Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part Nine

The following day, Killian parked his truck in the parking lot next to Granny's. He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair.

From beside him, he then felt Emma squeeze his free hand. She then assured him, "I'm not going to say this is gonna be easy because we both know it's not. But, we'll get through it. Together."

Killian offered a small smile before he kissed her forehead. When he pulled back, he cupped her cheek and told her, "Thank you, Emma. I really don't think I could do this without you."

"Of course, Killian. I know how hard this has been for you," Emma began. She then took a breath and continued, "One thing that you won't have to worry about is me going anywhere. I'm here to stay."

Killian knew she was talking about more than just this dinner, and he couldn't help but smile at the thought. But, his smile faded nearly as quickly as it came as he remembered why he was here.

He let out another breath before he told his girlfriend, "I can't promise you won't regret that decision, love. You and I both know that my father is a sore spot for me - and that's an understatement."

Emma ran her hand up and down his arm as she reassured him, "It will be alright, Killian - that's why we're here. To try to figure all of this out."

He nodded before he spoke, "Aye, Swan. I suppose we better head inside so I can face this."

"So we can face this," she reminded him as she took his hand in hers. He offered her a small smile in response.

He then kissed her forehead once more before he told her, "Let's go, love. I'm as ready as I can be."

Emma nodded before the two of them got out of the truck. They then entwined their fingers together and began heading to the front.

The closer they came to the door, the tighter Killian gripped Emma's hand. She couldn't fault him save for the fact that both of their knuckles were white.

She then told him, "Killian, if you hold my hand any tighter, I think it might go numb."

He immediately loosened his grip as he apologized, "Bloody hell - I'm so sorry, Swan. I didn't mean to take a death grip to your hand."

"I know," she assured him before she let go of his hand to run hers up and down his arm. He offered her a small smile before they resumed holding hands and continued toward the door.

Killian glanced inside the glass door and saw his father sitting at a table near the back. He took a deep breath just before he heard his sister's voice: "Is he here?"

"Aye, love. He is," Killian told her as he turned around. Belle simply nodded at him in response.

Emma then let go of her boyfriend's hand to wordlessly wrap her best friend in a hug. When they pulled away, Belle offered a grateful smile.

The brunette then spoke, "I suppose we should head inside now." Emma and Killian both nodded before the three of them walked into Granny's.

Ella, the new waitress that Granny had hired to replace Ruby, then walked up to them and asked, "Are you guys the three that the man in the back is waiting on?"

Emma simply nodded in response, and Ella then led them to Brennan's table. When they were seated, Ella spoke, "Let's see, I know I've seen you guys in here quite a bit, but I'm still learning the regulars. What can I get you guys?"

"I'll take a grilled cheese with onion rings and a hot chocolate," Emma relayed, and she saw realization dawn across Ella's face.

She then commented, "Now I remember you! I've never had anyone order hot chocolate with a grilled cheese before." A moment later, her eyes widened with worry.