Scarborough Fair: 5/?

I apologize for the long wait for this chapter. I said I would update every two weeks, and then I dropped the ball on that. I won't bore you with the details, but life just got crazy. Anyways, I think I have a game plan now that I should be able to update every two weeks, alternating updates with No Wives, No Lovers, No Mothers.

This chapter is about Emma's recovery, and it's honestly a gut-wrencher. However, some important plot points also come up, so I can't really give you places to skip like the last chapter. Hopefully, if you've stuck with me this far, you'll keep reading! I can't say the angst will cease after this chapter, but the rape will no longer be the main focus. So it gets better in some ways? I guess?

This is also now part of the CS Angsty August, so be sure to check out the other fan fic and fanart from that event!

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Emma Swan has had a charmed life, despite being a foster child. She has a wonderful family who loves her, and the best friends in the world. The only thing that mars her idyllic existence is her birth mother: a homeless woman who mutters nonsensical rhymes and claims to be Snow White. One fateful night, however, Emma’s world is shattered. Perhaps her mother’s rhymes aren’t nonsense after all.

Rated: M for date rape, dubious consent, teen pregnancy, and sexy times (the good kind!)

Words: Over 3k in this chapter

Chapter One | Two | Three | Four

Also on Ao3

Tagging:  (let me know if you wish to be removed or added):  @snowbellewells @teamhook @kmomof4 @jrob64 @xhookswenchx @thisonesatellite @welllpthisishappening @spartanguard @ohmakemeahercules @tiganasummertree @sparlecorn93 @sals86 @pirateprincessofpizza @xarandomdreamx @zaharadessert @huntressandlioness1 @jamif @undercaffinatednightmare @onceratheart18 @sparlecorn93 @sals86 @pirateprincessofpizza @xarandomdreamx @zaharadessert @huntressandlioness1​

Chapter Five

The rest of that night and the next day passed for Emma in a hazy fog punctuated by bouts of crying in her bed curled up in the fetal position. Other times she just lay there staring at the ceiling, trying to let herself be swallowed up by a dark, dark hole that had taken up residence in her chest. She wanted to go numb, to never feel anything ever again. Just when she thought she’d succeeded in emptying herself of all emotion, waves of tears would begin to pound her once again.

She hadn’t had to spell anything out for Killian. He’d simply nodded when she asked for him to take her home, and in the car, he said nothing. The silence was laden with grief, yet she knew she couldn’t have handled any questions, or even worse, platitudes. 

Even when they walked through the kitchen door, no words had been necessary. Ingrid had taken one look at Emma, and a single sob had escaped her lips. Emma fell into her embrace, tears finally coming. She heard Liam make a guttural sound followed by a thud. He’d punched something, even had bruises on his knuckles the next day to prove it. Like Killian, however, he said nothing, asked no questions, and refrained from touching her. She could tell the brothers wanted to, the way their hands kept fisting then opening again, the way their arms kept reaching just short of touching her, then falling back to their sides. Emma ached with both relief and sadness at their hesitancy. 

It’s Been . . . A Day 3/3

Yep, here it is - finally! The conclusion to this little fic! Once again, this chapter includes a bit of my real life. I really did march into the "employees only" bathroom in a shoe store. The manager really did try to stop me, and I told him I was using the bathroom or my three year old was going to pee on his floor. He stepped aside. That time, it was my middle child, my daughter. Yes, I have potty trained three kids and lived to tell about it.

Much thanks to snowbellewells and darkpurplepsycho on discord for helping me with the ending!

Summary: Emma Swan bursts into Killian’s life in spectacular fashion - when her three year old pees on his office floor. Nevertheless, Killian is mesmerized by this tenacious woman. Perhaps fate will let them cross paths again …

Rated: G

Words: Around 2,700 in this chapter

Also on Ao3

Tagging: @kmomof4  @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose @xhookswenchx​ @teamhook​ @let-it-raines​ @winterbythesea @spartanguard​ @shireness-says​ @superchocovian​ @thesschesthair @resident-of-storybrooke​ @vvbooklady1256​ @hookedonapirate @ultraluckycatnd​ @hollyethecurious​ @welllpthisishappening @wellhellotragic​ @bethacaciakay​ @optomisticgirl​ @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones​ @ekr032-blog-blog​ @itsfabianadocarmo @profdanglaisstuff​ @thisonesatellite​ @winterbaby89 @tiganasummertree​ @xsajx​ @jennjenn615​ @cocohook38​

Chapter Three

“I’m using this bathroom, or I swear to God, my kid’s gonna pee right here on your floor.”

Killian’s hand freezes on the dark brown Sperrys he was eyeing at the sound of the spirited voice a few aisles over. He abandons the boating shoes and slips out the end of the aisle. Sure enough, a few feet away, Emma Swan is shouldering past a broad shouldered employee who has two feet in height on her. She pays no heed whatsoever to the badge that says “manager” pinned to his polo shirt as she guides Henry through a door marked “Employees Only.” 

A teenaged employee pauses in stocking the shelves. “You gonna let her just go in there?”

The manager sighs as he rubs his temple wearily. “You wanna wash a puddle of urine out of this carpet?”

“No!” exclaims the young employee.

“Then I guess her kid’s using our bathroom.”

Killian hides his chuckle behind his hand as the manager brushes past. Shoes forgotten, he leans casually near the “Employees Only” door. The teenager eyes him curiously, but then shrugs and walks away after she finishes stocking the shelves near him. When the door swings open, Killian begins to clap.

Emma startles as she whirls around. When she recognizes him, her shoulders relax and she gives a sheepish laugh. 

“Well done, Swan, well done!”

“You heard all that?”

“Yes, and you were bloody amazing.”

Emma blushes slightly as she gives a tiny bow. Henry is gazing at him with a curious expression, and he’s reminded that toddlers have a short memory. Killian hunkers down to Henry’s eye level.

“Nice to see you again, lad. You came into my office to use the bathroom? Remember?”

“I peed on the floor,” Henry says matter of factly, and Killian laughs. Henry grins. 

It’s Been . . . a DAY 2/3

One month a few days, and finally I bring you chapter two! Sorry for the wait. Are you ready for Killian to have a bad day? And maybe a certain blonde makes it better?

Summary: Emma Swan bursts into Killian’s life in spectacular fashion - when her three year old pees on his office floor. Nevertheless, Killian is mesmerized by this tenacious woman. Perhaps fate will let them cross paths again …

Rated: G

Words: Just a bit over 2k in this chapter

Also on Ao3

Tagging: @kmomof4​  @snowbellewells​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​ @xhookswenchx​ @teamhook​ @let-it-raines​ @winterbythesea​ @spartanguard​ @shireness-says​ @superchocovian​ @thesschesthair​ @resident-of-storybrooke​ @vvbooklady1256​ @hookedonapirate​ @ultraluckycatnd​ @hollyethecurious​ @welllpthisishappening​ @wellhellotragic​ @bethacaciakay​ @optomisticgirl​ @lfh1226-linda​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​ @ekr032-blog-blog​ @itsfabianadocarmo​ @profdanglaisstuff​ @thisonesatellite​ @winterbaby89​ @tiganasummertree​ @xsajx​ @jennjenn615​ @zaharadessert​​

Chapter Two:

“That’ll be $2.50.”

It’s an innocuous statement, or it normally would be, but Killian has just escaped the office after a particularly nasty run-in with Zelena Green. Escaped her demands for the most ridiculous tax deductions (with no receipts, mind you) along with her shrill screeching and her terrifying claws - ahem, manicure - so swiftly that he apparently ran to the coffee shop empty handed. 

“Um . . .” Killian’s panic mounts as he pats his jeans pockets and then his leather jacket with no success. “I think,” he chuckles awkwardly and throws the barista a lopsided and charming (he hopes) smile, “I forgot my wallet.”

The barista simply arches a brow at him, communicating quite clearly that she is immune to his wiles. She braces her arms on the counter and leans towards him.

“It’s still $2.50.”

He clutches the to-go cup in his hand so tightly that it threatens to pop the lid. 

“I heard you, lass, and I plan on giving you the money. I just need to run back to the office -”

“You’re not going anywhere until you give me two dollars and fifty cents.”

For a moment, he wants to snap at her, but he learned long ago that he can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. He leans his hip against the counter casually, lowers his gaze a bit, and gives the barista his best smolder.

I know I have WIPs, but I watched this Hallmark movie yesterday, and when I woke up, I couldn't get this out of my head. This is written in a unique style for me. It's just dialogue, with Emma telling her story to others. It stretched me as a writer, while also keeping this to JUST a one-shot. I hope you enjoy it! This is just silly humor plus dogs, don't' over think it ;) Thank you to my enablers on discord for encouraging me to write this (you know who you are!) 

Summary: Three failed relationships, and all Emma Swan has to show for it is the dog she got out of each of them. Which is why she's running down the street. With her dogs. In the rain. In a wedding dress. Emma Swan knows she is a disaster who's better with dogs than people.

Rated: G

Words: 3,500 and some change

Also on Ao3

Tagging the usuals: @snowbellewells @teamhook @kmomof4 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @welllpthisishappening @winterbythesea @optomisticgirl @spartanguard @bethacaciakay @xhookswenchx @cocohook38 @ekr032-blog-blog @lfh1226-linda @thislassishooked @thisonesatellite @vvbooklady1256 @tiganasummertree @ultraluckycatnd @killian-whump @hollyethecurious @profdanglaisstuff @hookedonapirate​ @let-it-raines​

If you want to be added to tag lists, just let me know!

This story begins in the most cliche way possible: “it was a dark and stormy night.” Granny had already turned the sign in the window to “closed,” and Ruby was flipping the chairs up to mop the floors. Only their late night regulars remained, polishing off slices of pie and cups of coffee. 

A diner closing up. A dark and stormy night. Very cliche. 

But this isn’t one of those stories, because there was a decidedly unique entourage heading - running - up Storybrooke’s main street. A bride, decked out in an elaborate wedding dress, with not one, not two, but three dogs at her heels. She held her skirts up so she could run as fast as possible, and the dogs loyally stayed with their mistress. 

Leroy spotted her first, nearly spitting out his coffee as he glanced out the window. “What the hell?”

The blonde bride, positively drenched from head to toe, pounded her fist against the diner’s locked door. 

“Please, please let me in!”

Granny, who normally never let new customers in once she’d locked up, glanced at her granddaughter with a shocked expression, then rushed to let the woman in. 

“Emma Swan, what in the world has happened to you?” Granny asked, but before Emma could answer, the proprietress barked a command at Ruby. “Go get some towels. 

It’s Been . . . a DAY 1/3

Yeah, I've got WIPs, but yeah, this came to me. My oldest, years ago, had to pee really bad and NO ONE would let me use their bathroom. An insurance office, of all places, took pity on me, and my kid proceeded to pee on their bathroom floor. I burst into tears, and the woman there hugged me and told me how her kids peed in all kinds of places when they were potty training. The people were so nice, they refused to let me clean it up. I've never forgotten that act of kindness, and I likely never will. So that's the inspiration for this story which will have three parts.

Summary: Emma Swan bursts into Killian's life in spectacular fashion - when her three year old pees on his office floor. Nevertheless, Killian is mesmerized by this tenacious woman. Perhaps fate will let them cross paths again . . .

Rated: G

Words: Just shy of 2k

Also on Ao3

Tagging the usuals: @kmomof4  @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose @xhookswenchx @teamhook @let-it-raines @winterbythesea @spartanguard @shireness-says @superchocovian @thesschesthair @resident-of-storybrooke @vvbooklady1256 @hookedonapirate @ultraluckycatnd @hollyethecurious @welllpthisishappening @wellhellotragic @bethacaciakay @optomisticgirl @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @ekr032-blog-blog @itsfabianadocarmo @profdanglaisstuff @thisonesatellite​ (sorry if I forgot anyone - I am really tired right now!)

Chapter One: 

“Can we use your bathroom, please?”

Jones & Jones Accounting Firm isn’t your stereotypical lifeless, silent establishment, just as the Jones brothers don’t look like your stereotypical accountants. Nevertheless, the frazzled blonde bursts in upon a moment of intense concentration. It’s tax season, after all. Killian takes in said blonde, her hair a wild disarray and tension in her shoulders. She’s clearly not having the best day. A squirming three year old grips her hand, doing what Liam and Elsa always call “the potty dance.”

All four employees of Jones & Jones (it technically should be Jones, Jones, & Jones, but Elsa said that was far too pretentious) hurriedly assure the woman, “yes, yes, of course,” leaping to their feet, hovering, oozing politeness, and pointing to the end of the hall to the facilities. The woman practically weeps in relief.

“Pee pee now, Mama!” the child cries, and his mother scoops him up, holding him out in front of her as she races for the toilet. It’s another maneuver Killian is familiar with thanks to Liam and Elsa - or his nephew, to be more specific.

The blonde - he really wants to know her name - sets the boy down in front of the toilet. In her haste she doesn’t even bother to shut the door.

It’s too late.

Before she can even get the child’s pants down, a yellow puddle is spreading at his feet.

“I’m so sorry,” she gasps to the adults still unhelpfully hovering.

Then she starts ugly crying. Somehow, Killian knows this is out of character for her.

The boy begins to cry in earnest too. Liam and Elsa race off, most likely to take care of this, as the only two adults at Jones & Jones with kids. Ariel, who knows nothing about personal space and has never met a stranger, puts a comforting arm around the blonde.

“It’s okay, lass,” Killian assures, “really.”

“How can it be okay? We burst in here and peed on your floor!”

Killian bites the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling or pointing out that only the lad did the actual peeing.

Valentine Throwbacks: Day 4

I originally wrote this for @lassluna​​, my Captain Swan Secret Valentine back in 2018. She asked for a friends to lovers modern au with angst and a happy ending.

Based on a prompt to write a fic with all three of these elements: a bikini, an irritating boss, and a fake illness.

Rated: T

Words: 7, 408

*Trigger Warning: This was written when the 2018 flu epidemic was going on, so it portrays an illness and mentions crowded hospitals and vaccines. Though it’s all depicted light-heartedly, I understand these may be topics some may wish to avoid in light of current events. Take care of yourselves!*

Also on Ao3

I also just realized the tags didn’t work yesterday for Day 3. You can find it HERE

Tagging: @snowbellewells​​​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​​​ @kmomof4​​​ @let-it-raines​​​ @teamhook​​​ @bethacaciakay​​​ @xhookswenchx​​​ @tiganasummertree​​​ @shireness-says​​​ @stahlop​​​ @scientificapricot​​​ @welllpthisishappening​​​ @resident-of-storybrooke​​​ @thislassishooked​​​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​​​ @kday426​​​ @ekr032-blog-blog​​​ @lfh1226-linda​​​ @ultraluckycatnd​​​ @nikkiemms @optomisticgirl​​​ @profdanglaisstuff​​​ @carpedzem​​​ @ohmakemeahercules​​​ @branlovestowrite​​​ @superchocovian​​​ @sherlockwhovian​​​ @vvbooklady1256​​​ @hollyethecurious​​​ @winterbaby89​​​ @delirious-latenight-laughs​​​ @jennjenn615​​​ @snidgetsafan​​​ @xsajx​​​​ @itsfabianadocarmo​​​ @spartanguard​​​ @hookedonapirate​​​

An irritating boss, a bikini, and Emma faking an illness. That’s what Killian Jones says brought them together. Emma Swan says he’s overplaying the bikini and downplaying the flu and fever-induced delirium.

Maybe we should go back to the beginning of the story . . .

Own Worst Enemy: 2/?

This is an ongoing, interactive birthday gift for @killiancygnus​ . You can find part one here

Well, these were the lyrics you requested, Fran!

“The smoke alarm is going off”

Four hours earlier . . .

Only Mary Margaret and David would combine their bachelorette and bachelor parties into one. They’re one of those couples who you can’t seem to separate in your mind. Their love is so pure - almost nauseatingly so - that it’s like they share one heart or something. Killian fiddles with the mug of beer in front of him that he should be drinking but has barely touched. He watches his best friend dance with his fiance, both of them sort of stumbling as they laugh. 

“God they’re already drunk.”

Killian catches the eye of the blonde sitting at the table with him, and it occurs to him that he can’t really call David his best friend anymore. Emma’s sort of taken that title from him, bit by bit as David and Mary Margaret fell deeper and deeper in love. Plus, he sees Emma all day every day, as they patrol Storybrooke together. They’re partners on the police force here, pretty much the entire police force plus Graham Humbert, the sheriff. It’s pretty much all a small town like theirs needs. 

“They’re happy,” Killian says, finally taking another sip of his beer. He grimaces because it’s started to get warm. He and Emma are officially the worst best man and maid of honor in the history of weddings. Sitting here, pouting, instead of celebrating. 

“I know,” she sighs, fiddling with her own mostly untouched mug. 

The rest of the wedding party are also three sheets to the wind already. Kristoff and Anna are in a booth in a corner dangerously close to needing a room. Ruby disappeared with a random stranger, laughing raucously, and Elsa’s about to fall off her bar stool as she flirts blatantly with Liam. Of course his brother, being the bartender and owner of the Rabbit Hole, is stone cold sober. He seems to be enjoying Elsa’s lowered inhibitions, however. Those two have been moving slower than a glacier when it comes to their feelings. 

Killian leans across the table towards Emma. “Want to dance, love?”

Emma’s eyebrows raise, and she tilts her head as if thinking it over. The fast pace of the current song helps her decide, he guesses. “Sure.”

She shimmies her way onto the dance floor then turns to him with a smirk and curve of her finger. He shakes his head as he joins her. 

“Let’s see if this Brit can actually move,” she teases him.

“Barely,” he quips, and he isn’t being self-deprecating, just honest. 

Despite his admittedly awkward dance movies, he finds himself finally enjoying himself. And he would be lying if he said that Emma’s swaying hips and the way she slides her body against his doesn’t light him up inside. Truth be told, if he had his way, they might be more than just friends. But Emma has walls higher than he’s ever seen. She doesn’t do relationships, those were her own words, and a one night stand is never going to happen since they work together and have the same circle of friends. Not that one night would be enough for Killian. Not with Emma. 

The upbeat number ends and a slow song takes its place. Emma surprises him by wrapping her arms around his neck. They sway together, and she seems relaxed for the first time that night. 

“I’m a horrible person,” she tells him. 

“If you are, then so am I.”

They’ve had this conversation before. They’re happy for their friends, but it’s a bit bittersweet too. Just as Mary Margaret was the first true friend Emma had ever had, David was the same for Killian, besides his brother. They had been randomly assigned as roommates freshman year at Boston College, and who would have ever thought two guys so completely different would become so close? Killian loosened straight-laced David, encouraging him to have a little fun. And David kept Killian grounded while also helping him out of a hole of self-loathing whenever necessary. If he had to guess, he’d say Mary Margaret has been a lot of the same for Emma.

Of course, the less time the lovebirds had for their best friends, the more he and Emma were tossed together outside of work, so that’s been a plus. 

Then there’s the thorny problem that neither of them will be able to pay their rent once David and Mary Margaret move out. He sighs. They may not be horrible people, but slightly selfish? Perhaps. Then again, they both have this deep-seated fear of home just . . . slipping away. 

His thoughts come crashing to a halt as he feels Emma’s fingers find their way to the ends of his hair. Her fingers dance across his neck, and he looks deep in to her eyes. Her cheeks are flushed slightly, and her lips part, but before she can say anything, a blaring alarm splits the air. 

They jump apart at first, but Killian quickly grasps her hand as the crowd around them begins to cry out in panic as the alarm continues to blare. Drunk people plus a fire alarm is not a good combination, and he doesn’t want to lose track of Emma. They are both jostled as they weave their way through the crowd, barking orders in the authoritarian voices they use when they’re on the job. Killian really wishes they had their badges to force the sea of people to part. 

Many of the people seem confused, some are so drunk they are laughing hysterically, and he and Emma push them towards the exit. 

“Stay calm!” they both shout. “Just head for the exit!”

When they reach the bar, Liam has his hands full. Some people see the distraction of the alarm as an opportunity to swipe some bottles of liquor. Emma and Killian quickly come to his aid, yanking people off the bar and shoving them towards the door.

“Where’s Elsa?” Emma shouts.

“She’s already outside,” Liam tells them, “I told her to run outside first thing.”

Killian thinks at first maybe someone pulled the alarm as a joke, but then he smells something burning and sees smoking billowing from the direction of the bathrooms. He tries to get Emma to head outside, but she stays, and the three of them are the last ones out. The fire truck is already on the scene, and they pass a group of firefighters as they exit. Mary Margaret, David, and the rest of the wedding party race frantically to their sides. 

“Thank God!” Mary Margaret cries as she embraces Emma.

David yanks Killian into one of those masculine embraces, and he grunts as David slaps his back. Everyone agrees to call it a night and heads home, but Killian decides to stay with his brother to make sure everything is ok with the bar. Emma stays too. Even though they were off duty, they’re still cops at the scene of a fire, she says. He thinks it has more to do with their friendship, but he just nods. 

In the end, the firefighters discover a bottle of liquor, a lighter, and an opened condom in the women’s bathroom. They all exchange glances and say at the same time: “Ruby.” Thankfully, the fire was put out before it could spread. Turns out there are some advantages to living in a small town. Liam decides to stay to see that everything is cleaned up. He never heads home until close to five am on a regular night, so he might as well. Killian offers to help, but Liam waves him off. 

“There’s a wedding tomorrow night, remember?”

Liam’s reminder causes him to look over at Emma. She’s sitting on the curb, her heels dangling from one hand, her chin propped on the other.  She looks like they have a funeral to go to tomorrow instead of a wedding. 

“Hey Liam, could I get a couple of bottles of rum?”

He gently prods her with his toe once he has the rum in hand. When she raises her head towards him, he flashes her his cockiest grin. “Need some cheering up?”

“Is rum your answer to everything?”

He shrugs. “It never hurts. How about we head down to the docks and drown our sorrows. The water is calming, you know.”

“So’s rum,” she chuckles, grabbing one of the bottles. 

“You’re a hypocrite of the highest order, Swan.”

She clinks her bottle with his as she stands. “Lead on, pirate.”

Tag, you’re it again, Fran! Time to pick a new lyric:

Can we forget about the things I said When I was drunk? I didn't mean to call you that I can't remember what was said Or what you threw at me

It's no surprise to me I am my own worst enemy 'Cause every now and then I kick the livin' shit out of me (the smoke alarm is going off) When there's a cigarette Still burnin'

Tagging @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @jennjenn615 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @bethacaciakay @thislassishooked @teamhook @kday426 @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @let-it-raines

Suitcase

Happy birthday, @ultraluckycatnd! You spread so much kindness in this fandom, I wanted to give a little back to you. So here is a sweet, fluffy little modern au for your special day! 

Based on the song “Suitcase” by JJ Heller. I incorporated lyrics of the verses into Killian’s letters to Emma. 

Summary: Who writes letters anymore? Emma Swan’s old-fashioned, over-the-top romantic, gentleman of a boyfriend Killian Jones, that’s who.

Rating: G 

Words: 1600 

Can also be read on Ao3

Part of my Fandom Birthday Playlist series. Previous gifts: Shatter Me| White Flag| Keep Your Eyes Open| Black Balloon| 

Tagging: @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kday426 @kmomof4 @snidgetsafan @teamhook @thislassishooked @bethacaciakay @delirious-latenight-laughs @jennjenn615 @winterbaby89 

 I know it’s hard and you feel lonely

And honestly, I feel it too

Baby, we both know, sometimes I have to go

I always miss you so

 Wish I could take you in my suitcase

To every city, every knew place

It doesn’t really matter where I travel to

My journey starts and ends with you.

 Emma Swan had rules about men. Killian Jones made her break every single one of them.

Her number one rule, and the one she broke first, was one Killian liked to tease her about. She said it after their first kiss, after their “kind of a first date,” and after they fell into bed together the first time. “This was a one-time thing,” she had told him as she shimmied back into her jeans.

He had laughed, still lying there in her bed like he planned on staying all night (but that was rule number two), and quoted the Princess Bride to her.

“You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.”

She had rolled her eyes as he tugged her back into bed, convincing her to break rule number two because the next morning, he was still there next to her.

Natural Opposite: 16/16 (Epilogue)

Are we really here at the end? It’s definitely bittersweet to say goodbye to this fic and to the @captainswanbigbang. It’s hard to believe that this time a year ago I was just setting up my tumblr page and had zero followers. Now, I have made so many new friends, and a big part of that was doing this event. Thank you to everyone: mods, fellow writers, artists, and betas. Our chats on discord and all the sprints helped me finally write the thing. I had this idea for so long, but I wasn’t sure how many people would even care about a Dancing With the Stars AU. The response has been overwhelming, so thank you everyone for your comments, kudos, and reblogs. I especially thank my beta @distant-rose, my temporary beta @wellhellotragic, and my hard working artist @optomisticgirl. Being able to call all three of you my friends because of this event is even greater than the hard work you put in. Thank you!

And now, for that short, fluffy epilogue . . .

Summary: Dance is more than Emma Swan’s career; it’s practically saved her life on more than one occasion. But when it comes to reality TV shows, she’s always danced in the shadows of her twin brother David and her sister Elsa. Her first season as a pro on Dancing With the Stars was a disaster, and she enters her second season determined to prove herself. All she needs is a good partner. Hollywood bad boy and ladies’ man Killian Jones isn’t what she had in mind.

Rating: M for mature themes, steamy dance routines, and sexy times (But NOT smut)

Trigger warnings: discussions of online solicitation of a minor, bullying, statutory rape, and emotionally abusive/controlling relationships; stalking; anti-Rumbelle, anti-Neal

Chapter Art by @optomisticgirl girl: Two| Four| Five| Six| Seven| Nine| Eleven| Twelve| Thirteen| Fourteen| Fifteen|

Can also be read on Ao3

Tagging: (let me know if you want to be added to my tag list) @snowbellewells @jennjenn615 @kmomof4 @snidgetsafan @kday426 @thislassishooked @bethacaciakay @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @followbatb @onceuponaprincessworld @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules @let-it-raines

Chapter Sixteen: Epilogue

Ten Months Later

There was a crash and a muttered “bloody hell” from the kitchen behind her, and Emma half rose from her place on the living room couch. “Are you sure you two don’t need my help?”

“No, Mom!” Henry answered. Was that panic in his voice? “I mean, um . . . of course not.”

Killian chuckled, and the sound of it made Emma relax. “Sorry, love, just dropped the bowl of popcorn. We’ll just pop another.”

Natural Opposite: 15/16

I can’t believe we are here at last to the penultimate chapter! All that’s left after this is a fluffy epilogue (which will post THIS Wednesday - yay!) I’ll wax emotionally about the @captainswanbigbang as a whole when I post that.

But this chapter finally takes us to the finals! Much love to my beta, @distant-rose for helping me finish this thing, and to my artist @optomisticgirl for doing such stunning work. You both spoiled me, really. This chapter is another reason for the M rating, and the closest thing to smut I think I’ve ever written. (What is it about the csbb that does this to so many of us? lol) Having said that, hold onto your seats for this week’s chapter art, and cross your fingers that tumblr staff doesn’t get stupid over it.

Summary: Dance is more than Emma Swan’s career; it’s practically saved her life on more than one occasion. But when it comes to reality TV shows, she’s always danced in the shadows of her twin brother David and her sister Elsa. Her first season as a pro on Dancing With the Stars was a disaster, and she enters her second season determined to prove herself. All she needs is a good partner. Hollywood bad boy and ladies’ man Killian Jones isn’t what she had in mind.

Rating: M for mature themes, steamy dance routines, and sexy times (But NOT smut)

Trigger warnings: discussions of online solicitation of a minor, bullying, statutory rape, and emotionally abusive/controlling relationships; stalking; anti-Rumbelle, anti-Neal

Chapter Art by @optomisticgirl: Four| Five| Six| Seven| Nine| Eleven| Twelve| Thirteen| Fourteen|

Can also be read on Ao3

Tagging: (let me know if you want to be added to my tag list) @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @kday426 @jennjenn615 @snidgetsafan @thislassishooked @bethacaciakay @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @followbatb @onceuponaprincessworld @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules @let-it-raines

Chapter Fifteen: Stole the Show

The light coming from beneath the crack of Henry’s door was not only barely detectable, but flickered and bounced. Emma wasn’t surprised then to find her son reading by flashlight when she eased the door open. He didn’t even notice her at first, his eyes scanning the page in front of him eagerly. She leaned against the door frame, a fond smile upon her face.

“It’s late kid,” she said softly.

He jumped slightly, raising his gaze to hers with a sheepish grin on his face. “Sorry, Mom, I just wanted to see what happened next.”

She raised her brows at him in warning. “It’s a school night.”

“Can I finish this chapter? Pleeease?”

Emma crossed the room and gently took the book from his hands. “A page and a half . . . okay, I guess so. But no more than that!”

“I promise.”

Emma bent down and kissed the top of his head, then flipped on the lamp beside his bed. “Better for your eyes,” she explained.

Discarding the flashlight, Henry wiggled down under the bedsheets. “Are you going to go on a date with Killian?” he asked, ignoring the book in his hand for the moment.

Emma frowned. “Why do you ask that?”

“Well, you did kiss him,” Henry pointed out, “on tv.”

Natural Opposite: 14/16

The dance in this chapter was inspired by THIS dance by Magda and Robert on So You Think You Can Dance. I have to thank everyone in the CSBB again for the Discord chat as I struggled to decide on a song for Emma and Killian’s final routine. @distant-rose is the one who suggested “Secret Love,” and if you watch that Youtube video above muted with that song playing, it’s perfect. @wellhellotragic suggested the song “Stole the Show,” which I also ended up using. Thanks to both of you!

Ro’s song suggestions are only one example of what a fantastic beta she was, truly going above and beyond. @optomisticgirl made that banner you’ve seen every week as well as chapter art, including the one for this week that captures Emma and Killian’s samba so well. Please go give her some love!

Summary: Dance is more than Emma Swan’s career; it’s practically saved her life on more than one occasion. But when it comes to reality TV shows, she’s always danced in the shadows of her twin brother David and her sister Elsa. Her first season as a pro on Dancing With the Stars was a disaster, and she enters her second season determined to prove herself. All she needs is a good partner. Hollywood bad boy and ladies’ man Killian Jones isn’t what she had in mind.

Rating: M for mature themes, steamy dance routines, and sexy times (But NOT smut)

Trigger warnings: discussions of online solicitation of a minor, bullying, statutory rape, and emotionally abusive/controlling relationships; stalking; anti-Rumbelle, anti-Neal

Chapter Art by @optomisticgirl girl: Four| Five| Six| Seven| Nine| Eleven| Twelve| Thirteen|

Can also be read on Ao3

Tagging: (let me know if you want to be added to my tag list) @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @kday426 @jennjenn615 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @teamhook @thislassishooked @bethacaciakay @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @followbatb @onceuponaprincessworld @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules @let-it-raines

Chapter Fourteen: Secret Love

The next day, Emma saw Killian’s gray hoodie and baseball cap again when he picked her up before rehearsals. They had to enter the studio together anyway so the cameras could record their reaction. One of the judges would be their mentor, choreographing their routine and giving them pointers. They wouldn’t find out who it was until they arrived at the studio. Killian pointed out that if they didn’t ride together, one of them would just have to stand around in the lobby or the hallway waiting for the other one. It made practical sense, so she agreed. After all, friends could give each other rides to work. Right?

Inviting Killian to get their early, however, was all Henry. He had been pestering her to have Killian over again for weeks, and she did promise Henry breakfast every morning until New Year’s, and Killian did need to eat a healthy, protein-filled breakfast in order to dance, and . . . At that point, Emma had cut him off, joking that he really ought to be a lawyer when he grew up.

If Found Please Call

This fic idea wouldn’t leave me alone, so I stayed up until one am writing it. Hopefully it’s not a hot mess. Based on my own experiences as a not-so soccer mom.

Summary: Emma Swan wasn’t trying to give Henry’s soccer coach Killian Jones her phone number. She was just sick and tired of her kid losing his water bottles.

Rating; G

Words: 3,000 +

Can also be read on Ao3

Tagging @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @kday426 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @bethacaciakay @teamhook @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @jennjenn615 @onceuponaprincessworld @ohmakemeahercules @distant-rose @welllpthisishappening @let-it-raines

Emma Swan doesn’t ask for a three and a half bath house or high-end SUV. She doesn’t need to take her son for a week at Disney World at the Grand Floridian. But she would like for once to be able to just say yes to the little things without doing mathematical gymnastics in her head. Henry’s currently begging her for a water bottle to take to soccer, and damn it, this shouldn’t be such a big deal.

But she’s a single mom and pinching pennies just seems to be part of the deal. She doesn’t even have the added bonus of a child support check. Scratch that, having Neal in their lives wouldn’t be worth the pennies he’d most likely throw their way.

You’d think a water bottle wouldn’t be a major purchase. But first of all, this is no ordinary water bottle. This is a metal Thermos with a flip top straw that promises to keep beverages cool for twelve hours. And since Emma bought one for herself to take on stake outs, she can attest to the legitimacy of that claim. With ice still rattling around inside.

But, they aren’t cheap, at least in Emma’s opinion. She spent twenty-five bucks on hers. Henry wants a slightly smaller one, which is twenty, but that’s still a lot for a water bottle. Especially considering how many water bottles she’s already bought for the kid that he’s promptly lost. When she points this out to him, he naturally begins his debate skills which are surprisingly well-honed for a twelve-year-old.

“But this one is special, so I won’t forget it.”

She raises both eyebrows. “Special how?” Aside from keeping drinks ice cold for twelve hours.

“It’s an Avengers one.”

Natural Opposite: 13/16

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! Thanks as always to the best beta ever, @distant-rose. I encourage you to go read all of her own fics because she's fantastic. My artist @optomisticgirl has once again made wonderful chapter art for this . Please check out her blog to see all her art (not just for this story) as well as her own fanfics which are some of my favs. Also head over to @captainswanbigbang if you haven't already. There were so many amazing fics written for this event; we are a blessed fandom!

Summary: Dance is more than Emma Swan’s career; it’s practically saved her life on more than one occasion. But when it comes to reality TV shows, she’s always danced in the shadows of her twin brother David and her sister Elsa. Her first season as a pro on Dancing With the Stars was a disaster, and she enters her second season determined to prove herself. All she needs is a good partner. Hollywood bad boy and ladies’ man Killian Jones isn’t what she had in mind.

Rating: M for mature themes, steamy dance routines, and sexy times (But NOT smut)

Trigger warnings: discussions of online solicitation of a minor, bullying, statutory rape, and emotionally abusive/controlling relationships; stalking; anti-Rumbelle, anti-Neal

Chapter Art by @optomisticgirl: Four| Five| Six| Seven| Nine| Eleven| Twelve|

Can also be read on Ao3

Tagging: (let me know if you want to be added to my tag list) @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kday426 @bethacaciakay @teamhook @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @jennjenn615 @winterbaby89 @onceuponaprincessworld @followbatb @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules

Chapter Thirteen: Hook

Emma reached down to pet Graham’s service dog as she headed to the kitchen for another helping of orange chicken from the take out containers. Elsa and Graham had graciously allowed Emma and Henry to join them for their impromptu celebration for getting voted off in today’s eliminations.

“I still can’t believe we’re celebrating,” Emma commented as she settled back down on the couch.

Elsa turned to Graham, who had her tucked against his side, his hand resting on her hip. She traced his jaw and smiled. “We don’t have to hide that we’re together anymore,” she said, and Graham pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then Elsa turned to Emma. “Besides, now we don’t have to compete against you and Killian in the semi-finals. Now I can just cheer on my little sister.”

“You and Jones are going to win,” Graham told her confidently as he took a sip of his beer.

Emma sighed as she speared a piece of chicken with her chopsticks. “I hope so.”

“He sure beat me in that dance off,” Graham chuckled.

Natural Opposite: 12/16

Merry Christmas, everyone! I am so excited to share this chapter with you, and it’s kind of fitting that it ends up being a little Christmas present to all my followers because this chapter is one of my favorites. I want to give everyone in the CSBB a special shout out for the very lively debate on Discord about Jamie Dornan’s chest vs. Colin’s and all the pics ;) For science, of course.

You all need to be very thankful for my beta @distant-rose for insisting that I actually write the chest-off instead of just alluding to it. Okay, she kind of demanded, but we’re all glad she did, right? You will also get a huge Christmas present from my artist @optomisticgirl in the form of chapter art for this. When she sent it to me, my jaw hit the floor. Anyone ask for man candy for Christmas? Just hope that staff isn’t a grinch.

Chapter art: Two Four Five Six Seven Nine Eleven

Summary: Dance is more than Emma Swan’s career; it’s practically saved her life on more than one occasion. But when it comes to reality TV shows, she’s always danced in the shadows of her twin brother David and her sister Elsa. Her first season as a pro on Dancing With the Stars was a disaster, and she enters her second season determined to prove herself. All she needs is a good partner. Hollywood bad boy and ladies’ man Killian Jones isn’t what she had in mind.

Rating: M for mature themes, steamy dance routines, and sexy times (But NOT smut)

Trigger warnings: discussions of online solicitation of a minor, bullying, statutory rape, and emotionally abusive/controlling relationships; stalking; anti-Rumbelle, anti-Neal

Can also be read on Ao3

Tagging: (let me know if you want to be added to my tag list) @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @jennjenn615 @kday426 @bethacaciakay @teamhook @snidgetsafan @whimsicallyenchantedrose @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @followbatb @onceuponaprincessworld @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules

 Chapter Twelve: Hey, Jealousy

Emma had known when she collapsed into bed at five am that she would regret her all-nighter. However, she had underestimated just how much until her alarm went off at seven. She slapped the snooze button without even cracking her eyes open. August’s season with the Angels was over, so his schedule was wide open. He wouldn’t care if she texted and asked if they could push rehearsals back to nine.

But Henry cared about her sleeping in. And she did try to be up to see him before he got on the bus. She tried to sit down and have breakfast with him too, when her schedule permitted.

“Mom,” he asked her, cautiously opening the door, “you said you’d make scrambled eggs this morning.”

Emma groaned as she forced herself to sit up. She rubbed her face and ran her hand through her tangled hair.

“Are you hungover?” Henry asked.

“What?” Emma blurted, suddenly much more alert. “You’re ten! What do you know about hangovers?”

Henry shrugged. “TV. Movies. The internet. I’m not Amish.”

Natural Opposite: Re-post 4/16

Finally, my last re-post!

I know I sound like a broken record, but I seriously had the best beta in @distant-rose. Especially considering how busy she is. She took being my beta seriously and helped me make this story ten times better. Thank you, Ro!

I also had the best artist in @optomisticgirl. I mean, how did I get so blessed with these two? Her art for this chapter blew me away. I never expected a picset of their “first meeting” routine, and seeing it come to life was such a gift! You can see it here and also check out her art for Chapter Two

Summary: Dance is more than Emma Swan’s career; it’s practically saved her life on more than one occasion. But when it comes to reality TV shows, she’s always danced in the shadows of her twin brother David and her sister Elsa. Her first season as a pro on Dancing With the Stars was a disaster, and she enters her second season determined to prove herself. All she needs is a good partner. Hollywood bad boy and ladies’ man Killian Jones isn’t what she had in mind.

Rating: M for mature themes, steamy dance routines, and sexy times (But NOT smut)

Trigger warnings: discussions of online solicitation of a minor, bullying, statutory rape, and emotionally abusive/controlling relationships; stalking; anti-Rumbelle, anti-Neal

Can also be read on Ao3

Tagging: (let me know if you want to be added to my tag list) @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @jennjenn615 @kday426 @bethacaciakay @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @followbatb @onceuponaprincessworld @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules @sambethe

 Chapter Four: Light it Up

Emma felt that familiar pre-performance fluttering in her stomach. She bounced on the balls of her feet and chewed on her bottom lip; habits that Ingrid had always teased her about. The lights of the studio were shining hotly down on the dance floor, and the crowd was pumped.

“So,” Killian said at her elbow, “is it normal for me to feel like I’m about to throw up?”

He gave her that usual charming smile, but he also looked slightly pale under his heavy makeup. The tips of his ears had also turned red. The past few weeks teaching him the choreography had been difficult, but not in the way Emma had expected. She thought it would be filled with Killian’s constant flirting and her barely contained aggression. Instead, after that awkward fall, things had been rather cold and professional. If Emma were completely honest with herself, she would admit to throwing up a wall. She didn’t care if Regina hit the roof; she had decided to be a strictly professional dance teacher and nothing more. Ratings and votes be damned. Even more surprising was that Killian seemed to take her lead, pulling back from his attempts at banter and flirting.

She looked over at him now and attempted to give him an encouraging smile. “I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, and I still get nervous. But surely you’ve felt the same before as an actor.”

Killian shuffled his feet then scratched behind his ear; a gesture she had already learned was a nervous tic. “I confess, nerves are a normal part of my profession, but this . . . this is quite different.”

She took a deep breath, then reached over to take his hand. They needed to play up their partnership for the audience soon anyway, they may as well start now. “You know the choreography perfectly. Now it’s time to just enjoy the performance.”

He glanced at their joined hands with slight surprise, then smiled tentatively. “Thank you, Swan.” Then he cocked an eyebrow at her. “And I am blessed with the most beautiful partner. Have I told you how incredibly sexy you look?”

Emma pulled her hand away, crossing her arms firmly over her chest. “You know, every time I think you’re being genuine, you go and say things like that.”

His eyes went suddenly wide as he put a hand to his chest. “You wound me, Swan. I’m being one hundred percent sincere, I mean, look at you.”