A few days later, Belle was humming happily as she closed the library door behind her. She made sure it was locked before she began making her way to her apartment.
As she walked, she couldn't help but slide her thumb over the binding of the two books in her hand: A Tale of Two Cities and Oliver Twist.
One of the perks of Belle working in the library was borrowing books that she wanted to read before she went out and bought them.
Her phone then beeped in her purse. She grabbed it and smiled at the text message from August. She messaged him back before placing the phone back.
When she looked back up, she realized that she had ran into someone.
"Oh my goodness – I'm so sorry!" Belle profusely apologized as she bent down to pick up her books.
"It wasn't all your fault, lass. I wasn't looking where I was going," the man told her before he offered his hand to help her up.
Belle nodded as she took his hand. When she was standing, she let go of his hand and looked up at him.
She was taken aback when she saw the same blue eyes that she saw in the mirror every day.
She swore that she saw a flash of recognition in the man's eyes before he quickly made an excuse to go: "I do apologize for running into you, lass. I hope you have a nice day."
He then made his way past Belle and began swiftly walking in that direction.
For a few moments, all she could do was stand there in shock. She then shook her head and let out a breath.
Though she only had her own and her brother's eyes, as well as a misplaced, faded photo that she wasn't sure why she kept as a reference, it was hard to deny.
Yet, she could scarcely believe it. Could her father – the man who had abandoned her – really live in the same city as her?
Considering that she had found the brother that she wasn't even aware that she had a year and a half ago – and he was also dating her best friend – she supposed the notion wasn't too far-fetched.
She took a deep and calming breath before she started walking toward Killian's apartment. Hopefully, he could give her some clarity about the situation.
A few minutes later, she knocked on her brother's door. She heard him call out, "Swan, you're an…" He trailed off when he opened the door to his sister.
She took note of his navy blue button-down shirt, black leather vest, and black jeans before she caught sight of the unlit candles on the table. She then apologized, "Oh, Killian, I'm so sorry. You and Emma have a date –I'll just come back."
Before she could turn around, Killian observed, "Wait, love, you seem quite distressed. Is everything okay?"
"I'll be fine," Belle tried to reassure, but her brother knew better. He stepped aside to let her in, but she protested, "You have a date, Killian."
"You do remember who my girlfriend is, don't you? Your best friend, Emma – I know she'd understand," he pointed out. He then told her, "And besides, she won't be here for another hour."
Belle offered a small smile before she walked inside. When she sat down on the couch, she let out a deep breath.
Killian sat down beside her and asked, "Alright, love, tell me what's wrong."
The brunette was silent as she thought about what to say. She then told him, "When I was leaving work, I ran into some... someone."
Killian tilted his head for a moment before his brows furrowed in anger. He then seethed, "It was that bastard who broke your heart, wasn't it? If he said something to hurt..."
"Calm down, Killian. I didn't run into Robert," Belle assured her overprotective brother. She then took a deep breath and continued, "I ran into our fa...father."
Killian's eyes widened slightly before he reasoned, "Belle, how do you even know it was him?"
"Aside from the fact that we have the same eyes?" she rhetorically questioned. Her brother didn't look convinced, so she continued, "I've seen pictures of him, Killian. I know it was him."
Killian then huffed before he pointed out, "It's not as though he knows who you are, love."
"That's the thing, Killian - I think he recognized me," Belle admitted.
"Yes, because you look the same as you did when you were 6 months old," he sarcastically remarked.
She rolled her eyes before she offered, "All I'm saying is that what if there's a reason he recognized me."
Killian mulled over that for a few moments before he spoke, "Are you actually suggesting that the bastard wants back in our lives?"
Hearing it out loud made Belle realize how much she was staking on one look. She buried her face in her hands before she looked back up and weakly answered, "I don't know, maybe?"
Killian offered a sympathetic look before he pulled her in for a hug. When they pulled away, he told her, "Well, if it was him, and he did recognize you, he's got a hell of a lot of explaining to do," with considerable fire behind his words.
Belle took a breath before nodded. She then carefully observed, "I know the situation hasn't been easy, but I thought you had forgiven him."
"I have," he told her. He then ran his fingers through his black hair and continued, "But forgiving him was one the hardest bloody things I've ever had to do, and that wound didn't heal easily."
"Neither did mine - among a broken heart," Belle conceded. She then took another breath and spoke, "I suppose there's no point in worrying over it, is there?"
"Considering that we don't even know if it was our father that you saw," Killian told her.
Belle nodded before she told him, "You do have a point, Killian."
"Well, I am your older and wiser brother," he responded with a grin. He received an eye roll from his sister before he continued seriously, "Look, love, I really believe we should just leave it be."
"You're right," the brunette resigned. She then took a breath before she smiled and stated, "I think I'll head home - A Tale of Two Cities is waiting," as she inclined her head toward the books in her lap.
Killian smiled as well as he spoke, "Ah, yes. 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'"
"And that is the only thing that you're allowed to say about it. I haven't read it before," Belle warned him, but she couldn't help the grin that broke through.
"Oh, trust me, I've learned better than to spoil endings. Emma was rather mad at me for giving away Will's death in the 3rd Pirates of the Caribbean. How I was supposed to know that she'd forgotten that particular detail?"
Belle couldn't help but laugh at her brother's words. Her phone then began loudly vibrating, and she took it out of her purse, where she then saw a reminder.
"Oh! August is teaching his Victorian Literature class tonight - he always calls me right before dinner," she explained. She then rose from the couch, and she and Killian bid each other goodbye before she headed out the door.
Killian then got up and walked to the kitchen and started he and Emma's dinner.
An hour later, Killian had just finished setting the table when there was a knock at the door. He couldn't help but smile as he went to go answer it.
"Hello, Swan," he greeted his girlfriend with a smile when he opened the door. She smiled back as she responded, "Hey, Killian."
He then ushered her into the apartment before they shared a sweet and tender kiss. When they pulled away, Killian took in her light pink dress and complimented, "You look beautiful, Emma."
She smiled once more as she told him, "Thank you. You look pretty handsome yourself."
"I know," he cheekily replied with a wry grin. Emma rolled her eyes and shook her head in response.
They then headed toward the kitchen. Killian pulled out a chair for Emma before he sat down across from her.
He took the lids off the bowls of spaghetti and salad before he teased, "It's not grilled cheese, but I think you'll rather enjoy it."
"I know you realize that my diet consists of more than grilled cheese," Emma challenged with a raised eyebrow.
"Barely," Killian told her as he scooped out some food for himself.
Emma responded by lightly kicking Killian in the shin, to which he told her, "It's bad form to try to injure your boyfriend, Swan."
"So is making fun of your girlfriend," she annoyingly threw back, but she then began laughing.
When she had sobered, Killian grinned and told her, "You know, love, your comebacks have considerable less bite now than when we first knew each other."
Emma only shrugged as she spoke, "Well, I like you much better now," with a sweet smile.
Killian smiled back at her before she teasingly added, "Most of the time anyway." He only shook his head in response.
Emma then fixed herself a plate of spaghetti, and she and Killian then began eating.
A few bites later, Emma commented, "You know, Killian, sometimes I forget how good of a cook you are."
"My talents do extend beyond making coffee, hot tea, and your favorite of hot chocolate," he responded with a grin.
Despite the teasing jest in his tone, Emma couldn't help but feel slightly dejected. She sighed deeply before she looked down and began fiddling with the hem of her dress.
She then felt Killian grab her free hand, making her look up at him. "Hey, love, is everything alright?" he asked as he squeezed her hand.
Emma sighed once more before she admitted, "It's just that I should know all of this stuff about you. We've been together an entire year. I don't know what's wrong with me."
She then snatched her hand away from him and averted her eyes.
Killian took a deep breath before he assured her, "What's wrong is that you dated three bastards who didn't know what they had in you."
Emma didn't look up, so he persisted, "Listen, Emma, I know being vulnerable with me isn't always easy…"
"Which is part of the problem - I should be able to open up to you! I should be open to the fact that I'm in a serious relationship instead of acting like I don't know what the hell I'm doing! Which I don't half of the time!" Emma snapped.
Despite her tone, Killian only smiled softly before he told her, "One of these days, Swan, I'm going to help you see that you do deserve this type of happiness."
The blonde's resolve faded as she smiled and told him, "And I promise that one day I'll let you."
Killian's smile grew as he leaned over the table and kissed his girlfriend's forehead. When he pulled back, he spoke, "As I told you over a year ago, you are well-worth the wait."
Emma couldn't help but blush before she replied, "And I sometimes I feel as overwhelmed as I did that day."
It was Killian this time who averted his eyes as he scratched behind his ear. He then sheepishly spoke, "Aye, love. That isn't my intention, but I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve."
"Oh, believe me, that I've noticed. Subtly isn't exactly your strong suit," Emma acknowledged with a giggle.
Killian couldn't help but chuckle before he sincerely told her, "I know it can be a bit much, but it's only because of how much I care for you, love."
Emma smiled genuinely as she responded, "I know. And thank you - I care about you, too." He smiled back before she continued, "And thank you for always being so patient with me."
"You're very welcome, love. You know I'd do anything for you," Killian told her. He then commented, "Besides, I've been shown quite a lot of patience over the years between Liam and Robin - and even Milah on occasion. Who better than to return the favor than with my lovely and beautiful girlfriend," with a bright smile.
A smile once more made its way on Emma's face. Though she wasn't sure she was quite ready to say it out loud, she absolutely loved the way Killian always made her feel so special.
She then told him, "Alright, Romeo, our food is gonna get cold." Killian simply grinned and nodded in response before both of them resumed eating.
A little while later, Emma walked from the kitchen and sat down beside her boyfriend on the couch.
Killian then commented, "I'm still not sure why you insisted on doing the dishes, Swan."
"Because you planned this whole date and cooked dinner. It's the least I could do," Emma pointed out.
"Fair enough," he conceded with a smile. He then took her hand in his and spoke, "Now that you've finished, we can move onto the second part of this evening."
"Which is what?" the blonde curiously asked as she tilted her head at him.
His smile grew as he told her, "If you're up for it, I thought I'd take you out in the boat."
Emma smiled back at him as she replied, "I'm totally up for it - that sounds amazing," before she leaned over to kiss his cheek.
Killian then stood up, and Emma followed suit. He shrugged on his black leather jacket before he took her hand in his. He squeezed it before he asked, "Are you up for walking or would you rather I drive us to the docks?"
"I've been stuck at a desk for weeks. What do you think?" Emma answered with a raised eyebrow.
Killian only shook his head and grinned at his girlfriend. He then told her, "Hint taken, love. Let's go, shall we?"
She happily nodded before the two of them headed out of the apartment.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the boat. Once Killian had climbed on deck, he turned around to help Emma. As he did, he couldn't help but notice that she shivered.
When she was standing beside him, he took off his jacket and slipped it over her shoulders. He then told her, "Here you go, Swan. The ocean breeze can be rather chilly."
"Thanks, Killian," Emma replied as she slipped her arms through the sleeves.
He responded with a kiss on her forehead before he suggested, "How about we head to our spot?" "Sounds perfect," she responded with a smile.
Just as they had sat down, it started raining. It was only a light drizzle at first, but it quickly changed to a downpour.
"Bloody hell," Killian cursed. He then turned to Emma and told her, "Let's get into the cabin, love."
She simply nodded before they rushed below deck. Luckily, they had missed the worst of it, but they were still a bit wet and cold.
As Emma sank down on the small couch, she practically pleaded, "Please tell me you have something to get us dry and keep us warm down here."
By the time the words were out of her mouth, Killian was handing her a towel. He then told her, "I only keep a few supplies down here, so no hot chocolate, but I can make chamomile tea."
"That sounds perfect right about now," Emma told him, and he nodded in response. After he dried himself off, he set about heating up the water.
A few minutes later, he handed his girlfriend the steaming mug, and she eagerly took a sip. She couldn't help but sigh contentedly after the liquid had made its way down her throat.
"I suppose I should have watched the weather more closely, Swan. I could have saved us some trouble - I'm truly sorry, love," Killian apologized from his place sitting beside her.
Emma took another sip of tea before she assured him, "The fact that you planned something special is enough for me. And besides, it's not the first time one of our dates took an interesting turn, and I doubt it'll be the last."
"Aye, love. I do have to admit that getting caught in the rain is preferable to my having an allergic reaction to garlic," Killian spoke with slight amusement in his voice.
Emma lightly chuckled before she added, "Or me somehow managing to drop my cell phone in a soda."
Both of them then burst out laughing. By the time they had caught their breath, their eyes were watering.
Killian then ran his fingers through Emma's blonde ponytail before he told her, "The last year with you has been an adventure. Actually, it's been one since the moment I met you."
"And you wouldn't have it any other way?" Emma questioned curiously, but she couldn't help but smile softly.
"No, I wouldn't," he answered without hesitation. He received a bright smile in response before Emma began leaning in. He met her halfway for a sweet and tender kiss.
When they pulled away, they rested their foreheads against each other's and stayed lost in the moment for what felt like a lifetime.
They jumped apart at the boom of thunder and the crash of lightning.
"I guess we won't be going anywhere for a little while," Emma commented before she leaned against Killian's shoulder.
He wrapped his arm around her and settled his hand on her waist. He then conceded, "It seems that way, love," before he kissed the top of her head.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes until another round of thunder and lightning sounded, making Emma jump.
She then spoke, "Even if you aren't scared of bad weather, most people tend to react when it's storming like this," as she looked up at her boyfriend with a raised eyebrow.
Killian gave a one-shoulder shrug before he explained, "Well, when your day at sea is ruined by a storm much like this one, you have to stay calm enough to ride it out until it's safe to head back to the harbor."
Emma's eyes widened before she questioned, "You guys didn't know it would be that bad?"
"As it was, the storm had moved in much earlier than expected. I doubt my brother anticipated our first sailing trip to be quite that interesting," he clarified, chuckling at the last part.
Emma couldn't help but chuckle as well before she spoke, "I remember you telling me about you and your brother fixing the boat up - how old were you two again?"
"I was 13, and he was 20," Killian answered. He then elaborated, "Liam knew how much we both loved the water, and he also knew that it would be a chance for both of us to get away."
His expression became slightly far-off, and he felt Emma squeezing his hand. He then turned to look at her, and she asked, "Everything alright?"
"Aye, love. Just memories of my brother. Even before our father left, he was always taking care of me," he told her.
She nodded and gave him a sympathetic look before she spoke, "I know you miss him." She then added, "And that you no longer have his ring to remind you of him," as she looked down.
Killian gave her hand a squeeze this time before Emma lifted her head and admitted, "Sorry - I, uh, know we've talked about this. I don't still feel guilty; I just sometimes feel bad for you."
"I know you do, love. But I'm perfectly alright - I have our friends, my sister, and you. I'll always miss my brother, but I'm not alone," he assured her with a smile as he ran his fingers through her hair.
She smiled back at him in response. She then saw those blue eyes wander to the picture of he and Liam before he quickly turned his attention to the window.
He then told her, "It looks as if the weather's clearing up, love. We may still be able to get in some sailing yet." He then began to get up when Emma placed a hand on his leg.
"Wait, Killian." When he turned to look at her, she perceived, "I know being on this boat reminds you of Liam, but I get the feeling there's something more to today's memories."
Killian sighed and ran his hand over his face and through his hair. He then tried to shrug off: "It's truly nothing to worry about. There isn't anything you or I could do about it."
"I'm not gonna push you - God knows I have no reason to. But, you do know I'm here if you do need or want to talk," Emma empathetically offered with a small smile.
He smiled back at her before his expression grew contemplative. He was silent for several minutes before he finally spoke, "It's just that… my, uh, past may or may not have come back. I thought I could simply let it go, but it's not that simple."
The blonde only looked at him with a puzzled expression before he continued, "On her way back from work today, Belle collided with someone." He paused to take a deep breath before he finished, "She believes the man she collided with is our father."
Emma's eyes widened as she took in the information. She then questioned, "Is she positive it was him?"
"We did both inherit our eyes from him, and she's seen pictures of him. She seemed pretty adamant that it was him… and that he recognized her," Killian told her.
The blonde was quiet for a few minutes. She then observed, "I'm not even sure where to begin if she's right." She then asked, "What did you tell her?"
"I believe you answered that question in your observation," Killian began before he clarified, "If she's right. We can't think about it too much without considering the possibility that it may not even be him. That's why I told her to let it be, and she agreed that it was the best solution."
"But?" Emma supplied.
He sighed once more before he admitted, "Truthfully, I'm not entirely sure, love. It's like part of me wants answers, but I don't know the bloody hell why I want them. Or what I even need answers for. The other part of me simply wants to go on living as if everything is normal."
Emma responded by wrapping Killian in a tight hug, one he gladly returned. They simply held each other for a few minutes before she assured him, "Whichever part of yourself that you decide to listen to, I'll be here for you."
He nodded before he spoke, "Thank you, Swan. I really appreciate it." He then pulled back to look at her and resigned, "You and I both know that the wound that comes with being abandoned doesn't heal easily. Despite how far I've come from, I'd rather not revisit that pain until I know for sure what I'm dealing with."
"And you shouldn't have to," Emma conceded. She then smiled and suggested, "How about we get away from everything for a little while?"
Killian smiled back and replied, "I couldn't think of anything better, my love." He then stood and helped her up before they joined hands and made their way above deck.
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Emma rolled over in her bed for the umpteenth time. As she sat up to rearrange the pillows - again - she couldn't help but be eternally grateful that she didn't have work tomorrow.
Although, work would be a pleasant distraction from the fact that her best friend and boyfriend's father may be in New York City. May being the key - and infuriating - word here.
If Killian's conflicting feelings and Belle's attempt to remain positive when Emma had dropped by to see her were any indication, it was that the situation wasn't one to simply let go.
Emma then rolled over on her back and stared at the ceiling. She hated to see two of the most important people in her life being stuck in this limbo of uncertainty.
What was certain is that neither one of them deserved it. It wasn't fair for them to have to think about their pain - no matter how much time had passed - when they weren't even sure if it was their father.
She then abruptly sat up as she had an idea. With all the resources that she had as a detective, she'd be able to definitively find out if Brennan was in New York.
And, if it was him, she'd find out exactly what he was doing here, and if it had anything to do with his son and daughter.
Emma didn't know what she would find, but she was damn sure that she wouldn't let Killian and Belle get hurt again.