#ladyfirefly

She carried him for a few feet and after setting him back down, away from the swing set, she glared at her youngest child through the mask.

“Even superheroes have to wear their coats,” she said as she slid his arms into the puffy, red jacket.

“Iron Man doesn’t wear a coat because his suit is warm!” Liam replied huffily, lip sticking out and brows furrowing.  “Iron Man wouldn’t approve!”

Emma raised her eyebrow, impressed that he knew what ‘approve’ meant.  She laughed.  “Kiddo, I know Iron Man and I can tell you that he would definitely approve.”  She zipped him up, pulled his hood over his head and began slipping his mittens on.

“He would agree with me, end of story,” she stated.

Liam fidgeted with one of the mittens while Emma placed the other one on him.  “Mama, when can I meet Iron Man?” he asked for the billionth time that month. 

She hated to make excuses every time.

“He’s super busy all the time, Liam,” she responded, looking at those disappointed eyes through his mask with a pained heart.  “He never gets vacation days.”

Emma wasn’t exactly lying.  It seemed like Tony Stark was working nonstop, whether in his company or for S.H.I.E.L.D. and Emma nor Killian had the clearance to ask about his assignments, let alone request a meeting with him for their son.  S.H.I.E.L.D. kept their superheroes under close watch.

“I bet you can’t fly higher than me!” Liam shouted over Emma’s shoulder.  Killian and the girls had finally caught up.

“Natasha can’t fly!” Ingrid hollered back as she ran towards the swing set where her little brother struggled to gain any height.  Every article of clothing was black from her coat to her mittens to the socks underneath her black boots.  Her ginger-haired wig bounced as she made her way over.

Emily followed suit, running to catch up to her younger siblings.  She took Captain America’s shield and slung it over her shoulder, meaning she meant business.  Her long blonde hair flowed from beneath the head piece.  “Cap can’t fly either, but to hell with it!”

“Language, Emily!” Emma scolded.

Killian chuckled as he approached.

“She’s heard worse, love,” he said in their daughter’s defense.  “You’ve said way worse.”

Emma grinned mischievously, her cheeks turned pink.  “That’s not the point.  Besides, did you enjoy your little walk?”

Killian tightened his scarf to block the chilly breeze. “I chased after him last time, so yes, it was quite enjoyable,” he replied.  “Watching you run was an added bonus.”

She pushed him but Killian pulled her into his body.  He pressed his hand against her lower back and brought her as close as he could.  Their lips pressed together sweetly, softly, and they gazed into each other’s eyes as the sounds of their children laughing rose.

“I love our days off,” Emma expressed with a magical twinkle in her eyes.  She was bundled up as well, a beanie protecting her head and a red, designer down jacket buttoned up.

“Aye, me too,” her husband agreed.  They kissed once more before turning to watch their beautiful children swinging.

Winter was growing harsh and snowy days were quickly approaching.  It was family tradition that the family visited the park when Mr. and Mrs. Jones had vacation days, and some low temperatures would never stop them.  Never.

The couple laughed at their tiny Iron Man continually struggling to gain any height in the swing.  Killian hurried over and began pushing him, helping him fly higher.  Liam squealed in excitement.

Before she could join in on the fun, her phone rang, as did Killian’s.  They glanced at each other, eyes locked.  Dread flooded their faces.

Emma fumbled with her cell phone before answering.

“It’s my day off!” she declared, though she was being transferred to the secure S.H.I.E.L.D. line so not a soul heard her.  She cursed beneath her breath and exchanged an annoyed look with her husband.  Emma wanted absolutely nothing more than to spend the day with her family.  She knew Killian felt the same way.

“Do you have to go to work?” Emily inquired with her feet on the ground, the swing stationary.  There was a worried look in her eyes and it was present in Ingrid’s too.  Liam was trying to swing by himself but Emma knew he wasn’t ignorant.  He wanted to soar in the swing as much as he could before having to leave prematurely.

“Agent Swan,” a deep voice said.  Emma imagined the phone call started the same for Killian, only with Agent Jones.

“You and your husband are needed at the Triskelion immediately.  A Quinjet will pick you up from your home.”  And with that the call ended, signified by the beeping.  Emma groaned.  Her temperament rose.  She closed her eyes to grasp control of her anger. 

“Deep breaths,” she whispered, only audible to herself.

Killian had just hung up, but instead of cursing or kicking dirt in a rage, he held his composure and forced a smile.  It pained Emma.  She knew Killian was upset, downright angry too, but he kept it hidden for the children, kept it hidden so could keep pushing Liam higher and higher.  He kept it hidden for Emma too, no doubt. 

Their first day off in ages was over before it truly began.

“You do have to work, don’t you?” Emily repeated with disappointment evident in her voice.

“It looks like it, kiddo,” Emma answered remorsefully.  She walked over and kneeled to meet her beloved Captain America’s eyes.

“I’m so, so sorry, Emily.  I know you had been looking forward to this day.”  She leaned over and placed her hand on Ingrid’s knee.  “I know you were too, Ingrid.”

“We all were,” Killian added.

Emma smiled faintly.

“Don’t worry though,” she assured.  “We’ll make it up on our next day off.”

Ingrid frowned.  “What if you get called in again?”

Killian walked over and kissed Ingrid on the head.

“We won’t, lass.  Your mother and I will make sure of it.”

Liam continued to swing, his determination to soar unshaken.  “Higher clearance!” he shouted before bringing himself to a stop.

“Get a higher clearance and you can take a whole year off!”  An overzealous option, but one that Emma and Killian were impressed with. 

Emma giggled and clasped hands with her daughters.

“I promise,” she declared with conviction.  “Now let’s get you guys home.”

So together they walked home.  Killian carried Liam on his shoulders and the girls held Emma’s hands. 

They were a happy family.  Of course, you can’t go through life without quarrels and disagreements, but the treasure trove of memories they shared were priceless.  Sure Agent Swan and Agent Jones were busy, being called in on their days off or being kept on the clock for days on end.  Emma and Killian had missed many precious moments in the lives of their children: some first words and steps to name a few, but they held their duty with S.H.I.E.L.D. with high regard, just as they did the title of being parents.