Labour

Shortly after they discovered Emma's condition, she had shared the circumstances where she had last given birth. From the knowledge she shared, Killian had been prepared for a volley of insults, screaming, shattering of the glass encased lights due to her loss of magical control... a collection of volatile emotions as she prepared to bring their baby into the world.

Whether it was the span of time between deliveries or the stability of not experiencing it alone, his Swan had not given him cause to believe she would behave in a similar fashion this time.

It has been four hours since they had discovered Storybrooke's long anticipated arrival would be making its appearance...and at the speed of which Emma's pains increased and strengthened, likely before dawn's first light.

Despite the concerns of others, Killian had agreed completely with his wife's desire to give birth in their home. He knew the trauma she had suffered the last time and took on gratefully the role of "midhusband", seeking guidance from the local midwife in town for the last months of Emma's pregnancy.

He feels sufficiently equipped for the task and so far, the process has been without complication or concern. He also can't deny the deep pride at his love's insistence he be the only other present during the event. His arms will guide their son or daughter from the safety of its mother's body.

"Ki...Killian..." His wife pants as another contraction ripples across her bare abdomen. Her blonde head falls to his shoulder and his hand provides stability at her hip. "Uhhh..." The groan is long.

"You're doing well lass. Continue to breathe through." His calmness seems to strengthen her physically as she obeys without complaint, her quick inhales joining his deep breaths. After what seems like an eternity but in reality is only moments, the pain slows. Her heavy sigh indicates it has passed and she lifts her forehead. "Not much longer now I think. Last chance to run pirate."

He nudges her chin up with his thumb. "There's nowhere I'd rather be love. I'm just going to check your progress before another pain hits. Do you require anything?"

"I'd like some ice. I'm so thirsty."

He places one of the frozen chips on her tongue and she makes noises of appreciation. He also takes the opportunity to secure the pillows at her back. After time on the living room sofa, the porch swing, and leaning against the kitchen counter, she had finally assented to labor on their bed.

She had quickly shed her sleep shorts and undergarments but had surprisingly held on to his shirt. He had tried to coax her out of it so she would be more comfortable but she said it smelled of him. He'd not pushed further. It now was tucked beneath her breasts, glistening with sweat as she labored.

Bending down to examine her, memories of the night they had conceived float through his memory.

It had been six months into their marriage and she had brought him to the Jolly Roger, promising an evening of star gazing. After some rum and what she playfully referred to as "gallivanting on deck", he had allowed himself to be led down to his old sleeping quarters. His Swan was quite the temptress but this time she had an additional request. With her body anchoring his to the bed, she had simply whispered, "Make a baby with me."

He could have spoken; He had the same desire. All that was required was to press his lips to the hollow of her neck and rumble, "Aye."

"What's the verdict Dr. Jones?"

Emma's sarcasm brings him back to the present and despite the situation, he chuckles. "You were right...you are almost fully dilated. Soon you'll feel the need to push."

His eyes seek hers. "The newest little Jones will be here before morning I suspect."

Her head falls backward as he massages her shaking thighs with his palm. "I wish I could aid you with the pain love. I feel sorry that a night of such," his eyebrow shoots up to his hairline in what is now one of his trademark moves, "wonderful passion means you now have to suffer."

His wife gives a loud snort before growing serious. "I would gladly do it again pirate. I can't imagine not having that with you."

He kisses her cheek before he feels her tense up again- a telltale sign of a coming pain. This time she grabs his handless arm. "Where's your hook?" she stutters out before the contraction mounts, making conversation impossible. He waits silently, watching in sympathy as she tries to manage the intense cramping. She grunts at the height of it but at last, her face relaxes.

"I left it on the side table. I thought you might require both arms and didn't want to risk the chance of injuring you."

She hums in agreement before shifting on the bed. "It felt different this last time. There was pressure. I wanted to..."

He nods as she realizes what is already clear to him. She looks at him with surprise. "I think it's time to push."

He smiles and kisses her shocked lips. "Let me help you love."

Not long now...