Heyyy guys. I know it has been forever. Literally. And I am so so sorry, but life is so hectic. We are both in college and there are way too many deadlines and exams. Add to that a massive creative block, the result was a massive hiatus.

I began this story as a gift to my beloved co-author, orielSPNforever. And with her birthday this year, TBAIT just turned one! I guess that gave me the kick needed and we brainstormed and have an AMAZING post hiatus chapter for you all.

We have NOT abandoned this fic, nor do we intend to. That said, TBAIT will have slow updates. But here's a sneak peek. The chapter will be up in the next week, hopefully. Definitely by the 20th, latest. We are SO SO GRATEFUL for everyone who has stuck with this story. We love you all and I hope this sneak peek tides you over.

- The corsair's quill and OrielSPNforever


Emma rushed inside her house, slamming the door shut and leaning against it and slowly sliding down. She buried her head in between her knees, trying to breathe normally. In and out. In and out.

She clutched her anchor pendant hard, feeling the edges dig into her palm. She bit her lip, trying to keep her tears at bay. Dean was not worth her over crying over, she tried to convince herself as she blinked back her tears. Her eyes wandered over the room, hoping to distract herself when she saw the rose from earlier. She didn't know who left it there, but she had her suspicions. She had been about to call Killian then, but Belle had called and everything went to shit after that.

Maybe she should call him, she contemplated as she pulled up his number on her phone. He always knew how to comfort her, and she could do with some Killian-style comforting. Her finger hovered over his name before she made up her mind and called him, pacing as she waited for him to pick up. But - surprise, surprise - the call went to voicemail.

"Ki-Killian, I know that you wanted some space. But something's happened, and I need you now. I love you, so please-" she sighed out, her voice cracking. "Please come back home, baby." She cut the call, rubbing her hands over her face, stumbling as she sat down on a chair nearby. She sniffled, trying to stem her tears, but one slipped past and soon others followed and it was not long before she was full on sobbing, bent double and her hands clutching her pendant like a lifeline.