Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy!

Mrs. Nolan looked at the clock in her classroom for the eighteenth time. It was 3:18. Was the clock broken? Why was time going so slow? She loved teaching, and she loved her students. The end of the school day was usually a bittersweet time. Today though, she couldn't wait to get out.

At lunch time she had gotten a phone call from her husband. He was covering at the sheriff station because Emma had gone to the hospital with stomach pains, and Killian was with her. It was her appendix, and she was being monitored. About an hour ago, Snow got a text saying that Emma had been taken into surgery.

As a mother, Snow wanted to run to the hospital to watch over her daughter. But she couldn't just leave school either. If she were at the hospital right now, she would accomplish nothing but breaking a record for pacing in a waiting area. She almost missed the days of curses and villains; things could happen without a moment's notice, and she didn't have the responsibility of a job. Now, things were mostly normal, and she couldn't just take off. Snow knew that things were much better this way, that's how it's supposed to be, but she couldn't help but resent the fact right now.

Finally it was time to get her students' attention; they had been quietly reading their assigned books for next week's book report. She went over the homework for tonight, and reminded them of the goals for the next day, and then dismissed them. The day didn't end for teachers at 3:30. There was still work to do once the students left the classroom. But Snow would get in early tomorrow. She had to get to the hospital, even if just to be somewhat closer to her baby girl.

On her way to her car she called Ashley to let her know that Neal would be picked up from daycare later than usual. Ashley understood and gave her well wishes. That was one less thing to worry about, and now she could fully concentrate on her daughter.

Fifteen minutes later she arrived at the hospital and was pointed to the waiting area. There were only a few people in there, so it was easy to see Killian by himself, off to the side.

"Hey, Killian." She spoke as she took the seat next to him. "Have you heard anything?"

"Snow." He nodded in acknowledgement then sighed. "No, there's been no word. Not that I bloody understood much of it earlier."

It was Snow's turn to nod. In many ways he was adapted to the modern world. He could drive a car, he watched TV shows like M*A*S*H with David, and he played Wii with Henry. In many other ways though, he was still in unfamiliar territory. Hospitals and modern medical practices feel into that second category.

Even with general knowledge given to her by the curse, it wasn't her area of expertise. Anything she could say probably wouldn't serve to make him feel better about the situation, so she diverted the subject.

"Thank you, for getting her here. I don't have the full story, but I know how stubborn she can be."

"I would be too if I were in her shoes. But as I am standing in my own, I can't bear to see her in pain. We both knew something was wrong, and I could see it wasn't going away. I called Dave for some advice and decided it was best to get her to the hospital. She was too weak and overwhelmed with pain to argue as I carried her to the car." Killian filled her in on some of the details.

"Again, thank you, you did the right thing. She'll be fine in no time." She assured him.

"Aye, she'll be yelling at me once she's better and realizes what's going on." She could tell it was an attempt at humor, as it had been once before in Neverland. Instead, it fell flat and without emotion of any kind. "Excuse me, Snow, since you're here if any news comes, I'm going to make my way to the men's room."

He was up and gone before she could reply. She had a feeling he would be gone for some time. He was most likely taking the opportunity to clear his head and blow off some steam. Several minutes later, Regina showed up with Henry. She had picked him up from school, instead of having him walk home, so she could tell him the news. Henry wanted to know more, but there was nothing more to tell right now. About ten minutes later, Killian returned. He nodded to Regina in greeting and gave Henry a hug, after that he went back to sitting in silence. They were all playing the waiting game.

A few hours later Snow was at home washing the dishes while David dried them. She had stayed at the hospital for a couple of hours. The surgery went well, and Emma would be fine. Snow even got to see her for a few minutes before she left with David to get Neal, but Emma hadn't woken up from the surgery. At that point, knowing all was well; they were able to convince Henry to go home as well with Regina. But Killian was a different story. He was steadfast by Emma's side, and nothing was going to convince him to leave.

Things were back to normal in the Nolan household, and Snow was happy knowing that Emma was okay and would be released soon. But, she still couldn't get the thought of Killian off her mind. Even though he was with Emma, he was still alone. He probably hadn't even eaten. His words from earlier also rang in her mind. He was by himself right now, surrounded by equipment, words, and other things that he didn't understand.

With the last of the dishes done, Snow decided that she couldn't leave Killian alone all night. She told David of her plan, and he sent her off with a kiss to the cheek and a promise to give Neal a bath.

"Hey, Killian," Snow greeted him. It was like déjà vu of earlier that afternoon. He was sitting in the same way in the same type of chair. The big differences were, being in Emma's room instead of the waiting area, and this time Snow had a to-go bag from Granny's.

"I appreciate this, Snow, but you didn't have to." The pirate insisted as he took the bag from her.

"And leave you to eat food from the cafeteria or from a vending machine? I'm pretty sure you didn't take advantage of either of those things." She called him out and handed him the coffee she had brought as well. "And not because of how those two options rate on the appetizing scale."

"Right you are." He sighed and unwrapped the burger he had received. "I know she's okay. I've heard what the medical staff has had to say as far as information and explanations that prove such. But the only way I know, truly know that she's okay is to look at her and see it with my own eyes. If I look away, I can't believe it. It's not that I don't trust the doctors and nurses, but I don't understand enough. The only assurance I have is in seeing her."

"That is completely understandable, Killian. Even for someone that does have more knowledge about the workings of this world's medicine, it's still pretty scary sometimes. But you don't have to be alone, letting the thoughts and fears of the unknown consume you. I'll stay with you, and I'll try to answer any questions you have. I know you haven't had the best of experiences with hospitals so far, and there will be a next time. Maybe it won't be so bad, if you're prepared with a bit more information."

The next few minutes were silent. Snow caught her breath after her small speech, and Killian slowly chewed his food, deep in thought.

"Perhaps that would help. I've only been in hospital a hand full of times, and each one has been bloody confusing. I've learned about other things, but this, this is something you don't think of until you're in the situation." Killian replied, more thinking out loud than anything. But it was progress for the brooding pirate, who had been quiet the whole day, keeping his thoughts and worries to himself.

"That makes sense. So, why don't we change that now?" Snow suggested as he finished off his burger. She was glad she bought two. Stress could make one's appetite decrease, but considering he hadn't eaten since breakfast, he needed it probably more than he originally realized.

"Again, I appreciate this, Snow, but it's late. You should be with your family, not sitting here fussing over an old pirate." He told her without looking towards her.

"I am with family. This family tree may be incredibly bizarre, and people's ages are pretty irregular. But looking at the basics, you're Emma's husband, and that makes you my son. I take my role as a mom very seriously, but they don't need my right now. Neal is spending time with David, which probably means he's getting water all over the place during bath time. Emma is resting, and she is going to be just fine. However, you need someone to be with you right now, and I'm not leaving you out." She stated with no room for argument. She needed him to see that she meant it.

Snow had been a mother to Neal his whole life. Sure things happened, like Zelena's time travel spell, and a trip to the Underworld, but he was too young to ever remember those things. With Emma though, she had a little over twenty-eight years to make up for. It didn't come overnight, but now they had a special relationship. It seemed that with Killian too, she had some work to do. He hadn't had a mom for centuries. It would be different, sure, but she wanted to do things for him that a mom would, especially now. She wouldn't go over the top. She had learned with Emma to express it in the little ways. Thus, bringing Killian some burgers and coffee, and providing some company.

"There was a time where I would have gotten angry over your concern and mocked it. Captain Hook doesn't need anyone, doesn't get scared. Killian Jones though…" He replied and trailed off. "I've learned to draw strength from the people around me. I see your point, but I would feel selfish to ask to have your continued company here."

"You're not asking, I'm offering. I'm also offering you to spend the night at our place. Either way, you don't have to be alone, but the second option is the more advisable one."

"Very well," He conceded, and Snow caught the smile he was trying to hide. Much like Emma, he appreciated small things even if he didn't want to fully admit it. Small things, that everyone should have, but they had gone long without.

"That's what I like to hear." She stated proudly, her mission accomplished.

Snow went over to Emma and gave her a kiss while Killian gathered his things. He spent a moment with Emma and then followed her out of the hospital and to the car. The Nolan household was quiet when they arrived. David had dozed off on the couch and from the baby monitor on the coffee table; she knew that Neal was asleep as well. Snow led Killian upstairs to the guest room and brought him pajamas to change into for the night.

"I uh…thank you, Sno…" Killian took the folded clothes from her in his left arm and scratched behind his ear. "Thanks, Mom."

He had called her "Mummy" once in a facetious way after she found him under the fallen beanstalk. Now, he was a bit unsure, but nevertheless sincere. She had a feeling this would be a rare thing, but she was okay with that. Her work for today was done, and it was time for everyone to get some sleep and start fresh tomorrow.

"You are always welcome." She replied and reached up to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek before heading back down to David. He would not be happy in the morning if he spent all night on the couch.

The End

Thanks for reading! This story was actually the first idea I came up with, but it wasn't the easiest to write. Also, I know nothing about having one's appendix removed and how long it takes. But Emma is okay, and the focus was on Snow and Killian anyway.

I hope you enjoyed. This is the last one for now, but I have one more story (maybe two) in the works that didn't get finished in time. So hopefully there will be more in the future. Thank you for your reviews and love for these little stories. I appreciate it very much. Keep calm and carry on!