Emma was leaning against her car after a late evening at work. She watched as Killian drove into the parking lot.
When he had parked his truck beside her yellow bug, he got out and told her, "Your dashing rescuer is here, love," as he bowed to her.
Emma shook her head and grinned before she replied, "The dashing part is debatable."
"If you say so, Swan," Killian teased as he grabbed the jumper cables from the bed of the truck.
The blonde only smiled before she sincerely told him, "Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it, Killian."
"You're welcome, Swan. That is what friends are for after all," he replied with a smile of his own.
He then opened the hood of his truck, and Emma did the same with her car.
Once he had jumped her off, she thanked him once more. He nodded before he asked her, "Are you, Belle, and I still on for lunch tomorrow?"
"Yep. Granny's at noon," Emma answered. She then sheepishly observed, "Hopefully, it'll go better this time."
Killian offered a small smile as he pointed out, "Well, love, we have had over two months to get to know each other better."
"And by we, you mean me," Emma told him.
"Well, love, I didn't want to say anything at the risk of incurring your wrath," Killian teased.
The blonde only shook her head at him in response. She then started to get in her car when his voice stopped her.
"Say, Swan, what are your plans for this evening?"
Emma turned to face him with a knowing look as she perceived, "You want to be distracted from the fact that Belle has a date with August."
"That's daft, love. Why would I need to be distracted?" Killian pointed out.
"You're not the only one who's perceptive," Emma told him. He only ran his fingers through his hair, and the blonde added, "Even though it's not entirely necessary, I think it's sweet that you're protective over her, and I know that she thinks so, too."
He offered a small smile as he replied, "Thank you, Emma." She nodded and returned his smile in response.
Emma then suggested, "You know, I love board games, and I have Monopoly if you wanna play."
Killian grinned as he replied, "I admire your appreciation of nostalgia, love."
"Should I take that as a yes?" she asked.
"Aye, Swan," he answered with a smile.
"See you at my place, then," Emma told him. He nodded before both of them got into their vehicles and headed out of the parking lot.
About fifteen minutes later, Emma and Killian were walking into her apartment.
Once she had set her keys and phone down, the blonde spoke, "Just make yourself at home while I get the game." Killian nodded before he watched her disappear into the bedroom.
Emma opened her closet and looked around for Monopoly. When she finally saw it, she cursed out loud, "Damn it!"
The game had been shoved to the back where the only way she could reach it was to stand on something.
She quickly glanced around and spied a stool. She grabbed it and placed it in front of her closet before climbing on it.
Unfortunately, the stool wasn't very sturdy, and Emma lost her balance on it.
She felt herself falling and expected to hit the hardwood floor. Instead, she felt herself land in Killian's strong arms.
She looked at him and asked, "How did you catch me?"
"I heard your rather annoyed curse, and I thought that something might be wrong," Killian explained, as he let her down.
"Oh. Well, thank you," Emma told him. "You're welcome, Swan," he responded.
A moment later, they noticed that his arms were still wrapped around her waist and that hers were still draped over his neck.
They awkwardly pulled apart before Killian scratched behind his ear and spoke, "Allow me to get the game, love."
Emma nodded before she replied, "Yeah. I'll clean off the kitchen table and grab us some drinks and snacks."
She didn't wait for his response before she headed toward the kitchen.
As she clearing off the table, she mentally scolded herself. She and Killian were just friends – there was no reason for any awkwardness. They were being ridiculous.
With that thought, as well as determination in her mind, she set everything on the counter. She then fixed herself and Killian a glass of lemonade as she heard his footsteps.
When Emma turned to face him, she could tell that he had the same thoughts as her when she noticed that ridiculous smirk of his.
He then told her, "I should warn you, Swan, my brother never could beat me at Monopoly."
The blonde grinned as she replied, "Well, Belle has never beaten me."
"That sounds like a challenge, love," Killian asserted with a raised eyebrow.
"As I recall, you love a challenge," Emma reminded him.
"Indeed I do, Swan," he said as he grinned.
Emma only shook her head as Killian began setting up the game, and she fixed them some popcorn.
Three hours later, the dark-haired Brit landed on Emma's square, and she triumphantly declared, "And you just went bankrupt. Pay up, Jones."
Killian begrudgingly handed her the rest of his money before he pointed out, "It's bad form to cheat, Swan."
"So is being a sore loser," Emma pointed out as she began taking up the game.
He only rolled his eyes at her. She then laughed, resulting in a head shake from Killian.
Once she had sobered, he sincerely told her, "Thank you, Emma. I really did have fun tonight."
Emma smiled at him as she echoed his words from earlier, "That is what friends are for after all." Killian returned her smile in response.
He then carried their glasses, as well as the popcorn bowl, to the sink. He tilted his head as he noticed a familiar object.
He held it up to the blonde and curiously asked, "You kept it?"
Emma planted her hands on her hips and told him, "Well, it does make a good dish cloth."
"Does it now?" Killian asked with a knowing grin as he crossed his arms over his chest.
The blonde narrowed her eyes at him for a moment. She took a deep breath and admitted, "I learned that you're not quite as much as a playboy as I thought."
The dark-haired man smiled at her as he sincerely told her, "That really means a lot coming from you, Swan."
Emma simply smiled back in response as she pushed a piece of blonde hair behind her ear.
Killian then added teasingly, "Although, Swan, you are still every bit as stubborn as when I met you."
She rolled her eyes before she pointed out, "And yet, you still flirted with me."
"I never said that I wasn't fond of your stubbornness, love. Because I happen to be quite fond of it," Killian told her with a grin. Though his tone was teasing, his words couldn't be more genuine.
Emma only shook her head and returned his grin before she responded, "And you're still every bit as incorrigible as when I met you."
"Perhaps, but I think you find it rather endearing now," he told her. The blonde only rolled her eyes once more in response.
She then told him, "Alright, Casanova, it's getting late, and I'm tired."
"You're kicking me out? You wound me, Swan," Killian feigned hurt as he held his hand over his heart.
He then seriously continued, "You are right, love. I'm rather tired myself."
Emma nodded before she told him, "So, I'll see you at Granny's tomorrow."
"Aye, Swan," Killian replied. He then added, "See you later, love."
"See you later, Killian," Emma responded with a smile. He returned it before he exited her apartment.
As she went to clean and straighten up the kitchen, that smile didn't leave her face.
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The next afternoon, Belle walked up to the front of the diner, and greeted her best friend with a hug.
When they pulled apart, the blonde smiled and asked, "So, how was your date?"
The brunette smiled back as she answered, "Oh, it was wonderful. August is an amazing guy."
"I am so happy for you, Belle," Emma told her friend.
The two women then heard a familiar, accented voice behind them: "Why are you happy for my sister, Swan?"
"For her and August," Emma answered.
"Ah," Killian spoke. He then scratched behind his ear and asked Belle, "So, is he your boyfriend now?"
She squeezed her brother's arm as she answered, "Last night was our first official date." The dark-haired man nodded, and she added, "I really like him, Killian."
"Then, that is good enough for me, sis," he responded.
Belle smiled brightly in response before Emma piped up, "I think we should head inside, guys. I don't know about you two, but I'm dying for a grilled cheese."
"Well, by all means, let's go, love. I should hate to lose a lass as lovely as yourself," Killian teased.
Emma rolled her eyes while Belle giggled before the three of them walked inside Granny's.
When they had sat down at a booth, Ruby came over to them and asked, "The usual, guys?"
"As always, love," Killian told her with a smile. The red-streaked brunette smiled back before she nodded and walked away.
He then turned his attention back to the ladies, and Belle asked, "So, Killian, are you ever going to take Emma and I out on your boat?"
"You have a boat?" Emma questioned.
"Indeed I do, love," Killian answered with a grin.
Emma smirked as she told him, "I can't say I'm surprised, given the nautical theme of your shop."
"Well, I have always have been an avid lover of the sea, and so was Liam."
"He sounds like he was a great brother. I wish I could have met him," Belle bemused.
"So do I, love. I know he would have adored you," Killian told her.
The brunette smiled at him, and he smiled back at her. He then addressed Emma, "And I believe he would have been grateful to you."
"What did I do?" Emma confusedly asked.
"You have been my sister's family ever since her mother died six years ago," Killian told her. She offered him a small smile before he continued, "I know it means a lot to me."
"Well, Belle is the one who was family for me – the only family I've ever truly had besides David and Mary Margaret. So, if anyone's grateful, it's me," Emma honestly spoke as she turned to face her best friend.
The brunette smiled brightly before she pulled Emma in for a hug. When they pulled away, Belle spoke, "You are my best friend, and my sister. We are family."
She then turned to her brother and added, "And now, my family is even bigger, and I couldn't be happier about it," as she reached over to squeeze his hand. He squeezed back and offered a bright smile in response.
They let go as Ruby brought their food. Emma then joked, "Alright, that's enough sentimentality for one day."
Killian only smiled while Belle giggled and shook her head. The three of them then began eating.
The brunette then asked Emma, "How is little Leo doing?" with a smile.
The blonde smiled back as she answered, "He is great. He has David and Mary Margaret wrapped around his little finger."
"As most children do," Killian added with a grin.
Emma nodded her agreement before she asked Belle, "Speaking of children, how is your added job at the library?"
"What's this, love?" Killian asked his sister.
The brunette beamed as she answered, "Each week, the library has a children's reading, and my boss appointed me since the previous person who was in charge retired."
"That's wonderful, love. I know how much you love sharing your love of books," Killian told her.
"And how much you love kids," Emma added.
"I'm so incredibly happy about it. It truly is amazing," Belle stated with a smile. Killian and Emma both returned her smile and nodded in response.
The dark-haired man then changed the subject and asked, "So, Belle, are you as big of a fan of classic rock as Emma?"
Belle grinned as she answered, "Not quite. I prefer classical music and love ballads."
"Ah – a true hopeless romantic, eh, sis?" Killian questioned with a grin.
The brunette grinned once more as she replied, "I always have been."
"And you, Swan?" Killian then asked.
Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes before she told him, "Can't say that I am."
"Except where Wesley and Buttercup are concerned," Belle chimed in with a teasing smile toward her friend.
The blonde rolled her eyes again before Killian observed, "So, you have a thing for pirates. I can't say I'm surprised."
Emma narrowed her eyes at him as she asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"Well, Swan, there must be a reason other than my charming company that you came into my shop every day for a year," Killian pointed out, as he smirked at her.
Though she tried to hide it, the blonde couldn't help but laugh, and she was soon joined by Belle.
Killian only smiled before he spoke, "I knew you'd come around, Swan. I do tend to grow on people."
Emma grinned as she told him, "I guess you're not so bad."
"Well, that is the highest form of flattery from you," he responded.
The blonde only shook her head before Belle sincerely added, "I can't tell you how much it means that you two actually did wind up as friends."
"Well, we did call the truce because of you, love, but I say we're rather good mates, now," Killian told her.
"I actually agree with you for once, Killian," Emma teased with a smirk.
She then seriously added, "But I do have to say that, even though you are the absolute last person I expected it from, I found a really great friend in you."
Killian offered her a genuine smile in response, one that she gladly returned.
Belle then lifted her glass and spoke, "I say this calls for a toast. To friendship."
Though both Killian and Emma thought it was a little cheesy, they both appreciated the sentiment behind it. So, they both raised their glasses and said, "To friendship."
The three of them then clinked their glasses before they resumed eating. This meal was filled with genuine laughter and friendship.
When they had finished eating, they bid goodbye to Ruby before walking outside the diner.
Belle then asked her brother, "Oh! Did you remember those supplies?"
"Yes, I did, sis. They're in my truck," Killian answered.
"Perfect. We can head over to my apartment," the brunette stated.
Killian nodded before Emma asked, "What are you guys talking about?"
"Well, you see, love, I have a rather large amount of photos of Liam and I, and my lovely sister suggested that we make a scrapbook," the dark-haired man explained.
Emma smiled widely as she told them, "That's a wonderful idea, guys." Killian and Belle returned her smiled in response.
The brunette then addressed her best friend, "You are welcome to join us."
"That's really sweet of you guys, but I couldn't possibly impose," Emma began. She then took a breath and continued, "And don't you dare try to argue. Aside from the fact that you both know I'm right, you also know how stubborn I am."
Belle only smiled and shook her head while Killian spoke, "Well, Swan, I have learned better than to argue with you." Emma only grinned in response.
The three of them then bid goodbye before they headed their separate ways.
As Emma was making her way back to the apartment, her cell phone rang. She took it from her pocket and glanced at the caller ID.
She smiled as she answered it and greeted, "Hey, David. What's up?"
"Hey, Emma. Would you mind doing me a favor?" David replied.
"I don't mind at all," Emma told him. She then asked him, "What's up?"
"Well, Mary Margaret and I have some errands to run. Errands that would be a lot easier without a two-month old," David explained.
"Ah – you want me to babysit," Emma observed. She then told him, "Bring Leo by my place."
"Thanks, Emma. We're both grateful."
"You're both welcome. See you guys shortly."
"See you soon, Emma," David told her before he hung up the phone.
Emma then put her phone back in her pocket before she continued walking.
The blonde had just set her keys on the table when there was a knock at her door. She opened it and greeted the new parents with a smile.
Mary Margaret instantly reiterated her husband's words: "Thank you for doing this, Emma. We're so grateful."
Emma waved off her words with this comment, "Don't even worry about it, guys. What kind of aunt would I be if I didn't watch my nephew?"
David and Mary Margaret smiled brightly in response. He then handed the blonde the baby carrier and diaper bag.
"He should sleep until we get back. But if he doesn't, give him a bottle."
"You got it," Emma told him.
Mary Margaret then added, "Everything you'll need in the diaper bag. You shouldn't have any trouble, but if you do, David or I will pick up right away."
David placed a reassuring hand on his wife's arm as he assured her, "Emma can handle it. Leo will be fine."
The pixie-haired brunette sighed before she resigned, "I know."
She then bent down and kissed her son's forehead before she told him, "Goodbye, my little prince." David made a similar gesture before he and his wife exited the apartment.
Emma closed the door behind them. She then moved over to the couch and set down Leo's carrier before sitting down as well.
She set down the diaper bag on the coffee table before turning her attention back to the baby boy. She carefully undid his straps and then watched him sleep for a few minutes, smiling at the sight.
The blonde then grabbed her book from the coffee table and began to read.
She had read four chapters when she heard Leo whine a little bit. She placed her book to the side and picked up the little boy.
Emma then told him, "Hey, little guy. I'm your Aunt Emma. I work with your daddy."
The baby looked at her curiously with David's blue eyes before he began whining and squirming.
The blonde then spoke, "Ah – you're hungry aren't you, Leo? Well, we can fix that."
She then grabbed the bottle that Mary Margaret had previously prepared. She adjusted Leo in her arms before she gave him the bottle.
She watched as he sucked down two ounces of milk before he wouldn't drink any more. She set the bottle aside before she grabbed the burp cloth from the diaper bag.
When Emma had placed the cloth over her shoulder, she moved Leo so she could burp him.
Once she had, she readjusted the baby in her arms. As she watched him, she realized that he was sleepy.
"I guess it's time for you to go to sleep, huh, kid?"
Emma then began to rock him to sleep. Pretty soon, the little boy was out, and the blonde continued to watch him.
She was then transported back to a time when she was thinking about a future with the man she loved. Though her and Neal had never discussed specifics, she couldn't help but dream about having a family one day – the family that she never had. But, all those dreams went up in smoke when Neal left her to take the fall for his crimes, and he never looked back.
Emma shook her head from the memories. Though it had taken her a while, she did forgive Neal because, in the end, it just hurt her more.
That forgiveness, however, didn't mean that her trust issues just vanished. It was still hard for her to let anyone in, but she supposed that was helpful in her line of work.
A smile broke out across her face as she thought about how she would never have to face anything alone again. She had Belle, David, and Mary Margaret. And, now, she also had Killian.
Her life was full, and she was truly happier than she ever thought she would be again.
She then focused her attention back to the baby in her arms. She smiled as she began rocking him gently once more and became oblivious to the time passing.
When she heard a knock at the door, she furrowed her brows and called out, "Come in," with slight confusion in her tone.
As David and Mary Margaret walked in, Emma asked, "You two are back already?"
"It's been over two hours," David pointed out.
"It has?" Emma questioned perplexedly.
"I suppose you lost track of time while rocking Leo," Mary Margaret observed with a smile.
"Yeah, I guess I did," the blonde agreed before she carefully placed the baby boy back in his carrier. She then strapped him back in.
As Mary Margaret picked up her son, her husband grabbed the diaper bag. He then asked, "So, how was he?"
Emma smiled as she answered, "He was perfect. He did wake up, so I fed and burped him before rocking him back to sleep."
"Thank you, again, Emma. We really do appreciate you looking after him," David told her.
"Don't worry about it. I enjoyed watching him. I'll babysit anytime you guys need me to," Emma addressed the proud parents.
Both David and Mary Margaret smiled and nodded in response. The pixie-haired brunette then added, "I think it's time to get our little guy home. I know he enjoyed his time with Aunt Emma."
Emma offered a fond smile before she bid her friends goodbye. As soon as she closed the door behind them, she leaned against it.
A smile formed across her features as earlier thoughts crossed her mind: she was no longer alone.
The words "family" and "happiness" used to be words that were foreign to Emma Swan, the orphan. But now, she couldn't picture her life without either one of those things in her life. She was now Emma Swan, the sister and friend.