Baelfire is Henry's biological father in this verse, but Emma isn't his biological mother. This isn't necessarily anti-Rumple, but it's definitely in a world where he never found a reason to calm down and is a major threat.
Regina gently strokes her daughter's soft blonde curls as she snuggles her stuffed rabbit closer. Killian had come upon the plush toy on a trip to the market and brought it back, excited for her. Even though she was only 6 months old at the time, Alice had barely let go of it since. She was such a sweet little girl, if not a little wild. Often opting to tear off all her clothes and run around the corridors naked, with her frazzled nanny not far behind her. One of her parents often scooped her into their arms, pressing a million kisses to her face. They had been through a couple of nannies, trying to find one that agreed with their parenting style. Alice had rules, of course she did. But they nurtured her creativity and spunk. She was only 2, there was plenty of time to have her be serious about life.
Alice's eyes flutter close, only to open once more. She's fighting sleep after a long day of running through the garden with David, finger painting alongside Killian and getting into Snow's makeup. It's Regina's night to put her to bed. Their nanny is only there for when all of them are busy with meetings or other duties. They try to take turns with bedtime, so she knows how loved she is.
Regina lets out a soft sigh as she takes in the wooden crib that Geppetto carved for them when she outgrew her bassinet. Alice will be 3 in just a few weeks and she's ready for her big girl bed. Geppetto's been hard at work getting it ready in time for her birthday. Regina cannot believe her little girl is a full fledge toddler. She wishes she could keep her little, innocent forever.
Gothel's letter has been carefully hidden, but her words often haunt Regina's mind. As soon as she realized that the baby had no powers, Gothel deemed her useless and cast her aside. How could anyone in the world find such a precious little girl useless? Regina remembers her own mother. Cora tried, she loved Regina in her own way. And yet, Regina often felt unloved, useless. She won't let the same be said for her daughter.
Eventually, Alice's eyes drift shut and stay that way. Regina presses one last kiss to her forehead, pulling away from the crib. It's only then she notices her wife standing in the doorway. Regina gives her a small smile, but Snow doesn't match it.
"We need to talk," Snow whispers once Regina makes her way over to her. "My office."
Regina nods, closing the door halfway and making sure one of the torches that lights the hall stays on for Alice's sake. "What's going on?"
"Do you remember Killian's brief time in Neverland?"
"What Killian told us about it." Before they met, a trip during his time in the Navy lead their husband to an island where no one aged. "He wasn't there long, saved some kids, one was Milah's son."
Regina frowns. Not at the memory of Milah. Both she and Killian once had respective epic romances prior to their own relationship. Daniel was killed at the hands of her mother, Milah by her ex-husband. She had a son that Killian cared for very much. After they returned to the Enchanted Forest, Killian tried to convince Baelfire to stay with him, but the young boy was stubborn and insisted on making it on his own. Killian tried to keep tabs on his former step-son, but lost track of him a little before they met David.
"Well, he wrote Killian, Milah, I mean," Snow says. Regina's eyes light up. It means he's alive, he's okay. "He's requested a meeting with us. Tonight."
"Why so soon?"
"He didn't say. Killian sent guards to get him and bring him here."
"He can stay here as long as he needs, of course he can."
Snow nods in agreement. A long time ago, Regina put a protection spell on the castle. The Dark One can never touch it or any of the people inside. Baelfire will be safe here.
Regina enters Snow's study, finding Killian pacing. David sits in an overstuffed leather chair, frowning. "He won't sit," the younger man explains.
Regina runs her fingers through David's curls. "Ian," she whispers.
"It's been nearly 10 years," Killian mumbles. "He's 23."
"I know," Regina's voice remains soft.
"What if he's in trouble? What if he's hurt?"
Snow places a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. "If he was hurt, he couldn't reach out to you."
"But why wouldn't he just tell me in his letter?!"
"I don't know," Snow says calmly. "Maybe he wanted to do it person. Just relax."
David pipes up. "You're only 35. If he's 23…"
"Milah was a bit older than me," Killian explains, his voice still tight. "But we were still very close."
David nods. "No matter what, we can help him. Just like we did with Alice."
Killian simply nods. A rapid knock on the door stiffens him. Snow calls them in and their new head guard, Jeremy, stands there, his hands on the shoulders of a young man with wild dark locks and sad brown eyes. In his arms is a chubby baby, wrapped in a simple knit blanket. Killian pulls away from Snow, rushing over to the young man.
"Bae," he whispers.
"Hey Killian," Baelfire whispers.
"Look at you." Killian cups his cheek, taking him in. "You're all grown up."
Regina softly smiles at the scene. David's risen to his feet, sliding his hand through hers. She gently kisses his cheek. Outside Liam, there's not many people they know from their husband's past. She has nothing left of Daniel, but this is one thing Killian has of Milah. Snow takes a step forward, a smile on her own face.
"I'm Snow," she says, kindly. "This is Regina, David."
Baelfire nods. "It's nice to meet you. I've heard much about you."
Killian looks down at the baby. "And this is…"
"My son," Baelfire's voice grows soft once more. "He doesn't have a name yet."
Killian's blue eyes widen. "You're a papa?"
"No…I mean…yes…" He sighs, adjusting the sleeping boy. "His mother and I were getting ready to escape this place. We had money to get us on a ship to a new land, away from my father. He's still looking for me, but he's only gotten worse since I left."
"Where is she, your…" Killian trails off, clearly not wanting to assume.
"My wife," Baelfire clarifies. He frowns. "We spent all our money on a cure, but she died not long after our baby was born."
"Oh, Bae." Killian clasps his hand over his shoulder. "I am so sorry."
"My father is still after me," Baelfire continues. "I know he's not going to relent, even if I go to a new land." He looks down at his son, holding him closer to press a kiss to his forehead. "I've managed to get passage on another ship, but I cannot bring him with me."
Realization falls over Regina. David's grip on her hand tightens.
"Baelfire," David says. "You don't have to go. We'll take care of you."
Baelfire gives him a sad smile. "I knew you'd say that."
"The castle is protected from your father," Regina butts in. "He can't come in."
"If he realizes I'm here, he'll try harder. No magic is exact. However, he doesn't know I have a child. If I leave him here, he'll have his best chance." Baelfire looks back at Killian, who's got tears pooling his eyes. "You were the best step-father I could ever ask for. I felt safe, loved. I don't know your husband and wives that well, but I know they're kind and fair people. They'll take care of him."
"Lad," Killian breathes. "Please, we can help you…"
"Killian," Baelfire gives him a firm look. "This is how you help me. Take my son. Love him as your own. Be what he needs. Please."
For a moment, Regina doesn't see a broken young man. In his place, is just a scared little boy. He needs protection, parents. And yet, life dealt him such a cruel hand. A dead mother, a father cursed by darkness. She knows he's right. If Baelfire stays, Rumpelstiltskin will only fight to break the protection spell. The best chance for him, the child, is for one to stay and the other to go.
Regina pulls away from David and takes a place beside her other husband. She puts a hand on Baelfire's arm, causing him to look up at her.
"We'll take amazing care of him," she promises.
Snow takes a step forward. "Of course we will. We'll love him, just as we do Alice."
David is suddenly on the other side of Killian. "He won't lack for anything. And we'll let him know about you, let him know that he was loved."
"You could even visit."
Baelfire shakes his head. "It's too dangerous. At least for right now." His eyes go back to Killian. "Killian." He doesn't say anything. "Papa."
The floodgates break, tears streaming down Killian's face. He grabs hold of Baelfire, resting his forehead against his. "You need to stay safe, my boy," he whispers.
"I will," Baelfire promises. "Just…be his father. Love him. He needs you, just like I did."
Killian slowly nods, kissing Baelfire's bony cheek. "I love you, Bae."
"I love you, too."
Killian pulls away, though keeps an arm on his former stepson. Regina holds out her own arms and Baelfire sighs. He presses another kiss to his son's forehead.
"I love you," he whispers to the little baby. "You're going to be safe here, happy. Just…" Tears fall down his face. "Know that Daddy loves you."
He lets out a shaky breath, placing the baby into Regina's arms without a second look. Baelfire heads for the door, a guard following after him. Snow pulls Killian into her grasp, clearly knowing that he'll follow him. Regina quickly magics a bassinet, putting the baby down and brushes a kiss to the top of Killian's head. They hold him close, allowing him to cry and mourn the boy he once knew. Snow mutters that they'll see him again someday, and Regina hopes that she's right.
Eventually, they all pull apart. David heads for the bassinet, Killian hanging back. Regina squeezes his hand.
"We promised," she whispers. "We are going to take care of this little boy." Killian doesn't move. "You can love them both, you know?"
Killian slowly nods, his nails digging into hers as they follow Snow to the bassinet. The baby is awaking now, Regina getting her first good look at him. He can't be older than a few days, chubby cheeks, arms, and legs. His tiny hazel eyes light up his entire face, with dark patches unevenly on the top of his head. The four just stare for a moment, so Regina takes the initiative to hold him once again. The baby wiggles, so she rocks him and softly whispers some of the Spanish her father taught her. He's already a part of her, just like Alice was the first time she laid eyes on her
"He'll need a name," Snow says, softly.
Killian nods, his eyes glued to the baby. "I…I can't think of anything," he whispers. "I named Alice anyway…one of you…" He trails off and David puts an arm around him.
"What about Henry?" Snow asks, causing Regina to look up and give her a soft smile. "After your father, Regina."
Regina's heart swells. "Yeah." She looks at her husbands. "If that's okay with you?"
David nods. "I can't think of anyone else worthy more of naming a son after."
Killian lets out a sound of agreement. "Your father will love that." He's quiet for another moment. "Daniel."
Regina tilts her head. "Hm?"
"Henry Daniel," he says.
Regina's mouth drops open a bit. "Are you…are you sure? We could always go with Killian or David, maybe even Bael…"
"No," Killian interrupts firmly, but then his face grows softer. "He died protecting you. Without him, we wouldn't have you."
"Ian's right," Snow says, rubbing her husband's back.
"Henry Daniel of the Enchanted Forest," David muses. "It pairs well with Alice Eva."
Snow holds the baby next, sweetly whispering about being his mommy. David takes him, pressing tiny kisses to his face and promising to do a mural for his nursery like the bunny one he did for Alice's, suggesting maybe knights or books. They don't speak to Killian, giving him the moment he needs. Eventually, he takes a step forward, holding out his arms. David gently passes the baby, who finally stills when he settles with Killian. For the first time since the baby entered the office, he looks at him, really looks at him. Fresh tears replace the dry ones.
"We can do this," he whispers.
"We did it with Alice," Snow says, even though they all know it's not the same.
"I let Bae down when I let him go the first time," Killian says. "I'm not going to let this one go."