. When she got her emotions to calm down she finally was able to thank Killian properly. "Thank you so much, Killian. This surprise has exceeded expectations and this birthday gift competes with the one I received last year, the one who brought me to you."

"Speaking of which, love, your gift may not be over yet. In fact, I need you to close your eyes again. It will only be a few steps, I promise." He seemed so excited, almost bouncing in place, that she could not do anything but accept, close her eyes and trust him.

Only a few steps later they stopped again while Killian whispered that she could already open her eyes. When she did, she found a new smaller showroom. In contrast to the previous room, the photos that appeared hanging from the walls were an explosion of color. She didn't identify the photos at first, too shocked by all the emotions she had experienced throughout the day. But when her brain finally processed what her eyes were watching, she had to cover her mouth with both hands to avoid screaming again.

Killian had filled the walls with her own photographs, the ones she had taken and edited over the past few months. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that she was contemplating her first photographic exhibition.

"Killian..." It was the only sound she could utter before a sob bubbled in her throat. Her agitation did not diminish when he handed her her own informational brochure, rather quite the contrary.

The amateur photographer, Emma Swan, presents her first photographic collection, Pictures of Reality, a work that stands out for the ability to immortalize little pieces of the reality of her place of residence, Storybrooke, a town located on the coast of Maine, and turn them into something special, beautiful and full of meaning. The intelligent use of colors in these small everyday scenes gives her work a great visual quality.

She was not just crying now, her eyes were two fucking fountains. Her gaze was so clouded with tears that she wasn't even able to observe her own work. "God, Killian, I hope this is the last surprise, because I swear I'm going to dry up inside."

This time, he did not even bother to wipe her tears, as it would have been an impossible task. He directly handed her a tissue as he pulled her lightly to guide her through the exhibition hall.

Now, she understood his insistence for her to edit her own photographs. He had managed to make everything that hung on the walls appear to be the result of her work, minus the actual printing of the photographs. And she admired him even more for it, for giving her the wings that would allow her to fly to reach her dreams.

"You're bloody brilliant, love. See all those photos? They’re talking, they're telling us stories, you've been able to capture those stories in your images." The smile of pride that adorned his face was enough for her to be about to burst into tears again, but this time she resisted.

There were photos taken from the docks, families walking, an old man sitting on a bench and telling stories to his grandchildren while the kids watched him enraptured. Killian had also included the photo of Olaf, the snowman, the one that she took the day of their practices in the snow. There were also photos of the nature that surrounded Storybrooke, photos of its inhabitants, photos of Henry, of her parents... Even the two of them also appeared, or at least their two hands intertwined.

Something changed in Killian's attitude as they stood right in front of that photo. His usual confidence seemed to have abandoned him, and a slight blush colored his cheeks. It was evident that he was up to something but she was not sure that she could handle even more surprises.

"Don’t you think there's something missing in that picture?" He asked, his chin pointing toward the photo as he reached out to scratch behind his ear.

Emma tilted her head, studying his features from under her lashes for a few seconds until her gaze finally drifted to the image. Her eyes narrowed trying to detect what could be missing. "I don't know, maybe the lighting? Or the saturation? Or perhaps the focus?"

"The photo is perfect both artistically and technically, but there is something missing on one of your fingers." Out of the corner of her eye, Emma watched as Killian pulled something out of his pants pocket and showed it to her. A ring.

"No!" She gasped unable to stop the emotion.

"No?"

A wrinkle of worry appeared on Killian's forehead as he remained still. Dammit! She shook her head and hurried to explain herself. "I mean, it's an 'I can't believe this is happening' sort of no..." She held her breath as she thought her heart was going to explode if he did not make any move.

After a few seconds that seemed eternal, the corners of his lips twisted upwards, the flash of something promising dancing in his eyes. "It would be an honor for me if you'd allow me to be a part of our own pictures of reality by becoming your life partner." Her gaze bored into his briefly until she shook her head in an attempt to get out of the trance. "Is that your way of asking me to marry you, Jones?" "Is it working?" He offered her a tentative smile. "Yes!" "I'm afraid I need you to be more specific here. That 'yes' means that it's working or that you do want to marry me?" "Oh my god, Killian." She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I want to marry you." Emma affirmed before throwing herself into his arms and capturing his lips with hers. An endless number of sensations danced inside her, causing her to feel like floating, not quite sure if what she was experiencing was real or just the sweetest of dreams. Only when they parted to catch their breaths did she realize that he still held the ring in his hand. "What are you waiting for? Put that ring on my finger, Jones." Emma offered her hand palm down. "So demanding, Swan." He smirked while he finally placed the ring where it belonged. "But you love me." "I do, with all my heart."

A flash crossed her mind at that moment when she remembered the first birthday they had shared, his, and the Nol... her parents' warning that he never celebrated it. "Would you let me do something special for you for your next birthday? I mean, I won't even get close to this, but I can try."

"Even at the risk of sounding a bit corny, my birthday will be special enough just by having you by my side."

"You know what I mean, Killian..."

There was a pause in which Emma was able to deduce that Killian was torn between staying anchored to his past or giving the future a chance. The ring she now wore on her finger was an indication and the bright smile he offered anticipated the answer, to her relief. "Even though you don't need to do anything special..."

"I don't need, I want to." Emma corrected.

"Okay then. I won't be opposed any surprise when it's time to celebrate my next birthday."

"Good." Her mind then began to work frantically, searching for ideas about how she might surprise him, now that Killian seemed willing to move on. Maybe that promised trip to London… But there were still a few months left for that. In the meantime, she still had many hours ahead to continue enjoying her special day.

//

Emma couldn't stop glancing at her new ring on the ride back to Storybrooke. Not even in her best dreams had she imagined that she would end up engaged on her birthday. The possibility of a wedding was something that she wouldn't ever have thought of until now, honestly, since from the day she had chosen to give a new opportunity to her relationship with Killian, she had decided to enjoy the day to day, without thinking too much about the future.

She didn't really need a ring, not an engagement, or even a wedding to consolidate her feelings towards Killian but somehow, the idea of celebrating with all their friends and family the commitment of their eternal love suddenly sounded more and more appealing. She couldn't wait to see the reaction of the others.

"I guess David will jump for joy when he finds out, now that he can finally call you son..." Emma made a deliberate pause. "...in-law."

"Well ..." Killian gave her a sidelong glance before focusing his eyes on the road again. "Your father may be aware of the news already... I... I asked for his blessing the other day..."

"Of course you did." Emma shook her head slightly as she couldn't prevent a smile from appearing on her face at the evidence, once again, of the strength of her new fiance's relationship with her father. A new idea crossed her mind at that moment, something she hadn't thought about until now. When the wedding took place, someone would have to walk her down the aisle and someone would have to be Killian's best man... No doubt David was going to be a very busy man that day.

With that in mind, she leaned against the back of her seat and closed her eyes, letting the last sunshine of the day caress her skin while a sensation of bliss spread through her body.

//

The first thing Mary Margaret did when Emma and Killian came through Granny's door was to look at her left hand as her eyes filled with tears and then she wrapped them both in a tight hug.

There were other curious reactions to the announcement of their engagement, such as Ruby and Graham's.

"Tell me it was you who asked him, Emma." Ruby demanded with a pleading look.

"Eh, not really." Emma replied slowly, not quite sure what all this was about. Her response caused Graham to raise his fist in the air in triumph as Ruby let out a snort of annoyance as she handed him a twenty-dollar bill.

"Wait... Is this a kind of bet or something?" Killian asked as he furrowed his brow in confusion.

"It's totally a bet. Here, my boyfriend and Ruby had the brilliant idea of betting who would be the one asking for the other’s hand in marriage." Elsa explained trying (and failing) to keep a serious expression.

Emma and Killian looked at each other while Killian raised an eyebrow and his lips began to draw a smirk. She shook her head in disbelief, for not having been aware at any time of the bet of her two friends, but she also felt glad because, with their gesture, they implied that they were certain that the engagement would happen sooner or later.

"It's not funny." Ruby grumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Why do men always have to do it? Elsa, you're my last hope!” Ruby smirked at her, showing that she had already recovered after finding a new target. Graham and Elsa instead blushed in unison as they both looked at the floor. It seemed obvious that soon new wedding bells would sound in Storybrooke.

To the relief of the new couple in love, the other guests began to approach Emma and Killian to give them the appropriate congratulations. Henry was the last to do it. After sharing a hug full of affection with Emma, his gaze traveled from Emma to Killian while he wore a thoughtful expression.

"If the three best photographers in the town will be the main ones involved in the wedding, who will be in charge of taking the photos?" He asked with genuine interest.

"Well..." Killian raised his eyebrows as he glanced at his former students, all present at the event. "I think we have quite a few candidates here who will do a worthy job."

"We learned from the best, professor!" Will shouted, causing the rest of them to clap, while the tips of her fiancé's ears turned a characteristic pink color. There was no doubt that Killian had left a mark on each of them and for one reason or another, that course would always remain in their memories. In hers, of course, the course had a special place.

Once all congratulations on the engagement finished, it was time for another celebration, her birthday, and the reason why the party had been launched in the first place. If she thought the surprises were over after their visit to the exhibition hall and after getting engaged, she was wrong. Maybe she had already known in advance that a party in her honor had been waiting for her in Storybrooke, but what she did not expect at all was to find so many displays of affection, so many smiles, so many gifts. Everything for her, all because of her.

The arrival at Storybrooke two years ago had meant the end of her lonely birthday celebrations, but this was the first time she had done it with a real family around her and with the promise of the new family that she and Killian would soon start.

She kept the tradition of blowing the lonely candle in a cupcake, but now she didn't need to take a selfie to capture the moment, many people volunteered to do so. It was Elsa, the second most advantaged student of the course, the person chosen to immortalize the scene while Emma closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by the feeling of being loved, and with the simple wish that both her happiness and that of her loved ones last forever.

The tears shed didn't end with Killian's surprises either. She had never considered herself a weeping person but now that love in all senses of the word ran wild through her veins, she finally allowed herself to express her feelings and be vulnerable.

For that reason, she was unable to hold back the tears when she opened her parent's gift. An old Polaroid camera, the same style as the one Killian still had and like the one she had lost so many years ago. A new wave of affection both to her parents and to her recent fiancé —it was evident that Killian was also behind this surprise— took hold of her.

She reserved the last tears for later, with Killian and the four walls of their bedroom as the only witnesses. Besides the camera, her father had also given her a new letter. Although she had felt the almost unstoppable impulse to read it right there, she had finally preferred to do it in privacy. It was like this: holding the letter handwritten by her father while Killian's arms wrapped her as the happiest day of her life ended. The best part was that that day was only the first of many that were to come.

My dearest Emma,

Happy birthday, my dear daughter. May all your dreams come true.

I’m aware that we have already established that now that we have finally met, these letters are no longer necessary. But, since this has been my only contact with you all these years, would you allow me to write you one last time? Or maybe we could turn it into our little tradition, something just between you and me. Would you like that?

I'm honestly unable to explain in words how utterly happy I am to be with you on this special day and not just settle for watching you in the distance or writing longing letters hoping against hope that one day they would reach to you.

That day arrived at the moment when, in your huge generosity, you decided to forgive us and include us in your life, being part of your family.

I know that I will live the rest of my life trying to compensate you for all these years that we have spent separated. But today is a special day for you and also for us, it's not time to look back to the past but to look forward.

It's likely that when you read this letter you will have discovered the surprises that Killian has prepared for you. You can not imagine how incredibly proud I feel of you, of your talent, of your ability to achieve everything you set out to do.

Maybe your hand, the one that holds this letter, is wearing now something that wasn't there a few hours ago. Killian came to me a couple of weeks ago, telling me all the plans he had for your birthday and asking for my blessing to marry you.

I was aware that this would happen sooner or later, but that didn't stop my heart from bursting with happiness knowing that my family was finally going to be complete, that the person I've seen growing up, my best friend, that loyal and honorable man, will be part of our family officially.

I send my best wishes to you both, so that you are able to build that family that you deserve so much. We will be by your side whenever you allow us, helping and supporting you in this new stage of your journey in life.

I won't assume that I will be the one that walks you down the aisle, Emma, but in case you are so kind to choose me, it would be my most complete honor to accompany you on that special day and witness one of your milestones. We have lost so many throughout your life that I honestly hope not to miss a single one more.

Your father who loves you and will always be by your side,

David.

Killian Jones. Storybrooke - May 3, 2021

It was a bright day in early May. The soft sea breeze ruffled his hair as the warm sun's rays caressed his skin, the salty scent penetrating through his nostrils. Killian was at the docks, leaning over the railing, holding his inseparable camera between his hand and his prosthesis while he captured the magic of the sunset, the sky turning into a canvas of reddish and orange hues.

The ocean had always had a calming effect on him, both the sound and the movement of the waves had managed to alleviate the agony of his heart or make the burden of his past more bearable. Even now, when his heart was not only in peace but overflowing with happiness and his old ghosts were no more than a vestige of the past that only made an appearance from time to time, he still enjoyed the effect of the sea on him. Both he and his wife did so to the point that they had begun to consider buying a boat and making photographic expeditions along the coast of Maine. Or even further, only they would establish the limit.

His wife. He let the word slide through his mind as he could almost taste its meaning by watching the ring in his hand, one of the many proofs that what he was experiencing wasn't a dream, it was real. So real that sometimes the feeling was too overwhelming. This was his life now, waiting for his wife and father in law in one of their favorite spots of the town to later enjoy a peaceful dinner together. It was a simple and perhaps predictable life but he wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

Emma had asked him on occasion if he missed his years of adventure traveling to exotic places or working on risky missions so that the world would not forget the most disadvantaged people. The answer was always immediate. No, he didn't miss his previous life, not when he now had something to live for. And he could always fight injustice by offering his services in another way.

Just then, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye, while a sense of anticipation hummed under his skin. He just needed to turn his head slightly to find the cause. Emma, his wife, the imminent future mother of his daughter, the love of his life, was walking towards him, causing his heart to flutter. She looked like a goddess, dressed in all white, her golden hair dancing to the rhythm of the sea breeze, her lips drawing a loving smile and her bright green eyes fixed on him.

His fingers began to tingle so he had no choice but to give in to the impulse, grabbing the camera to capture the image of the impressive woman he had for a wife. She was his muse, the person who had brought inspiration back to his life, after all. Knowing she was observed, she didn't hesitate to pose for him while her hand caressed her very swollen belly.

Only when he was satisfied enough with the result of his improvised photo shoot did she approach him, planting a loud kiss on his lips.

"This tiny little baby is not even born yet and she has already got more pictures than her mother and father together. I don't even want to imagine what will happen to us when she finally decides to arrive. We're going to have to buy a new apartment just to get more walls to hang her photos."

A laugh bubbled from his chest as he pushed aside the camera that hung around his neck to make space for his wife in his arms. "Oddly enough, I wasn't taking pictures of her, but of her stunning mum."

"You mean the whale I've become." She grumbled, her lips drawing an adorable pout. "I honestly can't wait for this baby to arrive, I think I'm going to explode at any moment."

Killian chuckled as he bent over until his face was at the same level as Emma's belly, leaving a delicate kiss on the fabric that covered her as he whispered, "Don’t listen to your mother, little love, she is and always will be the most beautiful woman, at least until you get here, of course."

He didn't need to look at his wife's face to know that she was rolling her eyes at that moment, although the smile pulling at her lips would become wider.

"This baby and her mom are pretty hungry. Why don't we head for Granny's right now?"

It was then that Killian realized that Emma had arrived alone. She and David were supposed to come directly from the newspaper office and then the three of them would meet with Mary Margaret at Granny's.

True to her decision, Emma had begun her studies to become a journalist and she was already in the process of getting it. Meanwhile, she had started to work in the local newspaper under her father's orders, thus achieving not only a source of income but to strengthen bonds with David.

"Where's your father?"

Emma rolled her eyes before answering. "He got a call from Mary Margaret for him to pick her up. Guess where she was?"

"In our house?" Killian asked, knowing in advance the answer for Emma's reaction.

"Yeah, apparently she's found the nicest crib sheet set ever and she just had to have everything ready because of the imminent arrival of this little human being." She pointed towards her belly. Although there was a slight bit of complaint in her voice and her brows furrowed slightly, Killian knew that she didn't mind at all that her mother had taken control of the baby's preparations.

They had previously talked about this and both agreed. Emma understood their reasons, accepting that their granddaughter was going to give them the opportunity to experience all that they had missed with her since, in addition, they had decided long ago that they wouldn't become parents again, that they wouldn't look for a substitute for their lost daughter.

Emma and Killian weren't going to complain if that meant lightening their responsibilities and enjoying more time together. They even have already predicted future dates when their little girl had grown enough to stay in the care of her grandparents from time to time.

"By the way, I caught David again today." Emma's voice brought him back to reality. "He adores you, you know, don't you? He was talking on the phone with someone and he wouldn't stop talking like this 'my son this... my son that...'  He seems to always forget the 'in-law ' when he refers to you."

A warm sensation spread to his heart when he heard Emma. The feeling was mutual. If before the ties with David and Mary Margaret were strong, now that they had officially become family they were indestructible. David was not only his father-in-law but his best friend, his co-worker from time to time and the father figure he had needed so much since the loss of his brother. "But you and I know that doesn't bother you, right?"

"Nah, I find it pretty adorable, sort of weird, but adorable nonetheless." Emma offered him a soft smile while her hand caressed her belly again. "And now that I'm talking about him, I'm going to send them a text because my stomach is literally growling. I'm gonna faint if I don't eat any food in the next few minutes." Emma pulled the phone out of her purse and typed on the screen quickly. Next, she offered her hand. "Shall we?"

"We shall." Killian held her hand but instead of walking, he brought her hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles as his eyes locked on hers. "Did I tell you today how much I love you, Swan?"

Emma remained thoughtful for a few seconds before answering. "Only a couple of times, but I wouldn't mind listening to it again."

The adorable smile that appeared on her lips almost made him forget to say the words, but he repressed the desire to kiss her senselessly until a little later. "Just a reminder, I love you Emma Swan-Jones."

"I love you too, Killian Jones. And now kiss your wife already."

He happily obliged.

David Nolan. Storybrooke -  May 3, 2021

When David arrived at his daughter and Killian's apartment, he went directly to the small nursery, the room next to the master suite that had served as a dark room before they decided to move into that apartment and transform Emma's old apartment as a photo studio.

Mary Margaret was already there, but instead of keeping busy or simply watching distractedly the bedroom that would welcome their granddaughter in just a few weeks — in just a few days if they were lucky— he found her in the middle of the room, staring at the screen of her phone while covering her mouth with her free hand.

A tug of concern settled in the pit of his stomach as he hurried to get to his wife. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Mary Margaret flinched as she noticed his presence, while she looked away from the phone at him, her eyes full of tears that threatened to spill. "David..." She gasped. Then she shook her head, as if she had finished processing the information, while her face lit up. "Nothing is wrong, it's the opposite of wrong, actually. Everything is perfect." She breathed out while she handed him her phone.

Hi mom! Did dad already arrive? Your granddaughter and I are starving, so we're heading to Granny's now. Don't be late unless you want to arrive when I've devoured half of Granny's pantry. ES

Oh, and mom? Can you get me the jar of pickles that I keep in the cupboard? I may have a kind of craving right now and Ruby texted me to inform me that they have run out of stock. Can you believe it? ES

Mom and dad... David's heart thudded in his chest as his stomach fluttered, when he read those words for the first time. Emma had accepted them as parents a long time ago, and he was aware that she referred to them as such when talking to other people, but never when talking directly to them. Until now.

And the way she had chosen to do it only increased his love for her. She had used a simple text, something causal that in other circumstances would be impersonal, and had transformed it into something magical and special just by using two words. He didn't know if his poor heart would resist when she finally uttered the words out loud.

"Let's go get our daughter and son." David grabbed his wife's hand, pulling her gently while placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. Before leaving the nursery, he took a last look, while a warm sensation spread to his heart. Their granddaughter wasn't yet born, but her bedroom was already full of life, with warm colors, photos, and drawings adorning the walls. Even the old rag doll that was once destined for Emma now occupied a privileged place in the room.

There was no doubt that she would always be surrounded by memories in the form of pictures and stories and, above all, surrounded by the love of her entire family. He couldn't wait to finally meet her, hold her in his arms and never let her go.

TheLadySwan Family, that wide concept that encompasses endless possibilities, such as the unconventional family, without blood ties between its members, but with an indestructible union despite the misfortunes they go through. Or as the family that is reunited after too many years apart and whose members have to re-establish the ties that were broken at the beginning. Or as the family that is about to add a new member, a tiny person who has not yet been born but who has already managed to create unbreakable ties with the rest of her loved ones. Your whole family is looking forward to your arrival, Hope. 

//

This is the end...

I will never be able to thank the mods of @captainswanbigbang  enough for creating and organizing this amazing event and for allowing me to participate. Thanks to that, I’ve managed to finish my first MC. This story has meant so much to me on so many levels that this experience will always remain in my memory.

#cs ff #csbb #cs au #captain swan #pictures of reality #captain swan ff #mayquita writes #my cs writings #csbb 2018 #cs au ff

[bellarkefanfiction]

For the month of October, Lina got the chance to catch up with @kay-emm-gee, author of Small Favors, The More Things Change, Bedgate and many, many more, which you can find here. 

BFF: Tell us about yourself!

Kayla: Hi, I’m Kayla - twentysomething, from the USA, graduate student in cancer biology. And to keep myself sane from science, I spend a good chunk of my free time watching TV and reading. I adore any type of romance story, and those of the fantasy, sci-fi, and historical genres most of all. And, when I’m too tired to read or write, I’m also an avid knitter! #grandmastatus #proudofit

BFF: When did you start shipping Bellarke?

Kayla: Pretty late compared to most, I think? Not until season 2, even though I loved their dynamic from the beginning. I was intrigued by the idea of shipping them by the end of season 1, but I can’t say I really committed until The Hug^tm from 2x05 (I love that I have to specify which hug now lol) and then they went straight to OTP status from there!

BFF: How long have you been writing fanfiction?

Kayla: Funny enough…I actually wrote fanfiction when I was eight or nine, based on Pony Pals (I was obsessed with horses for many of my younger years), I believe, for a class assignment. So that was technically my start haha – but I guess my first published fanfiction was on FFN for Avatar The Last Airbender, a little piece that was supposed to be a prologue for a longer Zuko/Katara post-series multichapter AU…which I planned out entirely but never wrote (some things never change!). I posted a few other things there (for Smallville, Gossip Girl, The Infernal Devices series) but I was more in a reading stage then and couldn’t get enough of fanfiction (Tempest in A Teacup or Stormbenders, anyone??). I didn’t hit a prolific writing phase until Bellarke! And then the floodgates opened and I couldn’t stop writing, for them or for other ships too.

BFF: Are you a part of any other fandoms?

Kayla: Game of Thrones is something I have gotten into writing for recently, although it’s mostly for rarepair ships, which is strange for me (shameless plug for my sideblog, @winterfellslady). I’m usually very much about the narratively obvious pairings, but the Thrones universe is so expansive that it’s hard not to see so many possibilities. Aside from that, I’ve written here and there for a lot of other fandoms: Teen Wolf, A Court of Thorns & Roses series, From Dusk Till Dawn, The White Princess, The Shannara Chronicles, Reign, & Black Sails.  

BFF: Which of your fics was easiest to write, and why?

Kayla: First one that comes to mind as ‘easiest’ was my Peaky Blinders AU oneshot (Our Glory Days Are Numbered). It was a 3AM fic idea that just would not go away, and so I sat up and wrote it in less than an hour with barely any edits. It was a rare experience of producing something I was super proud of, super quickly. The process is usually much more laborious for me when it comes to fics that I want to stand out. As far as multi-chapters, strangely enough, my first one (Small Favors) was easiest to write? I think it was because I had very concise & defined ideas for each chapter, so it kept it simple and the ideas didn’t run away from me…like they do most times now.

BFF: Which fic did you find most challenging to write?

Kayla: It’s a tie between my modern scientist/lawyer AU i pick my poison (and it’s you) and my modern Sense & Sensibility AU by insensible degrees. The first never sat quite right with me (still doesn’t) because I never felt like the scientist perspective/experience came through smoothly enough. The second was tough because I had to power through writing it in its entirety before posting, which was a resolution for me so I didn’t leave it unfinished, but wow was it difficult. It ended up working, but it took almost a year to write (and honestly, it only got finished because @hawthornewhisperer gave me such good feedback & encouragement along the way so shoutout to her for that!). Even so, it’s probably one of my favorite fics that I’ve ever written.  

BFF: What do you predict will happen in season 5? Especially for our favourite duo?

Kayla: After being separated for six years and not knowing if the other is alive, Bellamy and Clarke are gonna have a lot of baggage to work through. Since I’m always here for the Bellarke Angst, I hope, predict, and expect we’ll get that in boatloads. Also, I don’t necessarily predict this will happen, but I’m interested to see if the Clarke & Madi dynamics mirrors season 1 Bellamy & Octavia at all, and if so, how that plays into Bellamy & Clarke’s dynamic (for better or worse). I’d love to see Bellarke get together on screen, of course, but honestly…I just want them to be each other’s centers again in season 5, that’s really all I ask for!

BFF: Do you have a specific process for your writing?

Kayla: Music is essential – I need thematic/atmospheric music to really get in the groove. Most of my Spotify is playlists for different story ideas actually. Aside from that, nothing too particular. I tend to edit as I go, which isn’t the most effective way to write, but I’m too much of a perfectionist to do proper draft editing.

BFF: Do you have any plans for other fics you’d like to write, if so could you spoil or tease us?

Kayla: Real life has been higher-than-average busy for like a year now, so I can’t find much time to write (and I’m working on Game of Thrones fics when I do find it), but there is one Bellarke fic WIP that is holding my interest right now. It was a request from a follower celebration winner for an Anastasia AU, but I wanted to put a spin on it, so I’m making it steampunk! Honestly, it’s the most inspired I’ve felt for this pairing in ages, which is promising. Here’s hoping the inspiration and motivation stays high!

BFF: What advice would you give novice writers?

Kayla: Keep writing. Even if you hate it now, it’ll make you better. And, later, when you do get better, don’t hate something you wrote early on, especially if you loved it when you wrote it. It’s where you came from, where you started, and it’s proof that practice makes a difference. And while you should mostly write what you want to write, it’s also okay to write for others. Because honestly, sometimes writing something that you definitely know other people will like or love is a safe way to boost your confidence (and get you motivated on stuff that you aren’t sure people will like!). One of the best tricks I’ve come across, and I use it often. Lastly, use a placemarker (like a unique, random combination of letters that you can easily Ctrl+F for) to note in the text when you need to look up a fact or something, and keep writing, instead of trying to find the info at that moment. It’s a useful way to prevent falling down a research hole and instead allows the inspiration and words to keep flowing.

We thank Lina and Kayla both for bringing us such a lovely interview! Please look forward to next month’s author interview!

#kay emm gee #bellarke fanfiction #features #author interview #by lina

[singingisfun]

Changing Tides - Chapter 18

link to cover art by @otpapprovedbythegods

And here’s a link to an adorable pic of Dopey as a pirate by @clockadile

ff.net: From the beginning - Current Chapter

AO3:  From the beginning - Current Chapter

Tumblr: Prologue - Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7 - Ch 8 - Ch 9-Ch 10 - Ch 11- Ch 12 - Ch 13 - Ch 14 - Ch 15 - Ch 16 - Ch 17

To my incredible and lovely readers,

I've seen some worried people since Jen announced she wasn't returning, wondering what will become of our fandom now that she isn't coming back. People are unsure what will happen with not only the show, with the CS happy ending, and what Hook's roll will be, but also with fics, fic writers, gif makers and artists.

Let me assure you, I will see this fic to the end. I already know how it's going to play out and, in fact, I have several future scenes already written. So, even if there is no one left to read it, I will post every single word. I hope you stick with me.

Hugs to all of you,

Rachel

The Tower and The Spell

“How would you like to see your wife?”

The air gets sucked out of the room the moment the words leave Merlin’s mouth, leaving David to struggle for breath and an intense hum to sound in his ears.  His heart pounds into his rib cage which, when combined with the humming, leaves him worried that he may actually pass out.  He tries to speak, tries to form the word – yes – but he can’t find his voice, the overwhelming emotion strangling him.

See Snow?  Finally be with her again?  Awaken her from the curse and feel her silken skin under his fingers?  Gaze on her sweet smile and hear her beautiful voice calling him Charming in that teasing way?  

He wants that more than anything – to hear her voice – because he’s started to realize over the past few years that he’s not even sure what it sounds like anymore.  Pictures are easy.  Pictures he can see with complete clarity…  the first time they met, their wedding day, the day their daughter was born…

But the most vivid picture, the one he sees nearly every time he closes his eyes, is the excruciating painful glimpse he had of her as she’d been drug through the door of that ball room…

…

…

The ground is shaking and splitting, the chandelier overhead swaying, but he doesn’t see it.  He doesn’t see anything but her kicking and lashing out against her captors as they drag her across the dais.  He rushes toward her just as she lands an impressive heel on the shin of one of them and she almost breaks free.  His heart vaults but then there’s a cracking sound so powerful and deafening that his eyes are drawn away from her, turning to see the balcony crack right in two. He squints his eyes against the sudden barrage of dust and debris, but amazingly enough, none of it comes in his direction, instead only taking out several black knights nearby by burying them in stone and rubble.

He doesn’t take time to marvel over his luck before he rushes forward again, scaling a large pile of rock that landed directly in front of him. Snow is still in the same place she had been, her eyes transfixed on what’s happening above and he breathes easier for an instant.  The knights holding her seem as stunned as everyone else and he takes advantage, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he maneuvers the now rock-filled terrain, jumping over one hurtle after the next.

Another glance to Snow catches her look of relief at what’s happening on the balcony and he casts a quick look over his shoulder to see the cloud of dust clearing.  He takes one heartbeat to thank the gods that both Emma and Killian have survived the crash before he’s charging toward Snow again.  He’s just cleared another obstacle when he hears her voice.  

“You have to run, Charming!”

He looks up to see that her captors are coming back to their senses, pulling her once again toward the door in the corner of the room.

“No!  I’m not leaving you!” he shouts, making the next leap.

“GO!” she screams, twisting and kicking with all her strength.

He shakes his head furiously, panic crawling up his chest as he takes the first step on the dais.  He stops there when a line of knights move in between him and Snow, too many to fight alone and almost inadvertently, he drops his eyes to the chest between their thrones.

“Don’t even think about it!” his wife bellows, “One of us has to be free!”

It was supposed to be you, he thinks, still eyeing the chest.  He takes one step, already raising his hand to unlatch the lid when someone knocks hard into him, toppling him to the ground.

“You can’t!” Graham yells, “I know you wanted it this way, but you can’t!  She’s right: One of you has to stay free!”

It’s like the world pauses then and he twists his head to look at his beautiful wife.  She’s still fighting but they almost have her to the door.  There’s noise all around them, the fight still ensuing but all he sees is her, the crown on her head slightly askew and her flawlessly pale skin smudged with dirt and dust.  

His eyes mist and he knows this is it: this is the last moment he’ll see her for who knows how long.  The guards aren’t trying to kill her.  They obviously have orders to take her alive.  Whereas him, well, that line of knights is already moving forward with their swords raised and at the ready.  There’s an instant when they block his view of her and he struggles wildly against Graham until he has her in his sights once again.  Their eyes lock, the jade depths of hers begging him to get out, begging him to survive and his throat closes.

“I will find you, Snow,” he vows, because now everything has clicked into place, no matter how badly he wanted this to play out differently. “I will always find you.”

His last glimpse of her shows her face morphing to relief, her voice soft but strong.  “I love you, Charming.”

She’s gone before he can reply, disappearing through the door, and the shout that releases from his throat feels like it tears right through his vocal chords.  He wrestles out of Graham’s grip and vaults to his feet, utter madness filling him as he plunges his sword into one knight after the next.  They fall and fall but there are more and more and it’s not long before Graham tugs him away, fighting to an open corridor and pushing him down the hall.  They run for their lives, Graham placing a well-aimed jab of his sword to the loose stone in the wall.  The painting in front of them swings open and he jumps through the narrow gap, turning to make sure Graham made it as well.  But Graham didn’t even attempt the jump.  Instead, he’s closing the painting.

David’s arm shoots out to stop it but Graham doesn’t relent.  

“I’ll lead them away,” he says.  “And if there’s any chance at all, I’ll try to get her out.  Be safe, my King.”

The painting shuts and David is plunged into darkness, falling to his knees with his hand still pressed against the canvas.  He stays there for a good long while, lungs heaving and tears staining his cheeks as he listens to the chaos on the other side, frantic orders being yelled to split up and check all the rooms.  He considers staying.  He wants to stay and fight, but the final look from Snow flashes through his mind.  

He won’t let her down.  

He’ll find a way to get back to her.  

No matter how long it takes.

…

…

The memory blinks out and Merlin comes back into focus, his too-knowing eyes set dead on him like he’s just seen the same thing.

“Is this a trick?” he asks, his voice harder than he intended.

“No trick.  I’ll take you to her – but,” he raises a finger, “I must warn you:  You’ll not be able to wake her.”

“WHAT?!” he roars.

Merlin seems completely unimpressed with his rage, continuing calmly, “She’s guarded by a protection spell and I’m afraid no one but the Evil Queen herself can breach it.”

“A spell the most powerful wizard ever can’t break?” Lance asks with incredulity. “It sure sounds like a trick to me.”

“It’s not a trick,” Merlin insists, eyeing each of them, “Regina used blood magic to cast the spell and there’s no way around it.  I’ve tried. Believe me, I’ve tried!”

“So, what’s the point in taking him, then?” Lance asks.

But it doesn’t matter to David.  Seeing Snow again, even if he can’t touch her, is worth the risk but he doesn’t have time to voice that opinion before Merlin’s eyebrows raise.

“Because, we need to cast a protection spell of our own.”

David’s stomach drops to the floor.  “Why?” he demands, “Is she in danger?”

“Not at this very moment, but she soon will be.  Regina was satisfied with keeping her under the curse but once she realizes Emma has her magic, it will only be a matter of time.”

David goes completely still. “What makes you think Emma has her magic?” he asks.

Merlin chuckles. “Foresight, remember?”

David mulls that over, still not completely convinced the wizard is trustworthy.  

“Look, I can do it myself if you prefer.  Just give me a drop of your blood and I’ll cast the spell alone.  I just thought you’d like to see her.”

“I do,” David replies instantly.  “I’ll go with you.”

“Are you sure, Majesty?” Lancelot asks, stepping forward.

“Yes,” he insists, looking over to his friend.  “It’s worth the risk just to be able to see her.”

Lance’s eyes soften the tiniest bit and Charming gets the feeling the knight is thinking of something – or someone – else for an instant.

“You’re right.  Love is worth the risk.”

David turns back to Merlin. “When do we leave?”

“Right now,” Merlin replies, holding out his hand.

K&EK&EK&E

 Regina has always hated the smell of the sea - its rank, salty, fishy scent.  But she meanders the dock anyway, the long piers filled with ships abustle with activity as cargo is loaded and unloaded.  Her eyes search every mast, every flag, a little annoyed when she realizes how many kingdoms seem to use this harbor as a means of trade.  And even more annoyed that none of the flags are the one she’s looking for.  There are pirate ships, yes, many of them, but her prey hasn’t shown his colors yet.

There are several men who send her looks of interest and she realizes perhaps it would have been wiser to pick a more homely woman to clone.  One of them even has the courage to head her way but she crooks a finger and a rope falls into his path, making him trip and flush with embarrassment. She would much rather have made that large and very heavy looking crate fall, but an accident of that magnitude would draw attention.  People’s morbid curiosity is a predictable human response and she doesn’t want half the city here to investigate.  

Self-control is a huge asset when you’re trying to blend in.

The day grows late and she’s sweaty and tired, more impatient than ever when, suddenly, a familiar looking head of dark hair disembarks from a ship close by.  Smiling slyly to herself, she follows him away from the docks, a plan forming in her head.

K&EK&EK&E

 The holster is digging into Emma’s chest but the weight of the dagger is oddly comforting.  Walking to the mirror, she takes a deep breath and lets it out, watching carefully to make sure the blade is completely concealed. Behind her, she can hear Killian’s movements, getting ready himself.  They work in silence, apprehension weighing down the air, their impending separation looming more heavily on both their minds than she had anticipated.  

They’ll only be apart for a short time.  She’ll go straight to the square and he’ll meet her there as soon as he’s finished ordering supplies for the Jolly Roger.  An hour at most.  It’s not so very long.  He’ll meet her at the square and everything will be fine.  

Everything will be fine.

But a lot can happen in an hour.  And they don’t have any clue what they’re walking into.  Outside of it being an unpredictable city at best, it’s been months since Killian was last there and it could be overrun with black knights by now. Jefferson swears that’s nearly impossible.  He is ‘The Hatter,’ after all; his spy network is extensive and news of black knights in Portsmouth would not escape his attention.  But even without black knights (probably) there’s still so many things that could go wrong…

And Killian knows it, too. That’s why neither of them are speaking. That’s why the heavy air feels ripe with dread.  That’s why their movements are measured and precise.   They’re both on the edge of their nerves, both filled with apprehension. And both afraid that one word would send the other into a panic.  

She practices drawing the dagger from its sheath a few times to distract herself.  Just as Patricia promised, it makes no sound at all but the quick movement catches Killian’s attention and their eyes meet in the mirror. He’s wearing a grim expression that matches the tight knot in her stomach and his hand is arrested on the buttons of his black shirt.  Their eyes hold in the reflection as she slides the dagger back home but then he dips his chin and goes back to buttoning (very few) of the buttons on the shirt.  

Before he can reach for it himself, Emma picks up his vest and holds it out for him to slip on. There are still no words but the finger he uses to reverently trace her chin while she fastens the buckles speaks volumes.  Her heart is beating so hard that she can hear it in her head and her hands are damp and shaky.  She fumbles one of the clasps and his hand covers hers, squeezing it while she draws a steadying breath.  Once the buckles are fastened, she rests her hands on his chest and realizes his heart is pounding, too.

With slow movements, he reaches for his belt and scabbard, applying it to his waist.  While he attends to that, she walks over and takes his leather coat from the peg she’d hung it on days ago.  He slides his arms in and she pulls the collar up to his neck, rounding to the front of him to position the lapel and run her hands over the shoulders of the leather.  

Stepping back, she studies the finished product from head to toe while he does the same to her.  He’s Captain Hook again, but… not.  He’s Killian Jones, dressed up for a charade that he’s played many times.  And she’s costumed as a tavern wench with daggers in both her corset and her boot.

They’re ready.

They both move in the same instant, like opposing wave crashing together, the stormy kiss that follows filled with desperation – with promises to be careful – with fear and worry and too many other emotions to name.  She has no idea how long it lasts but their lips never part; the release of anxiety near brutal in its force.  But somewhere in the middle, it changes, lips softening and slowing, fingers gliding tenderly over chins and necks.  The gentleness doesn’t last, though, and it changes back, a whirlwind of passion that has them moaning into each other’s mouths.  Her fingers begin to ache from the hold she has on his collar, using it to guide his head first one way and then the next.  His head is at a severe tilt to delve his tongue deep when the knock sounds at the door.  They ignore it at first, too desperate for more time to break apart just yet, but when the insistent bang sounds, they regretfully separate.  

“Come in,” Killian calls, maintaining a vice grip on her waist when he turns to the door.  

Jeff, Patricia, Ruby and Dopey all walk in, Jeff and Patricia dressed as pirate and tavern wench as well, and they gather around the table, going over the details of the plan one last time.  

Once they’ve recapped the everything, Patricia looks to Ruby with nervous eyes.  “Remember, Ruby, Grace needs to stay below until we return. She won’t be happy about it but – ”

“Don’t worry,” Ruby interrupts, taking both Patricia’s hands in hers, “She and I are going to be in the galley.  I’ve promised to let her help me make some cookies.  My grandmother taught me how to shape them like animals and we’re going to put together a full menagerie by the time you return.”

“Thank you,” Patricia says, squeezing Ruby’s hands, the word filled with more than simple appreciation.

“We’ll keep her safe,” Ruby promises and Dopey nods vigorously in agreement.

“Dopey, you’ll be on deck,” Killian puts in, “Keep an eye open for anything suspicious.  And I mean anything. If, at any time you feel like there’s something amiss, send Ruby immediately and set sail.  Grace has been taught all of the commands for the Jolly and the old girl will answer to them.”  

Dopey nods again, placing his fist against his heart.

The Jolly’s bell rings and Killian looks up.  “Okay, that’s our cue.  I need to steer us into the harbor.  Jeff, Dopey, let’s get up there.”

He starts to turn but Emma catches his hand, pulling him back and into a fierce hug.  

“I’ll come back down once we’ve docked,” he breathes into her neck and she nods, too choked up to reply.

Emma paces the floor while she waits. She knows she needs to stay out of sight until Jeff and Killian have left and Dopey has given the signal, but she wishes she could be on deck with him, treasuring these last few minutes.  

The Jolly groans to a stop and Killian immediately appears, descending the ladder with haste saying, “There aren’t a lot of people about but they’re watching.  Jeff and I should move fast before more show up.”

His feet hit the floor and she’s in his arms before she can reply, his mouth solid and ravenous on hers. But now, there are too many words to say and with each break of lips they’re whispered urgently to the other.

“Be careful.”  “I’ll see you soon.”  “Stay with Patricia.”  “Don’t worry.”  “It will be fine.”  “It’s only a short while.”

Each utterance is punctuated with a deeper kiss, a tighter grip, until the words dissolve between their joined mouths and they’re clinging to each other with all their strength.  

Jeff’s boot lands hard near the opening of the hatch and their lips break long enough for Killian to glance toward the sound.  Swallowing hard, she tells herself to release him, to let go of his collar so he can leave with Jeff.  But she can’t let go.  She can’t let him leave without telling him…  He needs to know…  Just in case… When he looks back to her, his eyes are filled with the same conflict she feels, studying her with such intensity that her heart skips a beat.

“Killian…”

But he covers her lips with his thumb, his breathing heavy.  He wants to say it first.  She can feel it in the way his fingers reverently move from her chin to glide across her cheek. She can see it in the way he shuffles restlessly in front of her.

He wants to say it.  

“Emma, I…”

He wants to… but he’s still scared.

Say it.

His fingers contract in her hair.

I love you.

He shakes his head, blue eyes landing on hers with apology and regret shining in them.

“Please be safe, love. Please just…  Be safe.”

He’s gone before she can swallow the lump in her throat – before she can return the sentiment and her eyes fill with tears.  Be safe, she prays.  I love you.

The silence is deafening as she glances around the room.  The Jolly feels empty in his absence.

As does her heart.

K&EK&EK&E

 David’s stomach lurches when his feet land on solid ground again, the sensation of weightlessness not a pleasant one in the least, but he pushes past it, eagerly scanning the room for his wife.

“She’s not here,” Merlin says, immediately laying his hand over the one David was just about to move to his sword.  

“We need some supplies first,” he explains, “I can’t cast the spell with your blood alone.”

David’s posture relaxes. “So where are we then?” he asks.

“Regina’s storeroom. Just give me a few minutes to gather what we’ll need.”

David nods and eases back, scanning the room.  The light isn’t very good but it’s adequate enough and there’s a strange and musty smell in the air.  The walls are lined with cabinets, all of them with different sized drawers and Merlin busies himself with opening one after the next until he finds whatever it is he’s looking for.  With the wave of a hand, a fire ignites in the hearth, illuminating a black iron kettle hanging over the flames.  He works with impressive efficiency, tossing one thing after another into the pot.

After a time, David moves to the center of the room where a table is set up and he runs his finger over the rim of a bowl, glancing over to Merlin.

“Go ahead and ask,” the wizard says.

David frowns.  It’s annoying, this whole foresight thing. “Do I even need to?”

“You want to know why I didn’t help Arthur along a bit more, yes?”

“Yes,” David confirms.

“Well, here’s the thing,” the wizard says, still focused on his task, “I’m not a prophet.  I know that’s a common misconception, but I’m not the person who prophesied Arthur’s quest.  I was only the one to deliver it.  As to why I didn’t help more?”

He pauses there, and David gets the feeling he doesn’t really want to answer that question. Still, he straightens and turns, looking David directly in the eye.  “I couldn’t.”

“What do you mean you couldn’t?  Even if you’re not the prophet, you can see the future.  You could have given him more to go on.”

“Actually, no…” and now the reluctance is obvious, but his eyes stay on David, “because I can’t see that part.”

“What does that mean?” he asks.

“It means that none of my visions include Excalibur.”

David feels his eyes widen. “What?!  Why?”

Merlin goes back to his work, tossing something that looks like a dead insect into the kettle.  “I’m not positive, but I think it’s Excalibur itself that blocks my vision.  It’s the most powerful magical object in the world and, if myth is to be believed… it’s greedy.  That’s why it has the power to strip magical beings of their abilities.  It’s wants all the power to itself.”

David takes a moment to let that sink in.  “So you didn’t know where the dagger was, or even how to reunite the blades,” he surmises slowly.

Merlin nods, “And I don’t know how or when Excalibur will be used.  I can’t see anything relating to it.”

David exhales a long breath. “Which means you can’t tell me if Emma will be successful in using it against Regina.”

Merlin looks almost apologetic.  “Exactly.”

David feels like the wind has been knocked out of him, his head spinning.  He’d thought that having Merlin on their side nearly sealed victory but now…

“What have you seen?  Have you seen Snow awaken?  Have you seen the kingdom under her and my rule once again?”

Merlin is shaking his head and David’s pulse jumps to an alarming rate.  

“So Regina will win?” he asks, his voice so tight it’s almost imperceptible.

“I don’t know,” the wizard replies sadly.  “The last vision I have is you, reuniting with your daughter.  After that, everything goes black.”

Merlin turns away to check the potion but David senses there’s something else, something that’s weighing him down.  Then, with sudden and complete clarity, it comes to him.

“You can’t see it because you die?” he asks.

Merlin’s head raises but he doesn’t turn around.  “I don’t know,” he says again, a small sigh accompanying it.  He fiddles with the pot for another moment and then he turns, holding a vial in his hand.  

“It’s ready,” he says, dismissing any further conversation regarding his possible demise.  Crossing the room, he holds out a needle and the vial. “You just need to add one drop of your blood and then we’ll be able to trump Regina’s magic.”

David takes the needle and adds the required drop.

“Now, let’s go see your wife,” Merlin says, holding his hand out.

The weightless feeling is back but this time he’s more prepared and he lands with a solid ‘thunk,’ his eyes immediately searching…  and finding Snow, laid out on an alter only feet from where they landed.  

He walks forward in slow motion, his heart an odd mixture of hammering beats and pure peace.  She’s still stunning.  She’s still the fairest thing he’s ever seen and his ears buzz as he comes to a stop right next to her.  Her hands are folded serenely over her stomach, her gown still the same one he last saw her in.  Mesmerized, he reaches out to stroke her cheek but, before his fingers make contact, excruciating pain shoots up his arm and a blast of energy sends him flying through the air.  He has one split second to brace for the impact of the hard, stone floor but instead he lands on a thick, soft mattress.  

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist,” Merlin tells him with a mixture of sympathy and mirth, his eyebrow cocked at an amused angle, and David begrudgingly admits to himself that foresight isn’t as annoying when it’s saving your backside from a severe bruising.

“Thank you,” he says, getting back to his feet.

The wizard nods in acknowledgment and steps back from the alter, giving David enough room to approach his wife again.  This time he stops a few inches from her, his eyes drinking in every detail of her face. Slowly, he feels a grin spread across his features, just staring at the smooth skin, just watching the subtle rise and fall of her chest.  She’s gotten some gray at her temple, just like him but, somehow, it only enhances her beauty, the realization of which makes his heart feel lighter.

“Can she hear us?” he asks Merlin without looking away.

“I’m afraid she can’t, but there’s a chance we could…  send her a message, as it were.”

“How?” David asks, his eyes darting to the wizard.

Merlin looks a little hesitant to explain, his eyes lowering to the ground.  “A sleeping curse…  It’s not a pleasant place to be, but we could… invade that for a bit.”

“So I could talk to her?”

“Not in the conventional sense, but we could send her a memory.  It would have to be one that’s strong enough to push past the spell, but I feel certain we could accomplish it, if you want to try.”

“Yes,” David immediately responds.  “What do I need to do?”

“Take my hand,” Merlin replies, stepping up to stand next to him.

Merlin extends his other hand over Snow’s forehead as David reaches out but just before their fingers touch, he stops.

“Wait, will you be seeing the same thing?” he asks.

Merlin grins mischievously. “Yes, so if you could keep it PG, I’d appreciate it.”

“PG?” he asks in confusion.

Merlin’s grin grows. “Just… I’d rather not see your daughter’s conception, if you know what I mean.”

“Riiiight,” David replies.

Drawing a deep breath, David lands his palm against Merlin’s and closes his eyes, his vision immediately engulfed by the one memory that he prays will give her the most hope…

“And you can’t get married without this,” she says, pulling the pouch from under her arm and handing it to him.

It takes more effort than it should to look away from those enchanting green eyes so that he can open the pouch and inspect the contents.

He finds his mother’s ring and holds it up.  “I know, not your style, right?” he asks.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out…” she replies, her fingers closing around it and sliding it onto her finger before he can blink.  

She’s holding her hand out, her eyes focused on the gem when he feels the tug in his stomach, the air around them suddenly twinkling with… something. She darts her eyes between his and the ring for a moment and he can’t stop staring at how red her lips are, how immaculate her porcelain skin looks when it blushes the slightest bit.

“No, not me at all,” she says in an unconvincing tone, removing the ring and handing it back to him.

The memory goes blurry and something pulls at his lungs.  Gripping Merlin’s hand tighter, he skips ahead and rushes through the part he wants to remind her of most of all.

“If you ever need anything – ”  

“You’ll find me?”  

“Always.”

There’s a yank at his naval and he gasps for breath, coming back to the present in a dizzy fog that has spots appearing in his vision.  Another tug and he’s on the floor, the stone hard on his shoulder.  Shaking his head, he tries to focus but those spots, they’re not clearing, they’re flashing brighter and brighter and…

Reality snaps back, a crackling sound assailing his ears as he realizes those weren’t spots at all but the protective spell over Snow violently pulsing in and out over and over again until it dissipates with a final burst of light.  Stunned, he stares at the altar, Merlin’s hand holding a death grip on his arm from where he’d pulled him out of harm’s way.  

“That’s impossible,” Merlin whispers, his voice louder than it should sound due to the sudden stillness.

“What’s impossible?” David asks.

“The spell is down.”

“We broke it?” David asks in joyous disbelief, already gaining his feet.

Before Merlin has time to answer, a golden drawer along the back wall pops open, and David freezes, watching as a purple fog appears and surrounds it.  A whooshing sound fills the air, the smoke condensing in until it’s so thick it appears black, then with a loud crack, it vanishes.

“She needed a heart,” the wizard breathes.

The words jolt David out of his stupor and he launches toward Snow.  

“NO, David, DON’T!”

But he doesn’t heed the warning, not when he’s got this chance.  His hand finds her cheek, still as smooth as ever, and time seems to suspend around them.  He bends to kiss her, his eyes focused on the full, red lips…  Finally…  Finally, her eyes will open, she’ll say his name, she’ll smile at him for the first time in ages…  

 K&EK&EK&E

 Emma has to admire the efficiency with which Patricia operates.  Her mind is solely on the mission and she doesn’t waver once in her course as they trudge through the city.  She wonders vaguely how she came to know the streets so well (perhaps she lived here at one time?) but she doesn’t ask because the longer she’s away from Killian, the more nervous she becomes and she doesn’t want to delay the journey in any way.

As they wind their way through the streets, the rumbling of raised voices fills the air along with the aroma of spices and the smell of meat being cooked.  Two more turns and they’re in the marketplace and Emma nearly gasps at the grandeur of it.  It’s huge and alive with activity, children running through the tightly knitted booths with laughter ringing out in their wake, vendors calling out to advertise their wares, musicians playing their various instruments on corners with hats left out to collect tips from the consumers.

It’s the exact opposite of what Emma had anticipated.  She’d expected dirty streets and questionable people, something on the surface that would hint at the clandestine operations and outright violence the city is known for.   But the energy surrounding her is almost celebratory, and she finds herself smiling in wonder.  She’s just about to step past Patricia to get a better look when the woman shoots an arm out to stop her.

“A word of warning, Highness,” she whispers, “People here may look innocent, but not all are.  Keep your purse close.  There are pickpocketers everywhere.  And don’t flash your gold around.  That will make you a target faster than you can say ‘the Evil Queen is dead.’”

Emma nods, twining her fingers through her purse strings.

“Stay with me.  This place can turn in an instant.  It’s not unheard of for fights to break out in the streets but so long as we’re together, everything will be fine.”

Emma nods and Patricia enters the marketplace.  They browse several booths in an effort to blend in but they continue to steadily make their way to the center.  The vendors, themselves, are friendly and offer fair prices, selling anything from ladies’ ribbons to fresh grown vegetables to antique weapons.  The aroma is intoxicating as well, foreign spices hanging in the air along with the smell of cooked meats that are being sold on wooden skewers.  

As they round the last corner, something prickles under Emma’s skin, an uneasy feeling that has her searching in every direction.  Whatever it is, it’s got the hairs on the back of her head standing on end, but she’s distracted before she has time to consider it further by a resounding cheer that sounds for a juggler who is currently performing on a raised platform in the middle of the square.  

Her eyes immediately start looking for Killian.  The sun is starting to set which makes her search of the crowd take longer than it should and she’s just about to start panicking when a hush descends, a gap appearing on the other side of the crowd.  

He saunters in with his hook resting on the hilt of his sword and Jefferson standing to his right, both of them exuding danger and excitement.  A rush of astounded whispers ensues, the most prevalent of which is: ‘He’s alive,’ and Emma finds herself smiling when Killian quirks a brow at the crowd as if to respond, ‘Of course I’m alive.  Did you think for a second that the Evil Queen would best me?’

The appearance of Captain Hook is so disruptive that even the juggler loses his concentration and the batons he’d been flinging through the air clatter to the ground around him, bouncing off in different directions.  One of the batons rolls to a stop right in front of Killian and the astounded whispers quiet as the crowd watches with baited breath when Captain Hook bends to retrieve it.  

Examining it with vague interest, he expertly twirls it through his fingers and Emma can feel a new tension settle among the observers, none of them quite sure how he will react. In the end, though, he simply spins the baton off the tip of his thumb, tossing it up and catching it in one smooth motion before lobbing it back to its owner.  The juggler looks like he’s just earned a reprieve from the gallows and the audience lets out an audible sigh of relief on his behalf.  After gathering his other batons, the man looks to Killian again and Killian waves a hand at him in an indication that he should continue his performance.  

As soon as the man starts juggling again, Killian’s eyes seek out hers.  Emma has to hide the smile that threatens when Killian finds her, his shoulders sagging in noticeable relief.  Raising a brow, he tips his head toward the juggler with amusement and the smile she'd been trying to hold back spreads across her face.  She can certainly see why Jeff and Patricia didn't seem to mind this splitting up plan.  There's something exciting about being incognito, pretending to be someone else and fooling everyone around you.  

A cheer goes up when the juggler finishes his routine and the crowd begins to disburse.  Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Patricia nod to Jeff and they start moving away from the square, turning down a nearly deserted street of shops that have all closed up for the night.  She can hear Jeff’s and Killian’s footsteps behind them as they walk but she doesn’t look back.  Patricia keeps up a casual conversation, making it appear that Emma (Gwen) is new to the city and she is showing her around.  

After another turn, Patricia slows and indicates with her head toward one of the buildings.  When Emma looks, she sees a sign hanging above the door that reads, simply, ‘Mable’s.’

“She’s one of the best seamstresses in the city,” Patricia says.  “I wonder if she’d be available to mend this rip in my dress.”

“It looks like the shop is closed for the night,” Emma replies, in an effort to play along.

Patricia rolls her eyes, pulling Emma along behind her.  “Nonsense, she’s an old friend of mine.  I bet if we stop for a visit, she’d do it without my even asking.”

Mable is a kindly looking older woman with a round belly and a welcoming smile.  She’s obviously surprised to see Patricia but she recovers quickly and invites them in for tea.  As soon as the door shuts, Mable’s arms wrap around Patricia in a crushing hug. “I’ve been so worried.  Are Jeff and Hook with you?”

“Yes, they’re coming in the back.”  

The three of them hurry to the back and when Killian walks in, Emma is already moving to embrace him but Mable beats her to it, nearly knocking down both men with how forcefully she hugs them.

“How dare you two lads worry me like this!  I’ve been terrified since I heard that story of black knights attacking the Jolly.”  

“We didn’t mean to, I assure you,” Jeff sooths, patting Mable on the back.

It’s another minute before she releases them but she keeps a hand in each of theirs, stepping back to appraise them.  Emma notices the way her chest expands, looking at both of them like a proud mother who hasn’t seen her children in too long.

“Well, the two of you together again,” she says wistfully, cupping both of their cheeks.  “I’m so happy to see you.  And look at you, Jeff, all dressed up like a pirate.  I’d forgotten how handsome you were with that kohl.”

Jeff rocks back on his heels with a smug smile, winking at his wife and Killian clears his throat loudly.

Mable laughs, “And you, Hook, how could anyone forget those eyes of yours?  Two of the most stunningly handsome men to sail the seas.”

Patricia scoffs, “Please Mable, their egos don’t need any more puffing up – ”

But Mable shushes her, “I can puff them up if I want to.  They saved my life – and yours – and everyone else’s back home.  I think that warrants a little ego puffing.  But – while I’m sure you two would enjoy another hour of me fawning over you, I don’t think that’s the point of your visit.”

“No, it’s not,” Jeff says.

Mable motions to the stairs. “Well, you’d best come in then. I’ll make some tea and we’ll talk.”

Jeff, Patricia and Mable start up the steps and Emma goes to follow but Killian’s hook catches her wrist and hauls her into his chest.  

It’s a long, relief-filled kiss that ends with an affectionate rubbing of his nose against hers while his hand weaves itself into her hair.  They breathe the same air for several heartbeats before he steps back and waves his hook toward the stairwell.  

“After you, love,” he says with a twinkle in his eye and Emma precedes him up the steps.  

Mable eyes them suspiciously over the tea service she’s carrying as they walk into the room, her eyes darting to their interlaced fingers.  After setting the tea on the table, she straightens and heads directly toward Emma.

“I don't believe I've had the pleasure,” she says, blocking Emma’s path.  

Jeff sniggers and Patricia lifts a hand to cover her grin.

“This is Gwen,” Killian lies easily, “We met in Arendelle a few weeks ago.”

Mable’s eyes narrow, looking Emma up and down and crossing her arms. “In Arendelle, you say?” she asks thoughtfully, tapping her foot on the floor, “Another site of recent black knight activity.”  

Emma is shocked by the implication the old woman adds to her tone, sudden and clear distrust in her eyes.

“What was your story?” she asks, stepping into Emma’s personal space, “It must have been a good one to weave your way onto Hook’s ship.”

“She's not a spy, Mable,” Killian says, pulling Emma back so that he can step between the two of them.

“How do you know?” Mable asks. “Don't you find the timing a bit suspicious?”

“Believe me, she's no spy and her story is her own.”

Killian’s voice has turned hard and Mable stares him down, searching his eyes until she’s satisfied with whatever she sees there.  After a beat, she steps back with a nod, and Emma is surprised how quickly that stubborn look morphs into a full-fledged grin.  “Well then, you should let her come in so I can get a look at her.”

Killian steps away and Mable raises her hands to Emma’s cheeks.  The assessing look she gives her makes her want to squirm but she manages not to, holding her gaze steady while Mable makes her appraisal.  

“You’d better treat him right, girl, or you'll have me to answer to,” the woman says with meaning and Emma feels her cheeks flush when Killian chuckles next to her.  

“Now,” Mable says, indicating for everyone to sit, “I'm sure you're here looking for information but the most popular rumors going around are one’s you would know the most about. What the hell happened?  How did black knights get aboard the Jolly and why are the two of you here together? What's so important that you'd risk Hook’s cover?”

“Regina has figured out our little plot, Mable,” Jeff says grimly.  “She had Grace kidnapped and forced me to allow her knights onto the Jolly.”

Mable’s eyes widen, already starting to rise.  “Where is she?  Is she okay? Do you need my help to find her? I’ll kill – ”

“She’s fine.  We got her back,” Patricia sooths, laying a hand on Mable’s shoulder and pushing the feisty old woman back into her chair. “She’s aboard the Jolly.  We just wanted to make sure it was safe before we brought her into town.”

Mable looks overwhelmingly relieved but it doesn’t last.  “So, the Evil Queen knows, does she?” she comments thoughtfully, “That would explain a lot.”

“Explain what?” Killian asks.

“Got a message from Will that she showed up personally to investigate Hook’s escape,” Mable replies gravely, “Ransacked Jeff’s store, killed some poor woman at the tavern before Queen Katherine stepped in.”

Killian stiffens beside her, everyone falling silent to gather their thoughts.

“So, she’s coming after me herself,” Killian murmurs softly.

“She’s coming after all of us,” Patricia points out.

“Well, she wouldn’t have found anything at the store,” Jeff says, “Will and the others would have cleaned it out as soon as they realized we were gone, so she won’t have any leads on where to start looking.  Everyone’s cover should be safe.”

There’s another pause in conversation before Patricia speaks up. “What about here, Mable?  Has anything out of the ordinary happened?”

“Nothing that I’ve heard about.  No one has missed a check-in and the most recent batch of supplies was sent out to Misthaven yesterday.  Joseph and Phoebe checked in two days ago – they own the tavern now, you know – and the most interesting things going around there are the number of theories surrounding Hook’s escape and The Hatter’s disappearance.”

“My disappearance?” Jeff asks.  “I didn’t think that would be common knowledge.”  

“Well, apparently, it is and the two of you are causing quite a few debates.  Most people are of the opinion that they are unrelated incidents but there are a few who believe they are somehow connected.”

“Connected how?”

Mable shrugs, her eyes landing on Killian.  “Some think that the Evil Queen attacking Captain Hook indicates that he’s not all he seems to be,” she says with meaning, “They figure if the Evil Queen is after him, there must be a reason.  Some have even taken to the theory that he and The Hatter are partners.”

She stops there but keeps her eyes on Killian and Emma gets the feeling she’s walked into the middle of an old argument.

“Well, we’re not going to confirm or deny any of that, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Killian says.

Mable presses her lips together stubbornly but doesn’t comment.  

Patricia, though, shows no such restraint. “We could, you know?”

“But we won’t,” Killian replies with finality.

“Why not?” Jeff argues. “The point was to keep the connection from Regina and she knows now, so why – ”

“And how would we do it?” Killian interrupts with sarcasm.  “You want me to just make an announcement in the middle of the tavern?  No one would believe it.”

“I could do it,” Jeff says.

“And why would they believe you?” Killian asks.  “No one knows what The Hatter looks like.  You think you can just waltz in there, say you’re The Hatter and everyone will trust you?”  

The three of them all deflate at that and Killian softens his tone. “Look, I know none of you like it, but Jeff’s anonymity and my reputation is the backbone of this operation and we all know it.  I don’t need to be seen as a hero.  What I need is the air of ruthlessness.  That’s what makes ships surrender as soon as they see the Jolly’s sails.  If you start painting me as some benevolent soul, they may not be so eager to raise their white flags.”

Emma’s heart thuds in her chest, only now realizing how difficult it must have been on him to keep up the pirate persona all these years.  It’s obviously something Jeff, Patricia and Mable don’t want for him, but he’s done it anyway.  And he did it to save lives.  Her heart surges with love and she links her fingers with his, drawing his gaze to hers and earning a squeeze of his hand.

There’s a moment of silence before Jeff acquiesces. “Fine, we’ll continue with the charade,” he says with a sigh, dismissing the subject.  “Is there anything else Mable?”

“Nothing,” she replies, looking less than happy herself.

Jeff pushes to his feet. “Well, then, we’ll head to the tavern just to make sure nothing new has happened and, if nothing is amiss, we’ll be back tomorrow with Grace in tow.”

Mable stands as well, giving Jeff a hug. “I’ll get some rooms ready for you.  You’re welcome to stay here until you get settled.”

“Thank you, Mable,” Patricia says, hugging the old lady as well.

Emma is surprised when she’s the next to receive a hug from the woman, her eyes warm and full of appreciation. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Gwen. I can’t tell you how happy I am that Hook finally found a woman who can put up with him.”

She smiles at Hook over Emma’s shoulder and pulls him into the hug as well, and if Emma’s not mistaken, her eyes mist when she steps back.

“Now, off with you youngsters.  And bring that sweet child to see me tomorrow.  I’ve got a dress I made from the last batch of silk you sent me that will be beautiful on her.”

K&EK&EK&E

 David’s lips are less than a hairsbreadth away from Snow’s, his heart full of joy and his soul content. He’s about to have his wife back. The dream that has kept him sane over the past several years is about to be realized.  She’ll be by his side when they see their daughter again.  They’ll be together when the Evil Queen is defeated and they reclaim their kingdom…

But then –

Pain.  

Pain like nothing he’s ever felt blossoms on his side – a burning and all-consuming pain that penetrates every cell of his being before he’s ripped away from heaven by a lightning fast yank on his arm.  

He’s on the floor and he can’t breathe, Merlin’s hand frantically swiping over the blood stain that runs from his shoulder all the way to his knee.  “She only lowered the spell long enough to call the heart to her,” the wizard tells him through the haze, “You were standing in its path when it reappeared.”

His lungs are on fire, the memory of that pain lingering on the outskirts of his of consciousness. It felt like he was being cut in half, like a blade was slicing right through him and it hits him hard just how close he was to death for that instant.  

“Blood magic.  It’s dangerous stuff,” Merlin murmurs.

David nods, unable to do anything else.  His lungs are still protesting with exertion, like he’s just run a mile at top speed but slowly air becomes easier to breath.  Merlin stays crouched next to him until he has recovered, looking more than a little concerned.  Finally, his breath returns and he’s able to focus his thoughts again, his eyes landing on the wall of drawers.

“Whose heart did she need?” he wonders aloud.

“I don’t know, but it wasn’t mine,” Merlin replies, standing and offering his hand.

“What?  What do you mean it wasn’t yours?  She has your heart?”

“Yes.  Mine is in the fourth drawer from the left, second row down,” the wizard tells him while pulling him to his feet, “Which is another reason we need to get this spell cast.  There’s no telling what she could command me to do if she gets desperate.”

David doesn’t reply and Merlin turns away to get back to business, waving his hand over Snow in a wide arc.  As he does, the silvery dome of Regina’s spell shimmers into sight and this time David traces along the edge with his eyes, only now seeing the way the barrier also protects the line of golden drawers behind his wife.  The second wave of Merlin’s hand produces a second dome about a foot away from the first.  Without a word, the wizard tips the vial over the glistening air and the seemingly fragile dome solidifies and burns bright red for a long instant that David can feel pulling at his veins.  Then the wizard steps back and, without looking at him, reaches out to touch it. There’s a loud sizzle when Merlin’s fingers meet the edge and he snatches his hand away as the dome glows bright again.

“Now, you,” Merlin says.

David approaches carefully, lifting his arm in front of him.  The closer he gets to the barrier, the faster his blood pumps but when he makes contact, his heart calms instantly and his hand pushes through without a single ounce of discomfort.  

“Excellent,” he hears Merlin say.

David realizes then that he’s been holding his breath and it whooshes out in a relieved huff.  

“We should get going before a patrol of black knights finds us.”  

“I’m not leaving,” David declares.

Merlin rounds on him in surprise.  (Apparently, even the most esteemed wizard there has ever been can be caught off guard upon occasion.)  

“Your Majesty,” he tries to reason, “there’s nothing more you can do here.  You’ll be discovered – ”

“Have you seen that?”

“Well, no, but visions aren’t like watching movies.  I don’t see everything, only bits and pieces…”

David ignores the ‘movie’ reference, cutting back in, “Then you don’t know if I’ll be discovered.”

“I know there are other things you need to do and I know you can’t do them if you’re here!”  

The argument on David’s tongue deflates, his eyes moving to Snow’s angelic face.  Dammit, this is torture of the acutest kind.  Being this close and being denied.  He’d touched her – his fingers are still tingling from her skin – he’d nearly awoken her.

If only he’d been quicker…  

If only he’d had ten more seconds…  

If only…

If only he had another chance.

And maybe he will…

“Regina could lift the spell again,” he says with rushed words as the idea forms in his head, “It was down long enough.  If it happens again, I could get her outside the spell, then awaken her.  It could work.  Regina will need to put the heart back, won’t she?  Obviously, she doesn’t carry them around if they’re all here. She’ll lift the spell to put it back and I’ll move Snow as soon as it’s down.  It may not even be that long to wait.  Maybe if we just – ”

David cuts off his furious train of thought when he turns to Merlin, the image he sees making his heart freeze mid-beat.

Merlin’s eyes are glossed over, his irises not even visible.  He’s standing completely still, hands at his sides but his breathing heavy and quick.  It must be a vision, he thinks to himself, curiosity and unease filling his stomach with a heavy weight.  

The wizard gasps and coughs as he comes out of it and David has to catch him to keep him from falling to the floor.  After blinking several times, his irises return to their original brown, but they’re filled with alarm.  

“She won’t be putting the heart back,” he says, “and we have to go.  Right now.  Emma needs help.”

Not as much CS in this chapter, but a lot of important stuff. The next one is slow going... but I hope to have it posted without too much delay. Wish me luck! And as always, I welcome your comments and theories!

#cs ff #cs ff au #Changing Tides #Captain Swan #captain swan fanfiction

[convenientalias]

ALL TWELVE OF THE INTIMATE FANFIC ASKS

HOLY SHIT OKAY.

1. what’s your all-time favorite fic? why? could we get a line or twofrom it? 

This question is like asking someone their favorite book. Except worse,because at least you usually have a couple books prepared for that question, acouple standard books. No one ever asks you about fics so you only have likethis really sloppy conglomeration of faves that you have never criticallycompared to each other. Yikes.

So tbh I can’t name a single fic as my favorite, but two of myfavorites are The Finer Shades of Why by Yesac, and The World on His Wrist bybendingsignpost. I will give you a maybe kind of long excerpt of each.

TheFiner Shades of Why (Chapter 30) Fandom: Star Wars

"What are you hoping to gain?”

Again, Dooku stops, this time just at the perimeter of Obi-Wan’s lineof sight. Any further and he’ll be off down the hallway, striding past otherempty cells where Obi-Wan won’t be able to see him.

In the back of his mind, Obi-Wan finds himself wondering just what partof the detention area of the temple he’s in.

"Gain?” he asks slowly, and although Dooku’s back is turned, Obi-Wan canalmost imagine that he sees his lips slowly forming the syllables, like he’sphysically chewing them as he mulls the concept over in his mind. “It is notwhat I stand to gain, Master Kenobi. It is what I stand to lose. You cannot, willnot, give me anything. You have made that clear. But you will find that you canno longer take either.”

The WorldOn His Wrist (Prologue)Fandom: Sherlock

The early days are hard. He has but one watch then and uses it only totell the time. When it begins, it begins like this: First, he is shot in Afghanistan. Second, he wakes to a phone call in Chelmsford, Essex. The call is urgent, a summons to Broomfield Hospital. Car accident on themotorway, massive. He responds in the affirmative, rising out of habit,dressing automatically. He knows the hospital, can’t place this house, andaccepts it as a dream. He has yet to realize he will never dream again. Twenty hours later, focused past any danger of confusion, he settles down.Limbs were lost, lives were saved. Most lives. He drinks his coffee and optsfor a nap before he drives home. Third, he wakes to Bill’s voice and face and more pain than he has ever known.He passes out.

2. what’s your go-to lazy sunday morning fic, the story you like to readunder fluffy covers with 11 AM sunshine slanting through the windows?

I’m hoping this is supposed to be a type of fic and not a specific ficbecause I have never read fanfic under such circumstances, but extrapolatingthat it’s supposed to be a low-key feel-good fic I would say I would probablyread some Teen Wolf fic focused mainly on romance. Possibly a stupidly tropeyAU.

A good example would be the fic Fireman Derek’s Crazy Pie [CheeseburgerBaby] .

3. which trope makes your heart go absolutely weak at the knees? 

This seems to indicate epic romance which is not really my thing. So it’shard for me to come up with anything. Ummm….identity reveals in fics where themain conflict has been secret identities. Are nice. Idk if that qualifies.

4. what trope are you most embarrassed to like? 

Probably definitely non-con.

5. what’s your favorite gross guilty-pleasure pairing? 

Prooooobably Hannigram. You can never quite escape the fact that one ofthem is a cannibal and the other is a mentally unstable FBI profiler. And thatthey try to kill each other and are genuinely obsessed with each other. I mean,I’ve seen it played out in less gross ways and more gross ways but even if youcover your ears and hum really loudly it is still pretty bad.

I enjoy a lot of other guilty pleasure ships but none of them are aspurely, as consistently gross and terrible as Hannigram, so I give Hannigramthe award.

6. is there a setting or time in your life that you strongly associatewith reading a certain fic? (ex: reading star wars slash on a specificvacation)

Not really. Strongly associate it with my desk. Other than that since I am currently at that time in my life I can’t get the nostalgia out of it, I guess.

7. what image or place do you remember from a fic most vividly? whathas left a lasting impression on you?

Ummmm...There’s an NCIS fic called The Window that is really, really effective as a) a kidnapping fic, b) a fic about isolation and mental instability and c) a hurt/comfort fic. The first chapter is terribly long and it takes place over a couple months in a single, mostly empty room, and it’s brutal.

8. have you ever had a shameful experience involving fic? whathappened?

At the end of last summer I was in a restaurant with two friends, a guy and a girl. The guy asked me what I hadd written over the summer because he knew I wrote fanfic. I said I’d actually tried writing some slash and femslash, warning him not to judge.

He said he didn’t judge but he thought “he at least had the right to an explanation.”

It was completely humiliating.

So I told him I had been questioning my sexuality and writing was part of how I thought through things. But now I kind of regret giving him an excuse. Because frankly it was none of his business. It’s not like I was doing anything wrong.

9. if you could meet your favorite author irl, would you? what wouldyou say to them? 

Megan Whalen Turner? I would kind of like to. Probably I would just saysomething typical like, “Your books are amazing.” Actually I sent her fanmailonce so I would probably just reiterate something like that.

10. name a fic that you’ve read more than once. or maybe five times. orten. 

Keep Throwing Things and Slamming the Door by Traincat the basic starter Spideytorch fic, probably the first or second Spideytorch fic I ever read. SECRET IDENTITIES.

Also A Stalking Surprise by Lucifer Rosemaunt, the best of her three Erik/Raoul oneshots with werewolves, just imo. (Yes, she wrote three Erik/Raoul fics with werewolves. I agree, she’s amazing.)

11. what fic do you wish you had written?

 Can’t think of anything off the top of my head. Usually, if a fic is that good, either I take it as inspiration and I write something similar, or I just enjoy its existence because now I don’t have to write it because it already exists.

12. tell me a short story about how fanfiction has intersected withyour life.

Once one of my irl friends dared me to write a fic where Eugene from the movie Gattaca took up throwing knives as a hobby.

I wrote it.

He never actually read it, though. To be fair it’s about 7000 words long. Which is pretty long for a crack prompt. BUT HE WAS ALSO THE GUY FROM QUESTION 8 SO I GIVE HIM ZERO LEEWAY ON THIS.

Anyways this has been a very long answering session, I hope you’re satisfied.

[gingyboo]

Mirror Mirror

A/N: Again many thanks to @booglebug

Description- Soulmates existed. People knew that much. Soulmates were rare, a handful in each generation, an unexplainable phenomenon that formed a bond closer than blood and more sacred than marriage.

Bucky finds his soulmate when he needs her most. Little does he know how much she needs him too.

(Soulmate au that slots pretty much in to the MCU but with soulmates. Set after TFATWS.)

Pairing- Bucky Barnes x OFC

Warnings- Mentions of violence and guns, but its mostly fluff, drama and angst.

This is a multi chaptered fic.

Please like, comment, reblog!

prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

----------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14

“Bucky…” she started again, Bucky held up a hand to stop her

“Don’t, please Nancy don’t.” He shook his head.”

“I am sorry though Buck.”

“Don’t be, god Nancy, I flipped in there, seeing you there, with him trying to get into your head, I couldn’t bare it.”

“You’re angry at yourself?” She asked

“You had to threaten yourself to get me to stand down.” He grabbed her, pulling her face to his. “How could I let that happen.” Nancy twisted in his grip, pressing her lips to the pulse point on his wrist. His pained expression softened slightly.

“Bucky, we got what we needed. Okay, you know what he was doing in there, you let this get between us and he wins okay. Look at me, look at us, we’re okay. We know where Kit is, the mission is complete.” Bucky met her eyes then, aquamarine bore into emerald. A shiver ran through them both and they sprung apart.

“You felt that?” He whispered, Nancy nodded. He slid his hand across to hers. The feeling was gone but Nancy felt the familiar joy of his presence.

“A soulmate thing I guess?” She responded.

“I think this thing goes deeper than either of us expected.” Bucky twirled a strand of hair through his fingers. “Shuri’s probably got some theory’s on it.”

“Maybe we should try and find out more.” She agreed.

“Yeah, probably. Do you have any idea how happy I was when I saw you looking back at me all those months ago? I knew I wasn’t alone anymore. Everything I’ve been through, the things I’ve seen, meeting you, made it seem like there was a point to it. Getting to know you, I think it was worth it.” Bucky declared.

“Bucky…” Nancy croaked. She knew what he’d told her about his past but also knew there was much more he hadn’t told her.

“Wait. I can’t give you a normal life, I want to because you deserve to be safe and secure, but trouble seems to follow me. I can only promise that I was always try to protect you from it.” He looked like he might cry navy reached her hand round to sweep across his cheek.

“Please, let me speak.” she started, steadying her voice. “I felt the same, when I found you I felt complete, I loved you from the first moments I spent with you, I can’t have a life without you, when Helmut said I was my brothers biggest weakness, I realised you’re mine, and then I hurt you, don’t say I didn’t because I saw it in your eyes. We stand together, I set us apart it was unforgivable.”

“There’s nothing you could do that I wouldn’t forgive.” He insisted, his vibranium hand against hers on his cheek. Nancy smiled, her whole face lighting up.

“And for the record, trouble seems to find me just fine, and who wants a normal life, any life with you would be extraordinary.”

“Nancy, we might not get the big house in the country, I might not get to give you the kind of life you’re used to. I don’t work nine to five, I haven’t got a credit score or a pension plan, we might not get a puppy or have some kids…”

“Oh no we will have kids,” Nancy cut him off with a laugh, shaking her head.

“How are you so certain.” Bucky smiled back.

“Because I’m as stubborn as I am beautiful, because i think you want kids, and so do I, because our life will be different, but I’ll be damned if it’s not exactly the life we both want.” She let up kissing his forehead and both his cheeks.

“Are you sure?” He pressed his forehead into hers.

“Absolutely, you don’t need a pension, or a credit score and I don’t care where we live, New York, London, Timbuktu for all I care. I have money, I know it can’t buy me those moments in our future.” She exclaimed. She looked briefly round the cabin. “Where’d you suppose Sam got to?”

“I think he’s giving us a moment.” Bucky chuckled, tilt her chin to press his lips against hers, she chuckled into it, running her fingers through his hair.

“You think a lot about our future,” he asked, kissing along her jawline.

“Yes.” She blushed slightly, biting her lip.

“Tell me.” Both hands were in her hair now, moving against her scalp as her head tilted back, giving him access to her neck.

“Okay,” She breathed in heavily, closing her eyes. “so, I think we’ll have a little place somewhere, not too busy, nice and secluded, you can go off on your missions and know there’s a safe place to come home to. We can have kids, they’ll get under our feet when we put up the Christmas decorations, they’ll sneak out of bed to see you when you come home late. A little boy with your big blue eyes, a little girl dusted in my freckles. We can have Sam round for barbecues…” Nancy was cut off by Bucky sitting back up straight.

“Don’t talk about Sam right now.” He laughed.

“So nice little place, couple of kids, what will you be doing? I cannot picture you as the doting housewife.” He tapped her nose playfully.

“Maybe I’ll be heading out next to you,” His face filled with horror, she laughed again and his face relaxed, “or I’ll finally put that degree I got to good use, start writing again.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They arrived in Cornwall under cover of night. The trio trudged sleepily across the field and made their way to a cosy Clift top B&B. The elderly lady on the desk showed them up to two rooms. Bucky and Nancy settled into their nightly routine, he lay with his arms wrapped around her as she traced the gold detailing in his left arm.

“I think Sam’s idea is good, we’ll start at the docks tomorrow, work our way down the coast from there.” Bucky said, Nancy nodded sleepily. “Sorry, were you trying to sleep?”

“No no, it’s okay, keep talking, your voice is soothing.” She smiled, snuggling deeper into his embrace.

“Okay, different topic, tell me about Thomas Gregory.” He whispered in her ear. She laughed loudly, turning round to face him.

“He was Kit’s best friend, so he was a little older, I was 11 and thought he was perfect. He was actually an arsehole. But I fancied he was my soulmate. Kit used to tease me constantly about him, why’d you ask, feeling jealous?” She asked giggling.

“No, I was merely curious.” He insisted.

“Sure sure, I do think you’re right about Sam’s plan. If he is using Thomas’s name then we can look for that. If he’s using a different alias maybe I’ll recognise it. Helmut did think he wanted me to find him. Also, if he has taken the serum maybe some locals have noticed a local fisherman with super strength.”

“You think he’s become a fisherman?” Bucky said, surprised.

“Well, I was thinking, he loves to be at sea, the navy is out of the question and if he is wanting me to find him, he’d have to stay local. Cornwall is known for its’ roaring fishing trade.”

“I wouldn’t know, but it’s a good place to begin,”

“So, we’ll do this undercover, no stars, no stripes and no metal arm.” Her eyes pleaded with him.

“I packed my gloves.” He waved the vibranium at her. She smiled as the soft light from the bedside lamp reflected off it. A yawn came over her and Bucky reached back to switch off the light. Nancy turned again, her back now pressed back against Bucky’s chest. Sleep fell over them both.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They headed out to the coast at dawn. The early morning sun beating down on them. Chatted cheerfully on along the way, he seemed to have lost his hostility from the day before. The first village they came across turned out to be a tourist hotspot, Nancy managed to hire them a car. The first harbour they found didn’t recognise the name Thomas Gregory or the picture Nancy brought up of Kit on her phone. The second harbour told the same story but once they reached the third harbour they had some hope.

“I think I might’ve seen him round here before, tall fellow,” The harbour master explained. Nancy nodded eagerly. “I think he usually mores over the ridge, wait here a moment.” The man jogged back to his portacabin and returned with a clipboard. “Here it is, Greg Thomas, stayed here a few months back, just the one night, the boat you’re looking for is the Princess Lynnette.” He smiled cheerfully at them. Nancy froze but the man didn’t notice as Sam thanked him whilst he walked away.

“You okay there?” Sam asked tapping her shoulder, “it’s good news, he might not be far.”

“He named his boat after me.” She whispered. Bucky smiled but Sam looked confused.

“Princess Lynnette?”

“Lynnette is my middle name.” Nancy explained, fondling the car keys before nodding to herself and marching back to the car. She slipped behind the driver’s seat and started the engine. Kit was close, she could almost feel it, as they drove over the ridge a large cove came into view. The harbour was a rush with activity as the boats came in from their morning runs. They pulled into a nearby car park and entered the throng of people. With everyone so busy they had to do without help finding the boat. They flittered in and out of crowds and up and down the jetty. Just when Nancy was losing hope she caught sight a surprisingly still boat at the end of one row. Every other boat had people rushing on and off loading and unloading goods. This one was silent, Nancy approached it slowly, and there were the words, Princess Lynnette, printed in blue along the side of a modestly sized fishing boat. It had curtains drawn across the window. She reached up to knock tentatively on the window. There was no response. Bucky came up and wrapped an arm round her shoulder.

“It’s his, it has to be.” She felt tears pricking at her eyes.

“We’ll give you a minute.” Bucky nodded at Sam who was admiring the docks comings and goings. They walked a little way away as Nancy stared at the boat, waiting for the curtain to twitch or the boat to rock. It just kept bobbing gently. She knocked again, harder this time, the again and again.

“Can I help you?” A voice sounded from behind her. Nancy span on one heel, her hair flying around as she did, getting whipped up in the wind.

“Nancy.” Kit was standing there, the same but different. He seemed bigger, he’d grown out his hair and was sporting a beard, his skin tanned more than it had been before. He looked different, but he was still, unmistakably, her big brother, he really was alive.

“Kit.” She said, breathless as her legs gave out under her.

#bucky barnes #winter solider #sam wilson #captain america #mcu #mcu fic #soulmate

[klaus-goldstein]

Mobile Masterlist

OKAY. A few of my fellow Android users have mentioned that my links in my description don’t work. After looking into it apparently I��m not the only one with this problem and it’s an app thing that I can’t fix. So, I’m posting my masterlist this way so anyone who is using mobile can still access it. I will update it along with my normal masterlist. <3

I’m also putting in an extra keep reading link that directs to this post because keep reading tabs disappear sometimes in the android app as well. :/

Keep Reading

All of my fics feature Liz Hart. She started out similar to the game MC and then slowly evolved into something else. She still retains a lot of the canon MC’s traits she’s just a little less naive.

I’m working on various pairings. The list below is all I have at the moment.

Amelia -

Mistletoe Kisses - Rating G

Elias -

Silk - Rating T (slightly NSFW)

Chocolate - Rating M, smut

Dependable - Rating G, Elias X Yukiya

Envy - Rating G

Paint - Rating G, EliasXLuca

Boop - Rating G, Elias takes care of Liz after a minor surgery

Cataloging - Rating G, Liz meets someone in her new favorite bookstore.

Waffles - Rating G

Coffee - Modern AU

Azusa -

Mornings - Rating G

Randy-

Fireflies - Rating: G, Randy drags Liz out for a late night date.

Yukiya-

Soothe - Rating G, Yukiya comforts his infant daughter.

Realization - Rating G, Yukiya notices something different about his wife.

Luca-

Cheers! - Rating T, Liz owns a bar and has a soft spot in her heart for a certain group of regulars that come in.

Handcuffs - Rating M, EliasXLuca

Stupid - Rating T

Klaus-

Hard Work - Rating G

Ambush - Rating T

Idiots - Rating T, Klaus and Joel come to blows after Liz and Joel go to the tree of knowledge.

Nightmares - Rating T

Alcohol - Rating T

Tease - Rating T, Klaus comes home from a long trip and is teased by his wife. NSFW version here.

Lucky - Rating G, Liz and Klaus steal a quiet moment away from everything.

Baked Goods are the Key to a Person’s Soul - Rating G, set in the Rearranged universe.

The Death of the Flowers - Rating G, florists au

Grease - Rating G, steampunk au

Poison - Rating M, horror prompt.

Fear - Klaus/Liz, Rating T

Scratching - Klaus/Liz, horror prompt

Kitten - Klaus/Liz, something has broken into their home.

Multiple Characters -

Let’s Misbehave - Rating G, Liz’s classmate’s notice something is wrong with her and decide to do something to cheer her up. Set during Azusa’s route.

Triad - Rating M, Klaus/Liz/Vincent smut, that’s all this is.

Experiment - Rating T, Randy convinces Elias, Liz, and Klaus to help him with an experiment.

Haunted House - Rating T, Randy, Klaus, Azusa, and Liz get trapped in an old abandoned house.

As of this moment, all my chapter fics are Klaus/Liz. I have an Elias/Liz and a Lulias fic in the works and will add them when I start posting those stories.

Modern AU (in progress)

Break In - Part I, Rating T, Modern AU where Klaus and Liz are neighbors.

Power Outage - Part II

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Dreaming in Silver and Gold (in progress) (Demon AU)

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Sovereign - (complete)

Awesome art for chapter 14 by @kassy-stay here.

Prologue

Chapter 1: Seige - Rating M, Liz ascends the throne after her parents die. Several other kingdoms decide to take the opportunity to invade her country in its weakened state.

Chapter 2: Motives - Rating M, Klaus reveals his reasons for invading Liz’s kingdom.

Chapter 3: Repercussion - Rating M, Liz and Klaus deal with the fallout from the invasion and Liz goes to inspect Klaus’ troops.

Chapter 4: Explanation and Assassination - Rating M, Liz addresses her people with Klaus by her side. Overall the results are good but not everyone likes Klaus’ presence in the kingdom.

Chapter 5: Observation - Liz trains with Vincent and begins the enormous task of recruiting troops.

Chapter 6: Revels - Liz recruits men in the first town and the soldiers get acquainted with one another.

Chapter 7: Flare - Liz gets a letter from Joel and the content angers her.

Chapter 8: Understanding - Liz and Klaus talk through some things.

Chapter 9: Home - Liz and Klaus go back to the capital and the first suitor arrives.

Chapter 10: Plans - Liz overhears a conversation that she wasn’t meant to hear.

Chapter 11: Unexpected - Liz’s feelings for Klaus begin to shift.

Chapter 12: Dodge - Liz is nervous about seeing Klaus after their kiss. She has other things to deal with, though.

Chapter 13: Missing - Liz accidentally sends the castle into a panic.

Chapter 14: Revelation (smut) - Joel gives Liz some information about Gedonelune and it just makes her more curious about the conversation she overheard.

Chapter 15: Call to arms - Some of Liz’s enemies break through the borders defenses.

Chapter 16: Aftermath - Gaelen and Nadia offer up troops in the wake of the attack.

Chapter 17: Leave

Chapter 18: Surprise

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Picket Fences - (Complete)

Prologue - Rating G, Klaus gets some disappointing news from his father.

Chapter 1: New Reality - Rating G, While investigating one of the largest crime organizations in Gedonelune Klaus gets stuck with a partner he never asked for.

Chapter 2: Mr. and Mrs. - Rating T, Liz is having a hard time being affectionate towards a man she can’t stand and she learns more about Klaus’ investigation.

Chapter 3: Glory and Gore - Rating M, Liz keeps an eye on Klaus while he attends one of Huxley’s meetings.

Chapter 4: Slumber - Rating G, Liz is faced with new sleeping arrangements and neither she or Klaus are happy about it.

Chapter 5: The Party - Rating T

Chapter 6: Challenge - Rating T, Liz shows off some of her abilities.

Chapter 7: Freedom - Rating M, Liz and Klaus deliver the first blow to Huxley’s empire.

Chapter 8: Clarification - Rating T,

Chapter 9: Time - Rating M (smut)

Chapter 10: Locks - Rating M (smut), Liz and Klaus almost get caught.

Chapter 11: Goodbye - Rating T, Liz and Klaus say their goodbyes before their fight with Huxley begins.

Chapter 12: Smoke and Mirrors - Rating M, The attack doesn’t exactly go to plan.

Chapter 13: Endings - Rating M,

Epilogue

Up In Flames - Sequel to “Picket Fences” (Complete)

Chapter 1: This is Gospel - Rating M, Liz get’s her assignment from the ministry and it wasn’t what she expected.

Chapter 2: Poison - Rating M, (torture of a minor bad guy)

Chapter 3: Smoke Him Out - Rating M, Liz, Klaus, Elias, and Luca investigate Huxley’s hideouts in the North.

Chapter 4: Deal with the Devil - Rating M, Liz and Huxley have a chat.

Chapter 5: Start a Riot - Rating M, Things get worse for Liz and Elias. Luckily help is on the way.

Chapter 6: Powerful - Rating M, Liz and Elias start on the road to recovery.

Chapter 7: Scared - Rating M, Liz breaks down.

Chapter 8: Favor - Rating M, Klaus asks for help from an unexpected source.

Chapter 9: Sunlight - Rating M (smut) - Klaus and Liz spend some much needed time together.

Chapter 10: Death - Rating M - Liz learns a little more about Klaus’ time with Huxley.

Chapter 11: Reminder - Rating M - Huxley gets on the offensive.

Chapter 12: Destruction - Rating M - The beginning of the end

Chapter 13: Finally - Rating M - Everything comes to an end

Chapter 14: Healing - Rating M - Klaus and Liz discuss their future.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Up In Flames: The Rewrite - (Complete)

Prompt - What if Huxley fell in love with Liz while he had her captive?

Chapter 5 Rewrite - Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV - Happy Ending

Part IV - Tragic Ending

Magnets (in progress)

Part 1

Vampire AU (random drabbles, complete unless I get requests for it)

Version I (Liz is a vampire)

Version II (Both)

Part II to Version II

Part 3 (smut)

——————————————————————————————————-

Elias Chapter stories:

Toe to Toe (indefinite hiatus)

Prologue - Liz is a pairs figure skater. When her partner is injured she must find a replacement before the Olympic qualifiers. A reluctant Elias helps her out.

#masterlist #wizardess heart fanfiction #moonstoneandjasmine masterlist