Qualitycoffeethings

Hello all! I'm back with a new Bridgerton inspired story! I know you're all just shocked...

This one is inspired by Gregory's book and I so hope you enjoy it!! The fic is complete with eight chapters, but the chs are very short, so I'll be updating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

All the love and long distance internet hugs to my wonderful beta @snowbellewells!! Thank you so much, my friend!!!

Summary: Killian Jones, younger brother to the viscount, is home from Cambridge and ready to enter society, including finding himself a wife. Perhaps he may find his future bride here, at a weeklong house party his sister-in-law is hosting at the Jones country estate before the London season officially begins.

Rating: M (smut)

Words: Almost 2400 of approximately 16k

Tags: Bridgerton Inspired Fic, Matchmaking, Regency Romance

On ao3

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

@jrob64 @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @the-darkdragonfly @jennjenn615

@donteattheappleshook @undercaffinatednightmare @pirateherokillian @cocohook38 @qualitycoffeethings

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @superchocovian @motherkatereloyshipper @snowbellewells  @djlbg

@lfh1226-linda @xarandomdreamx @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic @anmylica

@laianely @resident-of-storybrooke @exhaustedpirate @gingerchangeling @caught-in-the-filter

@ultraluckycatnd @stahlop @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite @captainswan-kellie

@soniccat @beckettj @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jonesfandomfanatic

@elfiola @zaharadessert @ilovemesomekillianjones @mie779 @kymbersmith-90

@suwya @veryverynotgoodwrites @myfearless-love 

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

Watch till the end before yelling at me

i promise you, i will find a way to fix this rogers + navy blue for @piraterefrigerator

Killian Jones: *tracks Emma down in NYC, helps her restore her memory, then has a couple drinks with her while they discuss the last year*

Killian Jones: *spends time with Emma together at granny's after hours while she's practicing her magic*

Killian Jones: *takes Emma to her first ball where they share her first waltz*

Killian Jones: *helps Emma break out of jail*

Killian Jones: *talks and shares a kiss with Emma outside of Granny's at a party*

We are almost done with part 2 and here is a sneak peek for Sunday’s chapter! Thank you for reading and sharing! I hope you enjoy!!

Summary: Bastard Emma Swan enjoys one night of pure magic and romance in the midst of a life of drudgery and abuse- attending a masquerade ball and meeting aristocrat Killian Jones. 

Two years later, the same man she met on the best night of her life reappears, saving her from a dire fate in the process.Now, she must keep herself from falling in love with a man she can never have. But when that proves impossible, is there any hope for a happy ending between two people from such vastly different worlds?

On ao3 From the beginning/ Current Ch

On Tumblr Current ch with links to the others.

New tag list! Please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed.

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

Now, as he stood in the pond, naked as the day he was born, he was struck again with an odd sense of being more alive than he had been just moments before. It was a good feeling, an exciting feeling.

Something was about to happen. Or perhaps, someone was near.

His life was about to change.

He stepped into a little deeper water before turning in a complete circle. He scanned the trees and bushes as best he could, but he could see no one.

“Who’s there?” he called.

Silence.

He hadn’t really expected an answer, but it had been worth a try. He squinted and did another sweep of the shore in the direction of My Cottage but could still see nothing. Moments later, something came over him and he suddenly knew exactly who was watching him.

“Emma!”

He heard a gasp, followed by a flurry of activity behind a bush on the shore.

“Emma Swan,” he yelled, “if you run from me right now, I swear I will follow you, and I will not take the time to don my clothing!”

The rustling of the bush slowed, but didn’t stop completely.

“I am stronger and faster than you, and I will catch up with you,” he continued. “And I wouldn’t put it past me to tackle you to the ground, just to be sure you won’t escape.”

“And you call yourself a gentleman,” she called, still hidden behind the bushes.

“Says the lady spying on a naked man,” he called back. Silence. Killian huffed in satisfaction. “Good. Now show yourself.” There was no response from the shore and Killian grew exasperated. “Emma, I already know you’re there. Just come out, already!”

He could almost see the petulant frown on her face as the bushes rustled again and she finally emerged. She was wearing the same dress, and seeing her there framed among the spring leaves and flowers made his desire to burn the awful thing that much stronger.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I went for a walk. What are you doing here?” she asked in return. “You’re supposed to be ill! I can’t imagine that,” she gestured vaguely at the water, “is going to help your recovery!”

“Were you following me?” he asked, purposefully ignoring her question and comment. It certainly wouldn’t do for him to tell her the truth about why he was here.

“Of course not!” she exclaimed. He knew from her expression she was telling the truth. He knew she didn’t possess the acting skill to feign that level of righteous indignation. She was too much of an open book to him. “I’d never follow you to a swimming hole. It would be indecent.”

Killian raised an eyebrow at her, not bothering to point out the hypocrisy, and her cheeks flamed in embarrassment. He lifted a hand from the water and motioned for her to turn round. “Give me a moment to get dressed, if you please.”

“I’ll just return home so you can continue your bath in privacy.”

“You will stay right there,” he demanded sternly.

“But…”

He raised his eyebrow again and crossed his arms over his chest. “Do I look like a man to be argued with at the moment?”

She stared at him mutinously.

“I will catch you if you run,” he warned her again.

Emma eyed the distance between them and then tried to guess the distance from here back to My Cottage. If he stopped to pull on his clothing, she might be able to make it, but if he didn’t…

“Emma, I can practically see the steam coming out of your ears,” he said, thoroughly exasperated. “Please stop whatever mathematical computations you’ve got going on in your head trying to decide if you could beat me back to the cottage and just do what I asked.” She still didn’t move. “Now.”

Sighing loudly and grumbling under her breath, Emma turned away from him.

~*~*~

I do not know where it comes from so do not ask. (*hides*) 

When waxing is in fashion or a very quick manip of Killian Jones Greco-Roman style.

I’m looking for a Captain Swan fic. It’s a Princess Diaries 2 au. I don’t believe there was a fic before it to follow the first movie just the second.

I remember reading the first chapter and it followed the same as the movie Emma narrating previous events (her finding out she’s a princess and blah blah blah) that leads to her birthday ball.

I specifically remember Roland running up to wish Emma a happy birthday and saying his Papa told him Emma had to dance with all the eligible bachelors (butchering the words) and saying that’s him. Emma dances with a bunch of people before dancing with Killian and Roland cuts in and Emma is like “why that one I liked that one” and Roland says something like “because he’s competition.”

I think Zelena was Killians Aunt and Elsa was Emma’s Princess friend and Ruby was her friend from highschool. But I’m not entirely sure.

Day 10: Tongue

For the prompts from @suck-tember

Summary: Captain Jones fulfills his desire and tastes that of Princess Emma.

This is another continuation of what I wrote for the prompts Innocent and Kiss.

A/N: These are unbetaed simply because September started out of nowhere. 😅 (Thank you @kmomof4 for making sure this one made sense lol 😘)

Rated: E; Words: 760; AO3

——

“Fucking hell,” Emma moaned as Killian slowly ran his tongue through her folds. Her legs drew together, instinctively fighting his unfamiliar touch, but he simply caressed them until she relaxed enough to part them again. She gasped as he pressed his smile to her clit.

“So, your mouth is not as innocent as the rest of you, is it, Princess?” Killian tutted, giving her another teasing pass. He hummed, feral and hungry, at the thought of trading places with her so they could discover together just how dirty her mouth could be.

Instagram AU + Charlie/Zoey wedding at Bartlet Farms

Summary: Emma Swan is done with dating and relationships, regardless of the fact that Mary Margaret is determined to set her up with someone while taking her out barhopping. It's just too bad for MM that the one guy Emma has her eyes on at The Captain's Rum is the one guy her sister-in-law refuses to set her up with. Ruby and Mary Margaret try to warn her about the bartender's infamous reputation as the bad boy of Storybrooke, but Emma refuses to listen. Besides, she's not looking for anything serious, only someone who can give her a night of pure bliss without all the strings. And she has an inkling Killian is the perfect man for the job. What could possibly go wrong?

This is an alternative version of Through the Rising Tide and answers the question: "What if Emma didn't flee from Killian the night she met him?"

Notes: I don't think I ever posted this here on Tumblr, but when I started writing this, I had thought about this a while beforehand because I was asking myself what would've happened if this started as a captain swan story as well as ended as one. And then someone prompted me to write it, so I thought I'd give it a whirl to see where it goes. I'm not sure how long it will be, but I have some ideas of where it will go. The first chapter is basically the same as the first chapter of Through the Rising Tide, except Emma doesn't run out of the bar or run into Liam. So let's see what happens if she and Liam never get together in this universe. You do not have to read ttrt to read this.

Rated: Explicit

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4

Chapter Five

He can do this. No, he can do the shit out of this. There’s no doubt in his mind. He hasn’t had an exclusive girlfriend since high school, but that wasn’t so long ago. And he wasn’t nearly as crazy about his girlfriend back then as he is about Emma. They’ve only been together a few times but she already makes him feel things he never thought he’d feel before. And it’s kind of scary. No, it’s very scary. But he can do this. He’s a Jones after all. 

A man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets, his father always tells him. What Killian wanted just had never involved a woman before, other than one night in the sack.

A lass dressed in skinny jeans and a halter top showing an evocative amount of cleavage comes up to the counter, leaning over the bar top, putting said cleavage on full display. 

He’s not looking, but it’s all right there. So he keeps his eyes focused on his task.

“Are you Killian?” 

Don’t smile, don’t even pretend to be interested and most importantly, do not flirt or so much as make her think you’re flirting.  

He looks up at her, only to be polite and answer her question. “Depends who’s asking.”

A cunning smile spreads across her face as she plants her chin in her hand and stares at him dreamily. He hasn’t seen her before, so he’d venture a guess to say she heard from a friend of a friend how good in bed he is and wants to ‘test that theory’. “What if I told you I’m the one asking?” She bites her bottom lip, her eyes scanning him up and down as she traces the bar top with her finger. Usually he’d fall for this tactic and lay on the charm. He’d let her flirt and he’d definitely flirt back.

But not this time.

This time he has Emma, and he’s not about to fuck things up with her. She wants an exclusive relationship and that’s what he’ll give her. He wants to be a better man, not only for her, but for himself, so that’s what he’ll do, or else he’ll die trying.

He points to his name tag, not cracking a smile. “You found me.”

She nods, never taking her eyes off of him. “I sure did.” She reaches into the neckline of her halter top and pulls out a small slip of paper, handing it to him.

See, here’s the thing—the old Killian would be quick to take it and wouldn’t even think twice about it. But the new Killian, the one who has the woman he’s sure has been plucked right out of his dreams, has no desire to take that slip of paper, because the old Killian knows this woman’s number is scribbled on said slip of paper. And by even taking it just to toss it in the trash would be a mistake, because it could be a trap. And he’s not about to fall for any traps, no siree. He scratches behind his ear, not sure how he’ll turn her down without hurting her feelings, but he knows he already has by simply not taking the slip of paper. “Sorry, love, but I actually have a girlfriend.”

Her jaw drops, her brows wrinkled in confusion. She narrows her eyes, not believing him. Then she dissolves into laughter and extends her hand even further at a second attempt to give him the slip of paper. He steps back so she can’t slip it into his pocket. He knows all the tricks and he’s not about to fall for any of them.

“You’re joking, right?” 

“I’m not.” He shrugs nonchalantly. “I’m very much taken. So you can order a drink or you can leave the bar, up to you, lass,” he says seriously so she no longer thinks this is a joke.

She scoffs, her expression turning into disgust as she tears up the slip of paper and throws it at him. The two halves don’t reach very far, one landing on the bar top and the other falling to the floor in front of his feet. Again, he knows this trick. He knows she’s still holding on to a shred of hope that he’ll pick up the two halves and consider her offer after she leaves. That’s why she threw her number at him rather than take it with her. He watches her leave, but only to make sure he’s not blindsided if she decides to grab someone’s drink and throw it at him. 

After she’s gone, Emma steps into the bar, to his delight and surprise. He doesn’t move to pick up the scraps of paper and toss them away before she sees them, because that would mean he has something to hide, and he doesn’t have anything to hide. Besides, he’s too captivated by her mesmerizing eyes to take his blue ones off of her.

Now it’s time to lay on the charm, to flash her his cheesiest grin and flirt with his eyes. He grabs the edge of the bar top and leans over it as she approaches him. She mirrors his pose and meets him halfway, kissing his lips. He lingers for a moment, parting his mouth against hers, not wanting to let her go just yet.

“Hey there, beautiful.” 

She grins against his lips and toys with the collar of his shirt. “Hey, handsome.”

He groans as he pulls away from her. “My brother’s not here, but he’d give me hell if he finds out I’ve been kissing one of the customers.”

She laughs as she looks down at the countertop and spots the torn slip of paper.

Fuck.

She’s no idiot and knows it’s a phone number, or at least, half of a phone number. “What happened here?” She looks up at him, amusement dancing in her eyes. Her question is not accusatory, only full of curiosity, and he won’t lie to her. There’s not even a reason to lie to her. He didn’t do anything wrong.

“Some lass tried to give me her phone number and got mad when I wouldn’t take it. So she ripped it up and threw it at me, probably hoping I would keep it after she left.”

“Ah, so that’s why that lady seemed pissed when she stormed out of the bar.”

“Aye.” He’s expecting to see a bit of anger flashing in her eyes, maybe jealousy, but what he’s not expecting is to see guilt etched in her expression. He gulps.

Why is she the one feeling guilty? 

“What is it, love?” He takes her chin in his hand, his thumb brushing over her jawline.

She offers a small smile and shakes her head. “Nothing, it’s just…” She looks down at the countertop like she’s afraid to tell him something. 

“Just what?” He leans in closer, causing her to look up at him, their eyes finding each other. “You can tell me anything.”

She sighs and rests her forehead against his. He’s so glad this is the slow part of the night and he gets to talk with her for a moment. “I feel like I’m forcing you to do this. Like before I came along, you were Killian Jones, the town flirt who could have any girl he wanted…and I’m just…”

“You’re just what, love?” Everything he’s ever wanted? Everything he’s ever dreamed of having?

“I’m just fucking it all up for you.”

His heart sinks into his stomach. Does she actually believe that? Does she actually think he doesn’t want this? “Emma, you’re not forcing me to do anything. I asked for this.” His eyes drop to her lips, and he smirks. “Besides, I do have every girl I want…I have you. You’re the only girl I want.” Okay, he’ll admit that was cheesy, but it’s the truth.

She looks up at him, a hint of happiness in her jade depths. “Really?”

“Aye.” He leans in and kisses her lips. “So you better get it in that pretty head of yours that I’m not about to lose our bet. I never lose bets, and I especially won’t lose this one.” His breath snags when his eyes meet hers again. “There’s too much at stake this time.”

She sighs in relief, a beautiful smile overtaking her face. “Good.”

He takes her hand in both of his and presses a kiss to her knuckles. “Would you like something to drink, sweetheart?”

She looks over her shoulder toward the entrance before returning her eyes to him. “Yes, but not yet. I’m actually meeting Mary Margaret and Ruby here for a girls night, which means you’re not allowed to flirt with me when they get here.”

He gasps. “Not allowed to flirt with you? How will I survive?”

She snorts. “I’m sure you’ll find a way.” The humor fades from her features. “But I’m serious. My brother still doesn’t know we’re together, and I’d like to keep it that way. For now.”

He brings his hand to his chest, pretending to be offended. “So what, I’m just your dirty little secret?”

She smirks. “Dirty? Yes. Little?” She shakes her head, her gaze falling below his belt. “Definitely not.” She lifts her eyes to his. “Secret? For now. Think you can handle that, big boy?”

He cocks his head, his cheeks heating as he caresses her forearm, the challenge and the little—or rather—big name she gave him making him hard as a fucking rock. “Psssh, can I handle that? You, my love, are looking at the king of dirty secrets.” He leans in and captures her lips once more before she has to leave the counter and pretend she doesn’t drive me crazy by simply sitting on the other side of the bar.

Minx.

When Ruby and Mary Margaret enter the bar, they both take seats across from Emma, who made sure to get a table that’s sitting right in his line of vision. He knows she did it on purpose, just to torture him. But it’s fine—he can hide his feelings. He’ll do it for Emma.

“Hey, Jones, quit standing around. I need Tequila for my girls.”

He had been so focused on Emma, he hadn’t seen Ruby making her way to the bar counter.

“Coming right up.” He grabs a bottle of 1800 tequila and three shot glasses. Before pouring them, he looks up, seeing Emma chatting with Mary Margaret, and he wishes he were the one chatting with her. He still knows practically nothing about her.

“Earth to Jones!”

He blinks, Ruby’s hand waving in his face.

“What, did you forget how to pour shot glasses?”

He opens his mouth, not sure what to say to Ruby. Emma being here while he’s trying to work is just not a good idea.

“Sorry, I…”

Ruby looks back over her shoulder to see what he’s looking at.

Fuck.

Returning her eyes to him, she has a Cheshire cat grin on her lips, one he was trying to avoid. Because the Cheshire cat grin means she’s on to him.

She studies him for a moment as he tries to return to his task of pouring the shot glasses. “Wait, you’re the guy Emma’s been hooking up with, aren’t you?”

“What?” He chuckles, trying to disguise the anxiety rising in his gut. “Of course not. She’s been seeing my brother.” He cringes, even though the statement is completely false.

She barks out a laugh, not making the panic inside him disappear in the least. “You can’t even say that without twitching.”

His cheeks heat as he adds a dash of salt and squeezes some lime into their drinks. 

“If Liam were the one she’s been hanging out with, then why did you have to ask him who he’s been seeing? You both were home the night they supposedly hung out. So how would you not know it was her?”

Damn you, Ruby, for being so smart and perceptive. He sighs in defeat as he looks up, making sure Mary Margaret is still across the bar. “Fine, Emma and I hooked up, but you can’t say anything to anyone, okay? She doesn’t want David to find out.”

Ruby’s jaw drops as she points at him. “Ha! I knew it!”

He leans in and raises his index finger to his lips, making a shushing gesture. “Shhh. Keep your voice down.”

She raises her hands in defense and flashes a sarcastic smirk. “Sorry, I wouldn’t want David to ruin the pretty face of yours. That would be a damn shame.”

He scoffs. “You think I’m scared of that arsehole? Please, I’ve won fights against guys three times his size.”

She cocks her head in curiosity and narrows her eyes. “Then what are you afraid of?”

I push the shot glasses toward her, hoping to end this conversation immediately. “I’m just abiding by her wishes, that’s all.”

“And why is that?” She raises her hand to her chin, rubbing it gently, still eyeing him curiously. “Why do you care so much if it was just a hook-up?”

“I don’t care,” he lies. “Wanting to respect someone’s wishes doesn’t mean anything.”

“It does if you like her.”

“I don’t like her.” But even he doesn’t believe the words as they leave his mouth.

She rolls her eyes, not believing him for a second, just as he expected. “Oh sorry, you’re in love with her.”

“I’m not…” he cups the back of his neck, hesitating to finish that sentence, “I’m not in love with her.” His cheeks are on fire as he looks over at Emma to avoid looking at Ruby’s accusatory expression. But he can feel the judgments radiating off of her. Emma’s looking back at him with a curious expression, and he knows she’s wondering what he and Ruby are talking about.

Sure enough, when he reverts his attention to Ruby, her eyes are blown wide and her jaw is on the floor. 

“You are in love with her, aren’t you?” she whispers so the entire bar doesn’t hear, thankfully.

He rolls his eyes. “Dramatic much?”

She cocks her head. “Am I though?”

He sighs in exasperation and shrugs. “Fine, I like her, okay?” he admits, simply so she’ll get off his back about it.

Thankfully, she accepts his answer and gathers the shot glasses into her hands.

“Just keep an eye on her, will you? Make sure she doesn’t drink too much. I don’t want her to feel like shit in the morning.”

“Why, so you can take her on a date?” she teases sassily.

Damn it, Ruby Red, why do you have to be so intuitive? “ No, because I don’t want her to feel like shit.”

“Right, because you love her,” she sing-songs, her grin huge as she walks away from the bar counter, mouthing, you love her.

He shakes his head and rolls his eyes, his cheeks heating as he goes over to his next customer. He just met Emma over a week ago, and yes, they’ve gotten to know each other’s bodies pretty damn well—he knows every curve, every dip, every freckle on her delicate skin. He’s seen the freckle on her perfect arse cheeks, he’s had the privilege of pressing his lips against it and sinking his teeth into her delectable behind and—

Fuck, he’s hard as steel again. Just perfect. 

He looks over at her, and she’s smiling at him.

Not helping.

He has to look away and focus. But he can’t help but wonder what the three of them are chatting about. He won’t go over and bother her though. Besides, he trusts Ruby to not say anything to Mary Margaret. But as the night goes on, he’s wishing he and Emma didn’t have to keep this a secret. They move to the dance floor, and he’s wishing he could be the one dancing with Emma. He’s wishing he could have his hands all over her body, but then they might end up going at it right there on the dance floor.

He tries not to stare at her, but it’s very difficult. Especially when he sees some guy approaching her. Jealousy rears its ugly head as they chat, and Killian tries to ignore it. He takes orders and makes drinks, trying desperately not to look in their direction. And he does well for a while. Then Emma visibly shakes her head. He can’t hear her, but he can read her lips when she says, “No, thanks.” She turns around and walks away, but the guy follows after her. She’s dancing with her friends again, and this prick has the audacity to come up behind her, put his hands on her hips and whisper in her ear.

He fucking put his hands on her.

She spins around and lifts her hand to smack him, but he catches her wrist. Since she’s had a few shots, she’s a little slow with her reaction time. “I said no!” Killian can hear her over the music with how loud she’s yelling.

He’s seeing red as he jumps over the bar counter, rage pounding through him. The guy has been drinking—Killian remembers serving him a few whiskeys—but it’s no excuse to put his hands on a woman.

“Fucking tease. You flirt with me and then you won’t dance with me? What the fuck is up with that?” Still holding on to her wrist as she tries to escape his grasp, he pulls her flush against him, and she shoves him off of her. 

“Get the fuck off of me, asshole!”

Everyone’s watching now, but Killian doesn’t care. If his brother wants to fire him, so be it. He’s not going to stand back and let some wanker put his hands on Emma when she clearly told him no.

Killian taps on the guy’s shoulder, and as soon as he turns around, Killian decks him in the nose.

“Fuck! What the hell?” The guy is hunched over, holding his nose.

Killian grabs him by the back of his shirt and escorts him out the front door. This is the bouncer’s job, but he’d rather take out the trash himself. “I don’t want to see you inside this bar again, dickwad.” Killian demands as he tosses him out on the sidewalk like literal trash. The guy mumbles a bunch of obscenities as he stumbles away.

Killian heads back inside, immediately looking for Emma. People are still staring at him, but he doesn’t care. He wants to go to Emma, make sure she’s okay, but she’s surrounded by Mary Margaret and Ruby, and as much as he wants to march over and pull her into his arms, he can’t. But he does catch her eye, so he tilts his head toward the restrooms.

She gives him a slight nod, and he goes behind the bar, watching her head to the ladies’ room. After making sure Mary Margaret and Ruby don’t follow after her, he goes in there and locks the door. Emma’s at the sink, splashing water over her face.

“You alright, love?” he asks, his voice gentle. 

She turns around and nods. “You didn’t have to do that. I can take care of myself.”

He goes over to her and places his hands on her arms. “I know you can, but I wasn’t going to stand back and watch him harass you.”

Concern washes over her face. “But won’t you get in trouble with Liam?”

He shrugs. “Probably, but I don’t give a fuck. If he wants to fire my arse, so be it. You’re more important to me than—”

“Than paying bills?” she asks with a smirk, cutting him off.

He chuckles. “Precisely.” He kisses her forehead and wraps his arms around her.

She molds into him, winding her arms around his waist and resting her head on his chest. His heart hammers against his ribcage as he combs his fingers through her soft locks and rests his chin on her head. Relief swarms through him now that he knows she’s okay. And he’s so glad he was here to make sure that guy got tossed out on his arse. The thought of something happening to Emma makes him physically ill. He can’t stomach it.

Fuck.

Was Ruby right?

Is Killian falling for Emma?

He’s never felt anything like this for anyone before, so he has no clue if this is love or just deep adoration. It’s definitely more than infatuation. He’s been infatuated before, but he’s never felt like this. Like he’d do anything in the world for her. He never wished he could stop time just so he could savor more moments with her. He’s never wanted to protect someone from the world so badly as he wants to protect Emma.

“We should probably get back out there before MM and Rubes start looking for me…and before people start wondering where the hell the bartender went,” she laughs.

He chuckles, still holding her in his arms. He doesn’t want to let her go, he could hold her forever, but he knows she’s right. They have to go back out there so people don’t come looking for them. He lowers his head, and she lifts hers from his chest and catches his lips. He slides his tongue into her mouth, brushing it against hers and holding her close as they kiss. He had gone soft when he saw that guy harassing her but he springs back to life again, and she moans when she feels him hard against her. Now they really have to stop.

“Mmmm, you taste like tequila,” he groans as he breaks the kiss and presses the pad of his thumb against her plump bottom lip.

“Speaking of tequila, I haven’t had enough to drink,” she laughs.

“Careful, love. You might not be able to resist me after a few libations,” he grins cockily.

She grabs his shirt collar and eyes his lips with a smirk. “I already can’t resist you.”

Bloody hell.

She’s not making it any easier to separate, but he knows they have to. It takes every ounce of strength within him to peel himself away from her, but somehow he manages to do so. He goes back behind the bar and she returns to her friends. She orders a few more shots for the three of them, and he watches as she downs hers. He’s not sure how much of a lightweight she is…or isn’t, but with the way she’s tossing back those drinks, she can hold her liquor.

Or not.

Half an hour later, she’s drunk off her arse.

“Ruby, what the hell?” he chastises as she approaches the counter to get Emma a glass of water. “You said you’d make sure she didn’t drink too much.”

Her eyes widen and she puts up her hands in defense. “I’m sorry, she said she wasn’t a lightweight. Plus, she ordered some shots for me and MM, but guess what? She drank them. Besides, isn't that your job as the bartender to make sure doesn't drink too much?”

He sighs and peers over Ruby’s shoulder as Emma steps up on a chair and tries to dance on the table. He immediately rushes over from behind the counter and makes it just in time to catch her as she falls.

He wants to be angry at her for drinking so much, but then she flashes him an adorable smile and his heart melts. “What’s wrong, love? Can’t hold your liquor?” he teases.

She gives him a sarcastic smirk. “Veryfunny,” Emma mumbles, her words slurred together. She puts her finger on the tip of his nose and grins. “You’re purty.”

He chuckles and blushes. “You are too. But I think it’s time for you to go home.”

She frowns and rests her head on his chest, sticking out her bottom lip. “But I don’t wanna.” She doesn’t fight him though.

“Thank you, Killian, for catching her,” Mary Margaret says graciously as she rushes over. “I’ll take her home.”

Ruby comes up beside her, exchanging unspoken words with him as she hands Emma the water.

“I’m not ready to go home yet,” Emma groans, taking a sip.

“Actually, why don’t I take her?” Ruby offers. You go back to your husband and I’ll sit with her for a while in case she has to vomit. Trust me, you don’t want her puking in your car.” Her face sours, like she’s remembering a particular instance very vividly. “That smell never leaves.”

“Are you sure?” Mary Margaret asks. “You don’t mind looking after her?”

Ruby waves off her words. “Of course not. Trust me, she’ll be in good hands.”

Killian has to hold back a smirk as he sets Emma down on her feet and helps her into a booth, laying her down so she doesn’t fall over. He knows Ruby’s not talking about herself; she’s talking about him.

“Okay, but please text me with updates?”

Ruby nods and gives her a thumbs up. “Of course.”

After Mary Margaret leaves, he thanks Ruby and assures her she can go home, but she insists she stay until Killian closes up just so she can help Emma to the restroom if needed. Ruby slides into the booth with Emma, letting her rest her head in Ruby’s lap and lifting her head every now and then so she can drink her water.

“Thanks, Rubes, I owe you big time.” For both keeping his and Emma’s secret and for taking care of her tonight.

She shrugs as he slips her purse strap onto her shoulder. “I’m sure I’ll be able to find ways for you to make it up to me later.”

Ruby heads out to her car, and Killian locks up the bar and finishes all of his closing duties before scooping Emma up into his arms and carrying her out the door, letting her down briefly while she’s leaning against him for support as he locks up behind him. He carries her to his truck and heads home. Ruby told Mary Margaret she’s staying with her for the night and bringing her back before she goes into work. Thankfully Mary Margaret seemed to buy it.

Killian carries her into his flat and sets her down on her feet. Liam is gone tonight, and Killian knows he’s with the girlfriend Liam has been so adamant about keeping from him. Killian has no clue why, though. They usually tell each other everything. But Liam has been super sketchy about it. At least now Killian knows he’s not with Emma.

“Thank you for taking care of me.” She smiles up at him, her hands pressed to his chest as he secures his arms around her so she doesn’t fall over.

“Of course, love. What are boyfriends for?”

She snorts. “You just called yourself my boyfriend.”

He shrugs. “Well, we are exclusive. Why not?”

“Very true.” She leans in to kiss his lips. Alcohol spews from her mouth and drenches the front of his shirt.

“Smells like tequila.” He chuckles, trying not to look down, because he knows if does, he’ll be puking too.

Her face pales even more than it already is when she realizes what happened. “I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, it’s okay, baby.” He helps her to the bathroom, out of her clothes and into the bathtub. He strips off his too and joins her, turning on the shower and cleaning them both up. He helps her rise and gets her to stand under the stream to rinse off as he holds her against his chest, his arms draped around her stomach. He brushes his lips over her shoulder, leaving soft kisses across her skin.

Once they’re both clean and rinsed off, he carries her to his bed, giving her one of his t-shirts to wear. He places a puke bucket and a glass of water on the nightstand and sits on the edge of the bed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll sleep on the couch so I don’t bother you while you rest.” He starts to get up, but she grabs his hand. “Please, don’t go. Lay with me?” she asks, opening her eyes. 

He pushes some hair behind her ear. “You sure?”

She nods. “Yes, please.” She pats the spot beside her. I’ll try not to puke on you.”

He can’t help but chuckle as he kisses the back of her hand. “Okay, you’ve convinced me. Be right back.” He goes to the bathroom to grab his phone from the counter and text Ruby.

Killian: Emma’s in my bed, safe and comfortable with a puke bucket close by. 

Rubes: Did she puke yet?

Killian: Only on my shirt, but I cleaned her up. 

Rubes: Yeah because you love her so hard 💕

He chuckles, his cheeks heating as he responds.

Killian: Love has nothing to do with it. I can be a decent human being ya know?

Rubes: Whatever helps you sleep at night 😉

Killian: Just update MM and David, will you?

Rubes: Already on it 🫡

Killian: Thank you

Rubes: No prob!

He sets down his phone and slips on a pair of boxers before picking up his phone and returning to his bedroom. Setting the device on his nightstand, he turns off the lamplight and slides in beside Emma underneath the covers. She rolls over on her side and rests her head on his chest, draping an arm over his stomach. His heart flutters as he drops a kiss to the top of her head.

“Sleep well, love,” he murmurs as he caresses her damp hair, his chest full of emotion. He’s happy she’s safe in his arms, he’s angry she was harassed though and he can’t stop thinking about what Ruby said. Is he actually falling for Emma? He could’ve let Mary Margaret take her home, but instead he wanted to have the honor of taking care of her. He wanted to go home and not have to worry about her.

Summary: The story had been front page news for months. Scandalous details of a married woman of low birth and with limited means, murdering her husband; hatcheting him to death in order to save her own life and that of her unborn child - or so she claimed. No evidence to support her allegations of abuse had been presented during the trial, but in the end, it was the fact that Mrs. Cassidy was with child that saved her from a verdict of murder in the first degree, a judgment that carried the death penalty for both men and women alike. As an act of mercy, a lesser charge was issued, one that spared her life but now made her Misthaven Penitentiary’s problem to contend with, and more specifically, the Captain of the Guard charged with keeping order within its walls.

A/N: We have made it to the conclusions! Thanks y’all for going on this journey with me! Hope you enjoy this final chapter!

Thanks to my amazing betas, @snowbellewells and @kmomof4 (especially since they interrupted their vacation to look this chapter over. You ladies ROCK!!) Also, shout out to @sotangledupinit for the assist in defringing Killian for the art.

Rated T-M (for themes, mentions of abuse, murder, and attempted assault) / Available on ao3 and ff.net /  buy me a coffee / add to tag list  

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven | Chapter Eight | Chapter Nine | Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

A laugh gurgled up from Henry’s little chest, his arms and legs flailing wildly in his cradle when Killian’s face came into view. “Good morning, my boy,” Killian cooed as he picked up the lad and nestled him against his chest. “Sleep well?”

“He slept very well,” Emma told him from behind her privacy screen where Elsa was assisting her in getting dressed for the day. “Fourth night in a row that he’s been out from one roll call to the next.”

Killian smiled down at the babe in his arms, Henry’s chubby hand trying to grasp the brass buttons of his uniform. “That’s my good lad,” he praised, placing a kiss to the soft fuzz at Henry’s temple.

“You wanted to see me, Captain?”

Killian turned to find Officer Booth standing at attention in the doorway. The tell-tale signs of fatigue from the night shift were evident in the dark patches beneath his eyes, making Killian reluctant to say, “Aye. I need you to escort the ladies on their walk before returning to the barracks. I shall relieve you as soon as I am finished meeting with the Warden and he departs for the Magistrate.”

Booth acknowledged the order with a dutiful nod, then met Killian’s eyes with a significant gaze. The officer knew what business was to be discussed and the purpose for which the warden would be departing for the Magistrate’s office. They all did. The Board was meeting to rule on Swan’s petitions that morning, and both her solicitor and the warden had been summoned to attend. Although Killian knew he and his brother would likely have the same conversation they’d been having over the past several days, he did not want his brother to leave without speaking to him, especially since neither he nor Emma would be in attendance at the ruling.

“All set.”

Emma and Elsa came out from behind the privacy screen, both looking the picture of perfection with a poise and grace Killian knew only existed on the surface. Beneath their cool and calm facades they were just as anxious as he was about today’s Board meeting, but had clearly determined to meet the day head on with a measure of hope and optimism.

Killian envied them that.

“Here. I’ll take him,” Booth offered, stepping forward to wrestle Henry out of Killian’s arms. The lad fussed a bit, reaching for Killian as he was pulled away, then quickly quieted when Booth pulled funny faces, enthralled by the amusing expressions and accompanying noises.

“You’ll join us soon?” Emma inquired as Killian led her from her cell, the quiver in her voice not escaping his attention.

Taking her hand, Killian gave it a confident squeeze. “Aye. I won’t be but a few minutes. Liam will need to head for the Magistrate’s office soon.” Walking with her, he paused at the top of the side stairs, letting Booth and Elsa go on ahead as he took her other hand and pressed her palms against his chest. “I won’t tell you not to worry, but try and enjoy the beautiful morning. We’ll all hold on to hope while we can, aye?”

A soft smile ticked up the corners of her mouth as she nodded. “Tell the warden again how much I appreciate him advocating for me.”

“I will,” Killian murmured, resisting the urge to wrap his arms around her so he might offer her the comfort of his embrace. “You should go. I’ll catch up.”

Acquiescing, Emma turned towards the stairs, but before she began her descent, she turned back and placed a quick peck to his cheek. The hurried sound of her footsteps down the stairs matched the quickened rhythm of his heart.

Ever since their shared moment he had longed to have her in his arms again, to feel the softness of her lips and the warmth of her tongue against his. His nights had been filled with torment as the memory of her touch overwhelmed him, and reminiscence had turned to fantasies fueled by desire and longing he could no longer keep at bay.

Releasing a shaky breath, Killian ran his hand through his hair and made his way to his brother’s office. He had half-expected the warden to go straight to the Magistrate’s office this morning, however, both he and Elsa had arrived shortly after Killian had. He should have known that, like him, his sister-in-law would want to be by Emma’s side as they waited for the ruling to be passed down, and he was grateful that Liam had chosen to escort his wife to the prison first, giving him an opportunity to touch base with his brother one last time.

“Have you everything you’ll need?” Killian asked after being waved into the office.

“I believe so,” Liam replied, reviewing some papers on his desk. “I have your, and the rest of the officers’, statements regarding Miss Swan’s character, and the unanimous consensus amongst the guards that she be released. Hopper will have statements from the community with a similar show of support. The only question is whether the Board will hear such testimony.”

“They have to,” Killian insisted, not for the first time. He and Liam had gone over the hearing a dozen times, approaching it from every angle and discussing every possible argument and outcome. Both brothers, along with Swan’s solicitor, had been incensed at the Board’s denial of Emma’s attendance, leaving it in the hands of Mr. Hopper and Warden Jones to plead her case. Liam had offered to take Killian with him, presuming his captain would warrant admittance into the proceedings, but as much as he would love nothing more than to speak on his Swan’s behalf, there was no guarantee he would be extended that privilege, and he would much rather wait by Emma’s side at the prison than a lonely corridor outside the Boardroom.

Liam checked the time on his watch and sighed. “I best be off.”

As Liam gathered his things, Killian could hear frantic footsteps making their way from the side stairs before the out of breath voice of Mr. Hopper inquired, “Have you received word?”

“What are you d–”

“Have you received word?” Hopper asked again, cutting off Liam’s inquiry.

“Word of what?”

“The Board’s ruling! I was just informed by the Magistrate’s office that they met in secret last night and ruled on the petitions.”

“You cannot be bloody serious!” Killian roared, but Hopper continued, unfazed.

I have zero chill and don’t want to wait for WIP Wednesday or TIT Thursday to share this teaser that I’m using to keep me accountable to finish the fic on time for @the-darkdragonfly​ ‘s birthday this week. So I’m officially declaring this FuckIt Tuesdays. 

Here’s a little sneak peek at a SH AU affectionately nicknamed ‘Slutty Silver Hook’

********

Killian never saw a lover more than once, never called a past encounter again after he or she had left, never even got their phone number. This wasn’t the first time he’d run into someone he’d taken to bed after the fact. Storybrooke was a small town afterall, though most of the time his conquests were tourists, people visiting family from out of town, but every now and then he’d meet up with a local and there was the inevitable chance of crossing paths at one of the bars or even the grocery store. 

But he never said hello a second time. They were all ships passing in the night and only closely once. After that, he steered clear. Anything more than one night and they began getting ideas, about things happening between them, began to hope things would happen between them, but they never would and never could. Not since Milah. He’d tried that once, with Tink, a friend he’d seen casually for a while, but it had gotten too close to something real, had started to matter more to her than he’d like. And even worse, it had started to matter more to him.

So no, this wasn’t the first time he’d run into a past hookup, but it was the first time he considered saying hello. It was also the first time he allowed himself to entertain the idea of asking her back to his place a second time. It had been bloody fantastic sex and he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about it since, hadn’t taken himself in hand to the memory of it. And she was bloody gorgeous. 

He wondered if he could make an exception. She’d clearly only been interested in sex, perhaps even more closed off to the idea of a relationship than he was. When he’d offered her a drink she’d declined, walking past his kitchen and into the hall, pulling her sweater off over her head as she went. We both know why we’re here, she’d shrugged. No point in pretending it’s not what it is. Killian had pointed her to the bedroom, hurrying after her and pressing her back against the door. 

Maybe, with a woman who so clearly cared as little for any attachment as he did, it would be possible to fuck twice without the risk. And she really had been an amazing fuck. She’d known what she wanted, what she needed to get off, and had told him outright, none of the guesswork and time spent figuring out how to please his partner that was usually required. She’d been almost bossy - and he’d liked it… far too much.

He was still debating whether or not to break his own rules, to cross the bar and say hello, offer to buy her a drink or shag her in the bathroom if that was what she wanted, when she suddenly looked up. She looked confused for a moment, then curious and then the recognition dawned across her face. He wanted to laugh at the hesitation and conflict in her expression, matching his own uncertainty. But she didn’t look away, and when he raised his glass to her in acknowledgement, she nodded, tipping her own bottle towards him. 

This could very well be a terrible decision, breaking his own rules, but he found himself crossing the room before he even finished considering all the reasons he shouldn’t. She turned to him as he reached her table, her friends still caught up in their conversation, and he smiled at her, trying for charming and a little suggestive. 

“Leia, right?” he asked. 

****

Emma and Killian celebrate their anniversary after making it through a rough patch.

An Overboard Addition for @the-darkdragonfly

It’s my best friend’s birthday!!!! To celebrate the special day of one of the most special people in my life, here is the last planned addition to her favorite story of mine. And when I say last I really do mean it; don’t let her trick you. 

Kay, thank you for being the very best pocket friend a girl could imagine. You and @donteattheappleshook have been my rocks and I can’t put to words how much our friendship means to me!! And thank you to Maddie who painstakingly beta-ed this lol

Rated E

8300 words

Read on Ao3

Read my Other Stuff

~~~~

“Babe!” she calls as she enters the house, letting the door slam forcefully against the wall behind it and cringing as she hears the too-loud thump. Moving on from her mistake and possible damage, she calls again, “Killian! Where are you?”

“Here, love,” he returns as he enters through the back door. Ripple crashes through the house as she comes in behind her father, her entire body shaking as she wags her tail and runs for Emma. 

“Hi, Wiggle Baby,” she coos, crouching to scratch behind the pup’s ears and accepting her kisses, slobber moistening her face just a touch too far beyond comfort. “Did you have a good day with your daddy?”

“She’s almost mastered Roll Over,” he announces, to which Ripple lies down and begins flopping on her side, although she never quite makes it all the way over. “She can only do it in the grass, though.”

“You really are something special,” Emma says as she rubs Ripple’s belly. At almost seven years old, she’s a quick learner and a good listener, but she’s clumsy and still struggles with sliding across the tile floors of their kitchen. She may be considered an adult dog, but she’s still a puppy in Emma’s heart. 

“What’s wrong, love?” Killian asks, looking behind her and sighing when he sees the dent in the wall, just at the door handle’s level. “Was this you again, angel?” he asks lightly as he steps towards where he’ll have to plaster and paint for a third time. 

“Sorry,” she admits shyly, giggling as Ripple starts to shove against her, seeking out more attention. “But babe, something happened.”