Captain Swan One-Shots

Love in the First Degree, Part 7a

Emma and Killian stepped out of her yellow bug. They both read the "East Street Bowling" sign before she let out a sigh.

She then surmised, "We're really doing this, aren't we?"

"It appears so, love," Killian began, glancing sideways at her. He couldn't help but grin as he continued, "If it helps, just remember how utterly charming I am."

Emma shook her head, yet she couldn't help the giggle that came out a moment later.

Just then, Liam and Elsa walked over. He then questioned, "What ridiculous thing did my brother say now?"

"Oh, you know, the usual - he's being full of himself," Emma told him with a grin. Killian shook his head in response.

Liam and Elsa both chuckled before she suggested, "Let's head inside and find a couple lanes."

Everyone nodded before they began walking toward the door. Once they reached it, Killian offered, "Why don't you say we make this a little more interesting?"

The other three tilted their heads before Elsa curiously asked, "What did you have in mind?"

"A wager...of sorts," Killian answered, earning head shakes and eye rolls.

"What are you up to, little brother?" Liam then questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Younger," Killian corrected with a roll of his eyes. He then took a breath and explained, "I just thought it'd be fun for us to team up and play against each other. The losing team buys everyone's dinner."

Liam, Elsa, and Emma all exchanged looks as they thought about the suggestion. After a round of nods, Emma then spoke, "That actually sounds really fun, Killian. We're in."

"Wonderful," he replied with a smile - though it looked more mischievous than genuine.

The dark-haired man then suggested, "And since this outing was you two's idea," gesturing toward his brother and friend, "it's fitting that you two will be up against Emma and me."

Liam shook his head before he pointed out, "The only reason you suggested it is because you think you and Emma are the superior team."

"He does have a point, you know," Emma chimed in as she wore a grin. She paused before she teased, "I mean, working together is what we do every day while you guys just met."

Liam and Elsa shook their heads while Killian slung an arm around Emma's shoulders and proudly spoke, "Ah, there's my favorite partner."

Emma giggled before Elsa challenged, "Oh, it's definitely on."

Killian then offered, "Then let's get on with it, shall we?" gesturing toward the door.

The four of them then began heading inside. However, Killian abruptly stopped when he realized that his arm still draped over Emma's shoulder.

"Bloody hell," he muttered before he quickly moved it. He then spoke, "Apologies, love. I, uh, didn't realize that, uh, my arm was still there."

With a shrug, Emma assured him, "It's okay," before she admitted, "I didn't even really notice."

"Really?" he questioned, his eyebrow quirking upwards.

Emma shifted on her feet and glanced down before she told him, "It's not like you ever really had the concept of personal space. At least not with me."

Killian couldn't help but grin as he replied, "Aye, love, I know. In fact, that's when I knew you didn't find me as annoying as you'd let on. When you, in fact, didn't move when I invaded your personal space."