A/N: Your support has been wonderful, thank you to the moon and back & for answering all my silly questions. I've loved hearing from all of you :))) Please go check out imagnifika's art for this chapter! (and all of it). It's beyond perfect. Always, thanks to shippingtheswann for the cheering and beta work (go read her wonderful story!), imagnifika for finding the heart of the story with her art, halobxist & meanderingcaptainswanmusings for everything xo. And please keep supporting all the other CSBB authors and artists. The content everyone is bringing is truly amazing. And now the answer to Emma's question :)
Chapter 9
"So... what are we going to do about it?"
Her words stall in her throat as his eyes flash up to hers. His look leaves no question, neither does the tick in his jaw, nor his fingers that tighten against her hip.
And yet he doesn't move.
Her whole body balances on the thin edge of her desire, breath coming quickly, flush spreading across her skin and the impatience of being so close to what she wants and yet-
"Would you just -" her words are silenced by his lips capturing to hers, warm and insistent. It's everything and more that she's been yearning for and suddenly there's nothing else but this moment and the taste and feel of him. She rises to the tips of her toes, only wanting to get closer, to hold him tighter. With a step, his hips trap her against the car.
He swallows her gasp, tongue tangling with hers, wet and eager and all she can think of is more, more, more.
His hand drifts down from her hip to grip her thigh and she easily follows his guidance, a small hop and her legs wrap around his hips. He pulls back from her lips with a groan, eyes opening slowly, fixing her with a blue gaze that tightens the need coiling low in her belly.
She bites her lip and he groans again, head dipping to taste the skin along her jaw.
And it feels good, so good - but she only just got her first taste, "Please," she whispers against his ear, his rough stubble rubbing her cheek. She slips her fingers into his hair and gives an impatient tug.
He tilts his head back up, eyes dark.
"Aye," he whispers back, letting her guide his mouth back to hers.
She tightens her thighs against him, not ready for any of this to end, not when she finally just got it, and all she can think of is how this would feel without the jeans and the cotton and - what if they started with just one layer?
She almost doesn't care that they are at a rest stop on the side of the road, almost, but before her thoughts can wander further down that path, they are suddenly reminded of exactly where they are by the blaring of a horn, and the yips and yells from a car driving by.
They pull apart and a deep chuckle slips past Killian's lips as his eyes find hers. She'd be embarrassed at her breathlessness if she couldn't feel his quick intake matching hers. She blinks at him, a little disoriented but her mouth ticks up on its own to match his grin.
"I guess we should um... " he trails off, loosening his hold, allowing her to slip back to her feet but not giving her any space, he stays pressed against her, thighs to chest.
"Probably a good idea."
She feels her face heat further, suddenly shy, not quite sure why, but fortunately, he doesn't let her dwell on it.
"Hey. Come back," he whispers, sensing her drifting thoughts and tilts her chin up. He waits until her eyes meet his before leaning in. He kisses her slowly, thoroughly and with enough heat that she feels it down to her toes. She anchors herself in his belt loops, her legs feeling a little unsteady.
When he finally does start to pull away again, it's with lingering brushes to her lips and more whispered words.
"Ok?" and, "here with me now?"
She hums a reply, feeling more confident, but he's not satisfied, his eyebrows raising as he waits, thumb brushing against her swollen lips. She can't help but press a soft kiss to the pad of his thumb. The smile he gives her is one she'll never forget.
"Yes, I'm here. Thank you."
He tucks a lock of hair behind her ear before reaching down to find her hand.
"Good. I'm glad we've established that. But, I want to try this one last time before we get back on the road."
She follows him without protest, her heart and mind finally at ease. She concentrates on the feel of his warm hand on hers and the breeze teasing her bare arms. He pulls them back to the front of the car and settles against it, guiding her once again between his splayed legs. She catches herself against his chest, hands over the steady beat of his heart.
"Close your eyes," he urges, but instead she looks up at him with wide eyes. He chuckles his fingers running a path up and down her back. "I think the look you have right now is the opposite of close your eyes."
"Ha, ha."
But at his raised brow, she finally acquiesces, eyes fluttering shut.
"Okay, keep them closed, and just–"
Killian pauses and turns her in his arms, pulling her back against him. He rests his chin against her shoulder as his arms come around her middle.
As if this is going to help her relax.
"Okay, take a deep breath."
She snorts.
"What is this, opposite day?" he asks, his lips near her ear. She shivers when she feels his nose trace the shell of her ear before he speaks again. "Deep breath, Emma. Like me."
He exaggerates his breath and she can feel his chest rise. She matches it and lets it out slowly just as he does.
"That's it, love."
Something about the praise causes goosebumps to spread across her skin and she finds herself intent to hear it again. She continues to follow his deep breaths, continues to melt further into him as he whispers against her ear.
"See you're fine. Perfect, really. No stress, just breathe."
Her heart picks up at his words but the lingering nerves and worries gently slip away with the wind until she's left feeling - happy.
Her eyes pop open at the realization but Killian tuts "No, no. Keeping going and listen closely, can you hear it?"
"But -" she tries but her protest cuts suddenly when his teeth give a small tug to her earlobe. Instead she whimpers and just manages to choke out her next words, "hear what?"
"The sea," he says quietly, exaggerating his deep breath again and after another slow in and out, she refocuses. It takes her a moment and she has to strain her ears but very faintly, in the distance she hears it, the unmistakable sounds of waves cresting and crashing in the distance.
And if saying hello, the breeze picks up and carries with it the briny smell of sea.
"Oh!"
She feels his chuckle more than she hears it and she finally settles in to listen and feel and to just be.
xo
She's not sure how long they stay but eventually, her eyes open again. She's unclear if it's from a passing car or the regrettable knowledge that they do eventually need to get back on the road but when she does, Emma sucks in a surprised breath at the beautiful vista below, honestly really seeing it for the first time. She blinks in awe. The green is brighter, the sky is splashed with pinks and purples as the sun begins to disappear and the road they've already travelled winds down the mountain like a stream. Her eyes follow the turns as the road curls back and forth, flowing fluidly into the valley.
"I'm so glad I'm here, right now, with you, I can't imagine being anywhere else," Emma whispers, the words slip from her mouth unexpected but completely honest, they wrap around her heart just as his arms tighten around her.
"Nor I," Killian answers, his voice suddenly rough.
Emma turns and takes him in, blue eyes dark and considering. She wonder what he sees when he looks at her. If he can see all her emotions reflected back.
"I really like watching sunsets with you," she adds softly, not wanting to break their quiet bubble. He looks like he wants to respond, that the words are right there but before he does, before she can ask what, he kisses her breathless. He kisses her so that when he pulls back she still feels him on her lips.
"So let's chase as many as we can."
Her eyes widen.
"That could take awhile."
(It could take forever.)
Killian shrugs and suddenly anything seems possible.
"I've got time all the time in the world."
She couldn't hide her smile if she tried.
"Good."
xo
They stay long enough to watch the sun disappear and dusk fall over the valley and with that, Emma sighs. She knows they need to get back in the car but she can't bring herself to lift her head from his shoulder and make her way back to the driver's seat, not with the disappearing light and the road left to travel.
"Hey, let me drive. I promise to get us there safely," Killian suddenly offers, reading her mind and Emma is so grateful, she can barely find it in herself to protest.
"Are you sure? You don't -"
He nudges her with his hip and then turns her towards the passenger side.
"I should have offered sooner, let me make amends."
He's already making his way to the door and looking at the comfortable passenger seat, she definitely doesn't have the strength to protest.
"We didn't take a picture," she notes as she buckles herself in, looking out.
"Do you think you'll forget this any time soon?" Killian asks after adjusting the seat and mirror.
Emma kicks off her shoes and pulls her legs up to her chest, turning to face him, her cheek resting against the seat. She watches him quietly, cataloguing every feature, committing to memory every last detail. She frames him with her fingers and pretends to take a picture, the soft smile she wears mirrored back at her.
They pull onto the road and already her eyes feel heavy. She closes them for just a moment.
"No. I don't think I could ever forget this," she mumbles and forces her eyes open again.
Killian leans across the console and gives her thigh a last squeeze.
"Sleep, love. Archie and I will get us to where we need to be just fine."
And with the echo of, "Sleep love," rolling around in her head, she falls into a dreamless sleep.
xo
"Emma."
She hears her name somewhere far off and she wants to ignore it. She's warm and comfortable.
"Mmm, no," she mumbles and curls further into herself, tugging whatever is draped over her, up to her chin.
"Darling, I need you to wake up."
She feels something soft against her cheek and leans into it, waking gently. Her eyes slowly blink open, trying to adjust to the darkness. It takes her a moment to realize night has completely fallen. As she slowly gets her bearings she finds Killian is grinning at her and she can't help but match his smile even though she doesn't know what they are smiling about it.
"What? Are we at the hostel?" she asks, her voice a little hoarse from sleep. His eyes darken and fall to her lips, but the hand that cups her cheek remains gentle, thumb running back and forth. Her belly swoops.
"No, not yet but I didn't think you would want to miss this. Look."
She glances around enough to realize they are idling in the middle of a small country road, and she follows his finger to where he points.
"What? Oh! Sheep! I told you!"
She smacks his arm, immediately perking up as she spots three sheep, relaxing right in the middle of the road, blocking the way.
"You did, Swan. I'll never doubt you again." There is a pause as he takes in her smile. "You want to get out, don't you?"
Emma chews on her bottom lip looking outside before carefully unbuckling herself.
"Just for a picture? Just one?"
They take a few.
xo
Once they manage to entice the sheep off the road, it's not long until the reach their hostel, an old brick building tucked between a coffee shop and tattoo parlour. The sign for the hostel is faded and hangs precariously near the front door, but the warm light coming from the old sash windows is a welcome sight.
That is until she notes the stairs.
Emma eyes the narrow steps leading to the main door wearily. Even with the nap in the car, she's still feeling the weight of the last few days catching up to her and the idea of dragging her huge dumb suitcase up the stairs is less than appealing.
"Give it here, Swan."
She looks away from the stairs to Killian's outstretched hand, his backpack already secured on his back.
"No."
He takes a step forward and she takes a step in front of her bag.
"I feel like we've done this before," Killian comments, all smiles to her frown. He takes another step and she almost trips over her bag, but he's there to steady her, hand at her waist.
"I'm the idiot with the big bag, it shouldn't be your punishment," Emma grumbles, eyes focused on the ground.
"Perhaps you're being a smidge dramatic, love."
Her eyes flash up, a retort on the tip of her tongue but the hard press of his lips silences her momentarily.
"You know-" she mumbles against his lips, "you can't-" he nips at her bottom lip and her words trail off. Killian takes the opportunity to reach for her bag and before she can react he's already up two steps.
"What was that?" he asks.
Emma shakes her head, slowly following.
"Killian," she warns and he stops, turning.
"Emma, it's no punishment to help you and you're not an idiot. Let me take care of you for once. Liam would have had my hide if he knew I wasn't being a consummate gentleman. As a matter of fact he's probably up there right now, watching, shaking his head in disappointment."
Oh.
She stares after him, not sure he even realizes how easily he's begun to drop his brother into conversation. He gives her a patient smile, one that shows more in his eyes than the small upturn of his lips. The combination of it all, his words, his help, the change she sees in him, it's left her speechless.
She can feel her eyes warm and dammit - she doesn't want to cry. She's not sad, she's just overwhelmed by the- her breath catches, by the affection she feels for this man.
She blinks quickly, trying to tuck away the emotions that are likely written across her face and slowly joins him on the step.
"Emma?" he questions but she shakes her head and frames his face with her hands. She takes a moment to brush her thumb across the scar on his cheek, to feel the stubble against her palm and the heat of him against her. She looks up and loses herself a little in the blue of his eyes and how they narrow in concern. It only serves to grow that overwhelming feeling.
(But a good overwhelming - she thinks.)
She can tell he wants to say more, his lips parting to do just that but she doesn't give him the chance, surprising him with her own kiss, nose slowly brushing his, lips soft and lingering.
She drops back to her feet when she feels something inside her settle.
(Maybe not so overwhelming after all.)
And maybe not something she's ready to say out loud.
(Because that would be crazy. But - )
But maybe they are words she's ready to write on a postcard.
She watches him stand very still, dark lashes against his cheeks, before slowly blinking open. She drops her hand to his chest and enjoys the quick staccato beat of his heart.
"Thank you."
"You don't -" he tries to protest but she shakes her head.
"Actually, I think Liam would be proud of you. I just hope he approves of me."
She gives the bottom of his shirt a little tug and he sways into her space. No words are spoken but his eyes tell their own story, as does the thud from the suitcase dropped at their feet, his hand now free to squeeze the words he can't say into her skin.
He swallows hard and she gives him a timid smile but not wanting him to say anything in response, she hurries before he can.
"Let's go see what kind of beds are left for us."
He seems to weigh her statement, taking her in but finally gives her a small nod and follows her inside with the bags.
xo
The hostel is dark and quiet when the door clicks shut behind them, save for a hint of light around the first corner. Emma steps forward, feet quiet on the carpet runner and peers around the doorframe.
A couple are lounging on a threadbare couch, pillows of vibrant and vivid colors on either end and books piled up all around. After a second look, the man seems to be asleep, while the woman cards her fingers through his hair, book perched against her knee.
"Oh hello!"
Emma almost startles but tamps down her surprise, bracing the doorframe, the sleeping man definitely startles awake and Killian hides his chuckle behind a cough.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to -" Emma starts but trails off when the woman pops up from the couch, leaving the man bereft of his sleeping spot.
"Sorry," Emma whispers again, but he waives her off, sitting up.
"You must be Emma and Killian. I'm glad you made it safe."
The woman with cheeks flushed almost the same color as her hair, lends out her hand in a warm handshake, smile settling easy over her features.
"Are you the owners?" Emma inquires, glancing around. "We called to say we were coming in late? We gave up our private room for a group one?"
"Nah. We're travellers like you. I'm Anna, this is Kristoff. We just overheard you were coming in late and Sidney, that's the man who runs the place, looked tired. So since you're bunking with us, it was no problem to wait up."
"That's incredibly kind of you, you must let us-" Killian started but Kristoff shook his head.
"We've learned a little kindness can go along way. No stress man. Honestly, you did us a favor. It gave Anna extra time to plan our day tomorrow, which we thought you might be interested in joining us in," Kristoff explains before placing a quick kiss to the top of Anna's head.
Emma watches the whole interaction with amazement, their kindness another kind of overwhelming and reaches back, finding Killian's hand immediately.
"Anyway, you must be exhausted. We'll show you your bunks."
Emma can only nod and follow them down the hall.
xo
It doesn't take long for them to settle in, dropping their bags and quickly washing up in bathroom. Emma is standing against their bunks, finger tracing the picture of the winding road on her postcard, the words she wants to write too big, too extraordinary for a girl like her. She glances up when she hears Killian come back into the room.
"May I?" he whispers pointing to the light switch. Anna and Kristoff are already settled in their bunks and with the words too scary to write, Emma nods.
She is still standing by her bunk when Killian joins her, reluctant to crawl up.
She feels his warm breath against her ear before his low words follow.
"You said you would let me take care of you."
She feels the press of his lips against her bare shoulder.
She turns, confused.
"What?" she whispers and she can just make him out in the darkness. He shakes his head and pulls back the sheets.
"Get in, love."
She hesitates, feeling silly and needy and -
"I sleep better beside you. Let me return the favor tonight."
She decides she doesn't need more coaxing than that, not for something she wants so badly.
She slides under the blankets and makes room for him, easily settling against his chest. She listens to his heart and lets it lull her, the exhaustion already creeping back in but something pulls her back.
"Thank you, Killian. I just -"
Her words are barely a whisper and almost get caught in her throat but he stays patient, fingers running up and down her arm, letting her know he's listening.
"Thank you," she finally repeats, the emotions of the day just a little too much to put into words.
"Anything your heart desires, Swan."
She holds him a little tighter, heart full.
"I'm going to write that on my next postcard," she mumbles, sleep so very close.
She's not sure if she dreamt the last words or actually said them out loud but their truth remains.
"I may have already found it."
Thanks for reading!
What's the coolest thing you've come across on a road trip?
See you next week for chapter 10!