Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part 12a

A couple hours later, the last of the guests had left, and Emma and Killian cleaned up the last of the snacks.

Belle and August - as well as Brennan, who continued to stand a little off to the side - all attempted to help but were quickly shot down.

With her hands planted on her hips, Emma told them, "No - this was your party, Belle. You shouldn't have to help clean anything up. And neither should the rest of you."

She smiled and shook her head. "And you - with my brother's help - put all of this together. The least I can do is help."

"But you don't need to," the blonde refuted as she eyed her best friend.

Killian then interjected, "You might want to quit, sis - she's dreadfully stubborn."

Emma elbowed him while Belle - along with August and Brennan - let out a chuckle. The brunette then offered, "Perhaps. But I don't think she can turn down her best friend on her birthday?" a grin spreading across her features.

"Really? A guilt trip?" Emma posed as she crossed her arms.

Belle giggled. With a wave of her hand, she then spoke, "I'm just kidding, Emma."

"Mm-hmm," she began with a grin of her own, "I think you've been spending too much time with Killian."

"Hey!" he protested as he closed the refrigerator. He then leaned against it and teased, "Is that any way to treat me after I've just made sure your punch wouldn't go to waste?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "You are so ridiculous." "I know," he playfully responded before he pecked her cheek.

She wore the same annoyed expression - until a smile broke out across her features.

She then finished tying up the garbage bag and presented it to her boyfriend. "Take this out?"

"Allow me," Brennan interjected as he stepped forward, "It's just a small token of my thanks for inviting me."

"Oh, ah, of course," Killian responded as he scratched behind his ear. Emma squeezed his shoulder before she handed over the bag.

Brennan offered a nod before he headed out of the apartment.

A tense and slightly awkward silence ensued. After a few moments, August then asked, "So, Belle, how much of this cake did you want to take?"

She jerked up her head at the sound of her name. She then replied, "Oh! A couple pieces should be fine."

She then tilted her head and questioned, "Will one of those be for you?"

With a shrug, he answered, "I'm not too much on sweets, but it would be nice to have some cake when I come over."

She giggled before she turned her attention to the cake - only to see Emma already covering it with saran wrap.

Belle shook her head. She then offered, "You know, Emma, I really think you should just relax when we're all finished."

The blonde ran her fingers through her hair. She then shrugged and spoke, "You're my best friend, and I wanted your party to be perfect."

"And it was," she replied before she pulled her in for a hug. Emma smiled as she returned it.

When they pulled away, Emma's gaze shifted over to the table. She grunted as she complained, "I forgot the empty snack trays - I should've gotten Brennan to take them."

"I'm sure he will when he gets back - or I can just take them myself," Killian offered with a gesture toward the table.

She peered at him for a moment - and tilted her head. He raised an eyebrow as he asked, "What is it, love?"