This is my submission into the CS Secret Valentine over on Tumblr for goggles-girl.

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A Guide on How to Woo

Part One

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He'd really been hoping to spend some time with Emma when he'd first walked into the Sheriff's station, maybe take her out of the stuffy building and for some lunch. He had recently been introduced to lasagne and is eager to try it again. But upon arriving at the station, his attention is caught by none other than David Nolan who waves him in, nodding in greeting as he speaks in hushed tones into one of those small devices Emma had called a phone.

Killian takes a seat, his fingers drumming on the desk as he tries to look anywhere but his mate, who obviously needs to sort something out on his own. Finally though, the pirate's eyes settle on David as the deputy's thumb and forefinger come up to brace against the bridge of his nose.

"Snow, I can't just leave Emma on Friday. She's been working seven days straight since we've been back and I'm worried about her, just as I know you are."

"I know, but there are other days."

"Yes, I know that too."

He sighs, hanging his head, "I'll see what I can do."

He presses a button on that small contraption and finally looks up to see the pirate looking right back at him, "Hi mate."

"Hook, I'm just not in the mood today. Emma's on lunch anyway." He waves dismissively, but Hook only stands and steps closer.

"Well perhaps I forfeit my usual banter with the Lady Swan and instead take my mate for a drink."

The prince sighs. He does have his lunch break coming up and it would keep the pirate away from his daughter for another day, "We're going to Granny's and we're getting food."

…

"Two more ales, if you will," Killian asks of Ruby before turning back to David. "So what's so important about this Valentine's Day you speak of?"

Emma had been more than willing to allow Killian to take her father away for the rest of the day. Apparently she isn't the only one who has been burning the candle at both ends and she thinks David could use the break. It doesn't escape the prince that his daughter is looking after him better than he is looking after her, but he really is stressed and tired and actually happy to be sitting at a bar with Killian Jones.

"It's an old traditional day. Usually about showing the one you love how much you love them."

Killian raises his eyebrows, taking a sip of his beer as Ruby drops them off, "But yourself and Lady Snow show your love every day."

The waitress butts in at this point, "But Snow is pregnant at the moment. At home, alone a lot of days and looking for some confirmation that her husband is even still interested in her."

David frowns, "Of course I am. I'm just busy."

"Then show her."

He sighs and grits his teeth. Having this argument with his wife is one thing, having it with her best friend is another, "What do you propose I do, then?"

Ruby's red lips curve up in a smile, "Chocolates, flowers, dinner. Just spend some time with her. Emma will cover you for the day, just take it off."

"That's what this day is about? Pampering your lover?"

David can read between the lines, "Leave Emma alone."

But Ruby cuts him off again, "Dave. This is your problem. You are too concerned with everything else going on to see something so simple. Your wife needs you, your unborn baby needs you and you need to figure it out." He goes to argue again, but Ruby holds up her hand, "Uh uh, if the pirate here wishes to woo your daughter, you need to let it happen. She is a grown woman and she's into him too."

"She is?" Killian's eyes are bright and hopeful.

"I'll get to you in a minute," Ruby barks, "But right now, David, you need to finish up your beer, call Emma and say you need the rest of the day off and then ask her about Friday. She will be fine with it. I guarantee it."

The prince hesitates in pulling out his phone, but an insistent glare from the waitress has him dialling in seconds.

"Now you," she says, turning to Killian, "You need to stop it with the flirty banter. It's sweet and cute and Emma loves it, but what she really wants from you is an indication that you're in this for real."

"Of course I am," he sputters, surprised that anyone would question that.

"Don't tell me, tell her."

Killian nods and David hangs up his phone, "Okay. I have Friday off. But I'm still concerned about Emma doing the whole day on her own."

The pirate claps him on the shoulder with a grin on his face, "Don't worry mate, I've got it covered."

…

Emma grumbles as she receives yet another text from her parents thanking her for allowing them this day together. She loves them and all, but wishes they would spend these "precious hours she's given them" enjoying themselves and not reminding her that she's currently alone and working on what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year.

She hits the button to silence her phone and flips it over. If anyone wants to reach her they can call the station phone.

The report in front of her starts to blur and she wishes she had her deputy today to bring a coffee and a bear claw in when he started. But as it stands, she won't be waking up until lunchtime.

She hears footsteps on the stairs to the office, and although if it means a case she'll have to do more paperwork, at least she doesn't have to sit in boredom for the next few hours. She smiles as the door opens, hoping to greet a nice easy solvable case, what she doesn't expect is Killian Jones standing in her doorway, a coffee in one hand and roses tucked in the crook of his arm.

He smiles back at her, stepping into the office and handing her the coffee which she blindly reaches for. "Happy Valentine's Day, Swan," he exclaims, placing the roses on her desk as she sips at the highly necessary caffeine.

It is going to be a long day.