Summary: Liam is 3 years old and his father is too permissive with him. Emma decides that Killian needs to establish some discipline.
CS Writing Challenge. Theme: discipline.
When Emma comes home after a long day at the station what she sees leaves her speechless. It seems that a tornado has swept her living room, overturned chairs, toys scattered on the floor, twisted pictures … Emma is going to kill her husband.
Emma hears laughs coming from the bathroom. It's 10 pm! Liam should have to be asleep. She sighs as she heads over there and what she sees doesn't surprise her.
Liam is in the bathtub, laughing and playing with his pirate ship. His dark hair sticking to his head and his blue eyes shining with excitement, as always in bath time.
The floor is covered with water, but Killian not seem to mind, even he is soaked. Killian is kneeling beside the tub, encouraging his child and participating in the game.
Emma frowns, she is angry. This has to stop, they need to establish some discipline in their child's education. The annoyance she feels is reflected in her voice "What is it supposed you're doing, Killian?"
Killian and Liam are turned toward Emma when they hear her voice. Liam displays a happy smile to realize that his mother is at home. Killian, meanwhile, seems surprised and maybe a bit guilty. "Emma, love, I thought you were going to come back later". He scratches behind the ear uncomfortable with the situation. Probably he planned to clean up the mess before she arrived.
"I'll talk to you later" Then Emma goes to Liam, who is still in the tub. "Hey buddy, the bath is over, it's late, bedtime."
"No mummy, this is fun! We are playing pirates." Liam ignores his mother and continues to play with his ship for a few seconds. Suddenly, he drops off the ship into the water,
causing a lot of splashing, so Emma now is also wet.
"Liam!"
Killian lets out a laugh, but try to hide it quickly, since it seems that Emma may not find that situation so funny. Indeed, Emma gives him a murderous look and Killian's face begins to show concern. She is really angry.
"Liam, out of the tub, now!" Emma's voice is firm, so Liam realizes that playtime is over. Emma wraps the child in a towel while talking to Killian. "Take him to bed, I will try to order the mess of the living room" Emma says good night to Liam with a kiss on the top of his head.
Killian helps Liam to put his pajamas on and takes him to sleep while Emma organizes the living room. Far from calming herself with the activity she is increasingly angry, so when Killian finally returns, Emma blurts: "Discipline, our son needs discipline."
"Emma, he is only three, and he is happy, that's what really matters"
"No, it's not, and no one know it better than you. You've lived like a pirate for an eternity, but in your ship sure there were rules that the crew had to carry out. And what about when you were a lieutenant in the Navy? Rules are necessary so that everything works better.
The mention of the Navy causes in Killian a sudden memory of his brother. In fact, Emma is right, as usual. He is aware of the need to establish a discipline, Killian feels a little embarrassed, but it's very hard to him to disappoint his son, his happiness is essential to Killian. "I know, but he's just a child …" His voice trails off into a whisper. He is still affected by the memory of his brother.
Emma looks at him and she can't help having a feeling of tenderness. She thinks how it has changed the life of Killian. When she met him, he was a ruthless pirate whose sole purpose was revenge. And over time he has become her best friend, her lover, a support continued for Henry and, for three years, Killian is the most loving and devoted father she has never known. Emma notices her anger dissipates, she can not really spend much time angry with Killian.
"Killian …" Her voice is softer now. "I have lived without parents to guide my way through most of my life. Believe me, the rules are necessary for the growth of our son. Besides, he adores you, that will not change even if you show firmer with him.
Emma feels the hesitance in Killian's face. He is thoughtful for a moment, but finally approaches Emma and puts his arms around her waist. "You're right, love, I'll try it , I will put my best effort to establish some discipline … but I cannot promise I'll get it."
Emma decides she will trust in Killian, as she always does. "Okay, I'll settle for that at least you try. We will make a list of basic rules and start tomorrow, right?".
"As you wish." Both finally get a smile and kiss tenderly. "And now, love, believe it or not, playing pirates all day is strenuous, I'm exhausted and I'm sure you are, too. So, are we going to bed?"
The next day Emma comes home early and finds it strangely quiet. She can see the poster with the list of rules created by she and Killian in the morning hanging from one wall of the living room. Emma realizes that Killian has decorated the table romantically with two candles and a vase containing a rose. Emma smiles pleased and goes to the kitchen to meet Killian, who seems to be concentrated preparing some food.
Emma is supported by the door for a moment, admiring Killian's work, she loves to contemplate him when he is so concentrated. "So, it seems that today we have a romantic dinner, isn't it?"
Killian looks up Emma when he hears her voice and offers her a big smile, "Hi, love, you come soon"
"Can I ask what this is all about?" Emma really feels curiosity. "Where's Liam?"
Killian answers proudly. "He is sleeping." Emma's eyes open in surprise, "Really?"
"Sure, I'll explain later, over dinner, now make yourself comfortable while I finish here"
During dinner Killian explains that he tried to follow the rules with Liam and surprisingly everything was much better than he thought at first. After playing, both organized his toys, Liam didn't flood the bathroom and he had his dinner without spreading the food in the kitchen. There was just one little problem when Liam wanted to wait to arrive Emma before going to sleep. Finally, Killian could convince him to go to bed with the promise that the next day he could spend as much time as possible with Emma.
When they finish dinner, clear the table and sit cuddled on the couch.
"You were right, Emma, look at what we have achieved with a little discipline. We were able to enjoy some quiet time together."
"I can see that. And now … can we keep practicing more pleasurable activities?" Suggests Emma seductively.
"Of course, love," Killian grins.
Definitely it's always good to have some discipline.