Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part Three

"I think this guy holds a record for most places lived," Emma quipped as she filled out yet another flash card.

She then slid back her rolling chair and pulled out the poster board from underneath her desk. When she had taped the flash card beside the others, she surveyed her research.

Ever since Brennan left Belle and her mother, Colette, twenty-five and a half years ago, he never stayed in one place longer than a couple months. Yet, he had stayed in New York City for almost a year.

"Why did you decide to stop running?" Emma wondered aloud as she crossed her arms over her chest.

She then heard a knock at the door, so she placed the poster back under her desk and switched over the tab on the computer.

She then called out, "Come in." Chief Williams then walked in and greeted, "Morning, Emma."

"Morning, Paul," she replied. She then questioned, "What brings you by so early?"

"Well, I knew you were here, and I thought I'd give you the good news before the day starts," Paul began. He then smiled and continued, "You're officially back on field duty."

Emma smiled as she told him, "Thank you, Chief. I can't tell you how happy I am about this."

Paul grinned as he told her, "I think I might have an idea." The blonde rolled her eyes in response.

Her phone then beeped in the pocket of her jeans. She then spoke, "That's my cue. I'm gonna go see Killian and grab some hot chocolate and a bear claw."

The chief nodded before he turned to head out of the office. He then stopped and asked, "Speaking of Killian, how's that research on his father going?"

"It's going good. In fact, I think I have everything I need," Emma told him. She then paused and continued, "I wanted to thank you - again - for letting me do the research."

Paul waved his hand in dismissal before he assured her, "I could see how important it was to you to find answers." Emma smiled before he added, "And as long as it didn't interfere with work, and since it was all public record, I didn't see any issues."

Emma nodded before she offered a grateful smile in response. Paul nodded as well before he headed to his office.

The blonde then grabbed her keys and wallet before she headed to her bug.

When she arrived at the Cove, she stepped out of her car and walked inside. She waited in line for a few minutes before she was face-to-face with her boyfriend.

Killian's blue eyes lit up as he greeted, "Good morning, love. And how is my lovely Swan?"

Emma smiled as she responded, "I'm great." She then asked, "And how is my handsome barista?"

"I think you mean devishily handsome," Killian teased with a grin as he prepared her order. Though Emma rolled her eyes in response, she couldn't help but grin back at him in response.

A couple minutes later, he handed her the hot chocolate and a bear claw. She then fished out some money and spoke, "Don't you dare argue with me on this, Killian. I am paying for my breakfast."

"Alright, love. You are a stubborn one," he responded with another grin as he took the money from her.

Emma offered a satisfied - and smug - smile in response. When he had handed her the change, she told him, "I should get to work. I'll see you later."

She then kissed his cheek and began to walk off when he asked, "Wait, love - why do you have dark circles under your eyes? Are you alright, Emma?"

"Great. One of the only reasons he calls me by my first name is when he's worried," Emma thought. She then took a breath and assured him, "I promise you I'm fine. It's just, you know, stuff, but it'll work itself out. Just trust me."