This second part includes Emma's POV and advances a little more in the story. Emma wakes up in the middle of the night three days later and it's her turn to take a tour of the house.

Emma moves uneasily in her bed, her mind still sailing between consciousness and sleep. Reluctant to wake up at all, she curls up in the warmth offered by the blankets covering her as she instinctively extends her arm in search of her other source of natural heat on winter nights. However, the only thing her hand finds is an empty space in the place where her husband should be. That is when her sleep fades completely.

In the midst of turmoil, Emma sits on the bed and gropes for the lamp switch on the nightstand. Her heart beats frantically as her gaze wanders around the room in search of some sign of Killian.

"Everything is fine," she murmurs. The sheets still retain some of his warmth, in clear indicative that he left the shelter of their bedroom just a moment before. She then glances at the baby monitoring device and at that moment a sigh of relief escapes through her lips. "Everything is fine," she repeats, this time with more certainty.

The monitor screen shows the peaceful —somewhat unusual— sleep of her little girl, but this time Hope is not alone. A protective shadow with a profile that she knows perfectly watches over her.

Emma lies back on the bed and turns off the light, her head resting on the pillow as her lips draw a small smile. It seems clear that Killian is having one of his sleepless nights and she knows she must wait for him to do his usual tour of the house. She must wait for his heart to calm down enough and his mind to realize that what he is living is real. His last refuge, as always, will be her arms, which will welcome him when he finishes his journey.

These nights of insomnia were more common at first, after his return from the underworld. His mind and body still kept fresh the psychological wounds generated by his death and subsequent torture. He slowly calmed down, but his nights of insomnia never really disappeared.

What Killian doesn't know is that those sleepless nights are sleepless for her as well. Emma is not sure if it is because of her instinct to protect, or if it is an effect of their True Love. Whatever the reason, whenever Killian wakes up in the middle of the night with a restless heart, so does she after a few minutes.

And her reaction is always the same. Panic in the beginning. An irrational fear that what she —they have lived in the last few years has been nothing but a sweet dream. Fear that when she wakes up, a reality full of sadness and solitude welcomes her.

Emma sighs again. No, fortunately, her life is not a dream. It's real, very real, she just has to look at the baby monitoring device to reaffirm herself. However, Killian, having gone through the experience of his own death, needs more evidence to make sure he still exists. That is why she waits for him patiently.

The distant creak of the stairs is a sign that he is reaching the final stretch of his journey, after watching the sleep of their two youngest children. One more visit and he will soon reach his destination. Emma can not help but smile broadly as her heart melts a little. Whatever happens, even though Henry is spending the night with Regina, Killian never forgets to visit his eldest son's room.

And it is because Henry is Killian's son in every sense of the word except in the blood. After the first awkward moments of adaptation to what it meant to start a life together, everything had flowed well between them. They form together an inseparable team and support each other, even if that means going against her sometimes. Not even the arrival of his new siblings succeeded in breaking or diminishing the bond that had formed between them.

The second creak of the wood is the unmistakable indication that Killian is returning. It's time to enter the scene. Emma picks up the baby monitor and sneaks to the door of her bedroom. She doesn't want to rush because she is aware that Killian has yet to make one last stop. After a moment, she opens the door in silence and heads downstairs.

Killian is in his usual place, leaning slightly as he watches the moon over the ocean through the lens of the telescope. She allows herself a few more seconds of secret observation before announcing her presence.

The years have not diminished the attractiveness of her husband, rather on the contrary. He retains his bold and penetrating gaze, his dark hair without any gray hair, and that cheeky smile at times, and able to melt the most frozen heart in other occasions. But this everyday life, this normal life, has also changed him in a sense. She finds it difficult to associate the image in front of her, a very attractive father of family in flannel pajamas and simple slippers, with the image of the bloodthirsty and vengeful pirate she met the first time.

His inner fire is still present, however, although he now channels it into more enjoyable activities, for Emma's pleasure. His tenacity and bravado are intact, his courage and sometimes his impulsiveness when it comes to defending his loved ones are not lost either. His eyes keep that special shine, his blue eyes can go from showing the greatest devotion in the world, to show all his rage if anyone dares to harm any member of his family.

He is the love of her life, the father of her children, who gave her not only a home but also security, confidence and a future full of opportunities to keep their happiness.

Emma could spend countless hours in this same position, leaning against the door frame watching his small gestures without being seen. However, she has not gone in his quest to be a mere spectator but to help him in the final part of his journey. For that reason, she carefully leaves the baby monitor on the coffee table and approaches with silent steps, eager to reach him.

Her arms wrap around Killian's waist from behind and at that moment she can feel her husband's muscles relax at her touch. They remain in the same position for a few more seconds, there are no words between them, just feelings. She lets herself get lost in his natural scent, the warmth of his body against hers, the strength of his muscles. Finally, her whispered words break the silence.

"Can't sleep?"

He nods and then turns to look at her. Their eyes connect for a second as he encircles her with his arms, clasping her against his body, his face hidden in the hollow of her neck, his warm breath caressing her skin.

After that first moment of contact, Emma frees herself from his embrace slightly, enough to place her hands on either side of her husband's face as she gives him an inquiring look, seeking some confirmation that he has managed to calm himself sufficiently.

"I'm fine, love. I'm fine now."

Her lips curl into a tender smile matching his. She lets out a sigh of relief. His expression, his words and his calm voice, a proof that, indeed, he has overcome the most traumatic part of the night. Still, she needs to reaffirm herself in something. "You can wake me up, you know. You can count on me in your sleepless nights."

"I know, Emma," Killian whispers, their foreheads touching as his arms hold her even more tightly. It's Killian who initiates the kiss, his lips seeking hers in a tentative first contact full of tenderness. When she feels his lips against hers, she loses the capacity to think, she just wants to feel. That is why she deepens the kiss, searching his lips insistently, her hands clinging to him to keep him as close as possible. Killian's soft moan does nothing to mitigate her desire. She is addicted to his kisses, but it is a drug she is not willing to give up.

Emma is grateful because the flame of passion has not lost a hint of its intensity despite the passage of time. That is why an innocent kiss during an ordinary night can become something much more intense, with the power enough to make both lose the notion of time and space. Somehow they end up on the couch, their bodies still joined, their lips still in contact.

After a few seconds, or minutes, who knows? The initial passion seems to be appeased, their kisses are less intense, but she is still reluctant to abandon his lips completely. "So, do you feel alive now?" She whispers between smiles.

Mmmm, I'm not sure, maybe I need more proof."

A loud laugh escapes through her lips, silenced a few moments later by a new kiss. Once calm, Emma rests her head on his chest and curls next to her husband.

"Well, did your night stroll help you?"

"It always does, love."

Despite his response, Emma insists, "I'm always willing to show you that you are very much alive. Why didn't you wake me up?" Her mischievous smile and playful look make clear the intent of her words.

"Well, we never know when our little girl is going to wake." Killian gestures at the monitoring device. "So I preferred to do my usual tour. Besides, you know I love watching you while you are sleeping."

Emma smiles. Yes, she does know. She knows what it means to wake up and be fully aware of being watched without having to open her eyes. Although it may seem strange, she has always found that habit quite comforting. It's something that gives her security, knowing that, no matter what happens, he will always be present, watching over her sleep.

"And how are our children?"

Killian explains in more detail his nocturnal walk. After that, both fall into a quiet silence. Killian's leisurely breathing, and the rhythmic beat of his heart next to her ear act like a reassuring balm. She feels her eyelids growing heavier, her mind starting to cloud over her sleep... Maybe they can rest for a few minutes here, on that same couch, curled up inside their bubble. Just as she is about to close her eyes and surrender to sleep, Killian speaks again.

"Emma, love, are you happy with the life we have now?"

Her heart flutters a bit at the unexpectedness of his question. She sits up a little to look at him, the confusion marked on her face. "What do you mean?"

Killian seems uncomfortable before answering, which does nothing to quell her own nervousness. "I mean, you married a pirate. That's usually synonymous with endless adventures. Instead, you are a princess and the only thing I can offer you is this." He gestures with his hand, pointing around. "A normal and boring life, lacking excitement."

Emma frowns, her concern growing. "Why are you asking me this now? Is that how you feel?" She can not avoid the alarm tone in her voice.

"What? No! All this is like a dream for me. These small domestic moments we have are what give me life. Having a family was unthinkable to me a few years ago. That's why sometimes I find it hard to get used to the idea that all of this is real. But I want this life with all my heart. I want to keep this normal life."

All her worries evaporate the moment she hears her husband's speech. He manages to imprint such determination on his tone of voice that he would be able to convince anyone he proposed. "Oh, Killian, I want this normal life too, more than anything in this world. With you."

A mixture of pride, relief, and love, begins to run through her veins increasing the urge to kiss him again. And that she does. Their lips meet in a tender kiss filled with emotion. After a few seconds, she returns to her favorite position, her head resting against his chest. But that position doesn't last long, because an image suddenly comes to mind, causing her to sit up again to look at Killian.

"How can you think that our life is dull and adventureless? Getting Hope dressed is an adventure. Not to mention bath time. That's an epic odyssey."

Killian not only can't help laughing at her suggestion but also decides to play the game. "And yet she just started walking. I dread to think what will become of us when she grows a little more."

"But we love her."

"Yes, we do, like Charlie and Henry."

"Like I love you."

"And I you."

He hugs her and she is lost again in his protective arms and his intoxicating scent. "Maybe we should go back to bed," she whispers.

"Maybe…"

But neither of them moves from their position. Maybe they can stay a little longer here, in the quiet of the ground floor. Just a few more minutes and they'll go back to bed... But instead, she curls up more against Killian and closes her eyes. Her last thought before the sleep invades her, is the image of a happy family, a normal family living a normal life. An image like the one hanging in the living room exposed for all those who visit them. The image of happiness.

Three nights later, Emma wakes up again in the middle of the night, although this time the reason is quite different. She feels, without needing to open her eyes, that Killian today has a peaceful sleep. His rhythmic breathing against her back and protective arm around her waist are proof of that. What wakes her up on this occasion is a slight but insistent tap on her shoulder. When Emma opens her eyes, she finds someone else in the room.

"Mommy?" Her son Charlie is the one who pulls her out of her sleep tonight.

Emma tries to adjust her eyesight, her eyes still swollen with sleep. Her gaze goes to the alarm clock on the nightstand. Three in the morning. They went to sleep just a couple of hours before preparing everything for... It's then when she notices the date and understands why her son has decided to pay them a visit in the middle of the night.

"Hi Charlie," she whispers as she reaches out and caresses her son's hair.

"Is it aready Christmas?" Although his voice comes in a whisper, she can detect the expectation of her son.

A wave of affection for her little boy invades her. He hasn't yet turned four, but it seems that last Christmas marked him enough that he has eagerly awaited these special dates to come again. Her son is the sweetest and most affectionate person and her desire to hold him tightly in her arms seizes her. "Yes, it has already arrived. Merry Christmas." She moves lightly on the bed, making room for him. "Come here."

Charlie climbs to the bed without further ado. Emma realizes he is holding in his arms his favorite teddy bear. His eternal companion. She doesn't know what would become of the whole family if that little teddy bear disappeared someday. Her son curls up beside her and caresses her cheek with his hand in such a tender gesture that she feels her heart swell.

They stay that way for a few seconds. Silence and darkness surround them, but Charlie is too excited to go back to sleep. He moves uneasily in bed until he finally whispers again. "Has Santa aready arrived?"

Yes, of course Santa has arrived, but it's three in the morning and although she's happy about her son's excitement, it's too early, everyone should be sleeping... "It's a little early, maybe we should go back to sleep..."

"Could we go and have a look? Just look, I pomise." Her son insists in that voice so charged with eagerness that she finds it difficult to refuse. Still, she struggles to think about whether they should do it. Christmas morning has become a tradition since they began their life together. On that special day, all the members of the family go to the tree to discover their gifts. She doesn't want to miss that moment with the rest, but it's such an emotion that Charlie feels and he's been waiting for that moment for so long... Emma bites her lower lip, still hesitant... Maybe if they come down for just a few seconds…

"Okay." She listens to herself saying it without even having time to process it. But suddenly, Emma finds that this is something she wants to do, sharing this special moment between mother and son, something unique between them. Charlie is so attached to his father that she is surprised by his choice tonight, so she won't miss this opportunity her son is giving her. "But you have to be silent, we don't want the others to wake up yet, okay?"

Her eyes have already adapted enough to the darkness to allow her to see her son's wide smile through the shadows. That is why both Killian and Emma live every day, to keep the happiness and eagerness in their children so that they experience everything that their parents were not allowed to during their respective childhoods. And if such a simple gesture brings happiness to her child she is more than willing to offer it to him.

Both get out of bed trying to be as stealthy as possible. Emma is surprised that Killian has not woken up, since her husband is usually a light sleeper, always on alert after so many years on the high seas stalked by an endless number of dangers. But this time he sleeps placidly and doesn't even move when she withdraws his arm carefully.

Emma offers her hand to her son, who takes it quickly and pulls her towards the door insistently. They go together to the ground floor where the Christmas tree full of gifts is waiting for them. Although the living room lights are off, Killian left the tree lighting on, so the room is dimly lit with various colors, increasing the magic of the moment.

When her son discovers the gifts placed under the tree, his smile becomes even wider and his eyes open with surprise and joy. His face lit by the tree lights is something she will hold in her memory forever.

"Look, mommy! How many packages! "Although he keeps whispering, the emotion is evident in his voice.

They come closer to observe in more detail and it's when Emma discovers an unexpected package, something she wasn't conscious of. It's a box larger than a shoes' box, wrapped carefully in gift wrapping paper and with a note with the name of the recipient of the gift. To the Jones-Swan family. She recognizes the elegant handwriting of her husband instantly, but the confusion and also the surprise, seize her, wondering what will be inside. Despite her longing to know, she smiles with affection, because with that simple gesture, Killian has managed to bring the Christmas spirit to her heart.

They remain for a few seconds contemplating the gifts, but the signs of fatigue of her son are evident. Although he hasn't lost his emotion, a small yawn escapes his mouth. It's time to go back to bed.

Emma bends down to keep up with her son and whispers. "This will be our little secret, okay? Now we must go back to sleep, and in a little while, we will all go down together to open the presents."

Her son nods. "Yes, our secret. Thank you mommy, I love you."

Emma feels as if her heart wanted to leave her chest, overwhelmed by the words of her son. "I love you too, Charlie." She holds him in her arms, and for a few seconds, she loses herself in the warmth of his little body and his sweet scent. This normal life, these little gestures are what make happiness. She would not change this life for the world. And every day she feels a growing gratitude to her husband for giving her all this.

Emma offers her hand to her son and both return to the top floor. Once in the hallway, she hesitates for a moment whether to go to her son's bedroom or to her own. Finally, it's decided. It's only this time, she tells herself. "Do you want to sleep with us?"

Charlie's happy expression is enough response so they head to her bedroom. He lies down in bed next to his father with Emma on his other side. "Good night," she whispers as she gives him a tender kiss on his cheek.

"Goodnight mom."

Her little boy accommodates himself between his parents, his teddy bear still curled up in his arms. After a couple of minutes, his closed eyes and his quiet breathing are evidence that Charlie has gone back to sleep. It's her turn now. The last thing she thinks before she closes her eyes is that, just a few hours later, they will again experience a similar moment full of surprises and emotions. In just a few hours, Christmas spirit will fill their house with laughter and joy.

Emma wakes up later, but this time, she doesn't do it thanks to the soft touch of her son, but to a somewhat louder reason. Hope's cries are the cause. Fortunately, they are not cries of anger, but an overflowing joy.

Although she is awake, Emma remains with closed eyes, assimilating everything that happens around her without needing to see. She feels that Charlie is still sleeping next to her and also hears how Killian tries to calm their excitable daughter by trying to keep his tone still.

"Shhh, be quiet Hope, we're going to let mummy sleep some more, aye?"

But it seems that Killian's attempts are unsuccessful because, far from being calm, Hope begins to laugh out loud, clearly amused by the words of her father. "Mama! Mama!" She shouts.

It's time to start the day. She finally opens her eyes, only to close them again immediately, momentarily blinded by the brightness of the morning.

"My apologies, love, it's been impossible to calm our little fierce one."

Emma tries to open her eyes again, this time with some more success. Killian is in front of her, with Hope in his arms and a warm smile on his lips. "Merry Christmas." He leans over and gives her a chaste kiss on her lips, which she instantly returns.

"Merry Christmas."

When Hope discovers that her mother is awake, she twirls in her father's arms as she tries to reach for her. "Mama!"

Killian finally leaves her free and Emma welcomes her into her arms. "Good morning, little princess." This is definitely the best way to wake up in Christmas morning.

A few minutes later, the whole family is around the tree, ready to start opening the gifts. Hope has not stopped shouting since she saw all the packages wrapped in bright colors. It's so attractive to her that Killian has to hold her in his arms to keep her from ruining all the packages ahead of time.

Henry is also with them, although he does not seem so happy with the overflowing energy of his two siblings. His frown and drowsy face are a sign of it. Despite the lack of sleep, however, Emma knows that he enjoys these family moments very much. And she can't help feeling grateful because this year he has decided to spend this special day with them.

Emma looks back at the mysterious package and gives an inquiring look to her husband. He shrugs his shoulders while raising his eyebrows with a mischievous gesture in response.

When they are about to start opening the gifts, someone knocks on the door. Emma frowns, clearly confused. They aren't waiting for anyone, at least not so soon. Since Killian is still trying to calm their excited daughter, it's she who goes to receive the mysterious visitor.

When Emma opens the door, she finds her father waiting on the other side. "Dad! What are you doing here?"

"Merry Christmas, Emma." David enters without further ado as he kisses her forehead. She notices then he is carrying something, a box. A box with the same decoration as the mysterious package. She tilts her head, looking at her father and Killian without understanding.

His father seems amused at her confusion. "Home delivery." He offers her the package. "Be careful, that can... move a bit."

"What?" But the moment the package is deposited in her hands, she knows what her father is referring to. No... Her husband will not have dared...

David nods. "It's good to have contacts at the animal shelter."

Emma opens her eyes in surprise. Damn pirate!

David raises his hands in sign of peace. "Talk to him, I'm just the messenger." By his tone, he seems to be having a good time, but then he gives her another kiss on her forehead and goes back to the door with the intention of leaving.

Emma is still confused by everything that has happened, but she finally reacts. "Wait a moment, won't you stay?"

Her father shakes his head. "An excited child and a tree loaded with gifts await me too. See you later."

Without further ado, David leaves, leaving Emma with a box full of life in her hands. She's going to kill her husband as soon as she gets the chance...

"Mommy? A new gift?"

Charlie walks over to her, staring at the package. Emma throws Killian a murderous look, but her husband looks back at her with that adorable gesture of his, while his lips draw a pout. Emma shakes her head, resigned, she will talk to him later.

"Yes, something Grampa just dropped off. Let's open it first!"

If Emma thought the surprises were over, when her son picks up the lid of the box, she realizes that one more awaits her. For some reason, she had come to the idea that a puppy dog would be waiting for them inside the box. But no, her husband has the ability to surprise her even with pets. Because what is inside is not one, but two tiny balls of hair. Killian has brought home two kittens. Two.

"Really?"

"Aren't they adorable?"

Oh yes, of course they are. They are two tiny kittens, their hair in shades white and cinnamon both, although in one of them the cinnamon color predominates more. Emma drops the box on the floor and kneels, taking one of them to show to Charlie. The moment she takes the warm little body between her hands, she knows she is lost.

Charlie caresses it tentatively, his reticent expression at first changing when he realizes that it's a living creature. For the first time, he releases the teddy bear and caresses the new member of the family with his two little hands.

By the time Hope sees the two animals, she stirs and begins to scream, clearly interested in exploring about the new visitors. Killian leaves her on the floor but watches her closely. Henry now holds the first kitten, while Charlie continues to caress him and Emma picks up the other kitten to show it to her little one. Hope opens her eyes wide when she realizes that the ball of hair is moving and she walks away a little, with some fear in her expression. Within a few seconds, tough, she brings a tiny finger closer and touches the animal very gently.

A few seconds later, however, she loses interest in the new members of the family and, taking advantage of the fact that she is already released from her father's arms, Hope decides to start unwrapping the remaining gifts on her own. This is how they discover that the mystery box is filled with all the utensils necessary for the two kittens. There is feed, cat litter, toys... Killian has thought of all the details.

Emma stands up with one of the kittens still in her arms. "At least you haven't followed the cliche." She tells her husband.

Killian looks at her confused, not knowing what she is talking about.

Emma rolls her eyes before answering. "A happy family living in a house surrounded by a white picket fence and with a dog as a pet."

He smiles then, approaching her, his arms around her waist. "So do you like them? They are already weaned and know how to use the litter box. David has been looking after them all this time. "

Emma sighs. "Yes, I like them. But they're two cats, Killian. Two."

"Jolly and Roger are not going to give any trouble, I'll take care of them personally, I promise."

Emma opens her eyes in surprise, wondering if she's heard right. "Wait a moment, you've already named them?"

"I've been visiting them for three weeks, darling. They needed a name."

"Jolly and Roger ... Really?" She holds the kitten in her hands as she looks into its face. "Who are you, little one?"

"He's Roger and she's Jolly."

Henry holds Jolly as he looks at them with an amused expression. Any vestige of sleep gone. "I like the names."

Emma sighs again. Killian held her even closer in his arms. His expression of happiness makes everything worthwhile. And if these two kittens are the ones who make her husband's eyes shine that way, she's willing to keep the two new pets. Christmas day has taken an unexpected turn, but that is the magic of these dates. And she can't be happier about it. Maybe tomorrow they have to go out and fight a new villain, but today the whole family is going to allow themselves to enjoy a normal life.

Thanks for reading :)