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Most of the clothing available in this realm left much to be desired after a lifetime of wearing the lightest linens, finest silks, and softest velvet a pirate could pilfer under the incomparable comfort of a well-worn leather duster but whatever made up this hideous coat that Killian lifted from Emma's car this morning was a surprising luxury.
As he walked through the town on this brisk morning, thick with fog, the cosy warmth of something this lightweight had become a bit of a marvel. His duster weighed about the same as a half barrel of rum and seemed stiff in comparison. It almost made up for the brightly striped pattern with pockets set such that the pattern clashed with the rest of the coat. Perhaps he could find one in black or a deep blue.
Breathing in the salty air and listening to the lap of water against the docked boats settled things in Killian he hadn’t known were unmoored. That feeling of belonging, of home, was exponentially multiplied when he caught sight of the gorgeous woman he was fortunate enough to call his wife.
Emma narrowed her eyes and cocked her head at him as he approached, his boots heavy on the dock. Something flashed in her eyes for a moment, but she tucked it away before he could place it. She’d tell him when she was ready, she always did.
"Hi, love," Killian greeted and held up the warm, spiced lattes to her. She smiled in appreciation before taking a sip from her cup.
“You look,” she paused, a smile tugging at her lips, “cosy.”
“I stole it from your vessel, Swan,” Killian said defensively, but a blush crept over his cheeks. He knew this brightly coloured monstrosity was not his most flattering attire but surely it wasn’t so awful as to warrant her jesting.
“Mmmhmm.” Emma returned to her drink as they fell into step, walking along the docks as the sun rose over the water in brilliant shades of reds and orange.
“What was the emergency this morning?” Killian asked.
“The alarm at the school went off. We checked it out. Nothing was missing or damaged.” Emma shrugged. “It’s probably some kids getting ready for their class prank.”
“Hmm, clever kids to get in without causing additional destruction.”
Emma cut her eyes at him. “Do you think that I don’t know Henry can pick a lock? That you taught him?”
“I am certain that I have no idea what you are talking about, love.” Killian smiled proudly, contradicting the innocence that laced his words.
“Of course not,” Emma muttered.
“As it happens, I do know Henry is innocent of this particular crime.”
“I know. Henry is getting the sheep.”
“He told you?”
“No. Dad did. Can you believe Henry asked him if he could borrow his sheep to fill the freshmen classrooms?”
“Actually, I can,” Killian laughed, shaking his head. Sometimes it was difficult to imagine that Henry was the child of thieves and the step-child of a legendary pirate. “Granny should have her first batch of pastries baked by now. Let’s eat before you go back to the station.”
“Ooh, yes.” Emma licked her lips at the thought of the fresh bear claw she was about to inhale.
When they walked into Granny’s, David was already at the counter getting his morning takeaway before heading to the station himself. He turned when they walked in, smiling at them. But his smile faded into an expression somewhere between bewilderment and confusion, “Killian, isn’t that my flannel?”
For the second time that morning, Killian felt his face heat as his cheeks burned red.