K. Jones | Small Talk and Mediocre Coffee

Missing Person

"If you stare at that booth any harder, you might burn a hole into it."

Your head snaps toward Ashley who just broke you out of your trance. You don't know how long you were staring at the empty booth near the corner of the diner; however, it was long enough to garner a comment from Ashley. Attempting to shake off your thoughts, you roll your shoulders back and turn to face your colleague and friend.

"Sorry, Ashley. I'm just a little distracted this morning."

Ashley nods at your words. She seems to hesitate for a moment, as if she's deciding her next words very carefully. For a second, it seems as though Ashley isn't going to say anything at all until she meets your gaze.

"I didn't see Killian come in this morning. Is he working the night shift today?"

You knew this was coming at some point. Even though you tried to let it go, the fact that Killian Jones has been missing all morning has thrown you off. You like your routine – in fact, you live for it – waking up early, opening up the diner, pouring Killian a cup of coffee before his morning shift. It's not even the fact that he didn't show up that has you worried; there have been plenty of mornings since you met him when Killian didn't come in for a cup of coffee, but in all of those instances he's sent a message letting you know. You've spent all morning casting glances toward your phone on the counter and there is still no message from your pirate.

You shrug your shoulders at Ashley's question which causes her to furrow her brow. Ashley doesn't know Killian very well, but she knows you and she's witnessed your budding relationship with Storybrooke's resident bad boy firsthand. She knows he stopped coming into the diner for coffee ages ago – she's not even sure if the need for caffeine was ever the reason why Killian was in that booth every morning. So, the fact that he's not here is odd and the fact that you seem confused by his actions is a bit troubling.

"Is something going on with you two?"

You let out a long sigh, dropping the towel you were holding onto the counter in front of you. Ashley crossed her arms, waiting for you to continue.

"I don't know, Ash."

Ashley takes a second to scan the diner, the two of you were already done with the morning breakfast rush so there are only a couple of morning stragglers left in the booths. The few patrons seem to be content for the time being, so Ashley takes your hand and drags you into the back of the diner away from the prying eyes and ears of Storybrooke's curious residents.

"Okay, spill."

You roll your eyes at Ashley's antics, but you can't help the small smile that spreads across your face. After glancing over your shoulder, making sure that no one is watching, you explain the situation to Ashley. Her face lights up as you explain your 'almost kiss' from last night.

"I'm just afraid that I scared him off."

Ashley shakes her head furiously.

"Absolutely not. Killian is so into you. Maybe he got switched to the night shift and forgot to send you a message?"

You know that Ashley is trying to comfort you and you wish that her words settled your nerves, but the entire situation is so unlike Killian. Ever since your conversation with him after your trip to the emergency room is been much better at communicating with you. You nod your head, but Ashley can tell that you're still anxious.

"Have you talked to Emma or David this morning?"

You shake your head.

"Maybe you should stop by the station. Who knows, maybe he got caught up with David or something?"