Chapter Fourteen - Declaration

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Mary Margaret's words seemed to echo in the air around them, bouncing around in Emma's head like the clang of a bell. She realized her hands were balled into fists, her body tensed for whatever information this unlikely trio was about to give. She waited for her mother to say more, but when the silence continued to stretch, she took matters into her own hands.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "Is it about the baby?" Mary Margaret looked quickly to Regina who stepped forward in surprise.

"How do you know about that?" she demanded.

"Then it's true," Killian said, his body stilling against Emma's. She looked up at him, catching his eyes, worried that this was the moment when he'd run, but no, he simply looked a bit stunned and...happy.

"Yes, it's true," Regina confirmed. She reached into her pocket, pulling out the globe she'd been protecting. She released it, letting it hover happily above her hand.

The light was unlike anything Emma had ever seen. It was so warm; she could feel its heat clear across the room. The absolute joy and love she felt as she gazed at it made her heart ache and tears filled her eyes.

"Killian," she whispered.

"I know, love, I feel it, too," he whispered back, his voice full of awe.

Suddenly, the sphere began to shake and spin uncontrollably where it hovered. Emma took a step towards it and it zoomed right to her, radiating warmth as it came to a complete stop before her and Killian. Emma reached her hand out, hesitating for just a moment before letting her fingers curl around it.

The moment she touched it, a grin split her face, her tears breaking free to slide down her cheeks. There were no words to express what she was feeling as she stepped back into the protection of Killian's arms. She pulled the sphere tight against her heart, holding it there as she looked to her mother for some explanation.

"Tell us," she demanded.

As her mother began to speak, Emma could barely believe her ears. The more Mary Margaret said, the more bizarre it all began to feel, except that it wasn't any more strange than being the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, of dating Captain Hook, of battling the Evil Queen, and a dragon, and the Wicked Witch of the West, and Peter freaking Pan.

All in a day's work as the Savior.

When her mother finished her unbelievable tale, Emma was speechless. She opened her palm again and looked down at the mass of white light swirling in the Sphere of Laurentum. Her child's essence was in there, its soul, and she simply couldn't reconcile the fact that it was forming inside her body even now while its soul was held within the glass in her hands.

"I don't understand," she whispered, shaking her head as she looked to her parents for the answer that would make her head stop spinning. It was Regina that spoke as Mary Margaret stepped closer to her daughter, reaching out to cup her cheek with a comforting hand.

"I know it seems ludicrous..."

"Ludicrous! That's the understatement of the damn year, Regina!" Emma pushed away from her mother's hand, leaning back into the comforting embrace of Killian's arm, trying to tell herself to calm down and breathe through this.

It would be alright if she just breathed. Right?

"Let me get this straight," Killian said, his voice dark with anger even as his arm calmly settled tighter around Emma. "The Crocodile set this incubus, Laurentinus, on Emma in the hopes that she would bear a demon child that he could control and the only way to break Laurentinus's hold on her, was to send her off with me. And our child, if it's the product of True Love will be so powerful that it could conquer the world, which is infinitely better than a demon spawn to the Crocodile. So, megalomaniac that he is, the Crocodile used the Sphere of Laurentum to steal our child's soul, capturing it before it even exists."

"It exists now," Emma murmured, her free hand settling unconsciously over her womb.

She focused on something her mother had said, not understanding the part about True Love. Maybe her child would be safe if that part wasn't true and she knew something that none of the others did. "But wait. I kissed Killian and it didn't...the incubus pulled him into a dream and I kissed him to wake him back up, but nothing happened. It wasn't True Love's kiss."

She felt Killian shift beside her; she hadn't told him that bit. She looked hopefully at Regina, her hand squeezing the globe in her hand.

"The incubus isn't a curse, it's a being called into service and bound through magic. True Love's kiss can't banish it, unfortunately." Regina thought for a moment, realization dawning on her face. "Gold confirmed your child would be the product of True Love with the kiss that Hook gave you in his shop yesterday. If nothing had happened within the Sphere, he would've known that the child wouldn't be the product of True Love. He would've then done something to ensure that the incubus was successful in its pursuit of Emma. As it was, the globe changed and he allowed you and Hook to leave."

"Where's Gold?" Emma demanded.

"We don't know," her father replied.

"I've placed a protection spell around the loft. You'll be safe here while I go to my vault. Perhaps I can find some spell, something to fight him."

"We can't just stay here and do nothing!" Emma replied, her voice breaking in anger.

"You have to, Emma. We don't know how to defeat Gold, how to save the baby. And according to the book that your mother and Regina read, you have to make some type of sacrifice. We don't know what that entails and until we do, you need to stay here," her father said sternly.

"Whatever it is, I'll do it," she stated quickly, Killian immediately tensing at the statement.

"Don't be hasty, love. We need to keep our wits about us and figure out the best way to defeat the Crocodile. If that means you need to stay here for a while, then so be it." She looked up at Killian, her protest dying on her tongue when she saw the angst in his eyes. He turned her more fully to him, his eyes on hers as he trailed his fingers against her hip, along the edge of her jacket, not quite pressing his hand over the place where their child was just beginning.

She could almost hear his voice in her head, 'it's not only you at risk any more, love.'

"Okay," she agreed, defeat evident in her voice. She turned to Regina, staring over at Henry's other mother. "Thank you for all your help, Regina."

"Yes, well." Regina straightened her shoulders, looking uncomfortable with the praise. "I hope you enjoyed all the presents I left you." She grinned like the Cheshire cat, her eyes twinkling in deep amusement as Emma blushed red.

"We did enjoy them. Immensely," Killian purred from behind her. Never one to back down from a challenge, that was her pirate. The grin on Regina's face slowly disappeared as she took in the devilish smile on Killian's, probably regretting her decision to try and tease them.

As Regina looked over at them, a thoughtful expression came over her face, her eyes moving to Emma's parents before she sighed heavily and rolling her eyes at her hesitation. "There is one option available to you, Emma. One that would solve all your problems."

"What is it?" Emma immediately asked, hope immediately running through her.

"You could end the pregnancy."

Emma stilled, her heart pounding so hard in her chest that she was sure that Killian could feel it. It was so simple, really. Just end it, get rid of it and the problem would be solved. Except that she couldn't, wouldn't do that. She hadn't been able to do it when she was eighteen and alone and she definitely wouldn't do it now with Killian pressed against her back, her child's soul swirling in a glass orb in her hand.

"No," she said, her voice ringing out with quiet authority.

She saw her father move out of the corner of her eye, almost as if he twitched in response to her statement. She looked at her mother, tears gathering in her eyes as she contemplated what Regina had suggested, searching herself carefully for any desire to end this pregnancy.

"No," she repeated, softer this time, but somehow more sure. Mary Margaret smiled at her, understanding clear in her green eyes.

"If it's an option, we need to discuss it," Regina said.

"Well, it's not an option, so there's nothing to discuss." She looked over at Regina, challenging her.

"Emma," Regina said softly, stepping toward her, but Killian pulled her tighter to his side.

"She said no." Regina paused at the tone of warning in Killian's voice.

"It's settled then. You need to stay here and I'll call if I find anything." And with that, Regina waived her hands in front of herself, a swirl of purple smoke enveloping her.

Killian pressed a kiss to Emma's temple and she sighed, closing her eyes as she turned and tucked herself into his arms. The Sphere was still held tightly in her palm; she couldn't bear the thought of letting it go, and they trapped it between their bodies as they held one another. They stood there for several long moments like that, absorbing the information that Regina and her mother had given them before her father cleared his throat to get their attention.

She pulled guiltily away from Killian, a blush coloring her cheeks as she looked over at her parents. Her mother was beaming at her while her father stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, looking like he wanted to challenge Killian to a duel.

"You two must be exhausted." Emma snorted as her mother's face went almost instantly red as she realized what she'd said. Emma looked to Killian, a small smile forming on her face as she saw the amusement and raised eyebrow on his.

"I mean, you've been up all night, you haven't slept, you know because you've been... And, and...oh, hell." Mary Margaret buried her face in her hands, laughing at herself before looking back to her daughter, her cheeks still pink with embarrassment. "Your father needs to get to work and I'm going to do some laundry while Neal sleeps. You should get some rest. Elsa walked Henry to school, so your room is empty."

"Just remember," David said sternly, stepping closer to where she and Killian were still loosely wrapped around each other, "this is my roof and you will not be touching my daughter inappropriately while you're under it, Hook." He said nothing more, walking around the two of them and grabbing his jacket before yanking the door open and stalking out. It promptly slammed as he left, Emma jumping at the sound.

"Just give him a little time. He'll get over it. Eventually." Mary Margaret shook her head, taking a step towards the laundry basket on the kitchen table before turning back to them. Her eyes landed on Killian, causing him to tense as she narrowed her eyes. "He did have a point, Hook. You can go upstairs with Emma, but leave the door open and nothing happens, do you hear me?"

"Mom, really," Emma murmured, a blush burning her cheeks. God, they were acting like she was a teenager with a boyfriend over for the first time. They were a little past the open doors and no touching rule. The man had already knocked her up, for god's sake!

"It's alright, Swan." Killian let her go, turning to her mother and dipping low in an elegant bow, his hand held over his heart. "I shall be the perfect gentleman, milady. Your daughter is safe in my charge."

"Make sure it stays that way, pirate," Mary Margaret responded, sounding very much like the royal personage that she was. Then she turned and gathered up the laundry basket, exiting the loft to take it to the laundry room on the lower level of the building.

"Alone at last," Killian said, pulling her back into his arms. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "How are you feeling, love?"

"A bit frazzled," she admitted, sagging against him. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face into his neck and breathing deeply, the warmth of the Sphere still heating her palm.

"We have a lot to talk over, but for now, you need to sleep. And then eat an actual meal," he murmured into her hair.

"No more pop-tarts?" she asked.

"Perhaps another time, love. Come." He pulled away, grasping her hand in his and tugging her toward the stairs and her room. She paused long enough to look over at Neal's crib, making sure he was still sleeping before she let Killian pull her up the stairs. She followed him, keeping the Sphere pressed tight to her chest.

She let him undress her once they were in her room. He slowly removed each article of clothing, pressing chaste kisses to her skin as it was exposed to him. She told him where to find her pajamas and when he pulled them from the drawer, he raised an eyebrow at her.

"You'll need to ask Regina where she found that gown you wore on the ship."

"That would be a little impractical to wear around the loft, Killian," she replied, her cheeks blazing red at the thought of wearing that revealing nightgown here. She slipped into her flannel pajamas, crossing over to the bed and getting under the covers.

"Perhaps not here, love, but you do live in your own abode now." She smiled at that. Maybe she would ask Regina.

"Aren't you going to sleep, too?" she asked him, snuggling down and pulling her hand back up over her heart, globe still caught tight within the safe embrace of her fingers.

"Aye, but first I'm going to freshen up a bit. Can I get you anything, love?" he asked as he tucked her in, sitting down on the edge of the bed and looking down at her.

"Nah. I'm just really sleepy." The weeks of inadequate sleep coupled with the extremely emotional past two days were taking a toll on her and she could barely keep her eyes open.

"Then sleep, my love. I'll be here when you wake up. Pleasant dreams." He leaned over, pressing a kiss to her forehead and then, dipping his head a little lower, he pressed a kiss against the hand that held the Sphere. She smiled at the sweet gesture, reaching up with her free hand to trail her fingers against his stubbly jaw.

She sighed, happy, despite the unknown threat that was looming over her and her child. Killian stared down at her, happiness in his own eyes as he smiled at her. Her heart was full and she knew it was time to admit what she'd known to be true for a very long time now.

"Killian?" She cupped his face in her hand, her thumb pressing into his scar as she swallowed over the sudden lump in her throat.

"Aye?"

"I love you," she whispered. She watched as he caught his breath, stilling above her before he swooped down and kissed her senseless. She giggled as he pressed kiss after kiss across her face before settling back and grinning giddily down at her.

"It's about bloody time," he stated. She snorted in response, pushing his hair off his forehead as the Sphere in her hand vibrated against her. She loosened her grip, watching as it began to hover in the air above her heart, vibrating and twirling with amazing speed. She stared at it in awe, Killian's face lit from beneath with its brilliant light.

"It seems someone else approves of your decision to finally confess your true feelings to me, Swan," Killian whispered.

"I guess so," she smiled, reaching out a finger to trail along the warm surface of the Sphere. She laughed at the way the light followed her touch around its circumference. She felt Killian's eyes on her and when she looked up at him, he beamed down at her, that giddy smile back on his face.

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead before he stood. "Sleep, Swan." At the door to her room, he turned back, watching her for a moment before saying, "I'll be here when you wake.

And Emma?"

"Yeah?" she asked sleepily, pulling the Sphere back into her palm and curling her hand up under her chin as she snuggled deeper into her blankets.

"I love you, too." Then he was gone, leaving the scent of leather behind as the Sphere vibrated pleasantly against her.

Killian descended the stairs, stopping to pull off his jacket and hang it next to the front door. He toed off his boots, running his hand through his hair and wincing at the greasy buildup. He made his way over to the fridge, yanking it open and sighing as he pulled out a jug of orange juice, setting it on the counter so he could pull a glass down from the shelf above the sink.

Once the juice was poured, he settled against the counter and drank it down in several long gulps, smacking his lips in enjoyment once done. He set the glass down and stared at the dregs of the juice left in it for several long moments, his mind whirring with the events of the past twenty-four hours.

"I'd offer you a penny for your thoughts, but I'm concerned you'd try to steal my wallet." David Nolan's voice broke into his thoughts, startling him. He'd been so absorbed in his thoughts he hadn't heard Emma's father return.

"Your Highness," he said hesitatingly in greeting, his eyes flicking in the direction of Emma's room, wondering if she was still awake and would perhaps save him from what was sure to be an awkward exchange.

"I hope she's already fallen asleep," David commented, catching Killian's glance. "At least the incubus is dead now. She can rest."

"Thanks to me, eh, mate?" David paused as he reached down to the phone he'd forgotten on the table. He looked at Killian, assessing the man that was both younger and older than him.

"Yes, thanks to you," he responded, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared across the tense space between them. "I may not like how it happened, but you did save my daughter and for that, I truly am thankful, Hook."

"That didn't hurt too much, did it?" Killian asked, not able to keep the bitter note from his voice. The man had to know he loved his daughter beyond any measure of reason and yet, he still stood there staring over at Killian as if he was the worst possible option for her.

David stared at him for a moment longer, expression thoughtful before he walked to where Killian stood, his body tensing as the prince reached up for a glass and poured himself some juice. He refilled Killian's empty glass, clinking them together before he raised his in a toast.

"It was painful, thank you very much." He tilted the glass in a sardonic salute then took several deep gulps. Killian raised his glass, taking a small sip before setting it back down. His eyes never left David's, assessing the prince in much the same way he'd assessed the pirate only moments before.

Now or never, Hook, he thought to himself.

He turned fully to face Emma's father, clearing his throat and swallowing hard before he straightened his shoulders and raised his chin. He felt as if he was sailing into battle and perhaps in a way he was. He'd lived over three hundred years and yet, he'd never had to tell a lass's father what his intentions were.

Well, he'd known he'd be having a conversation with her father like this at some point. One didn't pillage and plunder a prince's daughter alone on a ship for hours without enduring some type of embarrassing conversation after the fact.

"Your Highness," he began, but David quickly cut him off.

"It's David here, Hook." Killian nodded, scratching nervously behind his ear before continuing.

"David, I told you before that whatever Emma and I are to become, it's up to her as much as it is me."

"I remember." David took another sip of his drink, watching almost happily as Killian fiddled with his earring, then twirled the rings on his fingers awkwardly, not able to stop fidgeting as he struggled to say what he needed to.

"That still holds true, but I think it's safe to say that our lives are more deeply entwined now then they were when I spoke those words." He suddenly stopped fidgeting, standing straight and staring intently into David's blue eyes. "I love your daughter and I swear to be the best man for her, for her children, that I can be. And I hope that, one day, when she's ready, she'll have me for her husband."

He took a deep breath, adding earnestly, "It would mean a lot to me if I had your blessing to ask for her hand when the time comes."

Killian stilled, waiting to hear what David's response would be, feeling as if his life hung in the balance. David stared at him for another moment before setting his glass down on the counter. He took a breath, pushing it out slowly before reaching over to grasp Killian's shoulder.

"You do know if you ever hurt her, even just a little, I will hunt you for the rest of your days, correct?"

"Aye."

"And if you do anything to hurt her children, I'll be joined by her mother and Regina in that hunt."

"Aye." David grinned then, squeezing Killian's shoulder before slapping him soundly on the arm. An 'oomph' left Killian's mouth at the touch, his knees bending slightly with the impact.

"Alright, Hook, you have my blessing, but know that I reserve my right as a father to retract it whenever I see fit."

"Yes, Dave," Killian muttered, reaching up to rub at his throbbing shoulder.

"Well, I'm off to make the rounds. Call me if Regina finds anything." David dropped his empty glass in the sink, clapping Killian once more, hard, on the arm before making his way to the door of the loft. He paused with the doorknob in his hand, turning back to look at Killian from across the room. "Don't screw this up, Killian. She deserves to be happy. More than anyone else I know."

And with that, her father was gone, leaving Killian feeling lighter, but heavier all at the same time. What the prince had said was right; Emma Swan deserved every happy moment that life had to offer and Killian knew he could provide all of them to her, but it was a daunting task, trying to become a man worthy of the Savior.

He hoped he would live up to it all, especially now that she was going to be the mother of his child.

His child.

He shook his head, making his way over the bathroom. Gods, but it had been an extremely eventful twenty-fours hours and he was insanely happy, if apprehensive about solving this latest riddle and saving their child. Leave it to the Crocodile to threaten his happiness, to hold his fate once again in his hands.

Well, there was no way he'd win this time around, Killian swore darkly, his hand pausing for a moment as he reached out to turn the knob on the shower. He'd do anything to protect his family and that most definitely included taking on his old foe.

Even if it ended up being the last thing he did.

He paused again, thinking of Emma's upturned face, making him promise that it was the two them, just her and him together now. As much as he wanted to go after the Crocodile, he knew that he couldn't, not without her. He'd made a promise and he'd never turn his back on that. Stepping into the shower, he let the water rush over him, sighing as he thought of Emma, asleep upstairs, waiting for him to join her.

His family. His happiness. His True Love.

When he finally returned to her room, she was lying on her side, deeply asleep, her hand curled protectively under her chin. He slid into the bed behind her, leaving his jeans on for propriety's sake. He wrapped himself around her, contentment shooting up through his body at the warm feel of her against him. Pressing a chaste kiss against her shoulder, he closed his eyes and breathed in her scent, loving the way she settled into him.

"I love you," he whispered, enjoying the way it rolled off his tongue, smiling as he heard her sigh in response. She mumbled something unintelligible under her breath and Killian wrapped his arm around her waist, pressing his hand protectively over her stomach as he fell easily asleep against her.