A/N: After numerous requests to continue this story, I did plan to pick it up again if inspiration would strike. Now that I'm pregnant with my second, inspiration definitely struck! This is now going to be a series of one-shots. I'd like to try to keep them somewhat connected instead of jumping around to different AUs, but we'll see what happens. Enjoy!


Emma groaned as she opened her eyes and looked at the clock. 5am. She really couldn't take it anymore. She had been up almost every hour in such agonizing pain. She lifted her head to try to rub the pain out of her neck, but it only succeeded in making the pain worse as it shot through her shoulder. That was it, she had to do something about it. As quickly as she could, she got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom to turn on the shower.

Of course this would happen during pregnancy! It always flared up at the most inconvenient times, although why it was still happening, she had no idea. She cursed that day eight years ago when she was tracking down another target in her bail bonds days. Still new to the job, when her mark rounded the corner and disappeared, she let her guard down. She wasn't expecting for him to not only get the drop on her, but to pull her down to the ground and twist her neck. He had leapt on her with all his weight and from a height that the doctor had told her she was lucky. Lucky was not the term she used after all the times this injury would continue to flare up.

She had managed to get it under control, most of the time it never bothered her. But then something would happen and BOOM! Pain. Normally, she could manage it with one muscle relaxer and a good night's rest- done. However, now that she was pregnant, all she could take was Tylenol, which does nothing for muscle relief. Dr. Whale recommended two remedies- either apply heat or he could prescribe a muscle relaxer that will affect the baby. That was a big NO on the latter.

Emma let her her head naturally drop to the side as the hot shower hit her sore muscles, stretching out the pain. The heat felt good as soon as it hit her skin, her whole body relaxing. It was a good thing too, because now that she was on her third day of pain and after waking up all night, she was almost in tears. She could blame it on the hormones all she wanted but the reality was she just couldn't take it anymore.

After the hot shower gave her relief, she stepped out and quickly grabbed a washcloth, running it under the hot water before turning the shower off completely. She threw it over her neck and shoulder to give it some focused heat before wrapping herself in a robe to hold it in place. The focused heat would give her a few more minutes of relief, and she would relish every minute of it before the inevitable pain came back.

"Are you okay, love," came a voice from the bed as she stepped back into the bedroom. Killian propped himself up on his pillow and looked up at her with sympathy when he saw the look of pain on her face. "Still?"

"Yeah," Emma said weakly. Killian stretched his hand out to her for her to come back to bed, pulling her into his arms to lay next to him. "Ow!"

"What's wrong," Killian asked, jumping back as if his own skin burned her.

"I can't lay on your chest like that. It hurts too much," Emma said, climbing over him to lay back on her side of the bed. Killian waited until she got comfortable before laying down next to her, laying his head on her shoulder and rubbing her stomach. Normally, she would welcome that position, but not today. "Stop," she said as she sat up quickly. "You can't do that."

"What did I do?"

"I'm sorry, it's just seems no matter how you touch me, I can feel it pulling on my neck," Emma whimpered, hot tears once again stinging her eyes. In the darkness of their room, she let them fall, knowing full well he'd notice. Killian sat up, looking extremely guilty for adding to her pain. He at once noticed her tears and gently wiped one away with the pad of his thumb.

"I'm so sorry, love. I wish I could take the pain away," Killian sighed. "Perhaps, if I go to Gold…"

"No," Emma said, wiping away her own tears and swallowing them down. "No magic. It's just a muscle cramp. I don't want to owe him a favor just for this. I can handle it."

"But it's been days, lass. And the stress, it's not good for you or the baby," he said.

"I know," Emma said a bit too sharply, realizing her mistake at once and dropping her head back on the pillow. The hot wash cloth was now getting cold, so she turned her head to remove it and Killian promptly took it from her to hang in the bathroom. When he returned, he leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms.

"Is there something I can get you? Are you hungry?"

"I think I need to start with some crackers first," Emma sighed. "Then I'll think about something bigger." Killian nodded and headed toward the kitchen.

He never felt so helpless. His fiance was in so much pain and there was nothing he could do about it. And Emma was so stubborn, even when he tried to help, she pushed him away. She had spent years of taking care of herself, she didn't know how to let him help. It was maddening. When Killian reached the kitchen, he set the crackers on the counter then put on a pot for tea. No more coffee for Emma, and he wasn't a big fan anyway. He put in some extra water for Henry to have some hot chocolate too. Killian poured a cup of tea for him and Emma then put the kettle on simmer for Henry. He didn't have to wait long because he was just adding the sugar to the tea when Henry came down the stairs, already dressed for school.

"Morning," Henry said as he sat at the breakfast bar. Killian grabbed a bowl for Henry and handed him a spoon for cereal. "Is Mom still in pain?"

"Aye, mate," Killian said somberly. Henry hopped down off the stool to grab some cereal and also pulled out a pop tart. "Do you mind if I take you to school today so your Mom can take it slow this morning?"

"Sure," Henry said as he poured his cereal. As Henry was about to grab the milk, Killian took it from him.

"Why don't you take the tea and crackers to your Mom. I'll bring your cereal up for you and you can have breakfast in bed so you two can spend time together before school." Henry smiled at this. He liked having breakfast in bed with Emma. It was an idea that Killian had when Emma started to have rough mornings. Just having Henry close by, even if they were just watching tv in bed while Henry ate, made Emma feel a bit more at ease. She felt guilty that sometimes the pregnancy would take time away from Henry, but she knew that it would be just the same when the baby came. Motherhood would be be shared from now on.

Killian poured the milk for Henry and was a few steps behind him on their way to their bedroom. Emma accepted the cup of tea and crackers with weak thanks and Henry cuddled up next to her. Killian gave Emma a kiss on her forehead before going back downstairs to make Henry's lunch for school.


"Hey Grandma," Henry said with a wave as he and Killian walked up to the school. Mary-Margaret greeted her grandson with a big hug.

"Hey, guys," Mary-Margaret said. She took in Killian's exhausted expression and quickly noted that Emma was not there. "Rough morning?"

"She's still in pain," Killian said defeatedly. Mary-Margaret sighed. She hated that her daughter was going through this, and she also didn't like seeing Killian so exhausted. He had been a real hero in taking care of both her and Henry. Especially Henry. Killian had managed to keep Henry on his schedule, whether it was school, going to Regina's or Neal's, or taking him to his appointments with Archie without skipping a beat. Keeping everything ship shape, she thought. For this, she was extremely grateful to her future son-in-law. It was obvious that keeping things normal for Henry was just as important to him as taking care of Emma and the baby. However, it was obviously taking a toll on the Captain. He looked like he just lost a battle with a dragon.

"Henry, why don't you go inside. I need to talk to Killian for a minute," Mary-Margaret said as she pushed him towards the school. Henry gave Killian a quick hug then ran towards a group of his friends before going inside. She gestured towards a bench and Killian fell onto it. "You okay," she asked as she joined him.

"Yeah, not as bad as Emma," he said. "She's in pain all the time. Just before I left, she said it was getting so bad she couldn't turn her head. I don't know what else she can do. She refuses to take the pills the doctor offered because he said there is a high risk it will hurt the babe."

"I wouldn't take them either," she said. "That's a scary decision. Temporary relief for yourself or permanent risk to the baby." Killian leaned forward and scrubbed his face with his hand in frustration. "Is there anything else the doctor said?"

"Other than heat and some tylenol to take the edge off, nothing," he said. Just then, an idea flashed in Mary-Margaret's head. She put her hand on Killian's shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

"I think I know something else she can do," she said, which made Killian look at her eagerly, as if she was offering him a life line. "And maybe something that will be enjoyable for both of you." Killian raised his eyebrow as a smile spread across his face.

"Do tell, m'lady."


Emma shifted uncomfortably at her desk, praying the phone wouldn't ring today. She didn't have the mobility for anything to active, and with how uncomfortable her desk chair was, even paperwork was pushing it. She was already halfway through her shift and she was looking forward for it to be over. The thought of calling David to come in early flitted across her mind more than once, but she stopped herself every time. Even though she knew her Dad would always put her needs first, she felt she had taken advantage of him enough during this pregnancy and would most likely rely on him even heavier when the baby came. No, she could handle a little muscle cramp. She really could. Emma winced as another sharp pain shot through her neck and down her back.

The sound of the door to the station opening caught her off guard and she forced herself not to let her neck jerk up. She looked up from her paperwork to see not only Robin Hood enter, but his entire band of Merry Men. Emma stood up slowly at her desk, using the edge to pull herself up. Robin greeted her with a smile.

"M'lady, you are looking more radiant every day," he said, giving her hand a kiss. "Killian is a lucky man."

"Thank you, Robin," Emma said. Robin and Killian were becoming fast friends, something that Emma was eternally grateful for. Although he and David were getting along, it was nice for Killian to have a close friend that she wasn't related to. He blended in easily with Robin's band, and they even quickly became accustomed to learning how to crew the Jolly Roger. Their friendship had been a great match. "What can I do for you boys?' Robin grandly reached behind him and pulled a long stemmed rose from his quiver, presenting it to Emma with a flourish.

"It's what we can do for you, madam," he said, gesturing towards the note attached to the rose. Emma quickly unrolled it as she gave the Merry Men a questioning look, but they all looked rather excited.

My love,

The rest of your day has been scheduled. Robin and his men will take care of the town today. The savior needs some relief.

Yours,

Killian

Robin then handed her a rolled up scroll that contained directions to her destination. "Don't worry, Emma. We can take care of the town. If anything life threatening comes up, please be assured we will call for back up. You just relax and worry about the little one," Robin said as he ushered her toward the door.

"Do you think Regina will mind if I deputize you all for the day," Emma asked as Robin helped her with her jacket.

"I'm sure if she has any sort of problem, I can convince her it was for the best," Robin said with a wink. "Now go and enjoy yourself."

Emma drove slowly across town to the address that Killian gave her, carefully turning her head when she had to cross intersections. When she pulled up to the location, Emma's jaw dropped as she read the sign- High Tower salon and spa. Emma had never been in there, but she knew it was a very pricey place. She entered into the salon and was promptly greeted by a beautiful woman with very long hair.

"Welcome, Ms. Swan," she said sweetly. "We're ready to take you back for your appointment."

"My what?"

"My name is Mandy and I'll be working with you today," she said as she ushered her back towards the spa area. This half of the salon was much quieter than the bustle of blow dryers and hair stylists in the front. This wing had quiet music playing, fabric draped around the waiting room, and a candle-lit atmosphere in every room. Mandy lead her into a smaller room with a large table and gestured for her to sit in the chair next to it. "Okay, you're booked for an hour today. Your fiance told me about the pain you've been experiencing. Where would you say is the focus of your pain?" Emma kept staring at her in disbelief, but pointed to the exact location in her neck where all the pain was coming from. Mandy gently put her hands on her neck and shoulder and applied gentle pressure. "Oh yes, I know exactly what you need. Okay, if you would undress from the top down, you can leave your pants on, and lay on the table face down we can get started. I'll be back in a minute," she said softly.

"Are you Rapunzel," Emma blurted out.

"Yes, I am," she said as she shut the door. Emma blinked a few times before doing as instructed, thankful that her stomach wasn't that big yet that she could lay face down and not be uncomfortable just yet. She had never had a massage before, so she felt a bit nervous, but she was more excited than anything. She knew there was such a thing as a prenatal massage and she was intending on making sure she had one toward the end of her pregnancy, but it was something she never thought of doing for her pain. If this worked, Killian was definitely getting a thank you! She pulled the blanket over her shoulders, sighing as she realized that the table was heated. Emma placed her face in the hole on the table and waited for Mandy to return, relaxing into the heat and the soft blanket. Mandy returned quietly and got to work. Boy, did she know what she was doing! She hit every muscle that was in pain, stretching it gently and massaging it just right. Days of pain melted away before Emma even realized it was gone. "Is the pressure okay," she asked occasionally.
"It's wonderful, thank you," Emma replied. Emma didn't say much during the massage, just closed her eyes and enjoyed it. Okay, maybe Killian was getting a huge thank you!

"Your fiance is extremely sweet," Mandy said, breaking the silence after a while. "He was very specific about what you needed. You're a very lucky woman."

"I know," Emma said. "Sometimes I can't believe I deserve him."

"If anyone deserves True Love, it's the Savior," Mandy said as she moved onto gently pulling on Emma's arm, stretching out the tight muscles in her shoulder. "You've done so much for the whole town. I've actually been waiting for you to come in for a massage. You definitely need one!"

"I'm the Savior. Massages aren't high on the priority list," Emma replied.

"They are now," Mandy corrected. To Emma's dismay, Mandy pulled the blanket up around her shoulders again and gently laid her hand on her arm. "That's all for today, Ms. Swan. Take all the time you need getting up and I'll meet you in the lobby when you're ready. We did a lot of work on your neck, so your head will feel heavy when you sit up. Take it very slow." Emma did as she was instructed. She had to- her head would start swimming if she took the pace she usually takes. She slowly inched up, taking time to prop herself up with her arms with each new level reached. When she finally reached a sitting up position, she simply sat there, blanket wrapped tight around her torso, rolling her neck around to feel the difference. If her pain was at a +10 before, it was down to a 3 now! That was a HUGE relief! She took her time getting dressed before emerging to the lobby.

"I'd like to book you for a follow up appointment next week, just to make sure you have full relief. If you are still having pain after 48 hours after this, call me and I'll book you an appointment immediately," Mandy said as Emma approached the front desk.

"Thank you," Emma said as she reached for her wallet. "How much?"

"No charge," Mandy said with a smile. Emma tried to hand her a credit card, but Mandy pushed it back at her. "Emma, aside from owing your father a debt I could never repay and your mother helping me get back on my feet in our land, you've saved Storybrooke more times than I can count. Just consider these sessions a long overdue thank you."

"Really, I don't mind," Emma tried one more time, but Mandy shook her head.

"Besides, your fiance is such a romantic. I'm such a sucker for those. Consider it an engagement present, if nothing else." Emma finalled conceded and put her wallet away. "Can I see you at four o'clock next Wednesday?"

"Sounds perfect, thank you," Emma said as she left.

"Drink plenty of water and take an epsom salt bath tonight," Mandy called after Emma as she left the salon. Emma took another swig from her complimentary water bottle she was given and then saw Ruby standing by her yellow bug. Had she been there a second ago?

"Hey there, sheriff," Ruby said with a smile. "You look more relaxed."

"Yeah," Emma said, rubbing her neck a bit. It was still a bit sore, but remembered Mandy's warning that it was still going to hurt for a little until the massage did the trick. "Do you need something?"

"I'm driving you home," Ruby said, holding up Emma's spare set of keys that were definitely Killian's.

"I can drive, Ruby," Emma insisted.

"So can I. Besides, I'm delivering your food," Ruby said, gesturing to the bags in the back of the bug. "Come on. Let your fiance give you the full service. You know you're enjoying it!" Actually, she was. She never felt comfortable being taken care of, but it kinda felt nice to be pampered. Emma gave a relenting shrug and got in the passenger seat with Ruby bounding toward the passenger side before starting the car and heading back to the loft.


"Welcome home, Mom," Henry said as he gestured toward the table. Emma looked around in shock at the loft. First of all, the place was spotless. The lights out and there was candles everywhere. The table was set for three, plates just waiting for food to be set on it. Ruby went around Emma so she could start to unload the bags, which smelled incredibly delicious in the car. Henry eagerly helped Ruby unpack the bags, taking a small box directly to the refrigerator with a large smile. Killian came down the steps a moment later, dressed in gray sweatpants and a navy blue t-shirt, which he looked absolutely adorable in, and had some of her clothes draped over his hook arm.

"Would the lady like to change before dinner," Killian said as he stretched out his arm. That actually sounded amazing. She was still in her sheriff's uniform and, after that incredible massage, her body was practically begging for sweatpants. She took the clothes from him, giving him a long kiss on the cheek before retreating to their room. As she stripped her clothes, she looked down at her small rounding belly, giving it a good rub.

"We are getting spoiled today," she said to her child. "Your daddy and brother must really love us." She almost felt a little flutter in her stomach, but she assumed it was her imagination. She gave her stomach a rub with one hand as she decended the stairs, only now noticing that Henry was in sweatpants as well. Ruby had just spooned the last of the salad into a bowl and removed the last bag from the table.

"Enjoy," she said to Emma with a wink before showing herself out. Killian smiled at her as he pulled out a chair, with Henry draping a napkin over her lap as she sat down.

"Whoa, pouring on the charm rather thick, don't you think, boys," Emma said trying to sound annoyed but secretly loving the pampering. Killian, who of course knew better, only gave her a wink before kissing her hand, adding his signature eyebrow raise that always made her heart flutter. "Okay, Prince Charming, that's enough. I'm starving."

"Comparing me to her father. I'm not sure how to take that one, lad," he said to Henry as Killian handed Emma's plate to him. Henry shrugged as he spooned some grilled chicken and potatoes onto her plate. Emma couldn't help being slightly disappointed that it wasn't Granny's burger and fries, but she was pregnant after all. This was a treat for the baby, and she was ready for a good dose of healthy food. Killian served her some salad before handing her an extra large cup of water. "Drink."

"I'm okay," Emma said.

"It's your post-massage orders and you need to drink anyway for the baby. Ruby said she only saw you take one sip since leaving the spa. Drink." Emma rolled her eyes and took healthy gulps of water before starting on her delicious dinner.


A knock at the door interrupted the end of their post-dinner movie, but that only made Emma realize what day it was. Tuesday- Regina's night. She was disappointed that their relaxing family night had to come to an end, but Emma always honored their agreement. Emma slowly pushed her way up from her comfortable place in Killian's lap. He had her lay on the couch with her head on a pillow in his lap. He had been gently stroking her hair and neck almost the entire movie and she didn't want to think of how she appeared when Regina came in through the door.

"Hey, Mom," Henry said as he greeted her with a hug. "I'll go get my stuff."

"Ms. Swan," Regina greeted. "How are you feeling?"

"Does everyone know," Emma said with regret.

"My boyfriend was your replacement today. Of course I know," Regina said. She handed the small red gift bag she was holding to Killian, who took it from her using his hook. "The item we discussed with a little added touch."

"My thanks, your majesty," Killian said with a slight bow.

"What's that," Emma asked. Killian just shrugged and gave her a small smile. "Killian! I said no magic! Just because I didn't want to go to Gold doesn't mean you need to bother Regina with something so small!"

"It's not magic," Regina said. "It's very much something from this world. Well, with a special kick I added. Trust me, you'll like it." Henry came down the stairs and gave Emma and Killian a goodbye before leaving with Regina. "Enjoy your night."

"So what's in the bag, Romeo," Emma said, giving Killian a glance that said You better tell me or you're in big trouble.

"Give me 10 minutes, darling," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before bolting upstairs.


Emma didn't even realize she had fallen asleep when Killian gently woke her up. Her neck felt a bit sore again from the position she had fallen asleep in. She craned her neck and rubbed it as she sat up.

"In pain again, sweetheart," Killian asked. Emma nodded weakly and Killian scooped her up in his arms. "Well, then your last surprise is well-timed then." He lead her to the bathroom and set her down. A warm bath was waiting for her, more candles scattered around the bathroom, and a flowery scent filled the room. "Your other assignment for tonight was to take an epsom salt bath. Sneezy's drug store is limited to just the generic salt, so I asked Regina to add a scent to it. Snow said you liked scented bath salts on the extremely rare occasion you take a bath."

"Lavender," Emma said as she smelled her favorite scent in the warm air around her. "How did you know?" Killian gave her a wink as he started to take off his shirt. "What are you doing?"

"Ah, that's the best part, love. Your neck needs to be supported while you're in the bath. I was given the brilliant suggestion to see to that personally," he said as he stripped down and got into the bath. Emma suddenly felt warm at the sight of her pirate in the bath, stretching his hand out for her to join him. "Come on, love. I made sure the temperature was not too hot as to harm the babe."

"How do you know about that," Emma asked as she started to remove her clothes.

"You're carrying my child, love. I'm paying very close attention," he said with a wink. Emma settled down in the water. It felt heavenly. Killian grabbed a clean washcloth that was hanging on the tub and dipped it into the water, draping over her shoulder and neck with great care to give her some focused heat. He placed a gentle hand on her waist to guide her to sit back against his shoulder. Taking a bath felt amazing, but taking a bath with her pirate felt even better. Emma closed her eyes and let out a relaxed hum as she melted into the tub and against Killian. He wrapped his good arm around her stomach and settled in himself, gently stroking her baby bump with his thumb. She had been in pain for days, it was amazing how much her body missed being this close to him. This was more than just a bath for relief for her, this was a moment for both of them. To reconnect, for intimacy- it felt wonderful.

They laid like that in the tub for a while- silent and just enjoying the warmth of the bath as well as the feel of each other's bodies. Suddenly, Emma felt the overwhelming need to thank her pirate for all that he did for her today.

"Can we switch places?"

"Hmm," Killian asked, coming out of his relaxed fog. "Are you alright, darling?"

"I'm fine. Can you move over there for a second," she asked, gesturing toward the other end of the tub. Killian wasn't sure what she was getting at but reluctantly moved all the same. Emma slid to the back of the tub and gave Killian a smile, gesturing for him to come back to her by crooking her finger at him. He moved over her quickly, causing the water to splash over the side of the tub a bit. Emma leaned up to give him a slow, lazy kiss, still under the spell of the warm bath water. Killian kissed her back with equal passion, trying desperately to support her head with his good hand while awkwardly trying to support his weight on his stump. Emma ran her hands over his slick, wet skin, trying to pour all the appreciation she felt into her kiss and her touch. Killian moaned in response, sending a hum through her body. The magic was broken when Killian ended up slipping onto his side when his bad arm gave out, causing both of them to chuckle as the water splashed about.

"I hate my arm," he said in defeat, nuzzling his face into her skin.

"I love you. All of you," Emma whispered as she turned toward him in the water. "The water is starting to get cold anyway." Killian got out first, toweling himself off while Emma stayed in what was left of the warm water. He wrapped the towel around his waist and held up a towel for her. She carefully stepped out of the tub and Killian left her to dry off. When she came into the bedroom, her pajamas were waiting for her and he held out another glass of water. She held up the towel wrapped around her with one hand and took the glass from him in the other, her eyes not leaving his as she sipped it.

"Do you feel better, love?"

"Much," she said as she tried to lower the glass, only to have Killian bump it back up to her lips again. She chuckled into the glass as she took another sip. Killian rubbed his hand along the towel as she sipped from the glass.

"I'm glad." Emma put the glass down and gave him a long, sultry kiss before he had a chance to protest again.

"Thank you, Killian. For everything today."

"I'll always take care of you, Emma," he said, his hand drifting to her stomach. "You, the babe, Henry- always."

The pain wasn't completely gone the next day and baths became a nightly routine, even after the pain completely disappeared, but Emma did not mind in the least. It felt nice to be taken care of for a change.