hidden blessing (11/?)
Summary: Killian thought the only thing he was left with after Milah’s death was a broken heart and a thirst for vengeance. It’s not until he gets to Storybrooke, after so many years spent in stasis, that he discovers something else: he’s carrying her child. How does this new, tiny blessing change his path? (Canon-divergent from 2x12.)
rated T | part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | AO3 | 4k
a/n: We’re back! And should have a few more updates for you in the next few weeks! Hope you like this one!
After the general discomfort of the revelations in the Echo Caves, Killian found himself dealing with unpleasantness of a different kind—nausea again. Just before they made it back to camp, he had to duck behind a tree to deal with that; he couldn’t wait to get back to Storybrooke and talk to Doc to find out just when that was supposed to go away.
He swished his mouth out with some rum, then spat it out before strolling back into camp. The rest of the group was gathered around Bae in conversation; as he approached, he heard him saying, “I know how to navigate the stars, but I can’t fly.” Killian ducked his head to hide his smirk at that; he was glad to hear the now-grown lad hadn’t forgotten the skills he’d taught him, but it wasn’t the time to gloat about that.
“I’m guessing that’s where the Shadow comes in,” Snow said—and, to his surprise, passed a canteen to him, despite David standing in between them. He nodded his thanks and took a long drag.
“That’s why we have to capture it,” Bae replied—to which Killian nearly choked on his water. Was he mad?
“Capture it?” Emma exclaimed, in line with Killian’s own disbelief. “We’ve never been within 10 feet of Pan unless he wanted us to be. Sneaking up on him to steal his shadow? That seems insane.”
He was still in agreement that going after the shadow was insane, but at least had to clarify some facts for Emma. “Except that Pan’s Shadow is rarely with him. It’s an entity unto itself. It can carry out his will from miles away.”
David asked, “So what does that mean for us?”
“It means we can get his shadow without having to be anywhere near Pan—as long as we know where to look,” Neal clarified. “And I know where to look.”
Killian shuddered—he did, too, and he didn’t like it one bit, even if (as he’d gathered) it was their best way off the island.
“Ok, you and I are on shadow duty,” Emma told Neal, and they moved to start to head out.
It might be foolish, but Killian sure as hell wasn’t letting them go alone. “As am I,” he interjected. “This trek won’t be easy. You could use another veteran of the island.”
Neal nodded and gave him a casual smile that reminded him distinctly of Milah. “Thanks, man.”
A quick plan was hashed out for after their mission—to meet up at Tink’s with Emma’s parents, and then (finally) make a move for Henry—and then everyone set about what they needed to do.
At least—he was about to, but Snow intercepted him before he got too far (brushing past David to do so—pointedly, it seemed, as well). “I just wanted to say—congratulations,” she effused, grabbing his hand. “I wish you’d told us sooner; how are you feeling?”
“Uh, I’m fine, luv—thank you,” he replied, trying to make sure his appreciation at the sentiment came through even though David was staring somewhat dejectedly at their exchange.
She continued to pepper him with questions—how far along he was, symptoms, and so on; he was touched she was so interested but was also fairly certain it was just a distraction. (One he didn’t mind indulging, but he had to prepare to leave, too.)
She thankfully picked up on his desire to get a move on. “Sorry, sorry; I just…have had that kind of stuff on my mind lately,” she said; that was rather obvious. “Just—be safe. All of you.”
“We’ll do our best,” he answered, then she stepped away to prepare for their own trek. He did catch David’s hurt gaze as she walked away, though, and tried to give an encouraging nod as the prince hurried after his wife.
While Killian was glad he no longer had to hide his expectant state, he hoped he didn’t have too many more exchanges like that; the attention, while appreciated, was somewhat embarrassing.
But when he walked into Bae’s cave to see what he could assist him and Emma with, he realized: he still had one more person to tell. (Well, and Rumpelstiltskin, wherever the bastard had wandered off to, but that was a low priority.)