So this is my Circus!AU. Idea credit to vickyvicarious.
If there was one thing in life that Emma loved more than anything, it was performing. The rush she got when the lights were on her and the music was playing and she could feel the familiar energy shining through her- that was bliss. She could care less about the audience or the flowers or accolades. She hardly noticed any of it anyways.
Keep your head in- depress your shoulder blades.
She pulled herself higher on the swing, lifting her legs above her head. Don't pull your head through your shoulders.
She remembered her first time ever seeing an aerial act. The circus had visited in her town like it had every year. And, just like every year, she and the other girls in the orphanage were prohibited to go. Naturally she had sneaked out that night. Emma never liked authority.
Shoulders angled out. Legs tucked.
Pulling her legs over her self, she flipped over and swung her legs back and forth, preparing to jump.
The circus was more than she could have ever imagined. The tent was full to the brim with people of all kinds, indiscriminate in it's housing. People of every race and prosperity squished together in one little world of it's own. There were lights flashing everywhere, colors she had never seen before, animals that looked strange and gigantic compared to her 8 year old self. She had to sneak in the back as she had no coins to give to the man at the booth in the front.
Keep your legs straight, head in.
She let go of the bar on the up-swing, flying in the air, and twisting her body into intricate twirls, the fabric of her costume fluttering in the wind. She reached out, her bandaged hands grasping hold of the aerial silk at the very last second, wrapping her foot around the fabric.
When the Aerialists had come out to do their performance she was instantly enthralled. Their sleek costumes were more bright and form fitting than the others, and they sparkled as they fearlessly climbed to insane heights. It was a man and a woman, one on either side of the strange set of swings and ropes. When they flew through the air together it appeared like a weightless dance, perfectly choreographed and yet completely spontaneous at the same time. They had such complete trust in each other, putting their lives in the others strong hands. She knew at that moment she wanted to be an aerialist.
She dropped backwards, letting go of the rope and pointing her foot ever so slightly so she slid down the silk, almost free falling before catching herself with her hands. Flipping up right again, she hooked her other foot in the silk and stretched into a cupids-arrow pose. After holding it for a few seconds she unhooked her foot and slid the rest of the way down the silk and struck her ending pose.
Yes- there was nothing she loved more than performing. But she performed alone.
That's why, when she noticed Rumplestiltskin standing beside a tall, dark (and unfortunately handsome) man with a wide-eyed impressed expression on his face she instantly grew weary.
"Hello deary." The slimy ringmaster purred.
"What do you want, 'Stiltskin?" She growled back, glaring at him.
"It'd like you to meet Killian Jones." Rumple said motioning to man beside him, not acknowledging the daggers that were being thrown via Emma's eyes. "Killian, this is Emma Swan."
"A pleasure I'm sure." Killian said, grinning devilishly as he took Emma's hand and placed a soft kiss onto the back. Recoiling in anger and disgust, Emma yanked her hand back, and rubbed it against her costume.
"Doubtful." She said, shooting a look at Rumple. What was he playing at, bringing this man to her? He never bothered to introduce her to anyone before. He couldn't possibly be doing what she thought he was doing.
"Now Emma, you must play nice." Rumple hissed through hiss teeth. "After all, you are going to be working together."
Emma jolted back in surprise. So he was doing what she feared he was. "Rumple, you know I work alone." She reasoned. "I've never done any partner work before. You can't just spring this on me-"
"I can and I did. With little miss 'Snow' in the baby-way, we're without a proper double act."
"That's hardly fair! Why can't you have someone else-"
"Emma deary, there's no point in arguing. This is my decision."
"Oh come on! Is he even an aerialist? I don't want to be held back by some newbie-" Emma was cut off by a deep chuckle from Killian.
"I assure you, love, I am not new to any kind of acrobatics."
"Love? Love? You listen here, mister Jones-"
"Well, I'll just leave you two here to get acquainted." Rumplestiltskin laughed as he started to slip away.
"Rumple don't you dare walk away! We aren't done here!" Emma shouted desperately.
"Make sure you show him around, Deary!"
"Rumple! Come back here! Rumplestiltskin!"
Emma huffed in annoyance and glowered at the ringleader's retreating back. It wasn't until she felt a light tap on her shoulder that she remembered Killian was there. She turned towards him.
"Don't get to comfortable. You aren't going to stay here long."
"I wouldn't say that, love. I've got a signed contract and everything."
Emma crossed her arms over her chest. "Is that so."
"Aye, it is. But if you're so sure you'll be able to get rid of me, you might as well show me around, if only to kill time."
Emma pursed her lips in annoyance and was about to refuse before she thought better of it. If she did end up having to work with this man, she might as well "play nice" as Rumple had said.
She closed her eyes and sighed steeling her nerves. "Fine. Follow me." She walked off towards the outside of the tent, not bothering to see if Killian was following her or not.
Sure enough she heard heavy footfalls coming up behind her as she flung the flaps to the giant tent back.
Outside of the main tent were several small camps, fires, caravans and other such things.
"That's the food tent." She said, pointing to a small tri-colored tent to their right. "Granny makes a mean oatmeal and sausage. Very healthy, good for energy for long shows."
"Who's that?" Killian asked, pointing to a black hair woman with red streaks in her hair.
"That's Ruby. She's the lion and bear tamer." Emma said, waving to her. Killian raised his eyebrows, impressed. He never would have thought such a slim-looking woman could handle beasts like that. He mentally noted not to ever pick a fight with her.
"And those two she's talking to?"
"Mary-Margaret and David. We usually just call them Snow and Charming though."
"Those are the famous True Loves?" Killian asked surprised. Snow and Charming had a double act doing some horse riding and horse tricks called "The True Loves." It was a story about a prince who finds a young woman in the woods and their adventures. It had become very popular and was the main event when people came to see their show.
"Yes. They are who we're supposed to be filling in for. Apparently Rumple wants us to be the new True Loves."
"I can't wait. I'm sure it will be most enjoyable." Killian teased, grinning at the death glare he received. Attempting to regain her composure, she continued on, balling her hands into fists. If Rumple seriously thought she was going to go along with this act, he was sorely mistaken. She could hardly handle talking to him, let alone work with him.
"These are the caravans. That one's mine and Ruby's." She pointed to the small floral painted caravan off to the side. It had purple curtains and was one of the few places she actually felt at home. There never really was any home besides the stage considering they never stayed in one place longer than two or three weeks.
"I'm assuming you'll be rooming with one of the other men- if you stay."
"I believe Rumplestilstkin said I'd be rooming with a man named David, which as you told me is 'Charming' yes?"
"Yes." Emma said, continuing on. Killian was now walking steadily beside her.
"Those two over there are Regina and Robin." She said, motioning to the pair talking by a fire.
"Regina is our fire breather and resident royal-pain. She's always talking about how she wants to take over the show from Rumple and be the ringleader, but Robin always talks her off that ledge. Robin is our choreographer. Very talented and very good with a bow and arrow. He used to be a knife thrower and archer before he went into choreography. It payed more, and he's always looking for extra cash to give to those less fortunate. He's very charitable. Lord know what he sees in Regina."
"You mean they are a couple?"
"Not quite, but they're going to be. Their just dancing around the issue right now."
"Ah, I see."
Emma walked up to them and smiled. "Hello." She said curtly. "Regina, Robin, this is Killian."
"Hello, Killian." Regina said, narrowing her eyes at him, and looking him up and down.
"Oh! There you two are. I was just looking for you! Rumple wanted me to teach you your new routine!"
"Oh, yes, I remember Rumple talking about that earlier."
"What- did everyone know but me?" Emma growled.
"Come on, let's get started. You have to be ready for our first performance when we go to Salbury." Robin said, giving a small nod to Regina before leading Emma and Killian back to the large tent.
"But that's only two and a half weeks from now!" Emma exclaimed.
"Then we better hurry."