And now for Killian's POV. I hope you enjoy.
First Doctor's Visit
Killian's POV
"Good morning, you two."
"Morning, Mom," Killian heard Henry say to her quietly.
Turning toward her from where he was standing at the stove, Killian noticed that she looked rested, "Morning, love. Shall I make you two or three of these little strips of pig fat?"
"No, you eat the bacon. I bought an extra bearclaw yesterday that sounds really good right now. I'm even going to add a little peanut butter to it."
He turned back to the stove, thinking that sounded truly awful and flipped over the bacon when he heard her mutter, "Seriously?!" Immediately following the single word a loud noise was heard and then in a raised voice she exclaimed, "HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU HAVE TO BE TOLD TO TAKE CARE OF THE EMPTY CONTAINERS?"
Quickly placing the food onto a plate, he turned toward the table, "Swan, now take it easy. It's not good for you to get worked up. Here have some eggs." He set the plate down but noticed her eyes were glassy and her body was vibrating with obvious frustration. He wanted to go to her and take her in his arms but she wasn't ready for that yet. She still had a few things to work through on her own. His Swan. So brave, yet so stubborn.
He knew he had somehow touched a nerve when she looked at the plate and swallowed hard before uttering, "I don't want eggs! Didn't you hear what I said? I want my bearclaw and I wanted peanut butter but NO!"
His heart heavy, he watched as she grabbed the bag and her pastry and left the house with a forceful shut of the front door. Wiping his hand across his mouth he glanced over at the lad, who was sitting staring at the closed door, the look on his face a combination of sadness, hurt and love, "You alright?"
"I'm fine Killian. I'm sorry about the empty jar." He hung his head as if awaiting punishment.
Killian laid his hand on Henry's shoulder, "Son, you know it's not you, right?" He nodded his head. "But maybe in the future if you eat all of something you can put it on the list."
"Sure thing, Killian. And Mom? She will be fine?"
"Aye, Henry. She will be fine. Now grab your pack so you can catch the bus."
While the lad ran off upstairs, Killian put the kitchen to rights and packed him a quick lunch. On the way to where the bus stopped, he once again promised him he would check on Emma.
Henry climbed onto the bus and stuck his head out a window. "Don't forget to get those maps off the Jolly you promised. I need them for my project."
Making a mental note to get them later, Killian pulled out his phone and when David answered, got right to the point, "David, it's Killian. Emma left in rather a hurry again this morning," the tone of his voice expressing just as much frustration as he assumed his Swan was feeling.
"What set her off this time?"
"I believe it was the lack of peanut butter."
"Peanut butter?"
"Aye, peanut butter. I've yet to understand the importance of such a substance on a sweet pastry."
They spoke a bit longer with David sharing strategies that had proven successful with him when Snow was carrying both Emma and Neal. Finally completing the call as David said, "Thanks for the head's up Killian. I'll let you know when she arrives."
After he said goodbye, Killian thought about going to the Jolly to get the maps but decided a detour by the Sheriff's station to check on Emma was first on his list.
cs~cs~cs
When Killian walked into the station, it was to find David sitting on the corner of his desk staring across the room. "David, how's Emma?"
David glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, "I don't know. I sent Snow in there."
"Chicken?"
"Damn straight. Emma can he quite passionate went annoyed."
"I quite enjoy my Emma's passion." He winked at his father-in-law.
David gave him a disgruntled look. "Watch it, Pirate."
"Sorry," he retorted with a shrug of his shoulder, before pulling out a chair and sitting down. "What happened with Emma?"
David told him as much as he knew about what happened with Emma, but mainly they sat and stared at the door waiting for Snow and or Emma to exit. Really hoping he would get some time alone with his wife, he watched the door and as soon as it opened and Snow came out alone, he made his way toward Emma's mother, "She alright?"
Snow patted him on the shoulder as she walked past, "She will be now that you're here. Go on in."
He opened the door as she was drying her face and heard her say, "I thought you were going to wait outside for me."
"Well, love, if I waited outside, I couldn't do this." Reaching her, he put his hand around her and forcefully pulled her to him, covering her lips with his. Using both arms, he tightened his hold until no space separated them and deepened the kiss hoping to take some of her burden upon himself.
She groaned in protest when he released her lips but when he kissed her cheek and then buried his face in her neck, she quieted and held him even closer than before.
"Alright, Swan?"
Seeing her leaning on him caused his heart to soar but her words brought an ache to his chest that she could feel so vulnerable, "Killian, I'm sorry about this morning. I just..."
Wanting her to look at him, he tugged on her blonde hair until she met his gaze, "Aren't used to being taken care of," he finished for her. "I know that Swan, but," he took a half a step back and laid his hand over her still flat stomach, "it's not just you these days."
"I realize that but it's all so new and this alien inside of me..."
"Alien?" He frowned at her, "Like the lad's Wookie?"
She must have realized that she had confused him because she grinned and clarified, "Sorry, baby inside of me. Better?"
"Aye, but someday," he tapped her nose, "I am going to be a 21st-century father after all."
"That you are. Well, Daddy," she looped her arm through his, "baby is hungry. Have time to buy us eggs at Granny's?"
Thinking he would like nothing more than to make sure she had a healthy meal, he escorted her to Granny's and watched her consume a meal fit for his Princess and his child before dropping her back at the station and making his way to his other lady, the Jolly Roger.
cs~cs~cs
Having promised Henry that he would bring him the maps for his project, Killian climbed aboard the Jolly Roger, taking a moment to admire the old girl's smooth lines even after hundreds of years of service. As he strolled around deck, memories of the last time he had taken her out for a run washed over him. Emma standing on the bridge, her back to his front, the breeze blowing her blonde tresses around both of them and her laugh, gods he loved her laugh, wafting through the air.
Descending the stairs to his quarters, the memories were more apparent in the chaos around him. The contents of the table strewn across the floor, the blankets haphazardly tossed aside as he and his swan had been in such a hurry to have each other that tidiness had been the last thing on their minds. About eight weeks ago, he thought, a moment forever emblazoned on his brain.
Shaking himself from his reverie, he sorted through the shelf looking for the maps he had promised Henry. Pushing a book aside, another fell off onto the floor and bending over he picked it up. "What to Expect When You are Expecting," he read, his interest piqued at the title. Tucking it into his satchel for perusal later, he continued his search for the items required, and after locating them made his way home.
Arriving home, his thoughts on the book he had on his person, he removed his jacket and absentmindedly tossed it over a chair. Leaving the items for Henry in his room, he pulled the book out and, getting comfortable, climbed up on the bed to read. He was quickly immersed in the tome, it providing a wealth of knowledge, the likes he had never known.
He was amazed to read about the creation of life and how through their love, a small piece of him had located a small piece of her and had formed one, even now multiplying and dividing rapidly creating a tiny human. How wondrous, he thought and so engrossed was he that a slight noise caused him to jump and look over his shoulder, "Swan, you're home! Come sit." He rolled over and patted the bed.
As she crawled towards him, he noticed that she just as lithe as always, and meeting her halfway, he sunk into the kiss until she moved back far enough to reach for the book. "What has you so enthralled there, Captain?"
Showing her the title, he exclaimed, "This book is bloody brilliant, Swan. Did you know that our little one started as a single cell?"
He noticed she had slight shadows under her eyes, but other than that she appeared happy. "I remember that from biology class. What else did you learn, Einstein?"
Killian cocked his brow, "Swan, I'm much better looking."
"I should have known you had read Einstein."
"Shall I explain the Theory of Relativity?" He wagged his brows at her, his face taking on a reddish hue before he looked down.
She leaned toward him and just as he was readying for a kiss she licked around the shell of his ear, "Must be a good book. Where did you get it?"
"Oh, I found it on the Jolly. Must have been left by Belle." He laid the book on his lap and turned toward her placing his hand on her stomach, "By my calculations, our little lad or lass is eight weeks along which means it's time to make an appointment with the doctor."
Emma scrunched her nose up, "I have an appointment with Dr. Whale tomorrow."
"That is good news." He glanced down before once again meeting her eyes, "Shall I accompany you?"
"You would really do that?" She smiled at him shyly.
"Aye, love, there is nothing I would like more." Then curious why she would think differently frowned slightly, "But I have to ask, why you would even wonder?"
She sat there for a few minutes, staring over his shoulder as if trying to decide what to say and then asked again, "Are you sure you want to go? You might find the doctor's visits of this realm, especially for a pregnancy visit, well," she shrugged her shoulders, "rather odd, I guess you could say. I would hate for you to be uncomfortable."
His only thought to assure her that he was going to be there for her always, he lifted her shirt and bent over and kissed her stomach, just under her belly button, where their child lay.
Her fingers running through his hair massaging his scalp felt so good, he relaxed into it and rested his cheek on her belly thinking of how beautiful she looked to him. He couldn't wait to see her growing large with their child or that magical day when their child was born and they were able to bring him or her into their home. As he continued to stare at her, her eyes filled with tears and one leaked from the corner of her eye.
"Thank you for being you and wanting to be a part of this baby's journey."
Lifting his head off her stomach, he leaned closer. "Swan, you, Henry and now this new wee one are my world. You know that, right?"
"I learn that more and more every single day."
Needing to kiss her, he aligned their lips, "Then I must be doing something right."
"Oh, I think you are doing plenty of things right," she smirked at him.
"Let me try a few and you can let me know which ones you like best," he whispered before he tossed the book in the floor and kissed her, communicating in a language as old as time.
cs~cs~cs
The next day he busied himself until it was time for the appointment and arriving at the station she looked so delectable, he couldn't contain himself and closed the distance between both their bodies and lips, not letting her go until he heard David's repeated throat clearing behind them. "Sorry, mate." Killian smiled at him
"I can tell," David replied sarcastically, but ruined the tone with a grin. "Go on, you two, I'll hold down the fort."
As they walked, Killian lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, "How is our little one treating you today, Swan?"
She groaned when she answered him, "Not so bad now, but earlier was awful."
"I'm sorry love, I wish I could take some of your pain."
"Believe me Killian, I would give anything to share some of this nausea with you," she giggled.
He rubbed his thumb back and forth soothingly along her hand, "On second thought, maybe I don't wish that."
"I'm sure you know a thing or two about being sick, considering your friendship with rum."
Grinning down at her as they resumed walking, Killian noticed that the more he teased, the more relaxed she appeared. With that in mind, he set out to take her fears away and felt as if he had succeeded when she asked shyly, "Do you have any specific questions that you want to ask Dr. Whale?"
Her question surprised him and his, "I may ask questions today?" seemed to take her by surprise.
"Sure, if you have one that you don't think I can answer." He felt her gaze on him as she asked, "What?"
The myriad of emotions that were swirling through his system, he hadn't been able to put a label on because he felt that his contribution at this time was so inadequate. Squeezing her hand to show her he was still with her, he responded, "I just wish to be here for you, love. Together, remember?"
When she stopped walking and wrapped her arms around his waist, he felt that he truly was the luckiest man in the world and her simple, "I remember. Here we are. Ready?" made him feel as if he were ready for anything they would face.
His confidence growing stronger with each passing moment aided with the strength of tone in his voice when he answered her. "Aye, that I am. Let's see what we can learn about little Jones today, shall we?"
One last hug and her "We shall," carried them into the hospital to find a seat in the waiting room.
Sitting there next to her with their fingers interlaced, he watched as one by one the others in the room disappeared through the double doors. When the nurse called her name, he wasn't sure what to expect as he followed through into the examination area.
He listened as the nurse greeted them, "Good afternoon, Emma," and handed over a cup with a, "you know what to do," before pointing over her shoulder. Her last instruction of, "Just put your name on it and leave it on the tray," was a curious one but since Emma didn't act confused he didn't ask any questions.
He started to follow her as she walked towards the closed door but once he realized where she was going he hung back a little, allowing her to let him know what she needed.
Before reaching the door, she glanced over her shoulder, "I'll just be a bit."
"Are you sure you don't need some help?"
Her eye roll and sweet voice saying, "No, I'm good," assured him that she had things under control and so he winked and countered with, "That you are," just before she closed the door.
While she was behind the closed door, he leaned against the wall and watched women walking in and out the other doors, some carrying stacks of paper, others empty-handed. It was generally chaotic and after more than one strange look, he was happy when Emma returned and they were once again moved.
Following the nurse into another room, this one smaller with a bed and cabinets, he recognized some of the objects setting around from the book he had been reading. Upon hearing the nurse say, "Everything off," and leave the room, he turned to his wife who was nibbling on her bottom lip. "Need some help yet?" He asked her following it up with a lascivious wink.
"No, I can handle it."
"Just offering my services."
While she was undressing, he watched her, noticing how delicate she appeared, as if the sickness caused by the babe had taken its toll on her already thin form. Plagued by a variety of feelings as she sat on the table wrapping a cloth around her legs, he wished he could take her in his arms and, he wanted to think, share his strength, but whom was he fooling, she was the strong one.
As his first sojourn with the medicine of this realm had not been so pleasant and to help him understand what the visit would entail, Emma had explained the process. He had to admit it was all very odd as she has promised and based on the current stage of his Swan's attire, he feared the worst was yet to come.
"Out with it." Her voice drew him closer to where she was sitting. "You can ask me anything."
Unsure how to voice what he was feeling, he waved his hand at what she was wearing, "Is this necessary?"
When she pulled him closer he leaned in for a kiss savoring the all too short moment. Releasing his lips, she whispered, "He has to make sure I'm healthy. It's routine. Remember, we looked it up in the book?"
"Aye, we did but..." and he bent to kiss her one more time until their moment was interrupted by the opening of the door. Killian looked up just as Whale walked in and gave him a little smirk, as if he knew exactly how bad his timing was, "Emma, Hook, I understand congratulations are in order."
Meaning to move further away, Killian was surprised when Emma laced their fingers keeping him close to her as she answered questions. Noting that the questions appeared to be about her general health, Killian let himself relax and listened with interest. He had just about convinced himself that the worst was over until he felt her slide down and saw Whale adjusting what appeared to be metal stirrups at the end of the table. What the bloody hell, he thought while unconsciously squeezing her hand tighter until she made a small sound, and when his eyes met hers whispered, "It's ok." Knowing she wouldn't lie to him, he relaxed his hold on her hand but vowed to keep an eye on Whale, as he was determined no harm would come to his Swan.
Unable to see what Whale was doing, they waited and when the click of metal was heard, his gaze was immediately drawn back to what the doctor was doing. The gleam of silver caught his eye and his only thought was that Whale was holding something that resembled a torture device and that he planned to use it on Emma. He opened his mouth to express his concern when a tug on his hand pulled his gaze away from what was happening at the end of the table and back on his wife, who was looking at him with equal parts consternation and embarrassment, "It's part of the process. I'm fine."
"But Swan...," was all he managed before Whale turned with instrument in hand, scooted closer to the table and lifted the blanket, and before he was fully aware of what he was doing he had let go of Emma's hand and grabbed the monster's wrist, demanding, "Just what the bloody hell do you plan to do with that?"
As if from a distance, he heard, "Killian, please. Just let him finish."
The tone of her voice struck a chord deep inside of him causing him to give her a sheepish smile and, "Swan, but that thing..." was all he got out before letting go of Whale's arm. Taking her small hand in his, he kissed her fingers as a silent apology before turning back to the foot of the table. When Whale and his metal device moved under the cover of the blanket, Killian schooled his features to remain neutral.
Feeling his face heat at how delicate the situation seemed, he tightened his jaw waiting for the end and feeling too many emotions at once to capture and hold onto just one. Love, guilt, frustration, embarrassment, gratitude, each one moving through his mind like the wind moves through the sails of the Roger. So engrossed was he in his thoughts that he hadn't realized Whale was leaving until he heard the closing of the door.
Even though Emma was still on the table, Killian pulled her tightly against his chest and leaned his head onto hers, "I'm sorry, Swan."
"Sorry? What are you sorry for?" confusion evident in her voice.
Gathering his thoughts, he lightly rubbed his hand in circles on her back, "I'm sorry for all the unpleasantness you are being forced to endure. The illness that plagues you, morning and night, those metal torture devices," indicating what he was referring to with a tilt of his chin.
She pushed back in his arms causing him to loosen his hold, "Killian, you know how babies are born, right?
Staring into her green gaze, he narrowed his eyes at her before answering, "Why of course, Swan, I'm not daft."
Her hands cupped his face, "Killian, I love that you're empathetic with what is happening to my body, and yes the sickness is unpleasant, as is this part of pregnancy," she paused a moment and bit her bottom lip before continuing, "but when we hold our baby for the first time, all the unpleasantness will be but a memory." She leaned in and fused their lips in a passionate but all too quick kiss. "Better now?"
He did feel better, "Aye, Swan, are we ready to go?"
"I need my clothes first," she dimpled at him.
He picked up and handed her the clothing, feeling better but suddenly feeling the need to get out of this small room and get some air. Wanting to reassure her though, he quipped, "Need some help?" even though he knew she would turn him down.
When she smiled at him and gave a flirty comeback, he let the breath he had been holding out and started walking to the door. "There's nothing I would like better, love. I'll just wait right outside."
Shutting the door, he walked to the end of the hall and leaned back against the wall, once again feeling a flood of emotions rolling through him. Taking a few deep breaths, he pulled out his phone to check the time and noticed that there were three printed messages waiting for him. The first was from David - you will question your skills as a father many times over your child's life Killian, but never question whether it's something you deserve.You are a good man, a good husband to Emma and a good father to Henry. This child is very lucky and I can't wait to welcome him, or her into our family.
Wiping his eyes, he moved on to the next message from Snow White - Be there for Emma and let her be there for you.A child is an extension of both of you and a gift created from the magic of your love.Treasure him or her each day but never forget to love each other as that is the greatest gift of all.
And the last was from Henry and it simply read - you are a great dad to me and I am looking forward to meeting my new brother or sister.
Slipping the phone back into his pocket he felt much of the fear leave his body and being replaced by an inner peace such as he had never known. Allowing his thoughts to roam free into the future, only returning to the present when he heard Emma's sweet voice, "Killian? Are you ok?"
He kissed her cheek and wrapped his arm around her turning them toward the offices, "I'm fine, love. Shall we go see what the good doctor has learned about our little one?"
It wasn't far and by the time they arrived at Whale's office, he was waiting for them, "Emma, Hook, have a seat."
As soon as they sat down, he got right to the point, "By my calculations you're 8 weeks pregnant. You're healthy and have had a successful pregnancy so I don't anticipate any difficulties." He stopped and looked pointedly at Emma, "You said you are having morning sickness?"
When she only nodded her head instead of explaining her full discomfort, Killian quickly jumped in and explained, "It's more like all day sickness. Is this normal?"
The doctor explained, "Some women have that and at this point, I'm not concerned, as it tells us her body is doing what it's meant to do. Just sip on ginger ale and have crackers handy. By your next visit, you should be feeling better and we should be able to hear the baby's heartbeat." He felt a little better about the morning illness but knew that he would be keeping a close eye Emma's appetite.
Whale concluded the visit by asking if they had any more questions and handed her a prescription as they walked out the door.
Walking out of the office holding Emma's hand, Killian noticed a board on the wall with parents and their new babies, most taken just after birth. What must that feel like he wondered? That first time your child is laid in your arms, so small and helpless. He couldn't even imagine, but he remembered the look on both David and Snow's faces when they were in the hospital after Emma's brother had been born. And this time, he thought, the babe would be his and his Swan's. Their own little Cignet to love.
As they left the hospital he allowed himself to review all that had happened while at the doctor's visit. From the strange and unusual means of a pregnancy visit to messages that had come from Emma's parents and Henry, his family. So lost in thought was he that when his stride was interrupted he didn't realize at first that Emma was the cause until she asked him if he was alright. Wanting to reassure her, he let go of her hand, wrapping his arm round her waist and pulling her close, "Aye, love, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"You're just quiet. I thought you would have a million questions after the visit."
Realizing that he had been so lost in his thoughts that he had made her feel ignored, he set about rectifying the manner and quipped, "All is well. I was just thinking about that promise you made me earlier."
"Promise?" She looked up at him with a smile that was equal parts hope and dare.
The look on her face hit him right in the solar plexus, nearly taking him to his knees with how much he loved her, and with the need to show her right this very minute. Relieved that Henry was at Regina's, he stalked toward her, "I believe," he caught her and pulled her close, "you told me I could help you out of these."
Already starting to unbutton his shirt, she replied, "I did, so what are you waiting for?"
She felt so good in his arms, he wasted no time in moving them to the sofa and keeping her lips and hands busy for quite some time.
~fin
Next up - Heartbeat
Let me know what you think.