Daddy!Killian + winter coats.

It had come early this year - an early touch of winter skimming the ground in Storybrooke in the form of the lightest snow. Killian awoke to the warmth of the furnace kicking on, the slowly rising temperature tempting him to sleep in just a bit longer. He'd had a terrible cold for the better part of a week and catching a few extra ounces of shut eye was something he wasn't about to turn down. He nestled under the blankets in a grateful manner, sniffling weakly and trying to absorb the quiet moment so he could drift back into a slight slumber.

The idea had been promising for only a minute or two, but then he heard it - that typical sound of pitter pattering feet across the hardwood floor of the master bedroom. He smiled to himself, awaiting the familiar voice that typically followed those little footsteps. Fatherly pride surrounded him as he realized his dwindling illness wasn't about to keep him from an early waking.

But honestly, if he truly had to roll out of bed before ten on a Saturday, his little Liam's insistence was the best motivator. Well that or the tempting touch of his teasing wife - but the faint smell of coffee told him she wasn't going to be offering that particular incentive. Well, at least not for now.

Feeling the large down comforter rustle, Killian sighed with a knowing smile. It didn't take long for that wavy, dark, wild mess of hair to appear - and damn, that little boy looked more like him every day.

"Papa-" his little voice started, straining slightly as he wiggled under the blanket. -you have to wake up now."

Killian pulled the blanket closer with a feigned groan, fighting off an amused smirk as he did so. Liam let out a frustrated grunt, tugging hard on the blanket as Killian allowed a laugh to leave his lips. The effort his son was making was truly endearing.

"Pa-pa," Liam repeated, uncovering Killian's face quickly. "Come on! You said we could go today."

Killian raised an eyebrow at the excited expression of his little boy. The kid certainly was his father's son - a morning person through and through. Typically, Killian would have greeted the day right alongside his little Liam, but his seasonal illness had gotten the best of him over the past couple of days.

"You're pretty energetic today, aren't you, my boy?"

"It's morning, papa," Liam reminded him, climbing skilfully and planting himself right on Killian's stomach with a loud oomph. "It's winter now too! Mama says it snowed during the night and it's supposed to be cold all day. So we have to go now!"

Killian chuckled, beaming with paternal amusement as Liam rested his hands on his face. His little boy's eyes were impossibly blue, that same color that he'd been a sucker for more times than he could remember. He pleaded with a sincere stare and Killian found himself bested in a matter of seconds.

"Alright, little man," he teased, pulling Liam into a round of tickle torture. "Go finish your breakfast and I'll be down in just a minute."

Liam wriggled out of his dad's grasp with a happy nod, his little toes hitting the floor in a bounding sort of run. Killian laughed as he tossed the warm blanket off and staggered toward the bathroom.

His eyes were well rested for the first time in about a week and he shed his clothes fast, grateful for the way he seemed to be recovering quickly. Stepping into a shower that was warming up rather fast, he shivered before dunking his head under the steady stream of water.

The subtle nip in the air had met his bare skin with the insistence of a season changing and as his washed his almost too long dark head of hair, he realized that Liam was right. Winter was approaching fast and the dropping temperatures meant one very important thing.

His son needed a new coat - and that little boy needed an accomplice to him to find one. After all, he'd promised - common cold be damned.

He dried off and dressed in record time, dragging his hand through his damp hair as he pondered getting it trimmed. Maybe not, he thought silently as he smiled. He recalled for a moment the way Emma's hands seemed to always end up buried in his thick scalp. Whether she was smoothing down his bedhead or twisting her fingers through it a little more suggestively, Killian relished in the feeling. He'd be okay with indulging it for a little longer.

Entering the kitchen, he hummed softly and she turned to face his chipper appearance. He turned up a half smile, feeling his heartbeat quicken when she returned the gesture. She'd been worried about him while he'd been a bit under the weather. He'd always loved that quality in his wife - the way she was always so observant of his little mannerisms. He couldn't sneak anything past that woman.

"Morning, love," he greeted, walking to the kitchen table to place a soft kiss on top of her head. "Thanks for making coffee."

"You seem better," she smiled over the top of her mug. "Good thing I guess - your son has been talking about your big plans for the day since the moment he hopped out of bed."

"Yeah he took the liberty of reminding me when he provided my wake up call," Killian nodded, clearing his throat as he poured himself a cup of steaming brew. "I did promise so I suppose I ought to hold to it."

"Cold medicine is on the top shelf," she reminded him, winking in a taunting fashion. "Your son should be ready any minute now."

Right on cue, Liam came plodding back into the room. His anxious feet were now covered in striped socks - red and black ones that looked fairly similar to a pair Killian was almost sure he once had.

"Ready, my boy?"

"Almost," Liam replied, dropping his winter boots and sitting down on the wood floor to pull them on. "Just a second-"

"Here, Liam," Killian smirked, reaching for the laces. "Let me help-"

"No, no - I can do it now."

Ah, yes - he sure could. Killian retraced the memory of Liam's thrilled expression a few nights ago when he'd finally learned to navigate the lengthy strings that tied up his shoes. It had been a long time coming and he couldn't help but beam at the small achievement.

"Don't forget your coat, Liam," Emma reminded him. "You wouldn't want to get sick..."

"Like papa?"

"Yep," Emma laughed, her eyes teasing Killian. "Maybe he ought to grab his as well."

Liam grinned, standing quickly and striding to the coat rack. He could barely reach it, but he tugged his father's winter coat from the highest hook rather skillfully.

"Here, papa," he offered, holding the jacket up high. "Put this on."

"Okay, Mr. Bossy," Killian retorted, arching an eyebrow. "We better get going."

"Hey Mr. Jones," Emma's voice stopped him, her tone firm yet entertained. "Remember what we agreed upon. Stick with it, papa."

He chuckled internally as he bent down to help Liam with the zipper of his current coat. Killian's glance went bright as he recalled their discussion from the night before - a practical, warm, well sized winter coat for their little boy. It was amusing that Emma was even allowing Killian to have control over this little shopping venture. Permitting Liam to pick out new apparel last winter had ended with their little boy adamant about purchasing a leather jacket like his father's.

Hey, there were worse things.

"Papa, you should wear this too," Liam decided, raising himself on his toes to pull a hat onto his father's head. "To keep your ears warm so you don't get sick again."

It was a blue and white knit winter hat - the kind with the dangling strings on the side. Ruby's grandmother had woven it together for him as something of a joke, mostly because of the way he'd over exaggerated how much he admired the similar one she'd put together for Liam. Turning back to glare at Emma, he shook his head at the humorous grin now taking over her lips.

"Hey, you heard the boy," she reiterated, crossing her arms over her chest. "Seems like he knows what he's talking about."

He bit his lip at the way she was tormenting him, clearly enjoying how ridiculous he probably looked with that hat on his head. Liam reached for his hand with a tight squeeze and Killian smiled down at him.

"Let's get out of here, buddy," he offered, shooting a final stare at his wife. "We better start our search if we're going to find the perfect coat."

"Killian," Emma warned, attempting to stop his vengeful plan. "Don't forget-"

"Oh I won't, love," he smiled mischievously. "Practical, correct size - got it. See you in a bit, Swan."

He didn't miss the way her mouth hung open in refute when he pulled the front door closed behind them. Slowly falling snowflakes began their descent toward the ground as they started down the sidewalk. Killian set about tugging the strings on his hat tighter, allowing the fabric to cover his ears in a way that was actually quite warm. Emma sure as hell didn't need to hear about that though.

A couple of hours later, their adventure ended similar to how it began - both of them traversing the sidewalk carefully while dressed in questionable weather related clothing. This time, however, a long blue coat hung nearly to his son's knees. The jacket Liam had selected was heavy and a parka sort of style complete with buttons that snapped and a somewhat obnoxious fur lined hood. He'd laughed out loud when Liam had selected it, assuring the little boy that the decision was all his.

Killian coughed slightly, taking note of just how much better he was feeling. He supposed it might have something to do with the playful revenge he was about to inflict on his wife. They'd always had that sort of teasing banter and Killian had always been grateful for the way they could keep each other entertained.

"Papa," Liam questioned, tilting his head upward though it was covered in the furry hood. "I like this coat a lot, but do you think mama will?"

"Hmmm," Killian smirked. "Why do you ask, little man?"

"Well, I don't know what practical means," he explained, hopping over a small patch of ice on the sidewalk. "But it sounds boring."

"Aye," he chuckled, holding Liam steady as they walked up the front steps. "I think the way you're bundled up is much better than practical."

"Okay good - because I want to keep it," Liam smiled, reaching for the door knob. "Papa, are you feeling better?"

As they pushed the front door open, Killian couldn't help but imagine the look Emma would have on her face when she located the results of their shopping trip. He sighed in success, anticipating what would surely be a fun twist in this neverending game they seemed to keep playing.

"Actually yes," he nodded, peering up to see his exasperated yet humored wife's sudden appearance in the doorway. "I'm feeling much better now, son."