Chapter 1: The Family Man

CS Genre: Future Fic

Killian leaned his forearms against the railing of his beloved Jolly and stared out toward the horizon as the sun slipped delicately down to kiss the waves. He breathed deeply, rhythmically, valiantly attempting to get his nerves under control. He'd suggested this voyage for a very particular purpose, and he knew that purpose was now upon him.

He hoped to Zeus the lad would be agreeable to his plan.

The idea had come to him a fortnight past when he and Swan hosted Sunday dinner for her family. It struck him suddenly, like a bolt out of the blue, as he sat at the head of the table enjoying the belonging and family and love he felt surrounding him. He'd known for years that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Swan, but laughing with Henry about something that had happened that day as he passed him the mashed potatoes, he realized he didn't just want Emma, he wanted all of it.

He wanted it to be official. He wanted to ask Swan to become his wife.

But before he could approach Emma with the all-important question, he needed to discuss the matter with the two most important men in Emma's life—her son and her father. And so it was that he'd invited Dave and Henry on a weekend sail with him around the general vicinity of Storybrooke Harbor.

Emma had jumped on the idea immediately.

"That would be perfect, Killian!" she'd enthused, gracing his cheek with a quick kiss. "You could make it a guys' weekend. A fishing trip or something. Some good male bonding time. Besides, if you all clear out, Mom and I can have a girls' weekend. Things have been…weird…between us since the first curse broke, and I was kind of hoping to have a chance to reconnect or something."

And accordingly here they were, six hours into their boys' weekend. As the sun began to set, Killian had directed Henry to drop anchor for the night. No sooner was the vessel secured in place than the prince disappeared below deck to use his talking phone, insisting he missed his wife and son and wished to hear their voices.

Dave would be occupied for a good quarter of an hour, which would hopefully give Killian sufficient time to gain the approval of the most important person in Emma's life.

There was no time like the present.

"Henry," he said, finally turning from his beloved sea back toward the deck where the lad finished tying off the anchor.

"Yeah?" Henry asked, making his way toward Killian. "Anything else we need to do, Captain, before we're ready for the night?"

Killian smiled, feeling genuine affection for the lad fill him. "Not at all, mate," he said. "You've performed your duties quite admirably. The Jolly's perfectly ship shape."

Swan's boy beamed at the praise. "So, why'd ya call me then?" Henry asked, leaning next to Killian at the railing.

"There's something important I'd like to discuss with you," Killian said, reaching up toward his ear.

"Uh-oh," Henry said with a grin, "you're doing the ear scratching thing. This must be serious."

"Aye," Killian said slowly. "Promise me one thing Henry."

"Sure," Henry said slowly. "If I can."

"Promise you will be completely honest with me."

Henry took a step back, suddenly looking perturbed. "You think I've been lying to you?"

"No, no!" Killian said, dragging his hand through his hair, and blowing out a frustrated breath. "I meant to imply no such thing, lad. I'm making a right mess of this already! I'm asking you to listen to what I have to say and to give me your honest opinion without holding back to spare my feelings."

Henry relaxed. "Well that I think I can do. So what's up."

Now that the moment was upon him, he found he had no idea how to begin. His silver tongue had suddenly abandoned him.

"I…I know my living with you and your mother has been a bit difficult for you, lad," Killian finally said. "We certainly had an adjustment period when I first moved in."

Henry shrugged, looking out over the water. "I mean, yeah, it was weird at first, but you're my mom's True Love, and I want her to be happy."

"And you?" Killian asked, turning the lad toward him with a gentle touch to his shoulder. "Are you happy with our current arrangement?"

Henry shrugged again. "I mean, yeah," he said. "I like hanging out with you and learning sword fighting and sailing and stuff. And it's kind of fun that the boys outnumber the girls in the house now. I guess I was just a little…jealous…at first."

"Jealous of what?"

"You and mom," Henry said. "It's always just been me and mom. All my life. Even before I knew about my birth mom, it was just me and Regina. I guess I was afraid you'd, I don't know, take away all mom's attention or something."

"That was never my intention, Henry," Killian said. "I know how important your bond is with your mother, and I would never wish to come between that."

"I know that now," Henry said. "It was just…well, like you said. An adjustment period."

Silence fell upon them for a moment, the only sound, the gentle lapping of the waves against the ship.

"So…" Henry said, breaking the silence, "was that it? Was that what you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Not exactly," Killian said. "I love your mother and I love you and I love being a part of this family."

"I know that, Killian."

"Aye," Killian said, feeling his nerves wash upon him once again. "And that is why I want to become a permanent member of your family. I wish to ask Swan to become my wife."

"Really?" Henry asked, an inscrutable look on his face.

"Aye," Killian said decisively. "I want to assure you, lad, that I have no wish to usurp Bae. I've no intention to usurp your father's role in your heart. I'd simply like to be your step-father, your friend. I wish to do what's best for all, though. If you feel you're not ready for this change in your family, I'm willing to stay my hand until you are ready."

"No," Henry said, finally, "I think it's a great idea! Mom will absolutely freak out! I saw her looking at a bridal magazine the other day; I think she's starting to think about you guys getting married too. And, well, I think I'll like having you for a step-dad."

"So I have your approval, then?"

"Yeah," Henry said, grinning broadly. "I'd say go for it! How ya plan to ask her?"

Killian felt the relief swirl through him as his own grin stretched to match Henry's. "I'd hoped you might help me with that, mate. I've yet to learn this world's traditions when it comes to proposing marriage to one's True Love. What would you suggest?"

"Well, red roses are always good," Henry started, "lots of roses. And romantic moonlight or candle light. And the whole down on one knee thing. And a ring of course. And…"

Killian listened as Henry continued listing ideas for the perfect proposal, joy welling within. Should all go well, he'd soon have a wife and a son. It was more than he'd ever dared hope for! Later that night he'd approach Swan's father…not for permission, mind you, but for his blessing.

Who would have thought Killian Jones, fearsome pirate extraordinaire, would one day have the incandescent joy of being a family man?

Notes:

-This story was originally posted as part of my Fluffy Fridays collection

-Up next: Killian's now gotten Henry's blessing. Next step: Talk to David.