Just a little Daddy!Killian for Father's Day :] - posted originally on 6.21.15

It was a wonder that he hadn't worn holes in the wood floors of the hallway in their new home. He'd moved up and down that corridor in numerous ways over the past couple of weeks and in all reality, the back and forth of it should have made him crazy by now. Yet whether he was walking, sneaking, plodding, or tip toeing, the end destination was the same - and every time he made the short journey, it was worth it.

Killian should have been grateful when they actually reached a night where neither he nor Emma had to venture to the bedroom just up the hall. Yet here he was - wide awake at two in the morning when he should have been catching every ounce of shut eye he could. He sighed softly, trying not to wake the beautiful woman sleeping next to him - Emma had been exhausted lately and a full night's rest was something she hadn't had the chance to take advantage of lately. As he stared up at the ceiling, he convinced himself that it would probably be best to take a little walk down the hallway anyway - you know, just in case.

The floor was cool under his bare feet and he tried to walk stealthily, avoiding the areas of the wood that he knew would creak. He reached the partially open doorway and poked his head in, that familiar smile overtaking his lips as he took in the room. Killian never imagined being in such a place, but here he was - standing in his newborn son's nursery at two in the morning wearing a sweet yet oh so sleepy smile.

He'd done the painting over the course of one weekend with Henry. They had settled on gray for three walls and used white and navy blue to horizontally stripe the fourth, creating somewhat of a nautical feel to the room. Marco had built the crib for them as a baby gift and it's chesnut wood color reminded Killian of the decks of a ship. The shelves were lined with various handcrafted sailboats, a project that Roland and Henry had undertaken together. They'd even brought a few items from the Jolly Roger to complete the quarters for their new little captain - an antique compass and a few old maps Emma had framed for the walls. Killian's favorite part was a white rocking chair they'd found at one of the little shops in town. It had been a key point to the room - the place where Killian had landed during many of his late night visits.

A soft cooing sound had come from the crib the moment his feet hit the carpet. Killian's mouth curved into a paternal grin and he moved toward the noise.

"Hey buddy," he said softly, reaching down to lift his baby boy into his arms. "What do you think you're doing being up so late?"

Liam's eyes were slowly blinking, a brilliant blue - just like his dad's. A lot about Liam was just like his dad actually. He had Killian's dark wispy hair and his endearing dimples. Everyone commented on just how much their baby boy resembled his father - and he couldn't help but delight in the way Emma so fondly agreed. Killian watched as the little boy gazed up at him with curiosity and attentiveness. It warmed his heart in a way he never knew possible. This whole concept of family wasn't something he'd ever dreamed he could have, but now that he did, he wasn't interested in knowing any other sort of life.

He lowered himself to the rocking chair in the corner, sitting carefully as Liam shifted in his arms. The little boy snuggled against his chest and Killian felt himself swell with pride that was definitely of a fatherly sort. His fingertip grazed Liam's cheek as he tried to coax a smile and the baby boy grasped his dad's index finger, holding tight to it as he provided the expression Killian was seeking. He rocked back and forth slightly, completely mesmerized by his son and totally oblivious to the time on the little anchor clock hanging by the door.

"Hey daddy."

Emma's voice was sweet and soft from the doorway. He looked up to find her leaning against the frame, a cozy smile on her lips. He gave her a guilty look and she laughed gently. This wasn't the first time she'd caught him paying an unnecessary visit to the baby's room.

"I missed you," she sighed, wandering to his side. "Liam's never going to get much sleep with you waking him up at all hours of the night."

"Well, love," he winked, a knowing smirk on his lips. "Then the two of you will be able to share in that commonality."

Emma ran a finger along the baby's cheek almost identically to how Killian had only minutes ago. Liam yawned adorably, wiggling beneath his blanket as his parents doted on him. Killian loved moments like this - these scenes that seemed like they'd fallen out of some fairytale storybook.

"I'll give you guys a minute," Emma breathed, her subtle grin knowing it was likely her husband would linger a while longer. "Don't stay up too late."

He smirked, his gaze blue with affection as she bent down to kiss him. His eyes followed her to the doorway, watching as she turned back to steal a last look at him.

"Killian?"

"Hmmm?"

He arched his eyebrow at her in question. The glowing green gaze that met his own made his heart skip a beat.

"Happy Father's Day."

Yeah, he thought with a smile as he watched Liam doze off on his lap. It sure is.