"I think it's time you and I have a little talk about your intentions with my daughter."
Killian sighed heavily. "I thought we already had this discussion, Mate." He had been getting ready to have breakfast at Granny's, still basking in the happiness from having his first date with Emma the previous evening, when David came into the diner and sat in the booth across from him.
"We started to discuss it, but we were interrupted."
"Have you talked to Emma yet? If you recall, I told you that she has just as much say in this relationship as I do."
"With the search for Anna and everything else going on in town, she's been too busy this week; but she did find time to go out on a date with you."
"Is that what this is about?" Killian asked. "You didn't want her to go out with me?"
David leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the tabletop. "Look, Hook, you know I haven't exactly approved of your pursuit of Emma…"
"I believe you once told me that you would see to it I would never get her, that I was nothing but a pirate and…"
"I was wrong," David interrupted.
Killian's brows shot up in surprise. "Come again?"
David studied his hands for several moments before lifting his eyes to meet Killian's. "Emma trusts you, probably more than anyone else. It used to bother me that the first person she turns to always seems to be you, but I've been watching you ever since we returned from Neverland, and I understand now. It's abundantly clear that you believe in her."
"Of course I do. Besides being bloody brilliant, she's the strongest, bravest woman I've ever known. Not to mention the most beautiful."
"She's very much like her mother in all of those respects," David commented with a smile.
Killian responded with a smile of his own. "Then you, of all people, should understand my attraction and dedication to your daughter."
"I'll admit it's taken me a while to believe that your intentions are honorable. You were a pirate, after all."
"I'm still a pirate, Mate, but contrary to popular belief, even among pirates, there's honor. I've always believed in good form and in treating a lady with respect. I have never pushed Emma into a relationship with me or asked anything that would make her uncomfortable. Any feelings she might have for me are entirely of her own free will."
David nodded his understanding, before asking, "What are your feelings?"
Killian contemplated before saying, "I know I'm not worthy of being with someone as exceptional as Emma, but I can't deny that my heart's desire is to be with her."
There was a long pause as David considered his words. "Not so long ago, I would have agreed that you aren't worthy of her, but your actions have proven that you are. You helped us rescue Henry in Neverland, despite your hatred of the place. You brought Emma back to us after Pan's curse, and again after she fell through Zelena's portal. I've never given you enough credit for any of that. Then when she was trapped in the ice cave, I could see how desperate you were to get her out. You were genuinely afraid she was going to die in there, weren't you?"
Killian swallowed. "I'm not ashamed to admit I was bloody terrified."
"Those aren't actions of a guy who is out for his own gain. Putting someone else before your own safety and comfort are the actions of a man in love."
Killian's eyes widened, but they held no trace of denial.
After studying him for a few seconds, David quietly asked, "You do love her, don't you?"
"Apologies, Dave, but if I do, I would rather Emma be the first to know."
David grinned. "Point taken."
Killian took a sip of his nearly cold coffee. After swallowing, he asked, "So, are you saying that you would approve if Emma decides to pursue a relationship with me?"
David drummed his fingers on the tabletop before answering. "I'm saying that I wouldn't disapprove," he conceded.
It was Killian's turn to grin. "I knew I would eventually win you over."
"I suppose you have grown on me," David said grudgingly. Seeing a look of smug satisfaction on the pirate's face, he added, "Alright, don't push it."
Killian chuckled, then sobered as he took in David's expression. "Something else on your mind, Mate?"
"She's my daughter, Hook. My first priority will always be making sure she's protected and happy. If I ever find out that you…"
"Let me stop you right there, Dave. That will always be my first priority, too, so you can save your 'if you hurt my daughter' speech."
David sighed dramatically. "But I've been rehearsing it for years."
"Sorry to disappoint you, Mate," Killian laughed. "Would you care to join me for breakfast?" At David's consent, he called Ruby over so they could place their food order.
While they waited and sipped their coffee, David said, "So, uh, do you and Emma plan on going out again soon, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I proposed a second date, but I suppose the timing will be dictated by the multiple crises in town."
"Would you be open to a little advice?"
"Of course."
"Don't wait too long. She was happy when she got home last night. It was nice to see. Between all the curses, monsters, and rescue missions, she hasn't had many opportunities to be carefree and happy. It would be nice to see a genuine smile on her face more often."
"I'll do my best," Killian replied, pleased to hear that Emma had obviously conveyed her enjoyment of their date to her parents.
Ruby delivered their food and they started to eat, discussing theories about the Snow Queen between mouthfuls of pancakes and bacon. When they were almost finished, David's phone dinged with a message. He checked it and announced, "It's from Emma. She has a lead on where to find Anna."
"Ah, well, that's some good news," Killian remarked.
"Yeah, it is. Do you want to come with me?"
"I'll be along in a few minutes. I left my coat and sword in my room."
"And here I thought pirates were always prepared," David teased.
"I suppose I was thinking about other things this morning, specifically the way Emma bid me goodnight after our date," Killian said with a smirk.
David's brows furrowed. "That's information her father would rather not know."
Ruby brought their bill as Killian laughed. David gestured to the other man, telling her, "I hope you still accept doubloons, because this one's on Killian."
He was out the door before Killian realized David had called him by his name for the very first time.
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