CHAPTER TWENTY THREE – In the Library

"What on earth? Since when has my courting of Colette ever been a problem?" Liam asked his fathers.

"Well, lad," Future Killian began," beforehand Rumplestiltskin never had a true hand in raising in her or having anything to do with her, so we allowed it for the time being. However, now that it seems Belle and the Crocodile have resumed their marriage, he'll want to have a say in how his daughter is raised."

Killian from the past cut in "And I am not having my son court the Dark One's daughter. Even if technically you aren't my son yet!"

Everyone else in the room just kind of sat back and enjoyed the show. It wasn't as if everyone from the present wasn't expecting this at some point or another, but no one had imagined two Killians confronting their son. It was just a tad bit strange, but in both Reginas' opinion, it made it all the more fun to watch.

"Father, and ah, Father, Colette is still the same girl this morning as she is now. Her father has nothing to do with any of this! I remember you telling me all of those frightening stories of The Crocodile to me and Kendra as bedtime stories, but really, why bring it up now? We've been courting for about a year now, and you were fully aware of her parentage and never saw an issue with it before."

Killian from the future thought up another point "Well what about the age difference then? She is two years older than you, mate! She's eighteen, and you're sixteen. Don't you think that's a tad bit strange, dating a girl older than you?"

"Father, once again, that has never bothered you before. And plenty of men date woman older than them!"

"Oh really? Name one."

"Well, Robin Hood and Regina…"

"HEY!"

"Sorry ma'am."

Regina grumbled "You better be…" while Robin only smiled at her.

Right then Rumple walked in, alone since Belle and Colette trailed behind him in the hallway. "Now what's all this about?"

Regina said "They were arguing whether their son should date your daughter. Please, join in. I'm enjoying this show immensely."

"You know, I was wondering about that as well. What possessed your son to think he was worthy of dating my daughter in the first place?"

"Why you…" Future Killian said, drawing his sword once more.

"I'd say what does my son even see in the daughter of the Crocodile?" said Past Killian, also drawing his sword. The pair stood side by side, facing Rumple, while their very exasperated son stood at the side, wondering how on earth he was going to deal with this.

"Watch. Your. Tongue, pirate. I wouldn't say such things if I were you." Rumple said, wanting desperately to have his magic right now. However, he knew that Killian didn't know he had given up his magic, so he could still bluff without them ever knowing the difference.

After tense glaring at one another on both sides, Liam desperately asked "Honestly, what is so wrong with Colette and I being together?"

"WE DON'T WANT TO BE IN-LAWS!" All three of them shouted at Liam, pointing at one another.

At that, the room dissolved into laughter, and even the three rivals had to smile a little bit. But both Killians didn't drop their swords. Eventually Belle and Colette reentered.

"What's all this about?" Colette asked Liam.

"They're fighting over whether we should be courting together or not."

"Rumple," Belle said, walking up and placing her hand on her husband's shoulder, "I knew you wouldn't be fond of the idea, but Liam is a sweet boy, and he has been a perfect gentleman to our daughter from the very beginning. Couldn't you at least indulge them in courting for a while longer?" She leaned in a bit closer, and quietly told him "Besides, just because they're courting doesn't mean they have to get married. It's like dating back in Storybrooke, that's all. It could end at any time."

Belle knew very well that it wouldn't end any time soon, but Rumple didn't, and he was reassured by this.

"Alright, I suppose he can keep courting her. But I have my eye on you, boy." He said to Liam.

Both Killians just stared at him. Belle gave them her no-nonsense look from behind Rumple. Both of the Emma's also gave them "The Look" for good measure, and with that the two put away their swords.

"Well, maybe we should all rejoin the ball now." Oliver suggested. They all made their way towards the door, but ran into Neal and Leif who were on their way to see them.

"Oh! Oh my." Neal said. "What – what exactly is going on? Wait, never mind. The rest of you can explain that out here. Emma and Killian, um, whichever you are, can you please speak with Leif in the Library right now? Alone? He has something he would very much like to ask you."