Asking Permission

CS Genre: Future fic (follows Making a House a Home)

Killian woke with a smile on his lips, as he seemed to do nearly every morning anymore. The sun shone brightly into their bedroom window, the smell of the sea heavy on the breeze that gently ruffled the gossamer curtains that hung before the slightly open French doors leading out to their balcony. In the distance, Killian could hear the crash of the sea against the shore. His bed was soft and warm, and he'd gotten an exemplary night's sleep.

But nothing filled him with such joy as waking to Emma Swan in his arms, her fragrant, glorious hair tickling his nose, her soft body pressed against his, a gentle smile on her face. It was overwhelming sometimes to remember that she was his, that she loved him, that she chose him as strongly and deeply as he chose her.

Life was good. Life was near to perfect, and Killian had never been happier in his life.

Slowly, gently so as not to wake Swan, Killian raised up to rest on his blunted arm and looked down at her. He reached his good hand over to brush the hair from her face and tuck it behind her ear. She was so beautiful lying peacefully in sleep; he'd never seen her equal.

He loved her so bloody much it nearly made his old, weathered heart ache.

Unable to help himself, Killian leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against her cheek, her eyes, her nose, behind her ear, and finally her lips. She moaned softly as her arms reached up to encircle his neck and she returned his kiss. It was long, slow, achingly sweet, and Killian reached down to cup her face in his hand, letting strands of her silky hair escape through his fingers.

"Killian," she sighed softly as he pulled his mouth free and then rested his forehead against hers. "That's officially my favorite way to wake up."

He chuckled. "Aye, mine too, Love. Far preferable to that wailing demon contraption you call an alarm clock. It ought to count itself lucky it hasn't found my hook plunged into its infernal mechanical insides."

Emma laughed.

"I thought the housewarming went well last night, didn't you?" Emma asked, turning on her side so they were face to face.

"Aye, quite splendidly," he answered, resting his hand on her waist and leaning forward to plant another quick kiss to her lips. "It appeared everyone enjoyed themselves and were pleased to share in our joy."

"Our joy," she said on a contented sigh. "Killian, sometimes I feel like I should pinch myself. This has got to be a dream. Having a house and my son and a guy I love sharing my bed and my home. Having a family and a houseful of friends. It's all pretty great. Never thought I'd have any of it. But then, if it is a dream, pretty sure I never want to wake up."

"I assure you this is no dream, Swan," he said with a gentle smile. "It's all quite real, and you deserve every moment of happiness this life affords you."

"So do you," she said, reaching up to brush his dark hair from his brow and then cup his cheek. "You're every bit the hero I am."

He felt a rush of gratitude. "Well, then, Darling, what say we enjoy the fruits of our hero lifee?" Unable to stop himself, he leaned forward and kissed her again. One kiss blending into two and then three, passion igniting, hands beginning to wander…

The alarm clock on the nightstand on Swan's side of the bed blared to life. She groaned, pulling her mouth free from his, slamming the "off" button with more force than was strictly necessary. She sat up and ran a hand through her hair. "Killian, I think your idea of clubbing that thing with your hook has a lot of merit."

He laughed, sitting up and reaching for her again. "Hang the contraption. I believe we were in the middle of something before we were oh so rudely interrupted."

She kissed him once more, and then reluctantly pulled back. "Wish I could continue this, but I've gotta get to the station early this morning. Dad's not going to be in until afternoon, so it's up to me to keep the streets of Storybrooke safe. You never know when Grumpy might go on a rampage because someone ate the last piece of bacon."

"Very well," Killian said on a long, dramatic sigh. "But I insist we take this up once again tonight when you return home."

"Deal," Emma stepped out of the bed and began looking through her closet. "What about you? Any plans for the day?"

Killian thought of the small box safely tucked within the pocket of his leather jacket, surer of his decision than ever. "I'd a thought to venture to the Jolly this morning," he said casually. "I've yet a few shelves of books and trinkets to box up and bring home. Your father has offered to help me."

"Sounds good," she said, leaning over to give him one last peck before heading to the shower. "Meet you downstairs in a few for coffee."

"Really?" Killian asked with a salacious lift of one eyebrow.

She laughed and then playfully smacked his shoulder. "Not that kind of coffee," she said on a laugh. "Go brew us a pot and try to behave yourself."

"As my lady wishes."

~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~

"So I think that about does it," David said, placing the last book in the box and taping the flaps closed. "How about we get these boxes to my truck and then back to your place?"

Killian took a deep breath, knowing the moment was nearly upon him. He reached into his coat, fingering the box yet again, trying to draw strength from it. Though his mind was quite made up regardless of the outcome of this conversation, he hoped the conversation went well. He valued his best mate's—and his True Love's father's—opinion.

"Aye, just so," Killian said in a tight voice.

The men silently hefted the two large boxes into the bed of David's pickup, and then the prince turned to return to the driver's seat. Killian stopped him with a hand to his shoulder.

"David," he said, "I had hoped this morning would afford us an opportunity for a conversation of some import."

Charming shot him an assessing look before breaking out into a smile and clapping Killian on the shoulder. "No need, Killian," he said. "I know what you're going to say, and it's no big deal. Really."

Killian's brow furrowed. "No big deal? I'd think you of all people would realize just what a significant issue this is."

"Wouldn't have taken you for a prude, Killian," David said with a laugh. "It was a little awkward, obviously, but you really think this is the first time it's ever happened to a dad of a beautiful daughter? Let's just forget about it and move on. Just…don't make it a habit, okay?"

Don't be a prude? Don't make it a habit? What the bloody hell was Dave on about?

"I assure you, David," Killian said, "I intend for this to be a one–time thing. It is the kind of thing a man only wishes to do once in his life."

"Once in his life?" David asked. "I don't know about that. I'd think most men would want to avoid it at all costs."

"Coming from you, mate, that makes no bloody sense."

"Okay," David said, putting his hands on his hips, "just because of that one time with Emma and Henry, doesn't mean I wanted it to happen."

With Emma and Henry…?

"David," Killian said carefully, "I've no idea what you're on about. Why in any realm would Emma and Henry have anything to do with you proposing marriage to the Lady Snow?"

"Proposing…Killian what are you talking about?"

"What are you talking about, Dave?"

"Snow and I, you know, walking in on you and Emma," David said, cheeks reddening slightly. "That's what you wanted to talk about, right? You wanted to apologize for...well you know…when Snow and I came early to the housewarming yesterday?"

Killian laughed, suddenly feeling more at his ease than he had since the moment he'd decided to have the conversation with Swan's father. "Hardly, mate," he said. "You did, after all come early. If you walk into a couple's house without warning, you're bound to get an eyeful."

"Now wait just a second, Killian!" David began. "If you think…"

Killian stopped him with a raised hand, realizing suddenly that it might not be the best idea to antagonize his love's father just before asking for his blessing. "I apologize Dave. Emma and I will attempt to be more circumspect in the future. That was, however not my aim in conversing with you today."

"It wasn't?" David asked. "Then what was?"

The moment of truth was upon him. Killian reached into his pocket so as to avoid scratching behind his ear. No sense broadcasting his nerves to Swan's father. Pulling the box from the pocket, he opened it and presented it to David.

"I'm flattered, Hook," David said dryly, "but I'm already taken, and I don't think this family needs to get any more complicated than it already is."

Killian barked a laugh "Quite right, but as it happens, it's your daughter and not your charming self that I wish to wed. David, I'd like to ask your permission to propose to Emma."

"Of course you have my permission," David said quickly.

"Truly?" Killian asked, eyes widening. "I thought I'd need a full speech to convince you. After all, I seem to remember you once telling me you would make sure I never got your daughter."

David laughed. "You would have to bring that up, wouldn't you?"

"Pirate, Dave."

David laughed again, and then suddenly sobered. "Look Killian, obviously we had a bit of a…rocky start to our relationship, but I'm a big enough man to admit I was wrong about you. I've seen how much you love my daughter and our whole family. I've seen how much she loves you. I couldn't ask for more for my little girl."

Killian stood tall and proud, moved beyond words at his mate's words. "So…you believe I'm worthy of Emma?" he asked, voice slightly choked with emotion.

"Look, no one will ever be good enough for Emma," David said, "but I suppose you're about as close as it's possible to get."

"You've no idea what your approval means to me, David," Killian said. "And I swear to you, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to ensure Emma has nothing but her heart's desire."

"Yeah, well…" David said, glancing aside, clearing his throat. "I'm glad to hear it."

David abruptly turned, opened his truck door and got in. Killian followed suit. The two were silent for a couple of blocks before David turned a grin toward Killian. "So Hook, just what would you have done if I'd refused to give you permission?"

Killian's returning grin was pure pirate. "I'd have proposed just the same."

"That right?"

"Aye. Your daughter is a grown woman who is fully capable of making decisions regarding her future."

"That she is," David said with a nod in Killian's direction, "and I doubt she'd appreciate anyone trying to make the decisions for her, but Killian…if you planned to propose regardless, why bother asking for my permission?"

Killian glanced aside, looking sightlessly at the Storybrooke establishments as they passed. After a moment he looked back at David. "I may not need your permission, Dave, but I wish you to know that I value your approval. You're an important part of Swan's life…and a good friend in your own right. I value your opinion. It means more than you know that you've given me your blessing."

David nodded. "Well you have it. And for the record, I look forward to having you as an official part of the family."

Notes:

-Happy Friday! Only a few weeks more before our favorite couple is back on screen!

-This chapter was inspired by a spoiler that came out a few weeks ago. Apparently Josh and Colin filmed a scene at the docks for 6x12 where Killian asks David for permission to propose to Emma, and David says "Of course you have my permission." *crazy fangirl screeching*

-Up next: I'm not sure yet. Stay tuned to find out!