I own nothing except my delusions.
Emma slowly blinked awake, peering out the window at the early spring morning. The last vestiges of snow had melted, revealing the brilliant, emerald green of the grass beneath.
Seeing the clear sky outside, she sat up slowly, carefully detangling herself from her husband's embrace as she went, pulling the blanket up to cover herself.
She didn't realize Killian was awake until he sat up, his body pressed against hers, his hand pushing the blanket away slightly to rest on her breast.
"Good morning," he said as he leaned his forehead to her temple, his voice husky from sleep.
She hummed, pressing into his touch. Turning her head, she kissed him, her fingers running through his dark hair. Her body shifting to press against him, she didn't break the kiss, letting him pull her back down with him.
Finishing dressing Henry, Emma let him scurry out of his room to the main room, calmly following him to where she saw the boy had settled on Killian's lap, idly playing with the man's hook. She grabbed a satchel for the trip onto town, having to get some basic things.
She pulled on her cloak just as Killian finished pulling Henry's small boots on, letting him run to his mother to pull his coat on him.
"Are you all ready to go?" she asked him lightly, smiling down at him.
He nodded enthusiastically. "Aye!"
She let him take the leather satchel, watching as he put the strap over his head in an imitation of how he'd seen his parents wear it.
She jumped slightly in surprise as Killian came up behind her, kissing behind her ear as his arms wrapped around her waist. Fighting a smile, she turned her head slightly to peer at him.
"You know Henry's awake and right here with us?" she asked, biting her lip as she fought her blush.
"I can't just kiss my wife?" he teased, lightly pressing his lips to hers.
Turning in his arms, she met his blue eyes with her green. "Yes, you can."
"Mama and Papa kiss," Henry said from by their legs.
Chuckling, Emma kissed Killian one last time before reaching down and lifting Henry to her hip. Sharing a quick mischievous glance with Killian, they quickly ducked down, each kissing one of the boy's cheeks and making him laugh.
Keeping her hold on the boy, she pulled away, letting Killian hold the door for her and let her out, following close behind.
They decided against taking the horse, instead walking themselves the short trip. Emma decided she would set Henry down as soon as they broke the trees, allowing him to walk on his own beside her and Killian.
Henry kept close by them the second he was let down, reaching up to grasp both of his parents' hands. They slowed their own steps, keeping pace with him and preventing him from running or being dragged.
He looked around excitedly as they reached the town, eager to explore.
"Stay beside us, Henry," Killian reminded him firmly, making sure his hold was secure on the boy as they headed towards the market.
Obediently, he stayed close, only leaving one parent to quickly grasp the hand of the other.
They wandered the stalls, getting what they needed, whether it be cloth or flour, setting it all in their bag. Killian insisted he take it after a few items, not wanting Emma to shoulder the weight even as she said she could handle it. At his persistence, she handed the satchel over, letting him shrug it on his shoulder.
Just as was usual for them, they talked to the people they knew, keeping polite conversation. Most of the people they knew had children of their own, serving as playmates for Henry. Neither Emma or Killian really made anyone that they considered a close friend for the reason that they were worried about revealing their identities to people. Aside from the price on Killian's head, Emma knew she herself could be at risk, that a princess unable to return to her kingdom could be a target for abduction and ransom, possibly to be used as leverage against her parents. Deciding not to risk anything happening, they chose to keep mostly to themselves as much as they could while establishing themselves in the town.
Despite the crowds, Emma was relaxed as she moved through the throngs of people with Killian and Henry. Killian didn't get to go too often with them, working in the shop, leading Emma to make the trip often times alone with Henry. She didn't mind it, knowing that Killian was working and making it her own duty the house ran as smoothly as possible.
The occasional time he was able to join them were times she always enjoyed, not just because she had another set of eyes to watch Henry, but because she genuinely enjoyed going out with him. Their trips out to the town and market together were similar to before when she was a princess and he in the Navy, just getting to leave all duties for the day and just wander around and have fun.
Looking over at him as he held Henry's hand, she smiled, realizing exactly how little had actually changed. They were married with a child, having made their home in a foreign land, but still looked forward to the time they got to spend together without worrying of all responsibilities. They were able to still just be together and enjoy each other, only their relationship had grown into something stronger than she ever imagined it could.
She glanced over, seeing Henry reaching up for Killian. The man lifted the boy, keeping a firm, protective grasp on him as Henry looked around, taking in his surroundings with his new vantage point.
They moved closer to where the docks were, finished with their shopping and intending to let Henry see the new ships that had docked. Both Emma and Killian grinned in amusement at his wondrous expression, his eyes wide as he took in the ships.
He pointed out towards one of the ships, smiling excitedly.
"Ship, Papa," he said, looking back at Killian.
The man nodded, his tone light. "Aye, lad. There's ships there."
Henry bounced in his arms, craning his neck to get a better view.
Smiling, Killian walked closer to the water, letting Henry see better. Emma followed them, remaining close.
Her chest warmed at watching them bonding, Killian encouraging him and pointing out various ships while Henry looked on in excitement, hanging on to Killian's every word.
Content to just watch them, she stood near them, listening to them.
After a few moments, Killian glanced at her apologetically, giving her a weak smile.
Smiling back lovingly, she shook her head, silently letting him know she didn't mind.
Hearing Henry call his attention, he turned back to the boy as he pointed out another ship.
"That one's just like yours, isn't it?" he said smiling brightly at Henry.
Henry nodded, grinning.
Emma watched as Killian crouched down in front of Henry as he set him down, helping him pull off his coat and boots. She quickly put their purchases away before turning back to them, seeing Henry walking toward his wooden ship and retrieving it.
She watched him as he plopped down on the floor, playing with the ship.
Killian went over to her, taking some of the things from the bag to help her put everything away.
"You know, sometimes I really wish I still had the Jolly Roger," he said as he looked over at Henry. "I know the lad would love going out on the water."
Humming, Emma nodded. "I think he would, too. He's his father's son."
He grinned, his ears reddening.
Smiling back at him, she lightly pecked his lips.
"Maybe after it get a bit warmer, we can take him swimming again," she suggested, draping her arms around his neck. "He liked it last summer when you taught him to swim. He loves the water."
"That he does," he agreed as his hand and wrist rested at her waist.
They glanced over at Henry to check on him, seeing him continue to play with his toy. A moment later, he looked over at them.
He got up, walking over to them and pull on Killian's leg.
"I think he wants you to play with him," Emma chuckled.
Quickly kissing her again, Killian pulled away, letting Henry drag him over to where the boy was playing.
She watched as they sat down, Killian wearing a light, happy expression as Henry picked up his toy ship. His voice carried the gentle excitement he so often spoke with to Henry, showing the obvious love for the boy. She continued to watch them as she put everything away before lazily sitting near them, contently watching them and smiling.
Killian glanced up at her a few times, constantly wearing a gentle smile.
Emma folded her arms on the arm of the couch, resting her head down as she watched them, completely at ease.
Teaser: She gave him an innocent smile. "It's not my fault it was too easy."
"Ah, yes," he chuckled. "It's hardly your fault you used your feminine wiles against me."
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