prompt: the swinging hand thing that kids do with their parents featuring captain swan

hold my hand

"Daddy," Ava looks up at Killian with a sweet smile on her lips. She's holding his hand as they walk toward the sheriff's station.

"Yes, little love?"

She giggles. "Is Mommy going to like our surprise?"

Killian raises his eyebrows. "Well, I should hope so."

Ava swings his hand and jumps a little on her dainty feet. "Oh, I'm so excited, Daddy!"

He chuckles as they make it to the door of the station. He releases her small hand to let her in, only to take it again as soon as they're inside.

It's not unusual for his daughter to hold his hand. She does it every day, as often as she gets the chance. It's sweet and he likes that she wants to have him by her side, but he does get curious as to why it happens sometimes.

She puts her finger to her lips to shush him and he nods in agreement, stepping into the room where his wife is sitting, nibbling on her lip while she works on some paperwork.

Ava looks up at him cautiously when they get close enough and he nods, smiling a little at his daughter. She doesn't let go of his hand and tip toes as they head in past the doorway. He sees Emma smiling, it's obvious she knows what's going on, but she doesn't turn to see them.

"Happy birthday Mommy!"

Emma smiles wide as she turns to them and Ava finally lets go of his hand so she can go running into the office and into Emma's arms. She pulls their little girl into her lap.

"Thank you, Ava." Emma laughs. Ava excitedly looks at Killian and he steps into the room, his heart filled with warmth over the two women in his life.

"Ava and I were wondering if you might like to take the rest of the day and go sailing."

Emma's smile is soft and their daughter bounces excitedly. "Oh, please, Mommy?"

She sighs, nodding. "Okay. I think I can take some time."

Ava cheers and Emma gets up, easing the little girl to the floor. She puts her jacket on and smiles at him lovingly. "Thank you."

He shakes his head and kisses her chastely. "I figured you'd rather spend the day with us. I was curious when you'd left us earlier."

"I got a call about some minor theft. Not even a big deal. I felt like I should take care of it before I did the whole birthday thing."

Killian nods in understanding and glances to his right for his daughter. "Ready to go, little love?"

She hums, nodding slowly. "Yes, Papa. I want to go on your ship and spin the wheel!"

Killian chuckles. "Well, then, love, that's what we'll do."

She takes his hand out of habit and he guides his women out of the station, holding the door open for Emma.

They start down the sidewalk and Ava insists upon holding both of their hands, which he doesn't mind. He and Emma smile at each other and swing her up as they get to cracks in the sidewalk and it makes her laugh uncontrollably.

It's after a fun day with Emma and Ava on his ship that they go home in order to tuck their little girl in for a much-needed nap that he and Emma collapse onto the couch.

He tilts his head at her. "D'you know why Ava always wants to hold my hand?"

Emma smiles a little. "She's a smart girl. She knows her daddy will keep her safe."

His wife takes his hand and Killian breaks into a grin. "I would go to the ends of the Earth for you both. Or time."

Emma's eyes are bright and her lips curl into a sweet smile. "I know."