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: 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.”

Natural Opposite: Re-post of 3/16

Many thanks again to my beta, @distant-rose, as well as my artist @optomisticgirl who made the amazing banner above. You can also check out her art for chapter two here: Chapter Two Art

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 A03

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 Three: Hips Don’t Lie

“Regina, what the hell?”

Regina swiveled her chair to face Emma, who had stormed into her office with absolutely no preamble. She folded her hands calmly on her desk and arched a finely penciled brow. “Well, good morning to you too, Ms. Swan.”

Emma just stood in front of the woman’s desk, hands on her hips, foot tapping impatiently. “Cut the crap, Regina. How dare you –“

Regina cut her off with a raised hand. “If you’re storming in here to complain about your partner, you can stop right there. Thank God we salvaged enough footage from your first meeting. You couldn’t have been more rude to the man if you tried!”

Emma rolled her eyes. “And he couldn’t have been more of a self-absorbed jerk if he tried.”

Regina leaned forward, her eyes lowering to angry slits. “Every other female pro would gladly take a lead pipe to your knee to have an A-list celebrity as a partner.”

Natural Opposite: Re-post of 2/16

Many thanks to my beta, @distant-rose, as well as my artist @optomisticgirl. You can check out her chapter art here: Chapter Two I love the way she captured the craziness of Comic-Con when our OTP first meet!

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

Chapter Two: Anywhere But Here

“So we’re on our way to San Diego,” Emma said into the camera, forcing a stage smile onto her face. She also used a peppier voice than she normally would. She had been dancing since she was in her early teens; she knew how to act. Yet even her decade’s worth of stage experience couldn’t mask all of her nerves. She kept gnawing on her bottom lip and rubbing her palms up and down her jeans as she glanced out the tinted windows of the limousine.

Emma looked back into the camera and chuckled. “Now I know how the celebs feel when they meet us! I have no idea what to expect.”

“I think that’s enough for now,” the camera guy told her flatly as he lowered his equipment to his lap.

Natural Opposite: Re-post of 1/16

Tumblr deleted the first four chapters of my CSBB, so I’m reblogging them. If you reblogged the first time, I would appreciate it if you reblogged again. I can’t remember what I said when I posted this originally. I think I gushed about how much I love everyone in the CSBB and how rewarding it was. I hope I gave my beta @distant-rose love for this chapter in particular because it wouldn’t be what it is without her. Thank you for pushing me, Ro, and I’m sorry if I kicked and screamed a little bit!

Gorgeous banner above was made by the amazing @optomisticgirl who deserves all the good things for her amazing talent. She was also a huge fan of this story, for which I’m grateful.

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 @wellhellotragic @sambethe

Natural opposite: a movement in ballroom dancing which corresponds directly and naturally to that of your partner

Chapter One: Jar of Hearts

Emma Swan pushed her long blonde hair over one shoulder and reached around to hook the clasp on her bra. The man lying in bed next to her reached out his hand, his fingers lightly touching her arm.

“There’s no hurry,” he said huskily, shifting closer to ghost his lips over her bare shoulder.

She looked through her curtain of sex-mussed hair to take in his dazzling smile. It was his best feature, the first to draw her attention at the bar. Second only to the long, dark lashes that framed his amber eyes. Emma said nothing in reply, merely snatching her little red dress off the floor and shimmying into it.

“Help me with the zipper?”

He merely pouted at her, making quite the picture with his chiseled muscles across his smooth, mahogany skin. An errant dark curl fell over his forehead, another feature she had admired at the bar, though then his tight curls had been styled and tamed. He looked really good post-coital, too good. Emma looked away, contorting her arms to reach the damn zipper herself.

“I’m beginning to think I’m just a one-night stand.”

Emma grabbed her shoes and purse, tossing him a flippant grin. “You catch on quick.”

Natural Opposite Ch 12 Sneak Peek

Because of the tumblr protest/mass log off, I did not post my CSBB update this week. Here’s a little taste of chapter 12. Just wait until you see @optomisticgirl ‘s chapter art as well. It will be a great Christmas present, trust me ;) And yes, she and I will be posting this on Christmas eve, so Happy Holidays!

Chapter Twelve: Hey, Jealousy

Emma ignored his attitude and took him through the choreography. “Now here,” Emma said after a dip, “I’ll walk around behind you, and take your shirt off.”

“What!”

“You’ll wear an open shirt, and as I come around behind you,” Emma explained again, “I’ll pull it off your shoulders.”

“Hell no,” Killian told her firmly.

Emma massaged her brow. “You’re an actor! You can’t tell me you’ve never taken off your shirt for a role before.”

“Well, yes, I have but –“

“No buts,” Emma snapped, “the viewers at home will be live voting, and if you think Graham won’t be taking his shirt off, you’re dreaming.”

This time, it was Emma who had stomped into his personal space. Killian glared down at her. “I have a say in this, and the answer is no.”

Rage welled up in Emma at his stubbornness. “Oh, you won’t take your shirt off, but you’ll gladly let Jasmine give you a lap dance!”

“It wasn’t a lap dance, it was a rumba!”

“It sure as hell looked like a lap dance!”

“Well what about you bumping and grinding with August!” Killian shouted back.

Emma shook her head in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“I saw you! You came up behind him, wrapping your arms around him.”

Yes, I’m leaving it there. An abrupt stopping point perhaps, but I don’t want you to know just yet how this fight ends. See you Christmas Eve for the rest!

@snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kmomof4 @jennjenn615 @kday426 @bethacaciakay @teamhook @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @onceuponaprincessworld @followbatb @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules @distant-rose

Natural Opposite: 11/16

This chapter has been a long time coming, and I am so excited to finally share it! Though Emma and Killian’s relationship doesn’t escalate in the physical sense yet, some walls still come down emotionally. This chapter is also one of the reasons for the M rating as we find out more of Emma’s back story.

Huge thanks as always to my awesome beta @distant-rose, and a shout out to everyone in the CSBB for the discord chat to help me pick the song for this Halloween dance. Especially @katie-dub who recommended “Dark Waltz” by Hayley Westenra. Be sure to check out her CSBB story, Princess of White Chapel, because it is SO good! Actually, everyone in the CSBB put out exceptional work, so be sure to give them all the love and attention they deserve.

I can not fully express how much I love the chapter art that @optomisticgirl did for this. It was the first piece she made, and I was just blown away the minute I saw it! So be sure to go over to her blog and like and reblog because she deserves all the love!

Here is her other chapter art for this story:Two Four Five Six Seven Nine

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

Chapter Eleven: Dark Waltz

Emma was a nervous wreck arriving at the studio to rehearse with Killian. She wasn’t sure how she should handle the gossip. Should she bring it up? Would he? Should she just pretend not to know and ignore it? Would it make things awkward between them? Killian was always flirting with her, trying to get her to open up, but he had never actually asked her out or made a move. She liked things where they were: friendship with innocent flirting. She didn’t want those stupid pictures to mess up the delicate balance they had struck.

But when she stepped off the elevator on the top floor, the sound of loud shouting from the studio at the end of the hall had all thoughts of paparazzi pushed from her mind. She raced down the hall, along with several other celebs and pro dancers towards the room where Jefferson and Belle rehearsed. Emma was shocked to find Robert Gold on the floor, Liam Jones on top of him. Killian was trying to pull his brother off as he threw punches at the older man. Belle was crying and begging Liam to stop. Finally, Jefferson and Graham joined Killian and the three of them managed to pull Liam back and calm him down. Security then rushed in and ushered Liam, Gold, and Belle out of the room. Jefferson followed along with his partner.

Once they had gone, Emma turned to Killian in shock. “What the hell was that all about?”

Killian ran a shaking hand through his hair. “Apparently Gold has been stalking Belle. Liam came to bring her coffee this morning, and he caught Gold in here with her. Liam said he was touching her somehow, but my brother wasn’t exactly focusing on talking, if you know what I mean.”

Natural Opposite: 10/16

The title of this chapter comes from the song of the same name by Lindsey Stirling. My beta, @distant-rose sent me the song because she said it reminded her of Emma in my fic, and she was so right! Ro, it meant so much to know you were thinking of my story and sharing your thoughts on it. Thank you! I highly recommend watching the music video because it is such a visual of Emma in this story.

The banner above was made by the amazing @optomisticgirl as well as the following chapter art:Two Four Five Six Seven Nine

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 @bethacaciakay @kday426 @jennjenn615 @teamhook @whimsicallyenchantedrose @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @onceuponaprincessworld @followbatb @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules

Chapter Ten: Shatter Me

Emma groaned as she rolled over to find that her alarm clock still only read 6 am. They had two weeks before the next episode of the show instead of one, so she and Killian had decided to take a much needed day off. Of course, Halloween week was looming, so they couldn’t afford more than this one day. The Halloween routines always had high expectations, and there was also the group dance. But even though Killian had two dances to learn, he was so exhausted they agreed pushing on without a break would do more harm than good.

Emma just hoped Killian was able to ignore his internal alarm clock better than she was right now. She put her pillow over her head in frustration pressing the fluffy down against her ears. Someone was being way too loud as they got dressed this morning, and it sure as hell wasn’t Henry.

“Elsa, I swear to God,” Emma muttered against her mattress as she heard another dull thud. Then she heard Elsa giggle. What the hell? Emma sat up in irritation, flinging back her blankets. She paused before getting up. Was that a bark she just heard? Emma went quickly to her door, and as she stepped into the hallway she instantly collided with . . . a dog?

Natural Opposite: 9/16

The dance I invented for this chapter is probably my favorite. One, because it’s to a Nirvana song, and as a nineties teen, I LOVE Nirvana. And second, my dance background is more in this style (contemporary) than in ballroom. I hope you enjoy reading it and the way it brings Emma and Killian closer together!

Thanks to my beta @distant-rose who loved this Nirvana dance almost as much as I did. Ro, our music chats were such a fun part of doing this with you! I’m glad we have similar tastes. And my artist, @optomisticgirl girl, is so talented and perfectly captured a dance that was only in my head beautifully for this chapter. Thank you, B! She also made that gorgeous banner you see every Monday!

Chapter art:

Ch 2

Ch 4

Ch 5

Ch 6

Ch 7

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: @bethacaciakay @kmomof4 @teamhook @kmomof4 @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kday426 @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @jennjenn615 @followbatb @onceuponaprincessworld @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules

Chapter Nine: Heart Shaped Box

Killian grinned widely at Emma when he arrived for their rehearsal the next day. She returned it and gave him a small hug in greeting, and she couldn’t say it was just for the cameras. As much as she hated to admit it, she found herself looking forward to their rehearsals. They actually had fun together. Yeah, he still drove her crazy sometimes, but he also made her laugh. Last week, Killian had summed it up in a teasing remark.

“You know, Swan, I quite fancy you from time to time. When you’re not yelling at me.”

Henry’s observation about him “liking” her rose to mind, but she quickly pressed that down. Flirting, she had come to find out, was his autopilot. And like her sarcasm, it was largely a defense mechanism.

“Sorry we have to rehearse so early,” Killian told her, “but . . . I brought a peace offering.” He extended a styrofoam to-go cup.

“Coffee?” she asked, with a tilt of her head as she accepted the offering.

“Please, Swan, are you trying to test me? It’s hot chocolate,” he said, tapping the plastic lid teasingly, “with whipped cream and cinnamon.”

Natural Opposite 8/16

* Before writing this fic, I did some -not a ton, but some - research on Dancing With the Stars. Every source I looked at said that the pro dancers on the show are forbidden in their contracts from getting romantically involved with their partners. That's why relationships are only ever "rumored" until after the season is over. While many hook ups have happened - even marriages - nothing is ever official while filming is happening. That doesn't stop the hosts from asking questions, of course, but the dancers and celebs are usually coy about it. Until this season!!! I don't know how many of you watch DWTS, but Alexis Ren told her partner Alan that she was developing feelings for him - on camera. The following week, Alan told her he had feelings for her to, and kissed her! On camera! Believe me, this has NEVER happened before! Derek Hough even got in trouble ages ago when compromising paparazzi pictures came out of him and his partner. I based my fic on what I knew of the show in the past as a fan and through my research. So thanks a lot DWTS for making me seem like I don't know what I'm talking about!

* Once again, many thanks to my artist @optomisticgirl. There isn't chapter art this week, but some AMAZING stuff is coming that I can't wait for ya'll to see!

* And my beta, @distant-rose, was incredible. Her insights on Henry's character especially influenced this chapter. So thanks, Ro!

Also on Ao3

Tagging @bethacaciakay @teamhook @kmomof4 @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kday426 @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @jennjenn615 @followbatb @onceuponaprincessworld @hollyethecurious @ohmakemeahercules

Chapter Eight: See the Light

Emma snuggled into the corner of the couch with a mug of hot chocolate in her hands. A box of pizza lay open on the coffee table. She honestly couldn’t believe she agreed to this. The rules on how much time partners on the show could spend together was hazy. Romantic relationships were expressly forbidden in everyone’s contracts. However, there were no strict guidelines to prevent them. And honestly, since rumors of romance helped ratings, the producers typically looked the other way.

So the fact that Killian Jones was currently sitting on her living room floor playing video games with her son wasn’t a shock because of contractual agreements. No, it was a shock because Emma Swan didn’t do things like this. She didn’t invite men over to hang out and eat pizza with her and Henry. She enjoyed hanging out with her fellow pros on set, but that was as deep as things ever went. One night stands were also common in Emma’s social life, but she had strict rules for those. It was never anyone she knew (even a first name was more than she needed or asked for), and she never brought them home. Most of her one night stands happened on tour while Henry was spending the summer with Ingrid; a way to release pent up frustrations with her social life.

Killian groaned as he dropped the video game controller in his lap, and Henry fist pumped in victory.

Lauren Daigle is performing on Dancing With the Stars tonight! !!

And yes, I'll be posting an update for Natural Opposite!