Chapter 1: Table Of Contents.
Summary:
The table of contents.
Notes:
No trigger warnings needed.
Video I made for this fic:
https://va.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_sazld84inU1ymisfz.mp4
Youtube Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8FLTQ6n8382RnRtu89SAmTK1wi0fc0_2&si=NhgkvDl-RLWfpZmX
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Table Of Contents:
- Table Of Contents (Posted).
- Edits We Made (Posted).
- Wish Away Your Memories (Posted).
- Worries (Posted).
- Getting To Know You Better (Posted).
- I'll See You All In Therapy (Posted).
- Holidays, Anniversaries, and Birthdays (Cursed Memories)(Posted).
- Holidays and Birthdays (Real Memories)(Posted).
- Finding Them (Posted).
- New York City Serenade (Posted).
- Going ‘Home’ (Posted).
- Catching Up (Posted).
- David, no—Hope, don't! (Posted).
- Talk, Talk (Posted).
- Plans and Emotions (Posted).
- Moment of Peace (Posted).
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 2: Edits We Made.
Summary:
Edits my friend and I made.
Chapter Text
Moodboards:
Killian Swan Moodboard.
Emma Swan Moodboard.
Liam Jones Jr Moodboard.
Henry Swan Moodboard.
Baby Harry Swan's Moodboard.
Baby Hope Swan's Moodboard.
Rummy the Dog's Moodboard.
Outfit Boards:
Emma Swan's Outfit Board.
Killian Swan's Outfit Board.
Liam Jones Jr's Outfit Board.
Henry Swan's Outfit Board.
Baby Hope Swan's Outfit Board.
Baby Harry Swan's Outfit Board.
Rummy the Dog's Outfit Board.
Cursed Captain Swan's Wedding Outfit Board.
Social Medias:
Killian Swan's Instagram account.
Emma Swan's Instagram account.
Liam Jones Jr's Instagram account.
Henry Swan's Instagram account.
Rummy the Dog's Instagram account (Henry made it).
Killian Jones' YouTube account.
Phone Contact Photos.
Photo Edits:
(Made by M3linoe).
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 3: Wish Away Your Memories.
Summary:
A wish is granted in an unexpected way that will undoubtedly, cause trouble in the future.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: child abuse, child neglect, child abandonment, parent death, patricide, murder, affairs, swearing, trapped with a body, starvation, parentification (because whether you like Liam 1 or not he WAS parentified), violence towards children, war deaths, suicidal thoughts, loss of a limb, car accidents, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
This chapter is rather dark. You've been warned.
Also yes I know Killian is out of character here but you have to remember that he's cursed. Which means that he's not a three hundred year old, hardened pirate who's killed tons of people and done terrible things in the name of revenge.
Here, he's just a dude not even forty who's been through hell and back. He's been abused and abandoned, seen his mom die, has been in foster care, and lost his brother far too early. Then he lost his first love and his hand.
He's certainly not perfect in the show or even in this fic, where he's cursed, but the curse changes him to a slightly noticeable extent. That was intentional.
And I tried to keep his backstory as close to canon as possible while inserting my own headcanons.
So please keep all of this in mind as you read and comment.
Thank you and have a good read. And don't be afraid to ask any questions in any of the upcoming chapters if you get confused.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Killian drunk his rum, watching the horizon. As luck would have it, the woman he loved finally seemed to be expressing interest in him, and she had to run away with her son to avoid a curse.
Of bloody course.
He really didn’t expect to miss Emma this much. He felt an aching in his soul, one that couldn’t be solved with rum.
A shooting star streaked across the sky, and Killian smiled ruefully. His mother used to say that wishing on a shooting star would make your wish come true. He had believed that, right up until he wished for his mother to not be sick anymore, and she died anyway.
But still, in a spur of nostalgia, he whispered, “I wish I could be there for Emma. Wherever she may be.”
Suddenly, a white light shined bright and surrounded him before he could even blink.
And like that, everything he knew warped.
Killian cried and cried and cried. Weakly shaking his mother as he tried once again to wake her up. Not sure what else to do.
She'd been asleep ever since she fell down.
He didn't know why she wasn't waking up or when his father and brother would be home.
“Mama! Mama!”
The door opened, and Liam walked in the house, shutting the door. Brennan was nowhere in sight. “Mom, Killy, I’m home!”
“BUBBA! BUBBA! Mama fell down!” Killian called out, hysterical. Not leaving her side.
Liam paled, running towards his brother’s voice. He froze when he saw them, his mother lying prone on the floor, blood caking her head, Killian knelt down next to her, covered in the stuff.
Liam snapped out of his statue-like state, kneeling down. At camp, they had taught him some basic first aid.
Killian watched him, whimpering. Face red and pale, and eyes bloodshot. He smelled horrible.
And the blood? All of it was dry.
“Killy…how long as she been like this?” Liam asked, voice shaky and tearful.
“Since you lefts!” The three year old sniffled. He sounded horrible.
Liam paled again. “That long…” He felt like he was gonna throw up. “I…I’m gonna call nine-one-one. You stay here!” Liam scrambled to his feet, grabbing the corded phone from the wall and dialing.
Killian hid under Liam's bed, whimpering. Waiting fearfully for his brother to get home as their father screamed and threw things in a drunken rage, trying to find him.
He stayed there long after his father left to who knows where and didn't move.
When Liam finally came home, he was immediately concerned. The house was a wreck, and, more than that…it was silent. Not trusting to call out, Liam walked through the living room, peering into the kitchen. No one.
Taking the stairs, he peered into every single bedroom, finding no sign of his brother or father. “Killian?” He called into Killian’s room.
Killian said nothing, only sniffling as he curled further under the older boy's bed.
Hearing nothing from Killian’s own room, Liam went into his. He heard the sniffling almost immediately. “Hey, Killy. Are you okay? What happened?”
Killian scurried out immediately and ran into the older boy's legs. Hiding his tearful face in his jeans. “BUBBA!”
Liam hugged him fiercely. “What happened? Why is the house a mess?”
The ravenette just clung to him, hiccupping and shook his head.
“Was it Dad?” Liam pursed his lips. He had a sneaking suspicion.
Killian hesitated, before nodding. Hugging his legs tight and not looking him in the eye.
Liam sighed, hugging him tighter. “It's okay, Killy. I'm here now. And Dad's gone.”
“My eye hurts.” Killian sniffled. “And my big boy tooth is gones!”
“What?” Liam pulled away briefly to look at Killian’s face. Sure enough, his eye was already bruising, and his mouth was bloody. “Oh my gosh! Killian, your tooth is missing!”
“It hurts.”
Liam tried to remember what their mother would do for their bruises and cuts, back when she was alive. He remembered that putting bags of frozen peas on bruises would make them stop hurting. “Let’s go get a bag of frozen vegetables. Remember when Mom would put ice bags on our bruises to keep ‘em from hurting?”
Killian shook his head, clutching his pant leg tightly in his hand. “Okay…”
Thirteen year old, Killian sat curled up in the closet of his foster father's home. Glaring at the door.
Pain flaring up every part of his body.
He hated Silver.
He hated his father for abandoning him and Liam when he was six.
And he hated the system for making Liam go away the moment the older boy turned eighteen.
He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen his brother in the last two years.
His visits with Liam had been canceled so many times. All of which had been blamed on ‘already made plans’ that didn’t include Killian at all or Killian’s ‘misbehavior’.
He hated his life and didn't know how much longer he could hold on for. He didn't even know what he was holding on for.
Voices could be heard from downstairs, first just talking, then yelling. Loud footsteps thundered up the stairs, and Killian shrank in on himself.
But then a voice called out, through the closed door. “Killian? Killian, it’s Liam. It’s alright, come on out!”
“I'm in here!” He banged on the door. “ I can't get out! He locked me in!”
“What?!" Killian couldn’t see his face, but he was fairly certain that Liam was fuming. “Okay. Stand as far away from the door as you can, and I’ll…break it down, I guess?”
“Okay, whatever. Just get me out! I can't breathe!” Killian backed up against the wall and as far into the corner as he could get so that he wouldn't get hit.
Liam, having no idea how to do this, had to slam into the door several times before the strike plate broke off of the wooden frame.
Killian flung himself at the brunette with all his might. Which wasn't much since he'd lost a lot of weight (and strength) in the past two years.
“Oof!” Liam chuckled and held him tightly. “It’s alright, little brother. You’re safe now. I’m taking you home.”
Killian buried his face in his chest. Hugging him back just as tightly, and whispered “I missed you.”
“Liam! Liam!”
Liam collapsed to his knees, hand hovering over his wound. He coughed slightly, looking at his brother with dying eyes. “Kill–Killian?”
Killian ran over, falling to his knees. “It's okay. It's okay, just hold on—MEDIC!”
“It’s…it’s alright, little brother…” Liam chuckled wetly, blood staining his lips
“No! Shut the bloody hell up, you're not going anywhere–”
“–No, Killian. It’s–” His gaze fell towards the horizon, eyes starting to go glassy. “–too late for me.”
“N-no, you're delirious. You don't know what you're saying. MEDIC!”
Killian glared at the dishonorable discharge papers on his desk, six months later, as he finished packing his bags.
Wishing that he and his brother had never enlisted.
Wishing that his brother had been able to take him in another way. One that hadn't cost him his life.
Killian met his father two weeks after he was discharged from the military in a bar.
They'd drunk together and exchanged words.
The words got less than friendly.
And the next thing Killian knew he was handcuffed to a hospital bed.
He'd killed his father by punching him so hard he fell back and landed on something sharp.
Killian didn't remember any of it.
Probably due to the multiple blows his father had dealt him before he fought back. According to several witnesses, his father had apparently thrown the first punch.
It was later ruled as self defense and Killian didn't serve any time, but that didn't mean he felt good about it.
Killian sat alone in a bar in a corner booth. Downing his rum on the two year anniversary of his brother’s death.
Chuckling bitterly at the reminder that he was only twenty and had nothing.
Someone sat on the stool right next to him, which was a breach of bar etiquette. He turned to tell the guy off, but instead ended up face to face with the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
“I’ll have what he’s having.” The woman told the bartender with a slight tilt of her head towards Killian.
“Hello there, beautiful.” He mustered up just barely enough energy to flash her a smile.
“Milah.” She introduced herself, taking a swig of her own rum. “And you are?”
“Killian Jones.”
Milah disappeared without a trace when Killian was twenty five.
She was never found.
Killian was the prime suspect due to his record.
Milah had a husband.
A very angry husband, who still blamed Killian for his wife’s affair and subsequent disappearance, even though all charges had been dropped due to lack of evidence.
Milah’s husband had met him one night, in an alleyway behind the local bar.
With a gun.
“W-woa mate! Put the gun down!” Killian raised his hands, warily.
“You stole my wife!” The man roared, aiming the gun at Killian.
“You were separating!”
“ She wanted to separate! I didn’t! We were working it out!”
“She was leaving you whether you wanted her to or not. She'd been unhappy for a very long time–”
“We have a son!” The man snapped. “We have a fourteen year old son!
“Look mate, I'm sorry but I don't know where she went—” Killian really didn't. He hadn't been able to get ahold of her or find her no matter how hard he tried.
And God, had he tried.
“–I know you don’t.” Suddenly, the man smiled, the look on his face one of pure insanity. “Because I’m the one that killed her.”
“You WHAT?! You crazy bastard—” Killian stupidly lunged at him.
BANG!
The gun went off. The bullet hit Killian’s left hand.
BANG!
It went off again, the bulleting hitting the exact same hand.
Killian didn't remember anything after that.
Milah's husband got the chair but it didn't get rid of the empty feeling in Killian's chest.
It didn't bring his hand or Milah back.
And it did nothing to soothe the fourteen year old boy they'd both left behind that would now have to grow up more alone than Killian ever had.
He'd never hated himself more.
And he was sure he'd never been more rightfully hated more in his life.
Emma spotted her target almost immediately.
The picture she had of the man hardly did him justice. He was handsome as all hell.
But wanted for possession of stolen goods. So she’d take him in and get paid, like she always did.
She fluffed her hair a bit, then waltzed inside the cafe he was in.
She leaned over his table. “What’re you doing?” She hit him with a blinding smile.
He took the bait and flashed her one back. “Was writing. But now I think I'm done with that. What'd about you?”
“Just passing through.” Emma sat in the seat across from him. “I’m actually on my way to work.”
“What do you do for work?” He closed his notebook, leaning forward on his arms to get a closer look at her.
Emma smirked to herself. He’d fallen right into her hands. “I find people. I am very good at telling when people are lying.” She winked. “What about you?”
He shifted slightly. “I'm a Cartographer and an author.”
“Hmm. Interesting…tell me this: why does a cartographer/author need a million dollar old compass from The Gold Foundation’s collection? Seems a bit too much for your…line of work?” Emma stared at him straight in the eye.
“Oh bloody hell—” he took off running before she could even blink.
Emma chuckled, swiping the coffee he left behind and taking a swig. The taste of rum burned on her tongue, but it was pretty damn good.
She calmly walked out of the cafe. She’d done the usual bit of placing a boot on his car so he couldn’t get away. She walked towards him. “Buddy, the cops are already on their way. Give it up.”
“Giving up isn't in my nature, luv.” He called out, still running.
Emma couldn’t help but snort at that. Then, she saw his head turn towards the road. “That asshole’s not gonna actually–”
He did.
He leapt over the curb and ran into the middle of the street, dodging cars and bikes.
He, unfortunately, didn’t see the taxi barreling straight towards him.
It didn’t hit him enough to kill him, for sure, but definitely enough to hurt.
Emma sighed, then ran after him to make sure he was okay.
Killian laid in his cell, staring up at the ceiling after he got out of the hospital. Groaning in both pain and frustration.
Everything still bloody hurt.
Someone knocked on the bars of his cell. “Jones.” One of the officers said. “You’ve made bail. You’re free to go.”
“Thank bloody hell.” Killian muttered, slowly making his way towards the exit. Wincing slightly as he pushed his way through the doors.
“What, no ‘thank you’ for bailing you out?” A voice rang out from behind him.
Killian bit back a groan. “What are you doing here?”
The woman from earlier was leaning against the wall, smirking. “Well, I kind of felt bad that you got run over while running from me…so I bailed you out. You’re welcome.”
“Thank you then… Mrs…?”
“Swan. Emma Swan. And you’re Killian Jones.”
“Aye. That I am…”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 4: Worries.
Summary:
Emma has some concerns.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: homelessness, eviction, 'convict' struggles, past poverty, death, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
Note: Killian and Emma were friends for a month before they started dating.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Henry was at a sleepover and Emma had Killian, her boyfriend of (now) six months, over.
She had been worried about him for a few weeks now. His mind seemed all over the place, his head in the clouds. He hadn’t been shaving, she noticed, and she would always be the one to initiate their dates, while before, it was normally him.
He also hadn’t been eating as much, or even drinking. She hadn’t seen him with a drink in a few days now, which wasn’t a good thing. Quitting cold turkey was awful for the brain.
She decided to interrogate him about it. “Hey, Killian?”
“Yes luv?” He asked sluggishly, immediately transferring all of his attention from the tv to her.
“Are you…like, okay?” Emma cringed at how awkward she sounded. “I mean, you haven’t really been, you know, acting like yourself recently.”
Killian scratched behind his ear nervously and didn't meet her eye. “I'm fine, luv. You don't need to worry.”
“Killian,” Emma tried to give him ‘The Look.’ “Remember when we first met, and I told you that I can tell when people are lying?”
The ravenette looked away guiltily. “Aye…?”
“I can tell that you’re not fine! So, spill.” Emma grabbed the remote and shut off the TV, giving him her full attention.
“It's nothing, alright? I'm just…having a bit of… financial trouble, right now.” Killian knew that if he were to look into a mirror right then and there, he'd likely be redder than a tomato from the sheer embarrassment and shame he was feeling.
“Oh.” Emma was slightly relieved that that was all it was. “Well, you are my boyfriend. If you need help with rent or food or whatever, I can help you out.” As a bail bondsman, she made a good chunk of cash for each bum she apprehended.
“You shouldn't have to worry about me. I should be able to pay my own rent.” Killian was quick to try and reassure her. But, seeing as he was lying, it wasn't very reassuring at all.
Emma rolled her eyes. “Why shouldn’t I have to worry about you? You’re my boyfriend.”
“Yes but you have yourself and your boy to worry about and I don't want to burden you just because I have to cut back on a bit of groceries.” He argued.
“I make plenty of extra cash.” She cupped Killian’s face in her hands. “It’s not a bother, Killian. Honest.”
He looked down. Sighing. “... It's…it may be… a little worse than I let on..”
Emma smiled sadly. “I figured. You always do that.”
He pulled away from her and ran a hand down his face. “I… gotevictedtwomonthsago."
“You WHAT!?” Emma gawked. “Did you just say you got evicted? ”
“I know it's bad but I promise you, Swan, it's not my fault. I never missed a payment but I wasn't able to get much work down when I was recovering from my accident and then rent was raised and then I got bloody sick, and the bloody rent was raised again and my landlord wouldn't give me an extension—”
Emma held up her hand. “–woah, okay. I believe you, Killian, I do. I get it. I was broke in my late teens with a baby, trust me.” Emma soothed.
“And I have the money for an apartment if I had a roommate but no one I've called and no building I've checked is willing to take someone with my…past offenses…as a resident or roommate.” He was frustrated. “And I don't have any friends I could call and I didn't want to impose on you and your boy—”
“Killian. You are my boyfriend. You are not imposing, and you’re staying with Henry and I.” Emma said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Where were you staying for the two months you decided not to tell me you were evicted?”
The cartographer murmured under his breath. Hoping she wouldn't hear or push.
“Sorry, what was that?” Emma was steadily becoming less and less amused.
Killian sighed and repeated himself . “The beach…”
“The beach.” Emma parroted. “As in…the actual beach, not a house, or a shack, just…beach?” Knowing Killian, the answer was probably ‘yes.’
He gave her a hesitant nod.
Emma inhaled, then exhaled. “You would rather sleep on a beach than ask me for help?”
“No, luv. It's not you. I just…” he swallowed, finding it harder and harder to speak as he fidgeted with his sleeve. “I just didn't want to make your lad uncomfortable in his own home or make you feel like you had to take me in. I felt telling you when you weren't comfortable yet in our relationship would be… manipulative.”
Emma paused, thinking it over. Henry had always seemed to like Killian, so she doubted there would’ve been too much of a problem there. But her? Two months ago, maybe her walls were a bit stronger than they were now. Maybe she still didn’t trust him enough to be around her son for long periods of time without her. Maybe she was still expecting him to leave her, just like Neal.
“I…thank you.” Was all she could say.
“You don't need to thank me, luv.” He took her hand in his and gave it a small, comforting squeeze.
“I do though.” Emma insisted. “Do you know how many other guys would have just asked bold faced, without thinking for a second about how it would make Henry or I feel?”
“I…can't say I do. I've only ever dated two people, truth be told.”
“Yeah? Well, you’re the lucky one. I’ve dated my fair share of assholes over the years. Henry’s birth father included.” She chuckled, but it was sad.
Killian frowned, sympathetic. Giving her hand another comforting squeeze. “I'm sorry luv.”
He fidgeted a bit before figuring he should make things fair and share a tidbit of his own past. That way Emma wouldn’t have to think about her own for too long. “Did I… ever tell you how I lost my hand?”
“Henry, I need to talk to you.” Emma said seriously the next day.
Henry paused his game, looking at Emma over the couch. “Is something wrong, Mom?”
Emma sat down beside him. Not sure how to broach the topic. “Yes and no.”
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“You like Killian, right?”
Henry blinked. “Yeah, why?”
“Well, he's having a bit of a hard time, kid.” Emma hoped she was approaching this the right way. They'd never had to have this type of conversation before and she was woefully unprepared for it.
“A hard time with what?” He tried to remember if Killian had mentioned anything like this before.
“He got evicted a couple of months ago..”
“Evicted, as in kicked out of his apartment?” Henry suddenly understood what his mother was saying. “You want him to stay with us, don’t you?”
“But only if you're comfortable with it. It was a big concern of his and it is one of mine.” Emma quickly assured.
“Mom, of course it’s okay with me. Killian’s fun. And he needs our help.”
The blonde let out a sign of relief. “You're a good kid, Henry.”
Henry beamed at her. “I know.”
“Love are you sure–”
“For the millionth time, yes. I don’t mind helping you out, Killian.” Emma was completely exasperated with her boyfriend.
“I really don't have that many things, luv–” Killian said, fiddling with the lock on the storage container he'd been renting the past two months.
“Then this’ll be a breeze with the two of us.” Emma waved him off.
Before Killian could say anything further, the click of the lock unlocking rang out—causing the cartographer to sigh as he lifted the door up. “Ladies first, then.”
“Such a gentleman.” She teased as she walked into the storage unit.
There were four things in the unit. Two thick wooden chests, a cutlass style sword, and a clear plastic tub, which Emma could see was full of clothes.
“You were not kidding about not having much in here, huh?” Emma surveyed the room.
“I didn't own any of the furniture in the place I was renting,” Killian shrugged. “Never really stayed in one place long enough to need any. Which I guess is a good thing, now.”
Emma squatted by one of the big chests, gently tracing the wood with her finger. “What’s in these?”
“Uh I think that one holds what little I managed to hold onto of my life before foster care and maybe my documents and old manuscripts.”
“And the other one?” Emma couldn’t help but be curious.
Killian didn't look at her as he lifted the chest in question. “It has…my and my brother’s things from the navy, and things that he and my Milah left me before their deaths. And maybe a few of my art projects.”
“You don’t talk about your family much.” Emma mused. “You clearly loved them.”
“I don't remember my mother much and it hurts to talk about Liam.” He shifted, uncomfortably. “He…took care of me the best he could after our mother passed.”
Emma noticed how he didn’t mention his father at all. She decided not to push. “I’m sorry, about your mother.”
“She would have liked you,” Killian smiled at her softly “ I think.”
“I sure hope so. You always talk about her with such high praise.”
“She was the best mother anyone could have asked for.”
Emma checked the time on her phone, suddenly feeling the need to do something. Her eyes widened. “Shit, it’s late. We gotta get going.”
“Bloody hell” Killian groaned. “Let's go before we miss the lad’s play.”
Killian plopped down on the couch, groaning.
Emma sat beside him, equally as tired. “Ugh. Long day.” She rubbed her eyes.
“You can say that again.” He muttered, hugging one of the couch pillows.
“Henry was a pretty great Peter Pan, though, you have to admit.” Emma chuckled, remembering Henry’s first attempt at acting.
“He was a magnificent Peter Pan. Best I've ever seen. Though I wonder where he got the inspiration from” Killian mused, smiling slightly. “We gotta get those pictures printed.”
Emma groaned. “Laaaaater. I’m beat.”
“Same here.” Killian yawned.
“Who knew moving was such a pain in the ass…” She was already half asleep on the couch.
“Come on luv, let's get you to bed—” The ravenette stood up, brushing his hands off on his jeans before offering her a hand.
Emma groaned and complained–which was out of character for her–before grabbing his hand and letting him drag her off the couch.
“Which way is your room?” Killian probably should have known by now but he'd never been in it, so he didn't have the first clue.
“Second on the left.”
He slowly and carefully walked her to the door, before opening it and helping her into bed. “Goodnight luv.” Killian kissed her cheek and turned to leave.
Emma lifted her head off the pillow briefly. “Killian?”
He paused, hand on the door. “Yes love?”
Emma wanted to say…something else, but chickened out at the last second. “Thanks. For everything.”
“You're the one doing me a favor, remember? I should be thanking you .”
“I more meant…thanks for being you, I guess.” Emma collapsed back to the pillow. “G’night.”
Killian smiled before leaving the room. Carefully and silently closing the door behind him.
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 5: Getting To Know You Better.
Summary:
Killian and the Swans get to know each other better.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: premature birth, parental death, self harm, patricide, unhealthy coping mechanisms, depression, partners snooping, mental health issues, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
Since in his cursed memories, he killed his dad at a bar, Killian doesn't remember/know he has a younger brother just yet. And he is different but that's because he's cursed, as I've stated before. So he's not the Hook we know but I hope he's not too different either.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Killian stood at the stove, making pancakes.
Henry’s door opened, and the tween shuffled out, looking a bit like a zombie. “G’mornin’ Killi-” He yawned mid sentence. “-an.”
“Morning lad. How do you like your eggs?” He opened the egg carton and got out another pan.
“Scr’mbled.” Henry collapsed into a chair at the table, laying his head in his arms. “Can I have coffee?”
Killian paused, before grabbing and cracking an egg. “...does your mother let you drink coffee?”
“...yes.”
He raised a brow, looking over his shoulder at the boy. “Does she really ? Be honest, lad.”
“Hey, I’m almost a teenager! I should be allowed to drink coffee.”
“But does your mother allow you to?” Killian flipped a pancake. “Do you like your pancakes fluffy or stiff?”
“Fluffy, duh.” He wrinkled his nose. “Who likes stiff pancakes?”
“My brother used to, believe it or not” Killian wrinkled his nose at the memory. “I think I lost a tooth once eating one.”
“Gross.” Henry chuckled.
“I know … do you eat bacon?” Killian paused once again, trying to remember if Emma ever mentioned her boy disliking it or not.
Henry shot him a look. “Killian. I’m eleven. Yes, I eat bacon.”
The older man immediately raised his hands in surrender “just making sure.”
The door to Emma’s bedroom creaked open, and she walked out, hair a mess, looking a lot like Henry did when he first woke up. “Morning, kiddo.” She ran her hand over Henry’s hair, and he hummed in greeting.
She went to stand by Killian in the kitchen. “Are you…making breakfast?”
“Yes..?”
“Thank you.” Emma was strangely touched. “Henry knows that I’m awful at breakfast.”
“Her pancakes always end up too dry!” Henry supplied helpfully.
Killian snorted before quickly sobering up. “It’s no problem, luv. Go sit down and I'll make you a plate.”
Killian held Emma’s hand as he unlocked his apartment. He had wanted to take her to a nice outdoor restaurant, but it had been raining for the whole week, and he hadn’t gotten the chance.
So, instead, he’d set up a whole ‘restaurant’ in his apartment, and was trying to surprise her with it.
“Keep your blindfold on, Swan.” He pulled the door open, and guided Emma inside by her shoulders.
“Should I be worried?”
Killian chuckled. “Only if you don’t trust me.” He angled her so she could get a good view of the table he set up. “Alright, blindfold off.”
Emma took it off to find …
The small wooden table had been decorated with a classic checkered tablecloth, a vase of flowers and a few candles in the middle. The rest of the kitchen was donned in fairy lights, reflecting off of the floors and windows, making everything look ethereal.
Emma looked at it, amazed. “This is…beautiful.”
Killian shrugged, a bashful grin on his face. “I know.” He led her to one of the chairs and pulled it out for her to sit. “I hope you like spaghetti.”
Emma sat down, looking around at the set up. “You really know how to plan a date.”
“I’ve told you before, Swan. I am nothing if not a gentleman.” Killian went to the kitchen, and compiled two plates of spaghetti. He brought Emma hers first, along with a fork and napkin, then he grabbed his own.
“Seriously, Killian. This is amazing.”
Killian groaned in his sleep, turning on his side.
Emma was jolted into a drowsy weakness from the sound. She squinted into the blackness of her room, wondering if she had dreamt it.
He turned again, mumbling.
Emma got up, padding out of her room, and peering into the hallway, towards the living room, where Killian was sleeping. It sounded like the noises were coming from there.
Tiptoeing to avoid waking him or Henry up, she made her way to the couch, where she could see Killian tossing and turning in his sleep.
“Killian,” She whispered.
He didn't stir. Face twisting into a frown.
“Killian.” She said a little louder. She didn’t want to touch him if he was having a nightmare.
He jerked away, nearly falling off the couch. “Uh–wha’? Swan?”
“I–I heard you from my room.” Emma tried to explain. “You were having a nightmare.”
“Oh.” He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes “‘M sorry for waking you, luv.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” She hesitated. “Do you…want to talk about it?”
He shook his head. “I shouldn't keep you. You have to get up for work soon.”
“Killian, I was a single mom for eleven years. You think I haven’t done the all-nighters before a shift?” Emma raised an incredulous eyebrow at him.
“That's exactly why I want to let you sleep while you can.”
Emma huffed. She was too tired for this. “Look, if you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. You can just say that. But if you wanted to talk, I will listen. Because that’s what people in relationships do. They listen to each other.”
Killian was quiet for a moment.
“I…it was about my mother's death.”
“Hey.” Emma’s voice softened. “What happened?” She knelt by the couch to be at eye level with him.
“I.. I was only three when she died. We were both sickly, so no one thought much about it when it was taking her a little longer than usual to recover…” He took a deep breath, squeezing his eyes shut. “No one thought twice about leaving her alone with me. Why would they? She always stayed with me after I was born.”
Emma gently took his hand, squeezing it.
“I don't remember much about what happened. Just that one moment she was making something in the kitchen and the next she was on the floor, not moving and her head was bleeding. I thought…”
“Thought what?” Emma asked, apprehensive.
“I thought she just fell asleep.” His eyes watered against his will. “I tried waking her up but she wouldn't—and for some reason, my father was gone longer than usual. So I was alone for a week until my brother came home from camp. But things happened differently in my dream.”
Emma winced. “Killian, I’m so sorry…” She trailed off. “How different was your dream?”
“She died the same way but my brother wasn't the one who came home first.” His breath hitched and he hunched in om himself. “My father was.”
“Your father? You…never talk about him. I assume there’s a reason?” Emma braced herself.
“He didn't like me much.” Killian swallowed. “He–he never hit me when she was alive, you know? But afterwards? It was like a switch flipped and everything I did was wrong and bad and stupid and—”
His fingers brushed over the cheek with the scar on it.
“Jesus.” Emma whispered. “Killian, I–I’m so sorry.”
“He left when I was six.” Killian snorted, bitterly. “And I missed him. How stupid I was. I didn't know that—” he froze.
“Know what?” Emma leaned closer. “Are you okay?”
He scooted away, suddenly feeling nauseous “I–I.. I don't feel well.”
“Killian? What happened? Do you need me to call 911?” Emma was suddenly very worried.
“No. I think we should go to bed.” He said, uncharacteristically quiet. “I don't think that pizza sat well with me.”
Emma pursed her lips, not believing him, but deciding not to push. At least, not tonight. “Okay. Did you want to take the bed? I need to get up soon anyway.”
He shook his head. “I’m okay, Swan. I think I'm gonna call out today. Go get some rest.”
Emma stood, trying to stop herself from wringing her hands. She felt useless, and she didn’t like it. “There’s some Pepto in the medicine cabinet, if you need it.”
“Thanks luv.”
Killian started to withdraw from her and Henry.
And Emma couldn't help but be worried.
He wasn't eating or sleeping.
He started wearing long sleeved shirts.
And he barely spoke anymore.
Emma was at the end of her rope. She was worried, Henry was worried, and no matter how much she tried to probe, Killian would always shut her down.
So, she does the one thing she’s good at: she finds people. A quick google search for ‘Brennan Jones’ resulted in…a lot.
He and his wife immigrated to the United States when they were in their twenties and had their first son, Liam Brennan Jones, three years later.
They had Killian seven years later and according to a news story, he was extremely premature.
According to another news story, he was wanted for tax evasion, and, judging by the year, Killian was around six when he bolted for two years.
She found a few anniversary Facebook posts, and saw that he married Candace Flynn, and had another son, Liam. Which was also his first son’s name.
The last post on the Facebook was a sad announcement to Candace’s family that she had died of cancer. A quick math check meant that the second Liam was three when she died.
In another news story, Emma was surprised to read that Brenan Jones was now deceased. And his killer was Killian. She managed to dig up the police file (her job came in handy sometimes) and discovered that they had deemed it self-defense, and Killian didn’t do jail time. He was only nineteen.
Liam had died not even a year prior.
Looking at a younger Killian’s battered mugshot, she felt an odd pang in her stomach.
Digging further back into police files, to her horror, she discovered several complaints from neighbors and some of Killian’s schools about bruises and broken bones that Killian always seemed to have. When questioned, he would always claim to have fallen down, or been clumsy, which even Emma knew was bullshit.
The tap was running dry quick, and the last thing she could trace back to the Jones family was a Facebook post from a different account. It was of a very young Killian with a broken arm and a black eye, and according to the date, he was around thirteen. A man who looked like him was with him, possibly in his early twenties. The other man was holding adoption papers, and they were both cheesing at the camera.
Killian came home to a suspiciously quiet apartment.
“Henry? Emma?”
“Hey, Killian.” Emma was on the couch, dreading this moment. “Henry’s at a friend's house. Can we talk?”
He sat down. “Of course, luv. You know you can come to me for and with anything and everything.”
Yeah, she doubted that’d be true after the conversation she was about to have with him. “I just…I know I've been asking you this a lot recently, but…are you okay? Honestly.” She’d give him one more chance to tell her the truth on his own.
“I…” Killian wanted to lie.
He knew he should lie.
Knew he'd lose everything and everyone that mattered if he didn't lie.
But…He just couldn't anymore.
“I…I'm not a good man, Swan.”
She blinked, not expecting that. She’d thought he’d start to open up about his brother or the abuse he’d faced, not that. “Come again?”
“I–I haven't been honest with you. I did something horrible and I'm not talking what happened with Milah.” He'd told all about that when he told her how he lost his hand. “I did something unforgivable.”
He didn't look at her.
He couldn't.
He knew he'd backtrack if he did.
“What happened?” Emma whispered, still somewhat whiplashed by the way this conversation was going.
“I–I killed my father when I was nineteen in a bar fight. I used a fake ID to get in.”
Emma took a deep breath. Here we go… ”Killian, I…I know that already. I read the news article on it.”
Killian stood up and paced. “I-I’m sorry, I know I should have told you sooner. I'll go if you want and you'll never have to see me again, I swear.”
“Killian, hey. I don’t give a damn!” Emma gently grabbed his arm from her spot on the couch.
He hissed in pain, startling her.
“Is your arm okay?” She asked, worried.
Panic flooded Killian's features. “I-I hit on it something earlier.”
Emma gave him an incredulous look. “Do you seriously expect me to believe that?”
He didn't know what to say. So he simply just sat down on the couch, defeated and choked out a quiet “I'm sorry.”
“Sorry for what, Killian? You’re scaring me.”
It suddenly clicked.
“You… you didn't hurt yourself, did you?”
Killian said nothing. He didn't need to. His silence was answer enough.
Emma squeezed her eyes shut. “Do you need me to take you to the emergency room?”
He shook his head. “I bandaged myself up.”
He didn't look at her. Just stared down at his hands, looking ashamed and so, painfully tired.
“I’m…I’m sorry I didn’t notice this before.” Emma swallowed harshly. “I could’ve helped you.”
“What? No, luv this is not your fault—” Killian protested sharply, “— I did this because I couldn't stand what I did to my father. It wasn't your fault in the slightest—”
“Well, it wasn’t your fault either!” Emma snapped. “I read the police file, Killian, it was self defense!”
“I-I still did it Swan. I killed the last family member I had.” He whispered, almost choking on his own guilt. “And I lied to you about it.”
“I understand why you didn’t tell me.” Emma tried to soothe. “I would have done the same thing, trust me.”
“I-I wouldn't hurt you or your boy, I promise.” He was desperate. He needed her to believe her. He couldn't lose her. “I love you both with every fiber of my being—”
Emma jolted, hearing ‘the L word’ for the first time, but just went along with it. “I know, I know you wouldn’t. And Henry does too.”.
That ignited a whole ‘nother fear. “H-he doesn't know what I did, does he?”
“No, of course not.” Emma said quickly.
Killian let out a sigh of relief, feeling drained.
Emma noticed. “Okay. Bedtime. You’ve had…a rough couple of days.” She hesitated. “But uh…I don’t think you should be alone tonight.”
“I can sleep on the floor and you can take the couch if you want?”
Emma pursed her lips. “I mean…my bed is big enough that we can both squeeze on. So no one has to sleep on the floor?” She didn’t know why she was so nervous about this. They’d been dating for six months!
“I’m fine with that but only if you're comfortable with it.”
“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have offered.” Emma smiled, but it was strained with worry and anxiety.
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 6: I'll See You All In Therapy!
Summary:
Liam II finds Hook...
And is now VERY confused.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: patricide, siblings orphaning siblings, panic attacks, past character death, illness mention, loss of a home because of fire mentioned, stranger danger, past child abuse/abandonment, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
Killian is out of character because he's cursed and reminder that even the toughest of people can have panic attacks.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Months passed.
Killian got therapy.
And eventually, after a fire broke out causing him, Henry, and Emma to have to move, he got a service dog named ‘Rummy’.
A service dog that he took for walks often. Which was how he found himself running after said service dog in the park.
“Rummy, get back here! Rummy?! Bad dog! Stop–”
Someone from the street managed to grab Rummy’s service dog vest, and had the dog sit, stroking her fur. “Hey, now. Good doggy.”
Killian leaned against the entrance to the park, panting. “Thanks mate.”
The stranger was dressed oddly, like he’d just been to the local ren faire. And the glare that he gave Killian…
“ You!” He hissed, letting go of Rummy’s vest to point at Killian.
Killian quickly grabbed Rummy’s vest before she could run off again. Hooking the leash back on it as he gave the younger man a baffled look. “Uh.. me?”
The man looked at him with barely constrained anger. “You killed my father!”
Rummy started growling and readied herself to lunge—only for Killian to grab her. “Wooooah, down girl! Calm down. He's just confused—”
“I’m not confused! I saw it with my own eyes!” The man growled, leaning closer to Killian.
Who just gave him a baffled look. Not backing away or letting go of his growling dog.
Liam shuffled. Something was wrong with the expression Killian was giving him. It was completely void of any recognition. “Do you not remember me, brother?”
“Look, I'm really sorry mate but I don't know what you're talking about or who you are. And I only had one brother.”
There wasn't a hint of dishonesty anywhere in his tone or expression. Just genuine confusion.
Liam II blinked. What on earth was going on? “My father– our father, was Brennan Jones. I’m Liam Jones the second.”
That seemed to make something click in the older man. But the expression still wasn't right. It wasn't one of fear or the evil he'd expected.
It was one of pure horror and shock.
“H-he had another child?”
“Yes, you know this! My mother died of illness when I was only a boy!” He tried to jog his memory.
“No I don't! I swear I didn't know—I would have never. Oh my god, you—you must've gone to the system.” The man's legs seemed to give out, causing him to end up sitting on the concrete.
Rummy whimpered and nudged his side.
“System? What system? Why don’t you know this?”
“Kilian!” Henry ran up beside him. “You got her! We really need to train her better.” He noticed how Killian was on the ground. “Are you okay?”
Killian said nothing, breath picking up as he mumbled to himself. Grip tightening on Rummy’s leash.
The dog whined louder. Nudging him again before running over to Henry when it didn't work.
Henry grabbed Rummy’s leash, and saw Liam II, and glared at him with as much force as a twelve year old could. “What did you do to him? Who are you?”
Liam was shocked by the boy’s appearance, so he could only stammer out. “He’s…he’s my brother.”
Henry whipped . his head to Killian. “I thought you said your brother died.”
Killian again said nothing.
Her ringtone—the imperial march from Star Wars—went off.
She answered, smiling brightly. “Hello?”
“Mom? Can you come pick us up?” Henry asked anxiously. Shushing someone.
“Henry?” She sat forward, suddenly worried. “What’s wrong? I thought you were out with Killian”
“I am but something happened and now he's really freaking out and nothing's making sense and Rummy's freaking out and people are staring–”
Smack.
“—Don’t look at me like that. I don't know who you are and you just tried to take my phone when you're the reason he's freaking out!”
“Henry? Who are you talking to? Turn on your location, I’ll be right there, just stay calm–” Emma shoved her bare feet into mismatched shoes, and grabbed her keys.
“Some guy who says he's Killian's brother. He was with Killian when I found him and Rummy again. And my location’s already on–”
“–okay, I’m on my way, just hold on.”
“–It’s okay, Killian, mom will be here any minute—” Henry sat down beside him. Allowing Rummy to act as a shield between them, the numerous bystanders, and the strange man who had started all this.
“Henry! Killian!” Emma shoved and elbowed her way through the throngs of people, about ready to shoot some assholes.
“We’re over here mom!”
Emma followed Henry’s voice, and finally spotted them. She knelt down beside them immediately, holding Henry and putting a hand on Killian’s arm. “Hey, you’re okay. We’re all okay. What happened?”
Henry pointed at the man Rummy was growling at. “Rummy ran off and Killian ran to get her and I lost sight of them for a few minutes, and when I found them again that guy was standing over Killian.”
Protective side flaring up, Emma stood up to glare at the man. “What the fuck did you do to my boyfriend?”
“I didn't touch him! I just—I confronted him about what he did to our father—”
Emma’s eyes widened. “You–you’re the…” She shook her head. “I need to get us all out of here and away from these crowds.” She turned to Henry. “Kid, can you get Rummy to help me with Killian?”
Henry nodded, grabbing ahold of Rummy and bringing him closer to Killian.
This was gonna be a long day.
After sending Henry to his friend Avery's house, Emma cut to the chase. “You need to leave.”
“Not until you tell me what’s going on! Killian doesn’t recognize me, I’m in this strange new realm, and I haven’t the slightest idea what’s going on!”
“I don't know what game you think you're playing, Kid but knock it off! This is the real world. Not whatever fantasy fair you just came from.” Emma probably could have been nicer but she was honestly pissed.
Not only had he caused Killian to have a panic attack, which she might have been able to let go of but he also tried to take Henry's phone when he called her for help.
And no one messed with her kid.
“Killian never met you and he didn't even know you existed before today. I know you're angry about your dad and you have every right to be but what happened between him and Killian was self defense.”
Liam was trying to piece everything together. Killian killing their father was definitely not self defense, but the way Emma spoke with such surety, and the way Killian didn’t seem to recognize him at all, made him think that something was up. “What do you think happened to my father? Tell me.”
“From what I found online, he abandoned Killian when he was six and his brother Liam was thirteen. He remarried two years later and had you. Your mother died when you were three and when you were eleven, and Killian was nineteen, he and Killian got in a bar fight where he got pretty violent with him. The paper says Killian punched him causing him to fall back and impale himself on some junk that was in the alley. And I'm inclined to believe that based on the scars he has and his medical records from three to six.”
Online? Medical records? What language was this woman speaking? “That’s nothing like how I remember.” Liam muttered, mostly to himself.
Emma felt some of the anger drain out of her at that. “Of course not. You were just a kid and you lost the only family you had out of nowhere. And look, I know you're angry. I would be too but please believe me when I tell you Killian is sorry for what happened. I don't know how your father was with you but … he wasn't like that with him.”
Liam still hadn’t the slightest what was going on, but he was inclined to believe Emma for some reason. “I will…consider it.”
The blonde sighed “that's all I can ask. And please, don't mention this to the kid yet. He still doesn't know why Killian’s in therapy.”
“The-rap-y?” He sounded out the word, looking at Emma curiously. “This realm is strange, but I won’t say anything.”
Emma rubbed her temples “Jesus, what did the foster system do to your head?”
He looked at her blankly. “My name is Liam.”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 7: Holidays and Birthdays (Cursed Memories).
Summary:
A look at Emma and Killian's cursed memories together.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: fake memories, unhealthy coping mechanisms, mental health issues, bullying, past child abuse/neglect/abandonment, implied survivors' guilt, mourning, abuse of alcohol, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
They're celebrating American Holidays because they both think they're from America and that they grew up there. Also because they want to.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Emma had never been fond of New Years. While she obviously enjoyed the drinking, the whole concept of new beginnings and resolutions never really held much weight for her. Because December 31st and January 1st felt exactly the same, give or take a hangover.
After having Henry, New Years became even less appealing, not even being able to drink copious amounts of alcohol, and Henry’s curfew was nine.
But she was curious to know how Killian felt about it.
“Do you want to do anything for New Years?” She asked him one day.
Killian thought about it for a moment. “I don't… really know. I've never celebrated it before.”
“We don’t really do much. We just eat a bunch of junk food, and I have a glass or two of champagne.” Emma shrugged. “But if you had any ideas…”
“I'm fine with doing that if you'd like to have me over.” Killian scratched behind his ear. They'd only been together a couple of weeks and they hadn't spent Christmas together so he wasn't completely sure if this was supposed to be an invitation or not.
“Of course we would.” Emma smiled softly.
Killian smiled back, before kissing her on the cheek. “See you tonight then.”
“10!”
“9!”
Henry was already conked out at this point and slumped over the arm of the couch.
“8!”
“7!”
The TV was on low, so it didn’t wake Henry. Emma and Killian sat on the couch, a glass of champagne in each of their hands.
Killian had an arm wrapped around her, his eyes fixated on the screen and full of curiosity.
“6!”
“5!”
“4!”
She was starting to think he was serious about having never celebrated or seen anyone celebrate before.
“You know, when the countdown hits zero, some people like to kiss to celebrate the New Year.” Emma mentioned casually.
He raised a brow, lips turning up slightly. “Are you flirting with me, Swan?”
“We’ve been dating for two weeks!” Emma laughed.
“And? I still flirt with you every time I see you.” Killian asked, wiggling his brows.
“3!”
“2!”
Happiness looked good on him.
Emma put her glass down, and grabbed him by the collar.
“1! Happy New Year!”
Emma crashed her lips to his.
His eyes went comically wide for a moment before he kissed her back. And, when she pulled away, he only had one thing to say.
“Good form Swan. Very good form. ”
Killian didn't know what to do for Valentine's Day or if Emma would even like such a thing.
Milah never had.
Killian never had either, to be honest.
He was in kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd, and all through elementary and middle and high school. Always the only one never getting a Valentine.
Always the one being left out of family festivities.
He was in sophomore year and getting pranked by a girl who asked him out, along with her friends.
He was in sophomore year, crying and cursing in his and Liam's quarters as he tried to get whatever they'd put in the bucket off of him.
He was in the navy and watching his fellow soldiers get letters that he and his brother never would.
But he figured he'd ask, just in case.
“What do you usually do for Valentine's Day, luv?”
Emma froze slightly. “Nothing, usually.” She never had the most…fond memories of Valentine’s day.
Killian frowned. “Me either but… do you want to do something?”
“Not…particularly.” Emma could feel her walls, which she’d tried her best to lower, mainly for Henry’s sake, start to slowly pull up again.
“If you're sure you don't want to do anything, we don't have to. I don't have the fondest memories for the holiday either and we don't need one day to show the world we love each other. My brother always said the idea was silly anyways.” Killian quickly rushed to assure her, already regretting bringing the idea up.
“I mean…” Emma hesitated. “I won’t ever say no to chocolates.” She tried for a smile.
“Then you'll have more chocolate than you know what to do with.” He smiled back, a bit wary.
“You said you have bad memories about Valentine’s day, too?” Emma questioned.
The ravenette nodded.
“No lovely ladies for you to fawn over? I thought you said you were a ladies man.” Emma smirked.
Killian couldn't help but wince. Looking everywhere but her. “Milah wasn't fond of the holiday and no one was practically fond of me.”
“Lucky thing I’m fond of you then.” Emma gently ran her arm across his.
“Yeah. I don't know how I got so lucky.”
“Mom! Killian left you a present at the door!” Henry called out from the hallway on his way to school.
Emma felt her heart flutter, despite herself. She grabbed the presents from the doormat, and brought them inside.
It was a couple of boxes of chocolate, a box of hot chocolate, and a singular wooden rose that was clearly handmade. It all came with a note that simply said ‘Love you, Swan.’
She held the rose close to her chest, smiling wide, and glad no one could see her.
Killian went radio silent for a week.
No matter how many times she called and texted, he just wouldn’t respond, and Emma was starting to get worried.
Deciding, ‘screw it.’ she got into her car while Henry was at school, and drove her ass to his apartment.
She knocked loudly on his door. “Killian?”
She received a low groan in response.
Knowing that he had a key under the mat, she grabbed it and unlocked the door, having nine-one-one at the ready, just in case. “Killian? It’s Emma. Are you okay?” She scanned the room for him.
The light was on in the bathroom and the door was ajar.
Shoving her whole body through the door, she saw beer bottles and cans scattered across the floor and a familiar lump in the tub.
It was Killian—wearing the same clothes she'd last seen him in—laying face down. Luckily, there wasn't any water in the tub.
He didn't seem to notice her.
Emma sighed. At least she didn’t have to call an ambulance. “Killian?” She spoke louder, walking towards the tub, kicking beer cans out of her way.
“Sw’n?”
“Who else?”
“I think ‘m curs’d.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “You’re not cursed. Why do you think that?”
“ ‘Cause he didn't kill her ‘till she left to be with me. Everyone I love dies.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re cursed.”
“I feel curs’d.” Killian muttered, rolling over. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he'd been crying.
“Well, everybody I’ve ever loved has abandoned me. Does that mean I’m cursed?” Emma put her hands on her hips.
“No. It means they're stupid and should go t’ bloody hell.”
“If I’m not cursed, then you’re not cursed.”
“...I miss her.”
“I know you do.” Emma wasn’t sure if he was talking about Milah or his mother. “And it’s okay to miss them. Just don’t do…” She gestured to all of him. “ This.”
“ ‘m sorry, Emma.”
“It’s fine. Just…don’t go radio silent on me again like that. Okay?” Emma grabbed Killian by the shoulders, and hauled him out of the tub.
To his credit, he did his best to help her. “Alright, Swan.”
On her way out, she decided to look at his calendar.
The only four dates marked were: October 27th, Liam’s death. March 27th, Liam's birthday. March 20th, Milah’s death. August 25th, Milah's birthday.
He didn’t even mark his own birthday. Emma had never had people in her life, aside from Henry, so she didn’t know what it was like to lose people.
How long had he lived like this?
“Mom! Mom!” Henry's excited voice woke her early one Sunday morning.
“Kid?” She woke up sleepily. “Is something wrong?”
“No, mom, look what Killian got me!”
Emma got up, and looked. It was a Hulk Easter Basket.
And if there was one thing her eleven year old son loved almost as much as he loved her, it was the Hulk.
“Killian got you that?” Emma was surprised that Killian had gotten Henry anything for Easter, let alone one of his favorite things.
“Yeah! He said he couldn't come in because he had work but that he hoped I liked it and that he hoped you'd like your breakfast—oh, I put that in the fridge by the way.”
“He got us breakfast?” Her eyes were wide. Killian had always claimed to know the way to women’s hearts, and breakfast food was definitely the way to hers.
Henry nodded, absentmindedly as he looked through the basket. Just as wide eyed as she was.
Emma suddenly felt bad that she hadn’t gotten him anything. Granted, she had no idea that he was doing anything, but still. “Maybe we can pick up something nice for Killian tomorrow.”
Now that grabbed Henry's attention away from the basket. “That’s a great idea! But, uh, we should be careful.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
He gave her an unimpressed look. “Mom, tomorrow’s April Fools Day.”
She snorted. “Now you’ve just given me ideas.”
Killian was fast asleep on his couch the next day. Still in his work clothes.
He had grass and a leaf in his hair.
Emma walked into his apartment, saw this, and giggled. She carefully plucked the grass and the leaf out of his hair, trying not to wake him.
The ravenette subconsciously leaned into her touch, mumbling ‘Swan’ under his breath. Not otherwise stirring.
She smiled at him, glad he was unconscious so he couldn’t see. She placed both his real gift, and the little prank on his kitchen table with the note, then kissed him on the forehead.
Later, when Killian awoke to find the gifts, he simply smiled. Opening one to find a cheesy, touristy ‘I visited New York and All I got was arrested and this stupid shirt.’ t-shirt, and a note that said ‘Happy April Fools!’
Snorting, he opened the other one. In that one, was a note reading ‘Here’s your actual gift. Thank you for the basket and the breakfast.’ Inside was a small model ship in a bottle.
The next time Emma visited his apartment, she'd find the ship proudly displayed on the coffee table.
On the anniversary of Emma's arrest, she always wanted to be alone.
But naturally, having a kid and being single she couldn't really do that. A fact she'd mentioned offhandedly to Killian once when they started dating.
So when she wakes up to a silent apartment, she gets scared, because Henry is eleven, and naturally very loud.
The fact it was a weekend only freaked her out more.
She jumped out of bed, and ran into the living room, then the kitchen. “Henry?” She called.
She received no response.
Half jogging into the kitchen, she spots something new on the fridge. A piece of paper. She snagged it off the fridge.
‘Hey mom, I left my backpack at Killian’s. Went to go get it. Be back soon.
–Henry.
P.s I left at 9.’
Emma glanced at the clock, and paled when she saw it was almost ten. “That kid…” She grumbled to herself, pulling out her phone and dialing Henry’s number. The phone rang. And Henry's ringtone immediately rang out in his room.
He was so grounded.
Frustrated, Emma dialed Killian’s number instead.
“Swan? What's–” Killian sounded half asleep.
“Is Henry with you?” Emma interrupted, heart almost beating out of her chest.
“Aye. The lad’s drinking juice in the kitchen. I was just about to walk him back.”
Emma could have melted with relief. “Oh thank god. He left without permission. I was worried to death!”
That seemed to wake Killian up. “Oh blo—I am so bloody sorry, luv. I would have called and brought him back immediately had I known.”
“Gee, wonder why Henry didn’t say shit.” Emma rolled her eyes. “Let him know that he’s grounded when he gets home.”
“Yes ma'am. I can walk him back now if you wish.”
She rubbed her temples. She really hated today. “Yes, please.”
An hour later, a very apologetic Killian was at the door with a hot chocolate, a box of bear claws, and her pouting eleven year old.
“Henry Daniel Swan!” Emma snapped. “What made you think it was a good idea to leave the apartment without my permission or your phone?”
“I needed to work on my book report and I didn't want to wake you, and I didn't mean to forget my phone–”
“What if something happened? Do you have any idea how dangerous—”
Mother’s day was always a special occasion for Emma and Henry. Henry would always do something nice for Emma, like clean the house a bit, or go over to a friend’s house to give her a night for herself.
The front door opened, waking Emma.
“Shhh or else you're gonna wake mom!”
“Sorry Lad—”
Emma rolled over in bed and turned on the desk light. Getting up, she opened her door to find Killian and Henry in deep discussion. She smiled at her boys. “What are you two planning?”
Killian and Henry both spun around, hiding the bags they were holding behind their backs.
“Nothing Luv—”
“Nothing Mom–”
She raised a sleepy eyebrow. “It better have something to do with dinner, ‘cause I’m not cooking tonight.”
“Moooooooooooom!” Henry whined “If we told you it wouldn't be a surprise!”
Killian snorted, earning him a glare from the brunette. He simply gave him an innocent look that absolutely no one in the room believed.
Emma smirked. “Can I see this ‘surprise’ right now, or can I go back to bed?”
“You can go back to bed, luv.” Killian quickly assured “Your boy is in good hands.”
“That doesn’t exactly give me a vote of confidence.”
“Oi! Bad Form, Swan!”
Later, Emma would awake to find a clean, quiet house and a tray on her nightstand. The tray had a hot chocolate with cinnamon, a bear claw, a grilled cheese, and a pile of onion rings arranged in a smiley face on it.
Emma smiled at the food, her stomach already growling. But first, she had to thank her boys.
“Thank you both, for the house, and the food.” She squeezed them both, kissing Henry on the head, and Killian on the lips.
“Happy Mother's day mom!”
“Thanks, bud.” She paused. “Wanna help me eat this stuff?”
Henry's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
It was a very happy mother's day indeed.
Killian had apparently never celebrated the Fourth of July either.
So the three of them packed a picnic and picked up some things from the store, and went to a little lake spot he suggested.
Grilling some hot dogs, burgers, and shish kabobs.
Swimming.
And lighting off the few fireworks they'd picked up.
It was quite a memorable day.
Killian had been living with Emma and Henry for two months by the time Henry's birthday came around.
They'd been dating for eight months at that point. Yet he still kept finding ways to surprise them both.
Like when Emma woke up to find their apartment decorated for Henry's birthday and Killian making a small cake.
“Smells good.” Emma said, hugging him from behind. “Henry’s gonna love it.” Like with most holidays, Emma had some…not nice memories associated with Henry’s birthday. She obviously never let Henry know or see, but Killian could somehow just…tell.
He looked around, making sure that Henry wasn't around the corner somewhere before asking “You okay luv?”
“Me? Yeah, I’m fine.” Emma insisted. “This is Henry’s day, not mine.”
Killian sighed “that's true but . I'm always here if you ever need to talk. Now… should we go wake the lad or let him sleep in a little longer?”
“Let’s wake him up. He’ll be mad at us if we let him sleep too late on his birthday.”
“Too true.” He turned the oven off, wiping his hand and prosthetic off on his jeans. “Lead the way.”
Creeping into Henry’s room, Emma signaled for Killian to be quiet as she walked up to Henry’s bed. “Henry? Heeeeeeeeeeeeenryyyyy?”
Killian watched with amusement as Henry mumbled ‘five more minutes’.
“Come ooooooon.” Emma mimicked Henry’s own voice whenever he tried to wake her up. She collapsed on top of him.
Henry yelped. “Mom!”
Killian couldn't help but laugh at the now twelve year old.
Killian rested his head on Emma's shoulder, sighing.
Trying his best not to think about Milah or her husband.
“You doing okay?” Emma rubbed his arm. She knew this day was hard for him.
He nodded. “Just thinking, luv.”
“Wanna talk about it?” She laced their fingers together
“I just… miss her and wish things had ended differently.” Killian felt guilty thinking about it. Because he wasn't sure what would have happened if Milah had lived.
Would they have gotten married and had a family?
Or would they have ended things amicably?
Would he have still met Emma and her boy?
Killian forced himself to shake these thoughts off because, as he was starting to learn, there was no point in dwelling on the what ifs and could have beens. “She didn't deserve to die the way she did. And her boy deserved better.”
Emma nodded. “Well, I’m here for you. And I love you.”
He smiled at her, leaning in to kiss her on the nose. “I love you too.”
Henry had gone over Operation Viper with Killian at least three times over the past week, making sure that no detail was forgotten. But just in case…
“What’s the first thing we do?” Henry quizzed him in the living room, just before they were supposed to surprise Emma.
“Make her breakfast in bed.” Killian parroted, refraining from rolling his eyes.
“Correct! And what do we make her?” Henry knew damn well that Killian knew, but he was just…testing him.
“Pancakes.”
Henry nodded sagely. “Good. And now, my young apprentice, I think you’re finally ready. Let’s go make the best birthday pancakes ever!” He pumped his fist in the air.
The author smiled. “Aye aye captain.”
A few days after Emma's birthday she woke to find Killian gone from bed.
It was his day off and according to the clock, Henry should have already been at school.
She got up, heading over to the living room where she found Killian sitting on the couch, head in hands.
“Killian?” She knelt beside him, hands hovering over him, unsure if he would accept a touch.
“I forgot. How could I forget?”
“Baby, what did you forget?” Emma frowned.
“Liam died 12 years ago yesterday and I forgot. ” Killian swallowed, running a hand through his hair. His voice sounded uncharacteristically raspy.
Emma’s eyes widened. Shit, no wonder he was in this state. Yesterday, they had all gone to the local autumn festival, and had a fantastic time. “Killian, we were busy yesterday. I don’t know much about Liam, but I do know that he loved you, and would rather you had a fun day with your family, then spend your time mourning.”
“I know but—” the ravenette trailed off. Rubbing his eyes.
“No buts.”
“What if I forget him?” Killian asked, quietly after a few minutes. “What if I move on so much that I look back and can't remember what he was like? I already can't remember what he sounded like—”
“You won’t forget him.” Emma insisted, quietly. “When you love someone…they stick with you, forever.” She paused. “And Liam would want you to move on. He wouldn’t want you to stay still.”
Killian hugged her, sighing. “I hope you're right..”
Emma grumbled slightly as she adjusted the plastic wings attached to her back. “Why did I agree to this again?”
“Because Henry wanted us to have a group costume.” Killian replied, looking into the mirror in her room as he readjusted the fake mustache the twelve year old insisted he wear. “And look on the bright side, you actually look… scrumptious. And not bloody ridiculous like I do.”
“Save it for the candy, tiger.” She kissed him on the cheek, avoiding the mustache.
“I’m not Tiger Lily, I'm Hook remember?” He gave her a cheeky grin.
Emma rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get this over with so I can relax and eat a bunch of candy.”
“As you wish, Ms. Tinkerbell–”
“Ew.” Henry called from the next room, undoubtedly scrunching up his nose. “You guys are so gross —”
On Thanksgiving, the three of them watched Charlie Brown and ate pizza for dinner, and pie for dessert.
All of them were asleep before the day was even over.
Henry liked to consider himself an observant person. His mom would say to stop staring at people, but Henry really liked to observe.
And one of the things he’d observed recently, was that it was Killian’s birthday.
(Okay so maybe an old social media had told him that but still ).
After the master plan that was Operation Viper for his mom’s birthday, Henry decided to enact Operation Poison Dart Frog, to surprise Killian for his birthday.
“Mom, what kinds of things does Killian like?” Henry was making a list of things to prepare.
“Uh, well. He likes pirates. The ocean. Maps. Sailing. Art. Fencing and sword fighting. Target practice? Darts. Books—” Emma thought long and hard. “Oh, and he loves cards and history..”
“Hmm…how much do swords cost these days?” Henry grabbed his phone and googled it. His eyes went wide. “Woah. Mom, do we have $400?”
“He already has a sword, Henry. But we'll find something.” Emma told him. “And you know… I think I have just the thing…”
When Emma brought the camera out, Henry wrinkled his nose. “A camera?”
“Hey, don't make that face. I'm telling you, he's gonna love this . ” Emma scolded lightly. “I mean, think of it. He doesn't have many pictures of his family.”
Henry looked back at his list, crossing out sword. “I guess.”
“Now come on, we gotta wrap it and get everything else settled before he gets home from work.”
Killian sighed, stretching as he unlocked the door and entered Emma and Henry's apartment. “Swan? Lad, I'm home—”
“Surprise!” Emma and Henry jumped up from behind the couch, grinning. “Happy birthday, Killian!”
“Bloody hell!” He rested a hand over his heart. Breathing heavily “It's bad form to give a man a heart attack—wait, birthday?”
Henry grinned and pointed at him. “Yeah! I found you out! No one escapes the Operation Poison Dart Frog!”
Emma rolled her eyes. “He stalked you on Instagram.”
The cartographer raised a brow, looking at Henry. Trying not to smile “...we really need to keep an eye on him, eh? We got a little supervillain on our hands—”
“No kidding.” Emma smiled at him. Before she could say anything else–
“–Did you wanna open your present now?” Henry, who had been so unenthused with the present just hours earlier, was now bouncing off the walls with excitement.
Killian pretended to think about it. “Hmmmm… nay, I think we can wait until after dinner.”
Henry pouted. “But Mom said it’d be really use–”
Emma shot him a look. “Kid! Spoilers!”
Killian plopped down on the couch, exhausted but also touched. “I love you both more than you'll ever know.”
It had been a loooooong day.
“Henry! Slow down on the cookies, lad. You're gonna make yourself sick at this rate” Killian scolded, lightly, taking the plate of gingerbread men away from the shorter boy’s reach.
“And I’m not making any more of those damn things, so pace yourself, kid.” Emma grumbled good-naturedly.
“I haven't eaten that many.” Henry pouted, rolling his eyes. Full of that teenage attitude every teenager got at one point or another.
“You've eaten an entire family's worth, lad—”
“Have not !”
“Kid, I made twenty, and you’ve almost eaten half.” Emma smirked. “This is an intervention.”
Henry gaped at them. “I hope Santa puts you both on the naughty list!”
Killian smirked into his eggnog. Mumbling “Oh, I think I'm already on it.”
"Ew."
“Killian!”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 8: Holidays and Birthdays (Real Memories).
Summary:
The Swan Family's real memories of the missing year.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: abandonment issues, insecurity, premature labor, homelessness, Killian being jealous of Han Solo, surprise babies, unplanned pregnancy, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Emma was huffing and moving things in the living room when Killian got home.
“Uh luv? What are you doing?” He was more than a little baffled at the sight.
“Your brother’s moving in.”
Killian raised a brow. Even more baffled than before. “May I ask why?”
Emma dusted her hands off on her jeans, rolling her eyes. “Because apparently the two of you are more alike than we thought. I found him sleeping under the docks when I was chasing a skip.”
“He was what—”
“10!”
“9!”
Liam shifted on the floor where he sat with Henry. Not sure whether or not he actually belonged there.
He didn't even know what New Years Eve was.
“8!”
“7”
Henry seemed to notice, and nudged him. “You doing okay, LJ?”
Lj shrugged. “I'm...new to this.”
“6!”
“5!”
Killian and Emma were cuddling on the couch with a sleepy Rummy. Champagne glasses in hand.
Liam wasn't sure he liked the taste of it.
“That’s okay, so am I. This is the first New Year that I’ve managed to stay up past nine. We can do it together!”
Liam smiled at him.
“4!”
“3!”
Deciding to watch the younger boy so that he'd know what to do when the time came.
“2!”
“1! Happy New Year!”
Killian kissed Emma.
And Liam, following Henry's lead, cheered and blew on a party favor.
Maybe he didn't stick out too badly after all.
Emma and Killian went on a date for Valentine's Day.
And Liam and Henry? They ordered pizza and played video games with Rummy.
And Liam's birthday the next day? He found himself bombarded with a ton of this world’s Valentine's candy and a book about some creature named ‘bigfoot’.
How they knew his birthday or that he was turning twenty two, he didn't know. But he certainly wasn't complaining about the gifts or the strange feeling of belonging the whole event gave him.
The last two weeks of March were hard for Killian and always made him think of his older brother and his former love.
But unlike in previous years, he didn't get drunk to numb the pain.
No.
This year, instead of doing that, he spent more time with Henry and Emma and Rummy, and went out for lunch with his new little brother and shared stories of Liam and Milah and even his mother that he'd nearly forgotten.
And somehow, it made it easier.
Henry and Liam both got an easter basket full of tricks on Easter Fools, as Henry fondly called it. Despite the fact they both grumbled about being ‘too old’ for it.
Emma, on the other hand, got a lovely ring she hadn't been expecting.
She said yes.
On the anniversary of Emma's arrest, she awoke to find a box of bear claws on the counter and a note on the fridge.
‘Hey luv,
Went out with Henry and Liam for the day.
Call if you need/want anything.
We'll be bringing dinner back.
–Love Killian.
P.S Rummy's already been fed. Don't believe his sad eyes, they're full of lies.’
Emma smiled, laughing at Rummy’s little whine and exaggerated pout before going about her day.
Lounging on the couch and watching Star Wars as she did some extra research on her latest cases until her boys returned home with take out from her favorite restaurant and stories of the fun they'd had that day.
Emma had never felt more loved in her life.
Emma stared at the pregnancy test with disbelieving eyes.
Positive. She was pregnant.
And judging by the surprise weight gain, and lack of her period, she must have already been a couple months along.
Two or three, if she had to guess.
The last time she was pregnant…she didn’t want to think about the last time she was pregnant. She was seventeen, and abandoned, and in jail.
Now, she had a fiancé, a son, a dog, and a soon-to-be brother-in-law. Could she do this? She’d done a pretty good job with Henry so far, and this time, she’d have support.
There was a knock on the bathroom door.
“Luv? Are you alright? You've been in there awhile.” Killian asked, voice laced with worry.
Emma froze. Did Killian even want more kids? Sure, he was great with Henry, but there was a huge difference between a pre-teen and an entire baby.
She was suddenly paranoid that he was gonna split once she told him. He wouldn’t do that…would he?
Emma bounced back and forth, but ultimately decided that she wasn’t going to be able to keep this secret for very long.
“Swan?”
She snapped out of her thoughts and swung open the door, before Killian broke it down. She hid the stick in her pocket. “I’m fine.”
He frowned. “You sure, luv? You're looking a bit pale—”
“I’m sure.” She insisted, wondering how the fuck she was gonna tell him. “I…uh…can we talk?”
He looked relieved. “Yes, of course we can. I've been meaning to talk to you about something anyways.”
“...You go first.” Emma was stalling, and she knew it.
He scratched behind his ear, eyes shifting from her to the wall behind her. “About the wedding… I was wondering if… after we got married, if I may…”
He bit his lip, not sure how to continue or if he even should when Emma was clearly distressed about something.
“May what? What are you talking about?” Emma was already close to snapping, but she was more high strung than a violin right then.
Killian winced. Debating on just dropping the conversation before deciding that, that wouldn't end well and biting the bullet. “... If I may take your last name as my own…”
Emma blinked, not expecting that. “Oh. I mean, yeah, of course. But can I ask why?” Emma was already planning on keeping her last name, but she was more than fine with Killian taking hers as well.
“I've been… wanting to change my last name for a long time now. I don't like being linked to my father and I'm sure that if my older brother knew our mother's maiden name, our names would have been changed ages ago.” The ravenette admitted, reluctantly. “And I love LJ, I do. But I don't have the same memories of our father that he does and I'm not as attached to the name.”
Then, after a moment of silence, he added. “And I'd be more than a little honored to share your name, Swan.”
Emma felt oddly honored. “I…of course you can take my name.” She kissed him, trying to keep her tears at bay.
He beamed at her. “I love you. And I know I don't say it enough but I love your boy as well and I'll do everything in my power to protect him and you.”
Well, that was as good a segway as any. “Ha, uh…about that. You’re gonna have to do a bit more protecting soon enough…” Not wanting to say the words quite yet, she pulled the test out of her pocket, handing it to him.
He took it, looking at it. His breath catching “you mean—I’m gonna be a dad?”
Tears started falling from her eyes as she nodded.
“Luv, this is… bloody brilliant…” He was shell shocked and tearing up but he was smiling.
Deep down, Emma knew that Killian would never leave. He said he was excited at the prospect of a baby…but old habits die hard. “You…you’ll stick around, then?” She was trying to be casual, and failing miserably.
“What–of bloody course I'm sticking around. You aren't getting rid of me anytime soon.” Killlian hugged her. “We're having a baby. We're having a baby— ”
“I'm gonna be a big brother? Cool!”
Killian wasn't the only one who jumped. “Bloody hell, lad, how long have you been standing there?”
“...not long?”
“ Henry! ”
They went to the lake again on the Fourth of July.
Grilling hot dogs, burgers, and shish kabobs. Having smores.
Lighting off the few fireworks they had.
Swimming.
Taking pictures.
And then an impromptu water fight broke out when Henry shot Liam with some water guns he'd snuck along.
Something that Killian had gotten on Camera and framed proudly, despite his brother’s protests. Even Liam couldn't disagree that it was a nice picture, though.
Emma and Killian married in a courtroom on a nice, sunny day in June.
Wearing clothes they got from the thrift shop with only Henry, LJ, and Rummy as their witnesses.
They got hot dogs from a food cart and went to the movies afterwards.
It was a good day .
Henry spent part of his birthday with friends at the local pizza place and arcade.
He spent the rest of it at home: playing with Rummy, watching movies, eating cake, and opening presents.
Begrudgingly taking pictures with his mom, Killian, and Lj throughout it all.
It was a great day.
(Especially for Liam, who got his revenge for the July incident by catching a picture of Killian dosing off on his slice of cake that night that also ended up framed).
Milah's birthday came and went.
Killian visited ‘their’ spot and sat for a while after work before going home, and having dinner with their family.
Talking with Emma on the balcony and watching the stars for a bit after Henry went to bed.
Healing ever so slowly.
Emma spent most of the day before her birthday and on her birthday in labor and delirious, with Killian by her side.
After their daughter popped out, he rushed off to call Liam and Henry via her request.
The next thing Emma knew, a second baby was being handed to her.
“Where’d this one come from?” She slurred, still out of it.
She could have sworn one of the nurses—or was that a doctor? She couldn't tell—snickered at the question.
Another definitely snorted.
“Ma’am, that one came from you as well.”
Emma cocked her head. “No…pretty sure there was only one in there…”
“Ma'am, I can assure he came from you. If you don't believe me, just look at him. He looks a lot like your… husband?”
She took a look at the baby. Sure enough, he had Killian’s distinct eyes and dark hair. “Huh. How’d we miss a whole baby?”
“He must've been hiding.” One of the staff joked. At least, she thought it was one of the staff.
Emma huffed. “... Yep, he's his daddy's son alright.”
Killian held their daughter close to his chest, looking star struck. “Hello there, beautiful.”
The baby scrunched up its little face, gripping his shirt weakly and whining in response.
And their son? He just slept soundly on Emma's shoulder, fist wrapped tightly around her hospital gown. As if he hadn't just pulled the biggest prank he could have on their little family.
“So,” Emma delicately traced her son’s features with her finger. He started to whine and grabbed her hand. “We kept putting finding names off.”
“A mistake for sure.” Killian nodded. “Should have known they'd show earlier. Little trouble makers.”
“Yeah, already. I was thinking we’d have at least two years before we started growing gray hairs. And now there's two of them.”
“Three if you count your boy,” Killian joked, causing their son to whine and their daughter to grab his nose. “Ow!”
Emma chuckled. “That one’s got spunk. And this little one is shy.” She nuzzled her son’s head.
He yawned and stretched.
“She's just like her mother already.”
“Okay, but…the names, Killian. We’re still putting it off.”
Killian readjusted his hold on their daughter, scrunching his nose up as he thought about it. “Hmmm… how about Hope Alice Cleo Swan for this one?”
“Hope, huh?” Emma smirked. “Feeling cheesy today, aren’t we?” She joked, but was touched that Killian remembered the story she told him about Cleo.
He shifted. Shrugging . “I don't know. It just feels… like it fits? And—” The ravenette hesitated before continuing. “I had the strangest dream the other night.”
She frowned. “What about?”
“Well, I was there and you were there but we were in a jungle with these people I'm sure I've never met. One of them was this woman with a bow and arrow, and I don't really remember much of what she said… but she kept talking about ‘having hope’ and other things that I'd usually think of as nonsense, you know?” He turned slightly pink towards the end of his ramble.
Emma pursed her lips. The way he described his dream sounded so familiar, but she could have sworn that she’d never had a dream like that before. “Why Hope, then? If you think it’s nonsense, why name our daughter that?”
“She… just seems like the kind of lady I'd want our daughter to be? You know. I didn't believe in hope until we met. And even now, I struggle with it. But I don't want that for her. I want her to be strong and smart like you and hopeful. ”
She smiled at her husband and daughter. “Hope. I like it.”
Killian smiled. “And the boy? What do you think we should name him?”
“Well, I know you already vetoed Han.” Emma smirked.
He immediately cut in “we aren't naming our child after a fictional character that people can clearly tell you like.”
Emma huffed out a laugh. “As I was saying, I went looking for similar names, and came across Harrison, which I thought sounded nice. What do you think?”
“Harrison is a lovely name” Killian then mumbled under his best “and much better than Han.”
“And since Hope has two middle names, let’s give Harrison two as well.” Emma chewed on her bottom lip. “I was torn between either David or Graham.”
“Hm. I like David as well.” Killian mused. “It's weird, I don't think I know any Davids but I feel strongly towards it. But where'd Graham come from?”
She frowned, struggling to remember. “I…I knew a Graham, once. He…he was a good man. He was there when the world was against me.”
“Then I think Graham is a fitting name for our son.” Killian reached over the best he could with Hope in his arms and rested his hand on hers, smiling softly. “And I'm sorry if I brought up any bad memories.”
“I’m the one who suggested it.” Emma blinked her tears away. “So: Hope Alice Cleo, and Harrison David Graham Swan.”
Just then, Henry ran in with Liam behind him. “Woah! I thought there was one baby?”
“Please tell me you two didn't steal an extra—”
That Halloween, Emma handed out candy dressed as Cher Horowitz with Rummy (sporting a homemade Scooby Doo collar) and the twins (napping in their carseats, dressed as little pumpkins) by her side. Insistent on still celebrating even though she wasn’t up to going out this year.
While Killian dressed as JJ Sneed and, along with a very confused Liam (dressed as Shaggy), escorted Henry (who went as bard since he was starting to get very into DND) and his friend, Avery, as they went trick-or-treating (mainly because that Walsh Guy from down the hall had been getting more and more pesky lately and no one trusted him).
They got a load of candy that night that Emma gladly dug into when they got back and—since it wasn’t a school night—Avery stayed the night.
Which also meant that they all spent most of the night eating candy and leftovers from the Chinese place down the street and watching Halloween specials (in place of horror movies that would probably scare the babies and Avery’s mom likely wouldn’t approve of).
Needless to say, they were all aching in the morning when they woke up where they had all fallen asleep sprawled out across the living room (except for Rummy and the twins, of course).
Thanksgiving came and went.
They watched Charlie Brown again and had breakfast for dinner with donuts and hot chocolate with cinnamon for dessert.
And Henry showed Liam how to make a hand turkey, which alongside his own (and the two teeny-tiny ones he made for the twins), were now displayed proudly on the fridge next to the two he’d made Killian and Emma make the year before.
It was nice.
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 9: Finding Them.
Summary:
David sets about finding Emma and Henry.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: swearing, assumed abuse, assumed stalking, mildly sexual flirting, mild violence, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
Ruby didn't look through the accounts too much so she doesn't know about the dog or babies.
The song was in the episode 'Going Home' and is 'Charley’s Girl' by Lou Reed.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It had only been a couple of months since everyone was blasted back to Storybrooke, and David had to contend with the fact that, not only was his baby girl and grandson out in the world somewhere, but that he was about to be a father… again.
He had his phone in his hand, looking at a picture that Henry had taken, a ‘selfie’ as he had called it, of him, Emma, and Henry.
“Heeeeey sheriff!” Ruby greeted, placing a coffee down in front of him. Though she didn't sound as cheerful as usual. Instead, she sounded wary.
“Hi, Ruby. Any memories coming back to you by chance?” David asked, not expecting an answer.
The brunette winced. “No but.. I do have something you need to see.”
He frowned. “What is it?”
Ruby held her phone out to him. Waiting for him to take it.
Looking at her, David took the phone and looked at it. It was a…YouToon channel? Henry had tried to show him what YouTroon was, but David could never understand it. The name of the channel was ‘Themapman’, but that wasn’t what drew David’s attention. The profile picture, although small, was undeniably Captain Hook.
But the worst part?
Right below the channel title was a little ‘at symbol’ (David remembered some of the stuff Henry taught him) with the name ‘Killianswan’ right after it.
“ Killian Swan?!” David practically yelled.
People turned to look at him, alarmed.
“This isn't a movie. Either eat your food or leave .” Ruby snapped at them.
“Why did he put his surname as Swan ?” David angrily looked over more of the channel.
Ruby winced. “Yeah… about that…”
David looked at her reproachfully. “Ruby…what aren’t you telling me?”
“Uh… Henry was in a couple of the videos. And I found him, Emma, Hook, and an unidentified man with Hook’s last name on Instagram.”
“Wait, he’s with them? Emma and Henry? How?! Those two were the only ones who were able to escape the curse!” David ran his hand through his shorn hair.
“ David. Keep your voice down unless you want the whole town knowing. I don't know how he's there but I thought you could use the accounts to track them down. Like Emma would.” Ruby gestured awkwardly with her hand.
David took a deep breath. “Right, sorry Ruby. I’ll, uh, what’s that phrase again? Stalk them, on Interjam, or whatever.”
Ruby looked pained. “Instagram. I'll write it down along with the accounts so that you and MM can look into them.”
“Hook’s with Emma and Henry? Our Emma and Henry? ”
“Yes! Can you believe it?! The audacity of that man…” David’s rant turned into incoherent muttering.
“Are you absolutely sure it's him?” Snow asked, sitting down in the recliner. Rubbing her belly as she frowned at the thought.
David pulled up Instajam, and scrolled through Emma’s account, until he found a picture of the two of them posing at a park. “ Yes.” He showed Snow the picture.
She scrunched up her nose. “How the hell—”
“I don’t even know!” David slumped into his chair. “Regina said that Emma and Henry were the ones not taken by the curse!”
“How much have you seen? How many pictures and videos are there? Is there anything that can tell us where they are?”
David kept scrolling. “It looks like there’s about a year’s worth of photos here. There’s…some other guy with them…Ruby said he has the same last name as Hook. What the fuck– they have a dog, how did that happen, and–” He cut off, eyes wide. “Oh. My. God.”
Snow waddled over, panicked. “What? What is it?! Did something happen to Henry and Emma—”
David couldn’t speak, so he just turned the phone around, showing her a picture of two newborn babies, dressed up as pumpkins for Halloween.
“Emma had a baby!” Snow took the phone from him to get a look. “oh look at them, they're adorable—”
David made a horrible wheezing sound. “Emma–babies–Hook–cursed–”
Snow didn't notice.
Wilby, however, did and whined. Nudging David's leg.
“Everybody said that you'd better watch out
Man, she's gonna turn you in….”
Killian snaked his arms around Emma, kissing her cheek as she made breakfast. Humming along to the song on the radio briefly.
“And me, you know that I thought that I looked out, Now look at the trouble that I'm in.”
“Morning, birthday boy.” Emma turned her head slightly, leaning in to the kiss.
“Something smells delicious.” He teased, resting his head on her shoulder.
“It’s just pancakes.”
He leaned in and whispered with a mischievous smile “I'm not talking about the pancakes.”
“You two are disgusting.” Liam scrunched up his nose, reaching into the fridge to grab the orange juice that he seemed to be addicted to. “In front of the dog, really?”
Both Emma and Killian pulled away, remembering that they now had four additional people in the apartment, if you counted the twins. “Rummy doesn’t mind, do ya boy?” Emma smiled at the dog in question.
Rummy wagged his tail and tilted his head, panting.
“My juice minds.” Liam amended.
“My breakfast minds!” Henry added from the dining room.
A loud THUD followed.
“OW! Hope!”
“And, I guess Hope minds too.” Emma muttered. She turned off the stove, and walked into the dining room.
Killian sighed and got to work making her and him a plate, sending a glare his brother’s way. “Oi! Don't drink straight from the carton, you animal —”
“Mom! Hope threw her bottle at me!”
Emma looked bemused at her two-month old. “Baby girl, why did you do that?” She asked, dramatically putting her hands on her hips.
Hope just stared at her. Before blabbing, flailing her little hands about as if explaining herself.
Harry, on the other hand, was once again fast asleep.
Emma just rolled her eyes at Hope’s babbles. “What are we going to do with you?” She picked up her thrown bottle, handing it back to her.
Henry rubbed his forehead, grumbling. “I swear, it's almost like she did that on purpose.”
Emma chuckled, ruffling his hair. “When she’s old enough, we’ll remind her of this moment, and maybe you’ll get an apology then.”
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Henry looked behind him and stared at the door. “Someone coming over?”
Emma frowned. “No. Killian? Liam? Were you two expecting anyone?”
“No luv.”
Liam sat down on the couch, picking up his guitar before answering. “I only know one person in town outside of this room and it's my day off, so no.”
Emma forced herself to relax. “It’s probably just a salesman.” She got up from the table, and walked up to the door, which was out of sight from the kitchen and living room. The man standing there looked…so familiar. “Can…can I help you?” She managed to stutter.
“Emma!” he threw his arms around her and hugged her tight.
Acting on pure instinct, she kicked the man in the legs, then elbowed him in the stomach. “What the hell are you doing?!”
“Emma. It's me, David—”
David. Her son’s middle name. When she thought of it, she thought it just…felt right. And Killian said something similar. “I…I have no idea who the hell you are! Now leave, before I call the cops!”
“But Emma—”
Slam!
She slammed the door, breathing hard.
“Luv? What's wrong—” Killian asked worried, coming around the corner.
Emma took deep breaths, trying to compose herself. “Nothing, nothing. Just a salesman who would not take ‘no’ for an answer.” She took his hand and prosthetic in her own. “Come on. Let’s eat. I’m starving over here.”
He smiled at her, kissing her cheek. “As the lady wishes.”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 10: New York City Serenade.
Summary:
This is basically the plot of New York City Serenade rewritten.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: swearing, could be seen as harassment of some kind, assumed ableism, assumed stalking/planned kidnapping, implied deception, minor violence, Walsh not taking no for an answer, destruction of property, child endangerment, assumed abuse, depressing thoughts, fears of suicide implied, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
Note:
Emma and David both make a lot of assumptions here that are reasonable from their perspectives.
No one knew Hook was with Emma or that he doesn't have his memories so David, being the protective (and admittedly stubborn) man he is, assumes the worst.
Emma, on the other hand, is under the assumption that she raised Henry by herself after getting custody back when she got back on her feet after getting out of jail. She thinks she's known Killian for two years. And most importantly, she thinks she hasn't seen Neal since she took the fall for the watches. So of course when she finds out David knows Neal and finds a keychain with Henry's name on it in Neal's apartment, she fears the worst like she did in the show.
Neither are really the bad guy for it. They don't have all the information and it's a stressful situation that has them both angry and scared, so cut them some flack please.
Oh and no hate to Amish people. Liam knows next to nothing about them and needed an excuse as to why he knows so little about this world, so... Amish cultist foster parents it was.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Emma walked out of the bakery with Killian's birthday cake, checking her watch. Hoping she wasn't running late.
“Emma!” A man’s voice–the same man from earlier–called out to her.
The blonde swore under her breath and walked ahead. Hoping that if she didn't pay him any mind he'd go away.
She was not gonna let this rando ruin Killian’s birthday. No matter who he was.
She could deal with him later.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans. “Emma!” The man had caught up with her, surprisingly fast, and stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “I can explain!” He held up his hands in a placating gesture.
Emma glared at him. “You are a STALKER.”
“Your family is in danger!” He said, trying to stop her from bolting.
“My family is at home planning my husband's birthday. And I am not about to let you ruin this for him because of whatever delusion you made up in your head whenever you first saw me.”
She did not miss the tiny scowl on his face when she said the word ‘husband.’ “Emma, I know I sound like a lunatic right now, but you have to trust me! Everything you think you know is wrong!”
“I am not entertaining this right now.”
Emma tried to walk past him.
“I have proof!” The man pulled out a slip of paper. “If you want to know the truth, go to this address. Please, Emma.”
She didn't even bother looking at it.
“Leave. Now. ”
“You’ve been there before. You just don’t remember.” He smiled sadly. “Use your superpower. I’m not lying.”
“Just because you believe something is true, does not make it real.”
The blonde just smiled at her, sadly. "That's exactly what makes it real."
Emma took the paper and left. Fuming because she just knew she was probably going to get a parking ticket because of the time he wasted.
“Peekaboo, I see you.” Killian hid his face again. Causing both twins to giggle.
Emma slammed the front door shut and kicked off her shoes. She stomped over to the kitchen and shoved Killian’s cake in the fridge, before stomping back into the living room and collapsing on the couch with a huff.
Harry started crying.
“Emma? What's wrong? Did something happen while you were out?”
“Ugh, just…stupid people is all.” She pulled herself up from the couch and scooped Harry into her arms, trying to comfort him. He threw his arms out, as if trying to hug her and clung to her shirt. Burying his little face into the soft fabric.
Killian frowned before cracking a joke. Hoping it'd better her mood. “Anyone I need to fight?”
Emma glared at him. “No, nothing like that. This guy just…he kept insisting that he knew me somehow.”
Killian sobered immediately. “Do you think he's dangerous?”
Emma considered. While the man annoyed her, for whatever reason, she fully believed that he would never harm her or her family. “No, actually. Far from it. I just think he’s…confused. And maybe lonely?”
“Maybe he's an old coworker from Boston.. or someone you knew when you were a child?”
“...maybe.” She mused. “He said some really weird stuff about family, though.”
Harry wiggled upwards in her arms, tapping her on the cheek.
Emma kissed his forehead distractedly. “Where are Henry and Liam at?”
“Liam took Henry, Rummy, and my car out. Wouldn't tell me where they were going he just said you'd know.”
She smiled slightly, and whispered conspiratorially at Harry “Looks like Daddy’s getting a birthday surprise.”
“Am I getting one from you?” Killian asked, wiggling his brows. Taking his attention off Hope for a second. And a second was all she needed to take aim with her bottle.
“OW! BLOODY HELL LASS!”
Alone in her room, the note was burning a hole in her pocket.
The man—David—had said that if she wanted to know the ‘truth,’ she’d go to address on the paper. Sighing to herself, she grabs her jacket.
“I’m gonna head out super quick.” Emma said casually to Killian.
“Do you want me to come with you?” He asked, as he usually did. “Or would you like to be alone?”
“It’s…a surprise.” She tried for a smile. “Stay with the twins. I love you.” She kissed him briefly.
“I love you too.” The ravenette smiled at her, hugging a whining Harry close to his chest as he reached for her. All while Hope laid on her back in their play pen.
She wished she didn't have to lie to her husband. But she knew he'd be worried if he knew what she was up to.
Emma checked multiple times that she was at the right address. Once she was certain, she picked the lock, and the door swung right open.
Amateurs.
The first thing she noticed was the dream catcher in the window.
She knew that dreamcatcher.
That was… that was Neal's dreamer catcher. It had the same yellowish outline and the same brown weaving. And the same fucking green bead on the one loose string.
Looking around further, she spotted piles of unread mail on a table. She didn’t want to believe that Neal had been anywhere near this place. He probably sold the dream catcher for some quick cash. That’s all.
She picked up a dusty envelope from the table and read the name.
Neal Cassidy.
Fuck. She dropped the envelope, brushing off her hand like she could brush away his touch. She looked away from the table, and almost had a heart attack when she saw the name ‘Henry.’
With shaking hands, she picked up what looked like a keychain. It was red with little green snitching and sure enough it had Henry's name embroidered into it.
“Emma! I knew that’d work. It's good to see you again—” ‘David’ said, relieved, as he spotted her coming towards him.
“Why didn't you tell me it was Neal's place?” She glared at David, hands still shaking.
“You never would have gone if I had.” He put his hands up in surrender. “And I needed you to listen to me–”
“Did Neal ask you to do this? Is he trying to get into Henry's life? How does he even know he exists ?”
“Woah, I'm not here about Neal–”
“Then why –” She got close to his face. “Do you keep inserting yourself in my life!”
David backed away. Hands staying up. “I’m just here to bring you and Henry home, where you belong. I don't know what Hook's told you but—”
“ Hook?!” She saw red. “ Did you just call my disabled husband ‘Hook?!’”
“He's playing you, Emma. He tricked you—”
Emma, having had enough, punches him hard across the face. “ Fuck you. Killian would never.”
“Emma—”
“If you don’t leave me alone, I’m calling the cops.” Emma turned about face and walked away, still holding the keychain. She'd have to start keeping a better eye on Henry.
“Hey luv, Henry and Liam are almost home, and the twins are nap—” Killian greeted when Emma got home.
Emma cut him off by hugging him fiercely.
He buffered for a moment before hugging her back. “Glad to know I was missed. Also, I signed Henry's permission slip. It's on the nightstand if he asks.”
“Thanks.” She murmured, head tucked into the crook of his neck. She still hadn’t let go of him, and it didn’t look like she was planning on it any time soon.
“Wanna go lay down? You look like you need it and I personally wouldn't mind a little shut eye before our—your boy gets back.”
“Our. ” Emma insisted, then nodded. “Yeah…I’ve had a day. A lie down would be good.”
Liam quietly answered the door, trying his best not to wake Emma and his brother. And trying his best to ignore what Henry was talking to the twins about in his room.
“And this is the volcano I made for the science fair, last night—”
“Hey, Liam.”
“Hey Was–Walsh…. what brings you here?” Liam asked awkwardly. Well aware of the man's history with his brother and Emma.
He looked inside the apartment. “Emma around?”
The brunette scowled. “No, Emma's not around. And she's married. M-A-R-R-I-E-D. ”
Walsh gave him a tight smile. “I am well aware of that.”
“You should be, given the shiner my brother gave you when he caught you talking to Henry after Emma told you to piss off the first two times.” Liam glared at him. “She didn't want you then and she certainly doesn't want you now, less than two months after giving birth to my niece and nephew.”
He tried to shut the door.
Walsh shoved his foot in the door to stop it from closing. “I just want to talk to her. Is that too much to ask?”
“Yes. She told you not to contact her again unless you came to apologize. Now leave or I'll call the po-li-ce men.”
Walsh seemed to eye him suspiciously. “You don’t sound like you know what you’re talking about.”
Liam stared at him. “My foster parents were Amish.”
“Hmm.” Walsh looked him up and down.
“I'm not interested in you either.” The brunette tried to close the door again.
This time, Walsh grabbed the side of the door with his hand. “I don’t believe that you were Amish, Liam Jones.” He hissed.
“Well I was.” Liam hid a flinch. Staring him down. “Now leave. ”
Walsh stared at Liam back, an almost amused expression on his face. “Maybe I should–”
“HEY!” A man suddenly came racing down the hallway, pointing at Walsh
Liam vaguely recognized the man but he wasn't sure from where. But he did know that him recognizing the other man wasn't a good thing. He tried to slam the door on Walsh again.
This time, Walsh just straight up yanked the door from his hands, slamming it into the wall.
Liam swore. Quickly running and knocking over the grandfather clock that was near both Henry's room and Emma and Killian’s room, hoping that it'd keep them all inside and safe. Away from this unhinged man.
Walsh was suddenly enveloped in a green smoke–which, as far as Liam knew, wasn’t a thing that happened in this realm.
“What the fuck, what the fuck—” Liam scrambled backwards, blindly reaching behind him. Hoping to the gods that he'd manage to find something he could use as a weapon.
After the smoke dissipated, a gray creature with fangs and wings hissed at him.
Luckily at this point, the man from the hallway burst onto the scene, with a sword that was definitely from the Enchanted Forest. His eyes widened. “What the hell is that thing?!”
“What the fuck, what the fuck, what the bloody fuck—”
The beast lunged, slashing his cheek and causing him to fall back painfully on his wrist but the man countered with his sword.
The beast disappeared in a cloud of smoke with a pained hiss.
It was only then that Liam registered the twins wailing, Rummy barking, and Emma, Henry, and Killian calling for him and trying to break their doors down. As well as the overwhelming pain in his wrist.
“AH!” He clutched his wrist in his hand, hissing. "BLOODY FUCKING HELL!"
As soon as she was sure that Henry was gonna stay with the twins while Killian checked Liam over, she yanked her stalker somewhere private.
“What the fuck did you do to him?”
“I didn’t do anything! There was a…that neighbor of yours attacked us!”
“And why should I believe you?! For all I know my ex sent you to stalk and nab my kid!” She reached into her jacket and pulled out the photos. “And I don't know why you thought photoshop was gonna convince me of your little game but this isn't funny. Neal has no right to Henry, not after what he did. And you have no right to insult the father of my children or attack his little brother!”
David sighed, running his hand over his hair. “Emma, I’m telling you, I’m not with Neal, and I didn’t attack…did you say brother?”
“Yes. Brother. Not that it's any of your business. He is 22. Whatever problem you have with me, should stay with me. Not with my husband or his brother or our dog and children.”
David just stared at her, with a look so full of sorrow, she was slightly taken aback. He pulled a small blue vial out of his pocket, and pressed it into her hands. “If you want to know the truth, Emma, about your family, drink the vial. We need your help. If you just want to stay here, then…I’ll leave you alone. Your mother and Regina and I will figure something out.”
And for some reason that she didn't understand, even with her superpower, Emma believed him.
“Why should I trust you? If everything you're saying is true then everything I know is a lie. And everything I know and love will come crumbling down. It will destroy my family. My husband. My kids could lose their dad—”
David smiled. “You need to have hope, Emma.”
“My kid always says that.” She sighed. Not liking this one bit, eyeing the potion.
“I know.” David laughed. “Who do you think he picked it up from?”
Emma hesitantly downed it.
And that's when it all came flashing back to her.
Henry visiting her in Boston.
Her arrival in Storybrooke.
Fighting a dragon.
Breaking the dark curse.
Meeting Hook.
Everything.
She dropped the vial, causing it to shatter against the ground and took a step back. “No…”
“Emma?” David held out his arms to steady her. “Are you with me?”
“Dad.” She felt ill. Thinking about her relationship with Killian. About their children. His brother. Their dog.
All of it was real and not real.
All of it based on a lie. A lie that could destroy everything. Destroy them.
“No. No. This… this can't be happening.”
“Sweetheart, don’t worry. It’ll all be okay.” David immediately hugged his baby girl. “He can’t hurt you or your kids anymore. I’ll keep you safe.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Hook.” He spat the name out. “He’s clearly been playing you for a fool while you didn’t have your memories.”
“Dad, no. Killian's just as in the dark as I am–was. ” Emma was absolutely mortified and horrified, realizing the conclusion her father had jumped to.
David wrinkled his nose. “Are…are you sure? He could be lying–”
“I remember researching his past and things turning up.” She cut him off. “I've been with him for two years—have memories of us being together for two years. He has those memories. He knows how to drive. He's not confused about the modern world at all. He can't sword fight as well as he could in the Enchanted Forest. And he's never owned a hook here. He talks like he grew up here.”
He scoffed. “And the gigantic bruise on my grandson’s head?”
“Is courtesy of his sister who likes to throw things at people.” Emma snapped. “Including her dad, who has a giant bruise on his cheek from when she did it to him hours ago. Do you really think I'm such a bad mother that I'd let a man that beats my children stick around?!”
David winced. “No, of course not. I just…I worry about you. I’m your father. It’s kind of my job.”
“And I'm Henry's mother. It's my job to protect him. And, seeing as I'm married to Killian for the foreseeable future, it's my job to protect him too.”
He blanched at the word ‘married.’ “Wait, you actually got married?!”
“ Yes. I have pictures. We got married in June. Two days short of Father's day. He could have left before that, too, seeing as I told him after we were engaged that I was pregnant. And he didn't. It didn't happen because of cursed memories. And Liam didn't happen because of the cursed memories either.”
David just stared at her. “Your mother,” he said at last. “Is going to be devastated that she missed your wedding.”
The blonde sighed. “She’ll get over it. Especially since my marriage is probably going to be over the moment Killian gets his memories back. Because I don't know if anything about my feelings are real. And then…” And then all of her kids would be growing up with separated parents.
If Killian could survive the heartbreak.
David sighed, hugging her again. “Well, you said the wedding actually happened, right? If it wasn’t just a memory, then maybe–as much as I hate to say it–the emotions were real. Yours and his.”
“I hope you're right.”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 11: Going ‘Home’.
Summary:
They all return to Maine.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: technical and necessary manipulation, swearing, deception, cult mentions, babies crying, could be seen as attachment issues by some, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
And before you ask, no Killian isn't controlling. Emma just doesn't know how she'd explain her texting 'I love you' to a guy Killian thinks she's never met before and doesn't know is her dad/friend.
And no, Liam and Killian aren't just letting Harry cry. They're trying to calm him but he doesn't WANT them, he wants Emma.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey Killian…. How would you feel about going to Maine for a while?” Emma asked, nervously.
He wrinkled his nose. “Maine? Why on earth would we want to do that?”
“Well, the man that saved Liam needs my help on a case and I think it could help us find Liam's foster parents—”Emma felt dirty lying about that. She knew how much Killian hated his younger brother's cultist foster parents. But she just couldn't risk leaving him and the kids behind.
Not after the monster David had told her about. The one who had supposedly attacked Liam trying to get to her.
Killian didn’t look very happy. “What does that man have to do with Liam’s foster guardians?”
“He heard about me from a colleague and figured I could help him find the foster parents in question. Apparently, they—or a pair similar to them—moved to town and have been causing trouble. They don't have much information but from what he told me it sounds a lot like what Liam had told us.”
“Does Liam know about this?”
“Yes. I told him about it. He wants to help but he's not willing to go without you.” She had indeed talked to Liam. But that didn't help her feel any less manipulative in this situation.
“...Very well, then. I dunno how well Henry’s going to take this though.” He shuddered. “Or Hope, for that matter.”
Emma snorted, patting his check lovingly. “Don’t worry, I'll talk to Henry. You just worry about packing.”
Emma: It's done. We'll be ready in the morning.
David: Good. The sooner we can get back home, the better
Emma: He thinks we're on a case having to do with cult member foster parents. So go with it and plan ahead for any questions they might have.
David: Cult foster parents?!
Emma: The curse did a number on his younger brother's head. Kid thinks he was raised by Amish cult members. I'll send you the details for the cover story. We'll have to do a long con until we handle the witch and get Henry and Killian’s memories back…
David: You never explained to me what’s up with Liam. I thought he was Killian’s OLDER brother…and that he was DEAD
Emma: Their dad was a douchebag according to what I gathered from my cursed memories and his. The Liams are two separate people. We call him LJ most of the time.
Emma: Of course, the curse could have fudged things and dragged some poor bystander into this mess but we won't know until everyone gets their memories back.
David: This is gonna be a hard con, isn’t it?
Emma: No doubt. Let Mom know. We gotta be really careful about how we play this or we'll spook Killian off. And who knows what will happen if he's cursed and spooked.
Emma: Under normal circumstances I don't think he'd leave me, but if he thinks I'm not mentally well and that I may be a danger to our family, that might change things.
Emma: So please be careful about this.
David: I will. I’ll let everyone else know, too. Be safe out there, sweetheart. I love you.
Emma hesitated before texting back an ‘I love you too’. Quickly deleting the chat, not wanting to have to try and explain to Killian why she was telling a 'work client' that she loved him.
Why was this her life?
Turns out, moving Hope wasn't the problem.
Moving Harry was.
The little black haired baby wailed and wailed. All while Hope sat content in her car seat, yanking on Henry's jacket in the Chevrolet.
Emma was stressed, to say the least. “Harry, if you stop crying, you’ll be my favorite twin…” She tried to bribe the two month old baby.
Killian and Liam snorted.
“That's not gonna—” Liam’s jaw dropped, as Harry’s cries trailed off. Slowly but surely until he was just sniffling and staring at Emma.
“Luv, I swear you're magic.” Killian kissed her cheek, giving her an amused smile.
Emma laughed awkwardly. “You have no idea…”
“So. Where in Maine are we going exactly?”
“A little town on the coast. Storybrooke.” Emma pulled out her phone, then realized that Storybrooke wouldn’t show up on Google maps.
The ravenette raised a brow “Storybrooke, seriously?”
“It’s…quaint.” Emma winced, suddenly remembering back to when she had said those exact same words to Henry. “There’s a nice bay that you can rent boats from, you’ll love it.”
“If you say so luv. Hopefully the little ones will feel the same way.”
“They will.” Emma knew that Harry would, at least, love Grandma Snow. Hope on the other hand…
Emma walked into the inn after a grueling seven and a half hours of driving. Hoping that the hours hadn't changed.
Ruby was working the front desk, and she didn’t look up from her phone as Emma approached. “Welcome to Granny’s, how can I–” She glanced up, eyes widening. “Emma?!”
The blonde smiled awkwardly “Hi Ruby. Do you have any rooms available—”
Ruby jumped up and vaulted over the desk, hugging her fiercely. “Emma! What happened?! When did you get back? Are you missing memories too?”
“Woah woah woah. Calm down, Rubs. I'm not missing any memories anymore. Dad woke me up but Killian, his younger brother, and Henry don't remember–”
Ruby frowned. “Killian has a brother? Actually, you know what, never mind. They don’t remember anything? ”
“No. And you absolutely cannot tell him anything. He thinks we’re here because of a case relating to his brother's non-existent foster parents. So if he asks, there has been… cult stuff, going on. Okay?”
Ruby raised an eyebrow, but nodded. “Okay. Okay. We’ll have to have a town meeting and let everybody else know. And as for your question, we only have two rooms left. Since the missing year brought a whole bunch of people to Storybrooke.”
Emma looked relieved. “That's perfect. Let me sign in. We gotta make this quick because—”
A loud wail broke out from outside, causing the blonde to sigh. A car door opening and shutting followed.
Ruby looked out to the door. “...was that a baby?”
“Yes.. my son doesn't like it when I'm too far from him, unfortunately.”
“Did you have a baby?!” Ruby gaped.
“I have two babies.” Emma said patiently. “Also heads up, my daughter likes throwing things.”
“What?! With who?!”
“With Killian.”
“You had two babies. With Captain Hook.” Ruby raised an eyebrow. “Nice, girl.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Ruby, please. I really need to get signed in before my son cries himself hoarse.”
She smirked. “Don’t worry about the details, I gotcha.” She winked. “I assume you wanna cram all the kids and the brother in one room so you can be alone with lover boy?”
“He doesn't remember , so no funny business is going to happen.” The blonde grimaced at the thought. “But yes, I'll take both rooms. Cramming six people and a dog is not fun. Trust me.”
Her eyes lit up. “You have a dog?”
“Yes. He's Killian's service dog—”
“Can I see it?” Ruby asked.
“Yeah, sure. But remember. Be careful what you say around them, okay? Liam's spooked. Something attacked him before I got my memories back and we don't need him or the others getting spooked.”
She rolled her eyes. “I won’t: I’ll just tell them that I’m a dog person.” She grinned wolfishly. “ Literally.”
The wailing got louder.
“Annnnnnd that's my cue.”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 12: Catching Up.
Summary:
Emma does some catching up.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: jealousy, swearing, suspicions, could be seen as stalking, grief, memory loss, insecurity, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Emma wiped her palms on her jeans, unsure of why exactly she was feeling nervous. True, it had been a year since she had seen her mother, and her mother was now pregnant with her baby sibling…
But it was fine.
She shuffled Harry in her arms, and he grabbed hold of a piece of her hair. “It’s okay. I’m just meeting up with my mother who I haven’t seen in a year. It’ll be fine.” She informed the two month old.
He babbled back.
The way to the loft was the same as always. Despite having lived there just a year ago, she felt it was necessary to knock on the door first.
David answered the door, looking relieved and let her in. “I'm going to go let Regina know about… the situation. ”
Emma nodded. “Thanks.” She pulled the diaper bag off of her shoulder. “Anywhere I can dump this thing?”
“You can put it on the hooks on the wall. We made it for that purpose.”
Snow snorted from the kitchen. “He and Leroy spent hours on it.”
Emma sat down on the couch, setting Harry down a throw pillow.
Snow immediately sat down next to Harry, cooing over him. “Oh, Emma, he’s perfect.” She placed a hand on her own pregnant stomach.
“He's the friendly one. Though he was quite the surprise, since we thought we were only having one.”
Snow glanced up in surprise. “Really? Surprise twins are rare nowadays. Whale showed me all of his fancy equipment when I was getting an ultrasound for this little one.” She rubbed her stomach.
“Oh, I bet he did!” David yelled from the kitchen, still searching for his keys.
They both ignored him.
“Yeah. It was a hell of a birthday surprise.” She scrunched up her nose, before smirking in amusement. “I was so out of it I asked where he came from.”
The backdoor could be heard shutting before the truck outside started. Signaling David’s departure.
Snow laughed. “And on your birthday too? Emma–” She squeezed her daughter’s hands, suddenly emotional. “I’m so sorry I missed it. I wanted to be there for you.”
The blonde shifted uncomfortably. “It's not your fault.”
Tears pooled in Snow’s eyes. “I wanted to help you get ready for your wedding. To hold my grandchildren after they were born.” She sniffed, and lifed her head to stop the tears. “Oof. Pregnancy hormones.”
“Hey, it's okay. Killian and I didn't have a big wedding anyway. It was a courthouse wedding. I didn't even go dress shopping—” Emma said, trying her best to ease her mother's pain.
Unfortunately, her words had the opposite effect. “You didn’t even have a dress?”
Emma panickily tried to reassure her, cursing herself for even bringing it up in the first place “No, no. I did have a dress. I just… thrifted it? Killian and I just didn't see the point in an expensive dress and tuxedo when we only had two and a half guests.”
Snow frowned. “Emma, you’re a princess. You deserve a much better wedding than that.”
“Yeah, well. It's not like I knew I was a princess. And Killian still doesn't know who he is so it doesn't even matter.”
“It does matter.” Snow insisted. “Once Killian and Henry get their memories back, why don’t you to have another wedding here, in Storybrooke? You deserve to have your family there, Emma.”
“I don't know…” She hesitated. “The wedding… it wasn't what I dreamed of as a kid but .. the five of us, were happy. I just…”
Her face fell. “You don’t want us to intrude?”
“No. I just want Killian to be happy.” Emma sighed. “He… I don't even know if his brother is actually his brother or how the curse breaking will affect him. Will affect us. ”
Something small grabbed Snow's hand.
She smiled at Harry. “Hi, Harry.” She whispered, stroking the little wisps of black hair on the baby’s head. “Grandma loves you very much.”
He babbled at her, kicking his little legs excitedly.
She returned her attention to Emma. “I understand where you’re coming from, but Emma…I’ve seen the way he looks at you. And he chose to marry you, cursed memories or not.” She glanced at the back door, making sure that David was fully gone. “And, unpopular opinion around here, I guess, but Killian doesn’t strike me as the kind to abandon his kids. No matter what.”
“He wouldn't. He loves them.” Emma was sure of that. “But he also loves Henry and me and his brother. And I just know he'll be heartbroken to find out technically everything is built on a lie.”
“Then build it up again.” Snow declared.
Harry clapped, giggling.
“See, Harry agrees with me!” Snow tickled Harry under his chin.
“Hm… maybe we should have named him after you instead of the other one.” The blonde joked, smiling as her son giggled and grabbed Snow's finger.
“Speaking of, when do I finally get to meet my granddaughter and son in law? Officially, I mean.”
“It's gonna be hard to get Hope away from Killian. She's a total daddy's girl. But I'm sure if someone hires him to make a map, it'd probably be easier that way.”
“David’s not gonna be happy about that.” Snow chuckled. “He’s gonna want her to be a grandpa’s girl.”
Emma winced. “Yeah… about that…I think dad's gonna be sorely disappointed. Especially after what he thought.”
She wrinkled her nose. “What did he think?”
“He was under the impression that… Killian was abusing us and that he tricked me into being with him.”
Snow rolled her eyes. “That’s your father alright. Jumping to conclusions, but only when it’s someone he doesn’t like.”
“He also called Killian ‘Hook’ to me despite knowing full well I didn't remember….” Emma winced. “I slapped him for that one.”
She let out a surprise laugh. “Sometimes, Emma, your father needs a good slap. Gets him out of his own head.”
“Yeah… I just hope he doesn't slip up in front of Killian because he's not exactly… Hook right now.”
“His grandchildren are involved now, he’ll be more careful.” Snow assured.
“He better…”
“Ba!” Harry gurgled, trying to get their attention.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Are we ignoring you?” Snow smiled at the baby, picking him up.
“When do you think I should tell dad that we named Harry after him?”
“When you need something from him.” Snow joked. “Or when he’s in a bad mood.”
Emma snorted. “Good idea. Also…” she leaned in to whisper conspiratorial “Killian is the one who named Hope after you.”
“Oh, he did?” Snow felt honored, then confused. “How? He doesn’t know me.”
“Apparently your speech in Neverland about Hope was so memorable that he dreamt about it. He said he wanted her to be like you even if he would usually think what you said was nonsense.” Emma smiled at the memory.
She laughed. “That sounds pretty accurate.”
“You're telling me. We named her Hope Alice Cleo Swan.” Emma then grabbed Harry's tiny hand and smiled “and this little guy is Harrison David Graham Swan.”
“Graham…” Snow smiled wistfully. “Those are excellent names, Emma. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks mom.”
Killian sat in a booth in Granny's diner, answering Henry's questions about the map he was making. Having almost completely forgotten about his breakfast.
Liam was half asleep at the table.
And Hope was strangely calm. As she had been since they left for Maine.
None of them were aware of the not-so-subtle stares they were getting from the other diner patrons.
“Hook? How and when did you get back here?” Regina just walked in, seeing the back of Killian’s head.
Killian didn't acknowledge her because he didn't know she was talking to him. “And that lad, is an abandoned building in Manhattan—”
She walked in more, and spotted Henry. She gasped, not having seen her son in a year. Tears pooled at the corners of her eyes. “Henry?!” She cried.
That got their attention.
The brunette gave her a confused look. “Uh… do I… do I know you?”
Regina opened her mouth and closed it like a fish. Somehow, he and Emma (and Hook and some random guy) had made it back to Storybrooke, but Henry…still didn’t have his memories. She clammed up, swallowing her pain. “I uh…I know your mother. Is she around?”
“Oh. I think she went to that sheriff guy’s house to discuss their case.” Henry said, going back to his breakfast.
Killian, on the other hand, examined her with furrowed brows. Confusion clear in his expression.
She studied him for a moment. Noticed that he was wearing clothes from the land without magic, rather than his leathers. On his right hand, instead of his telltale hook, he had a modern prosthetic, made for holding things, and much more practical.
Was it possible that Hook had his memories replaced with fake ones, same as Emma and Henry? She had to find out.
“I don’t believe we’ve met.” Regina said coolly, offering him her hand. “Regina Mills, mayor of Storybrooke.”
He accepted it with his prosthetic—something he'd never done with his Hook. “ Killian Swan.”
Regina almost choked. Swan? Now that was interesting. “Swan, hmm? Any relation to Emma Swan?”
“Aye. She's my wife–” he was cut off by a small, cooing sound from his left. She looked, and saw a baby in the pirate’s arms. More interesting!
“And I assume that this is your lovely child?”
“... One of them, yes. I'm sorry, how exactly do you know my wife?” Killian asked, curiously. Brows furrowed.
“Old friends. She took a job here a while back.” Regina said slowly. Since Henry wasn’t awake, she could only assume that Emma was the one who dragged them here. “I should probably go and find her now. Good day to you both.” Regina looked away, the sight of Henry’s blank stare too much for her to bear anymore.
“It was nice to meet you, Mayor Mills.” Henry threw out as she left.
She felt a stab in her heart and kept walking, even though every footstep felt like a knife to her heart.
Emma was trying in vain to get a fussy Harry to drink from his bottle when Snow went to answer a knock on the door.
Regina burst in, ignoring Snow and heading straight for Emma. “Got your memories back, I assume?”
Emma winced. “Yes?”
“But Henry doesn’t? He…the way he looked at me…” Regina swallowed hard.
“I’m sorry Regina. Dad only brought one potion because he thought we'd be able to jog Henry's memory if I remembered and he thought Killian remembered. We'll fix this, I promise.”
Regina worked her jaw. “You better, Ms. Swan. Oh, and I assume congratulations are in order? You and Mr. Swan have a–” She squinted at the baby in Emma’s arms. “– two babies now?”
Emma looked sheepish and a bit guilty. "Yes?"
Regina glared. “Good for you. Now excuse me, I have to go try and ignore the fact that my son–” Her voice broke. “-has no idea who I am.”
“I’m sure we'll jog his memory somehow. Kid’s too stubborn not to remember eventually.”
That made Regina laugh slightly. “That’s…fair, I suppose. Henry’s always had too much hope in him to give up.”
“Now… if you excuse me, I have to go murder David because he was supposed to have told you before you ran into Henry.” Emma huffed, causing Harry to giggle.
Causing the blonde to sigh. “You are your father's son.”
Killian went for a jog down by the docks. Trying to ignore the weird feeling he had that he was being watched.
He had to stop being so paranoid.
Around his third lap, he spotted Emma’s contact, David, leaning against the police cruiser. “Howdy. Great morning for a jog, eh?”
He came to a stop. Wiping the sweat from his brow “Aye.”
David squinted at the man, trying to see if he really did lose his memories like Emma claimed. “So. Killian . Where are you from?”
The man shrugged. “Here and there. Grew up a bit of everywhere. But, if you mean where I spent the most time in, New Orleans.”
That surprised him somewhat. But the vagueness of the answer checked out for cursed memories. He had to think of a harder question for someone from the Enchanted Forest. “What’s your favorite Star Wars movie?”
The other man gave him a weird look. “The Phantom Menace. Why?”
David blinked. Seriously? “Just…wondering. Important question, you know.” That would point to him not having his memories, as if he did, he’d be more likely to just blindly agree with Emma’s opinion of Empire being the best. Speaking off…”How did you and Emma meet?”
Killian shifted, not looking at him. He was so not about to tell a cop that he met his wife because he'd skipped bail. “I got hit by a car.”
“Wait, what ?!” That made David’s jaw drop. “What does that have to do with Emma?”
“I met her and got hit by a car. Why do you wanna know about my wife so badly?” The cartographer got defensive. “How did you even find my wife anyway? Did you read my book?”
“Uh…old friend. She helped me out, once upon a time.” David stammered. He wasn’t very good at lying, even when he had time to plan it out.
“Odd. She didn't mention you when we named our son.” Killian frowned.
“...Harry? What’s he got to do with anything?” David frowned.
“One of his middle names is David.” The dark haired man crossed his arms, eyeing David suspiciously.
David’s legs wobbled. “She named him after me?” He thought he was about to burst into tears, right in front of the pirate.
“Seems so…” Killian was very uncomfortable all of a sudden. “So… Can I continue my jog, Sheriff?”
That snapped David out of it. One thing at a time. “Uh, yes. At ease. Carry on.” David nodded. He still hadn’t figured out what Hook’s deal was, but it didn’t seem like any poignant information would be surfacing in this conversation. “Also, did you say you have a book?”
Killian cocked his head to the side. “Uh yeah. I have a couple. I'm sure Emma could point you towards them if you asked.”
“Uh, I’ll do that. Thanks.” David was bludgeoned. He was acting so…so normal. So domestic. It was weirding him out. What the hell was going?
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 13: David, no—Hope, don't!
Summary:
Emma snaps.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: assumptions, patricide, past child abuse, swearing, mention of homelessness, past child abandonment, people being told off, threats of disownment, lying, etc.
Note:
David is just trying to look out for Emma.
Emma is stressed beyond belief worrying about her husband, her marriage, and her family. That being paired up with her and Killian's pasts has made her a bit snappish and she's done with being patient because she needs him to get it.
Regina is remorseful and fearful.
Snow is tired and pregnant, and doesn't feel like intervening too much on her husband's behalf.
And Killian is cursed. Meaning he has no idea why David is acting the way he is. So of course he thinks he's judgy and weird.
Also changing isn't easy so everyone here is struggling but trying to change here.
Not trying to bash anyone.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Your friend is weird.” Killian said later that night, as they got ready for bed.
“Uh, which one?” Emma imagined that his comment could refer to any of the citizens of Storybrooke.
“The one you named our son after.” The cartographer gestured vaguely, as he applied toothpaste to his toothbrush.
Damn it, David. Emma thought to herself. “Yeah, David’s…great.” She went with. “What did he say, exactly?”
“He asked a lot of weird questions.” He shrugged. “He wanted to know where I grew up. How we met. What my favorite Star Wars movie was. Felt like an interrogation.”
Emma groaned in annoyance. “Damn it. Sorry, babe. He’s just…a little overprotective sometimes.”
“It's fine, luv. Don't worry about it. I know it's not your fault.” He leaned over the sink, turning it on. “Let's just hope he doesn't find out about my record. He seems the judgy type.”
“You have no idea.” Emma muttered under her breath.
“How did your lead go?”
“It’s…going.” She was wondering if she needed to completely stage a fake case with how long it seemed they were gonna be here. “I haven’t found much intel yet.”
“Liam seems to be handling this…” he gestured vaguely again. “Whole situation well enough. Hopefully it stays that way.”
Then, after a moment, he paused. “Hey luv… have you ever read my books?”
Emma frowned. “I’m pretty sure I’ve read most of them. Why?”
He relaxed. “Well, it's just that I've based many of the characters on you and I. I even wrote a whole one about your work and well… I just remembered I mentioned them to your friend.”
She almost choked on her spit. “You recommended your books… to David.” She pulled out her phone. “Hang on, I’m gonna text Sno–Mary Margaret, and have her record his reaction when he does.”
“I don't have to worry about getting arrested do I?”
“He doesn’t have anything to hold you on.” Emma sent the text and kissed Killian on the cheek. “And besides, we still have all that extra money from saving up for that non-existent Disney trip I can bail you out with.”
The ravenette snorted, grinning at her. “Probably for the best. I'm not sure the twins would enjoy it very much and I doubt we could find a babysitter for that long.”
“Oh, Hope would be miserable. But maybe Harry would like seeing a giant version of his favorite stuffie.”
“I'm pretty sure he only likes it so much because it smells like you.” Killian pointed out.
After all, the ‘stuffie’ in question was an ugly little Captain Hook doll he'd won for Emma at a carnival they went to before they found out she was even pregnant. She had loved the thing just as much, if not more, than Harry did and had even slept with it.
And now that she was awake, she could find the hilariousness in the fact that it was a Captain Hook doll of all things.
“Nah. He likes its wax mustache and perm.”
“Can’t imagine why. It looks hideous.” Killian rolled his eyes, huffing good-naturedly. “I personally think the stuffed crocodile we got him looks more fun.”
Emma snickered, a little too much for someone who was pretending to still be cursed. “I’ll remember you said that later.”
He gave her an odd look. “You're laughing harder than you did when Hope and Harry fought over that bloody stuffie.”
“That was pretty funny.”
“I didn't even know newborns could fight before that.” Killian pretended to shudder. “At least we know we don't have to teach them self defense anytime soon.”
“—I just don't understand WHAT Emma sees in him.” David huffed, looking over one of ‘Killian’s’ books that he'd bought in distaste.
It was apple red with a simple swan on its cover and was titled ‘Agent Swan’.
He hated it.
Snow was only half paying attention as she tried to get comfortable on the couch, but a certain baby in her stomach was making it nigh impossible.
“I mean, get a load of this—” David gestured with his hand at the page he was on. “Emma apparently thought he was a skip, Snow! Even when cursed he's nothing but a dirty pirate–”
“–Need I remind you of our first meeting?” Snow opened one eye to glare at him.
The blonde paused.
“That's different. You had no choice.”
“Do you think he did ?” Snow rubbed her face with one hand and–as promised–she texted Emma with the other.
“Yes. He didn't have to choose vengeance.”
“Neither did Regina, and we’ve forgiven her.” She argued right back. “Let’s face the facts, David. This isn’t about him being a pirate, this is about Emma being married and having children with… anyone .”
The Prince sighed. “She deserves the best.”
“And she knows what’s best for herself! As much as I hate to admit it…Emma’s not a little girl. She’s a grown woman, mother of now three children, and she knows what she wants.”
“But what if he hurts her?”
“She’ll hurt him back!” Snow enunciated her point with a punch to the couch.
David snorted. “Hopefully you're right."
“Oh hello, Hope. How'd you get in there?” was the first thing Emma heard her husband say when she awoke the next morning.
She glanced over her shoulder, and saw Killian bent over Harry's crib, arm out of sight. Smiling softly as he spoke.
“What happened?” Emma murmured sleepily as she sat up.
“Hope somehow got inside Harry's crib.” Killian replied, amused. “Either Henry or Liam snuck into our room and put her there… or one of us has started sleepwalking.” Then, after a moment he smiled mischievously at her. “Or…”
“Or what ?” Emma got out of bed.
“Or our little Hope is the next scarlet witch!” The man joked, before dodging the stuffed dolphin their daughter rarely parted with.
She clearly didn't appreciate her dad's sense of humor.
Emma paled. The idea that her kids had magic, only unlocked when they crossed the town line, hadn’t even occurred to her. “Ha. Magic. Funny. Probably just sleepwalking, like you said.”
“Hopefully we don't have to start wearing bells to bed.” Killian hummed, lifting little, flailing Hope out of her brother's crib. “Someone's woken up on the wrong side of bed this morning, aye?”
She smacked his chest with her little hand, crying.
And through some miracle or another, Harry somehow slept through it.
Emma sighed and rubbed her temples, already getting a headache. Which was bad, because she was going to have to talk to Regina today about her twins’ possible magic. “Maybe we should get Henry in here to calm her down.”
Killian shook his head, rocking the little blonde carefully. “Nah, let the lad sleep. I'll just take her and Harry with me on my morning walk with me. Do you want me to pick anything up while I'm out?”
“No, I’m good. Actually, are we out of ibuprofen–”
“–Stocked up on that yesterday, actually. It's in the medicine cabinet.”
“You’re the best, babe.” She kissed him.
He just smiled at her. “I love you too.”
“We need to deal with this witch fast and get Henry and Killian’s memories back faster .” Emma cut straight to the chase as soon as she arrived in Regina’s office.
“Good morning to you too, Ms. Swan.” Regina grumbled.
Emma ignored her less than cheery mood. “When did your magic develop?”
That seemed to surprise Regina. “I was taught by Rumplestiltskin after I was married to the king, so around eighteen or so. Why?”
The blonde groaned. “Because apparently my daughter decided that at the ripe old age of two months old it was the best time to start teleporting this morning.”
“Seriously? A teleporting baby. Never seen that before.” She pondered.
“Yeah and I've never seen a baby that rarely missed a target when throwing things before she was born either but here we are.” Emma grumbled. “Hopefully the next time she uses magic Henry and Killian and Liam will have their memories back because I don't know how long I'll be able to hide this.”
Regina pursed her lips and nodded. “We should reconvene with the Charmings, then. Figure something out. I want my son back.”
“Agreed.”
Once Regina and Emma made it to the loft, David was the first to greet them. “Hey, Regina, Emma.” He turned to Emma and hugged her. “How’re you holding up?”
“Not great. My daughter apparently inherited more than my looks from me.” Emma huffed. “And at the worst possible time.”
David raised an eyebrow. “You think she has, what, magic ?”
Emma said nothing for a moment. Before sighing. “She teleported into her brother’s crib this morning.”
He gawked. “Do you think Henry, Killian, or his brother suspect anything?”
“No. Killian made a joke about her being the next scarlet witch but I'm pretty sure he was just joking because Henry likes the marvel movies.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” David sighed. “And speaking of, how’s Killian’s brother holding up?”
“Oh, his wrist and cheek are healing nicely enough.” Emma shrugged. “And he doesn't seem too nervous about the whole ‘cult’ case we're working on. Which is good, I guess. I'm glad I'm not stressing him out with our little lie–”
“–Lie?” He frowned, confused. “What do you mean lie? He knows about magic, he saw the flying monkey thing!”
Emma gave him a funny look. “No, he didn't. He hasn't mentioned it or said anything about it to me or Killian.”
“But I was there !” David insisted. “I was the one that saved his ass from the thing!” He happened to glance over Emma’s shoulder, and saw Regina staring down at her shoes, uncharacteristically quiet. “Regina, what’s the matter?”
“... Hook's brother maybe a danger to him and the children.” The ravenette tried not to wince.
“What?!”
Snow passed out hot chocolate to the three of them before sitting down with her own.
Regina said nothing, just staring into her coca. Heart pounding in her chest as she thought about the danger Henry might be in.
Even if the shepherd had already called Ruby and Granny to get them to keep an eye on him and Hook's brother.
“Explain, now, Regina.” David took a sip of his hot chocolate like it was hard liquor.
“When Hook and I were working together, I wanted to make sure he was serious. That he was as cold blooded as they said. So I tested him–”
Snow winced.
“How?” Emma massaged her temples, not liking the direction this conversation was heading.
Regina didn't want to answer but knew she had to. She couldn't risk tarnishing her rocky redemption. Not when it could cost her Henry.
“By ordering him to kill his father.”
David sighed. “Damn it, Regina.”
Suddenly, the first conversation she’d had with Liam made more sense. “When we first met, he said something about seeing Killian killing his father… I dismissed because during the curse, the files said it happened at a bar so of course, I thought he wouldn't have actually be there –”
“That must’ve been the cursed memories. In actuality, it happened just in front of Brennan Jones’s house where he was staying with his child.” Regina filled in.
Emma swore. “Damn it Regina. ”
She hated that Killian’s memory of killing his father was real enough.
And she absolutely hated that he'd been put in that situation at all. But now she had to worry about the fact Liam wasn't cursed at all and that he might have just been pulling a long con this entire time.
That the man she'd come to see as a brother might be a real danger to her husband and their children, and dog.
Why was this her life?
Regina raised an eyebrow. “You let a strange man who murdered his father around my son?”
“—our son. ” Emma corrected sharply. “And no. I continued to let my boyfriend who just so happened to have murdered his father around our son after I found out about it. And you absolutely have no room to judge.”
She held up her hands. “Not judging. Just worried about your cursed parenting instincts is all.”
Before Emma could respond, David cut in. “See, Snow? Told you I was right about Hook.”
Both Snow and Emma stared him down.
“David—”
“He orphaned his own brother, Emma!” David pushed, frustrated.
“You don't—”Emma started, even more frustrated.
“He murdered his own father in cold blood!”
Emma snapped. “Oh boo hoo, he murdered the man who knocked out his teeth when he was six years old in cold blood. Who gives a fuck?! You know absolutely nothing about my god damn husband! You're not even trying !”
“I am trying to protect you and the kids!”
Emma stood up, fuming.
“Where were you when I was seven and homeless with no last name, huh?! Where were you when Neal left me to take the fall for his fucking stolen watches and I had to give birth handcuffed to a goddamn bed at seventeen?! Where were you when I had to give Henry up because I didn't have any money to take care of him!” If she was thinking clearly, she would have stopped there.
But she wasn't thinking clearly.
“Where were you when I was fifteen, running from foster care because I knew no one wanted me? Where were you when my best friend ruined my last chance at getting adopted! Or when I had to track a woman down to tell her her estranged mother had died trying to help me do the right thing? Where were you when my things kept getting stolen? Where were you the first time I broke a bone? Where were you when I was three and getting returned like a god damn doll because my adoptive parents had finally got their real baby ?”
That effectively shut David up. Regina was looking at the side wall with raised eyebrows.
And Snow?
She was just focused on getting Emma to calm down. Trying to ignore the way her heart was breaking.“Emma–”
But the savior wasn't having it.
“No! I'm talking now and he's gonna listen!” The blonde was shaking. “I don't need or want his or your protection! I've gone without it my whole life and my children don't need it either, especially not from their own father. Because whether you like it or not David, Killian is their father and if you keep acting like this you won't be seeing them or Henry again!”
“You can’t just up and leave!” Regina spoke for the first time in what felt like hours. “Don’t you forget–”
Emma held up her hand. Silencing her.
“I didn't say I was going to leave or keep Henry from you because, as you like to remind me, you're his mother too. And I doubt he'll be willing to leave when he gets his memories back .So I'm not going to just up and leave with him, unless you do something to harm him. And mom, I'm not going to keep you from the kids, either. This is just for him –” The blonde glared harshly at David.
David looked like he wanted to protest, but thought better of it, clenching his jaw instead.
“If you keep insulting my husband, you will not be seeing any of my children. You need to stop pretending that you know anything about the real Killian and actually make an effort to get to know him instead of just assuming that he turned evil for no fucking reason. He saved your life. He helped us get Henry back and he's been nothing but good to me and Henry since we got on the same side.” Emma took a deep breath. “He got Henry a customized easter basket before we were even married. He listens to Henry. He's been more patient with me than anyone ever has and you don't—”
She counted to ten, knowing she needed to calm down. Trying to ignore her burning eyes. “–I'm not just gonna sit here every day and doodle my thumbs while you insult my husband for murdering the man who abused him and threw him and his brother away. I'm not going to listen to you call my husband evil for a murder he nearly killed himself over! You can forgive Regina and Gold, and mom and me for the bad we've done but you can't do that for the man who makes me happy? You can overlook Regina casting this curse and what she had to do to do it, but you can't overlook the fact my husband murdered his abuser?”
She looked David in the eye. “You're just gonna sit here and look me in the eye, and tell me my husband doesn't deserve a happy ending because he murdered the man who neglected his sick wife until she died and then blamed a three year old for it? Murdered a man who named his youngest after the child he abandoned?”
David didn’t speak for a long while, until. “I didn’t know any of that.”
“Because you didn't bother to learn it.” Emma wrangled her hands. “Look. I don't want to cut you out of my life—I just got you back. But… I can't have someone who hates the father of my children be around them. I've seen how that goes and I can't risk them growing up and hating themselves. Or them growing up and hating Killian just because you do—it would destroy him. ”
David cleared his throat. “Ok–okay. I…will…make an effort.”
Emma was quiet for a moment. Gathering her thoughts, trying to calm herself before smiling weakly. “Okay, good. Now.. where were we?”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 14: Talk, Talk.
Summary:
Emma apologizes to Snow and Killian is creeped out.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: memory loss, lack of respect for boundaries, creepy behavior, mentions of abandonment, swearing, fear of the future, deception, implied mental health issues, minor violence, murder plans, schemes, etc.
LMK if we need to add more.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Mom, can we talk?” Emma asked, hesitantly after their meeting was over.
Snow was munching on pickles with hot sauce—her latest craving—when Emma came up to her. She swallowed her last bite and shoved the jar behind her. “Of course, sweetheart.”
“I.. I’m sorry. For what all I said. I wasn't being fair.”
That was an understatement.
The blonde felt like cringing at all the horrible things she said with her mother there. It wasn't fair. Her mother hadn't done anything to warrant having to sit there and hear all of that. She shouldn't have gone off like that with her old friend there.
Snow shook her head. “You don’t ever have to be sorry. Your father was in the wrong here. And I’m sure that you’ve kept that bottled up for quite some time now.”
“He might have deserved it but you didn't.” Emma sighed. “You've done nothing but support me since we got back and I said so many awful things that you shouldn't have had to hear. Especially not when you're pregnant.”
“Well, I forgive you.” She smiled sadly. “And some of the things you said…about being alone and abandoned…well, I guess I had a hand in that part.”
Emma hugged her, being careful not to knock over her mom’s snack. “I really didn't mean to let all of that out on you guys. I just. I hate it when he talks about Killian like that when he's not even here to defend himself.”
“I know, dear, and that was wrong of him. You know your father, he can be a bit much sometimes. He doesn’t know when to stop when it’s good for him.”
“He really needs to stop. I'm scared he'll say something and Killian will—” Emma paused for a moment. Hesitantly continuing. “Killian… he's not fully like Hook, mom.”
“I gathered that, from the fact that you had twins with him.” Snow smirked.
Emma blushed. “That's not what I mean. He's—this Killian has only killed his dad and it's haunted him. He hasn't recovered from it. He hasn't been on his own for a century or more. He doesn't have his walls up as high.”
“And you didn’t either, I’m guessing?”
“I did. But he broke them down. And I’m breaking down his too. But I'm scared of what he'll do to himself if dad keeps up with this behavior.”
“He won’t.” She assured her. “I won’t let him. If he tries anything again, I’ll panic and say the baby’s coming.”
Emma hugged her a little tighter. “Thanks mom.”
Liam sat at one of Granny's picnic tables. Reading a book he checked out from the library so he could try and understand more of this world. Occasionally reaching down to pet Rummy as he did so.
Hoping that Killian and the kids wouldn't be waking up anytime soon.
“Liam!” Emma’s voice called to him. And she sounded mad.
He jumped, wondering what he'd done. “Y-yes Emma?”
She grabbed him by the hood of his jacket, and snagged Rummy’s leash. “We need to talk. Now.”
“Woah! Bloody hell—” Liam swore “There’s no need to treat me like a rag doll. What's the matter?”
“You knew! You knew about magic and our true memories this whole time!” Emma hissed.
The brunette winced. Weekly smiling at her. “I-I can explain…”
“You can try!”
“You were looking at me as if I was crazy! There was no way I could keep telling you the truth!”
“What even were you doing in New York of all places?” She demanded answers. “Did you know my identity back then?”
He looked at her as if she was crazy. “How would I have known you? I didn't even know my brother had a girlfriend when I went to find him!”
“Then why –” She got closer to him, trying to intimidate him a bit. “–Were you there?”
He winced and mumbled something under his breath that made Emma go white.
“I was there to kill Killian.” The twenty something repeated, trying and failing to wiggle out of her grip. Suppressing a flinch. “But I changed my mind on that ages ago!”
Emma tightened her grip on his arm. “Regina said you might be dangerous. That you might be here for revenge. Why should I trust you?”
“I’ve lived with you for a year —” Liam gave her a disbelieving look. “And I haven't tried to kill Killian once. You told me to give him a chance and I did . You were right. He's changed and even if I thought it wasn't a genuine one, he clearly doesn't remember who he is. He can’t even defend himself like this. It wouldn't be fair to try and kill him when he's like this.”
Emma took a shaky breath, then blew it out again. What he was saying was true enough. Liam had plenty of times to kill Killian, but he hadn’t. “Look, I just…had to be sure. But why did you keep pretending once we got to Storybrooke?”
“I was scared okay? Our neighbor turned into a monster and tried to kill me, and then Snow White’s fricking husband saved me to get you and my brother back to Storybrooke and I still don't know why. ” Liam massaged the area where his cast met skin, wincing slightly. “And.. I haven't had a family in so long. I was scared that you'd want nothing to do with me if I told you the truth.”
“Okay.” Emma’s superpower told her that he was not lying. “I believe you. And…I’m sorry, for doubting you. I know Killian trusts you, and that should be enough.”
“It's fine. I wouldn't have trusted me either.” Liam fidgeted “...so, uh. Why did the king of Misthaven come to retrieve you?”
“He’s…kind of sort of…my dad?” Emma grinned sheepishly.
“He’s your what? ” Liam gaped. “Next thing you'll tell me is that you're the savior and Henry's the dark one’s son.”
“Heh. Yeah, um, about that…he is. We are. And Henry’s also the Evil Queen’s son. It’s complicated.”
Liam sat down. “Oh my god I'm about to get murdered.”
Harry stared at the ceiling, bored. Kicking his little legs in an attempt to roll over so that he could look at something more interesting.
Wondering why everyone was being so quiet.
Emma looked over to the crib, and smiled at her son. “Trying to roll over, huh buddy?”
He looked at her, face lighting up. Reaching for her.
She scooped him up into her arms, nuzzling the top of his head. “I’m in deep shi– crap , Harry. I don’t know what to do.”
He reached out and touched her face with tiny hands, babbling at her.
“I have to keep lying to your daddy and brother, Uncle Liam is freaking out, I’m pissed at Grandpa, and on top of all of that, I’m still the fuc–fricking Savior.” Emma took his tiny hand in hers.
He squealed at her, trying to hold it. Not picking up on her bad mood for once.
She found her anger melting away the longer she held her baby. “You’re a pretty good listener, huh? Just like your dad.”
He lifted his head, looking up at her as if he was trying to nod in agreement.
“And that's a lighthouse—” Killian said the next day on his morning walk, pointing out the lighthouse in question to Hope. Who was strapped to his chest in the baby holder, chewing on the stuffed dolphin Henry had gotten her.
“Oh, hello there! You must be new in town.” A redhead woman with green eyes approached him in the street.
“How can you tell?” Killian asked, trying not to get weirded out.
What was with people in this town and approaching people they don't know for casual conversations?
The woman laughed heartily. “Small town, darling. Everybody knows everybody. When someone’s new in town, we know .” She held out her hand. “I’m Zelena, I’m the local midwife.”
“Killian Swan. Author and Cartographer.” He went to shake her hand—only for Hope to start crying. Causing him to become distracted.
He ran a hand over her head, hoping it would calm her. It did not.
“Oh, and who’s this little munchkin?” Zelena knelt slightly to be at Hope’s eye level.
The blonde cried louder.
And Killian couldn't blame her, either, because the lady was giving him the creeps. He shifted, so that Hope was more out of view. “My daughter. Hope.”
“Hope.” An odd smile crossed her face. “How charming.”
That did it.
“Well, I'm afraid we must get going. I have a job to finish up–”
Zelena stood up fully. “Yes, yes, of course. You must be a very busy man. I hope we’ll be staying in touch, though. I’m always free if you need a babysitter or child advice.”
Killian knocked on the door of the address Emma had told him she was going to.
David answered the door. “Ah, Killian. Emma’s…she’s here. Come on in.” He seemed rather awkward and contrite.
Killian walked past him, to the living room where Emma, the mayor, an odd fella with a bow and arrow, and who must have been the sheriff's wife, Mary Margaret , going straight to his wife.
Flustered and frustrated.
Hope was still crying and for some reason, he just couldn't seem to calm her.
“Emma, luv, I met the creepiest bloody woman—”
Emma could tell how stressed he was, and passed Harry over to Snow. “Creepy how?” She took Hope out of her carrier, trying to soothe her cries.
“For starters, she randomly approached me for seemingly no reason. Seemed to know I was new in town and she just gave me a weird feeling.” He scrunched up his nose. “And she got far too close to Hope for my and our little princess’s liking.”
Emma narrowed her eyes, protective mother mode activated. “Did she say who she was?”
“I think she said her name was Zelena. She definitely said she was a midwife, though.” Killian rolled his eyes “But I don't quite believe that.”
Hope kept crying and crying, until her little hands started to glow.
Killian paused and stared. Before pinching the bridge between his nose. “Annnnd I'm starting to think that my medication is acting up. Perhaps it's best if I just go back to our room.”
Emma quickly held her own hands over her daughter’s. “Good idea. You take the twins. I’ll stay here and finish up our…business.”
“Alright luv.”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 15: Plans & Emotions.
Summary:
The heroes plan and the Swans (plus Liam) go about their regular lives.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: Mention of drinking, mild arguing, minor violence, jokes about murder, etc.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Regina raised a brow. “Medication?”
Emma shot her down immediately. “That's none of your bus—”
“–Let’s not start this again!” Snow held one hand up, and the other she massaged her forehead with. “Let’s try and focus on the matter…matters at hand here, shall we?”
“You're right.” Emma sighed. “Wasn't Zelena the name of the midwife you mentioned the other day?”
“She is. I don’t remember her ever acting ‘creepy,’ as Killian put it, though.” Snow mused. “Maybe he’s just unused to small town life? It is very different from New York.”
“Maybe but he's not usually that unsettled. The only other time that happened was with Liam and Walsh.”
This time Robin spoke up. “And, correct me if I’m wrong here: Walsh was the bloke that turned out to be a flying monkey, yeah?”
“Yes. That's the one.”
“Then maybe we should…keep an eye on this midwife. Just to be safe.” Robin concluded.
Regina sighed. “As much as I hate to, I must agree with Emma. This Zelena does seem pretty suspicious.”
“So what do we do?” Snow pursed her lips and rubbed her belly, not very happy at the idea of someone suspicious being around her unborn child.
“Stakeouts and tailing?” Emma immediately threw out.
Regina snorted. “Of course you would suggest that, Ms. Swan. If this so-called ‘midwife’ has any magical powers, we need to approach this with caution.”
Emma rolled her eyes at the response but said nothing.
Robin gave Regina a look. “I wouldn’t have put it… that way, but I do agree that we need to be prepared for every and all possibilities. We don’t know what this woman could do, nor what she’s actually after. Emma’s idea of surveillance holds merit, but we need to have the right people do it.”
“And we need to have an idea as to how to find her to go the surveillance route.” David added, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall where he was standing.
“Snow, if you gain her trust enough to snag something of hers, I can perform a locator spell to keep tabs on her.” Regina suggested.
“That's a brilliant idea, Regina.” Snow perked up.
Harry tried to chew on the shoe he was wearing in his playpen.
Henry glanced down at the playpen from his comic book, then did a double take. “Dude, don’t do that. That’s nasty.” He reached down to pull Harry away from his shoe.
Only for the tinier boy to squeal and hug his arm once he noticed him.
“Nooooo, Harry–” Henry tried to tug his arm away. “–I’m trying to read here.” After giving up on trying to disentangle himself from his brother, he tried to read his comic book one-handed.
Harry yawned happily, snuggling closer. Completely oblivious to the rest of the world around them. Including Liam, who ducked his head through the door between their room and Killian and Emma's. “Hey Henry, think your mom would be happier with take out from here or a homemade meal that I might burn?”
Henry thought about it. “I mean…all of her favorite take-out places are back home, and you know how she gets about her onion rings. Maybe homemade is the safest bet.”
“You're probably right,” Liam sighed. “Hopefully I don't break this little stove thingy. What do you want for dinner?”
“Mac’n’cheese!” Henry grinned. “I can help if you want. I know how to make it.”
Liam smiled slightly. “I'll ask if I need any help. How's Harry doin’? Driving you nuts yet?”
Henry scowled without any malice at his baby brother. “He’s like a little face-hugger. You know, the ones from Alien. ”
“At least he's not trying to become a star pitcher, like Hope. I don't think we could survive two bottle throwers.” The older brunette pretended to shutter at the thought. Rubbing his cast subconsciously.
Henry wrinkled his nose. “Why does she even do that? Heck, how does she even do that?! She hits so hard she bruises!” He rubbed his forehead at the memory.
“I have no clue and it scares me.”
Harry giggled slightly, eyelids still fluttering.
“Wonder if Harry knows. Like if they have a psychic twin thing.” Henry looked into the playpen, leaning down very close to Harry. “Do you know what’s up with Hope?”
Harry leaned into him, yawning again but not answering his question.
“Alright, then. Keep your secrets.” Henry leaned back as much as he could with his arm still entrapped. He went back to his comic book. “Do you know when my mom’ll be home, Liam?”
“She said she'd be back in about an hour. Speaking of which, I should get started on dinner. Enjoy your bomic cook.” Liam hummed.
“I will be right here if anything catches on fire.”
The twenty something seamen rolled his eyes before ducking out of the room. “I'm not that bad!”
“Just keep telling yourself that.”
Hope snored from where she rested upon Killian’s chest—so loudly that Emma was surprised she didn't wake him.
“Killian.” Emma whispered as loud as she dared, trying to wake him up, but not the baby. “ Killian.”
He jerked awake—thankfully not waking their little princess in the process—quickly looking around the room, startled, before focusing on her with bleary eyes. Yawning. “What’sthematter, luv?”
“It’s dinner time…” She pursed her lips at Hope, still asleep. “You think you can move her without waking her up?”
“Probably. She exhausted herself with all the crying earlier.” The ravenette then proved his point by sitting up—keeping a good hold on the tiny blonde, who didn't stir even a little bit. “How was your day?”
“It was…okay.” Emma was hesitant to tell him too much, thinking that too many details wouldn’t make her (admittedly very flimsy) story add up.
“That's good.” Killian gave her a lazy smile, rubbing Hope’s back. “I'll go put her down and then I'll join you.”
“—People were drinking like it was the civil war and a doctor was coming to saw our legs off—” Killian snorted as he told the story, hugging Emma close.
Emma couldn’t help but wonder if his cursed memories had a ring of truth to them. Something like this could have easily been him and his pirate crew. “And then what?” She asked with a smirk.
The mapmaker blushed. “Well, uh. Then I fell off the docks in front of the lass I was trying to woo. I don't think my brother's ever laughed harder in his life. It was just my luck that he happened to be near by when I did .”
She chortled. “Oh, I bet he didn’t let you forget that. ”
“Considering the fact the men and I weren't supposed to be drinking…you'd be right.” Killian rolled his eyes. “He said it was karma and told me to be glad no one got it on camera.”
“You know what, I say that’s fair enough.” She leaned up slightly to kiss him. “I still love you, though.”
“Not as much as I love you.” He smiled, teasingly. “What about you, swan? Any fun or embarrassing stories?”
“Well, you already know about that one time I fell on my ass in the park when I was pregnant with the twins.”
Killian snorted. “Aye.”
“...and that’s all the ammo–I mean, fall stories–I’m willing to give you right now.” She ginned at him and bopped him on the nose.
He pouted. “Any funny baby stories about Henry?”
Emma shifted uncomfortably. The memories of baby Henry rattling around inside her head weren’t her memories. She didn’t get to actually make any baby Henry memories of her own. The twins, however, were fair game. “Henry was a cakewalk compared to the twins, honestly. Remember when Hope decided to gum on the kitchen table? There was baby slobber everywhere .”
Killian shuddered. “Don't remind me. I've never been a bigger clean freak than at that moment.”
“Or the time Harry really wanted Henry while he was at school, and cried so hard, I thought I had to take him to the ER.”
“... At least we know he loves us?” Killian offered, trying not to smile.
She snorted. “Yeah, loves us so much he almost passed out. Meanwhile, all Hope wants to do is commit homicide with her baby bottle.”
“Not just her bottle. Remember the time she knocked me out with her rattle? I thought I died for a second.” Killian cackled at the memory.
“Oh brother.” She rolled her eyes. “Between you and Henry always laughing when she does these things, it’s no wonder she keeps doing it. We’re gonna end up with a WWE wrestler for a daughter, and it’ll be all you guys’s fault.”
“As long as I don't have to hide a body I'm happy.”
“Why do I think that you’ll change your tune when she’s old enough to date?” Emma smirked.
“If it makes you feel better, I'll be just as protective of Harry.” Killian replied without missing a beat, not looking even remotely apologetic. “Let's just hope neither of them need help hiding a body because Brizo knows I'd be awful at it.”
“Well, I’d be great at it.” She said with mock pride. “But regardless, we’ll raise them right, and they’ll be able to keep themselves safe.”
“And we won't make the same mistakes our foster parents and my father did.” Killian added, suddenly looking solemn.
“Agreed.” Emma traced patterns idly on Killian’s chest. She really hoped that Killian and Henry would get their memories back soon, so she could introduce Hope and Harry–officially, anyway, with Killian–to their grandparents.
And so that she could get to know the real stories behind Killian’s memories.
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 16: Moment of Peace.
Summary:
A moment of peace for the Swan family.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: insecurity, mental health issues, etc.
LMK if I need to add more.
Song used:
“Downed and Drowned” by The Longest Johns.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Your grandmother used to sing this to me” Killian told Hope and Harry softly, sitting beside their crib. “Every night before bed.”
He couldn't sleep, even long after Liam and Henry had called it a night (and even long after Henry had fallen asleep while playing the gameboy the boy thought he’d successfully snuck out of the spot where Emma put it at night) and Emma hadn't come home yet.
So he was just up waiting for her.
Hope, apparently, couldn’t sleep either. She’d been fussing for the past few hours, waking Harry, in the crib next to her.
Killian held her tiny hand in his. Humming.
“San Jose was lost at sea, along with a Spanish company.
Their powder caught under fierce attack,
The king never got his emeralds back.
They're down, downed, and drowned
Downed and drowned and never found…”
Hope began to calm slightly, listening to the song.
Harry grabbed the bars to his crib, babbling gleefully.
Killian gave them a gentle smile, leaning against the crib as he continued on. Glad that he was seemingly doing something right for once.
“The Royal Charter in Dulas bay,
One of 200 lost that day.
Miners' pockets filled with gold,
Dragged them down to the ocean cold.”
His little lass seemed to be stubbornly trying to keep her eyes open, and failing miserably. And his little lad wasn't fairing much better—his tiny cheek resting against the bars as he blinked sleepily. Yawning.
“ They're down, downed, and drowned…
Downed and drowned and never found..”
The door swung open, and Emma quietly shuffled in, clearly expecting her family to be asleep.
Killian didn't notice and stifled a yawn as he continued to sing the twins to sleep.
“They're down, drowned in the depths below;
Where the sun don't shine and the winds don't blow–”
Emma kicked off her shoes and just stood there for a minute, listening to Killian sing.
Damn, it was making her tired.
“And the timbers crack and the mainstay fails,
We'll all find peace wrapped within our sails…”
Silently, she snuck around, placing her bag on the couch, and finally making her way to the nursery corner.
Sure enough, Killian was sitting next to the twins’ cribs, singing them to sleep. Which did not look comfortable in the slightest.
She didn’t want to startle him, so she lightly tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.
He shot up—quickly growing alert before realizing it was just her and relaxing. “ ‘ello luv.”
“Hey, babe.” She kissed his forehead. “Twins keeping you awake?”
Killian leaned into her touch. “No, I just couldn't sleep and our little lass decided that she couldn't either. And well, you know how empathetic Harry is.”
“Ah. So it’s a party?” She chuckled quietly, looking at her little troublemakers. “Why wasn’t I invited?”
“It's not a fun party.” He yawned. “Are they asleep yet?”
“Hope’s about to get there. Harry is.”
Killian looked at Hope, frowning. “You're gonna try and stay awake until the song is over, aren't you?”
She blinked at him, rubbing at her eye with her tiny fist.
The cartographer shook his head, biting back a smile. “That's my little sailor…”
“She gets that stubbornness from you.” Emma hugged him while they looked at their daughter. “Can you imagine what she’s gonna be like as a teenager?”
“Hopefully like her darling mother.”
Hope whined, grabbing a bar and pulling on it—reaching for him.
“Nah. She’s a Daddy’s girl. Look at her.”
“She's perfect.”
Harry kicked his little leg, nearly rolling over. Almost as if in protest at not getting a compliment like his sister.
“ They're perfect.” Killian corrected himself.
Killian still couldn't sleep.
“Did you need tea? A massage? A kick to the head?” Emma was laying out suggestions, glad to be solving a domestic problem rather than that of a wicked witch.
He shrugged, resting his head on her shoulder, his eyes dropping closed but sleep still evading him. “I don't know… I just—”
He hesitated.
Emma ran her hand through his hair, trying to soothe him. “It’s just what, baby?”
“Something feels off and I don't know what: it could just be my medication but It didn't feel this strongly until we got here.” Killian couldn't really explain the feeling or when it had begun. He just knew that at some point, he'd notice something was wrong and that he couldn't pinpoint what that something was.
Emma tried to hide her wince. He could be sensing the strangeness of the town; how they all know him, but he didn’t know them.
Killian noticed it though and mistook it for something else, ducking his head as he fidgeted with the shirt he was wearing—her favorite star wars shirt, she realized. “I know how it sounds, Swan, but I swear it's not just in my head.”
“I wasn’t gonna say that!” Emma was slightly wounded that he would think that of her. “I’m not worried about those things, you know that.”
“But I am…” He admitted. “I don't wanna let you or our family down. You've lost enough.”
“You…Killian, there is no way in this realm or any other where you would ruin our family!” Emma delicately cupped his face.
“Realm?”
Shit. “...It’s a MARVEL reference.” She hissed at how much like a question her answer sounded.
Luckily for her, Killian didn't think much of it. “Oh….Emma?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you happy here?”
The question took her by surprise. “Why do you ask?”
“You seem…” He was quiet for a moment as he tried to collect his thoughts through his clouded mind. “... lighter here than you are back home.”
God, she hated lying to him. “I guess I was more tired of the city than I thought. I like the small town vibes, and being so close to the sea.”
“It…does seem cozier.” He nodded, as if agreeing with her. “Liam seems to like it here.”
“Does he?” Gee, I wonder why she grumbled to herself.
“Aye. I think he made a friend.” He snuggled closer to her.
“That’s good.” She said, lazily tracing a pattern on his shoulder.
“Maybe the kids could grow to like it someday?”
Emma found herself smiling. “I’m sure they’d love it here. I know Henry already does.”
Killian yawned. “Maybe we should move.”
“Do you like it here?” She didn’t forget that Killian never said if he was enjoying himself.
“It feels… homey. Even if the people are weird.” Killian smiled wishfully. “It reminds me of where I was born.”
“Yeah?” Emma yawned, mere moments after Killian.
“My mother used to take me out on the water and we'd look at the stars together. It's something I hope to do with our darlings one day.”
“I’m sure they’d love that. Maybe you and Henry can go camping sometime soon?” She figured that getting them away from town did double duty of father-son bonding, and keeping them away from a certain witch.
“Maybe.” He gave her waist a tight squeeze, for comfort. “I'm sure the lad would enjoy that.”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 17: Anxieties.
Summary:
Emma is scared, though she won't admit it.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: anxieties, fear, stress, necessary dishonesty, swearing, uncomfortable assumptions brought on by amnesia, non-consensual body modification in the form of animal transformation, betrayal, childhood trauma, having to make hard decisions, teen pregnancy, foster system trauma resulting from the wrong people participating in it, age gaps, homelessness, etc.
LMK if I should add to the list.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Every story had a hero and Emma was supposed to be the hero of this one, but she didn't want to be.
It was the most prominent thought in the forefront of her mind as the blonde tossed and turned in bed, trying and failing to fall asleep without waking Killian.
She’d heard the phrase ‘name one hero who was happy’ passed around a lot, and it was honestly starting to get to her. She had a husband, three beautiful children, a dog…and a Liam.
She couldn’t lose any of that.
Whatever was happening in town, whoever they had to fight…she just wanted to leave it all alone. Let someone else fight the battle for once.
But she couldn't.
Her parents needed her. Her unborn sibling needed her.
And Henry needed the woman who had actually raised him for the first ten years of his life, and he had the right to try and know Neal. His father.
(Emma might not like it but he was Henry's father and he was a decent one in the short time he'd spent with Henry).
Killian also didn't remember who he really was, which now that Emma knew who they both were and that he didn't know, would make things awkward in the relationship pretty soon if she didn't get them back. Kissing him when he didn't remember who he actually was made her skin crawl.
And Liam didn't know nearly as much about the modern world as he let on.
It wouldn't be fair to any of them if Emma listened to her gut instincts and that little voice in her head telling her to run. And, based on what had happened when they were all unaware, it would only hurt the very people she was trying to protect if she did.
The next day, Henry was sitting outside of Granny's diner with Harry and Hope—reading them a story as he waited for Avery to text him back.
“Once upon a time, there was a kingdom with a young peculiar princess who never smiled. Her father—the king— try and try as he might, just couldn't get the young princess to smile after her lovely mother—the queen—disappeared.” He had decided to read them the story of the Princess Who Never Smiled, since Henry had been dying to read it ever since his mom had bought it for him.
And, well, there was no better time than the present.
Hope, for once, seemed to be enjoying the story and little Harry was just as entranced by the story as ever. Not even letting Rummy , who was nosing at him, distract him from the tale.
None of the kids noticed David, who had planned to meet with Snow, Emma, and Regina to discuss ways to get Henry and Hook’s memories back. At the sight of his grandchildren reading together outside of Granny’s, he had to stop and take it all in. He was the grandfather of three amazing children.
If only he could tell them that.
“After a couple of years of trying himself, the king had had enough and had so then decreed. ‘Come one, come all! If you can make the princess smile or laugh at the upcoming ball—”
Henry paused, as he noticed David staring. David waved, trying to act casual. “Hi, kids.”
Henry subconsciously wrinkled his nose and scooted away. Readjusting the book so that he could rest a hand on the stroller in case he needed to run.
Hypervigilance, while a bad habit to have, also came in handy occasionally.
“Uh. Hi….”
“My name’s David, I’m an old friend of your mom’s.” He felt his heart shatter at the sight of his grandson looking at him with suspicion in his eyes.
“Right. You're the one who helped Uncle Liam fight off the creepy neighbor guy.” Henry replied, trying to be polite even though he felt like being anything but. “You helped my mom on a case awhile back and ended up marrying one of her old cellmates.”
David blinked. That was the story they went with?? “Uh, yup. Good memory there, buddy.”
There it was again. The fond nickname. For some kid he didn't know, who was just the child of an acquaintance he hadn't seen in almost nine years and hasn't personally met.
It was also the thing that broke the camel’s back and made Henry ask the question that had been on his mind since he'd noticed everyone's odd behavior. “Do you have a crush on my mom or something?”
He choked. “What?? No, of course not! She-she’s like a daug—little sister to me!”
“Well that's not how it comes off. Especially with the way you bad mouth my dad and try to spend so much time with me.”
“I–uh, well, you see…how…did you know about that?”
Henry shrugged. “It's not a hard guess to make, considering you glare at him and practically interrogate him every time my mom isn't around. And I'm guessing my mom talked to you, since you've been avoiding him.”
David sighed. “Look, Henry. Things are…complicated, for reasons I can’t say. Just know that I don’t hate your dad, I don’t have a… thing for your mom, and I just want you and the twins to be safe.”
“My dad's not a bad guy. I think you'd probably like him if you have him a chance. But I guess it doesn't matter if you don't. It's not like we're gonna be here forever.” Henry frowned, closing the book as the twins started to cry and the sky began to darken and thunder.
“Right.” David muttered, completely deflated. “Sorry if I scared you. I’ll be leaving now.”
“Bye Mr. Nolan.”
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea.” Regina whispered to Emma, watching Henry playing with the twins in their stroller.
“It'll be fine. Trust me.” Emma cleared her throat. “Hey, how was your day?”
Henry perked up when he saw her and the twins immediately lost all interest in their brother. “It was okay. Storybrooke is a bit weird, but like. In a cool way. Did you know the clock tower has a library?”
“That I did.” Emma couldn’t help but smile, despite the circumstances. She rubbed Harry’s head. “Henry, I want you to meet someone.” She nodded her head to Regina. “This is Regina Mills, Storybrooke’s mayor.”
“The Mayor, from the diner.” Henry smiled. “I remember!” Then, slowly, the smile left his face. “Is something wrong? Did something happen? ”
Regina piped up, hands clasped nervously in front of her. “No, not at all. Your mother just told me so much about you. I heard you like school, reading, and writing.”
“Yeah. Why did she tell you all this?” Henry gave them a weird look. “Is that weird sheriff guy who has a crush on mom causing trouble?”
Emma blanched. “The whomst? ”
Regina bit her lip, trying not to wheeze. “No, no. She’s just really proud of you, is all.”
“But seriously, the whomst?”
“The weird sheriff guy who's always trying to spend time with me and giving dad the stink eye.”
This time, Regina couldn’t hold in her laughter. She tried to turn it into a cough. “Ahem! Uh, Henry, if you’d like, I could show you around Storybrooke sometime? Show you the best ice cream shop in all of Maine.”
Henry smiled, “Yeah, I’d like that.” Then he shifted slightly, trying to wake up his arm that had grown tired from resting his hand on the stroller. “So, it was nice meeting you.”
Regina went to hug him but he held out his hand for her to shake at the exact same time, which was kind of awkward and would probably be haunting her for a while.
Luckily (or unluckily, depending on who you asked) David entered the apartment just then. “We need to talk.”
Emma stood up. “Hey, kid, why don’t you take the twins to the park or something?”
“Okay mom!”
“They're turning into monkeys.”
“Monkeys?” Regina deadpanned. She felt a headache coming on.
“The missing people are turning into flying monkeys. Like Walsh did.”
“I cannot believe that a man living feet away from my children was a goddamn flying monkey. ” Emma was furious.
“I still can't believe it either. Hook's brother was pretty freaked out, too.” David looked up at the ceiling, as if slightly asking the gods above ‘why me?’.
“You think this is what happened to all the missing dwarves?” Mary Margaret frowned—concerned for their awol friends—and judging by how much the baby was moving, they were too. She rested her hand on her belly to sooth them.
“It would explain why we haven’t found any traces of them,” David sighed. “This town is going to hell.”
“And Neal?” Emma questioned, chest tight: her memory being back didn't help her worries regarding him in the slightest. In fact, it only made them worse.
He didn't meet her eye, grimacing ever so slightly. “No sign of him, either. So, yeah, it’s possible.”
Emma sighed. She couldn’t help but wonder how Neal’d react to her current life. Married to Captain Hook, having kids with him. He’d probably freak. He’d probably try to take Henry from her and Killan and Regain.
Fear seized her heart at the idea but she didn't show it. “Wouldn't be the first flying monkey that's tried to date me.”
Mary Margaret snorted.
And David shook his head, trying not to smile because now definitely wasn't an appropriate time to smile.
Regina, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes and if this were a cartoon, a light bulb would have appeared above her head. “The person who escaped our trap disappeared in cloud of green smoke. And now, there are flying monkeys in this town? I think we know exactly who cursed us.”
The words sunk in. “Oh come on. Really? The Wicked Witch of the West is real too?”
“Says the Savior.” Regina rolled her eyes. “When will you stop being surprised about these things?”
“This isn’t Kansas! Why would the Wicked Witch of the West want to come to Storybrooke?!”
“I don't know but that's what we're going to find out. Let's go.”
“So…we just sit here?” Regina wrinkled her nose at Emma. Sitting in her car and waiting didn’t seem like much of a plan.
“Yes. Until we see anything or anyone suspicious—then we try to apprehend them. Assuming the wicked witch isn't working alone, that is.”
“...is this really what you do for a living?”
“Hey it's not glamorous but it puts food on the table.” Emma looked through the binoculars, trying to focus on the task at hand. “I didn't have many other options. You know, since I was a drop out when I had Henry.”
Regina bit her lip. “I assume that wasn’t a…fairytale relationship?”
“In hindsight, no. But to a kid who never had anybody for long? The promise of forever was tempting. And then I realized for the last time that forever was actually a lie .” The blonde tried not to sound too bitter about that, because while she knew now that her parents (and likely Killian too) wouldn't leave her willingly it didn't erase the fact that someday they would end up leaving her.
People died.
Like Graham.
Something that Emma was still struggling to forgive Regina for.
But before all the fairytale madness, before Graham. Before Storybrooke. Emma had hoped so many times that she would find a happily ever after.
Only to be abandoned time and time again.
Abandoned by August as a baby (though she didn't hold it against him. He never should have held that responsibility to begin with).
Returned by the couple who'd raised her for three years.
Betrayed by Lily and then Neal.
After that, she knew forever wasn't real.
“What happened?” Regina asked. She didn’t want to pry, but she also figured she should learn more about the woman who she shared custody of her son with. And more about her son's father, now that she thought of it.
“We lived out of hotels and the bug. Stealing and driving our way till we found Tallahassee—it was something we dreamed of—but we never made it there. One day, we found a wanted poster with Neal’s face on it because he stole some stupid watches and… well we made a plan. I was to get the watches and then we'd sell them, and find Tallahassee. But when I got to our meeting point after giving him most of the watches…”
Regina winced, putting the pieces together. “He wasn’t there.”
Emma nodded. “But a cop was. And I was wearing one of the watches. Neal had set me up to take the fall and I didn't know why. I found out later that August told him too but it didn't really heal the hurt, ya know? Next thing I know I'm a couple months in juvenile, with a positive pregnancy test in hand and almost a year left on my sentence.”
“Jesus.” Regina gawked. She knew that Emma had been incarcerated when she was pregnant with Henry (she’s the one who leaked the damn paper about it) but hearing it first hand from Emma made the whole thing a hundred times more visceral.
“I gave birth to Henry alone and handcuffed to a hospital bed. I was seventeen and the doctor tried to get me to look at him, to hold him but I couldn't. I couldn't because I knew if I did I would try to keep him.”
“Why not?” Regina tried to put herself in Emma’s shoes, but found herself genuinely wondering.
Emma looked at her. “I was seventeen and homeless with nowhere to go, dead broke, and had a few more months left on my sentence. Not to mention he'd have been in foster care like I was until the courts decided I was fit enough to have him back. I… I couldn't do that to him. Foster care … it isn't a cakewalk, Regina. Kids turn on each other, steal from one another. All to survive. I've had foster parents give us a food allowance and I've been in some homes where kids were the ones taking care of babies. And…”
There was a pause as Emma collected her thoughts. “I've…sometimes there are foster parents who are good at pretending to be a normal, upstanding human being to a social worker’s face and then the moment they're gone you have them spitting vitriol and smacking kids around. That's not even the worst of what I've seen and heard. I couldn't do that to Henry. I needed to give him his best chance. Even if it killed me to admit that Neal and I weren't that.”
It was quiet for a moment. Then… “Do you know how old Neal is, physically?”
Regina shook her head. “No idea. Older than seventeen. For sure.”
“He's thirty four, now.” Emma let Regina do the math on her own there. “It was another reason I gave Henry up and it's the reason why I lied to him about Neal being a firefighter. I didn't know how I was supposed to explain to him that his father betrayed me or that he wasn't someone I met in school, but while stealing a car.”
Regina nodded slowly. “I…I understand that.”
“I didn't want to come back to Storybrooke at first, you know and that… was definitely part of the reason.” Emma decided it was best to get everything out so she and Regina could understand each other, and so Regina could see things from her point of view. Hopefully, it would make things less rocky between them. They needed to get along if they were going to co-parent and Emma was already having trouble with Neal, and would likely continue to. She didn't want that to be the case with everyone she had to share her son with. “But there were others.”
Regina was silent for a moment. “Was he happy? Henry, I mean. In New York?”
“Yes.” Emma allowed herself to smile. “He was doing well in school—he’s phenomenal in English, funnily enough—and he has friends. His best friend’s name is Avery and he has a crush on this girl named Jacinda. He was Peter Pan in the school play and stole the whole show, and he adored the family and our apartment. It was—Henry was just so carefree. It was nice, even if it did remind me of what I used to love about Neal. And the new memories, even if I know now that they aren't real or aren't mine… they’re the best I've ever had and I'll treasure them for as long as I live.”
“Then…why did you come back?”
“Because I couldn't continue living that life knowing that neither of them remembered .” Emma grimaced. “It wouldn't be fair to Henry or Killian. I also knew that neither of them would be safe without their memories. If David hadn't been there when Walsh attacked—”
Emma didn't even want to finish that thought.
“And, okay, speaking of the elephant in the room…Hook. And his brother. I didn’t give them cursed memories like I gave you and Henry.”
“No, you didn't.” The blonde acknowledged. “You and David were right when you said that Liam had to remember.”
Regina considered her. “Does…does Henry like him? And the brother?”
“Yes. Henry adores Killian and his brother.” She couldn't keep the wishful tone out of her voice. “Killian treats him like his own, but he never tries to overstep my or Henry's boundaries. He nearly cried when Henry called him dad for the first time.”
“Wow.” She raised an eyebrow. “He’s calling him dad? How many cursed memories did you guys have together?”
“A year of fake ones and a year of real ones.”
“Oh, so it’s that serious.” An almost teasing glint appeared in her eyes.
Emma rolled her eyes with a smile. “Yes.”
Then she straightened up in her seat. “She's on the move!”
“Henry, lad. Come here for a second!”
Henry paused his Gameboy and hauled himself off of the couch. “Yeah?”
“So. Christmas is around the corner and I was thinking that we could pick your mother's gifts together. If you'd like, that is.” Killian scratched behind his ear, wincing and wondering if he really sounded as awkward as he thought.
“Yeah, sure.” Henry agreed casually. “Speaking of Christmas, Mom was wondering what you wanted.”
Killian thought about it for a moment. “I'm not sure to be honest about anything materially—I just want you and your mother to be happy.”
Henry made a face. “Ew. Sap.”
The cartographer snorted, rolling his eyes. “Just you wait, you'll be just as sappy when you get my age, lad. But, moving on, I'll love anything you or your mother get me.”
He rolled his eyes. “Uh-huh. What about LJ? Or the twins? Or Rummy? Work with me here.”
“LJ would probably like a book or some merchandise of some cryptid or another because he seem pretty interested in those things. But he'd also likely like something baseball or sea related. He seems to like submarines in particular.”
“That’s helpful, actually.” Henry perked up. “This place probably has a buncha dumb sea-related stuff.”
Killian gave him a fond smile. “That a boy, Henry. I can swing you by some of the shops next time your mother is out. Now…as for Rummy, he's not very picky so he'd probably enjoy some treats or a chew toy. But not the squeaky ones, because he doesn't like those and they distract him.”
Henry huffed. “Yeah, I knooooow , Dad.”
“And as for your brother and sister… well, they're still small so they probably won't care what you get them but they really seem to like that captain hook fellow and swans.”
“Hmm…” Henry tapped his chin. “I’ll figure something out. It’s not like there’s a Disney store around here.”
“It's sweet of you to think of everyone.” Killian mused with pride. “You're a good lad, Henry. Never change.”
Henry felt his cheeks heat up. “Yeah, yeah whatever. Anyway, for Mom, I think we should—”
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
Chapter 18: Christmas Time Is Here.
Summary:
Christmas has arrived and they still haven't caught the witch.
Notes:
Trigger warnings: holiday blues, minor violence,
LMK if we need to add more.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
David didn’t understand the point of Christmas this year.
Christmas was a time for family. And a significant portion of his family couldn’t be with them this year.
Emma had been the one to bring his and Snow’s family Christmas dreams back down to earth, since Killian and Henry didn’t remember them.
That didn’t stop Snow from decorating the loft. A lot.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“David, can you get that, please?” Snow was trying to hang garland on the wall, balancing on the teeny tiny step ladder, her overly large belly threatening to tip her over.
David pulled himself out of his cup of eggnog, and answered the door.
To find Emma, trying to balance three neatly wrapped boxes under one arm while keeping a firm grip on the stroller that held the (adorably) bundled up twins. Both had captain hook plushies gripped firmly in their little hands—Harry was chewing on his. “Hi dad.”
She gave him an awkward, painfully unsure smile.
“Emma!” David pulled the door open wider and moved out of the way, so she could push the stroller in. “It’s good to see you. And the twins, of course.”
“I can't stay for more than an hour but I figured you'd like the surprise anyway.” She told him apologetically, wincing as the stroller got caught on the rug.
David closed the door behind her. “Of course!” He turned to the living room. “Snow! Grandbabies!”
There was a dull thud, like something had been put down in a hurry, and Snow came waddling out, as fast as she could. “Emma! It’s nice to see you.”
“I came to give you your gifts.” Emma gestured to the boxes under her arm.
“You got gifts for us?” Snow asked as David quickly gestured to take the boxes out from Emma’s arms.
She gladly handed them over, petting Wilby as he came bolting over. “Don't worry, buddy, I got you something too.”
Wilby panted excitedly, wagging his tail. Happy to see her.
Which happened just around the time Harry noticed Snow and positively lit up. Reaching for her, the captain hook doll still in his mouth.
“Baby!” Snow bent down as far as she could, unbuckling and scooping Harry out of the stroller. “Did you miss Grandma, baby? You look so cute all bundled up like that, yes you do.”
Harry was wearing a red beanie that looked very familiar to that of Smee’s along with jeans, boots, and a crocodile jacket. Immediately he was smiling at Snow and trying to touch her face, his fallen doll momentarily forgotten.
Emma snorted. “If I didn't know better, I'd say he likes you more than he likes me.”
“At least he likes you.” David placed the gifts under the tree, a tiny bit salty. Neither of the twins had been taken with him as much as Snow.
“Don't be jealous. Harry does like you. You'd know if he didn't.” Emma assured with an eye roll. “He'd have bitten you or cried his eyes out when you picked him up if he didn't like you.”
David was not comforted by this. “Harry doesn’t even have any teeth.”
“And that didn't stop him from biting Walsh the one time the bastard managed to get close enough to him.”
Harry giggled, as if understanding the conversation.
David’s eyes narrowed. “Boy am I glad that son of a bitch is dead.”
“David, language!” Snow scolded. “There are young ears here.”
“You really outdid yourself with the decorations, mom.” Emma commented, eyes wandering around the apartment.
The apartment looked like Santa’s workshop exploded inside of it.
“Speaking of, why don’t we all sit down.” David looked directly at Snow. “Especially those of us who are pregnant and have been on their feet all day.”
“David, you’re pregnant? Why didn’t you tell me?” Snow deadpanned.
“That actually sounds like a good idea. My feet are killing me.” Emma groaned.
David suddenly realized that, with how old the twins were, Emma was just as pregnant as his wife a little over two months ago. “And you, young lady, you were just pregnant. Sit down!” He pulled out two seats at the table.
Emma rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
“So…the Captain Hook plushies, eh?” Snow sipped her hot chocolate with a smirk.
Emma blushed. “They kept fighting over the one I had so I just bought another one and let them both have one.”
Harry babbled and Hope glared, as if daring them to try and take her doll from her.
“ Please tell me those were Hoo–I mean, Killian’s idea.” David asked, grinning.
“Killian won me the original doll because he knew I liked the movie and that Captain Hook was my favorite as a little girl. I used to have one just like that as a child, actually.” Emma said fondly. “He is going to hate those dolls when he gets his memories back.”
Snow snorted. “I don't think he's going to be able to get those dolls away from them.”
“Oh definitely not.” Emma took a sip of her own hot chocolate, letting out a sigh as the warmth from it spread through her. “I'm almost convinced Hope would find a way to murder anyone who took that doll from her.”
David snorted. “Like granddaughter like grandmother.”
“I was never that bad!”
Harry *tried* to glare at David, hugging Snow. But it looked far more cute than it did intimidating. “Bah!”
“See? Harry agrees with me.” Snow kissed his cheek.
Emma snorted. “Aren't you a little gentlemen?”
“So. Who wants to open their gift first?”
“I’ll go first.” Snow said, getting comfortable on the couch.
Emma handed her the biggest box—which had the blue snowflake wrapping paper and a pretty white sparkly bow.
Wilby watched curiously as he nawed on his own Christmas present—a snowman chew toy.
Snow carefully untied the bow, and with painstaking precision, began to unwrap the present.
“It’s not a race, Snow.” David grumbled.
“This is nice paper! We can reuse it. Save a tree, David.” Snow grumped right back.
Inside the box was a big red book with a Swan on it titled ‘The Swan Family’.
Snow gasped, taking it out of the box. “Is this what I think it is?” She began to thumb through the pages.
Emma nodded, picking at her jeans. “It's a scrapbook.”
David also leaned in to see as he and Snow saw the last year of their daughter’s life in picture form. “It’s beautiful, Emma.” Snow gently caressed a picture of Emma’s smiling face.
“I picked the pictures out I thought you'd like. There's some of me as a child, some of the fake ones I had of Henry when he was little, and some of the rest of the family. I think my wedding picture is on the second page.”
Snow immediately flipped there. “Oh, Emma. You look so happy.”
Emma was wearing a simple white dress (one that was clearly not a wedding dress) with a flower crown and was laughing near a hot dog cart. Killian was beside in her in a navy blue suit with pants that didn't quite match the jacket, also laughing as he ruffled an annoyed Henry's hair. Henry was wearing a school uniform and holding Rummy’s leash, yanking him away from the cart.
Liam was nowhere to be seen so he must have been the one taking a photo.
So it wasn’t the fairytale family wedding that Snow had wanted for her daughter. Actually seeing the picture herself made Snow realize that as long as Emma was happy, she was happy.
Emma smiled. “I figured you'd like that one. I found out I was pregnant not long before that picture.”
Snow leaned over best she could, and hugged her daughter. “Thank you, Emma.”
Emma said nothing, just enjoying the hug for a moment. “Do you want to open the baby’s present or should we let dad have his turn first?”
David waved them on. “Let the baby have his first.”
Emma handed Snow the red present with baby grinches on it.
“...yeah, maybe killing a tree or two isn’t that bad.” She grimaced at the baby green monstrosities on the wrapping paper before tearing into it.
She found a baby mobile with sheep, blue birds, swords, and arrows that was clearly homemade as well as a couple of onesies. One had a swan on it, another said ‘world’s youngest uncle’, the third said ‘my big sister is cool’, the fourth said ‘don’t mess with me or I'll tell my mommy’, and another said ‘Go away pirate’.
David laughed out loud at that.
“Emma, it’s beautiful.” Snow crooned. “Did you make this?”
Emma ducked her head, nodding. “Killian and Henry helped.”
“Thank you, Emma. Your little brother is gonna be the most spoiled baby in the world.”
“Well, maybe the third most spoiled baby.” David remarked, grabbing two bagged presents under the tree and handing them to Emma. “The twins may have him beat.”
“What—you guys didn't have to.” Emma uncharacteristically stammered, eyes blown wide in surprise.
Harry buried his face in Snow’s side shyly, eyes fixated on the gifts and Hope clapped.
“It’s nothing much. Definitely not as great as that mobile.” David smiled softly. “But of course we had to get something for our grandbabies. Henry, too.”
“Still I—” Emma shook her head, stopping whatever she was planning to stay and smiled. “Thank you.”
She put Henry's gift to the side so he could open it later and opened Hope’s first to find a white swan plushie, with black bead eyes and shimmery yellow feet and beak.
Snow shrugged, a little sheepish. “It’s a little on the nose, but I saw it and thought of her.”
Hope made ‘gimme’ hands the moment she saw it and Emma was happy to oblige.
David smiled at his granddaughter. “Aw. She seems to like it.”
“She likes swans.”
Emma opened Harry's gift and found a stuffed parrot that the boy cowered away from.
Snow sighed at this. “I can’t win, can I?”
Emma laughed—handing the stuffed animal over to Snow. “Don't worry mom, he'll like it once he sees it's not dangerous.”
Harry peered at it, face still buried in Snow's arm.
Snow made the stuffie do a little dance, and heighted the pitch of her voice. “Hallo, Harry! I’m Mr. Parrot! You don’t need to be afraid of me!”
Harry looked at Snow, then at the toy in her hand. Hesitantly reaching out to it.
Snow gently let Harry take the toy. “See? Grandma’s gift is not scary.”
Harry babbled at her, gripping the toy tightly.
“There you go.” Snow beamed. “Now that you and your sister have your gifts, I think it’s Mama’s turn, now.”
David obliged, and handed Emma a flat wrapped package.
Emma opened it to find a Lou Reed CD, causing her to look at her parents in surprise. “How did you know I liked Lou Reed?”
“I, uh, heard it playing in your and Killian’s apartment when I found you.” David scratched the back of his neck.
Emma winced. “Oh…. Sorry again for kicking you in the groin.”
Snow hooted. “That’s my girl!”
David pouted.
The snow outside was falling fast and Killian couldn't help but watch fascinated as it did, head resting against the window in his and Emma's room at Granny's.
Emma came up behind him, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Anything interesting out there?”
Killian hummed. “No, but the snow is pretty. How long have you been back? I didn't hear you and the twins return.”
“Literally just now. I haven’t even taken my shoes off yet.”
The raven haired man turned around the best he could and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Did you have fun at your friend's?”
“I did. They got Henry and the twins Christmas presents.”
His lips quirked up into a smile at that, eyes darting over to where the twins were still strapped into their stroller. “So, Hope threw something or Harry got startled as usual?”
“Harry was scared of his present at first, but I think we managed to go the whole time without Hope throwing anything. A new record.”
“That's good. Should we tell Henry he can open his presents now or keep him and Liam waiting a little longer?”
“Eh, let the kids open them up. They’ve waited long enough.” She smirked slightly.
Killian snorted.
Hope and Harry had been changed into captain hook jammies by the time Emma got back from fetching Henry and Liam.
“Well, don’t you two look adorable.” Emma was trying not to laugh too hard, knowing how funny this would be once Killian got his memories back.
Hope scrunched up her nose and Harry gave her a wide toothless smile.
“Aren't they? I think they like the jammies their uncle Liam got them.”
Emma turned to Liam, trying not to lose it. “Ha. Good choice, Uncle Liam.”
LJ grinned and shrugged. “Figured the twins would like ‘em. What else is there to say?”
“Can we open presents now? You've been gone forever.” Henry cut in, fidgeting impatiently before adding “Please.”
“Yeesh, kid. Ever heard that patience is a virtue?” She ruffled his hair. “Go pick out a present then.”
Henry didn't need to be told twice, quickly grabbing a badly wrapped box before handing it to her. “Here.”
“You’re letting me go first? I’m honored.” She said it jokingly, but she actually was kind of surprised Henry didn’t dive headfirst into his own pile of gifts.
The twelve year old squirmed, barely hiding his excitement. “Open it!”
She pulled the wrapping paper appart, opening the box to find… a stuffed Dalmatian dog that was almost identical to the one she won when she was sixteen the last time she had hope for being adopted and a copy of ‘Need for Speed 3’. Which had been her favorite game as a kid.
There was a Leia keychain too.
“Henry…” Oh no, she was getting emotional. “These are all such thoughtful gifts.”
“Killian helped me find them and I made the Leia keychain myself.” Henry said proudly. “Do you like them?”
“I love them. Thanks, kid.” She leaned over and hugged her oldest tightly.
“Merry Christmas mom.”
Henry got a couple of video games from Emma, a set of new comic books from Killian, and art supplies from Liam.
Henry got Killian a painting of a ship that looked like the one in the bottle on the mantle that he found in the pawnshop when Christmas shopping. For Liam, he'd gotten him a book on water related cryptids, and for Rummy, he'd gotten him some dog treats and a chew toy: He'd gotten the twins matching onesies that said 'Buy one, get one Free'.
Liam had gotten Emma a decoration for her car to dangle over her car mirror: It consisted of a swan, a hook. a submarine, a dog that looked like Rummy, a book, and a pair of pacifiers. He'd gotten Rummy a bone, the twins a pair of ship themed baby walker, and Killian a typewriter.
In turn, Emma had gifted Liam a miniature submarine (that was submerged in turquoise water) in a bottle.
Killian’s gift, given to the blonde in private, through Emma for a loop.
It was Henry's book.
The one Henry hadn't had since they left for New York.
“Fairytales?” She hoped the recognition wasn’t obvious on her face.
“I found the book in a Pawnshop and thought it was something that you and Henry could enjoy together. You told me you liked fairytales when you were younger, before you lost hope in them.” Killian gave her a bashful smile, running a hand through his hair. “I thought it'd help you find love for them again.”
She took the book gingerly, almost expecting a burst of magic. Nothing happened though. It was just a book. “I…thank you, Killian. I love it.” A thought made her freeze. “Have you, um…looked at any of the pages?”
Snow and David’s resemblances were uncanny.
There were entire chapters dedicated to him as Captain Hook, guyliner and all.
Killian shook his head. “I flipped through it but I didn't really look at any of the pictures for long—I was more interested in how it was written.”
“Oh?” Emma sat up straighter. Was he remembering anything?
“Aye, you know different variations of characters are interesting. I think there was something about Captain Hook in there but I didn't get far into reading it.”
She blanched. “Well, when Henry and I read it, I’ll let you know how it goes.”
Killian gave her a worried look. “If you don't like it, luv, I can find you a different gift. You can tell me, I won't be offended.”
“No! No, I love it. I really do.” Emma was quick to assure.
“Are you sure? I would hate to have gotten you a gift you didn't like after you got me such a thoughtful gift.”
Emma had given Killian the military insignia and satchel that David had found in Neverland, not sure Killian would even remember it. But he did. He remembered that it had belonged to his older brother and was in complete and utter awe when he realized what it was. Killian had loved his gift more than Liam, Henry, Rummy, Emma, and the twins all combined had loved theirs.
She kissed him on the cheek, face twitching at his scruff. “I love it. Promise.”
Killian, now sure that she was being truthful, smiled at her softly. “Merry Christmas, luv.”
“Merry Christmas, Killian.”
The rest of the night was filled with Christmas music, holiday themed movies and cartoon specials, laughter, and Granny's by the fire.
And snuggling.
Lots and lots of snuggling.
And as Emma climbed into the bed, the witch was the last thing on her mind.
Notes:
Be kind in the comments.
Stay safe.
Have a good day.
Hope you enjoyed.
ShadowsofInsanity on Chapter 3 Sat 17 Aug 2024 09:37AM UTC
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