The lost children (finished editing)

"Chapter 11; It was just a dream"

'They better be. I'm not standing watch for nothing ' The savior thought annoyed, leaning back against a tree. A whine caught her attention, causing her head to snap toward Hook—who was sleeping in that direction.

Her jaw dropped slightly in surprise when she found that it had come from him and that he was now curled up in near fetal position. Which couldn't be comfortable with the injuries he had, yet he didn't seem too bothered.

What the hell is dreaming about? Is that gonna hurt him in the morning and slow us down? Should I wake him?' Emma wondered, before brushing said thoughts off.

He wasn't crying or screaming, so he was probabl y fine, right? Yeah, it was probably best to leave the pirate captain alone. He most likely wouldn't be happy with being woken up any earlier than necessary anyway.

Little did Emma know, Killian was in pain.

Only, it wasn't just physical pain. It was mental and emotional pain as well. Pain that was being caused by his dream—which was really just a blur of memories from years long past... memories that very few people knew of....

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"Shhh... it's okay, 'ette. Shhh" Killian whispered, gently rocking his baby daughter. Rocking his Harriet in a chair, a smile on his tired face.

"You're surprisingly good at this. Are you sure she's your first baby?" Milah asked, smiling slightly as she watched from the door, leaning in the door frame.

Killian laughed in response to the question.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Maybe I'm just be a natural ?" He suggested as Harriet's cries began to die down. The little ravenette reached forward and grabbed his nose, startling Killian and causing Milah to laugh.

"Ooo, she's a strong one."

"Just like her father."

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Killian smiled down at the baby in Milah's arms.

"He's beautiful " he breathed, nearly gasping when the tiny black haired boy grabbed his finger.

Milah snorted "you're always so shocked when they do something. Some would think you are a first time parent."

"I can't help it. They keep surprising me" the pirate said defensively, blushing slightly—which only made Milah laugh harder.

Harry continues to play with Killian's hand, cooing and gurgling—making both his parents smile.

"Well, I already know this one is a daddy's boy. It makes sense, he's identical to you" the older woman laughed.

"Yep" Killian said, popping the 'p' "he's a total mini-me. Hopefully it stays that way" Harry cooed at him, almost as if he was in agreement with Killian.

"Oh my god, that's adorable, " Milah laughed. "hopefully the next one will be dependent on me and not you again".

Unfortunately, there wasn't a next baby for them both.

Only for Killian.

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Killian stared down at the sleeping face of the little blonde lass in his arms, stunned before looking up at his friends. Captain Flynn and his girlfriend—Killian's ex—Red Jessica.

"Are you two sure about this? Won't you miss her?"

Before he agreed to this, he wanted to make sure that they were absolutely positive about their decision.

This wasn't something they could take back. Once he took on the responsibility, he wouldn't let them just take her back whenever they damn well pleased.

This child, this lass.. this baby was a person.

A human being.

And they needed love and stability, not deadbeat parents who would keep ditching them and using them. And he had to give her that if he agreed to this. They had to understand that. He would always choose this child's well being over their feelings and wants. Even if they were his friends.

"Yes. We can't take care of her, Killian. I need to kill the man who murdered my father and I know you'll do what's best for her" Jessica confirmed as Flynn wrapped his arm around her.

"Okay then. I'll do it. I'll take Calista in" And he did.

Raising her and treating her as if she was his own until the day she disappeared.

He missed all of them.