Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part 11c

With a chuckle, Emma then said, "Of course - you can start with the snacks while Belle admires the cake."

"Cay?" Leo then repeated as he continued to play with his aunt's necklace.

Everyone chuckled before they began moving toward the kitchen. Roland then piped up, "Are we gonna sing 'happy birthday'?"

Chuckles ensued before Belle bent down on his level and told him, "I'd like that very much. Why don't you start?"

He nodded excitedly before he began to sing: "Happy birthday to you!" Everyone else soon joined him - as Belle wore a bright smile.

When they finished, she thanked them - her smile only growing. She then clasped her hands together and spoke, "Let's see this cake."

The brunette then turned her attention to the dessert. She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

"Oh, it's absolutely beautiful. I almost don't want to eat it."

"I think you'll change your mind since it's your favorite cake," Emma said as she beamed at her best friend.

She returned her smile. She then began patting down the various pockets of her pants.

With a tilt of her head, she then placed her hand on her boyfriend's arm and asked, "August, can you grab my phone? I must have left it on the table."

He nodded before he kissed her head. He then shuffled off back to the living room.

Emma then offered, "We can take some on my phone, too." As she reached into her pocket, Leo squirmed in her arms.

David then sidled up beside her and grabbed his son. "Come on, buddy."

"Da-da!" Leo shouted as he wrapped both arms around his neck. David smiled and kissed his head before he rejoined Mary Margaret.

Emma then pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures. When August returned, Belle asked, "Will you take some of the whole table as well?"

"Of course," he answered with a nod. He then shot her a knowing smile and added, "And I'll take some of you with the cake."

She couldn't help but smile at him as she said, "You know me so well."

He hummed before he began taking pictures. At his girlfriend's request, the photos also included ones of Belle with those who meant the most to her.

When finished, Emma cut the cake, and Killian helped her serve it. Once everyone had their slice, they milled about the living room, caught up in various conversations.

As Emma and Killian grabbed their own pieces of cake, Brennan's gaze lingered on them for a moment. She giggled at something he said as he rested one hand on the small of her back.

He couldn't help but smile as they made their way into the living room. He then turned his attention to his daughter, who talked with Ariel and Aurora.

When Belle excused herself to fetch some snacks, he placed his plate aside before he made his way over to her.

"Hello, lass. I hope you're enjoying your party," he greeted her with a smile.

She smiled back as she replied, "I am. It's wonderful." Her smile changed to a grin as she joked, "This delicious cake certainly helps things along."

Brennan chuckled, and Belle soon joined him. When they sobered, he cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his hair.

With a tilt of her head, Belle questioned, "Are you okay? Are you nervous about something?"

He regarded her for a few moments before he posed a question of his own: "How did you know I was nervous?"