Killian was no stranger to foes that needed to be defeated. Storybrooke had seen a steady influx of them since he'd first sailed into the town nearly three years before. Without fail, the town, led by his lovely wife and her Charming family had succeeded in vanquishing every single one.
But this newest one might just be the most formidable of all.
It went by the ungodly name of "Bronchitis."
It had started a week previously as nothing more than a sniffle, a slight irritation in the throat. Oh how little did he know what was in store!
On that fateful day, he'd woken believing he was the most fortunate man in all the realms, for he woke with Emma Swan—Jones now—sleeping in the circle of his arms. His hand moved from its resting place on her waist to cover the rapidly expanding swell of her abdomen.
"Good morning, little love," he'd whispered in the quiet room, caressing Emma's stomach in which their child lay.
Killian felt a swift kick against his fingers in response. He smiled in delight pressing gently against the point of contact his wee one had made. "I see you're feeling quite feisty this morning. You have your mother's spirit."
Killian let his mind wander back some six months—back to the day Emma told him she was with child. The news had come as quite the surprise to both of them. They'd been married a scant three months at the time, and they'd decided to wait quite a while longer before they attempted to start a family. The child they'd created of their love evidently had other ideas.
Emma had emerged from the bathroom white as a sheet, a stunned expression leaving her mouth hanging open. Killian immediately got to his feet and went to her, concern eating at him.
"What is it love? Is ought the matter."
"It's...It's this." She'd waved a stick containing strange markings before his face, evidently believing it served as sufficient explanation.
"Aye," he said, warily taking the object and peering at it intently. "And precisely what am I to glean from this wand, Swan?"
"I'm.." she cleared her throat and started again. "I'm pregnant."
The joy, the wonder had been swift and immediate. "You're with child? We're to have a child?"
She'd slowly turned to look at him then, her jaw still dropped in shock. "Yeah, yeah we are."
She'd dropped to sit upon the bed then, eyes glued to the wand which had evidently imparted this knowledge to her. "Killian, it's too early yet. We…we were going to wait. We took precautions. How did this happen?"
He couldn't contain the devilish grin that overspread his features. With one gentle finger, he lifted her chin until she was looking at him. "Well, Darling, I was under the impression you were aware how these things come to be, but if you'd like, I'd be happy to provide a demonstration."
She'd rolled her eyes then and smiled. Overcome with emotion, he'd taken her into his arms, holding her tightly. "A father! I'm to be a father!"
Emma pulled back, but never left the shelter of his arms. She'd searched his face carefully. "You're okay with this? Really?"
Killian saw the trepidation, even fear on her lovely face. Did she truly think he wouldn't be? Did she think he would be angry with her? That he would abandon her? His eyes softened, and he leaned forward to gently kiss her. "My love, there is no news you could have imparted to me that would have made me happier."
Now, so many months later, the wonder, the joy, the love had yet to recede. It would be three months yet before his little lass would enter the world, and Killian could barely rein in his anticipation. He leaned down and kissed Emma's nightgown-clad belly. When he straightened, he found himself looking into the sparkling green eyes he loved so dearly—eyes that had turned decidedly tender.
Emma reached up a hand to caress his stubbled cheek. "Killian, I love you," she said simply. It had taken so long for her to first utter those magical words. Now, he treasured their every utterance more than the most priceless treasure he'd ever obtained as a pirate.
Killian leaned down and kissed her deeply. "I love you too, sweetheart. So very, very much."
Emma wrapped her arms around him and deepened the kiss even further. "So how about you show me just how much, pirate?"
Oh, that he could do! That he could do with great pleasure. He grinned, swooping in for another kiss as his hand reached for the hem of her nightgown…
And then it happened.
He had barely enough time to turn away from her before the vicious sneeze ripped through him. It was followed by another…and then another. By the time he'd gotten the attack under control, he'd become aware of the scratchiness of his throat, the watering of his eyes.
Emma pulled back, obviously concerned. "You okay, Killian? You're not coming down with something, are you?"
He shook his head firmly. "Not to worry, Swan, I've a strong constitution. I've rarely been ill a day of my life."
~.~.~.~.~.~
By the next morning, he wasn't far less sure that he was alright.
The scratchiness had blossomed into a full blown sore throat, and he felt like he'd spent half the night coughing. Midway through the night, he'd left their bedroom to go wrestle manfully with his affliction in the sitting room where he wouldn't disturb his love's sleep with his confounded hacking.
Moments later a door closed down the hall and a bleary eyed Henry padded his way toward the kitchen. "Morning Killian," he murmured as he grabbed the juice from the refrigerator. "Sounded like you had a rough time last night."
He tousled the lad's hair as he walked past. "Aye, 'twas rather unpleasant at that. I hope my coughing didn't keep you up."
Henry shrugged. "Nah, not too bad. You can't help it if you're sick."
Sick? Was he sick? Was this more than an anomaly, a slight fluctuation of his humors? Was the dark and dangerous Captain Hook actually to be bested by an illness? Not bloody likely!
"I'm fine my lad," Killian attempted to say bracingly. The effect was rather marred by the thickness of his voice and his red and dripping nose. "No illness would dare to touch me."
Henry gave him a knowing look. "Mm-hm," he muttered incredulously. "You know, you should talk to Mom. She's really good at taking care of people when they're sick."
"Is she now?"
"Yeah," Henry said, plopping down onto the chair facing the couch where Killian had sprawled for the night. "At least I think she is. Sometimes it's hard to remember what were the real memories and what were the cursed ones my other mom gave us when we went back to New York. Anyway, she always made me feel better. You should definitely talk to mom."
"Talk to me about what?" Emma asked, shuffling her way out to join her men. She brushed a kiss against Henry's head, and then took a seat next to Killian on the sofa.
"Killian's sick," Henry called breezily.
"I most certainly am not! I am perfectly well, I'll have you know!"
Cough! Cough! Damn his traitorous lungs!
Emma glanced over at him with those all-knowing eyes. Reaching over, she placed a gentle hand against his forehead. The lad was right; even the mere caress of her hand was soothing. After a moment, she shook her head. "The kid's right. You, Killian, are most definitely sick."
Killian glared at her for a moment in indignation. "I assure you, darling," sneeze "the fearsome Captain Hook does not" cough "get sick!"
"I think the 'fearsome Captain Hook' could use another tissue," she said, passing the box over.
Killian took the offering and blew his nose with as much dignity as he could muster—which wasn't much. There was no doubt about it; the fates were not in his corner on this day.
Emma grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. "Come on, Mr. Big Bad Pirate Man. Let's get you into bed."
He let himself be led, his eyes lighting up. This conversation was definitely taking a more pleasant turn. "Only if you join me, love."
Behind them Henry groaned loudly. "You guys are disgusting! You can't even wait until I leave for school?"
Emma shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Relax kid, I'm just getting your stubborn step-dad who is 'not sick' settled in for a day of rest and recuperation."
"Now, Swan, I must protest," Killian said, indignantly. "As newly appointed deputy of this town, I haven't the luxury to lie abed all day. I must be about the task of keeping Storybrooke's residents safe."
She smirked as she pulled back the covers of their bed and got him settled inside. "I think my dad and I can handle the citizens of this town for the day. Besides, doubt any of them really want you coughing and sneezing on them anyway."
She disappeared into the bathroom, and Killian heard her rummaging around in the medicine cabinet. He lay back, enjoying the soft bedding, the firm pillow. He hated to admit it, but perhaps the lass had a point. He doubted he had the energy to deter the maleficence of a child, let alone confront a full blown villain, should one appear. Perhaps a day spent lying abed and watching Netflix would indeed be a day well spent.
Emma returned with two capsules of medication and a glass of water. She watched as he swallowed the pills and placed the glass upon the night stand, and then gently feathered her fingers through his hair. Leaning down, she placed a quick kiss against his forehead and then looked down at him tenderly.
"Look, Killian," she said gently, never stopping the gentle ministrations of her soothing hand against his fevered brow. "I know it sucks to be cooped up at home sick, but Henry, the baby, me…we all need you; and we need you back to your healthy, vital self. Rest up today, and then let me take care of you after work. You've done so much for me; let me return the favor."
His heart melted within him, and he reached up a gentle hand to cup her cheek. "I could never do enough to repay you for the heaven you've opened for me, love, but if it will please you, I'll do as you ask."
She grinned. "Good. And maybe if you're a good fearsome pirate captain I could be persuaded to join you for some…more enjoyable activities once you're well."
If that wasn't incentive for doing everything in his power to regain his health, he didn't know what was.
Notes:
-This story is brought to you by the bronchitis that has evidently decided to take up permanent residence in my lungs. (Okay, maybe that was a little over-dramatic, but the constant coughing is getting old fast!) I decided if I have to suffer, I might as well make my favorite pirate suffer as well. (Wow, I'm kind of evil when I'm sick, lol!)
-As noted in the description of the story, this takes place in the "The Girl That I Adore" universe. This obviously takes place several months before the start of that story as Emma is pregnant with Eva here. I considered adding this into TGTIA as a kind of prequel, but finally decided against it. The focus of TGTIA is Killian as a father, and, in particular, his relationship with his oldest daughter, Eva. This story didn't quite fit that mold, although I did manage to squeeze in a little father/daughter moment (in a matter of speaking!)
-This was meant to be a one-shot, but, alas, it got away from me. I started writing about the CS pregnancy and I couldn't stop myself. I don't know what it is, but I can't get enough of pregnant CS or daddy!Killian lately. These two totally need to have a baby on the actual show! Anyway, looks like this story will need to be broken up into two parts.
-Up next: Emma insists on taking Killian to the doctor, a move he fights like crazy. Killian proves to be a terrible patient, refusing to stay home and rest, so Emma resorts to drastic measures. If her husband refuses to follow the doctor's orders of his own accord, maybe he needs a babysitter.