Captain Swan One-Shots

Rumor: Part Four

She then walked over to the dartboard and grabbed all the darts, placing them on a nearby table. She then leaned against the wood as her gaze found Killian.

Emma couldn't help but smile as she watched him. He leaned on the counter and drummed his fingers together. She could make out the words of "You Give Love a Bad Name" as he sang along to the music playing throughout the bar.

She then took a deep breath and ran her fingers through her hair.

"Hi, Emma."

Her eyes widened as she jumped. She spun around to find Archie.

He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Emma. I didn't mean to startle you."

With a shrug, she waved her hand. "It's okay. I was just, uh, distracted, I guess."

She glanced away and shoved her hands in her pockets. She then looked back at him and asked, "So, uh, what brings you here? You don't really seem the bar type."

Archie chuckled. "I just wanted a change of scenery." He then folded his hands on the table. "And I knew you would be here."

She raised an eyebrow. "Archie – you know I've appreciated your help, but I don't like being shrinked."

He smiled and shook his head. "Emma, I'm not here as a psychiatrist – I'm here as a friend."

She crossed her arms over her chest. She then let out a deep breath. "I know you are – and I'm sorry. I'm still a little defensive sometimes."

"I know – and it's okay," he offered with a smile.

With a tilt of his head, he then surmised, "And are you doing okay? The anniversary was a few weeks ago."

"Yeah, I know." She then glanced down and ran her fingers back through her hair.

A soft smile crossed her features as she looked back up. "But I know that, well, you know, wherever Graham is, he's happy."

"That is a comforting – and healthy – way to look at it, Emma."

Archie then nodded behind her. "Killian is on his way back – I'll let you two get back to your date."

He then rubbed his forehead. "Sorry if I'm being presumptuous. I didn't mean for it to come out like that."

He then took a deep breath. "I'm just happy to see that you've opened yourself up again."

A blush spread across her cheeks. "Well, he is a great guy – and he's my best friend."

Archie hummed and wished her a good night. She said the same before he headed across the bar to rejoin his friend, Marco, and his dog, Pongo.

Emma couldn't help but smile as she watched them. Her gaze then drifted toward Killian as he rejoined her.

He placed their drinks on the table before he furrowed his eyebrows. "Everything alright, love? I saw you talking with the Cricket."

Emma crossed her arms over her chest. "What is it with you and all the Disney references?"

He shrugged. A grin then spread across his face. "I find it rather endearing." She shook her head while his grin only grew.

He sipped on his drink before he offered, "And besides, Archie is rather like Jiminy Cricket with the whole conscience thing – it's why he's so good at what he does."

With a tilt of her head, she surmised, "I guess I can't argue with that."

She then grabbed her drink and took a swig. She placed the glass back on the table and reached for the darts.