Summary: When word of Robert Siegel’s departure from NPR’s “All Things Considered” goes public, Emma gets the chance to compete for her dream job. All that stands in her way are nine fellow journalists – one of them being the charismatic yet cocky Killian Jones. When she ends up paired with Killian on the first story, things get more complicated as she tries to balance fighting for her long-time aspiration and her budding relationship with this fascinating fellow reporter.
I had the best time creating this cover art for Jordy. (You can click on the picture to see in full size) She created an amazing story that you should all read now. If you like the frenemies/co-workers/friendship-turn-into-love thing, then this is perfect for you. Read it and let Jordy know how much you love it. I had a lot of fun creating the whole set and creating all the logos was definitely a learning experience and I’m really proud of the final product.
Also, check out the amazing gifsetcreated by @sailingcaptainswanMegan did such a beautiful set capturing key moments of this story, go show her some love.
Thank you @the-girl-in-the-band-tshirt for your amazing reactions to the art, without your fic there would not have been any inspiration at all. And thank you @captainswanbigbang for creating the CSLB project for authors and artists.
Lastly, Megan and Jordy! It was truly a joy to work with you both.
Merry Christmas Courtney! You mentioned you liked Neverland hidden feelings and that got me thinking about what would have happened if we got a chance to see Killian reacting to Emma almost drowning during the storm. I hope you like it!!!!
He wished he could silence the demons that were haunting him, but not even the strongest rum was doing the trick this night. He closed his eyes, the image of Emma sinking into the sea coming to him again. Killian fisted his hand and was tempted to punch the wall of his cabin, but he knew it was futile to fight the feelings that were invading him.
He sensed more than heard the soft steps outside his cabin, the creak of the wooden planks as familiar as his own heartbeat. Without even thinking, he opened the door, his eyes finding her standing in front of him. She was wearing one of his old white linen shirts, the ones he’d stashed on the cabin crew the day he’d left his lieutenant days behind. She looked like a vision and he took it as such until the sight of her still wet blonde hair reminded him of how close he’d been to lose her. To lose yet another one he’d come to care about.
Without thinking, he pulled her into the cabin and closed the door. He pressed her against the wall, his forehead resting against hers, his lips murmuring against her skin.
“Don’t you ever do that again…”
“Hook, it was the only way.”
He closed his eyes. “I could have lost you… I can’t – I can’t bear it.”
The soft caress of her fingers on his cheek undid him and it was all it took for his lips to find hers in a searing kiss, for his hand to reach and undo the buttons of the shirt she was wearing, for him to lose himself in the soft curves of her body. For him to feel Emma Swan’s pulse thrumming as he brought her to the brink of pleasure, for him to feel her alive and writhing under him.
For Killian Jones’ heart to feel alive again, after so many centuries being dormant.
So this had started out as a small idea as a birthday gift for my friend but then spiraled out of control. I wanna thank @captainswanbigbang that gave me this opportunity to finally complete this piece.
Lots of gratitude and love for Nicola ( @alocin209 ) for beta reading, providing insights and being patient throughout the craziness of my schedule. Thank you so much for this. It was such a joy interacting with you.
And a huge shout out to Sophie ( @shady-swan-jones ) for selecting this story to bestow her creativity. I have been a huge admirer of her art and working with her was such a beautiful experience. Thank You So Much.
Summary:
Killian Jones was one story away from establishing himself as a successful writer – that is what his publisher said and he completely believed it. He knew he should be pouring his heart out but his muse had other ideas, it seemed.
Emma Swan used to love her job but the monotony of the routine had finally caught up with her and she no longer enjoyed the job she once loved.
Can the two lost souls find what they were looking for when they meet each other at a restaurant and end up striking a deal that could change how they were?
The fierceness with which Killian was hitting the keys of his laptop instantly transported him to his college days when a paper was due. Or the time when he was writing his first novel and his muse had generously bestowed him with its presence. In both instances he had been in the same place, the corner booth of Granny’s bistro, where he could surreptitiously watch everyone. He loved the place, having spent years harboring the dream to make it big in the literary world. He’d thought he made it back then, he’d reached out and grabbed his dream. Now, he wasn’t so sure he’d made it at all.
He hit the Backspace button again, annihilating his last hours hard work. It just didn’t fit. He groaned in frustration, running his fingers through his hair. It had been almost a year since he had last published but Robin, his publisher/manager, insisted that he start working again. According to him, Killian needed just one more bestseller to carve his niche in the cutthroat world of writing. While Killian couldn’t help but agree, it didn’t mean that he was happy about it. He loved writing – fleshing out characters, charting down their minute traits that made them them, and then finally breathing life in the roles he had envisioned. He just hated the times when the slippery muse would desert him and it was happening more nowadays. He sighed, rubbing his face in frustration when a cappuccino with a smiley face was put in front of him.
“Thanks Granny,” Killian smiled. He was agitated, frustrated beyond measures but somehow the old woman always made him smile.
“It seemed like you needed it,” she spoke, a twinkle in her eye as she sat next to him.
It All Starts With a Dance 
