Scarborough Fair: 6/?
Finally, another update, and just in time for Halloween! Which is fitting because here’s where everything gets weird and crazy. So strap in, folks, and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Oh, and I apologize for not linking to previous chapters on Tumblr. This site is being annoying, I’m tired, and it’s a weeknight. I’ll make sure there’s a master post at the end. But here’s your link to Ao3 if you prefer reading over there (which I do!)
*Reminder that this is an M rated fic that includes rape/non-con, and later, dubious consent of a magical variety.*
Chapter Six
Killian wiped his arm across his sweaty brow as he slid the last can of paint onto the shelves of the garage. Next to him, Liam was red-faced with the heat and utterly apologetic.
“You’ve been working on a construction site all day, and before you can even take a step into the house, I’ve put you to work again.”
Killian waved him off as he lifted the bottom of his t-shirt to wipe his face more thoroughly than his sweaty arm could.
“It’s okay. We’ve been putting this chore off too long.”
While Ingrid had loved the new arbor in her flower garden, she hadn’t loved the mess they’d left in the garage from building it. She’d been on them since Mother’s Day to clean up the mess. It was rare for Liam to leave a mess behind, especially where Ingrid was concerned, but he’d gone straight from finals week to teaching a summer school course.
Killian was just about to head inside for a much needed shower when he heard a rattling in the corner. He turned around to see Liam wrestling with a familiar, rusty shopping cart.
“This is still in here?”
Killian reached out to spin one of Mary Margaret’s whirligigs. “Yeah, I put it in here pro- you know, that night?”
“Oh, that’s right …” Liam’s voice trailed off.
Emma’s rape had made Killian completely forget about the drama with Mary Margaret, but now that he saw the cart with all of her things, it came rushing back.
“Is she still in jail?”
@searchingwardrobes Oh my goodness, Melanie!! Seriously, this story just gets better and better with every addition. It’s painful to see them hurting and struggling with all that has gone on, but the way Killian and Emma have each other, and the way their whole family leans on each other, is truly beautiful. The tension and the mystery keep ratcheting up and pulling me in more and more. I apologize that I feel so far behind and it took me this long to review, but my heavens, just WOW.
You really got me in the very first scene, where Killian and Liam are working together in the garage and rediscover MM’s abandoned cart. The way Killian falls into his big brother’s arms, and the way they have both been angry and grieving and carrying guilt and are able to let that out with each other is so intense and cathartic. “Killian let his breath out in a hot rush and muscles he hadn’t even known had gone rigid relaxed. He blinked, trying to clear the burning behind his eyes. Liam grasped his shoulder and squeezed in understanding. Killian was alarmed to feel a lump rise in his throat and as a quick sob escaped, Liam yanked him forward into a brief yet fierce hug.”
And then, the scene with him all dirty and sweaty in Emma’s room to bring her the diary. Poor thing, despite everything, she can’t help but notice how good he looks, even if she is trying valiantly to hide her reaction!
What a mixed blessing that Killian found the diary and gave it to her. It does sound more than a bit insane and unbelievable, and yet we the readers know it must be true - just as both Emma and then Killian as well know. Snow’s letter to her unborn daughter Pierce’s right to the heart, and knowing she would lose her mind and her child and having to trust that someday, just maybe, her words might get through to Emma. I loved that she told Killian, and that he immediately believed her - but it’s SO MUCH. And what are they going to do?!?
As you always do, you’ve created something lovely and compelling, painful and beautiful at once, and I am so hooked. 💕💖💕
Do NOT apologize for reading this late because this reblog came at the perfect time when I needed a bright spot in my day. Love you, my friend and these beautiful words!
You are the best @snowbellewells ❤️❤️