Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part 16

Killian and Belle gazed up at the restaurant sign. They took a deep breath before they exchanged a look. He opened the door and followed his sister inside.

They saw Brennan wiping down the bar, his brows furrowed. He stopped to roll up his sleeves before he resumed working.

The hostess made a move to approach the siblings when Nemo intercepted. He walked over to them.

"Killian and Belle, I presume?"

"Aye, that's us," he began as he and his sister turned their attention to him. With a deep breath, he continued, "Brennan told us how good of a friend you've been to him."

Nemo hummed. "I tried to be – I wanted to help him fix his mistakes. To make things right."

He waved his hands as he apologized, "Forgive me – I know his being here has been rather difficult for you two. And that in itself is an understatement."

"No, it's okay," Belle assured him, "You're right – it has been difficult. But we're figuring it out and trying to make the best of it."

Nemo couldn't help but smile. "That's good to hear." He folded his hands behind his back and told them, "I'll let you go. I do hope everything turns out alright."

They nodded before he approached one of the tables. They each took another deep breath before they headed toward the bar.

As they sat on a couple of stools, Brennan looked up and spoke, "Hello. What can I..."

The words died on his lips as his eyes widened. He then cleared his throat and questioned, "What are you two doing here?"

Belle twirled her hair around her finger as she ventured, "We wanted to talk to you if that's alright?"

A hint of a smile appeared as he answered, "It's more than alright – I'm glad you're here. Both of you."

He then sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Apologies – I don't mean to sound as though I'm expecting anything." With a deep breath, he added, "I should have never made it sound like I do."

"That isn't entirely your fault – I lashed out and acted like a bloody fool."

His shoulders sank, his expression defeated. Brennan reassured him, "Oh, so- Killian, don't beat yourself up. You've been carrying this hurt for years – and seeing me only reminded you of all you needed to let go."

Killian's mouth quirked upwards before he offered, "Well, maybe it's time to stop holding on..."

He trailed off and locked eyes with his sister. She offered a nod of encouragement.

Brennan tilted his head at the interaction before Killian continued, "And maybe it's time to start something new."

With another head tilt, Brennan said, "I'm not quite sure I follow."

"We'll probably all need a drink for this conversation," Killian quipped as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Belle rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You're lucky Emma puts up with you."

Brennan couldn't help but laugh. "You two really are brother and sister – it's rather funny to see."

They chuckled. He then said, "But this will be rather...emotional in all likelihood, and I suspect we will need something."

Brennan nodded. He then grabbed three glasses and filled them with water.

"I think this will suffice."