"I can't believe the jerk skipped town," Emma complained as she and Killian walked toward the parking lot.

"Aye, love. It is rather inconvenient," Killian conceded as he raked his fingers through his black hair. He then smiled slightly and told her, "But between the two of us, we should be able to track him down. We do make quite the team."

Emma couldn't help but smile back as she agreed, "Yeah, we do, Jones," before they arrived at their vehicles.

As she stuck her key in door, Killian offered, "Why don't I give you a ride, Swan? We are headed to the same place."

The blonde tilted her head as she replied, "Alright, Killian," though her voice sounded a bit unsure.

He tilted his head that time as he teased, "What's the matter, Swan? Scared of my driving, are we?"

Emma rolled her eyes before she pointed out, "No, but I am scared that I'll suffer serious hearing damage. Why do you play your music so loud?"

"I don't want to hear my own voice over that of the music, love," Killian told her with a shrug.

"Because that makes so much sense," she sarcastically replied.

Killian faked being hurt as he put his hand over his heart and told his best friend, "You wound me, Swan." She rolled her eyes once more before he grinned and relented, "I'll be sure to turn the music down a bit, love. We should get going before my brother accuses us of being late."

"If we are, it's your fault," Emma pointed out with crossed arms. It was soon clear that her annoyance was feigned when she began laughing not a moment later.

It was Killian this time who rolled his eyes before the two of them headed toward his black Camaro.

A few minutes later, the two of them were heading toward the door of Granny's, where Liam was waiting for them.

The brown-haired man greeted, "How was the station today, you two?"

"Oh, you know, the usual. We're just chasing down bad guys," Killian responded with a nonchalant shrug.

Liam couldn't help but shake his head at his younger brother while Emma rolled her eyes. The former then nervously ran his fingers through his curly hair before he asked, "Might I have a moment with you, Emma? Killian can grab us a table."

Emma nodded in reply, and Killian then went inside. The blonde then turned to Liam and surmised, "You wanted to apologize?"

"Aye, Emma, I did," he began. He then took a breath and continued, "I know it's rather long overdue, and we did reach an understanding, but I never properly apologized for how I behaved when Killian was shot. I blamed you for it, and I accused you of not having the best interests for your partner. I know I was wrong, and I misjudged you, and for that, I am sorry."

Emma couldn't help the smile that formed as she responded, "I know you were only trying to protect Killian, and I get why you acted the way you did. It's really okay - I accept your apology."

Liam smiled back at her. He then spoke, "Thank you, Emma. And thank you for being so understanding."

The blonde simply shrugged before she pointed out, "I'm just as protective over the people I care about. And as far as Killian goes, he's my best friend - I'd do anything for him."

Liam smiled at that before he added, "And he you," his expression turning to one that Emma couldn't quite read.

She narrowed her eyes for a moment before she simply shook her head. She then told him, "Let's head inside. I'm starving."

Liam couldn't help but chuckle at that before the two of them headed inside. Killian immediately waved to them from a booth in the back, and they walked over.

Emma slid in next to Killian while Liam sat down across from them. The dark-haired man spoke, "I took the liberty of ordering our drinks. A hot chocolate, a Diet Coke, and a Dr. Pepper."

As soon as Emma had uttered out her "thanks," their waitress, Elsa, had brought them their drinks.

The blonde greeted, "Hey, Elsa. You getting any closer to opening that bakery?"

Elsa fiddled with her blonde braid for a moment before she answered, "It's not going to be easy, that's for sure. But I know I'll get there," a smile brightening her features.

"Of course you will! You're an amazing baker," Emma encouraged. Elsa's smile grew before Emma asked, "Would you mind making some more of those cookies?"

Elsa nodded before she elaborated, "Sure! I'd love to! I'll bring them by the station tomorrow."

"Thank you," Emma began. She then cut an annoyed look toward her partner and continued, "You think you can make a few extra? I only got two of them because someone ate the rest."

Killian only shrugged at his friend's allegation before he defended, "You should have packed some to bring home. It's not my fault they're delicious."

Emma rolled her eyes while Elsa only giggled. Liam then interjected, "I believe that Killian brought some of those cookies to me. The chocolate chip ones with marshmallows?" looking up at the blonde in question.

"Uh, yeah, those are the ones," Elsa began a bit nervously. She then took a breath and asked, "Did you like them?"

Liam smiled at her as he responded, "I'll admit that a chocolate chip and marshmallow cookie sounded a bit odd, but they really were delicious."

Elsa smiled as well as she told him, "Thank you. I'm glad you liked them, uh…what was your name?" running her fingers over her braid.

"It's Liam," he began before he explained, "I'm Killian's older brother." The blonde nodded before she spoke, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Elsa."

She then fiddled with the strings on her apron before she observed, "But I think you already knew that."

She giggled once more, earning a smile from Liam, before a distinct "ding" was heard. Elsa then addressed the three of them, "As soon as I drop off that order, I'll be back to get you guys'."

She then began making her way back behind the counter. Liam was trying to hide the fact that he was staring at her.

Killian cleared his throat to get his brother's attention. When Liam looked over, the dark-haired man teased, "You might want to stop staring at the lass, brother. She may get the wrong idea."

"And what, pray tell, would that be?" Liam question, his defensiveness made quite clear.

Emma couldn't help but chuckle before she egged on, "You two were in your own little world a couple minutes ago. It's like Killian and I weren't even here."

Liam ducked his head down to hide his blush. He then covered, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Emma and Killian grinned at his words. A moment later, her phone rang. She grabbed and looked at the caller ID before excusing herself to take the call.

Killian then continued teasing his brother: "You know, Liam, I didn't think you had a type, but apparently, it's a certain blonde waitress/baker."

Liam ran one of his hands through his hair in response. A moment later, he looked up and spied Emma over his brother's shoulder. He then fired back, "And yours is the blonde detective you work with every day."

"Bloody hell, Liam, she might hear you," Killian complained. He then told him, "Perhaps we do, well, everything together, but that's simply because we are best friends. Nothing more."

Liam sighed before he said, "I know I wasn't very fond of Emma at first, but now I see that she's good for you - you two truly understand each other. And you're absolutely smitten with the lass."

He then took a breath and stated, "And I don't believe I'm wrong in saying that she feels the same way."

Killian could feel the hope bubbling up at his brother's words. It's not though the thought wasn't constantly on his mind, but he knew it was a losing battle. Emma had far too many walls up to even consider the fact that she had fallen for her partner and best friend.

And so, he ran his fingers through his dark hair before he pointedly told his brother, "Look, none of it even matters. We'll only ever be friends."

Liam sighed before offering his brother an empathetic look. Killian only took a sip of his soda before Emma slid back in next to him.

Elsa came back a moment later and took everyone's order. When she got to Emma, she grinned and spoke, "And you'll have your usual, grilled cheese and onion rings."

Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes while Killian chuckled beside her. The blonde then spoke, "Actually, change those onion rings to a cup of tomato soup."

Killian tilted his head as he said, "You alright, love? You never stray from your usual."

With crossed arms, Emma defended, "Just because I want something different to eat doesn't mean there's anything wrong with me."

Killian put his hands up in surrender as he defended, "I didn't mean to offend you, Swan. I was only teasing."

The blonde couldn't help but laugh before she told him, "So was I."

Killian rolled his eyes and nudged her shoulder before Elsa commented, "You guys are so funny."

She moved her braid behind her shoulder as she spoke, "I'll go put this in - let me know if you guys need anything."

Before she walked away, she cast a look at Liam - one that he returned.

She quickly looked away and started fiddling with her apron strings as she walked back to the kitchen.

Liam began picking at his nails - a clear sign of his nervousness - while his brother and friend suppressed a grin.

The curly-haired man then broached a new subject: "What's on the agenda for you two this evening?"

"That would be the latest episode of NCIS," Emma answered with a smile.

"Ah, yes, that crime show you and my little brother are so fond of," Liam supplied.

Killian rolled his eyes before he corrected, "Younger brother, mate." He then told Emma, "I managed to make him sit through one episode. He still insists that shows steeped in history are preferable."

"I'm going to ignore the fact that you're talking about me as though I'm not here," Liam began with a pointed look toward his brother. Killian rolled his eyes before Liam continued, "I dare say they're more than interesting. Belle agrees with me."

"That's probably because she has read, like, everything at the library. She practically lives there," Emma interjected.

Liam and Killian chuckled at that before the latter offered, "Well, love, it comes with the territory of being a research assistant. Though the university has a substantial library, she prefers to get lost among the shelves at the public library."

"I believe the history and English departments would be rather lost without her," Liam then commented.

Emma took a sip of her hot chocolate before she spoke, "I think that's one of the reasons she and Gold get along so well. I swear he'd be a professor if he wasn't a medical examiner."

"Aye, Swan. That, and she always sees the best in him - they're rather good for each other," Killian added, then taking a sip of his drink.

The blonde couldn't help but grin as she surmised, "You finally stop playing the overprotective big brother? I'm sure she grew just a little tired of it."

Killian rolled his eyes before he pointed out, "We may not be biologically related, but she's my sister just the same." He took a breath and admitted, "But I do realize I was a little too overprotective when it came to Belle."

"I dare say it was more than a little, brother," Liam told him with a chuckle.

Emma chuckled as well before Killian replied, "You weren't any better, Liam. You were just considerably more level-headed about the whole thing."

"And yet you still manage to make one hell of a detective," Emma teased with a grin, earning an eye roll from her partner.

He then deadpanned, "Your confidence in me is astounding, love." Emma only chuckled in response while Liam grinned.

Elsa then came over to their booth, a serving tray with plates in her hands. She placed everyone's plates in front of them before she smiled and offered, "I hope you guys enjoy."

She received smiles and nods in response before heading to attend other customers.

Emma, Killian, and Liam then started eating. They spent the rest of the dinner in good food and good company.

CSCSCSCSCSCSCS

A little while later, Emma plopped down on the couch. She grabbed a handful of popcorn before she called out, "Will you hurry up, Killian? I want to see what happens."

"I'm coming, love," he responded as he walked from his kitchen. As he sat down, the blonde commented, "Took you long enough."

Killian rolled his eyes before Emma continued, "Let me guess, you were putting that gross combination of white cheddar, jalapeño, and bacon seasoning on your popcorn."

"It's not any worse than you drinking hot chocolate with every meal," Killian fired back with a grin.

Emma hit his arm in response before she changed the subject, "Just play the show."

Killian rubbed his bicep in pretend pain, earning an eye roll from his best friend. He chuckled before he did as she asked.

When the show had begun, Emma sighed and lamented, "I still miss Tony. And I haven't gotten used to Abby not being here."

"I know, love, but these new characters are rather interesting. And they fit in well with Gibbs' team," Killian told her.

The blonde couldn't help but roll her eyes. She then pointed out, "The only time you can be rational is when it doesn't pertain to real life."

Killian shook his head before he corrected, "Or if you're having a rather rough time of it." He then stated, "We do often balance each other out."

Emma placed a finger on her chin as she considered his words. She then observed, "Huh. We do, don't we?"

Though he tried hard not to, Killian couldn't help but roll his eyes at her. He then pointed out, "We've been partners for nearly three years, and you've never picked up on it?"

The blonde shrugged before she defended, "I just never thought about it quite like that. I mean, we work great together and we're there for each other. That's why we're great partners and best friends."

"Glad to know you do appreciate me, Swan," Killian teased, moving some blonde hair behind her shoulder.

Though Emma initially rolled her eyes, she couldn't help but chuckle a moment later. A thought then crossed her mind, and she reached for the remote to pause the TV.

Killian gave her an odd look before she explained, "Speaking of getting along, Liam and Elsa seemed to be doing just that at Granny's."

The dark-haired man grinned as he joked, "I didn't know you were such a romantic, love."

"You're ridiculous," she responded. She then told him, "But seriously, what do you think?"

He looked thoughtful for a few moments before he spoke, "They've only just met, but I do think they were rather intrigued by the other."

Emma nodded in response before taking on a thoughtful expression of her own. Killian tilted his head before he asked her, "Why did you want to know, love?"

After a few moments, she answered, "I guess because it's, like, sort of out of character for her. I've never really seen her like that before."

"I'd have to say the same about my brother," Killian acknowledged. He then smiled and continued, "But perhaps we should wait a bit before offering dating advice, eh, Swan?"

"Considering that the serious relationships I've had ended up being a train wreck, I'm not sure I should be the one offering anyone dating advice," Emma offered with a shrug. She then took a sip of her drink.

Without thinking, Killian sincerely told her, "Well, love, sometimes all it takes is meeting the right person for everything to change. And for you to believe that falling in love is a possibility."

She looked at him strangely and tilted her head in question as she perceived, "You seem to be speaking from experience, Killian."

He scratched behind his ear as he internally cursed at himself. He then quickly covered, "Aye. That would be, uh, Milah - the first woman I ever fell for." He then quickly added, "And the only one," praying she wouldn't see through the lie.

She narrowed her eyes at him. Killian cursed at himself - again - before she honestly told him, "Well, I'm sure you'll find someone else. You deserve it."

He couldn't help but smile as he asked her, "You think so, love?"

"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't," Emma replied before she shrugged. Killian would have been lying if he said he hadn't been hoping for a bit more, but reality slammed him into place.

He then joked, "See, Swan, you are a bit of a romantic after all."

She rolled her eyes before hitting his leg with hers and defending, "I am not. I was just stating a fact."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Killian replied with a grin as he nudged her shoulder.

Emma rolled her eyes before grabbing the remote and pressing play. She then adjusted her position to move a bit closer to Killian in order to stretch her legs.

It took a substantial amount of willpower for Killian to not tense up at her proximity. He managed to turn his attention to NCIS when he felt Emma shiver next to him.

She then commented, "It's freezing in here," rubbing her arms through her long-sleeved shirt. She then asked him, "Where's your NYPD sweatshirt?"

"In the bottom drawer," he answered. He then offered, "Allow me to get it, Swan. Just tell me who our dead officer is."

Emma nodded before Killian got up from the couch and walked into the bedroom. He quickly retrieved the sweatshirt before returning to the living room.

He plopped down on the couch and handed Emma the sweatshirt before propping his feet back up on the table.

When Emma had pulled the sweatshirt over her head, she asked him, "How are you not cold?"

"What can I say, love? I've always been rather hot-natured," Killian replied with a shrug.

"Lucky you," the blonde deadpanned before she snuggled further into his sweatshirt. He couldn't help but grin and shake his head before he asked her, "Who's our victim this week, Swan?"

"Navy lieutenant. Found in the park," Emma answered without looking away from the screen.

Killian nodded before he told her, "And I'm sure you're already coming up with a theory. Or at least part of one."

Emma rolled her eyes as she muttered, "Whatever," but Killian could still hear her.

He playfully swatted her arm before he teasingly chided, "That's no way to treat your best friend who shares his apartment and food so we can watch our show."

The blonde elbowed him before she challenged, "What's the matter, Killian? Can't handle getting a taste of your own medicine?"

He couldn't help but chuckle at that before he told her, "I think perhaps I've been a rather bad influence on you, Swan."

Emma chuckled as well before she agreed, "I think maybe you have, Jones." She then shoved a handful of popcorn in her mouth, dropping most of it on the sweatshirt and her lap.

She groaned before she began picking up the individual pieces of popcorn and promptly placing them in her mouth.

Killian couldn't help the smile that erupted as he watched her. He then shook his head and turned his attention back to the TV.

Just as Gibbs and his team had tracked down their first lead, Killian felt Emma lay her head against his shoulder. As he glanced over at her, he realized that she had fallen asleep.

He carefully reached to grab the remote to pause the show. He knew that Emma would be livid if she, for one thing, missed the show. And then secondly, if he watched it without her.

He watched her sleep for a few minutes, and he couldn't but admire how peaceful she looked. After the day they both had working with this cold case, they both needed some relaxation.

He then grabbed his phone from his pocket and began playing a game. He had gotten quite enthralled with it when he felt Emma moving in her sleep.

Her head was still on his shoulder as she turned on her side. She then wrapped her arms around him as she settled against his side, still snoring softly.

Killian sighed as he thought, "This woman will be the bloody death of me." He then gripped his free hand on the back of the couch to help him resist the urge to wrap his arm around her.

He tried to go back to his game, but all he could think about was that he wanted to hold her and never let her go.

Thankfully, she began to stir, and he heard her groggy voice: "What did I miss?"

Killian couldn't help but grin as he told her, "Only that the first lead appears to have an airtight alibi."

She hummed in response before she sat up. She then glanced at the TV, and she couldn't help but smile.

She then turned to her best friend and told him, "Thanks for pausing it for me."

The dark-haired man thought about teasing her, but he instead sincerely replied, "You're quite welcome, Swan. It's not as much fun watching it without you applying your detective skills to try to solve each case."

Emma couldn't help but laugh at that. She then grabbed the remote and said, "Let's keep watching. I do plan on figuring this out."

"I don't doubt it," Killian told her with a chuckle. She simply nodded before pressing play.

It didn't take very long for both of them to become quite involved with what was happening on the screen. For the next forty minutes, the two of them were able to escape the worrisome reality around them.