I own nothing except my delusions.

Laying in bed beside Killian, Emma cuddled up closer to him, seeking the comfort of his presence as she shifted uncomfortably.

In her last month, she had grown more uncomfortable as the days passed, especially in the late summer despite the cooler nights. They had had a couple of false alarms, only for the midwife to tell them that it was normal and that Emma would experience some pain that was merely her body preparing itself for labor. Killian had worried, always jumping to attention when she so much as winched in discomfort.

The baby had been still for the past couple of days, leading for them to believe they would be born soon.

Though she was ready to have her baby, she was terrified.

Killian often was able to soothe any fears she had, promising that both she and the child would be okay, and that she would be a wonderful mother. He knew what to say to calm her, even if she could tell that he was afraid of the birth as well. They both knew the risks Emma and the baby would be facing.

As if sensing her discomfort even in sleep, Killian shifted so that he rested on his side, pulling her closer to him.

Nuzzling into his neck, Emma felt herself begin to relax before a wave of discomfort overtook her, making her body stiffen in response. She inhaled sharply before she felt a wetness around her, making her pull away slightly. Lighting a candle, she sighed, knowing she had to wake her husband so she could change the bedding when a sharp, burning pain ran through her abdomen, hips, and back.

She knew without a doubt that she was about to have her baby.

She gasped, making Killian jerk awake. He eyed her drowsily, noticing her pain.

Worry was plain in his voice as he spoke. "Swan? What is it?"

"The baby's coming," she said breathlessly.

All traces of sleep vanished from him as he sat up and threw back the covers. "I'll send word to the midwife and I'll be right back. Okay, love?"

She nodded, making sure he saw it before he hurried of to the message they had waiting for when Emma went into labor. She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes as she gently rubbed her belly, trying to calm down. She heard Killian whistle, summoning a bird to send off the note.

Opening her eyes, she saw him come back, grabbing a shirt and quickly throwing it on. He settled beside her, helping her sit up at the head of the bed.

"She'll be here soon," he promised. "Just hold on, love."

She nodded as another spasm of pain shot through her, making him hold her closer to him.

"Do you want to try walking?" he asked her.

Thinking it may help, she nodded. "Yeah."

Nodding, he pulled away and rounded to her side of the bed to help her up. As she stood, he grabbed one of his shirts, holding it out to her.

Wanting to get out of the wet clothing and knowing it would be easier for herself and the midwife in the shorter garment, she gladly took it, untying the dress she was wearing to change. She rolled her eyes when he turned around, offering her a small bit of privacy. Tossing the old nightdress aside, she touched his arm, prompting him to turn back around.

Letting her grip onto his arm, he led them out of their room and around the cabin, going at the pace she set.

He only let go of her to let the midwife in, quickly returning to her and supporting her.

They followed the midwife's instructions to go back to their room so she could examine Emma, where Killian remained beside her.

"I'm afraid you're going to be in for a long night," the midwife told them. "It's going to be a while before you can start to push."

Releasing a heavy sigh, Emma leaned her head against Killian's.

"Is there anything that can be done to make her more comfortable?" he asked, tangling his hand in her hair to gently massage her scalp.

"Just help her move around while she still can," the midwife replied.

Sighing, he turned, pressing a kiss into Emma's hair.

Emma sat up, wincing slightly in discomfort as she swung her legs over the bed, intending to follow the midwife's instructions and move around while she still could.

Glancing out, Emma could tell that dawn wasn't too far off. She glanced at Killian, knowing he was tired, but he had refused to sleep, instead staying awake to be with her, constantly giving her words of comfort and praise. The midwife had gone to the main room, allowing them some privacy.

Emma sat back on her heels on the bed, her legs slightly spread to make the position more comfortable as Killian sat behind her, kneading into her lower back.

"You're doing just fine, love," he praised, gently resting his wrist at her hip.

She inhaled sharply as another wave of pain washed over her.

"You've never had to help deliver a baby before," she reminded him lightly.

She was grateful that he was with her, that he was able to anchor her. They both knew there wasn't a lot he could do, but she was thankful for everything he was doing despite that. Just his mere presence, that she wasn't alone and had someone who loved her with her, made the pain bearable.

He quickly circled her, settling in front of her and gently pushing her sweaty hair away to lean his forehead to hers.

"Still doesn't mean that I don't know that you're doing an amazing job," he replied, gently rubbing the sides of her stomach with his hand and wrist. "You can do this, Emma. Just a bit more, and we can finally meet our little one."

Catching what he said, she felt warmth spread throughout her chest, making her smile. It wasn't the first time Killian claimed her child as his, but it still meant everything to her as he did it.

"I love you," she exhaled.

"I love you, too," he smiled back.

She kissed him lightly before swallowing a small moan of pain.

"It's okay, love," he reassured her. "You're okay."

She nodded, breathing heavily.

The midwife came in, apologizing for interrupting them so she could look at Emma again. Instead of simply helping her lay down, Killian lifted her, carefully laying her down. He sat beside her, gripping her hand in his.

"Okay, Emma," the midwife said. "I'm sorry, but you have to stay down now."

Emma nodded as another wave of pain washed over her. A small whimper escaped her.

Closing her eyes, she rested her head against Killian's shoulder.

"Killian, I'm scared," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper as she squeezed his hand.

"I know, Swan," he told her gently. "But you're gonna be okay. I'm not going anywhere, aye? I'm gonna be right here with you the whole time."

She nodded, releasing a small cry on pain.

"It hurts," she whispered.

He gently kissed her head. "I know, love. You're almost there. If you need to scream, cry, whatever you need to do, do it."

Pain continued to wrack through her, pressure building within her.

"Okay Emma, time to push," the midwife told her.

Emma nodded as Killian supported her, propping her up slightly. She was sure his hand was probably numb from how tightly she held it.

Letting out a cry of pain, she pushed, arching forward in agony.

"Come on, Emma," the midwife said. "You're almost there."

She pushed again, another scream of pain tearing at her. Her eyes squeezed shut, tears falling from her pain.

A second later, the pressure released as a high cry pierced the air.

Opening her eyes, she looked down as the midwife quickly placed the tiny squirming baby on her chest, making their cries slightly quiet.

The midwife quickly severed the cord before draping a blanket over the baby.

She smiled widely at them. "Meet your new son, and congratulations."

Forgetting about her pain, that she was covered in blood and sweat and completely exhausted, Emma released a watery laugh, thrilled her baby was finally born.

"Hello, Henry," she cooed, gently stroking his tiny cheek with her finger.

"You did it, Swan," Killian laughed, completely entranced by the tiny baby. He kissed her temple lovingly. "He's finally here."

Laughing, she nodded, content in his arms while she held Henry as the midwife took care of the afterbirth.

Killian gently rested his hand on Henry back, gently stroking him through the blanket before lightly touching his head.

His voice was soft when he spoke to the baby. "Welcome home, lad. You have no idea how much your mum loves you. How much we both love you."

Emma reclined against the headboard with Henry cradled in her arms, the both of them and the room having been cleaned up. Killian had moved the bassinet to the foot of their bed so they could keep Henry close while they rested, both tired from the long, sleepless night.

"Hey," Killian said as he walked through the doorway, leaning against the wood. "Do you want anything, love?"

She lightly jerked her head to the side. "Come her and sit with me?"

He quickly crossed the room, settling down beside her and draping his arm around her shoulder.

"You haven't even gotten to hold him yet," she said lightly, relaxation taking over.

He nodded, longing clear in his eyes. "No, I haven't. But I can image he's happy with you."

Smiling, she shook her head, pulling away from him slightly and turning to offer him the newborn.

Despite his words, her husband eagerly reached forward, gratefully accepting the bundle from her. He carefully held Henry to his chest, his arms cradling him.

Emma felt her heart about to burst at the sight.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

He tore his eyes away from the baby to look at her in question. "What for?"

"Being there with me," she told him. "Doing this."

"Emma, I will always be by your side," he reminded her, leaning over slightly to kiss her lightly. "You know I'll always be there for you. You and Henry."

Biting her lip, she nodded. "I know."

They both looked down at Henry, seeing his little face content amid his blanket.

"Henry Jones," she said, smiling.

"Aye," he responded, just as happy that she had chosen to give her son his name.

They watched the baby, both completly relaxed as Emma rested her hand on Killian's arm, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Um, Swan?" he asked, sounding unsure.

Not realizing she had closed her eyes, she quickly opened them, looking back at him.

"I think the lad is hungry," he told her, a nervous edge in his tone.

Looking down, she saw Henry fussing and seemingly reaching for her, a whine beginning to escape from him.

"Here," she said, easily taking him from Killian and positioning him at her chest.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Killian scratch behind his ear nervously.

"I can, uh, give you some privacy if you wish," he muttered nervously, moving to stand.

Confidently, she placed one hand on his thigh, stilling his movements. She wanted him to stay with her, even through the baby's feedings. She didn't mind if he saw her, but she wanted him to be comfortable with staying with her.

"It's okay," she reassured him. "I don't mind. I won't make you stay though if you don't want to."

Hesitating for only a moment, he kept his blue eyes on her as he settled back beside her.

"You sure?" he asked.

She nodded, leaning into his side when he drapped his hooked arm around her. She quickly untied the top of her dress, bringing Henry closer to latch. She winced slightly the first second at the feeling, but relaxed as he began to feed.

She smiled when she felt Killian press his forehead to her temple, his breath stirring her hair.

"You know you can rest, right?" she asked him.

His hand went to stroke Henry's dark downy hair as he spoke. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me. I'd much rather stay here with you and Henry."

Carefully holding Henry with one arm, Emma brought her hand up to gently graze her knuckles over Killian's cheek before resting her hand on his face.

"I love you," she told him.

"I love you, too," he responded, tilting his head slightly to kiss his wife's cheek before they both looked back down at their son.

Slowly blinking awake, Emma checked the area around her, realizing she had fallen asleep. She rose up from the bed to check on Henry, panicking slightly when she saw him missing from his bassinet.

Hurrying out to find where her son was, she stopped in her tracks when she reached the doorway leading to the main room, calm washing over her.

Killian sat in the rocking chair, gently swaying Henry in a smooth, steady rhythm as he softly crooned a lullaby to him, gazing adoringly at the tiny newborn. He had his shirt slightly more undone than usual so Henry was resting against his skin, something the midwife recommended to them.

Feeling her heart swell, she leaned against the doorway, silently watching her husband and son.

Seeming to sense her, Killian glanced up, smiling lovingly at her.

"I thought you could use some sleep," he said softly as not to wake Henry.

Smiling in return, she moved over to him, softly brushing her lips against his before looking down at the sleeping baby.

Henry slept contently in Killian's arms, his tiny face calm.

"Was he crying?" she asked, keeping her eyes on Henry.

"He was starting to," Killian answered quietly. "He just needed to be changed. It wasn't anything I couldn't handle, love."

She nodded in thanks, softly stroking back Henry's hair. She grinned, catching what looked like a smile from him.

"Did you see that?" Emma asked, excitement creeping into her tone.

"Aye," Killian responded, his voice matching hers.

Glancing up briefly, she looked at him, noticing the dark circles beneath his eyes.

"You know, you can rest, too," she told him. "I know you're tired. Come to bed?"

He looked up at her, reluctance in his expression. "But what if he wakes?"

Smiling, she stroked his cheek, making him relax.

"His bassinet is in our room," she reminded him. "We'll both be in there with him. Plus we won't be any good if we're both exhausted."

Sighing, he nodded, his lips curling into a small smile. "Alright, Swan."

Taking Henry from him, Emma led him back to their room, stopping to gently place the baby in his bassinet and kissing his forehead before laying with Killian in their own bed.

She drifted off as soon as she curled into Killian's chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her.

Teaser: Sighing, she rested her head against his jaw. "And you call me stubborn."

He chuckled, turning to kiss the crown of her head. "Only because you are."

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