"Everything Starts With HOPE" [Captain Swan]

Emma's P.O.V

The morning I realized started as a sad morning, but when I saw those two red lines, everything changed.

The morning dawned gray and heavy with the weight of Henry's absence. It was his birthday, a day usually brimming with laughter, now shadowed by the emptiness of his room. His untouched belongings - a scattering of photos, a half-read book, the quiet ghosts of his presence. He'd ventured into the enchanted forest, chasing a fairytale of his own making, leaving me with a heart aching with a mixture of worry and a fierce, stubborn hope. He had the magic bottle Killian gave him; if he were in danger, a whispered call to us would bring us to him.

I had been feeling sick all week, and that day wasn't the exception. Killian slept peacefully beside me, his dark hair tousled on the pillow, long lashes resting against his cheek, his lips soft and still. I tried to rise quietly, but a wave of nausea washed over me, sending me stumbling towards the bathroom.

I knew Killian was awake when I felt his hand gently gathering my hair, tucking it into a makeshift ponytail to keep it from spreading mess. A moment later, he settled onto the ground beside me.

"Do you feel better?" He asked softly, his voice laced with concern.

"Yeah... I'm sorry I woke you." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Don't worry about me, luv." He replied, his hand gently rubbing my back, the warmth of his touch offering a small comfort.

I stood slowly, exhaustion weighing on every movement, and shuffled toward the bed. Sitting on the edge, I let my body fall back, sinking into the mattress. I stared at the ceiling, my mind heavy with thoughts, until I heard Killian's footsteps, his presence grounding me.

"You alright, love?" He asked again, his tone a mixture of tenderness and worry.

"I'd like to say yes." I murmured, covering my face with my hands. "But I'm not."

"It's about Henry, isn't it?" He moved closer, his weight dipping the bed beside me.

I nodded, lowering my hands and sitting upright. Killian followed suit, resting beside me on the edge of the bed.

"He's strong and clever—just like his mother." Killian said with a soft smile. "I'm sure he's fine."

"You really think so?" I asked, searching his eyes for reassurance.

"If there were trouble, I reckon we'd already have a message in a bottle." He said, a playful glint in his gaze.

A small sigh of relief escaped me at his attempt to lighten the mood, but the tension in my chest didn't fully fade. Suddenly, he took my hand, his grip firm and steady.

"But I'm worried about you." He said, his voice growing serious. "You've been unwell for days now."

"I'm fine." I insisted, though the words felt hollow. I pulled my hands away, avoiding his gaze as I stood and headed for the door. I descended the stairs, pushing past my own emotions as I made my way to the kitchen.

Killian's P.O.V

"I'm fine." She said, her voice calm but distant.

"Are you kidding me?" My voice rose in frustration as she walked out of the room, leaving me standing there, uncertain and annoyed.

I decided to give her space, letting my worry simmer as I changed my clothes. By the time I came downstairs, the smell of pancakes filled the air.

"That smells delicious." I said, stepping into the kitchen and catching her off guard.

She turned around, startled, but a smile crept onto her face. Even when she was sick, Emma somehow managed to carry a lightness about her—a quiet strength that always shone through.

She set the plate of pancakes on the counter and joined me at the table. We ate together, talking casually about the day ahead.

"After breakfast I'll head to the station to help your father." I said between bites. "He's drowning in paperwork."

"And I guess I'll be Neal's babysitter until my mom gets back from school" She replied, glancing at her phone.

"Emma, I know you're strong, but you're not invincible. You're sick, and I need you to promise me you'll see a doctor." I paused, setting my fork down.

Her fingers stilled over her phone, and she looked up at me, her expression unreadable.

"I promise." Her voice soft but steady.

Emma's P.O.V

After breakfast, I kissed Killian goodbye at the doorway, the kind of passionate kiss that lingers even after the door closes behind you. He turned and headed for the station, his figure disappearing down the street. As soon as I shut the door, I rushed upstairs to change my clothes—not to visit the doctor, as I had told him, but for something else entirely. I hated lying to him, truly. But deep down, I didn't believe I was sick. Not really.

First chapter. Vote if you liked it! I hope you enjoy the story!!❤️❤️❤️