Author's Note: It's been about two seasons since I last wrote OUAT fanfiction, and so much has happened! This 180-prompt series takes place once Hook is back in town (we all know he will return, and even if he doesn't, I don't care). None of this is canon (obviously) and these couples/friendships are my preference. If you support Rumple and Belle, this is not a series you should read. I used to love that ship, but I don't anymore and this will reflect that. Don't hesitate to leave a review!

Deck Hand or Librarian- Killian and Belle friendship

Killian's time in Hell had been, well hell.

As he pried his eyes open from his first sleep in his new bed in his new home with Emma, he could still hear the screams. But today, the screams were followed by a sigh.

He shifted on the mattress and spotted Emma sleeping beside him, her blonde hair creating a halo on her pillow. She still wore his button-up shirt that they pulled out of storage the night before.

Killian rolled over, careful not to wake her as he brushed aside a stray strand of her hair. I can't believe I'm really here.

The night before, between sips of whisky and logs on the fire, Emma explained what happened after Killian died. When she got to the part about using Belle as leverage to force the Dark One to co-operate, the pirate interrupted.

"Are you saying she has no idea he's the Dark One?"

Emma shook her head. "I doubt it. If she knew, I can't imagine she would stay."

Killian certainly hoped she wouldn't. "Why haven't you told her yet?"

She smirked. "We just got back! And even if we hadn't, it's not my place."

The pirate scoffed. "After everything she has done for you and your family, you can honestly say you feel no obligation to tell her the truth? You feel fine using her as a pawn?"

Emma's brow furrowed. "Since when do you care about the Dark One's wife?"

Killian paused. Months ago, before the Arendelle royals were in town, he and the librarian formed a close friendship. He valued her knowledge, but she was also a good listener. No one would replace Emma in his heart, but Killian knew Belle had a good heart and deserved better than the Dark One.

He let the conversation drop due to exhaustion, too much whisky, and Emma's kisses, but now that he was awake, the thought wouldn't leave him.

Killian pressed a gentle kiss to Emma's brow before leaving their bed. He shoved on whatever leather he could find in the closet and ran his fingers through his hair. Hopefully, Belle wouldn't be busy at the library.

"Killian?"

The pirate paused in the bedroom doorway. "I'll be back for breakfast, love. I just have to visit a friend this morning." He shut the door quietly behind him.

Sunlight warmed Killian's bearded face as he walked down the cracked sidewalk to downtown Storybrooke. He took a deep breath, letting a smile spread across his face. Killian blinked away a happy tear as he turned toward Granny's.

When he arrived at the library, the door was unlocked. Killian pushed it open with his hip as he balanced the two coffees in his hands. He found Belle at the circulation desk, hunched over the computer. When she heard the front door click shut, she looked up and Killian watched her gaze brighten.

"Killian!"

Belle nearly knocked the coffee out of his hands. Killian did his best to return the embrace.

"It' good to see you, too," he said with a chuckle.

Belle stepped back and smiled at her friend. "I'm so happy you're back. When Rumple returned, he said all went well, but I couldn't believe it until I saw my friend again."

At the mention of the Dark One, the hairs on the back of Killian's neck stood up. He forced a smile and extended her the cup of coffee.

"Got time for a coffee break?"

She smiled. "Of course!"

The found a nearby empty table, and after filling each other in on their recent adventures, Killian cleared his throat.

"Belle, I need to tell you something. It's important." He paused, taking a deep breath. I wish I didn't have to tell you this.

"Rumplestiltskin is the Dark One again."

The librarian blinked. Then she laughed.

"That's a good one, Killian. I'm glad the Underworld didn't steal your sense of humour."

"I'm serious, Belle. He has deceived you and everyone in Storybrooke. He used a potion on Excalibur so that when Emma used the sword, the powers would transfer. How do you think Emma convinced him to come rescue me? He has not changed."

Belle's brow furrowed. "He has changed! He's a hero. He helped because it was the right thing to do."

"If you honestly believe the Crocodile would serve anyone's needs but his own, you are deceiving yourself."

Belle got up from the table, her teal heels clacking against the tiles. "This is ridiculous. You're being ridiculous. You don't know Rumple like I do. He's a good man," she insisted as she headed back to the circulation desk. Killian followed.

"You're wrong, Belle. He hasn't changed and he never will. You are married to a power-hungry liar." He shook his head. "You deserve better than that."

The librarian narrowed her eyes at the pirate. "You know nothing, Killian. Get out." Her eyes were misty with tears.

Killian lowered his gaze. He walked to the door, running his fingers over his hook. He was tempted to march over to Gold's shop and shove this thing in the Dark One's gut, but he knew it wouldn't do any good. The pirate stopped at the door and looked back at his friend.

"Ask him about the dagger, Belle. Ask him."

Killian's phone buzzed once the library door shut behind him.

Brunch is on! Henry, Mom, Dad & Neal are coming over. Love you 3

The pirate smiled at Emma's text and pocketed the phone. He picked up the pace, hoping Belle would accept the truth soon.