Emma groaned against the sunlight streaming through her bedroom window. She then rolled over, pulled a pillow over her head, and tried to go back to sleep.

She then sighed as she realized her efforts were futile. Her night consisted of tossing and turning as she tried to think about anything other than the way Killian had looked at her.

She honestly didn't know how she was supposed to feel - or what to do - and the thought made her head spin.

Just then, she heard a knock at her door. She groaned once more and snuggled deeper into her bed.

"Hopefully, they'll just go away," she thought to herself as she pulled her blanket over her head.

No such luck. The knocking continued, becoming more insistent and louder.

"Ugh, fine. I'm coming," Emma muttered before she rolled out of bed. She hastened to the front door if only to make the knocking stop quicker.

She opened it to be met with her blue-eyed, dark-haired best friend. She sighed as she told him, "Killian, I don't feel like talking right now."

"Aye, love. I anticipated as much - it's why I brought you this," he told her before presenting a brown paper bag and a to-go cup.

Emma only stared at him - and the breakfast - for a few moments before she finally took it and spoke, "Oh, uh, thanks."

He nodded before he explained, "I knew you likely wouldn't be up for our Sunday morning tradition of breakfast at Ruby's and then our often spontaneous outing afterwards, but I thought I'd at least bring you some food."

A small smile played across Emma's face at the gesture. He really was such a great guy, and she'd be an idiot not to see it.

Before those thoughts could delve any further, Killian was bidding goodbye: "I'll see you later, Swan. I told Liam that I'd help him with the boat."

He then turned on his heel to walk away when Emma's voice stopped him: "You're just gonna leave?"

She truly wasn't sure what had possessed her in that moment, but part of her just didn't want him to go.

Surprise was etched into his features as he turned back around to face her. He then asked, "Do you really want me to stay, love?"

Emma opened her mouth to answer, but she found that she didn't have a definite answer for him. She only shrugged before she answered honestly, "I don't know, Killian."

"There's your answer, Swan," he began, shoving his hands into his pockets and looking down. When he looked back up, he told her, "When you have decided, just let me know. You'll know where to find me."

He managed a smile before he walked away. This time, Emma found herself following him out into the hall and reaching for his arm.

Her hand slid back down to her side when he faced her once more. He dragged his hand through his hair as he told her, "Emma, love, I can't take this. You aren't sure what to do, and I can't blame you - let's just leave it at that, shall we?"

Emma only shook her head as a reply as the feelings and thoughts from last night - the ones that had robbed her of her sleep - played themselves through her mind. One in particular stood out, and she just had to have some sort of closure about it.

"I just need you to tell me one thing, Killian. Just one."

"And what would that be?"

Emma took a deep - and calming - breath before she began "You know all of the reasons why I don't date - yet, you still think that any guy would be lucky to have me."

"Aye," Killian uncertainly told her, not entirely sure where she was headed.

She crossed her arms as she continued, "What makes you think that you're different?"

The question caught him a bit off guard, and he tried to defend, "Love, I never said that I would be the one to…"

"Just answer the question, Killian," Emma interrupted, crossing her arms even tighter over her chest.

He then tilted his head as he studied her stance - and her face - both of which said two very different things. He then perceived, "You already know the answer to that, don't you? You just want to know if I can confirm what you're thinking."

"No," Emma answered a bit too quickly, and Killian knew that he had his answer. He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair as he thought about how to proceed.

He carefully placed a comforting hand on her arm - feeling relieved that she didn't pull away - before he offered, "If you tell me what you're thinking, we may can figure it out together."

Killian cursed himself when she immediately pulled away - he needed to learn to keep his damn mouth shut so he'd stop scaring her off.

"Look, uh, you were right earlier - I really don't know what to do, and we should just leave it at that," Emma told him. Before he could even attempt to say anything else, she was rushing back toward her apartment.

When she had shut the door behind her, Killian ran his fingers through his hair and cursed out loud, "Bloody hell," before scolding himself, "I just keep digging this bloody hole deeper and deeper."

He ran his hand over his face and let out a sigh. He cast one more look toward Emma's door before he began shuffling to the stairwell.

Killian parked his car near the docks before he began walking along the wooden walkway. The closer he came to Liam's boat, the more he realized that his brother wasn't alone.

Liam and Elsa were on deck leaning against the railing. She ran her fingers over her blonde braid, and she was laughing while he wore a bright smile.

A small smile appeared on Killian's face - one of them deserved to be happy. While he naturally wanted to give Emma all the time she needed, he started to miss his best friend.

He then shook his head from those thoughts. The more he thought about it, the more likely he would be to do something stupid.

And so, he set his attention to teasing his brother. When he had reached Liam and Elsa, he told them, "I do hope I'm not interrupting anything," a grin on his face.

Liam ducked his head down while a light blush stained Elsa's cheeks. She then spoke, "I was trying out a new recipe, and I thought that Liam might like to try it."

"Ah, so you're indulging my brother's sweet tooth. He does have one, you know, even though he doesn't like to admit it," Killian surmised, raising an eyebrow at Liam, who tried his best not to grow annoyed.

Elsa, oblivious to Killian's actual meaning, only giggled before she spoke, "Then I'm sure he'll give me his honest opinion," smiling at the man in question.

Liam couldn't help but smile back. He then held up her plastic container and told her, "I will let you know what I think."

Elsa nodded in response before she turned and began heading back up the dock, waving at Killian as she did so.

As soon as she had made it out of earshot, Killian observed, "So, I've seen your truck parked at the diner quite a bit this week. Care to share?"

He only wished to know what was going on with his brother, but he couldn't help the teasing grin that appeared on his face.

Liam couldn't help but roll his eyes before he pointedly asked Killian: "Aren't you supposed to be helping me with the boat?"

Killian sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He then spoke, "You know I don't mean to vex you, Liam. I'm only saying that it seems like you rather like Elsa – and there's nothing wrong with that."

"I've only known her a week, Killian – that's hardly enough time for me to truly get to know her," Liam stated, a practical tone taking over.

Killian only shook his head – he loved his brother, but he could be a stubborn ass. He then told him, "You do realize that I'm not suggesting you have to marry the lass, don't you?"

Liam only ran his fingers through his hair before he began nervously picking at his nails. He then sighed and admitted, "Of course I do. But you are suggesting that I actually know what I'm doing."

Killian opened his mouth to reply, but he found that he didn't really have a response for that. A silence then overtook both of them.

After several minutes, Killian finally broke it: "Look, Liam, I realize that you have this need to always be right, to always know what to expect, and to always have a plan – not to mention the fact that you're dreadfully stubborn," earning an eye roll on that last bit.

With a deep breath, Killian then continued, "But you don't have to always be like that. It's okay to sometimes figure it out as you go."

Liam spent a few minutes considering his younger brother's words. He then teasingly began, "And here I thought I was the older and wiser brother," smiling at Killian.

Killian couldn't help but smile back before he told him, "You raised me from the time I was 11 years old. You were only 15 at the time, and you are the reason we didn't get tossed in the bloody system, and the reason we turned out alright after all these years. You don't have to take care of me anymore – you can start thinking about yourself."

Liam sighed as he once more thought over Killian's words. He then conceded, "I do suppose that I spend too much time worrying over you, as well as Belle."

He then took a breath and added, "But you two can take care of yourselves."

Killian smiled in response. He then spoke, "And now you can start thinking about what would make you happy."

"Which you think would be Elsa," Liam knowingly interjected.

"Maybe," Killian began, shoving his hands into his pockets. He then continued, "What I do know is that she makes you nervous, which I've rarely seen you be, brother."

Liam only sighed and ran his fingers through his curly hair. He began picking at his nails once more before he said, "She is rather beautiful, and I do enjoy her company - I've never quite met a woman who understands me as well as she does."

Killian smiled at his brother as he told him, "Well, I think you owe it to yourself to at least see where this goes. And for now, you and Elsa can be good friends."

Liam nodded before he spoke, "Thanks, Killian. I appreciate the advice."

"Of course. You've been there for me all of these years - I thought it was time to return the favor," Killian replied, a smile on his face.

His brother smiled back before a thoughtful expression overtook his features. He considered his words before he offered, "Maybe you should try taking your own advice."

Killian had a feeling about where this was going, and he wasn't especially in the mood. So, he deflected, "Where's that motor so we can get started?"

He then marched past his brother and stepped onto the boat, making his way to the motor.

He tilted his head as he began studying it. In truth, Liam had told him that it only needed a thorough cleaning, but this helped him avoid the inevitable.

He then felt Liam's hand on his shoulder, and his older brother told him, "Feel free to tell me to bugger off, but you helped me - let me do the same."

Killian ran his hand over his face and through his hair. He sighed before he spoke, "It's not as if it's the same thing."

"You're right," Liam began, moving his hand to his pockets. He then continued, "You have feelings for Emma - I would even say you're in love with her."

Once more, Killian ran his fingers through his hair. He took a deep breath and admitted, "I am in love with her."

He then sighed and continued, "But it doesn't matter - I can't tell her."

"Why not?"

"Because I already freaked her out without even telling her how I really feel. Do you really think I want to risk losing her completely?" Killian pointed out before he sank against the railing.

Liam sighed before he took a deep breath. He then offered, "You don't know that you'd lose her. I've seen you two together - your feelings are far from being one-sided."

Killian pinched the bridge of his nose as he refuted, "Emma can't admit those feelings, and I bloody well won't push her."

With crossed arms, Liam then posed, "So, you're really alright with just being friends with the woman you love?"

Killian ran his hand over his face before he argued, "What do you want me to say? That it makes me bloody miserable? That it's torture not being with her? That I wish every bloody day for something to change?"

He then started pacing up and down the boat, mumbling as he did so. When he finally stopped, he heard his brother's voice.

"I didn't mean to upset you, brother. I was only trying to help."

Killian then looked up and told him, "I know you were," a small smile appearing on his face. He then slowly let out another breath and continued, "Look, I already let my heart run away with me, and Emma got scared. And I don't blame her. I'm not gonna push her more than she's ready - I can't do that to her."

Liam regarded his brother for a few moments before he spoke, "You really do love her more than anything in the world, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. She's all that matters - if that means settling with being just friends, then so be it," Killian stated in a way that indicated that his mind was made up.

His heart was telling a different story, but he just couldn't listen to it - not if it meant wrecking everything.

He then took a deep breath before he began, "I noticed that some of the ropes need to be retied."

At Liam's nod - a way for him to confirm his brother's observation as well as respect the change in subject - Killian suggested, "How about I do that while you clean the motor?"

Liam nodded once more before he answered, "Those recent storms wreaked a bit of havoc on the boat, and even though I managed to clean up most of it, tying those knots never were my strong suit. You actually are a bit better at it that I am."

Killian couldn't help but grin as he pointed out, "I'd say that I'm quite a lot better than you, brother. And you're the one who sails for a living."

Liam rolled his eyes before he deadpanned, "Very funny, little brother." He then told him, "Just tie the ropes, will you?"

With a mock salute, Killian then set about tying the various ropes. He soon began humming as he worked.

Liam tilted his head as he listened to his brother. He then surmised, "You know, I'm rather surprised that you can remember that."

Killian offered a small smile as he said, "Well, Mother did rather like to sing, and she often sang us to sleep."

"That she did," Liam agreed, smiling as well, and a far-off look appeared in his blue eyes. He then turned his attention back to his younger brother and spoke, "You remind me of her in that way with how you're always singing. Or humming."

"I suppose I do take after her," Killian began, running his fingers through his dark hair. He couldn't help but chuckle lightly as he continued, "I remember that she used to make up words when she didn't know or had forgotten the actual lyrics to a song."

Liam found himself chuckling as well. He then said, "I had nearly forgotten that bit. It was rather funny."

Killian hummed in response, a smile appearing across his features. He then offered, "I know I was but a lad of six when she died, but I still have fond memories of her."

"I'm glad you do, Killian - she was a wonderful mother to both of us," Liam sincerely spoke, reaching over to squeeze his brother's shoulder.

"Aye, she was," Killian agreed, a fond smile on his face. He couldn't help but scratch behind his ear as he asked, "Do you think she'd be proud of us? Well, of me?"

"Of course she would be," Liam began. He took a breath and assured him, "Even if you don't always believe it, you're a good man, little brother. You're fiercely loyal and determined, you have a heart of gold underneath that sarcastic sense of humor of yours, and you put your heart into everything you do. All those things make you a hell of a good brother and a good friend, not to mention a good detective."

Killian smiled at his older brother as he told him, "Thank you, Liam. I really appreciate it." He smiled back in response.

With a humorless chuckle, Killian then added, "I may be a good detective, but my impulsiveness has gotten me into trouble with David more than once. I've never done anything truly reckless, but my judgment has waned on more than one occasion."

"And I'm sure you righted it the best you could," Liam told him. He couldn't help but grin as he continued, "I suppose I always thought you'd grow to be more level-headed than when you were as a teenager, but I believe that was wishful thinking," playfully nudging his brother's shoulder.

Killian rolled his eyes before he nudged Liam back. He then deadpanned, "Very funny."

He then took a breath and admitted, "You're not entirely wrong, though. I mean, you are the one who had to raise me when our father left, so you had to put up with all my shortcomings."

Liam shook his head before he told him, "You weren't all that bad, brother, and you know I'd do anything for you. Which admittedly means that I'm often too overprotective of you."

"Just a bit," Killian teased with a grin. He and Liam both couldn't help but chuckle at that before Killian continued, "But, thank you, Liam, for always being here for me. Even when I know that I gave you trouble."

Liam smiled and gave his brother a good-natured slap on the back. He then told him, "Of course, Killian. You have to know how proud I am of you."

Killian smiled back in response. Liam then told him, "And I really do believe that our mother would be proud of her little rebel."

Killian only raised an eyebrow and tilted his head in confusion. Liam then surmised, "Ah, so you don't remember that nickname."

"Can't say that I do," Killian began. He couldn't help but smile as he continued, "But I'd wager that there's an interesting story behind it."

With a nod, Liam then continued, "Even as a lad, you had this rather impulsive and reckless streak in you that stemmed from more than just being a child. Without a doubt, Mother knew that you had gotten it from her, as she was always a bit of a rebel at heart and tended to listen to it as opposed to her head.

"And so, you became her little rebel, and though she sometimes wanted to be angry when you lived up to the nickname, she'd laugh because she knew she'd do the same thing. Of course, that isn't to say that she didn't try to lead you in the right direction."

Despite himself, Killian began to laugh. When he stopped, he spoke, "I suppose the nickname was rather fitting. It probably still is, actually."

Liam laughed as well before he spoke, "I dare it is, but you've still got a good head on your shoulders, little brother."

Killian didn't bother to correct him and simply smiled at the compliment. The smile faded a moment later as reality hit him.

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as he lamented, "In this case, I'll have to actually listen to my head and not my heart."

Liam didn't need to ask what he meant, so he did his best to reassure him: "I'm sure that everything will work itself out. They usually do."

"I hope you're right," Killian said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Just then, he looked out toward the docks when he heard his name being called. He couldn't help but sigh as he recognized his blonde best friend making her way toward him.

As soon as Emma reached the boat, she stated, "David needs us to come in - there's a problem with our case."

Killian tilted his head in confusion for a moment before it dawned on him. He groaned as he spoke, "I think I have a pretty good idea of what this problem entails."

Emma only nodded before Killian turned his attention to his brother. He then apologized, "Sorry I can't be of more help."

Liam waved his hand before he assured him, "It's quite alright, Killian. You have a job to do."

Killian nodded before he and Emma hurried back up the wooden walkway. She then told him, "It'd be better if we ride together so I can get you up to speed before we get to the station."

"Aye, love," he agreed with a nod. He then offered, "Perhaps I should drive so you can focus on telling me what happened."

"Sounds good to me," Emma said. He nodded once more before they arrived at his Camaro.

Once Killian had started his car and backed out, Emma began, "Wilson managed to escape while being moved to a different cell to await his arraignment tomorrow."

With a frustrated grunt, Killian complained, "Bloody hell - I figured he had done something, but I didn't think the bastard would bloody escape."

"He's damn slippery, that's for sure," Emma grumbled, annoyance clear in her voice.

She then took a breath and explained, "David's already got a team searching for him, but he wanted us on it too since it's our case."

"Makes sense," Killian said. He then spoke, "And am I correct in assuming that we'll be dropping by the station first to grab our gear and receive a brief debriefing?"

"You got it, Jones," Emma answered with a nod before she crossed her arms over her chest.

They rode in surprisingly comfortable silence on the way to the station. When they arrived, they quickly stepped out of the car and rushed inside.

David met them as soon as they walked through the door. He handed them their guns, badges, and handcuffs before he explained, "As you're both aware, Wilson knocked out the officer moving him to a different cell before he made a run for it. The team I sent out spotted him moving toward I-78."

Emma then interjected, "He's probably trying to get out of state and into Jersey City."

With a nod, David confirmed, "My thoughts exactly. Our guys are still tailing him, and you two are gonna come in from the opposite direction and cut him off."

"So no matter which way he runs, he'll get caught," Killian then surmised.

David nodded once more before he told them, "You two already have back-up with the other team that's out there, and I'm ready to send more if needed. As soon as I get an update on the officer that Wilson knocked out, I'll be right behind you."

"You got it, Chief," Emma told him while Killian nodded his agreement. David nodded as well before he headed to go check on his officer.

Over his shoulder, he called out, "Be careful you two, but bring our guy in."

Emma and Killian both called a "yes, sir" before they headed back to Killian's car. He quickly put it in drive before they began heading toward I-78.

Both of them kept a diligent watch for their escapee, looking in every alley, behind every building, and underneath every platform.

"Damn it, where is he?" Emma frustratingly groaned, her hand clutched over the door handle.

Just then, Killian spotted him ducking into an alley. He pointed as he exclaimed, "I got him, love!"

With a nod, Emma then called David with a quick update as Killian parked the car. She then reiterated, "David is waiting with reinforcements should we need them."

"Hopefully, that won't be necessary," Killian told her before they both got out of the car.

They both hoisted their guns and exchanged a knowing look before they began slowly crouching along the alley wall.

They soon spotted Wilson frantically searching for a way out of the alley because it had turned out to be a dead end.

As soon as he turned around, Emma told him, "Not so fast, Wilson. You're not getting away this time."

With a smirk, he pointed out, "I've escaped and evaded the cops multiple times. What makes you think you and your so-called partner are any different?"

With his finger carefully poised on the trigger, Killian responded, "It's quite simple, mate. We all now know how much of a flight risk you are, and we'll go to greater lengths to ensure that you stay put."

"If you can catch me," Wilson replied with a scoff. He then turned and grabbed a brick at his feet, hurling it at Emma and Killian. They both jumped out of the way, but it wasn't quite fast enough.

The brick slammed into Emma's leg, causing her to stumble and cry out in pain.

Killian fought against his impulse to let his worry take over and simply glanced down at his partner. When she gave him a nod, he turned his attention back on Wilson.

"You're gonna pay for that - and your other crimes. You can be certain of it."

Wilson, who had already began running out of the alley, called out, "Good luck with that, Detective."

Without a second thought, Killian immediately pursued him. He tried in vain to use his gun as he wasn't able to get a clear shot.

"I suppose I'll be relying on brute strength then," Killian muttered as he continued to pick up speed.

After running for fifteen blocks, Killian caught up with Wilson before he grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and tackled him to the ground.

Wilson unleashed a slew of curses as Killian placed the handcuffs on him. To ensure that everything was in order, the dark-haired man proceeded with the Miranda rights: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…"

Wilson soon interrupted him: "I already know my rights. If you were actually competent, you would already know that."

Killian only rolled his eyes before he finished, just as he heard the sounds of backup arriving. He hauled his suspect off the ground before brandishing his gun at Wilson's side.

"Just to ensure you don't try anything," Killian told him as David walked up, a team of officers behind him.

"Good work, Jones," David began, giving his detective a satisfied nod. He then continued, "We can take it from here while you go check on Emma's injuries."

The adrenaline had worn off - along with Wilson being safely in handcuffs - and Killian had to mask his immense worry over his partner.

He took a deep breath and retained his composure before he replied, "Aye, Chief, I'll see you back at the station shortly."

With a nod, David then took Wilson from Killian's grip, ignoring his near constant slew of protests, complaints, and curses.

With quite a bit of force - and help from other officers - David placed Wilson in the back of a patrol car.

Killian stayed until David drove away to be of help to his boss and fellow officers should they need it. He then began rushing back to the alley.

When he arrived, Emma had hoisted herself on the hood of the Camaro, and she held an ice pack to her leg.

Killian immediately sat beside her and worriedly asked, "Are you alright, love?" running his hand along her arm.

"Let's just say that I'm really glad you had a first aid kit in your car," Emma began, slowly moving the ice pack, which revealed a dark bruise and a Band-Aid covered scratch.

Seeing her best friend's widened eyes, she continued, "I'll be fine, Killian. My leg is still a little sore, but it's only a bruise and a small scratch. I've had worse."

Killian's hand lingered on Emma's arm as he asked, "Are you truly alright, love?"

She offered a nod of reassurance before she rolled down her pants leg. She then tilted her head and surmised, "Based on the way you ran down Wilson - and with all the sirens I heard - I'm guessing that David actually sent you to check on me."

Killian moved his hand from her arm and scratched behind his ear. He then chuckled lightly and told her, "Aye, Swan, he did. He wanted me to check that his best detective remains unscathed," a smile playing across his features.

Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes before she told him, "Come on, we should head back to the station."

With a nod, Killian then hopped off the hood of his car and climbed inside, with Emma right behind him.

Killian instantly began adjusting the radio, and he heard Emma sigh beside him.

With a teasing grin, he then asked her, "What's the matter, love? Not in the mood for some rock 'n' roll?"

She shook her head at him. She then told him, "If you're gonna blare music, I'll walk back to the station," in a tone that indicated that she wasn't kidding.

Killian put his hands up in surrender as he spoke, "Alright, love, you win. I won't be blasting any music."

She only offered him a smirk before he began driving back to the station.