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New Story: "Finding A Home" (a ridiculously belated birthday fic for @jrob64)

This fic was meant to be Joni's birthday gift last year, and there is no good excuse for why it has taken me this long to write a single fluffy one shot! Still, I hope she will enjoy it - late as it is - and that anyone else who stumbles across it will like it too!

Without further adieu, enjoy some Swan Believer goodness, an adorable puppy (in honor of Joni's own Cocoa), and veterinarian Killian!

(A non-magic Modern AU in which Emma and Henry are living in Boston

A rainy night brings an injured stray puppy into their lives, as well as the handsome veterinarian who helps them make their newest addition a happy, healthy member of their home… and he just might find himself a place there as well!)

Can also be read on AO3 here, if that is your preference

A fic birthday gift for @jrob64 (Joni)

by: @snowbellewells

Watching the windshield wipers swish back and forth across her vision frenetically, just barely keeping her view through the windshield clear enough to drive, Emma Swan had to concentrate on the road ahead of her as best she could to get herself and Henry home again safely. The route from his junior high school to their Hyde Park neighborhood was as familiar as the back of her hand after driving the same course most days for almost two years now, but that didn’t make the current conditions any less dicey once the grey clouds and the dense humidity that had hung over their heads all day had decided to break at last.

They had just pulled off the main thoroughfare onto the quieter street that led to their two-story rental when Henry shot forward suddenly with a cry of alarm. His desperate “Stop!” and outstretched hand had Emma stomping the brake without even knowing why; her heart catapulting up to lodge in her throat as a protective arm swung out on instinct across Henry’s chest.

“Henry!? Wha -?” her eyes darted over to her son, who stared anxiously out into the pelting rain before them, then followed his gaze, trying to locate whatever had caused him such alarm. When she did see, her words trailed off, and she caught her breath, immediately flicking on the car’s emergency blinkers and searching behind her on the backseat for the umbrella, not sure she wouldn’t be blinded otherwise once she stepped into the downpour.

Her hand on the door latch, Emma turned to look seriously into her son’s eyes. “Stay here. It’s too bad out, and someone might not see you. I’m just going to check.”

Henry nodded his understanding; teenager though he might be, he had yet to cease listening to her, or to ignore or challenge her authority as the horror stories of other parents had led her to believe he might. His wide, brown eyes that usually sparkled with mischief were solemn instead as he asked, “Mom, do you think it’s alright?”

Not at all sure of the answer to that question until she could get closer, she shook her head, refusing to lie to him, even to be comforting. “I don’t know yet, Kid. Just sit tight, and we’ll find out, okay?”

She was in the pounding rain then, praying her umbrella wouldn’t collapse or blow inside out, and hurrying over to the spot where Henry’s sharp eyes had led her to glimpse a limping blur of dark fur only briefly before it had seemed to collapse in a lump at the road’s edge. She had thought brightly golden eyes peered at them for a moment out of the early evening gloom and the watery onslaught, but now she wasn’t as sure. She dreaded going back to the car to tell Henry either that she couldn’t find the small animal they had nearly hit, or that it was too late for them to help it, so she pressed on. Emma firmly ignored the little voice in the back of her mind that goaded she simply didn’t want to leave some pitiful lost creature behind like she had been left so often.

At last, peering through sheets of rain amidst the tall weeds bordering the road, Emma finally found what she was seeking. There, huddled in the scrubby grass near the side ditch, was a soaked, bedraggled mound of matted and curly dark brown fur wetted down by the continuous beating rain. Squinting through the torrent and trying to push back the sopping strings of her hair so she could see better, Emma peered at the barely moving ball now clearly identifiable as the small dog she had feared it would be. Checking both ways for oncoming traffic again, Emma pushed herself forward, despite the hesitation at what she might see.

Crouching by the side of the road, Emma reached out tentatively, not wanting to get herself scratched or bitten by a frightened animal, but also knowing that the longer she lingered with her car in the way, the more annoyed and dangerous she would make any other traffic she blocked. When she touched the wet fur, a breath of relief escaped her upon also feeling shuddering tremors beneath her hand as they shook the small body. The pup - it must still be quite young, or a relatively small breed of dog - was also obviously breathing, as she could see a rise and fall of its side now that she was nearer and closer to eye level. She hesitated to pick it up, though, even to get it to the car, warmth, and help. Emma could easily surmise that animals were enough like people that jostling the poor thing without knowing what might be broken or punctured inside was not the best idea.

Still, ‘needs must’, she decided practically and with a quick look to see that there were now sets of headlights stopped behind her own, honking horns and questioning calls beginning to ring out on the air, Emma moved quickly and carefully; there was nothing else for it. Dropping the umbrella and shrugging out of her jacket, she laid the fabric over the shivering little dog and wrapped it around the quaking form, trying to slip her arms under while jarring it as little as possible.

Scrambling to her feet once more, she hurried back to the vehicle, completely drenched and already beginning to shiver. Henry had been anxiously watching and was already leaning across to open the door for her.

His eyes were wide, and his lower lip trembled a bit against his determined show of strength as Emma slipped in and gently laid the soppy, sweater-wrapped bundle of puppy across his lap. She focused on her son’s worried, “Were we in time? He isn’t… dead, is he?” rather than the growing cacophony she drowned out by slamming the door closed behind her and putting the VW back in drive.

“He’s still fighting, Kid,” Emma assured as they started forward again. The gulping swallow he’d had to take in the middle of his question had torn at her. Her son was so hopeful and empathetic, traits she wished she still possessed, and which she intended to keep him from losing, if it was at all within her power. She might come to regret her roadside rescue attempt yet, if the dog didn’t make it. She would be sad, of course, but she could already see that it would break Henry’s young heart.

Hoping to distract him, even slightly, with a purpose, Emma glanced over before focusing back on the road, then asked, “Have you noticed a veterinary clinic along this road, Henry? Or have we already passed it? Do you remember?”

His brown eyes lit up eagerly, pleased to have an answer that might help. “Yeah, there is! Not far past that pharmacy on the right, remember? One street over from us?” He was nodding emphatically even as he struggled to keep the rest of his body still, gently stroking the wet head beneath his hand.

Emma nodded grimly, glad her recollection had been right; their surprise passenger needed more help than she knew how to give, as soon as they could get it. “Then let’s just hope they’re still open and ready to go in this storm,” she said grimly, hands clutching the wheel just a bit tighter.

Henry nodded his agreement, but neither of them said anything else for several minutes as they drove cautiously, peering through the rain still slicking the windshield.

“There!” Henry called out again. His finger pointed ahead to a square, white building with a modest parking lot, thankfully illuminated by a lighted sign proclaiming: Park View Animal Hospital: 24 Hour Emergency Service.

“Finally,” Emma breathed out in a whoosh, her shoulders slumping gratefully for just a moment’s release of tension as they came to a stop in a parking space. Then, she was hurrying around to Henry’s side, taking the dog from Henry’s lap, and trying to carry it smoothly toward the front door as Henry ran ahead to open it.

Their entrance was a little dramatic for her liking, as they had both just managed to stop in the entryway, when a strong gust of wind pulled the door handle from Henry’s grasp and slammed it closed behind them with a window-rattling clap of thunder as punctuation. They were already starting to leave a puddle on the linoleum floor, Emma realized as she looked around sheepishly, glad the waiting area seemed largely empty.

The young woman at the admitting desk jumped up with an exclamation of surprise at their sudden entrance, but a more welcoming smile quickly graced her countenance as she rounded the counter behind which she sat, rapped smartly on a closed office door at the start of the hall leading further into the building, and greeted them with a welcoming smile. She was tall and slight, moving with a willowy grace that was immediately arresting. Her voice was low and soothing, and her straight, white teeth stood out even more clearly against her deeply tanned face and jet black hair worn coiled in two braids around the crown of her head. Despite the casual beauty and bearing that might have been rather intimidating, her gentle voice put Emma and Henry both at ease from the first words. “My, what a storm we’re having out there! Thank goodness you arrived safely. I’m TL, the vet tech and after-hours receptionist. What seems to be the problem?”

She indicated the shaking bundle in Emma’s arms, brow furrowed with concern. Emma stepped forward quickly to let the capable-looking woman see for herself. She was about to explain how they had found the poor dog, and what little she knew of the situation, when the office door opened, and a man in scrubs and a white lab coat stepped out to meet them, summoned by his assistant’s knock, no doubt. One look, and all of Emma’s words seemed to evaporate on her tongue. For several long seconds, she was dumbstruck- much as she hated to admit it, even to herself - and she swore her knees went as watery as jello for an embarrassing few moments.

Bright, intelligent, and somehow searing blue eyes arrested her, and in the strange interim, Henry piped up quickly. Emma blinked to clear her vision of the man’s striking looks, thankfully letting Henry ramble for a moment while she gathered her wits. If it seemed the startling blue depths of that gaze twinkled a bit with controlled mirth at her apparently obvious predicament, Emma tried not to dwell on it. By that time, her son was finishing his spiel with, “...so Mom got him in the car - I held him! - and we came here. Can you help him?”

A warm, deep rumble of an easy laugh came from the dark-haired, deliciously scruffy man before them as his eyes shifted from hers to Henry’s with a reassuring grin. “Well, that’s quite a request, Lad, but I will certainly do my best.” He gestured them further into the clinic to where they could just see an open exam room waiting beyond. “Come, let’s bring him in and see what can be done.”

When they stopped before a tall, sterile lab table, Emma rather gratefully laid the trembling bundle of wet, brownish, curly fur on its surface. Standing before the gorgeous man who was already murmuring low, soothing words to the frightened and vulnerable creature on his table and running large, capable hands over the poor dog’s slight form, seeking unseen injuries, caused her to shiver in response almost as much as the damp material clinging to the front of her body. The reverberations of his soft crooning ran through her, making Emma’s cheeks heat, and she had to seek desperately for something to focus on other than his hands and their deft, gentle touch.

“You alright there, Kid?” she asked her son, diverting her eyes to Henry at her side. Though he was wide-eyed with curiosity and interest in what the doctor was doing for his new four-legged patient, she could also tell by the way he bit his lower lip nervously that Henry was worried for the pup as well, no matter how grown-up and calm he tried to appear. Her boy was already attached to the small dog, even if the whole incident had unfurled so far in less than an hour.

Wordlessly, Henry nodded his assent, but Emma wasn’t completely surprised when his hand reached across, and his fingers slid into hers. Offering a reassuring smile, she squeezed lightly, hoping to offer what comfort she could.

Drawing in a deep, steadying breath, Emma steeled herself to look back up to the veterinarian, praying that she would see some sign of good news on his visage. Granted, she was never one for doling out false hope, and she wanted to prepare herself and Henry if the news was bad. At the same time, without even realizing she had done so, Emma found that she was placing all her hope on the doctor standing before them, anxious for him to prove as exceptional as he appeared.

She was reaching the point of blurting out a demand for information - what he saw, what was happening, what he was going to do - when the dark head bent over the trembling dog in intent examination rose to look into her face seriously, the shocking blue of his gaze bearing an intensity that made her breath catch. A few molasses-thick, long, heated moments passed before the deeply accented voice that had greeted them upon arrival spoke with measured and soothing calm. “Well, Ms. …apologies, I don’t believe we even exchanged names, Lass.”

Emma flushed, ducking her head in an attempt to gather her thoughts with a chuckle. “We did kinda bust in like a whirlwind, didn’t we?” she agreed. “I’m Emma… Emma Swan, and this is my son, Henry.”

The frankly stunning veterinarian smiled warmly, “It’s good to meet you, Ms. Swan, and you, Master Henry,” he added with a playful smile. “I’m Dr. Killian Jones, and I’m very glad TL and I stayed late to take care of the cleaning and filing that never seems to get done during the day. Sometimes when things are this slow, I’m here along ‘on-call’, but I like to have an assistant in the surgery if at all possible. It’s a good thing that you found this little guy and brought him here when you did. With the storm going on out there, being wet, exposed to the elements, and with the temperature dropping for the night, he would have been in an even worse state than you see now.”

Killian Jones was scruffing his hand through the pup’s fur in a way the small canine seemed to thoroughly approve, as his trembling eased, and he was clearly leaning his head into the assured touch of the vet. It wasn’t long before the little critter let out a sort of low huff of relief that caught them all by surprise, making both adults chuckle and releasing a tension between Emma’s shoulder blades that she had hardly noticed she’d been holding.

Eyes wide and a hopeful grin completely lighting his face, Henry pressed forward then, unable to keep from reaching out to touch their little stowaway as well. “You said he could be a lot worse. That means you can help him, right? And he’s going to be okay?”

The dark head nodded with firm certainty as Dr. Jones smiled once more, full of express reassurances for her son that couldn’t fail to melt Emma’s heart. “Aye, Lad, I should indeed be able to fix our furry friend right up, almost as good as new.”

Patient and kind as he had been throughout their encounter with him, Dr. Jones guided Henry’s hand along the small form, easing the youngster to be able to feel what his experienced senses had uncovered. “You see here?” he instructed Henry as he deftly eased the shorter fingers and uncertain smaller hand along with his own. “Feel where that uneven place is?” The dog gave a low whimper, but didn’t move or snap, proving the trust this man had already inspired in his charge.

Henry nodded, no sound escaping him, though his mouth had fallen open in awe.

“Something hit him there and broke that bone. Thankfully, it feels like a clean break rather than several scattered fragments. I should be able to reset it and hold it still with a cast while it is healing, much like we would do for a person’s broken arm or leg. With a little time and good care, he should mend with no lasting adverse effects.”

Once her son seemed satisfied, Dr. Killian Jones did not waste much more time, no doubt anxious to see that the small creature wasn’t hurting any longer than necessary. Easily giving the dog an anesthetic and stroking a hand almost tenderly over his back as they waited for it to take effect, he explained in brief and simple terms what he would do and assured them that it was a standard and common procedure.

When he confirmed minutes later that it was time, TL appeared at Emma’s elbow with a friendly smile to show them back to the waiting room before she returned to assist her boss. The other woman seemed to sense her ricocheting thoughts and patted her shoulder warmly. She gave Emma a kindly smile, ruffling Henry’s hair playfully as she offered, “Try not to worry. The doc’s really good at what he does, and he’ll get the little guy all fixed up as soon as possible.” The twinkling sweetness in her gaze was reassuring before she vanished into the surgery, and they were left to wait.

Emma knew she was placing a lot of faith in someone she’d perhaps only spoken to for a total of ten minutes. Yet, even in that scant amount of time, Dr. Killian Jones had engendered a level of confidence that she rarely gifted anyone. Not only did he seem competent and professional, but there was a warmth in his manner that felt more than the minimum needed for his job; the caring he had shown both the injured animal and her young son had been genuine, and it drew her in as little else would.

Still, she couldn’t help feeling almost jittery as she and Henry sat together in the waiting room. Unlike her son, who seemed oddly at ease now, despite his earlier nerves. It was as if Dr. Jones’ patient explanation and the time he had taken to show Henry what had happened to the pup and how it could be repaired had put most of her boy’s fears to rest. Instead, she was the one fidgeting in her seat, biting her lower lip, and twisting the ends of her hair anxiously. What if some unexpected complication arose in surgery? If whatever was broken inside the small canine body was worse than first projected? Pragmatist she might try to be, telling herself that plain realism protected her son along with herself, but the puppy had already scratched at least two paws into her heart as well. If the kindly veterinarian could not do what he had seemed imminently certain of accomplishing, she would be more crushed than she’d like to admit - little boy in tow or not.

Thankfully, they weren’t left waiting an inordinate length of time, and the waiting room remained empty and quiet. The patter of rain and swirl of wind outside sounded almost soothing overhead and all around them as they waited, Henry spread out and did the small amount of homework he had before his eyelids began to droop lower, then flicked back open again, his head nodding drowsily where he sat. Though Emma knew her son wanted to keep vigil for the small dog that had somehow already become “theirs”, she could also tell that sleep was pulling at him more and more insistently.

After nearly three hours, the doors into the clinic’s operating bay opened, and Emma immediately shot to her feet without hesitation. Henry snapped upright as well, wide awake again. Dr. Jones strode toward them with a measured assurance that helped to soothe both mother and son’s clear anxiety even before he spoke.

A gentle smile tilted the corners of his mouth up as he focused first on the young man gazing up at him. “You’ve one tough little furball back there, Lad. He hung in just as we’d hoped, and he’s sleeping now. His body is on the mend as we speak. It won’t be immediate,” he ended with a serious note of caution, “but he will recover.”

Letting out a huge whoosh of air, Henry surged forward in a move that startled both adults momentarily, and wrapped his arms tightly around the vet’s torso, his face mostly hidden in the lab coat and his voice muffled as he offered his fervent thanks.

“That’s not necessary at all, Master Henry,” the doctor replied, looking up at Emma uncertainly for direction, even as his hand came up to pat the boy’s shoulder. “I would never leave an animal hurting if it was within my power to help. I’m merely grateful that compassionate people like yourself and your mother,” here his warm eyes reached across the few feet between them to caress Emma, “brought him to receive the help he needed.”

Emma sucked in a steadying breath, unable to fully ignore the heat that ran through her veins and spread in her stomach, rising to make her heart flutter erratically. She didn’t really feel she had done anything that exceptional, but it would take a stronger woman than she to turn from basking in his obvious favor. Knowing that she must be blushing furiously, she dropped his gaze and could barely meet Henry’s curious eyes either.

As if sensing that he’d embarrassed her slightly, Dr. Jones cleared his throat and pressed forward, changing their focus slightly. “I understand the little guy is not your dog,” he began carefully, “but when he wakes, do I need to call the local shelter? Or are you - “ his words trailed off awkwardly, needing to make arrangements for his small patient’s further recuperation, but clearly not wanting to exert pressure or guilt on them either.

He had read the situation correctly; Emma knew there was no withdrawing their investment in the pup’s life now. Henry’s head turned wildly toward her, his whole face lit with joy when he heard her response. “Oh, he’s coming home with us when he’s able,” she assured. “I think he’s ours now.”

She couldn’t even bring herself to mind the sort of rollercoaster her emotions had been on over the last few hours - not when Henry was bouncing with glee and practically dancing around her, nor at hearing the pleasant chuckle that rumbled through the veterinarian’s chest at her answer and the boy’s reaction.

Leaning in to speak lowly in her ear, Killian Jones murmured, “I did have a feeling that might be the case.”

She huffed playfully and attempted to give him serious side eye in response to the cheeky wink and crooked grin that had accompanied his words, but she wasn’t truly upset, and they both knew it.

By the time she and Henry made their way out the door some thirty minutes later, they had a list of preparations to make and supplies to purchase for the incoming member of their family, but somehow Emma’s heart still felt remarkably lighter.

~~ 🐾 ~~

The next day was Saturday, thankfully, because Henry was anxious to go and get their new pet from the very moment he woke. Emma had expected no less and wanted to see the furry little guy herself, especially now that he wouldn’t be soaking, scared, and in pain. She’d had breakfast ready and waiting and managed to get Henry to sit still long enough to eat it and then go to get dressed. They did still have to stop at the pet supply, as it had been late and still raining the night before, but she solemnly promised her son they would be at the animal hospital before noon.

When they walked through the clinic’s front entrance, they were once again greeted by Nurse TL behind the large reception desk. The tall, statuesque woman again gave lie to the sort of model serious beauty first impressions would suggest. There was a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a knowing smile on her lips that immediately made Emma curious.

“Welcome back, Swans,” she chirped enthusiastically, before adding, “I’m not sure who’s more excited to see you, your new puppy or Dr. Jones.”

Henry looked baffled by her words; his brow crinkling as his head tilted to the side, studying the veterinary assistant as he tried to work out her meaning. “Why would Dr. Jones be excited?” he asked curiously.

Giving Emma another significant look that had a blush climbing her neck, the raven-haired young woman merely smiled at Emma’s son sweetly and answered with complete innocence. “Well, naturally, the Doc is excited to see a dog who had no home going to people who will love and take care of him the way he deserves. I’m excited too; that’s always a happy thing to see.”

Though Emma was more than a bit mortified to have apparently been so obvious in her reaction to whatever current had been running between herself and Killian Jones the day before, she was at least grateful the other woman had kept her teasing subtle enough not to make Henry aware.

Thankfully, Emma’s embarrassment was interrupted by the door from the surgery in the back opening, and their new pup entering, followed by Dr. Jones holding a lead for him. “Look who couldn’t wait to see you this morning!” the vet greeted cheerfully, beaming at mother and son both before unclipping the lead and allowing the small dog to trot disjointedly right for Henry, who dropped to his knees with open arms to meet him.

Granted, the dog was not untouched by the ordeal he had weathered the day before. The fur on one rear flank was shaved where Dr. Jones had made the incision for surgery, and his back leg was completely encased in a cast. His gait as he moved across the room was limping and uneven, but not truly slowing him down. Emma couldn’t help the smile that broke across her face at the sight of the little guy’s tongue lolling and his tail wagging as he nuzzled into Henry’s affectionate touch. Clearly, he was glad to see them, not trembling, snarling, or pulling away, nor giving any indication that he associated them at all with his recent trauma.

Moving toward the doctor, who had followed his four-legged patient to stand before them and was beaming down at the heartwarming scene the boy and dog made together, Emma looked up into Killian Jones’ eyes intently. Once they were face-to-face, she hoped that her sincerity would be made manifest. “Wow, he looks like he’s doing great. I don’t even know how to thank you properly. Henry - and I - are just relieved to see he’s okay.”

Dr. Jones dipped his head in a quick nod of acknowledgement and returned her gaze with a fervent intensity that was hard to ignore. “Aye, it’s amazing how resilient animals are when given a fair chance, and I believe this guy to be quite young as well - in all probability less than a year - which will aid him in mending as well. With proper feeding, care, and a safe place to live, he’ll be better off than he was before this happened to him, all told. There are some care instructions we should go over, of course, and I’ll want to check on him at intervals until he is fully healed, but I don’t anticipate any lasting issues.”

Emma thanked him again, knowing that a huge grin was splitting her face, even as her cheeks warmed at the absurdity of the whole encounter. The last 24 hours had tossed everything up in the air, and she felt unsettled but also strangely giddy at the same time. When Henry’s enthusiastic thanks were added to her own, and even a couple of yips from their new pet, she was soon laughing, and joined easily by TL and Killian.

Henry’s brow scrunched curiously once more at their humor, asking, “What’s so funny?”

But Emma could only shake her head slightly at him before shrugging her shoulders and finally admitting, “I don’t really know, Kid.” She wrapped an arm around his shoulders before shooting a half smile back at the nurse and doctor, before beaming down at her son. “I guess I’m just relieved… and happy. This has been a surprise, but a good one, right?”

“Right!” he echoed enthusiastically.

Everyone chuckled again, and the boy returned his attention to his dog as Killian went over care instructions with her, TL scheduled a follow-up appointment, and Emma settled the bill. Before she knew it, they were ready to leave and take their third family member to his new home. At the door, Killian opened it gallantly for them, bowing playfully to Henry and wishing his furry patient well, then leaning in as Emma passed by, making her pause in the doorway, drawn to his warmth and causing the breath to jam up in her lungs. The air he exhaled with quietly murmured words at her ear ruffled the fine hairs that framed her face, tickling pleasantly. “If the little guy - or you yourself, Lass - need anything before his scheduled visit, please don’t hesitate to call.”

Emma nodded jerkily, a breathy exhale of her own barely escaping her throat.

“I am at your service, night or day,” he added, the timbre of his voice with that assurance sent shivers down her arms and legs even as he straightened back up quickly and gave her room to exit.

Blinking as she followed Henry and their dog across the parking lot to their car, Emma reflected that it might be a challenge not to call him before she had even left the premises.

~~ 🐾 ~~

In the wee hours of the morning, three a.m. to be exact, a mere two days later, was not when Emma had intended to use the number Dr. Jones had slipped her with such promising intent. But Henry’s worried eyes as he’d woken her, and the way her hands shook as she tried to get their pup - now christened ‘Cocoa’ - to drink and felt how hot and dry his normally cold, wet nose was, had her dialing in sheer desperation. It had seemed their pet was healing just fine, but now she feared this fever or infection that had woken them all, and she wasn’t sure how to bring it down and help him.

The phone rang twice, then three times, as Emma bit her lip and shuffled her feet anxiously, embarrassed to be bothering Dr. Jones in the middle of the night - or early morning, however one chose to look at it. On the fourth ring, there was finally the sound of a fumbling pick up on the other end of the line, and a low, groggy voice hoarse with sleep asking, “Hello?”

The unguarded intimacy of the simple response, hearing his voice before Jones was fully alert and aware, made Emma’s insides flip, unable to stop herself from imagining how it would sound whispering at her side as they curled together under covers. Her cheeks flushed unseen, and she pressed her hands to the heat, even as she stood alone at her kitchen counter.

Swallowing hard, Emma forced herself to blink away the shadowy vision, pleasant as it was, and refocus on why she had called him. “Dr. Jones? I’m so sorry to call you in the middle of the night…” she started hesitantly, “but this is Emma Swan… who brought in the stray dog a few days ago? …I know we must be waking you, and you’re well within your right to tell me to call back at a decent hour, but… Henry just woke me, and we’re worried about Cocoa, the pup. He seems like he has an awful fever…”

She paused, uncertain what else to say, and wondering if it had been silly to call the vet, now that she heard how simple the concern sounded out loud. Mercifully, Killian Jones took over then, wakefulness entering his voice, even over the telephone wire.

“No, no, please don’t worry over the time, Swan.” Her heart fluttered at his use of her surname, both familiar and comfortingly natural in a way she didn’t fully understand. “I told you that I would be available day or night, did I not? And I meant it. We wouldn’t want poor Cocoa suffering longer than he has to.”

Emma released the anxious breath she had been holding tight while awaiting his response. “Thank you so much,” she breathed. Seeing that Henry had padded out from his room, cradling Cocoa and placing him on the couch where he sat stroking the dog’s silky head, she shot her son a reassuring smile and nod of encouragement as well. Quickly, she gave Killian their address, and he promised to be there as soon as possible.

While they waited, Emma crossed over to Henry and Cocoa on the couch and knelt beside them. “How’s he doing, Kid?” she asked Henry with a gentle press of his hand.

“I still don’t think he feels well,” Henry mumbled with a sniffle, unable to help the way his lower lip trembled as he gladly squeezed his mom’s hand right back.

Emma didn’t know much about caring for sick animals, but she did reach out to scritch lightly behind the puppy’s ears the way he usually liked, then pressed her lips into a thin line with a concerned intake of breath at the warm, dry sensation she once again noticed when his nose pressed into her palm. It was usually a cool, wet nuzzle that made her squirm away in giggles. “Dr. Jones said he was glad we called and that he was on his way,” Emma told Henry needlessly, simply for lack of any better words to offer.

Henry nodded dutifully and leaned over to rest against her shoulder, as they waited in silence.

Dr. Jones was as good as his word, though, and it wasn’t much more than twenty minutes before they heard a knocking on the front door, followed by the sound of him calling out to announce himself.

Emma stood from where she had crouched on the floor by her boys and hurried toward the door to let him in. The man had been good enough to hurry to their aid in the wee hours of the morning; the last thing she intended to do was leave him standing on the porch, open to the avid curiosity of any nosey neighbors who might be awake. She quickly swung the door open and motioned Killian Jones into their home with a grateful smile.

Killian smiled back, his breath escaping in a puff of chill morning air as he greeted her. They didn’t linger to let the cool breeze slip through; Emma instead closed the door behind him and gestured for Killian to follow her through the small but cozy entryway, kitchen, and into the living room, where Henry and Cocoa were waiting. She thanked him again for coming out - late hour and all - as they walked, but he kindly deflected her praise, humbly asserting it was only as he ought to do for his patient.

As she had found herself often since meeting him, Emma was taken aback, struck nearly speechless by his charming manner, his kindness, and his unassuming, but nonetheless heroic, care for those he came in contact with - whether human or defenseless animal with no other voice to speak up for itself. He was more than too-good-to-be-true, and since she didn’t know what to do with that, or how to express the muddle he made of her, she merely announced his present to Henry, who looked up in greeting with relief evident on his young face.

Killian crouched beside them, much as she had done not long before, talking calmly to Henry, and also murmuring soothingly to Cocoa as he began to check the dog over. Emma stood to the side, merely watching with equal parts awe and admiration as he put both boy and dog at ease.

He was thorough and attentive, but it still didn’t take long before he moved from his crouch on the floor to the chair nearby, positioning himself so he could look between Emma and Henry more easily and explain his findings to them both. “You were right to call and have our little guy checked out,” he began. “It always pays to be safe and make certain if something doesn’t seem normal with your pet. The good news is, I think this is just a slight fever from some post-op inflammation. It isn’t uncommon after surgery, and it usually clears up within a day or so. We’ll keep an eye on him to be certain, and I’ll give Cocoa a shot of some antibiotics for good measure. He should be back to his usual self before we know it, just make sure he gets plenty of fresh, cool water and that you let him rest as much as he needs until he can fight it off.”

“That’s all it is?” Henry queried, looking as if he needed to make completely sure with one more guarantee. “And then he’ll be fine?”

“Yes, he will,” Killian reiterated, not at all put off by Henry’s questioning or need for reassurance. “Cocoa should be up and running circles about the place again in no time.”

Internally, Emma forced herself to relax for once, simply trust a man at his word, and not to worry over his giving her son the certainty of a promise. By now, Killian had more than shown he knew what he was talking about as a veterinarian. Once Henry had offered his beaming and enthusiastic thanks, he turned his attention back to his pet, stroking Cocoa’s curly, soft ears quietly and speaking the same assurances he had just been given to his four-legged best friend.

Emma turned to Killian with warmly relieved gratitude of her own. “Thank you,” she stated simply, but with a wealth of feeling behind the words. “He would have been crushed if it were something worse, or if you hadn’t been able to help.”

Killian’s response came out in a lower register and more gravelly timbre than Emma had heard before, making her tremble somehow at his, “It was my pleasure, Swan. I’m only glad it was something I could deal with simply.”

She nodded her understanding wordlessly, hardly trusting her voice not to quiver, and they sat in comfortable silence for several moments, just smiling at one another. Somewhere in the midst of Killian’s explanation and Henry’s thanks and turning back to his pup, Emma had dropped onto the couch nearer to Killian from where she had been hovering nearby. Now, she startled to look down and realize just how close their hands were. She licked her lips in nervous anticipation, a delicious warmth radiating from him and magnifying her awareness - despite their not having made physical contact. Finally, she gathered her courage and inched her hand over just enough for her fingers to brush against his.

To his credit, Killian Jones didn’t hesitate once she breached the divide. He gathered her tentative fingers in his own and squeezed fervently, twining them hand-in-hand and making Emma’s stomach swoop and her heart pound wildly against the cage of her chest. They were merely holding hands, and yet the pleasing sensation was more than enough for her in that moment. Warmth flushed her body, and she scooted just that little bit closer, returning the pressure of his fingers with her own grip.

Perfectly content, they settled in, making themselves cozy while they watched over Henry and Cocoa snuggled in together, once more fast asleep. Emma could only think how very right it felt as Killian tucked her into his side, his chin resting against the crown of her head as he pulled her close. She may not have known this man long, but her home already felt more complete and whole with the addition of his presence… as if he had always belonged with them.

And when he woke the next morning, still curled next to her on the couch, sunlight streaming through the living room windows and lighting up Emma’s halo of blond hair as she slept on, Killian knew he might well be another stray who had at long last found a home.

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