Another long update tonight.

As always please review.

Enjoy

:)

By the time they were half way back along Main Street Killian wasn't fooling anyone any more as he cringed and whimpered with every little bump.

"We're nearly there" Emma soothed dropping her hand onto his shoulder and squeezing gently

He didn't say anything he just let his head fall to the side to rest against her arm as they carried on making their way back to the pool house and closed his eyes in the vague hope that it would dull his pain.

"Emma why don't you run ahead and grab some of his stronger meds? You know the liquid one. It will work quicker than the Tylenol and I'm pretty sure he needs the extra kick"

"I'll call Whale as well..." she trailed off when Killian groaned in disapproval but then just carried on "I don't care what you think Hook, you are getting checked out, no arguments"

With that she took off running up the lawn and straight up the stone steps while David took the longer route of the path and the ramp but Killian thought he would have the final laugh as he dug back down the side of his chair and clutched the potion bottle in his hand. Whale may very well come over to visit but he wouldn't be able to see a damn thing unless he used the potion too.

"You still awake?" David asked laying a hand on his shoulder

"Aye" he grit out in return which turned into another groan as David suddenly changed direction and started up the ramp.

"Sorry" the Prince cringed "We'll just stick you in the nearest bed, get your meds then you can rest"

Killian just nodded in agreement, he literally just wanted to lie down and sleep for a week but he knew that his altercation had been worth it. They had the other gem stone now which meant that Junior would be safe but the thought of the boy made him recoil when he realized that Junior would be in pain too and sure enough when David pushed him through the doors it was to find the boy already lying in the bed waiting for him with Henry by his side.

"He's here OK." Henry soothed "I told you he wouldn't be far away, you're alright now"

"Papa, everything hurts" Junior whined looking around blankly obviously not being able to see where Killian or David were and then that damn lip was trembling again and Killian's heart clenched at the sight of him "I can't see you Papa, where are you?"

"I'm here just stay where you are Son. I'll be in the bed in a minute then we will both be fine... I am sorry Junior, I did not intend for you to be in pain" he replied with a sigh

"Don't worry Kid" David cut in "Momma is gonna fix Papa right up and you'll be right as rain in no time, OK?"

Junior just nodded lying back down and cuddling into Henry who was rubbing soothing circles on his Brother's back. David wheeled the chair right up to the bedside and put the brakes on but just as he was coming around to Killian's front Junior sat up again with a gasp.

"Grandpa!" he suddenly cried out looking straight at David "I can see you!"

"OK, this just got a little more complicated..." David said with a frown "I can't see you any more Hook, my potion must have just worn off. Hand me the bottle and I'll take another hit"

Killian knew he was being stubborn but if he gave David the bottle he would give it to Whale and then the damn Doc would poke and prod him when all he wanted to do was sleep... so he lied.

"I don't have it" he grit out while clutching it tightly in his hand.

"Great" David huffed out "OK, well this might hurt a little then"

Killian tried to help as much as he could but he was bone tired and hurt in places that hadn't hurt before.

"Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn" Killian ground out through clenched teeth as David pulled him to his feet. Junior gave a little whimper too and he could hear Henry comforting the boy.

"Sorry" David apologized for what felt like the millionth time and if Killian could have articulated himself he would have reassured him that it wasn't his fault but he was too busy trying not to land on the floor to utter a single word.

Eventually Killian was lying panting on the bed. He quickly tucked the bottle of potion under his pillows before letting it go... he did not need anybody seeing that. Seconds after he was settled Junior clawed his way out of Henry's embrace and crawled his way over still looking slightly unsure as to where Killian was so he lifted his hook and guided the lad into his side where he settled with a sob against his chest.

"It's alright lad" he soothed letting his eyes slide closed but no sooner had he done that than Swan was sitting herself down on the edge of the bed and he looked at her to find her staring right through him.

"You're going to have to do this yourself" she said raising the medicine dispenser up "I don't want to poke you in the eye or something, I can't see you either now"

He gave a slight chuckle which turned into a gasp as his ribs flared but he reached forward and took the meds from her hand. He could easily have just pretended to take them and Emma would never know, he hated how this particular pain reliever made him groggy for hours but right now he knew he needed it so he just stuck the end in his mouth and pressed the plunger before handing the thing back to Swan by tapping it on her hand.

"Thank you Love" he sighed out letting his head drop down onto his pillows

"Whale will be here as soon as he can although I'm not sure how that's going to work if he can't see you" Emma said looking the bed up and down

Killian just hummed in reply closing his eyes not willing to get into a conversation about the missing potion but when he felt her take hold of his hand he had to look at her... she was really worried, he could tell by her face.

"I will be fine Swan. Just a few new bumps and bruises to add to my collection that is all" he said squeezing her hand "But it was worth it Love, we beat him"

"You did?" Henry suddenly asked sitting himself up and crossing his legs to look at his Mother "How? Tell me what happened"

"It was all your Old Man" she replied with a grin and a shake of her head "He jumped on Devin and managed to get the invisibility charm AND the red gem off of him in the struggle"

"That is because he is a Pirate" Junior suddenly piped up from Killian's side

"Aye Lad... I may only have one hand but it is as quick a lightning" Killian chuckled back before tugging the boy in closer now "You can relax now Junior. We have both the gems so the Crocodile can do you no harm, there is no more need to worry anymore, alright?"

"Liam will be please..." Junior grinned then frowned "I mean Liam WOULD be pleased"

Killian could feel the Lad's emotions as they suddenly rushed into him... the boy was feeling both excited and confused but there was something else too... guilt...shame?!

"It's alright to talk about Liam you know" Killian said looking towards the boy then something suddenly clicked in his head "Or talk to him. Do you still like to talk to Liam?"

"Aye" Junior replied in a small voice then defended "but he talks to me too"

Killian gave a sigh... Junior had been talking to "Liam" this morning while out on the patio not Henry, that's why Henry seemed to know nothing of the tidying up but he could feel Junior's unease at being discovered and wanted to reassure him that it was perfectly normal.

"It is alright Lad. I still talk to my Liam too from time to time. There is nothing to be ashamed of"

"Really?" he asked in a bright voice

"Aye" Killian replied honestly "I have spent many an hour talking over things with my Brother throughout the years and I expect that there will be many more occasions where I will talk to him again "

Junior cuddled in closer to his side and brought his hand up across Killian's stomach. Killian felt the boy physically relax and as his own body relaxed too with the help of his meds he gave a loud yawn which Junior mimicked causing Swan to chuckle before squeezing his hand in hers.

"Go to sleep you two, hopefully by the time Whale gets here this damn potion will have worn off or this examination will be really weird for everyone involved"

Killian chuckled and closed his eyes, he felt Henry climb off the bed and that was the last he knew until he opened his eyes sometime later to find Whale sitting at the breakfast bar with his back to him tucking into some food of some kind. Killian wondered how long he had slept hoping that he was still invisible but Emma suddenly looked across obviously sensing that he was awake and smiled at him.

"Hey" she whispered heading around the end of the counter "How you feeling?"

"Better Love" he croaked before looking to his side to find Junior still sleeping soundly. He also noted that someone had removed his hook which was probably wise with the boy sleeping so close "Has he stirred at all?"

"Nope I think that he was tired anyway after yesterday then he was up early cleaning the house this morning THEN he was on that bounce house... it's not your fault, he's a kid, he'll get tired."

Whale came up behind Swan and gave Killian a smile "You ready to get this done?"

"Can we not leave it? I am fine and the boy is sleeping" Killian really didn't want to wake Junior, he felt bad that he had contributed to the lad's tired state both through the night and this morning.

Whale gave a heavy sigh and shook his head "Sorry. Emma said you hit that table pretty hard"

Killian frowned deeply looking at Swan and growled "Traitor"

"Sue me" Swan threw back before heading around to the other side of the bed sitting down and pulling Junior up into her arms. He stirred briefly but just snuggled into her front and carried on sleeping but as soon as Whale started his torture treatment on Killian the Lad woke with a whine making Swan bounce him a couple of times "It's OK Kid, you're alright"

Killian was rolled over onto his left hand side so that the Doc could look at his back and he gave a hiss of pain when Whale poked at the fresh bruising on his right shoulder blade.

"OK, this looks mostly superficial. Did you hit your head at all?"

"Not that I know of Mate" Killian grit out as he dropped back over to stare up at the ceiling before clamping his eyes closed against the pulsing pain in his chest.

He must have brought his hand up because suddenly Whale was batting it away and pulling up his shirt again to get a better look.

"Hmmmm... there's quite a lot of fresh bruising here" he pulled out his stethoscope and the cold metal was suddenly being pressed onto Killian's chest "I need you to take some deep breaths"

Killian just did as he was asked but it hurt and he ended up clamping his jaw shut along with his eyes after only two inhalations.

"I know it hurts but I need to make sure there's not been any damage to your lung so suck it up Pirate and get on with it"

Killian grit his teeth and replied "You should try being on the receiving end of your treatment sometime"

"Yeah yeah blah blah blah... now breathe"

Killian could hear Junior breathing right along with him pulling in a big breath before slowly letting it out.

"Keep going Papa" his little voice said in a whisper "The Doc... I mean Victor... sorry, Doctor Whale is nearly done"

Killian tried to keep breathing but he ended up barking out a laugh when the boy added "Why does everyone have so many names here? It is very confusing!"

Whale cleared his throat "Yes well I think that you are fine"

"I told you that ten minutes ago before you prodded all my sore bits" Killian groused as Whale pulled his shirt back down

Whale shook his head and sighed "Is there even any point in me telling you to take it easy and to rest?"

"He's not getting out of that bed anytime soon" Emma said as Junior pulled himself out of her grasp and scuttled across the bed to sit back by Killian's side

"I have to help with dinner" Killian cried out in despair "It was decided already, we have a meal to prepare"

"That was before you decided to play John Cena with a Lost One" Swan threw at him with a raised brow

"I have no idea what that even means" he shot back trying to sit himself up a bit "But I want to help, Henry was finding us a recipe"

Henry got up from the couch followed by David who walked over too "It's alright Old Man, you can still help from there but I agree with Mom, you need to rest... you look beat"

"You should listen to your family" Whale said lifting his bag and heading to the door to leave but before he stepped out he turned and said "They're just trying to look out for you, you know"

Killian gave a heavy sigh falling back onto his pillows, perhaps they were right. He still felt tired and probably wouldn't manage to stand up to help anyway.

"Fine but I want to eat at the table" he compromised "Like a normal human being, I am sick of being in bed"

"I think we can arrange that" Swan smiled back before looking to Junior "How are you feeling kid?"

"Better" he replied with a grin "May we read some more of our book?"

"Why don't you read to Papa" Swan answered "I need to talk to Gina for a while, we need to arrange for the loft to get some protection on it... like we have here. That way Devin won't be able to go back in there."

"I like that idea" Junior beamed and Killian wasn't sure if he was talking about the reading or the potion but it didn't matter.

"What book do you want?" Henry asked Junior "I'll go grab it, you can stay with Killian"

"You choose" Junior grinned

"Cool... be right back" Henry took off into the laundry room and Killian looked back to Swan as she headed over to the kitchen.

"You two want some lunch?" she called across

"Aye, please" they both chimed back and Junior gave a giggle bringing his hand up to his mouth to hide his wide grin and yelled "Snap"

"Snap?" Killian asked with a frown of confusion

"Aye, snap. Henry says that if you say the same thing as someone else at the same time that they do you have to shout snap"

"Ah, I see" he replied with a chuckle which pulled on his ribs but he just let his hand rest on the point of pain and carried on "Well snap to you too"

Swan came back over a few minutes later with a plate of sandwiches "You've got either cheese and ham or Chicken and mayo" Junior looked excitedly at the plate and practically licked his lips as she laid it on the bed between them. "Help your Papa chose which one he wants, I'll go grab your drinks"

"You choose Son, I do not care which one I eat" Killian said to the boy who promptly handed him a cheese and ham one before taking one for himself and taking a huge bite.

He chewed quickly and swallowed "It's good. Eat Papa"

"Slow down Lad... there is no need to hurry, no one will steal your food here. Take your time"

Junior gave a smile and took a smaller bite chewing carefully but then he frowned and tipped his head.

"What is it Lad?" Killian asked before he took a bite of his own sandwich.

"Henry said that he is going back to school the day after tomorrow, may I go too? I would like to, please may I?"

Killian was left dumbfounded, he hadn't thought about that and being honest Junior would probably be much more advanced than many others in the school never mind his class but he didn't want to disappoint the lad.

"I think that we would need to talk to Grandma about that, she would know if it was possible or not but do not be disappointed if it cannot be. Remember that you can already read and do your arithmetic better than most others, there may be no need for you to attend such a place"

Junior's face fell but Mary-Margaret suddenly stood up from the couch and headed over "If you really want to go to school Junior we can make it happen. I am sure that we can find something for you to do. How do you feel about learning another language?"

"Like Latin?" Junior grinned "I like Latin... it is fun"

Mary-Margaret gasped "You know Latin already?"

Junior nodded vigorously "A little, I had not long started lessons when..." he trailed off so Killian finished his sentence for him

"Our Father abandoned us" he said quickly before carrying on "I completed my studies in the Navy so it would be nice to know that Junior could complete his too. Would you like that Son?"

"Aye" Junior replied with a smile

"I am sure I could come up with a work load that will suit you. Maybe we could let you take piano lessons too"

"TRULY?" Junior yelled coming up onto his knees and giving an excited bounce "Papa I will know how to play piano"

Killian chuckled "Eat your lunch Son before it is dinner time" he then looked to Mary-Margaret as Junior bounced back down onto his rear and grabbed another sandwich "Thank you Love"

She shrugged "No child should be denied the right to learn. Just because he already knows a lot doesn't mean that he can't learn more. I'll talk to the Principle tomorrow and I'm sure we can have him there on Monday along with everyone else"

Killian could feel Junior's happiness through ever part of his being as he sat eating his sandwiches. Henry returned carrying a book called "George's Marvellous Medicine" and once lunch was finished and their thirst was quenched Killian settled back onto his pillows as Junior sat by his side and started to read. The boy was obviously in good spirits because before too long he had Henry being the voice of "Grandma" and they both laughed furiously when the grisly old lady started to stretch and Henry got up on his knees then his feet imitating her growth.

Henry Grandma ended up growing straight through the roof of George's house much to the amusement of the boys but after that Killian lost track of the story as he nodded off to wake sometime later with another groan. His neck was protesting loudly to the awkward angle that he had been sleeping at and he needed to move. He opened his eyes to find the room empty except for David who was lying on the other side of the bed watching a movie on Killian's iPad with the head phones jammed over his ears. Killian gave a chuckle when he realized that the Prince was watching "Home Alone", it was a good movie but it reminded him that he needed to get Swan to put some new ones on there at some point... It was definitely no longer Christmas.

As much as he would have liked to just leave David to watch in peace Killian knew that, one, he needed to take care of a call of nature and two, he needed more pain medication so he turned his head and prodded the Prince with his stump. David jumped but realized quickly that it was only him and pulled the headphones from his head.

"You OK?"

"Aye Mate" he said throwing back the sheet "A little help if you please, I need to use the wash room"

He was back in bed in a few minutes and David went to grab his meds before throwing himself back on the bed.

Killian lent back with a sigh "Where is everyone?"

"Gone to the store to buy the stuff we need for dinner" he replied lying back bringing his right foot up to rest on his own bent left knee and bouncing his leg "I think it's turned from a man's meal to a family project"

"I still want to help" Killian reiterated

"I know and you can. I managed to convince Emma to let you sit at the table in your chair that way you can help with the preparation"

"Thanks Mate" Killian replied then sighed as he looked about "The house seems strangely quiet without the boys here... I suppose I better get used to it if Junior is to start school"

"Yeah but it's the right thing for him. Snow will make sure that he's mentally challenged and not just sitting there bored" he suddenly frowned and looked to Killian "Why do you hide the fact that you know so much? When I first met you I thought you were an idiot"

Killian chuckled "That is the idea Mate. Playing the stupid, short tempered Pirate kept me alive for a very long time. My crew knew the truth but no one else did. I mean who would be frightened of a well learned former Navy officer who liked to study books? No one, that's who "

"Well you nailed it" David laughed back "But you know you don't need to hide it now"

"I know..." Killian said honestly "And I am trying... for the boy"

They lay I silence for a while just staring at the ceiling before David spoke again "Is there anything you're not good at?"

Killian laughed and it had him clutching at his ribs "Wouldn't you like to know. It is never wise to tell others your weaknesses"

David brought his leg down and pulled himself up "I'm being serious. Watching Junior over the last couple of weeks he just seems to be a natural at everything he does. How can someone be that lucky?"

Killian just shrugged "I honestly don't know David. I just know that I never struggled with anything academic, it just came easily. I do not know why."

"Witchcraft" David suddenly said standing up with a laugh "I've decided. That's the only explanation that makes sense." Killian watched as David headed to the kitchen and flicked on the kettle "You know Junior could do anything he wants with that brain of his but I get the feeling that he will happily just follow in Henry's footsteps"

Killian gave a sad smile immediately thinking of Liam "I know the feeling"

David suddenly seemed to realize that he had just described exactly what Killian had done... he would have followed his Brother to the ends of the world if he had had to.

"Sorry... I didn't mean anything by that" The Prince said quickly

"I know" Killian replied with a smile "and I say Junior can be a classically trained pianist, Henry's sous chef or he could choose to work in the Rabbit Hole for all I care. As long as BOTH boys are happy I will support them in any venture that they choose to partake in"

"Unless he wants to work in the local pawnbrokers of course" David chuckled but in the next second Junior ran back through the door and hurled himself up onto the bed grinning like a fool so Killian couldn't comment.

"I got some school things Papa" he cried out in excitement pulling himself up onto his feet to bounce on the bed before suddenly remembering he had his shoes on but it didn't stop him he just pulled them off wobbling madly on one foot then tossed them onto the floor before carrying on "I got new clothes and a WHOLE set of writing utensils"

"You are a very lucky boy" Killian said with a smile as his hand found it's way back up to his chest when his heart started to swell with happiness "Did you get all that you needed for dinner?"

"Aye and we even bought goods to bake a cake too... Grandma said that I can decorate it with butter icing"

Within minutes the house was filled with the noise that Killian had been missing and as Junior took off across the room skidding to a stop in his stocking soles by the kitchen counter with a huge smile on his face Killian gave a sigh. THIS was what he had searched for his whole life. THIS was what he had craved without even knowing it and now he had it and he wasn't going to let it go. When Swan looked across at him and threw him a wink his heart swelled with love and he found himself grinning like a fool again.

He watched his family laughing and joking around as they put the shopping away. Junior squealed with absolute joy when David flicked soapy suds from the washing up at him and it turned into a game of chase when Henry stepped in to help and splashed him back.

"You two better run" David cried out dipping a cup into the water and taking off after them out onto the patio where Killian could hear them yelling and screaming obviously trying to stay dry. Suddenly there was a HUGE splash and then silence. Swan ran to the door and let out a bark of laughter then yelled out the door.

"That's what you get Grandpa... you were the one that started that whole thing"

She turned to Killian with a smile "Come on, let's get you in your chair. You have to see this besides sitting out in the sun for half an hour won't do you any harm so I say to hell with Whale"

"I could kiss you right now Swan" Killian replied with a grin throwing back the sheet.

"So what's stopping you?" she suddenly said dropping down onto the edge of the bed and practically launching herself at him.

He was a little surprised at first and winced as it stung his split lip but he soon relaxed into the kiss with a contented sigh so when she pulled back he moaned in frustration.

"Later" was all she said to him before grinning and helping him get into his chair. She wheeled him out through the doors to find David pulling himself out of the pool and shaking the water from hi hair.

Water still dripped off the Prince as he looked up to see them coming towards them "Don't say a word"

"Wouldn't dream of it" Killian chuckled then looked across to the other side of the pool to see Henry and Junior still laughing as their Grandfather wringing out water from his top onto the hot ground.

Killian gave another chuckle as they were approaching David and when the Prince turned to shout across to the boys Killian saw his opportunity. Emma seemed to have the same idea and they both grinned at each other before she slowed down enough for Killian to lean out to the side and shove David in the middle of his back with his stump. The Prince's arms flailed for a split second but in the end he could do nothing to stop himself and fell back into the water with another huge splash. The boys ran around the pool to come up to Killian's side and Junior bounced a little as he grinned.

"Grandpa fell in again" he giggled

David coughed and spluttered "I didn't fall... either time. Like Father like Son Hook or should that just be double trouble?!"

Killian grinned widely and looked to Junior who gave a shrug "He was going to soak Henry with the smelly water... I had to save my Brother, didn't I?"

"That you did Son, that you did"