the next savior | once upon a time

Sweet dreams

Storybrooke, years before

A 5 year old Hope woke up with in tears,
holding her plushie crab close to her chest.

She made her way to her parents' room, barefooted, and called her dad.

Her mom was sick, the lass didn't want to bother her.

<< Daddy? Daddy?>> she called, softly.

Killian opened his eyes, his gaze landing upon his daughter.

<< Starfish...why are you still awake?>> asked he, sleepily.

<< I... I had a bad dream>> she confessed.

<< Oh...come here little one>> said he, with a calm and reassuring voice.

He gently grabbed her, and brought her downstairs.

<< Wanna go to the Jolly?>> he questioned, offering her a smile.

The ocean had always calmed her down, just like it did with him.

When the little girl couldn't sleep, he used to bring her on his ship, sometimes for a while, sometimes for the whole night.

That night, things didn't go differently.

<< Yes daddy!>> she agreed, lips curled in a smile.

And so, they wore their coats and left the house.

- -

<< Uncle Smee!>> said Hope, smiling excitedly whilst running towards the man, who was waiting for them on the ship.

<< Hey little girl>> he offered her a smile and pulled her in for a hug.

<< Good evening, Captain>>

<< Hi Smee. This little lass can't sleep, so I figured bringing her here was the best option.>> he explained.

His lips slid into a smile, as he looked down at his daughter, who now was running all around on the ship.

<< Daddy, can we sail?>> asked she, offering him a puppy-eyed look.

<< Aye starfish, but just for a little while. Mommy is sick, we can't leave her alone, can we?>>

<< No, poor mommy! >>

<< I knew you would agree. Anyway, let's set sail!>>

Hope nodded excitedly, and that brought an indescribable joy to the captain.

To see his daughter's smile, her sparkling eyes, he could do anything.

- -

After ten minutes only, the little lass was knocked out, sleeping peacefully in her dad's embrace, as Smee sailed back to the docks.

Moments later, the two said goodbye, and Killian headed back home with his daughter.

- -

Hope was now back in her bed.

Killian covered her with a blanket, then pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.

He closed the door, and headed to his and Emma's bedroom.

Emma was still asleep.

He gently placed a hand upon her forehead, noticing that the fever was almost gone.

He kissed her check, then wrapped an arm around her and fell asleep.