K. Jones | Small Talk and Mediocre Coffee

Henry Mills

Only one person can persuade Killian Jones to disregard his regular booth at the diner that he has grown so fond of and, instead, take a seat on one of the bar stools at the counter. That person is Henry Mills.

On a usual morning, the only person who seems to notice that Killian has entered the diner is you. The rest of the early-morning regulars don't even bat an eye at the bell, signaling a new patron has set foot into the establishment. You, however, notice every time. Killian chaulks it up to your exceptional customer service skills. Little does he know that every time that bell rings, you eagerly turn your attention to the sound, hoping that it's your dark-haired pirate.

However, every so often, instead of your warm smile, he is greeted first thing with the bright eyes of Henry Mills who begs Killian to sit with him. And he never has the heart to tell the boy no – no matter how grumpy he is that morning.

This morning just so happened to be one of those mornings.

"I just don't get it."

Henry lets out a frustrated sigh, dropping his pencil onto his algebra worksheet. The boy glances over at Killian while crossing his arms over his chest. After taking a long sip of his coffee, Killian meets Henry's gaze and he raises a brow in response.

"Don't look at me, lad. You remember what happened the last time I helped you with your homework."

Henry lets out a small laugh at the memory of Killian attempting to assist Henry with his math assignment. Killian really did try his best, but, in reality, all the boy learned that day were a few cuss words that he excitedly shared with his classmates at school. From that day on, Killian Jones was prohibited from helping Henry with any schoolwork. Luckily, you happen to be in earshot of your two favorite boys and make your way over before Killian can do any damage.

"Let me take a look, Henry."

From across the counter, you slide the worksheet between Henry and yourself. You take a second to look at the problem he is stuck on before picking up the pencil he dropped. Fortunately for you, Henry is only in the 6th grade so his homework is still manageable to help with while keeping up with the customers during your shift. You take a few moments to explain the order of operations to him and show him exactly what needs to be done first, second, and third. Henry watches you intently, nodding his head furiously.

This is nothing new to Killian. He watches you help Henry with his homework regularly and yet, every time he can't help but admire you. Killian knows you would spend your entire shift helping Henry with his algebra homework if he asked you to. You would ignore the orders, and the dishes, and the customers for the boy because you genuinely care for him.

"Is this right?"

Killian watches you lean in towards the boy, to check his work. The excitement on Henry's face when you told him that he got it right was enough to bring a smile to even Killian's face.

Killian adores Henry.

You lean over the counter and ruffle the boy's hair playfully. Henry breaks out into laughter and Killian's smile grows wider.

And Killian adores you.

"They're way better at teaching me than you."

Killian furrows his brow at the boy, but his smile remains. Henry is giving him a mischievous grin.

"Oui. Don't forget who taught you how to throw a baseball."

Henry rolls his eyes at Killian's words. His boyish grin, however, is soon replaced with a solemn grimace. Killian can tell something is on the boy's mind.

"You'll be there right?"

Henry's voice is suddenly soft and the question tugs at Killian's heartstrings.

"Of course. I can't miss my best mate's first game of the season."

Just as quickly as it left, the grin on Henry's face reappears.

"It's already baseball season?"

"Yes! My first game is this weekend. Everyone is going to be there. Will you come?"

Henry cannot contain his excitement as he asks you to attend his game.

"I wouldn't miss it."

The grin that Henry offers you in response warms your heart.

"Well, I gotta head into work."

Killian clears his throat while getting up from the stool. He throws on his leather jacket and fishes his wallet out of his jeans, making sure to leave you a five-dollar bill next to his mug. Killian claps Henry on the shoulder, jostling him around just enough to elicit laughter from the boy. He then looks up at you with a tender smile.

"Thanks for the coffee, love."

"Anytime."

You return to wiping down the counter in front of you as Killian turns to leave. You don't notice as Killian glances back at you while opening the door, but Henry catches it. The boy's brow furrows as he watches Killian look at you for just a second. Henry normally wouldn't have thought twice about it. He's noticed by now how Killian is always paying close attention to you. But the look on Killian's face was what took the boy aback. He looked so content for that brief moment.

"Can I tell you something?"

Henry's words cause you to stop in your tracks. The tone of his voice was suddenly very serious.

"Of course, you can."

"I'm glad you met Killian."

You're not sure what you were expecting him to say, but that definitely wasn't it.

"Why's that?"

"He just always seemed so unhappy before he met you."

His answer makes you smile.

"You think he's happy now?"

He takes a second to think about your question before nodding his head.

"I think so."

Sometimes you wish you were as brazen as Henry. To just say exactly what you're thinking and feeling at that very moment. Unfortunately, you're not twelve.

Eventually, Henry leaves for school and you finish up your shift at the diner. Although he said it so nonchalantly, Henry's words stick with you throughout the day. You're not sure how much stake you should put into the boy's thoughts. All you know is you're certainly glad you met Killian, too.