A/N: I originally was not going to continue this. However, I sat on it for a few days and could not get this vision of Killian and Henry talking at the docks out of my head. This is not perfect, and I feel like I don't know a lot about this relationship in general so I just went with my gut and initial vision for the setting of this scene. I was feeling very inspired and have to give props to qqueenofhades on Tumblr, because after reading her fic, I was just so excited about writing and stories, and that is something I have not felt in a long time (she also encouraged me to keep creating which made me super happy so 3). Let me know what you think. (I feel like I may have written Henry too young?) I would describe this as "experimental writing," as the author would say. Also, I have never seen Star Wars so uh…I am basically Killian. Hope you like it!
Operation..Star Wars?
Emma's boys sat at the edge of the docks, their feet almost touching the water. Henry and Killian stared out at the horizon, hoping for the calming effect that once worked on Emma.
"It's going to be alright, lad," Killian said. He patted the boy's back, and continued watching the rise of the sun. Somehow its glimmering reflection on the water wasn't the same. Though the boys were embracing the light and love of the morning, darkness escaped through the cracks in their minds.
For the time being, the dagger was being stored at the Charming's apartment, an apartment which was now also being housed by Killian. It was only natural to Snow, and Charming couldn't allow his mate to stay at Granny's after what he witnessed. It was apparent to everyone that Killian was a part of this family. Even if the father of his True Love had killed him in an alternate life. True Love; though it was unspoken, the truth of it remained.
After a restless night, one felt by all in the Charming's apartment, Killian decided to take dear Henry out to the water. Though they had remained silent for some part of the early morning, they took great comfort in each other's company.
The water eventually ceased to amuse the young boy. He opened the storybook which had been clutched to his chest. It still remained a symbol of hope to him. He opened it up and brushed through the pages. He stopped when he came to the portrait of Prince Charles and Princess Leia at the ball. "Prince Charles, huh?" Henry asked.
"Aye, lad. It wasn't my idea. I was quite choked up in the moment." He smiled slightly, though he was not quite sure why Henry was questioning his name, of all things.
"Yeah, we may need to work on that. Before Emma gets back." There was laughter in his voice.
Killian hadn't questioned Henry's approval of him as of late. But now he wasn't quite sure what the boy was getting at. "Work on what, Henry?"
"You and the modern world." He paused. "At least you finally upgraded your clothes."
Relief flooded his heart, as a smirk worked its way onto Killian's expression. "So you no longer consider me a dirty pirate?" He raised his eyebrows slightly.
"A pirate? Yes. But I know you're a hero now." He looked down. "And I know you always were."
"I may have had a little encouragement from your mother." I like when people find their good hearts along the way. Swan, always singing in his ears. "And that's exactly how we are going to get her back. We may not know how the curse of the Dark One is affecting her, but we will lead her home again." Home is the place that, when you're gone, you just miss it. His heart hurt. She was always putting others before herself.
Henry looked up at him and smiled. "I know. True Love is more powerful than any curse."
"Did you really use those words? 'True Love?'" It was important to Killian in more ways than one. It could mean Henry was ready for him to be a part of the family. Which was all Killian really wanted. Hell. All he really needed. Henry. Emma. Rum. The Jolly Roger. Quiet moments. He was sick of the singular.
Henry nodded. "I miss my dad, a lot. And when he came back, I thought that I'd finally found my family. Then when I lost him again, I realized I may not have even gotten what I wanted. Because you and my mom have that."
Killian's eyes softened in sorrow. "It's okay to miss your father. He was a great man, Henry. You may never want the power given to you as the author, but you may always write about Baelfire for yourself. For him. He can continue to live through your stories." He didn't quite know what to say. "What I have with your mother is up to her as much as me. But we want to be a family with you, too."
"I appreciate that, Killian." Henry smiled but mischief twinkled in his eyes. "I mean, it would be okay…if you could at least get your Star Wars down."
"Star Wars? What's that?" Killian's brows wrinkled in confusion. A shock to no one, had anybody been eavesdropping on the conversation.
"That," Henry said, "is the problem."
"Alright, lad. It's still early. I'm sure your grandparents haven't even had their morning drinks yet."
Henry laughed. "Their coffee? You're right." A beat. "Star Wars is a movie—we probably have time to watch part of one before we brainstorm for Operation Swan."
"Whatever you wish, my boy."
"We may not find my mom right away…"
"But the important thing is that we will, Henry. And I'll be needing you to help steer the ship." He winked at him, and Henry smiled. They stood up together and made their way back to the apartment. It would be nice for them to try to relax with a movie, before Operation Swan officially started. After all, it would take a lot of work and energy in reaching Emma, especially if she was where everyone had silently started to assume: Camelot.
