A/N: So, I was supposed to post this a few days ago, but alas, I found myself in the ER yesterday. It's a really long story, and I'm okay now, but I wanted to make sure you guys knew I didn't forget about you!

I actually got this idea while I was thinking about my own life and where I want to go. My parents (sadly) aren't quite as accepting as Emma and Killian are when it comes to my potential careers, but I know deep down, they want me happy.

Anyways, lots of Mumford & Sons for this one. Namely 'Roll Away Your Stone' & 'Babel'.


"Mum, a word?"

Emma looked up from the book she was reading to see her fourteen year-old son standing before her, his hands behind his back. He was wearing his Naval uniform, fresh from his training.

"Yeah, what's up, Liam?" Emma asked with a smile, closing her book and met his eyes.

"If... what if I don't..." Liam stumbled on his words, making Emma flatten her lips.

"You don't want to be a Lieutenant." Emma spoke what she knew was on his mind. He looked down to his feet as he shook his head.

"Liam, you don't have-"

"I feel like I owe it to him... I'm named after his brother, his brother who died at sea, as a Captain." Liam admitted.

Emma set her book aside and rose to her feet, taking a few steps towards her son and setting a hand on his shoulder.

"Liam, you owe your father nothing. He loves you regardless of what you choose to do with your life. I promise." Emma spoke softly, moving her hand to brush back his curls, "Have you talked to him about it?"

"No, I haven't had the opportunity." Liam mumbled.

Emma offered a half smile, moving forward to press a kiss to his forehead. She felt him sigh, making her eyes close as she lingered only a moment more before pulling away.

"Talk to him about it today, please? I promise he won't be disappointed, Liam."

"I just... I don't know what I want to do with my life."

"Liam, you're only fourteen," Emma smiled, "You've got time, kid."

"Thank you, Mum." Liam whispered, taking a step forward and hugging her tight. Emma closed her eyes and returned the hug, holding his head close to her shoulder.

"I love you, kid." Emma whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple and tugging away, "Now, go tell your father. I promise he won't be upset with you."


Killian was talking to Charming and Robin about trade routes and safe sea-faring routes when Killian felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see his son, making him smile.

"Well, look who it is-our Lieutenant-to-be!" Killian laughed, causing Robin and Charming to as well, "Excuse us for a moment, mates."

Killian took Liam aside, a smile wide on his face. He could tell by Liam's expression that this wasn't a comfortable conversation for him to start. So, Killian took to starting it.

"How was training?" Killian smiled.

"It was, um, fine..." Liam spoke with a quick nod, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Is something wrong, lad?" Killian asked.

"I can't be in the Navy, Papa." Liam blurted out, "I'm so sorry. It's not... I don't like it the way you love the seas."

Killian's smile dropped for only a split second before he was offering a half-smile.

"I understand, lad." Killian said.

"Really?" Liam asked, meeting Killian's eyes.

"Of course. Life on the high seas isn't for everyone." Killian spoke with a wider smile.

"I just feel like I'm letting you down, letting your brother down." Liam admitted, making Killian clench his jaw.

"Liam, I will never, ever be disappointed in you. I'm glad you had the courage, your mother's gumption, to come talk to me about it. Being stuck doing something you hate is far from worth the time wasted." Killian advised, "I would much rather you do something you truly love."

"Even if I don't know what I want to do?"

"Of course, lad. You're my son-I want you to be happy. I want you to do what feels right here." Killian smiled, prodding gently at Liam's heart, "Okay?"

"Thank you, Papa." Liam beamed, hugging his father tight. Killian hugged him back without missing a beat, a smile wide on his lips.

"Any time, Liam." Killian smiled, tugging away but keeping a hand on his shoulder, "Have I told you about one of the first times I held you?"

"Ah, Papa, you have to get sappy on me?"

"Of course I do. I'm your father, I can get sappy whenever I want to." Killian replied with a smile and a raised brow.

"What happened to the swashbuckling pirate stories?"

"Would you rather I tell you one of those?"

"No, get sappy." Liam chuckled.


"Emma, I'm nervous to hold them." Killian spoke softly.

"Why? You've done it before." Emma replied, holding the twins in her arms.

"I wasn't standing before, what if I drop him?" Killian asked.

"You won't, I promise."

"Emma, I don't even have to two hands to hold him with." Killian whispered. Emma's expression softened, her eyes meeting his.

"Killian, you can do this, I promise." Emma whispered back, gently holding out Liam for him to hold.

Killian finally took him into his arms, smiling a little at the gurgling noises the small baby was making. Liam reached for Killian's necklaces, gently tugging at one.

"Seems as if he already likes shiny things. He's set to be a pirate, just like his father." Killian grinned, making Emma laugh, moving closer to him and allowing their shoulders to bump.

He carefully lifted his hand to allow Liam to wrap his small fingers around his own index finger. Killian felt tears burning behind his eyes, his smile growing. This was his son, he had his deep eyes, Emma's light hair... Killian finally understood what all the hype was about. There was nothing in the world that could compare to holding your child for the first time.

"Are you crying?" Emma smiled, nudging his elbow. Killian only offered a nod, chuckling when Emma kissed his cheek.

"Aww. You're turning soft."

"Aye." Killian sniffled, "I'm going soft, and I love every moment of it."

Emma looked up to him with a smile, leaning on her toes to capture his lips in a kiss.

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Emma. And our beautiful children."


"You cried?" Liam asked incredulously.

"Of course I did. You... When I held you like that, it was an experience that changed my life." Killian smiled, "You'll know when you're married and have children of your own. Holding them in your arms is one of the greatest feelings in the world."

Liam smiled to Killian, hurrying into his arms again. Killian chuckled, holding his son's head to his shoulder (damn, he was getting tall).

"Thank you for understanding." Liam whispered.

"Always, Liam. I won't let you be unhappy." Killian replied, "I won't ever be disappointed in you."

"Even if I don't follow in anyone's footsteps?" Liam asked.

"No, of course not. The strongest people are the trailblazers, lad." Killian grinned.

"Thanks, Papa." Liam smiled, "I'll be the bloody best trailblazer you've ever seen."

"I don't doubt that for a moment." Killian grinned as Liam hurried back down the hallway.

He couldn't have been more proud of his son, the trailblazer.