A/N: Hi, everyone! I hope you guys are excited to read the last installments of "Love in the First Degree!" I absolutely love this story, and I have loved writing it – I hope all of you love it just as much. Fair warning that I did get carried away while writing this last part, so you guys will have quite a few chapters to read. But I promise it will all be worth it :) Happy reading! :)
David, Emma, and Killian walked back in the station after they finished at Lucas Wilson's hearing. District Attorney Albert Spencer presented evidence to charges of first degree murder, battery against a police officer, and escaping from police custody.
The charges were now formally brought against Wilson, and he awaited the next steps, which included a second arraignment and trial.
Emma and Killian filed into David's office before the blonde surmised, "So, I'm guessing Killian and I are gonna check out that gas station robbery."
David shook his head before he explained, "Due to the extenuating circumstances, some officers from the neighboring precinct looked into it."
He then paused and continued, "I'm about to head over and follow up," as he grabbed a pen from his desk.
Emma and Killian both nodded. He then said, "We'll just finish up that report on yesterday's mugging."
David offered a nod before he headed out of the station. Without a glance in the other's direction, Emma and Killian then headed to their own office.
The pair of them didn't speak two words to each other, and the silence continued as they worked on their report.
The silence became deafening among the quiet sound of pens gliding across paper.
It nearly killed both of them, but neither of them could get past the elephant in the room.
Until Killian couldn't take it anymore: "So, it seems this cold case murder is now out of our hands. Perhaps we deserve a break, eh, Swan?"
He buried his face in his hands when he realized his attempt at humor fell flat, and the nickname didn't quite roll off his tongue.
He became even more dismayed when Emma only hummed in response - never looking up from her work.
He let out a sigh and looked down at his desk, running his fingers through his dark locks.
Emma's green eyes then flitted up to her partner. Her heart sank in her chest because she knew he genuinely wanted to fix things.
But she didn't know if it were possible. So, she simply continued writing the report - moving her blonde hair off her shoulder.
"Damn it," she then cursed when her pen ran out of ink. She shook it a bit to see if any more ink would come out, but her efforts proved futile.
"Everything alright, love?" Killian then asked, bringing those blue eyes up to hers.
She couldn't focus on them for too long, so she held up her pen and told him, "This ran out of ink. You got another one I can have?"
A brief sadness and disappointment flashed in Killian's eyes at her matter-of-fact tone. He shook his head from that thought before he opened his top desk drawer.
He pulled out a pen as a mischievous idea came to mind. One that could - perhaps - re-break the ice.
Killian then poised his hand to throw the pen when his partner's voice stopped him.
"Don't even think about it, Jones. We need to finish these reports before David gets back."
Killian sighed before he resigned, "As you wish." He then got up and walked over to her desk. He dropped the pen into her open palm before he returned to his own chair.
Even though the paperwork proved straightforward, the minutes dragged by as they endeavored to complete it.
The two of them then looked up as they heard footsteps approaching the door. It opened to reveal Regina, who planted her hands on her hips.
She then demanded, "Why aren't you two in the conference room?"
Never missing an opportunity to throw a quip at the forensic scientist, Killian grinned and asked her, "Did you really just come up from your dungeon, Your Majesty, just to ask us that?"
Regina only rolled her eyes and shook her head at him in response.
However, her annoyance soon faded when she noticed the absence of a certain giggle. She glanced over at Emma to see her wearing a stoic expression and concentrating on a report.
The brunette raised an eyebrow at the sight, but she chose to leave it alone - for now.
She then addressed her colleagues: "Look, Mary Margaret and Belle put a lot of work into this mini-celebration donut brunch thing," gesturing with her hands, "ever since the news broke about Wilson's arrest. I'm sure those reports can stand to wait a few minutes - especially since I know you're almost done."
Emma then looked up and challenged, "So, you're what? Inviting us to slack off?"
Regina then offered Killian an imploring look, and he gave her a nod in return. He then spoke, "I'm gonna go grab myself a donut - perhaps Belle remembered those with the rum filling that I'm rather fond of."
He then shuffled out of the office. When he was out of earshot, Regina planted her hands on her hips once more before she shot the blonde a rather annoyed look.
She then told her, "Slacking off? Really? That's what you're going with after all the time we put in busting our asses to put that psychopath behind bars?"
Emma glared at her before she pointed out, "That doesn't mean we get to take a break. Crime happens just about every day in this city."
Regina narrowed her eyes as she considered the blonde's words - which she didn't buy for a second. When she saw her friend glance over at her partner's empty desk, it dawned on her.
"Ah, now I get it."
"Get what?" Emma incredulously questioned, crossing her arms over chest.
"This is about you and Captain Impulsive. And how…weirdly quiet you two have been lately."
Emma rolled her eyes before she refuted, "We're working, Regina. There's nothing weird about it."
"Don't give me that, Emma," the brunette started, crossing her arms as well. She then paused and continued, "Look, you two are great detectives. Always have been. And being friends has never gotten in the way of that."
Emma attempted a nonchalant shrug as she told her, "Then it doesn't sound like we have a problem."
Regina rolled her eyes at her friend. She then thought, "God, she's so stubborn."
She then sighed and began, "You know that isn't what I meant." She paused before she reasoned, "You know as well as I do that this excuse about work is just that - an excuse. All of the banter and the teasing and the flirting and that schoolgirl giggle of yours has never stopped you or Killian from doing your job. Why in the hell should it matter now?"
Emma opened her mouth to argue but found that she couldn't. Instead, she focused back on her paperwork and acted as though Regina wasn't even there.
The brunette shook her head in response. She then spoke, "Fine. Don't talk about your feelings - but at least come get a donut or a bagel or whatever else you want with some hot chocolate. Ruby sent some over because she knows you don't drink coffee."
She began to walk out of the room when she stopped and added, "You do have work to do, so you may as well get some food in you."
She then walked away, leaving Emma to her thoughts.
The blonde fiddled with the pen cap as she thought about her friend's words. Though she didn't exactly want to open up the Pandora's box of her feelings, she did know that she'd have to eventually.
In the meantime, a blueberry muffin, a sausage and egg burrito, and a cup of hot chocolate was exactly what she needed right now.
Emma then rose from her chair and headed to the conference room. When she arrived, she straightaway fixed herself a bit of brunch.
She then spied Mary Margaret and Dorothy to her left, and she approached them. The pixie-haired brunette immediately greeted her with a hug.
Emma couldn't help but be caught a little off guard as she spoke, "Oh, okay, then," before she hugged her back.
When they pulled away, Mary Margaret spoke, "I know how hard you've all been working on this case, and I'm so happy that you all are now just awaiting trial."
"Thanks, Mary Margaret," Emma told her with a smile, and she smiled back in response.
Dorothy then chimed in: "I'm happy for you guys, too, but I'm not much of a hugger."
Emma - and Mary Margaret - couldn't help but chuckle at that. The blonde then surmised, "I think that Ruby hugs enough for both you guys."
Dorothy chuckled and shook her head before Emma asked, "Where is she, by the way? I thought she'd be here."
"She was a few minutes ago, but she had to leave because we had a shipment of tea coming in. I told her I'd help but you guys know how she is," Dorothy explained with a shrug.
"Indeed we do," Mary Margaret conceded with a shake of her head and a chuckle.
Dorothy chuckled once more at the thought of her girlfriend's, well, stubbornness. Realization then flashed over her features, and she addressed Emma: "Oh! Ruby wanted me to tell you about this new hot chocolate donut we're gonna be trying out. Thought you might like it."
The blonde tilted her head for a moment before she offered a smile and told her, "That actually sounds pretty good. I'll have to come check it out."
Dorothy nodded before Mary Margaret commented, "Those do sound good. Would you be able to bring some by the school next week?"
The pixie-haired brunette then proceeded to talk about a baby shower the teachers were throwing for… someone. Emma didn't quite catch the name because she happened to overhear her name behind her.
"… working with Emma. You really wouldn't want to give that up, would you?" Belle asked Killian.
He sighed before he answered, "Believe me, that's the last thing I'd ever want, but I went and bloody mucked things up. And I don't know that I can fix it."
Belle offered him a sympathetic expression as she offered, "Surely things can't be that bad. Have you tried talking to her?"
"Of course I have. But we can't get past bloody small talk, much less a serious conversation," Killian told her, a self-deprecating tone to his voice.
"Oh, Killian, I'm sorry," Belle genuinely offered. He only nodded before she suggested, "But don't give David your resignation just yet. Things have a way of working themselves out."
Killian offered a small smile as he told her, "You somehow always know what to say." He then glanced down and quietly said, "I really hope you're right."
Belle gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze before she joined her husband across the room.
Killian then sagged his shoulders in defeat as he let out a long and slow sigh. Emma couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Or maybe it was regret.
Either way, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was her fault, and she was about to lose her partner - and best friend - because of it.
Just when she had made up her mind to try to talk to him, Graham rushed into the conference room.
"Fire in a residential neighborhood. Suspected arson."
Emma, Killian, and the other officers hurried out of the room. The blonde then stopped Graham and asked him, "Is David meeting us there?"
"Already on his way," he answered. She nodded before they filed out of the station.
Since Killian's Camaro sat closer to the door, Emma ran over to it without a second thought. Their eyes locked when he arrived at the driver's side.
A plethora of emotions swirled in blue and green, but they both quickly pushed them aside. They had a job to do.
They climbed into the car before Killian drove to the address that Graham just gave them over the police scanner.
When they arrived, the fire department continued to hose down the flames, and paramedics handled the injuries. David and another officer stood off to the side with a middle-aged man, who currently argued his case.
"You have no proof!"
"We have three reliable witnesses, and I can guarantee that the officers searching the grounds will find that proof," David pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest.
The man only offered a glare in response before he huffed and crossed his arms.
David left the man with the officer before he approached Emma, Killian, and Graham. He then addressed them: "Graham, I need you to help with the search for evidence. Emma, Killian, I need you two to check on the children whose parents died in the fire."
Years of experience provided all of them with the ability to remain professional in situations like this - but that didn't make it any easier.
Each of them took a deep breath before proceeding to their post. A kind social worker did her best to comfort the children when Killian and Emma walked over to them.
The social worker - Ariel - then distracted the elementary-aged girls with a book before she turned to face the two detectives.
Emma then asked her, "What's our next steps with them?"
Ariel brushed her red-hair off her shoulders before she explained, "The only remaining family these girls have is an aunt who lives upstate. She and her sister had an estranged relationship."
"Has she been contacted?" Killian then questioned.
With a nod, Ariel then elaborated, "My office took the liberty of coordinating it to give Chief Nolan a hand. They are taking care of it at this moment - I should hear something soon. I will contact the station as soon as I do."
Both Emma and Killian nodded in response. The blonde then glanced over at the two girls - who wore expressions of confusion and sadness rolled into one.
She then asked, "Where will they go until their aunt can get here?"
Ariel cleared her throat before she explained, "One of the neighbors - who was also a friend of the family - agreed to take the children for now. In the event that the aunt doesn't want to retain guardianship of them, we're looking into…"
"These kids are not going into the system," Emma abruptly cut her off. She briefly paused before she stated, "You are going to do whatever you can to stop that from happening."
Killian then placed a comforting hand on the small of her back before he slowly rubbed circles back and forth.
Though she initially tensed up, she soon realized the gesture helped her. She took a deep breath before she told Ariel: "I know you guys will do everything you can for them," retaining her professionalism.
The red-head nodded before she returned her attention to the young girls. She then bent down and gently explained that they'd be staying with a friend of Mommy and Daddy for a little while.
Emma couldn't help but look on with sympathy until she heard Killian's voice: "Are you alright, Emma?"
His hand still rested on her back, but the only thing she felt was comfort. And she wasn't about to ask him to move.
She took another deep breath before she told him, "I'm okay. Or at least I will be." A small smile then appeared on her face as she spoke, "And thank you for being here for me. I really needed it."
"Of course, love. A situation like this is one of the hardest parts about being a cop - especially since you understand all too well," he offered, empathy written across his features and mirrored in his blue eyes.
Emma only nodded at him. For a moment, they simply stood still as they both tried to make any sort of sense of the tragedy around them - their own problems seeming trivial in comparison.
Killian then became hyper-aware of his hand running soothing circles up and down Emma's back. He quickly moved his hand before he awkwardly cleared his throat.
He then looked over at his partner to see her avoiding eye contact and shuffling her feet. He then suggested, "Perhaps we should go check in with David. Let him know what the social worker told us."
"Yeah, that's a good idea," Emma agreed before she looked around for their boss. When she spotted him, she began walking toward him, leaving Killian to trail after her.
Back at the station, Emma and Killian finished up the last of their paperwork. This meant that the two of them were now caught up on everything.
The two of them had continued to work in silence, save for case-related information and the occasional question.
When Killian had his back turned to his partner as he filed the paperwork, Emma had a moment with her thoughts.
Fortunately, some good news ran through her mind - those two girls left orphaned by the fire now had a home with their aunt. She had been looking to reconnect with her sister, but she couldn't bring herself to open up old wounds - while she sadly wouldn't get that chance, she did have the opportunity to do something good for her sister by taking care of her nieces.
The relief Emma felt couldn't be described. Just as she thought back to that relief, she thought about how Killian had provided unwavering support.
When he turned back to face her, she took a deep breath and brought her green eyes up to his. She then asked him, "Are you really gonna leave?"
Killian coughed awkwardly before he questioned, "Pardon, love?"
Emma took another breath before she told him, "I overheard you talking to Belle. Would you really leave?"
He ran his fingers through his dark hair as he sighed. He then told her, "I, uh, hoped you wouldn't hear that."
He then paused and admitted, "The thought crossed my mind about transferring to a different precinct."
"Oh," Emma dejectedly replied, her shoulders sagging in defeat. She then looked down and began playing with the ends of her hair.
Killian looked at her for a few moments, his thoughts running rampant about what to do or say. He decided to go with the truth.
"Emma, love, look at me."
She slowly brought her eyes back up to his. He then took a breath before he told her, "I have thought about leaving, but I couldn't bring myself to do that to you."
"Me?" Emma questioned - even though she really couldn't bring herself to be surprised at the lengths he would go for her.
"Aye," he confirmed. He took another breath before he elaborated, "You know how much I care about you. And I don't know if I can stomach the thought of abandoning you - I myself know that pain, and I can't do it to anyone else. Especially you."
Emma's heart nearly burst from all the emotions she felt. What those emotions were, however, she couldn't pinpoint.
All she knew was that Killian was the first guy in a long time that actually gave a damn about her.
Yet, part of her still had the urge to run - and him leaving gave her the perfect way to do that.
She sighed as she thought over what to say next. A moment later, she stated, "But you still don't know if we can actually fix this."
Killian only stared at her - his blue eyes bored into her as he realized part of her wanted to just give up.
But the other part of her - the part of her that wanted him - begged for a reason to stay.
He took a deep breath before he earnestly told her, "Everything in me wants to fix it, Emma. Aside from the fact that I love working with you and being your partner, you're my best friend - I can't imagine my life without you. You have no idea how bloody terrible I feel about screwing everything up."
His voice cracked as he finished, "And you have no idea how much I want us to return to normal. Not seeing your smile or hearing your laugh is worse than having you know how I truly feel about you."
Emma felt her eyes well up at the emotions pouring out of him. To say she was overwhelmed would be an understatement.
And yet - he needed to know he wasn't the only one that was hurting.
"You think the thought of you leaving doesn't make me wish that I could stop trying to push you away? That the thought of losing my best friend physically pains me? That finding out you're in love with me made me think about what an amazing guy you are and how damn lucky I would be to have you?"
Killian's mouth dropped open at that last admission, and his blue eyes went wide.
Though Emma initially gasped, part of her experienced relief at having the courage to say it out loud.
Before either of them could manage a response, a knock sounded at their door.
Both of them let out a sigh before Killian called out to their visitor. The door opened to reveal a certain blonde waitress.
Elsa smiled as she greeted them, "Hey, you guys. I just thought I'd bring your lunch by."
Emma tilted her head as she told her friend, "Uh, thanks, but you didn't have to do that."
"Aye, love. One of us would have been by a bit later to pick it up," Killian then added.
Elsa then began nervously fingering her blonde braid, and her friends instantly knew her visit had nothing to do with a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich.
Emma then perceived, "Okay, Elsa, why are you really here?"
The blonde took a breath before she answered, "I actually have a favor to ask you. Both of you," nodding toward Killian.
"What is it you need?" he then questioned, his curiosity piqued.
Elsa took a breath before she began, "I'm probably making a bigger deal out of this than needed."
Emma and Killian both tilted their heads in confusion before she continued, "When Liam dropped by for lunch earlier, we talked like we always do, and we decided that we wanted to actually go somewhere and hang out for a few hours."
A knowing look exchanged between Emma and Killian. The blonde then carefully asked, "So, is this a date?"
Elsa blushed deeply as she nervously fingered her blonde braid once more. She then answered, "Maybe? Sort of?"
She then took another breath and told them, "We really don't know to be perfectly honest. But we really do enjoy each other's company, and we thought it was time we go out and just see where it takes us."
Emma and Killian couldn't help but smile at that - though they carefully hid it as to not make their friend even more nervous.
She paid little attention to their expressions as she continued, "And we thought you two could go with us to help ease the pressure."
In light of their issues, going out and pretending that everything was okay was not the best idea. However, they could see how important this was to Elsa - and Liam - and they wanted to be there for them.
So, they took a breath before they locked eyes for a few moments. After sharing a nod, Killian spoke, "We'd love to go with you and my brother."
Elsa's entire face lit up as she smiled brightly. She then exclaimed, "Oh, thank you guys! This is gonna be so much fun!"
This time, Emma and Killian smiled back at her. The blonde then asked, "So, where are we going?"
"Oh, right!" Elsa began as though she had forgotten it entirely, "Bowling. There's an alley near Liam's place - they also serve food. You know, like burgers, fries, pizza, and things like that."
"That sounds great, love. I'm sure we'll all have a grand time," Killian told her. He then rose from his chair and spoke, "I'm gonna go see if David needs us to do anything else."
Emma nodded before she watched him leave. A longing look passed over her features as her eyes stayed on him until he was out of sight.
Elsa tilted her head in confusion at the encounter. Until she remembered the uncharacteristic silence from their table when they stopped by for lunch a few days ago.
Her green eyes then widened, and she apologized, "Oh, Emma, I'm so sorry. I knew - or I could tell - that something was wrong with you guys the last time you guys were at Granny's. And here I am prattling on and on about going out and Liam and…"
Emma then stood from her chair before she crossed the room and placed her hands on her friend's shoulders. She then told her, "You don't have anything to apologize for. Killian and I want to be there for you and for Liam. We both know that figuring out your feelings can be awkward and nerve wracking, and it's a hell of a lot easier without a whole bunch of pressure."
She then smiled and added, "And you were right before - it is gonna be fun. Us all hanging out. And it'd be nice to get away from the stress of this case," resting her arms by her sides.
"Are you sure, Emma?" Elsa asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"Yes, I'm positive," Emma assured her. She then took the food from her hands and told her, "You should get back to the diner. I'm sure it took quite a lot of convincing for Granny to let you leave, and she probably thinks you should be back by now."
Elsa couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head at that - Granny truly was one of a kind. She then bid her friend a "see you later" before she began heading out of the station.
She passed Killian on her way out and offered a cheerful farewell before he stepped back in the office.
Emma narrowed her eyes at her partner as she questioned, "Did you even go see David?"
"Of course I did," he answered. However, he then began scratching behind his ear.
The blonde shook her head at him. She then told him, "You are absolutely incorrigible, Jones." He only shrugged in response.
He then asked her, "So, uh, how exactly do you think we'll get through this bowling outing?"
Emma sighed and ran her hand through her hair. She then posed, "Do you have any ideas?"
"Well…" he slowly began, making her raise an eyebrow at him. He then continued, "You know the saying, Swan. "Fake it 'til you make it"."
Both of Emma's eyebrows shot up at his suggestion. She then spoke, "That's your solution? Pretend that everything is okay and it'll somehow just turn out that way?"
Killian raked his fingers through his hair before he challenged, "What would you suggest we do? Ruin Liam and Elsa's night because we can't have one bloody conversation?"
His voice softened as he continued, "I think for their sake, we can find a way to put this aside. After all, we're still best friends, love."
Emma couldn't help but smile at his words. She then offered, "I think we can manage that." He smiled back at her in response.
His smile shifted to a grin as he told her, "I hope you're ready to lose, Swan. You know that I'm very adept at bowling."
Emma let out a giggle, which only made him grin even more. She then teased, "Oh, really? Is that why I beat you last time?"
Killian shook his head at her response, causing her to giggle once more.
The pair of them then grabbed their lunches and sat back down at their desks. As they began eating, they thought that maybe - just maybe - there was hope for them after all.