Disclaimer: Nope, not mine, darn it. I just write for them because it's fun.
This chapter is dedicated to Bigsis227, who gave me the idea.
Enjoy everyone and let me know what you think.
Killian was sitting on the sofa in the living room, reading a book. He could hear his wife reading a princess story to Fallon. The little girl was asking all sorts of questions, much to Emma's apparent amusement as laugher regularly filtered out of the bedroom. He glanced up when he heard the soft click on the bedroom door closing.
"Is Fallon asleep?" Killian asked when Emma took a seat on the sofa next to him, her fingers running through the hair at the nape of his neck rhythmically.
"She wouldn't have let me out of her sight if she wasn't," Emma smiled.
"She has been her mum's shadow since we came home from the hospital," Killian set his book aside to focus all his attention on his wife. He lifted her legs into his lap and began gently massaging her calves. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore," Emma admitted, "Nothing like a few days ago, but still not up to snuff."
"You and your expressions," Killian chuckled, "You say such things to torture me."
"It used to be more fun when you'd get all flustered and annoyed," she smirked.
Killian continued to chuckle while manipulating the muscles of her legs, much to Emma's pleasure.
"If you want to take out the Jolly Roger, I think I'm okay to stay home with the kids without your supervision," Emma offered.
"I don't think Fallon would let me go sailing without her," he replied.
"Good point," Emma grasped one of his hands and tangled her fingers with his, "She's a Jones through and through."
"Aye, she certainly is," he agreed.
"Killian," Emma batted her lashes.
Killian recognized immediately she was going to ask for something which might displease him.
"I want to see my vehicle," she swallowed hard.
"For what purpose, Love?" he brought their joined hand to his lips and kissed the inside of her palm.
"Maybe to say goodbye," Emma frowned, "We've been through a lot together."
"It's going to upset you," Killian stated.
"I know," she nodded, "I still want to do it."
"We can visit Tillman's garage tomorrow," he agreed.
"Thank you," she touched his chin, drawing him close so she could kiss him. "Henry's at Regina's, and Fallon and Bradyn are asleep."
"Sounds like an invitation to retire to the bedroom," he chuckled, "Are you sure your weary body can handle such an endeavor?"
"Perhaps if you're gentle," she smiled suggestively.
"Gentle you say," Killian rose to his feet and lifted her into his arms. It was always a trick navigating the circular staircase with her in his arms, but it was a challenge he was up for, especially with prize he earned at the end.
"Wake up, Mama," Fallon shook her mother awake in the early morning hours.
"My human alarm clock," Emma turned slowly onto her back to see her daughter, "You certainly are prompt."
"Want pamcakes," Fallon stated.
"And predictable...you'd better tell Papa," Emma could see her husband still sound asleep at her side, "Unless you want to eat my pamcakes."
Fallon turned and immediately pounced on her father, "Wake up, Papa!"
Killian released a good-natured groan. "What is it Henry says Fallon needs?"
"A snooze button," Emma laughed and then groaned. She'd found over the past few days of recovery that her muscles were the most sore first thing in the morning.
"Ouchie, Mama?" Fallon turned towards her mother with a frown.
"Just a bit," Emma nodded.
Fallon leaned over and kissed Emma's cheek. "All better?"
"Much better," Emma hugged her daughter.
"Pamcakes," Fallon demanded in her most charming way.
"We'll be right down, Little Love," Killian told her.
Fallon rolled over her mother and off the bed. She ran down the stairs and waited...as patiently as she could.
"Good morning, Love," Killian turned onto his side and pressed his lips to hers. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore...still," Emma frowned.
"It's only been a few days," Killian reminded her while getting out of bed to dress.
"I'm not a patient person," Emma replied.
"I'm well aware," he bent down to peck at her lips. "Join us when your dressed, Love."
"I'm going to take a shower to warm up these muscles then I'll join you," she stated.
"We'll be waiting," he smiled.
"With coffee?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course," he pressed one more kiss to her lips.
Emma bypassed donning a robe while she sauntered towards the master bathroom with an extra flare of her hips, toying with him because she knew he couldn't join her.
"Bloody minx," he growled.
Emma tossed him a flirty wink before closing the bathroom door. He waited until he heard the shower running before he made his way down to take care of his daughter's pamcake craving.
Fallon was halfway up the stairs to retrieve her father for pancakes.
"Come, Little Love," Killian lifted Fallon into his arms and tossed her over his shoulder. Fallon giggled the entire way to the kitchen where she helped her father in any way she could to make her favorite breakfast.
Emma was greeted by a waiting cup of coffee when she made her way downstairs after a soothing shower.
"Where's your brother, Fallon?" Emma asked when Fallon darted over and hugged her legs while Emma took her first sip of the warm and bitter liquid.
"I don't know," Fallon shrugged.
"I think we should find him, don't you?" Emma snickered.
Fallon responded with a second shrug and then darted back into the kitchen to check on her father's progress.
Emma made her way into the nursery. She was greeted by a wide-awake son who gave a healthy stretch before reaching for his mother.
"You are such a content little thing," Emma lifted Bradyn into her arms. She released a slight groan as her muscles protested under the weight of her son, but she was determined. She hadn't had any snuggle time with her son since her accident. She refused to be denied any longer. Emma brought Bradyn into the living room and sat with him against her chest while she relaxed on the sofa. Max hopped up next to her and put his head into her lap.
"You three look comfortable," Killian noted the position he found his wife, son and family dog in. Brady had fallen asleep. "Are you going to join Fallon and I for breakfast?"
"Maybe in a bit," Emma kissed her son's forehead, "I'm enjoying cuddle time too much to move."
"I'll keep your breakfast warm," Killian assured her.
Fallon chatted away while she consumed her pamcakes floating in syrup.
Once the sugar rush kicked in, Fallon was practically spinning circles around the house. Usually she was on her way to the Jolly Roger, but with Emma's injuries there was no outlet for her energy.
"How about we take you to the park and work off those pamcakes?" Emma tapped Fallon's nose when she stopped just long enough to pet her beloved pup.
"Yes, yes, yes," Fallon repeated while bobbing her head up and down like it was on a spring.
"Go get your hairbrush, so I can comb out those tangles first," Emma tugged on a strand of her daughter's hair.
Fallon called out for her puppy to follow and then bolted for her bedroom to change clothes and dig out her hairbrush. With her mother out of commission for a few days, her father had been on hair detail, and Fallon didn't appreciate the tug of war Killian played with her hair follicles and hid the brush to avoid further torment.
Killian claimed Bradyn from his wife once Fallon returned. Fallon managed to sit still long enough for Emma to comb her hair into pigtails, the little girl's favorite hairstyle.
"Let's go, Mama," Fallon tugged on Emma's non-braced hand.
"Hold on, Princess," Emma stated, "Papa and I have to get dressed and get Bradyn read for the day."
Fallon huffed in response, crossed her arms in front of her chest and plopped herself down on the floor with her legs crossed, in what Killian and Emma had coined her 'big sister pout' as she only pulled this routine when something regarding her brother interfered with her fun.
Emma and Killian did their best to ignore the behavior. They set about getting themselves ready for the day.
"Are you sure you want to see your vessel today?" Killian buttoned up his checkered cobalt blue flannel shirt while watching Emma brush her hair.
"I have some personal effects I want to claim," Emma nodded.
"I can take Fallon and Bradyn to the park if you want to do this alone," he offered.
"God, I love you," Emma set aside the hairbrush and advanced towards him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, "You offering means the world to me. The car and I have this history. It almost feels like a breakup."
"Whatever you need from me, Love," Killian kissed her temple.
"I need you at my side, holding my hand," she rested her head against his chest, "Maybe Dad can watch Fallon and Bradyn for a bit. They don't need those images in their heads."
"Aye," he agreed.
Their tender moment was interrupted by their daughter's impatient screech for their attention. Even then they stayed in each other's arms for a few moments more.
"Even in forty degree weather, she has unlimited amounts of energy," Emma laughed to herself while watching her daughter, youngest son and husband wear themselves out at the playground. There were a few other young children and parents who had ventured out in the morning hours. Though Fallon interacted with them, she was more interested in showing off for her parents. Fallon called out at regular intervals to have her parents watch her antics.
"Hey, Sheriff," Ashley took a seat next to Emma while her daughter ran off to play, "I heard about your accident. How are you feeling?"
"Sore," Emma admitted, "I was lucky though. It could have been much worse."
"I bet that husband of yours is taking great care of you," Ashley smiled.
"He is," Emma glanced towards her husband, who happened to be making a fool of himself by sliding down the slide with Bradyn in his lap. The little boy laughed his way down. "How's married life treating the newlyweds?"
"We're doing well," Ashley laughed, "Honestly it hasn't felt much different than before the ceremony. We were a family before the ceremony. I guess it just formalized what we already had. Was it any different for you?"
"Yeah," Emma nodded, "I guess our relationship was a bit different from yours. We weren't really that family until we got married and had Fallon."
"Sean and I agreed we wouldn't have more children until we were married, but now that we are, it almost feels like we waited too long. Alexandra is almost five already. She's so used to having all of our attention," Ashley spun her rings around her finger.
"We had those fears with Fallon, and she was barely three," Emma admitted, "Yes, she craves our attention, and when she doesn't get it when she wants it, it can be an issue, but if we'd never had Bradyn, our family would have felt incomplete."
"Is it complete now?" Ashley asked.
"We're not sure yet," Emma replied, "We have time. Bradyn just hit six months."
"We've been hearing rumblings of trouble in town," Ashley lowered her voice, "How can we help?"
"We're still figuring it out ourselves," Emma admitted, "When we know more, we'll let you know. Until then, stay vigilant."
"Will do," she nodded. "What are you going to do about your car?"
"Haven't given it much thought as of yet," Emma admitted, "Eventually I'll have to replace it. Fortunately my parents have two cars and have already offered to let us use one whenever we need, and it's only a short walk to their cottage. I suppose eventually I'll have to venture out of Storybrooke to find a new one."
"Mama, watch me," Fallon called out from the playground.
Emma dutifully gave her daughter her full attention. Fallon slid down the slide headfirst complete with a belly flop on the ground at the end. Emma held her breath, thinking Fallon might have injured herself, but Fallon picked herself up, dusted the dirt off her clothes, giggled, waved at her mother and then ran back up to the top of the jungle gym to start the process over again.
"She's fearless, just like her mother," Ashley noted.
"I wouldn't go that far," Emma snorted, "Fallon's adventurous streak is far superior to mine."
"Watch, Mama," Fallon called out again when it was her turn again. Fallon went down a second time, feet first this time. She somehow managed to end up taking a hard fall on her rump and decided she'd had her fill of the slide. She ran over to the swings and starting kicking her feet back and forth in an effort to start the movements.
"Duty calls," Emma gave an apologetic smile to Ashley.
"Feel better, Sheriff," Ashley nodded.
"One of these days we're going to teach you how to swing on your own, Princess," Emma pulled her daughter's swing back so she'd start swinging properly.
"No," Fallon shook her head from side to side, "I like when you push."
"I like it too," Emma pushed Fallon a bit so she'd swing higher.
Fallon squealed with delight with every swing, asking to fly higher and higher. Killian and Bradyn joined them after a few moments.
"Bradyn's tired," Emma observed her son's heavy eyes.
"Aye," Killian nodded.
Emma stopped Fallon's swing after a few minutes more.
"How about we go see what Poppy is doing at the station?" Emma suggested, knowing if she could make it sound like fun that Fallon would be all for it. She wasn't surprised when the trick worked like a charm.
"Okay, Mama," Fallon hopped off the swing and took her mother's hand, pulling her along as she made her way to the station. She burst into the station with her usual sunshine and exuberance. "Hi, Poppy!"
"There's my favorite granddaughter," David picked her up in a hug. "Are you taking good care of your mama for me?"
"Yep," Fallon's head bobbed.
David sat with Fallon balanced comfortably on his knee before turning to address the rest of the family. "How are you feeling, Emma?"
"Still sore," Emma admitted. "First thing in the morning is the worse, when the muscles are stiff from sleep. I finally got some cuddle time with the handsome little man though."
"Thank you, Love," Killian gave her a flirtatious grin, "Though I wouldn't exactly call it cuddle time."
"I meant with Bradyn, Hook," Emma scowled at him.
"Papa is being silly," Fallon told her grandfather.
"Yes, he is," David sent a scowl of his own towards his son-in-law.
"Dad, can you keep an eye on your grandchildren for a bit?" Emma asked, "Killian and I have something we need to do. It shouldn't take long."
"Go ahead," David reached into his desk to pull out some crayons and paper to entertain Fallon, "We can have ourselves all sorts of fun. Won't we, Fallon?"
"Yep," Fallon climbed into her mother's chair and began coloring.
David claimed his grandson before shooing his daughter and son-in-law away.
"Are you ready for this, Love?" Killian asked on the short walk from the car garage from the station.
"Not really," Emma shook her head, "But it's something I need to do."
"Greetings, Sheriff, Captain Jones," Michael greeted them outside his shop, "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Do you still have my vehicle?" Emma asked.
"It's out back," Michael nodded, "I was going to stop by in a few days. I boxed up your personal effects."
"I'd like to take a look at the damage for myself," Emma stated.
"Sure thing, Sheriff," Michael fidgeted.
"And there is no hope of salvaging it?" Emma asked.
"Not exactly cost effective, but I suppose a possibility," Michael wiped a bit of sweat from his brow, "With the engine in the rear of the vehicle, it may still function after a bit of repair, but I've already reported to the insurance company that it's a total loss."
"No sense putting it off," Emma frowned.
Killian gave her hand a squeeze and guided her in direction of the backyard lot.
Emma took a deep breath at the gate before pushing her way through. She was visibly startled by what she saw. The front end of the vehicle had completely folded like an accordion upon impact. It became immediately apparent that Emma was lucky to have survived with as few injuries as she had sustained.
"Are you okay, Love?" Killian felt Emma's hesitation in their joined hands.
Emma swallowed a lump in her throat and then advanced towards the vehicle. A rogue tear escaped when her hand ran along the twisted yellow metal.
"Swan," Killian prompted her to say something.
"I'm okay," Emma swallowed again.
"It's okay not to be," he caressed her cheek.
"It's just a car," tears began to fall, "It's an inanimate object. It's silly to be feeling this way."
"As you said it's been with you for many a year. It was there for you when you left prison. It brought you to Storybrooke and to your family..."
"It brought me to happiness," Emma allowed herself to be engulfed in his arms, "It brought me to you."
Killian held her, allowing her to crumble in his arms.
Once Emma regained a hold on her emotions, Michael approached. "I'll hold the car here until you decide what you want to do with it."
"Thank you," Emma dried her eyes. "You said you had the box of my belongings."
"It's in my office," Michael guided them back inside.
Emma rifled through the belongings. "There's a picture of Henry missing. It was above the visor."
"I didn't think to look there," Michael admitted.
"I'll get it, Love," Killian responded.
"No, I'll get it. There might be something else I remember," Emma left the office. She quickly found the picture. She felt herself choking up. She could sense Killian's approach before she heard him. "I couldn't hold Henry when I gave birth to him. I knew if I held him I couldn't give him up, which I knew would give him his best chance for a good upbringing, but I kept a picture taken by the prison nurse. I tucked it in the visor so it would be there I was ready to look at it. Today is the first day I looked."
"May I, Love?" Killian held out his hand for the picture.
"He was a cute baby, wasn't he?" Emma handed him the picture.
"Aye, looks a lot like Bradyn when he was first born," Killian noted.
"Yeah," Emma agreed.
Killian handed back the picture. Emma pocketed it and rifled through all the nooks and crannies of her vehicle to find any belonging, which might have been overlooked.
"Anything else, Love?" Killian asked.
"I think that's it," Emma sighed.
They returned to Michael's office to gather the rest of her belongings.
"We'll let you know what to do with the vehicle after we hear from the insurance agency," Emma told the mechanic.
"Take your time," he assured her, "It isn't going anywhere."
Emma and Killian left the garage. Killian could see Emma needed a few minutes to collect herself before returning to the station to collect their offspring.
"How about a few minutes aboard the Roger?" Killian guided her towards the marina, "I've been meaning to show you something onboard."
"Is this some cheesy suggestive comment meant to cheer me up?" Emma fought to suppress a smile. She really wasn't in the mood for a laugh.
"Is it working?" he gave her his Cheshire grin.
"Try a bit more," she started the trek up the gangplank to the deck.
Killian guided her down to the Captain's quarters so she could vent in any way she needed.
"This is so stupid," Emma pushed tears out of her eyes, "It's a stupid car. We've been talking about replacing it for months."
"Emma, you never forget your first love," Killian rolled up his right sleeve to reveal the tattoo he'd gotten in Milah's honor, "It's okay to mourn that. I mourned for centuries."
"This isn't about Neal. I made my peace with what happened long ago," Emma insisted.
"I know you love me, Emma," Killian caressed her face, "Just as you know I love you despite the piece of my heart which will always belong to Milah."
"This isn't about Neal," Emma repeated, "This is about my past. I had twenty-eight years of a miserable existence, with only a few moments of happiness sprinkled in. The time I spent with Neal reminded me that I wasn't a lost cause. I could find happiness. I just needed to know where to look. It took several years, but I finally found it here in Storybrooke with my parents and son...and then with you and our children."
"The pain made us who we are," he brushed a strand of hair behind her ears, "I know the appeal in hanging on to it, to embrace it even, but life is infinitely more pleasurable when I found a way to let go of the pain. I was able to replace it with happiness."
"How did you let it go?" Emma tugged at his necklace.
"Remember the ring I wore around my neck...the one Milah gave me?" he asked.
"Her first bit of pirate bootie," Emma nodded.
"It was symbolic when I threw it overboard, but it helped," he replied.
"I can't exactly throw my car into the ocean," Emma stated.
"You'll find what works for you," he kissed her forehead, "Ready to return to our offspring or should I show what is aboard my ship?"
"Rain check?" Emma snorted, "I'm feeling like a burger at Granny's, and I'm sure a certain little brunette we're both enamored with is craving some roni and cheese."
"Aye," he nodded, "If you ever want to talk..."
"I know exactly where to find you," she hugged him. "I love you, Killian."
"And I you, my beautiful Swan."
TBC…