The Navy gave Killian a couple awards for his bravery and everything he'd done. Killian didn't feel like he deserved anything, not when their entire crew was dead. He wore his dress whites, and stood next to Liam. He was uncomfortable, and he itched to take Charlotte from Emma and cuddle her close.
When he met Emma's eyes she gave him a reassuring smile and got Charlotte to give him a small wave. He relaxed a little, focusing on his girls until it was over. Afterwards, Emma set Charlotte down to toddle over to him, knowing it would make him smile.
He bent down and pulled Charlotte close to his chest. "Little Love." He kissed her cheek, lifting her to his hip and reaching his hand towards Emma.
"I'm proud of you, Killian.. I know you hate this attention, but I'm proud to be your wife." She said softly.
He kissed her hair. "Aye, I do hate this.. But.. Thank you." He sighed softly.
"Can I.. Can I kiss you?" She asked softly, pressing up on her toes at his small nod.
"Brother, would you like to get lunch with Els and I? We were thinking that little diner Emma loves?" Liam asked as he approached them.
Killian turned to him, adjusting Charlotte on his hip. "Um, aye.. If that's okay with you, Swan?"
Emma nodded. "That sounds great, I know neither of you like all of this attention. But, I think we should celebrate.." Emma shrugged. "Even if we're just celebrating the fact that you're here, and you're healthy."
"Thank you, Lass." Liam hugged her.
At lunch, Charlotte insisted on sitting on Killian's lap, coloring with him on the kids menu. He was mostly quiet, just acknowledging Charlotte when she would tell him something. After they finished their food, a couple stopped by their table.
"We just wanted to thank you for your service.. My wife's brother was killed during his tour, and seeing you with your families.. We have paid for your meal."
Killian glanced up at them, swallowing thickly. "Aye, um, you didn't have to do that.. But, I'm sorry about your brother, Lass, we've lost too many good men and women.."
"Oh honey, it's the least we could do. It made me happy to watch you with your daughter.. I know the kinds of sacrifices your families must have made.." The women gave him a small smile.
Emma squeezed his shoulder gently, she knew he and Liam were uncomfortable when people thanked them. "It's very kind of you.. We really appreciate your generosity. These two are just very modest."
"I get it.. We'll let you get back to your meal, I hope you all have a lovely day.." The couple left them alone and Killian visibly relaxed.
Liam sighed softly. "I know you hate being thanked for your service, Killian.. But it happens, they were just being nice.."
"I know, I know.." He ran his hand over his face. "I hate wearing this uniform in public. People thank me for something they have no experience with and it pisses me off."
Emma took his hand into hers. "Let's head home, I think an afternoon spent playing with Lottie would be good for us, maybe we can take her to the park?"
He smiled a little. "Aye, Sweetheart.. I'd like that." He pressed a kiss to Charlotte's hair.
Eventually, Emma went back to work full time at Killian's encouragement. Charlotte went to daycare a couple days a week, and Killian was able to take care of Charlotte almost by himself, but usually he and Liam spent their days together with her.
It was just before Charlotte's second birthday when Killian and Liam were both officially discharged from active duty with high honors.
The night before Charlotte's birthday, Killian was plagued with terrible nightmares. He barely slept, and ultimately ended up sitting alone in the living room just looking out the window. When Emma woke up and found his side of the bed cold, she went in search of him.
"Killian?" She spoke softly, not wanting to scare him.
"Aye, Love?" He turned to look at her, his fatigue clear on his face.
She came and rubbed his shoulder gently. "Are you okay? You look exhausted.."
"I had a lot of nightmares, so I gave up trying to sleep. I didn't want to wake you, so I came out here.." He shrugged. "I'm okay, Love, you can go back to bed if you want to."
Emma ran her fingers through his hair, ignoring him telling her to go to bed. "Can you believe our baby girl is two today?" She asked softly.
Killian took that as a sign that she wasn't going to go back to bed and pulled her onto his knee. "It's hard to believe.. She's so grown up." He kissed her neck.
She nodded. "She is, and it's amazing to see the little person she's becoming. I'm happy she gets to spend her birthday surrounded by so much family. Something neither of us had as children."
He wrapped his bad arm around her waist. "Aye, Sweetheart. It'll be a good party, I know both of our brothers will spoil her. Just like we do. And it'll be good to see Robin, Regina, and Roland."
Emma nodded, resting her hand over his stump. "Yeah, I know it's been almost six months since you got home, but you haven't really seen any of your friends.. And since she's only two, this is really for us to celebrate her.." Emma shrugged.
He tensed a little when she touched his arm, but slowly relaxed as she gently massaged it, soothing some of the irritation. He leaned his head against her as they sat there quietly, watching the sun slowly rise out their window.
Emma yawned, and snuggled into his arms beginning to fall back asleep on his lap. After a while, Killian took her back to bed and went to check on Charlotte. When he saw her in her bed awake, he lifted her into his arms and took her to their room so the three of them could cuddle together.
When Emma woke up the next time, it was because there was a foot sticking into her side and a little hand tugging at her shirt. She couldn't keep the smile from her face when she looked at the way Charlotte and Killian had both cuddled up to her.
Emma had been Killian's rock through his recovery, but she still struggled with her own fears about losing him and all of the emotions she'd been through since he was deployed. She still saw her therapist every few weeks, to make sure she was keeping up with her own emotions.
She kissed Charlotte's forehead, noticing Killian had finally fallen asleep. She let them sleep as long as she could before they needed to get everything ready for Charlotte's birthday.
David and Mary Mararget came over early to help them get ready, Mary Margaret had insisted on helping with the food. David shooed Emma to their room so she could shower and get ready, while he took Charlotte to get her dressed in the outfit Emma had laid out.
"Happy birthday, Charlotte." David kissed her cheek when he'd finished getting her changed.
Killian helped Mary Margaret as best he could and talked to his sister-in-law as they worked. Mary Margaret could see the tiredness in Killian's eyes, but knew it was safer not to ask so she simply poured him a cup of coffee.
"Sit, Killian. I've got this, you need some more coffee. We can't have you falling asleep on your baby girl's birthday." She smiled.
Killian chuckled a little. "Thank you, M.. You really didn't have to make all this food for us, but I know I appreciate it since I still can't cook much."
"It's no big deal, you know I enjoy making food and having people over.. And I knew that it would mean a lot to you and Emma." She shrugged. "This is a big day for this family.. You're home, and you're healthy.. And your daughter is two and has her daddy here to celebrate."
He nodded. "Aye, it is a big day.. I just hope I can make it through without anything happening. I don't want Emma to have to worry about me today, I want it to be happy for her.. Time we spend with our family and friends, celebrating the fact that we were, well she was, able to keep our daughter alive for two whole years." He admitted softly.
"It will be okay if something happens, Killian. Emma's your wife, and she understands. And Charlotte's too young to really remember, so don't stress about it, okay?" Mary Margaret rubbed his arm. "Why don't you go get ready, and take a minute alone with your wife.."
Killian nodded and headed back to their bedroom. Emma had gotten dressed in a pair of jeans and a blouse that Killian always loved on her, and was blow drying her hair. When she felt him staring at her she shut off the hair dryer and smiled at him.
"Hey.. Do you need the bathroom? I can move.."
Killian shook his head. "I'll shower, but you don't need to leave, Swan, nothing you haven't seen before." He teased as he stepped up behind her and pulled her into his arms.
"I hope you know how much I love you, Emma." He said softly.
She leaned into him, a smile on her face from his joke. "I know, Kil.. I love you just as much."
Killian nodded, and kissed her hair. "You look absolutely gorgeous today, Love. You know I love that top on you, I like the way it makes your eyes look.." He said softly.
"Thanks, Babe. I like the way it looks on me, and I like the way you can't keep your eyes off of me when I wear it. I'll lay some clothes out for you while you're getting ready, and I'll have your prosthetic ready too."
Killian simply kissed her cheek again and got in the shower. Emma was glad to have David and Mary Margaret there to help them, she knew she would have been too stressed about the day otherwise.
She was always sure to keep an eye on Killian, reading his moods and the ways he talked to her. He'd been more reserved since his PTSD attack at the diner, and Emma knew he still felt bad about it. Since they had met, Killian was only ever talkative around her and Liam, but since he came back she felt like he was pulling further into himself.
Emma picked out a shirt she knew Killian would be comfortable in and covered part of his prosthetic, so he didn't feel self conscious around their friends. As she finished doing her hair, Emma couldn't help but think about how different today felt compared to Charlotte's first birthday.
She had barely been able to get herself out of bed, and only made it through the day because of her brother. David had taken it upon himself to get Charlotte a cake, and had Emma and Elsa over to their house for the day.
Emma was happier today, knowing that Charlotte now had her Uncle Liam and her father there to celebrate with her. Killian got dressed and was combing through his hair when she finished her makeup.
"You look good, Killian." She smiled. "Today is going to be a good day, no matter what happens, because you're here and our baby is healthy.."
He simply nodded and lead her to the living room. Killian gravitated towards Charlotte, scooping her into his arms and spinning her around.
"Happy birthday, Lottie!" He smiled at her, tickling her side to make her giggle. "Do you know how old you are today?"
"Birthday! Two." She smiled, proud of herself.
Killian had been teaching her all week how old she was going to be, and couldn't help but kiss her cheeks. "That's right, Lass. You're two. Such a big girl now."
Killian spent most of his day with Charlotte in his arms or with his attention focused on her. Emma could tell he felt like if he ever got too far, it would be too good to be true and he'd wake up and be back as a prisoner. Despite how he was feeling, Killian was glad to see his friends, and spend time with everyone altogether.
"Hello, Mate. It's really good to see you." Killian's best friend, Robin greeted him at the door. "And hello, Miss Charlotte. Happy birthday." He smiled at the little girl in Killian's arms.
"It's good to see you too, Robin. I'm happy you and Regina were able to come today, it's been too long." Killian smiled.
"It's our pleasure, who could pass up an opportunity to see this little lass?" Robin smiled.
Regina hugged Killian. "We're happy we could make it. I'll let you and Robin catch up, and I'll go find Emma." She gave him a small smile.
Regina wasn't the easiest person to be friends with, but she and Killian always seemed to have an agreement. They both cared for Robin, and Robin's son Roland, so they managed to get along well enough.
Killian and Robin talked while Charlotte played in front of them with Roland and David. The moment Charlotte heard Liam's voice at the door, she left her toys and ran to him. Liam knelt down to her level and squeezed her tightly.
"Happy Birthday, Little Love." He grinned, kissing her nose as Charlotte giggled.
Killian hugged Elsa, knowing there was no prying Charlotte from her uncle now. "Thanks for coming, Els." He said softly.
"Of course, Killian. I know we see each other a lot, but today is a special day. I can't believe how much she's grown.. I know she was happy before, but since you've been home.. I can tell that she's thriving."
"Aye, I like to think she's doing well.. Not too traumatized by me." He shrugged. "Come on in, Lass. The food is in the kitchen, and I think everyone's in the living room."
Elsa kissed his cheek, and headed to get some food. Liam had Charlotte on his hip and went to get himself something to eat, and Charlotte some juice at her request. Killian went to the living room, and sat with Emma.
Emma could feel the tension in him, and sat closer to him, pulling his bad arm tighter around her waist. She felt him press a kiss to the top of her head and some of the tension left his body.
"Where's the birthday girl?" She asked softly, meeting his eyes.
"With Liam, she heard him and there was no stopping her." He chuckled.
Emma smiled. "She does love her uncles, doesn't she?"
"Of course she does, Lass. Her uncles are the best." Liam teased as he sat down on Emma's other side.
"Oh, I know they are. She would not be as happy and brilliant as she is without both of you."
Charlotte settled onto the couch between Emma and Liam, wanting to be close to Emma too. The group of adults talked for a while, simply eating and enjoying the company. Charlotte was happy the entire time, getting everyone, even Regina, to play with her at some point.
She sat on Killian's lap while she opened the presents everyone had brought for her, even though Emma had insisted they didn't need to get her anything. She was getting tired, so she simply snuggled into his arms.
Killian kissed her hair. "You can sleep, Love. We'll be here when you wake up." He spoke softly, his hand rubbing her back gently.
She grabbed onto his prosthetic and held onto it as she fell asleep. Killian had tried to keep her from really noticing his lack of a hand, and she had never tried to hold onto it before. Emma noticed her grip and met Killian's eyes.
"Are you okay?" She asked softly.
He nodded. "Aye, Swan. Just surprised, but she's okay. I just want to let her sleep." He shrugged.
Emma nodded. "Just let me know, okay? If it's too much I'll take her to her room."
"I don't mind, I like when she wants to cuddle me." He shrugged.
"Are you still working at the same firm, Emma?" Robin asked as they sat around talking.
"Yeah, I am.. I couldn't imagine leaving, not after how generous and considerate they've been this last year. They've let me work from home a lot, and take off more than I should be able to, just so I could take care of Charlotte, and adjust to having Killian home.."
"That's good. I'm sorry we haven't been very available for you both, we didn't want to overwhelm Killian." He apologized.
"Don't worry, Robin, I understand. You checked in on us." Emma shrugged.
"Aye, Mate. No worries, it's been an overwhelming six months. I appreciate that you didn't want to only add to that for me. But I am glad you came today, even though it was for a two year old's birthday."
The rest of the day went well for Killian, whenever he began to feel overwhelmed he was able to calm himself. Robin and Regina were the first to leave, needing to take Roland home. Mary Margaret insisted on cleaning everything up, even at Emma's insistence that she could handle it.
Charlotte had all of her uncles' attention, not letting either one do anything but play with her. Elsa stood with her brother-in-law watching Liam with Charlotte.
"Liam wants kids, doesn't he?" Elsa asked softly, leaning against his arm.
"Aye, lass. I think he does, but he would also never pressure you into it. He adores you, you know that right?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I do.. I think I want kids, and especially when I see him with Lottie, I know that he'd be amazing."
Killian kissed her hair. "You'd be amazing too. Liam might spend more time with Lottie, but you're good with her and I know it'd only be better if it was your own baby."
Elsa smiled a little. "Thanks, Killian. For what it's worth, you're doing really well. I'm proud of you for working so hard and for trusting Emma and Liam to help you."
"It's not been easy, but they make it very difficult to pull away. Charlotte makes it difficult for me to pull away from everyone. She and Emma are my entire world, and I knew that if there was something I could do I had to do everything in my power to do it." He shrugged.
She nodded. "I get it. You're a good man, and the strongest person I know. We should let you two spend some time with Lottie, I'll go see if I can get Liam."
It took some convincing, but Charlotte finally let Liam and David go, saying goodbye with tight hugs. Killian held her as she sniffled softly, sad that they had to leave.
"You'll see them soon, Baby. I promise." Emma rubbed her back.
She nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Okay, Mama." She said softly.
Emma shut the door behind their family, and Killian swayed Charlotte gently. She held onto him, burying her face in his neck.
"How about we have a little cake, Love?" He asked softly, kissing her hair.
She looked up at him and nodded. Emma brushed the tears from her cheeks before they headed to the kitchen.
"Do you want Daddy to hold you, or do you want to sit on the counter?" Emma asked with a smile.
"Dada.."
Killian rubbed her back gently, leaning against the counter. "Did you have a good day, Princess?"
She smiled. "Aye, fun, Dada. Cake!" She giggled.
"Cake was your favorite part?" He asked.
"Um, no. Unk Li and Unk Dave!"
"I know they enjoyed playing with you." He smiled. "Can we take our cake to bed and watch a movie, Swan?"
She nodded. "I think that's a perfect idea. Let's get our birthday girl into her pajamas first in case she falls asleep."
Killian nodded and changed Charlotte. The three of them spent the evening together in Emma and Killian's bed, watching movies. That night was the happiest Killian had been in a long time, he fell asleep during the movie with Emma cuddled against his side and Charlotte lying on top of his chest.