Summary: Collection of unrelated one-shots of our dear cricket and wolf. Until there comes a day where the writers decide to give us our redcricket fandom, these will all be AU. Most of these will be prompted from one word, one phrase or situational prompts that I have come into contact with. I will be updating as I write on this one since they are all unrelated. If you have any prompts to explore on this couple, please message me. I always love to play in the redcricket sandbox. Happy reading, as always.

Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any of the characters or places represented in the show Once Upon A Time. I am just a big fan and feel as if both Archie and Ruby need a little love. Please, do not sue. You won't get anything from dry veins anyway.

Left Unsaid

"Stood Up"

Ruby looked down at her watch and sighed loudly before her eyes scanned over the half melted candle at her table. This was a first. Usually, if anyone was late, it was her. Yet, here she sat, alone at the table with a half eaten basket of breadstick and on her third glass of complimentary water. She didn't care if he was a doctor; Whale is now officially on her 'shit' list. Another chime from the large clock by the kitchen doors now told her that he was a full hour late. No call, no message… no nothing.

"Excuse me, madam," the waiter sighed above her head. Her eyes widened and looked up at him as if caught in the headlights, "Is your… um, 'date' ever coming to join you?"

"That would be the question, wouldn't it?" she mumbled to herself and began to toss the napkin from her lap. Immensely embarrassed and feeling rejected, she moved to shake her head and excuse herself from the table. A gentle hand landed on her shoulder before she moved and a small bouquet of what looked like red, miniature lilies appeared before her. She looked up and got the biggest shock of the night, "Archie?!"

"I am so sorry I am late," he said without missing a beat and gave the back of her hand a kiss. He looked at the waiter before he sat down, "Thank you for keeping the table open for me."

"The reservation was for Doctor Whale," the waiter reminded him.

"It was a professional courtesy to me," Archie answered and sat down, unfolding the napkin over his lap. He ordered right afterward without a glance at the menu and a large smile. Ruby nodded as he ordered her favorite without having to ask her. The waiter swiftly walked away.

Ruby leaned toward the man across from her, flowers still in hand, "What are you doing here?"

"I overheard that Whale was supposed to accompany you tonight," he blushed slightly and shrugged, "When I saw him… well, we will say preoccupied with Mister Clark's check out girl, I thought that he may have forgotten his previous engagement with you…"

Ruby reached across and squeezed Archie hand, 'Thank you for being my knight in shining armor tonight. It's more than I deserve."

"That isn't true," he frowned, "You deserve the moon if it was possible to be given."

Ruby's breath hitched slightly and smiled shyly, "Thanks for the flowers, too. They're beautiful."

"They're known as Flowers of the Incas. They were the only flowers that were red and weren't roses. I think roses would be sending the wrong message," Archie cleared his throat nervously as he caught himself rambling and looked over the melted candle between them. Ruby still held the shy smile, but he saw the understanding shining behind her eyes, "You do look beautiful tonight, Ruby. Whale is a complete idiot to leave you like this."

Ruby's smile brightened at his words. She didn't know Doctor Hopper well outside of the diner, but one thing she did know was that he never lied. Every word he just said was true. She buried her nose in the flowers her brought her, "You surprise me."

"Why?" he sat up straight as if to defend himself.

"I didn't know you were such a charmer," she winked at him and giggled at the red in his face and on the tips of his ears.

"Anything for a friend," he smiled back and began to ask about her day until the food arrived. They talked for over an hour after the food was gone about books, music, her mustang, Pongo, and- thanks to Ruby- town gossip. He paid the tab with a smile and refused her offer to pay her part. He only replied that her company was all her would ask for and she already paid in full.

After dinner, Archie walked her home and to her door. She pecked him on the cheek, a flash of her red lipstick now smudged on his cheek. She giggled at his surprised expression and rubbed at the mark that she had left.

"Goodnight, Archie," she bit her bottom lip and waved the flowers at him, "Thanks again."

He waved weakly at the door and slowly strolled down the street toward his office and then later to home. Ruby watched through the window. Next time, maybe she would look up another doctor.

END