This one-shot was actually a request. Once I thought about it, I realized that some father-son bonding time was in order. I hope you guys enjoy!

Takes place in the fall following "New Beginnings and Happy Endings"

One Saturday morning, Liam trudged into the kitchen and announced, "Daddy, I'm hungry."

Killian ruffled his son's hair before he asked, "How about some cereal?"

"Lucky Charms?" Liam questioned.

"Of course, lad," Killian replied as he moved to grab cereal, milk, a bowl, and a spoon.

As soon as he sat them on the counter, Liam moved beside him and said, "I'll do it, Daddy," as he looked up with eyes that were a perfect combination of Killian and Emma.

"Alright, lad. Just don't spill anything."

"I won't, Daddy."

A few minutes later, Killian and Liam were sitting at the kitchen table when the dark-haired boy asked, "Where's Mommy and Anna Elizabeth?"

"They went with Aunt Mary Margaret, Evie, and Aunt Regina to see a movie," Killian answered.

Liam's brows furrowed as he asked, "Why didn't I get to go?"

"Well, lad, I don't think you'd like it. It's a girl movie," Killian told him.

"Oh," Liam simply replied before he went back to eating.

When Liam had finished, he asked, "Daddy, can we go to the park and play baseball?"

Killian smiled at his son as he answered, "Sure, lad. I'll take you as soon as you get dressed."

Liam nodded excitedly before he sprinted off to his room.

The dark-haired boy soon returned in his Mets jersey, holding the toy version of a baseball and bat, but what appeared to be a real baseball glove.

"Where did you get the baseball glove, Liam?"

"Uncle Robin gave it to me. He said it was Roland's when he was a little lad like me," Liam answered.

Killian smiled as he bent down and ruffled his son's hair. He then told him, "That was nice of him. Why don't we go try out that glove?"

Liam's only response was a smile before he headed toward the door.

When they arrived at the park, the dark-haired boy instantly began putting the glove on his hand.

"Let's play catch, Daddy."

"Sure, lad," Killian told him. He then bent down and continued, "But I think that your glove needs to be on your right hand."

"But, Daddy, I'm left-handed," Liam pointed out as he held up his gloved hand.

"I know you are. But you'll have to catch the ball with your left hand," Killian explained.

"Oh," Liam simply replied before taking the glove off and putting it on his other hand.

Killian then smiled at his son before he took the baseball and asked, "Shall we play ball?"

Liam nodded excitedly before running and finding a spot a few feet from Killian.

Killian then stood back up before he tossed the ball to his son, who easily caught it.

"You're quite the catcher, Liam."

Liam smiled brightly as he said, "Uncle Robin said that, too."

"Well, he would know. He is your coach."

Liam nodded before he threw the ball back to Killian.

They continued like that for several minutes until Liam suggested, "Daddy, will you throw the ball while I hit it?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea, lad."

Liam then took the glove off and handed it to Killian.

"You have to wear it."

"I'm not sure it'll fit, Liam. The glove is made for lads like you, not daddies."

"Oh, okay," Liam replied in understanding before placing the glove to the side and resuming his earlier position, this time with a bat in hand.

"I'm ready," Liam announced.

Killian nodded before he tossed the ball to his son, who swiftly hit it past his father.

Liam smiled brightly before tossing the bat on the ground and running around to the trees, having decided that they were bases.

But before Liam could reach "home," Killian tagged him with the ball.

As Liam sighed in defeat, Killian scooped up his son and began tickling him.

Between giggles, Liam said, "Daddy, that tickles. Stop."

Killian then relented and placed his son back on the ground.

Liam then looked across to the playground and exclaimed, "It's my teacher, Mrs. Aurora! Can we go see her?"

"Of course, Liam," Killian replied. They then began making their way over to her.

When they arrived, Liam shouted, "Hey, Mrs. Aurora!"

"Hey there, Liam. How are you?" Aurora replied with a bright smile.

"I'm good," Liam replied. He then motioned to Killian and told her, "This is my daddy."

"I know your daddy, Liam," Aurora told him.

"You do?"

"Yes, I do. It was quite a few years ago, but I taught your sister," Aurora explained.

"That's why she's so smart," Liam observed.

"You're just as smart, Liam. It just takes you a little longer to do math. But you've gotten better," Aurora told him.

Liam smiled brightly at the compliment just as Aurora's seven-year-old daughter, Grace, ran up to her mother.

"Is Daddy coming?" the auburn-haired girl asked.

"We're going to meet him for lunch, Grace," Aurora answered.

The little girl nodded before she turned and looked curiously at Liam.

"What's your name?"

"Liam," the dark-haired boy answered.

"Do you want to play?" Grace asked.

Liam nodded enthusiastically before the two kids ran off to play.

Aurora then observed, "You know, it's been my experience that most boys his age aren't that fond of playing with girls."

Killian grinned as he told her, "That's mostly true. But the cousin that is closest to his age is Belle's daughter, Colette."

"That's right," Aurora began before she questioned, "How old is she now?"

"She just turned four a couple of weeks ago," Killian replied.

Aurora nodded before she surmised, "You know, sometimes I wish that they would stay that little forever."

"Oh believe me, I know what you mean. Both with Liam, and Anna Elizabeth. I still can't believe she's in high school, now."

"It doesn't even seem like it's been that long ago since she was in my class. It makes me feel so old," Aurora told him.

Killian nodded in agreement before he added, "Yeah. She's already thinking about what she wants to go to college for."

"What would that be?"

"Teaching," Killian replied. He then elaborated, "While Emma and I work with him as much as we can, Anna Elizabeth is the one who helps with his homework right after they get home from school if he needs it. So, you probably have her to thank for his improved math skills – she's really quite good with him."

Aurora smiled as she told him, "Well, if she's really serious about it, I would glad to offer any help I can."

Killian returned her smile as he replied, "That's a lovely offer. Thank you – I'll be sure to tell her."

Aurora nodded just before she said, "You know, Liam really is a great student. As I've said, he's improved so much in math, and he's reading at a third grade level."

"That's really wonderful," Killian began. He then asked, "So, you have no problems out of him?"

"None at all," Aurora began. A thought then crossed her mind and she continued, "Though this isn't necessarily a problem, I think you should know that instead of using "boy" and "girl", he uses "lad" and "lass". It's not a bad thing per se, but I'm afraid that he'll get confused, and in turn, confuse the other students. He also answers "aye" instead of "yes"."

Killian scratched behind his ear as he admitted, "He hears me use lad and lass quite often. One would think I wouldn't since I've lived over here so long, but I still use a lot of British sayings and words. I'll be sure to work with him on using "boy" and "girl", as well as "yes"."

Aurora nodded in response just before she remembered something.

"Grace and I have to go to the store and grab a few groceries." She then asked, "Will I see you at open house next week?"

"Ay…yes, you will. Myself and Emma will be coming," Killian answered.

Aurora then told him, "Great. I'll see you both then."

Killian nodded in response just as Aurora called for her daughter, and the two of them were on their way.

Liam then ran up to Killian and stated, "Daddy, I want you to swing with me."

"I think I may be a little big for that, Liam," Killian told him, trying not to laugh.

Liam shook his head no in response before he grabbed his father's hand and proceeded to drag him over to the swings.

As Killian carefully sat down in the swing beside his son, it brought him back to a conversation he had with his brother that didn't seem quite as long ago as it actually was.

"Aren't you a little big for that, brother?" Killian teased as he came up to Liam and Anna Elizabeth in the park, where both were swinging.

Liam rolled his eyes just as Anna Elizabeth exclaimed, "Uncle Killy!" and launched herself into his arms.

Killian scooped her up and hugged her before he said, "Hello, love. Are you having fun with Daddy?"

Anna Elizabeth nodded excitedly before she told him, "Down, pease."

Killian shook his head before placing the little girl back on the ground. As she sprinted back over to the swings, Liam told her, "Hey, love, I'm going to talk to Uncle Killian for a bit. You stay where Daddy can see you, okay?"

"Otay," Anna Elizabeth answered.

Liam ruffled her curls before he and Killian made his way to a bench.

"So, how was your coffee date with Emma?" Liam asked with a teasing smile.

It was Killian's turn to roll his eyes as he answered, "It wasn't a date, Liam. It was two friends having coffee."

"Did you pay for the lass's coffee?"

Killian resisted the urge to scratch behind his ear as he replied, "Perhaps."

"You went out with a woman to whom you are attracted to, and paid for her beverage. That is the definition of a date, little brother," Liam pointed out.

"First off, it's younger brother. And second of all, I only paid because it was my suggestion to go out – but it was not a date. I am not attracted to Emma."

"So, you deny that you think she's beautiful?"

Killian sighed exasperatedly as he pointed out, "She is beautiful. But it means nothing – you know I've always noticed the beauty of the fairer sex. I am a guy after all."

"Too true, Killian," Liam began. He then took a breath and continued, "But you also told me that you think she has a marvelous sense of humor, you like that she's independent, and that she has such a kind heart despite everything she's gone through. Tell me, what does that sound like to you?"

Killian narrowed his eyes at his older brother before he told him, "Ok, I will admit that I said those things. But it wasn't all at the same time. You listen far too closely and read way too much into things. Emma has practically become my best friend. Best friends know a lot about the other and admire and respect one another. It doesn't mean I'm falling in love with Emma."

"I never said anything about love," Liam told him, trying and failing to hide a smile.

Killian once again sighed as he said, "Clearly, you aren't going to change your mind, so let's just change the subject."

"I am sorry, Killian. I don't mean to upset you – I'm only trying to help. I just want you to happy, brother."

"I know you do, Liam," Killian simply replied.

He then took a breath and changed the subject as he asked, "Is Anna Elizabeth ever going to learn to say my name?"

Liam shook his head at his brother as he reminded him, "Killian, she's only two; she's still learning how to talk. She'll eventually get it."

"So, you've said."

"Dealing with children requires a great deal of patience. It takes time for them to learn new things. You'll understand one day, little brother."

Killian scoffed at the idea. He then elaborated, "Not likely, Liam. As much as I love being an uncle, there's a great deal of difference between that and being a father. You're a great father to Anna Elizabeth – I don't know that I could do it. I'm fairly certain I wouldn't know what I was doing – it's taken me this long to learn how to look after my niece."

"You're far too hard on yourself, Killian. While it is a learning process, you're a natural with children. Not just with Anna Elizabeth, but with Jamie and Evie as well," Liam told him.

Killian sighed heavily as he replied, "Even if I did fall in love again and got married, and we decided to have children, I would never be able to measure up to our father. Despite his accident, he never gave up on doing everything he could to make sure that you, myself, and Belle were provided for. And when he was gone, you stepped up to the plate. You refused to have us be separated and became the provider at only age 16. I would fall short."

Liam sighed as well as he replied with utmost sincerity, "Killian, I know that you feel the need to reach that bar that Father and I unintentionally set. But in my mind, you already have. I am so proud of you, and I know that our father is as well. You are a good man, little brother."

Killian offered a small, but genuine smile as he said, "Thank you, Liam. That really means a lot."

Liam returned his brother's smile as he said, "And if the day does come where you find yourself married with a child, don't worry, Killian. Being a father doesn't mean that you are your child's superhero all of the time. It means that you are there for them no matter what and you love them unconditionally.

You already have such a big heart, even though you don't let everyone else always see it. You will do a great job raising him or her – I have complete faith in you. Why do you think I picked you to be Anna Elizabeth's godfather?"

The full weight of Liam's words finally began to sink in for Killian. His smile grew as he wrapped his brother in a hug.

When they pulled away, Killian joked, "Just do me a favor, alright. If that day does come, and I do turn out to be a great father, I would appreciate if you lay off the "I told you so's."

"You think I'd do that, little brother?" Liam questioned, feigning innocence.

"I know you would, Liam," Killian told him.

Liam couldn't help but chuckle before a hungry two-year-old ran up to him, and the three of them made their way to Granny's for lunch.

As Killian made his way back to reality, he said, "As usual, he was right," with a small smile.

"Daddy, who are you talking to?" Liam suddenly asked.

Killian shook his head from his thoughts and turned to answer his son.

"No one, Liam."

The dark-haired boy titled his head to the side and looked at Killian curiously.

Killian took a deep breath before he told Liam, "I was just thinking about something that my brother told me."

"Uncle Liam?"

"That's right. He was always good at giving advice," Killian told his son.

"What does advice mean?"

Killian considered his words before he answered, "Well, if I ever had a problem or I was worried about something, Liam would always tell me something that would make it better."

Liam nodded before he asked, "What was you worried about, Daddy?"

Killian once again took a deep breath before he reached out to his son and said, "Come here, lad."

Liam got out of the swing, and Killian pulled him onto his lap before he began to explain.

"You see, Liam, a long time ago, when Anna Elizabeth was a little girl, and Uncle Liam and Aunt Elsa were still alive, I would sometimes watch her. Sometimes, I would wonder what it be like to have a wife, and a little girl or boy of my own. But ultimately, I would get rid of those thoughts because I didn't think it would ever happen. I was sure I wouldn't find someone to love like Uncle Liam loved Aunt Elsa, and I knew that I wouldn't be a good father. But Uncle Liam told me that if it ever did happen, he knew that I would be a great father, and that I didn't have a reason to worry."

Liam took several minutes to process what Killian was saying before he simply told him, "Uncle Liam was smart."

"You think so?" Killian asked with a smile.

The little boy nodded before he said, "You play baseball with me and take me fishing and read to me and sing to me. I love that you're my daddy. You're the best." He then wrapped his arms around Killian's torso.

Killian hugged his son back tightly before he pulled away and kissed the top of Liam's head. He then told him, "And I love being your daddy, Liam. I'm so glad that you're my little boy."

Liam smiled brightly in response.

Then, as expected, he asked, "Is it time to eat, yet?"

Killian couldn't help but chuckle before he responded, "How about we go grab a couple of burgers from Granny's?"

"Mine has to be a cheeseburger," Liam pointed out.

"Of course, lad. Let's go," Killian replied before they both got out of the swing and began walking towards the diner.

As they did so, Killian couldn't help but watch his son. The son that was so much like himself. He would have given anything to be able to spend more time with his own father, as well as his brother. He already missed them so much, and now that he was raising his own son, it made him miss them even more.

He let out a breath just as he heard Liam's voice, "Daddy?"

"Yes?"

"I'm big now, but will you give me a piggy back ride?" Liam questioned with childlike innocence shining in those blue-green eyes. The same innocence that Kilian still sees in Anna Elizabeth's eyes every once in a while.

Killian smiled down at his son as he answered, "Of course I will, Liam." He then scooped him up and placed him on his back.

As they continued towards Granny's, Killian smiled as he thought about how next to Emma, fatherhood was the best decision he had ever made.