Killian sank down on his couch after a long and tiring day. He had spent the day combing through his brother and sister-in-law's things with Belle and Anna. It was a task that was emotionally daunting for the three of them, but they knew it had to be done. It had been almost a month since the funeral, and they had to start going on with their lives, no matter how difficult it might be.
If it hadn't been for Belle, he would have skipped lunch completely, and he knew that skipping dinner wouldn't be in his best interest.
Just then, he heard a knock at the door, and he furrowed his brows as to who it could be.
He got up and made his way to the door. When he opened it, he couldn't help but offer a small smile at the sight of Emma holding a pizza box in her hand.
"Belle told me how she had to practically beg you to stop and eat earlier, so I thought I'd bring this for the both of us," the blonde told him before she was ushered in the house.
"She sent you to check on me, didn't she?" Killian asked as he took the pizza from Emma.
"She didn't have to. I wanted to come see you, and if it happens to alleviate your sister's worries, then I call that a win-win," Emma responded with a smile.
"Well, I hope that you accomplished that task. I want her to have a good time at the movies with Ruby," Killian stated matter-of-factly.
"Ruby is a great friend to all of us – I don't think you'll have to worry about that," the blonde assured with a bright smile. He smiled back in response.
He then teased her, "So, Swan, I'm assuming that you remembered mushrooms on the pizza?"
Emma rolled her eyes before she responded, "Very funny. You know I hate them, so you'll have to settle for pepperoni."
He couldn't help but smile at her once more, both for the pizza and for her ability to make him feel better.
However, his change in mood was short lived as he turned to head toward the kitchen table. A stack of his brother's books sat in the middle of the round, wooden structure.
The food was momentarily forgotten as Emma took it from his hand and placed it on the counter. She then wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug, and he wrapped his around her waist.
They embraced for several minutes before pulling away. Emma then carefully asked, "Do you wanna talk about it?"
Killian took a series of deep breaths before he admitted, "I know it's been a month since the accident and the funeral, along with the reading of the will, but it all sank in today. The only think sitting in their house is furniture. There's no evidence of the life that they built together – it'll be scattered between here, New York, and bloody Denmark. It doesn't feel right."
He could no longer fight the tears or his urge to slam one of the books on the floor. He then sank down to a sitting position and told Emma, "I didn't want you to see me like this, love."
She sank down beside him before she told him, "Next to Elsa, you were, uh, well, are my best friend. I know you want to be strong for Anna Elizabeth – especially after she saw you break down the night of the wreck. But, she'll be with David and Mary Margaret for a few more hours. It's just us."
Killian offered her a grateful smile before he hugged her once more. When they pulled away, he spoke, "You know, Anna was rather determined for today not to be sad – she knew that isn't what Liam and Elsa would want. She said we should see it as a celebration of their lives, and that we each get to keep a part of them."
He then took another deep breath and quietly added, "And she was right."
Emma heard him and replied, "Then that's what we'll do. When we finish our pizza, I'll help you put this stuff away, and we can relive those moments together."
"Thank you, Emma," Killian sincerely told her. She nodded in response before they both got off the floor.
The blonde then teased, "You can tell me about all of the times Liam had to talk you out of your impulsiveness."
Killian shook his head before he pointed out, "I'm not sure there's quite enough hours in the day for all of those stories, Swan."
Emma only grinned and shook her head in response.
Killian stuffed the pizza box in the trash can. When he turned back toward Emma, he found her looking at the stack of the books they had placed in a vacant chair.
"It seems that Liam was quite the fan of Ernest Hemingway. I'm pretty sure these are all of his books," she commented.
"Well, love, like Belle – and myself – Liam was an avid reader. I suppose it stems from the fact that Mother was constantly reading to us as children. I still have some of those books," Killian fondly explained.
Emma smiled as she spoke, "Well, I'm sure she would love that the three of you still love reading and have a collection of books to show for it."
He returned her smile before he began looking through the stack of books as well. However, his hand faltered when he came across a worn blue, green, and white cover.
"I can't believe he kept it all this time."
"What is it?" Emma asked.
The dark-haired man took a deep breath before he answered, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It was my favorite book as a child, and I remember my mother reading it to me. I recall one specific time when I had to stay home from school because I had the flu, and I wasn't too fond of the fact that I had to stay in bloody bed. As you can probably imagine, I didn't make things easy for Mum, but she was patient and stubborn. Two good traits for dealing with a rather temperamental lad. Her solution was reading this very book, and her calming voice lulled me to sleep. To this day, whenever I read it, it's in her voice."
Emma smiled at his memory. She reached over to squeeze his hand, and they stood in silence for a few minutes.
She then asked him, "Why did Liam have it?"
"When Milah and I decided to travel together, there was only so much that I could fit into one duffel bag, and a childhood book wasn't high on my priority list," Killian explained. He then took a breath and added, "I'd wager that my brother forgot that he had it as the years passed. I suppose that Belle must have found it and placed it with these other books."
The blonde nodded before she surmised, "The fact that he kept it at all shows how much he knew that book meant to you."
"Aye, love. As practical as he was, family meant everything to him."
"Yeah. He was always worrying over you guys – whether it was you and Belle or Elsa and Anna Elizabeth," Emma conceded.
"I know. He was a great brother – I miss him terribly. He and Elsa – I felt as though I had another sister in her," Killian spoke with a far-off look in her eyes.
"She was a sister to me, too," Emma spoke. She then took a deep breath and continued, "I'm still not sure how to make it without her," as she wiped a tear that had slipped down her cheek.
A moment later, she deflected, "And here I am supposed to be helping you."
"You being here is helping, Swan," Killian assured her, as he brushed a piece of hair off her shoulder.
She offered a grateful smile before she spoke, "How about I get back to helping you put this stuff away? I assume you want these books on your bookshelf."
He nodded, and she grabbed the stack of books – all except a certain Jules Verne novel, which was still in Killian's hand.
Emma then made her way toward his bedroom. A moment later, Killian tore his gaze away from the book and followed his blonde friend.
He kneeled beside her in front of the vacant shelf in the bookcase. Before Emma began placing the books, she asked, "Do you, like, want these in a specific order or anything?"
Killian couldn't help but grin as he responded, "I think you're confusing me with my sister, Swan."
She couldn't help but roll her eyes and shake her head before returning to the task at hand. A couple of minutes later, both of them got off the floor.
Emma then asked, "Okay, so, what can I do next?" She then saw a mischievous glint in her friend's eyes and anticipated his next words.
"What I'm hearing, Swan, is that I'm the boss of you? Is that right, love?"
"Just for today. Don't get used to it," the blonde retorted with crossed arms, resulting in a chuckle from Killian. She swatted his arm before they both made their way back into the living room.
When Emma and Killian had arrived, the blonde sat down in front of one of the boxes and undid the lid.
Killian couldn't help but grin at her eagerness before he sat down by another box.
He then heard Emma's voice, "Alright, this box in full of…baseball stuff." She looked up at him as she finished.
"Aye, love. As you well know, the Jones children are all avid baseball fans," Killian replied with a smile.
The blonde smiled back before she asked, "How did you guys get into it?"
"That would be thanks to our neighbor, who was also a co-worker of my mother's. Though we lived in the small New York town of Athens – though it wasn't quite as small as here – my parents' jobs were in the city," Killian began.
"I take it none of you guys really liked the city," Emma interrupted.
"No, not really. My father tried living in London on account of his position, but it didn't suit someone who grew up in a seaside village. He settled in a town that was close enough to the city, but it was still quiet and peaceful. That's where he met a lovely schoolteacher," he explained with a fond smile.
Emma smiled back before she surmised, "And when all of you moved to the States, it only made sense for you guys to live in a place similar to that." She then grinned and added, "In an apartment with a view of the water."
The dark-haired man grinned before he continued, "As I was saying earlier, our neighbor, who became a family friend, introduced us to baseball. She knew that we were not only in a new city, but also a new country. She – being Mrs. Eva Brown – wanted to make us feel at home."
"I'm sure she missed your parents when they were killed. And then when you, Belle, and Liam moved away," Emma spoke.
"Aye. She was lovely woman," he agreed. The blonde then reached over and squeezed his arm, and he offered a grateful smile in response.
They both then turned their attention back to the task at hand.
As Emma looked through the box, a smile erupted as she pulled out a framed photo of the whole family. She then observed, "I didn't know you had freckles, Killian."
"Only a few when I was a lad. They faded by the time I got in high school," he explained as he looked up.
"Well, I think you were pretty adorable," Emma teased with a giggle. She then nudged his shoulder with hers.
He rolled his eyes before he told her, "I'm fairly certain that I would have protested with that statement."
The blonde rolled her eyes as well before she conceded, "I'm fairly sure you would have." A moment later, both of them began laughing.
Killian then sobered and said, "Despite the fact that we essentially became orphans, Liam ensured that we never felt that way."
"He loved you and Belle so much, and I know he was so proud of you both."
The dark-haired man lightly scoffed at her words before he refuted, "I'm not sure I've done much to be proud of, Swan."
Emma shook her head before she defended, "You took your job with your brother seriously. You learned everything you possibly could and now you're great at it. You are also an amazing brother to Belle and friend to the rest of us. We all know we can always count on you, Killian."
He shot her a grateful smile before he sincerely spoke, "Thank you, Emma. That really means a lot."
"Sure thing," she replied with a bright smile. Their eyes stayed locked for a few moments before they both looked away.
Emma then changed the subject, "So, where does the baseball stuff go?"
"Uh, let's see," Killian began. He looked at the various items before he continued, "The baseball card collection can go in the cabinet underneath the TV, the assorted memorabilia can go in my closet, and the photos can be placed on the various end and coffee tables."
The blonde took a moment to absorb his instructions before she began getting up. Once she was on her feet, she reached to grab the box when she stopped and asked Killian, "Aren't you going to help?"
"Alas, love, I have my own box to tend to, and you volunteered for this job," Killian replied with a smug grin.
Emma rolled her eyes once more before she told him, "You are incorrigible." "Perhaps, love, but I'm still your best friend," he replied, his grin growing.
She shook her head before she grabbed the cardboard box and walked over to the entertainment system.
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"Uncle Killian!" Anna Elizabeth yelled as she came through the door, with Mary Margaret close behind.
"I'm right here, love," Killian told his niece as he walked into the kitchen.
She ran to him and wrapped him a hug. He smiled as he hugged her back, stroking her blonde curls.
The little girl then looked up at him and exclaimed, "I had the mostest fun with Evie!"
He then bent down on her level and told her, "I'm so happy of that, love." She smiled brightly at him before he continued, "Why don't you go get your things ready for a bath?"
"I taked one at Evie's, house, Uncle Killian," Anna Elizabeth stated.
"You did?" he asked before he looked at Mary Margaret, who nodded her affirmation.
Anna Elizabeth nodded at her uncle as well before she asked, "Can I go play now?"
"Aye, love," Killian responded as he ruffled her hair. Without a second thought, the little girl then ran to her room.
When the dark-haired man had rose back to his feet, he thanked Mary Margaret. She waved her hand in dismissal before she replied, "It was no problem. I know it's been a long and tiring day for you, and I wanted to help. I washed her clothes while she was in the tub so she could have something clean to put on."
Killian smiled gratefully before he reiterated his earlier words, "I really appreciate it, love."
Before Mary Margaret could reply, they both heard Emma's voice, "Killian, where do want this Bon Jovi shirt?"
When the blonde arrived in the kitchen, she apologized, "Oh, guys, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were here, Mary Margaret."
"It's alright, Emma. I could say the same about you," the pixie-haired brunette replied with a mischievous grin that Emma, as well as Killian, noticed, but chose to ignore.
The perky brunette then bid goodbye to her sister-in-law and friend before she headed out the door.
Killian then turned his attention back to Emma and asked, "What were you saying about…" trailing off as he caught sight of the gray t-shirt in her hand.
"I'm guessing there's a reason this t-shirt didn't get placed in the storage locker," the blonde surmised.
"Aye, Swan," he simply responded. He then took a deep breath and elaborated, "It was a concert that the five of us – and by five, I mean my brother and sister plus Elsa and Anna – went to. Liam and Elsa had been planning for just the two of them to go, but as they say, life happened. Belle was reeling from her first broken heart while I was struggling to pass bloody math to even graduate high school. Anna had just met Kristoff, and she was confused about what to do. She fancied him, but she didn't want another disaster like Hans had been. All three of us were rather stressed, but we didn't want to ruin Liam and Elsa's date. But being the protective and worrying older brother and sister that they were, they managed to purchase three extra tickets. We all protested furiously, but as you're well aware, Liam and Elsa both were dreadfully stubborn. And since they had already bought the tickets, we couldn't exactly say no."
Emma couldn't help but smile at the story. After a few moments, she surmised, "Well, I know that all of you had a great time."
"We did. I still can't believe they did that for us," Killian spoke, his voice sounding surreal.
The blonde then replied, "You, Belle, and Anna meant everything to them. You guys were first in their lives. That only changed when Anna Elizabeth was born, but there were still so many times they put you three above themselves."
"They often had to be reminded to consider their own happiness," he agreed.
Emma nodded before she added, "I think that all parents have to be reminded of that at one time or another."
"Aye," Killian simply responded, and Emma heard the fear penetrating his voice.
She then perceived, "You're worried about being a good father to Anna Elizabeth."
He took a deep breath before he admitted, "I'm bloody terrified. You know how long it took me to just feel comfortable watching her for a few hours. But this, raising her? I don't know how I'm going to do it, Emma."
Tears began to well up in his blue eyes, and Emma simply wrapped her arms around him in a hug, one he gratefully returned.
When they pulled away, she assured him, "You're not alone, Killian. Your sister, all of your friends, me – we're a family, and you know we'll be here for you."
He took her words to heart before he smiled gratefully at her. He then spoke, "Thank you, love. I know you're right, and I can't tell you how much it means to me."
She smiled back at him before she spoke, "You know you always have someone to count on." "Especially you, Swan," he added, and she nodded in response.
As a request entered his mind, he began scratching behind his ear. He then asked, "Uh, love, would you consider…" He trailed off and shook his head before he finished, "Never mind," looking down.
"Just ask me, Killian," Emma earnestly stated.
When he looked back up and into her green eyes, he saw the worry and the care in them. She knew she wanted to help, and that she probably would if he only asked.
Killian took a deep breath before he stated, "Feel free to say no, Swan. But, love, you are so amazing with Anna Elizabeth. You adore her, and she clearly feels the same about you. I know you did not sign up for this, and I know I'm asking so much, but would you please help me with her? It would be a great relief to know I could count on you, Emma."
Emma could tell he wanted to hide the pleading in his voice, but it still came through. He was asking a lot, and she understood what she was getting. A conversation from a few years back entered her mind, and her decision was made.
She then took a deep breath as well before she began, "Shortly after Anna Elizabeth was born, I made a promise to Elsa that I would always be there for her daughter, and I intend to keep that promise."
She then reached over to squeeze his hand and continued, "We are best friends, Killian, and you know I would do anything for you. I do love Anna Elizabeth, and I will help you with her."
Killian let out a sigh of relief, and a bright smile erupted on his face. He then pulled her in for a crushing hug as he told her, "Thank you so much, Emma."
When they pulled away, she smiled and sincerely responded, "You are so welcome."
A moment later, her voice turned teasing as she joked, "Although, I'm not sure the future Mrs. Jones will appreciate this arrangement."
Killian rolled his eyes before he began to laugh. When he had sobered, he spoke, "Well, love, unless you know something I don't, there won't be a future Mrs. Jones."
"Well, I can't see the future, but I doubt anyone would put up with all the Pirates of the Caribbean references, the constant Bryan Adams concert, or your impulsiveness," she teased.
"I could say the same about you and your stubbornness, Swan," he pointed out.
Emma couldn't help but giggle before she observed, "Well, I guess we don't have to worry about any interference, then."
"I suppose we don't," Killian simply responded with a grin.
The blonde grinned back before she told him, "I really should be getting home. I'll see you and Anna Elizabeth at the park tomorrow."
He smiled at her words before he spoke, "Indeed you will. See you later, Swan."
"See you later, Killian," she responded. She then turned and made her way out the door.
When she was gone, he leaned against the counter and breathed another sigh of relief. He couldn't explain the peace that he felt. Emma really was a bloody marvel, and he was so grateful to have her as a friend.
A moment later, he heard his niece calling for him, and he began heading toward her room. When he arrived, Anna Elizabeth asked, "Will you read a story to me?"
"Of course I will, love," Killian responded. He then went over to her bed and made himself comfortable while she excitedly grabbed a book.
Once the four-year-old was settled, he began reading. He didn't get very far when he realized she was fast asleep. He placed the book aside before he softly kissed the top of her head; he then began stroking her blonde curls.
His mind then began to wander to her parents. Though Anna Elizabeth was 100% Liam's child, she reminded Killian of Elsa in some ways as well. In truth, being around their little girl every day made him miss them even more, but he wanted to take care of her, even though he was scared to death.
But he wouldn't be raising his niece by himself. Just as Emma hadn't known that she would be keeping that promise to Elsa, she didn't know how much her words had meant to him. While he certainly did not foresee his life turning out this way, he was certain that Emma Swan would always be there for him.