Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part 6a

So, this chapter turned out to be pretty long, so I'm splitting it into 3 parts. Enjoy!

P.S. I have to give a shout out to Warriorwolf123456 and JazzHopeSwan_EmmaSis for helping me through some writer's block on this chapter :)

Killian and Robin both plopped down at one of the tables after the morning rush.

"You know, mate, I'm not sure I'll ever get used to how busy this place gets in the mornings. It's still a bit overwhelming," Robin commented before he taking a sip from his bottled water.

"That it is," Killian agreed. He then hopped up from his chair and spoke, "I think I'll put on some more coffee before I wipe down the counter and tables a bit."

As he turned to go, Robin rose as well and told him, "Wait, Killian. You've been running yourself absolutely ragged, giving yourself more work than necessary. You need to slow down."

Killian turned to face his friend as he pointed out, "This business isn't going to run itself, mate. We have to keep to good form."

"I dare say we are, Killian. As they always have been and usually are, everything is ship shape," Robin told him. He then took a breath and carefully perceived, "Your newfound work ethic wouldn't have anything to do with your father, now would it?"

There was deafening silence for a few moments before Killian crossed his arms and admitted, "You know bloody well it does."

He then sighed and continued, "He's stuck around, and he's left everything up to Belle and I, which I suppose shows he's changed."

"But you aren't sure whether or not you're ready to trust him," Robin supplied.

Killian sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. He then spoke, "I think my sister is a bit more open to trusting than I am. She thinks we should at least hear him out."

Robin hummed in response before he said, "I can imagine what your overprotective brother side had to say about that."

"I just don't want her to get hurt. And I'd rather not put myself through it either," the dark-haired man replied. He then sank back down in a chair and stated, "It's just bloody complicated."

Robin clapped his friend on the shoulder before he conceded, "That it is, mate. And no one is expecting you - or Belle - to just be okay with Brennan being back in your lives."

Killian nodded, grateful for his friend's understanding. But, sensing there was more, the dark-haired man supplied, "But?"

Robin sighed before he spoke, "Forgive me if I'm overstepping, but I believe your sister may have a point. I'm not saying you have to make any set decisions, but I do think you should at least see what he has to say if for no other reason than to have some clarity."

"Now you sound like Emma," Killian began as he ran his fingers through his hair. He then continued, "It's killing her to see Belle and I in such an uncertain place, and she believes things would be better if we talk to him."

"Well, mate, she is a rather good judge of character, and she trusts him," Robin pointed out. He then added, "And if you won't listen to your sister, who is, frankly, quite a bit wiser than when you were her age ten years ago, then perhaps you'll listen to the woman who knows you better than you know yourself and who you're madly in love with."