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Victorian by the Sea

An OUAT Fanfic

"Killian?"

The hum of fireflies mingles with the creak of his leather as he shifts on the swing. The cool metal of his rings meet my bare shoulder and I try to hold in a shiver. I can practically feel his pleased smirk at my reaction.

"Aye?"

The silence stretches as I battle a rare moment of doubt.

I know what everyone else will think of my choice. I'll..We'll be bombarded with worried glances and well meant comments about safety, unexpected complications...

It's an unconventional decision but when have we ever been a traditional couple? He's a reformed pirate, I'm a fairy tale princess and we live in a town of storybook characters. We've been to Neverland, Camelot and the Underworld. There's really no part of our relationship that has been "normal."

I return from my thoughts to see him patiently waiting my response, head cocked slightly in amusement. One eyebrow is raised; typical Hook.

"I've been thinking," I begin. He makes a small noise of understanding and the words tumble out. "And I want you to be totally honest with me. You're a part of this too. I'm sure a lot of people will think I'm just being stubborn and taking chances I shouldn't but all I can think of is...is how it was the last time..."

The porch swing stalls and my eyes squint in confusion as he draws out a handkerchief.

He presses it into my fingers and only then do I realize why. I'm crying.

"Damn it," I grumble. He gives a throaty chuckle while I rub my cheeks. Tears dried, I lean back against the swing with a sigh.

I try again. "The last time I did this, my wrist was chained to a hospital bed in a room packed full of scrubs. I didn't know it at the time but the lights flickered and popped because I had no control. My magic shot out, shattering bulbs until Henry finally arrived."

His lips meet my cheek. My nose tingles with the scents of saltwater and rum- Killian's own brand of "cologne."

"My little brother was taken from mom seconds after he was born in the hospital. She didn't even have time to enjoy holding him in her arms before he was snatched away. She and Dad experienced the same with me when I came. They didn't get a chance to be parents."

A shuddering breath and I spread my hand over the space where our baby is growing. my husband's larger palm joins mine.

"I don't want to experience that with this one."

His silence encourages me to continue. "I want to have our baby here."

To his credit, it's as if I'm relaying the weather. He doesn't look the least bit surprised.

"I don't want midwives or doctors or a crowd of family members hovering and interfering. I'd hate to be the center of attention."

He chokes back a laugh and I playfully elbow him in the ribs.

"I want this time to be private and intimate. No machines beeping, no sterile white room."

"I want to welcome.." I stop to grin at him. " I want to welcome the newest little Jones just with you."

His answering smile matches mine.

"Are you certain lass?"

I nod.

Before I can register what's happening, I'm pressed against his chest. "There's nothing I would love more than to be with you when your labor begins luv. I would be incredibly honored to help bring our child into the world."

I sob out a laugh; happy and relieved all at once. He agrees with my choice...is even flattered that I want only him there.

"Of course," he rumbles, "I will need to be instructed as to what to expect from someone who knows. I want to be as prepared as I can. I'll speak with Storybrooke's midwife and swear her to secrecy. No one else will know."

I giggle, actually giggle, when he bends to stroke my flat abdomen, a belly that will soon expand to provide room for our little pirate prince or princess.

"Oh Swan, you've made me the happiest of men." His mouth is at my neck, trialing kisses upward to the curve of my ear.

"Now, have you given any thought as to where in the house you'd prefer to be when your time comes?"

I catch the wiggle of his eyebrow and pretend to seriously think it over.

"I'm not sure. Maybe we could test a few places and see how they fit?"

His laugh is long and loud as I grab his hook, drawing him into the house.

Our victorian by the sea.