Once Upon A Time: Hook's Adopted Son (Book 1)

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

(Storybrooke)

Granny's Diner hummed with quiet chatter, the low hum of the jukebox in the corner adding a layer of warmth to the scene. Sheriff Graham stood by the dartboard, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he prepared to throw. Watching from the counter was Harry, who glanced over with mild curiosity. Sidney leaned back in his chair nearby, arms crossed with a skeptical grin. Graham's dart flew true, striking the bullseye with precision. "Nice shot, chief," Sidney remarked, raising an eyebrow. "Betcha twenty bucks you can't do it again."

Without missing a beat, Graham grabbed another dart. "Next round's on him," he muttered, already lining up his shot.

Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Careful, Sidney. He might clean you out at this rate."

Across the diner, Emma Swan entered and made her way toward the counter, her boots clicking against the tiled floor. Ruby intercepted her with a friendly smile. "Hey, Emma. What can I get you?" Ruby asked, pen poised over her notepad.

"Nothing." Emma's sharp tone made Ruby hesitate for a moment before retreating to another table.

The dart Graham threw next landed just shy of the bullseye, but it still prompted a satisfied nod. "What the hell?" Emma snapped, turning toward him. "You could've hit me."

Graham smirked, his confidence unwavering. "I never miss."

Emma crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. She could feel the weight of his gaze lingering on her. "You've been avoiding me since last night," Graham began, lowering his voice as he approached. "You know, after you saw me leaving the mayor's house."

Emma stiffened, her expression unreadable. "And, yes, that is a euphemism," Graham added, his tone bordering on sheepish.

Harry came over to the two of them, "Did something happen between you two?" he asked.

Emma turned to Harry, "I'll tell you later. Just head back to the loft, ok?"

Harry nodded and then he left. Once Emma was sure that Harry was gone, she turned to Graham. "I'm not avoiding you," Emma shot back, her voice cold. "I just have no interest in having this conversation. It's your life, Graham, and I really don't care."

The night air was crisp as Emma stepped outside Granny's Diner, her boots crunching against the gravel lot. She heard the familiar sound of footsteps behind her and turned, already knowing who it was. "Emma, wait," Graham called, his tone insistent. He caught up to her, his breath visible in the cool air. "Can we talk?"

Emma crossed her arms, her patience already running thin. "What is there to talk about?"

"If you don't care," Graham pressed, his frustration clear, "then why are you so upset?"

Emma scoffed, shaking her head. "I'm not upset."

"If that were true," Graham countered, stepping closer, "you'd still be in there having a drink with me, not running out like this. Just talk to me. I need you to understand."

She exhaled sharply, turning away from him. "Why?" she asked flatly, her voice heavy with exasperation.

Graham hesitated, his words catching in his throat. "Because... I don't even understand it myself."

Emma turned back to face him, her eyes narrowing. "Go talk to Archie if you need analysis, Graham. Your bad judgment? That's not my problem."

He ran a hand through his hair, struggling to find the right words. "You don't know what it's like with her," he said finally, his voice dropping. "I don't feel anything. Can you understand that?"