Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part 6b

As Killian and Emma were halfway through a delightful meal, Belle was pacing back and forth on the sidewalk near the Nautilus.

She was mumbling to herself and nervously running her fingers through her brown, wavy locks.

She finally groaned and sat down on the bench beside August. She buried her face in her hands as her boyfriend ran his hand up and down her back.

He then reassured her, "You know you don't have to do this now. He's not expecting you, and even if he was, he understands that you need time."

Belle raised her head up before she sighed. She then told him, "I know it's so much to take in - I'm not sure a lifetime would be enough time to truly sort through it, much less a few weeks."

"But?" August supplied.

"I can't stop thinking about everything that Emma told Killian and I. About our father having changed - I want to see it - him - for myself," she explained.

August squeezed her hand as he told her, "And I won't stop from seeing him - I think you should. But you've been pacing for half an hour trying to make this decision - I don't know that you're truly ready."

Belle offered a small smile and squeezed his hand as well. She loved him so much - he had always supported her, and he hadn't wavered throughout this whole ordeal.

She took a breath before she spoke, "If I don't try now, I don't know that I'll ever gather up the courage again."

August offered a sympathetic look before he kissed her forehead. He then spoke, "I know this is something you need to do alone, so I'm gonna head back to my place. I'll be there if you want to talk later."

Belle nodded before she wrapped him in a fierce hug. She whispered a "thank you" before pulling away.

He nodded before kissing her softly. He then took one of her hands and squeezed it before he stood up and began walking back to his apartment.

Belle took a breath and exhaled deeply to calm her escalating nerves before she rose from the bench. She determinedly set her shoulders before walking down the sidewalk to the front of the restaurant.

It was just past opening time, and the restaurant was still rather quiet save for a few people having breakfast. Brennan was currently wiping down a few glasses.

Belle placed her hand on the door handle in order to head inside. Brennan happened to glance in her direction, and her shoulders sank as though the weight of this conversation was physically weighing her down.

She quickly let go of the door and began rushing back to the library. She only made it as far as far as the bench when she heard her name being called.

She slowly turned to face her father. He empathetically began, "I don't want to push you or your brother - I know this is rather difficult for both of you," taking a deep breath before continuing, "But since you came to the restaurant, I thought that you might want..." trailing off and looking down.

There was silence for a few minutes, the only sound being the chatter of strangers and the sounds of the city around them.

Belle then took a deep breath before she admitted, "I did...still do want to talk to you, but I'm not sure where to even begin."

Brennan nodded before he told her, "I believe I do." He then motioned to the bench and asked, "Shall we?"

The brunette simply nodded before she sat down, with Brennan following suit. He took a deep breath before he looked over at her.