In case y'all forgot, "Second Chance" is the sequel to "Truce," where Killian and Belle's father, Brennan, comes back in their lives, and Emma is very protective over both of them.
Emma strolled into The Cove after a particularly long day at the station. Piles of paperwork tended to have that effect.
She plopped down at the counter before she crossed her arms and rested her head on them.
Killian stopped wiping down the counter and offered his girlfriend a sympathetic smile. He then questioned, "Long day?" before he kissed her head.
"Yeah - my whole day consisted of catching up on paperwork and filing it. I swear that I almost went stir crazy," Emma complained.
"Love, I'm sure that the chief just wants to ensure that your leg heals properly before letting you back in the field," Killian tried to reason.
"It was only a sprain," the blonde argued.
Killian shook his head before he pointed out, "A sprain that was very lucky to have not been a break." He then teased, "I have to admire Chief Williams for being able to make you stay at the station. I may have to ask him how he managed to combat your stubbornness."
Emma rolled her eyes before she retorted, "No one asked for your opinion on the subject."
Killian grinned as he told her, "I believe you just proved my point, Swan."
Her only response was a glare in his direction before he set down a mug of hot chocolate in front of her.
"Is this a peace offering?" she asked curiously.
Killian smiled genuinely as he responded, "Consider it a truce."
Emma couldn't help but smile at that before she leaned up and kissed him sweetly. When they pulled away, he went back to his task.
After taking a hearty sip of the cocoa, Emma began digging in her wallet when Killian's words stopped her: "It's on the house, love."
Emma shook her head before she scolded, "You can't keep just giving me free hot chocolate, Killian."
"That's what I keep telling him," Robin interjected as he looked up from cleaning the tables.
Killian rolled his eyes before he teased, "So, you'd have no problem with stopping the free lattes for Regina? Or should I say Ms. Mills?"
Robin's face turned slightly red before Emma asked him, "So, you and the mayor, huh?"
His eyes lit up as he answered, "I know she comes off as, well, difficult," pausing to give Killian a pointed look before he continued, "But she has such a wonderful heart when you get to know her. And Roland absolutely adores her."
"Well, I'm happy for you, Robin," Emma told him. She then admitted, "Regina and I didn't always see eye to eye when she first elected when it came to the department. And by didn't always, I mean never. But we learned to work through our differences and we're friends now."
Robin nodded before he told her, "She's always entertained the idea of a double date of some sort - but she isn't too fond of your boyfriend," with a wry grin toward Killian.
The dark-haired man rolled his eyes before he spoke, "It isn't my fault that we don't get along."
"Yeah, Killian, it's all her fault," Emma quipped.
Robin chuckled before he told Killian, "The feeling is mutual for Regina, mate, but she's learning to tolerate you for my sake."
He then inclined his head to the blonde and continued, "And because she knows that Emma is crazy about you."
Emma's green eyes widened slightly, and she brought the mug to her lips to hide her reaction.
She then schooled her features and teased her boyfriend: "You know. Killian, it couldn't hurt for you to take a page from Regina's book."
"Shouldn't you be on my side, love?" Killian questioned with what appeared to be real offense.
"I am on your side," Emma told him. She then took a deep breath and continued, "And it is in your best interest that you learn to tolerate your best friend's girlfriend."
Killian sighed as he considered her words. He then admitted, "You are right, Swan."
Emma offered a bright smile in response she drank down the last of her hot chocolate. She then got up and walked behind the counter before she began walking over to the sink in the back.
She was stopped, however, by Killian: "Swan, you don't have to do that."
"Don't worry about it. I'm just giving you a hand so you can finish for the day," Emma told him with a smile.
He grinned as he responded, "Looking forward to us hanging out with Belle and August, are we?"
"Well, it has been a long week," the blonde conceded with a grin of her own. She then became serious and continued, "Now, go finish or we'll be late."
"You're the one who distracted me," he pointed out before he kissed her forehead. Emma only shook her head as she watched him head back toward the counter.
About ten minutes later, Emma and Killian were walking hand-in-hand toward the city's newest bar and grill.
He then began scratching behind his ear as he began, "Swan, I wanted to talk to you about what Robin said - or I suppose what Regina said about you being cra…"
Emma cut him off as she groaned and spoke, "Killian, I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"I believe you misunderstood me, love," Killian began. He then took a deep breath and continued, "Though you did a rather good job at hiding your reaction, I saw the slight panic, Swan. I just wanted to tell you that I understand why you felt that, and you won't get any pressure from me."
"I won't?" Emma asked with a bit of surprise in her tone.
"After a year of dating, you still doubt me?" he teased. He then squeezed her hand before he stopped in front of her.
"Love, I know that you wanted to take things slow, and I respect that. I understand your difficult history with relationships, and I would never push you, Emma," he sincerely told her as he ran his fingers through her hair.
She smiled brightly before she pulled him in for a sweet kiss - one that he happily returned.
When they pulled away, she took a deep breath and admitted, "For the record, Killian, I'm really happy that you wanted to open up to me."
He smiled as he told her, "That makes two of us, love." She smiled back in response before the two of them continued toward the restaurant.
When they arrived and walked inside, Belle and August waved them over from a booth near the back. Greetings were exchanged as Emma and Killian sat down.
August then asked, "How's your leg, Emma?"
"When I went to the doctor a few days ago, he said it was fine and that I could resume my normal duties at the station," the blonde answered.
Belle tilted her head as she knowingly questioned, "Were those his exact words?"
"Of course they were," Emma argued.
Killian shook his head before he told his girlfriend, "You really can be entirely too stubborn for your own good, Swan."
Emma crossed her arms and rolled her eyes while her boyfriend and her friends grinned. Belle then spoke, "Well, I'm sure the chief will have you back in the field soon."
"Yeah, well, he better," Emma stated before she grabbed her menu and began perusing it.
When the food had arrived, the friends were talking about the in's and out's of their jobs when Killian changed the subject: "Did you guys catch last week's game?"
"I'm not sure that's the best subject where your sister is concerned," August spoke with a hint of a grin on his face, earning a glare from his girlfriend.
Killian raised an eyebrow at the exchange before Belle argued, "There were not one, not two, but three atrocious calls in that game. How they can even count as fair is beyond me, and the game had a different outcome because of them."
Both Emma and August were holding back laughter as Killian observed, "I don't think I've ever seen you quite as...passionate before, love."
"You should see her defend Mr. Darcy," Emma interjected with a grin toward her best friend.
Belle took a deep breath before she spoke, "The game should have had a different outcome, and that's all I'll say about it." She then took a sip of her iced tea and continued, "And as far as Pride and Prejudice is concerned, I think we can all agree that Mr. Darcy was misunderstood," with a satisfied nod of her head.
"Alas, love, I haven't read the book," Killian commented. He then turned to Emma and teased, "I'm rather surprised that you have, Swan," as he stole an onion ring from her plate.
"I watched the Colin Firth movie version with Belle because it's her favorite," Emma clarified.
Belle then added, "And I'm sure that's why she read all 400 plus pages of the book as well," earning an eye roll from her best friend.
"You know, love, it is okay to admit that you do like a little romance every once in a while," Killian told Emma before he placed a quick kiss on the side of her head.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Emma deflected, but her nonchalance was overshadowed by the smile that took over her features.
The blonde then spoke, "Speaking of books, I wanted to add, August, that your books are the reason I have run out of space on my bookshelf," with a chuckle.
August chuckled as well before he sincerely told her, "Thanks, Emma. I appreciate it." He then grinned and added, "It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm your best friend's boyfriend, now would it?"
Emma only shook her head and returned his grin before Killian teasingly spoke, "Trust me, mate, she isn't one to pretend to like something when she doesn't. In fact, she'd probably outright tell you her opinion."
The blonde hit her boyfriend in the arm while Belle and August couldn't help but chuckle. The brunette then joked, "I suppose I was wrong to think that dating would make you two get along better."
Killian only grinned while Emma rolled her eyes. He then sincerely spoke, "I'd be lying if I said I don't enjoy pushing her buttons every once in a while, but she still knows how much I care about her," before placing a sweet kiss in her hair.
Emma smiled before she took a breath and replied, "Yeah, well, I care about you, too," as she looked into his eyes.
He smiled back at her before placing another kiss on her forehead. August and Belle shared a smile at the sight before she leaned over to kiss his cheek. They then joined hands under the table.
Emma then told them, "Alright, I think we should eat before our food starts getting cold." Everyone nodded before the four of them dug in.
As soon as the blonde had eaten a bite of her grilled cheese, she spoke, "Oh, this is absolutely delicious."
"Don't let Granny hear you say that - I believe the old woman would be highly upset," Killian pointed out with a light chuckle.
"Especially these days. I don't think she took the news of Ruby leaving too well," Belle added.
Emma then conceded, "Though I can understand the fast-paced city life not being for everyone, it has been hard not seeing Ruby at the diner."
"And having a new waitress memorize our usuals," August noted before taking a bite of his club sandwich.
"Speaking of new," Killian began before looking at his sister, "How does it feel to be running things over at the library?"
Belle smiled widely before she spoke, "Even though it's been a few months, it still feels a bit surreal. I still can't believe my boss recommended me when he left for another job."
"Can't you? If it wasn't for you, I'm positive it would have taken me three times as long to find the job at the station as it did for you, and there would have been a considerable amount of cursing to go along with it," Emma pointed out.
Her friends and boyfriend chuckled before Belle conceded, "You did seem rather hopeless."
"I kind of was," Emma admitted before she chuckled herself; however, she felt Killian tense up beside her.
He then seethed, "You wouldn't have been in that situation if that bloody bastard hadn't left you in jail."
Emma ran a soothing hand up and down his arm as assured him, "Hey, it's okay, Killian. I'm okay - it was a long time ago."
"I know, love," he agreed. He then took a breath before he scratched behind his ear and admitted, "I have a tendency to be a bit overprotective."
"A bit?" both Emma and Belle challenged. Killian opened his mouth to protest but found that he couldn't, earning a laugh from everyone else.
Just then, a balding man was making his way around the restaurant, talking with the various patrons. He then came over to the couples' table and introduced himself as the manager, Nemo.
"I hope that everything is to your satisfaction?" he questioned with a kind smile.
"It's all wonderful, thank you," Belle replied, returning his smile.
Nemo appreciatively nodded before Killian added, "I think we'll have to add this to our regular eating spots."
"In that case, I look forward to seeing you all again," Nemo replied with another smile. They all smiled back in response.
The manager was about to move on when the bartender caught his eye. The two men shared a discreet look before Nemo turned his attention back to the table and offered, "If I can get your drink orders, our bartender is having a special. The first round of drinks on the house."
Emma furrowed her brows and developed a slight look of apprehension before she felt Killian place a reassuring hand on her thigh.
He then spoke, "We appreciate it, mate. The lady and I will have rum on the rocks." "And we'll just have wine, thanks," August added.
Nemo nodded before he headed back to the bar.
Belle then told her blonde friend, "You know, Emma, not everyone has an ulterior motive."
Emma sighed before she pointed out, "Bartenders just don't serve free drinks at a restaurant and get the manager to agree to it."
"That doesn't mean there's anything suspicious going on, Swan," Killian assured her as he ran his hand up and down her back. He then continued, "I believe he's just trying to encourage us, as well as other customers, to come back."
Emma ran her fingers through her hair as she considered his words. She then looked between her boyfriend and best friend and resigned, "I guess you guys are right. It's just… well, occupational hazard."
"It's quite alright, darling," Killian responded before he placed a quick kiss on the side of her head.
She offered a small smile before Nemo came back with their drinks. When he had distributed them, Belle told him, "Thank you for the drinks. And please thank the bartender as well."
"You all are welcome," Nemo began. He then smiled and continued, "And I'll pass along your thanks. I'm sure he'll appreciate it."
The brunette nodded before the manager continued his way around the restaurant.
Killian, Emma, August, and Belle then resumed eating and conversing. The blonde's phone then beeped in her pocket, and she quickly grabbed it.
She couldn't help but smile before she observed, "I can't believe he actually likes that thing."
"Who likes what, love?" Killian questioned, his slightly confused look being shared by his sister and her boyfriend.
As a response, Emma turned her phone around and showed the picture that Mary Margaret had sent her of Leo. He was taking a nap, and he was cuddling with a stuffed elephant.
"Oh, that's so adorable," Belle commented with a smile.
August then interjected, "I'm assuming you were talking about being a bit surprised that he actually likes the toy?" still a bit puzzled.
Emma took a breath before she clarified, "Yeah. I mean, Leo is really the only kid I've ever been around, and a one-year-old really isn't exactly old enough to say what he does and doesn't like. So, when I was trying to get something for his birthday, I saw the elephant, and I rationalized that a little boy would like something that's a huge, scary, wild animal, right? It was only after I bought it that I realized it probably would have been best to just ask Mary Margaret."
August and Belle grinned while Killian shook his head and tried not to laugh. The latter then told his girlfriend, "Well, love, you seemed to have gotten the perfect gift for your nephew."
Emma smiled as she answered, "Yeah, I guess that I did."
"And I'm sure one reason that Leo loves his elephant so much is because it came from his favorite Aunt Emma," Belle added with a smile.
"Well, neither David nor Mary Margaret have any brothers or sisters, so I'm his only aunt," Emma pointed out.
"Even if that weren't the case, he'd still adore you," August told her.
The blonde smiled once more as she spoke, "The feeling's pretty mutual. He's a great kid, which isn't surprising with David and Mary Margaret as parents." She then became a bit reflective and continued, "It makes me really glad that David didn't take that job as chief in the Brooklyn precinct."
"Well, Swan, I believe it's safe to say that being close to family and friends was worth more than a pay raise," Killian observed.
"And I don't have to get used to a new partner," Emma added with a grin.
Her boyfriend rolled his eyes before Belle spoke, "I think a more accurate statement would be that a new partner doesn't have to learn to deal with your stubbornness," returning her friend's grin.
The blonde rolled her eyes at that, but she couldn't quite deny the accuracy of the statement. She then admitted, "I guess I can be stubborn at times."
"I think that's as good as we're gonna get," Killian commented before he shot a wry grin in his girlfriend's direction. She slapped his arm in response.
August and Belle couldn't help but chuckle before Killian moved the conversation to an upcoming concert series. Emma was listening at first, but she found herself distracted.
She began thinking about that odd free drink as the dark-haired bartender carried some glasses back to the bar. She noticed that something was vaguely familiar about him, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it…
She then shook her head and turned back to her friends. Killian and Belle had been right - she was probably reading way too much into this. She then took a sip of rum, only to almost spit it out from laughing at at her boyfriend's joke.
When she and her friends had all sobered, Emma couldn't help but think how amazingly lucky she was to have Killian - and her family - in her life. She couldn't fathom how it could get much better.
In case it comes up, Killian's father (Brennan) on OUAT clearly DOESN'T have blue eyes, but Killian and Belle both do. In "Truce," I wanted that to be a feature that they both inherited from their father