Archie could hear her bounding up the stairs before she reached the door. She didn't bother to knock, but burst in, and Archie thought he'd never seen her so jubilant. Her grin radiated through every fibre of her being.
"They're back!" Ruby crossed the room to meet Archie at his desk and barely let him rise from his chair before she threw her arms around him in glee.
Her joy was infectious, and Archie returned the squeeze, knowing exactly whom she meant. "That's wonderful!" He still was not used to her touch, and any brush of skin or full embrace gave him a start, despite its growing frequency or Ruby's lack of notice.
She pulled back, perhaps sooner than Archie would have liked, though he'd never admit it, and her blue eyes shone back at him. She panted a little, still catching her breath from her evident hurry to tell him the news. Archie flushed at the thought that she had been so eager to see him but brushed it away as quickly as it had come.
"Would you like to sit down?" Archie asked with a wave to the couch.
Ruby fell into the brown leather, her long legs tucked underneath her and her arm resting on the back of the seat. "Only for a minute. I need to get back and help Granny but I wanted to be the one to tell you."
Archie started to sit in his usual chair beside the couch, but Ruby patted the empty spot beside her. "I'd rather not feel like this is a doctor-patient thing," she teased.
As he sat down, he was painfully aware of their close proximity. She acted like it was the most natural thing, and in some ways, it was. Their friendship over the weeks had seen the routine develop of her visiting Archie in his office, sometimes bringing coffee and the day-old donuts, to relax together after the end of her shift or his office hours. And of course, his daily visits to the diner. Or their paths would cross in town while she was out for her run and he was walking Pongo. They were just friends enjoying each other's company.
But in any of those scenarios, they had separate chairs, or a table in between their booth seats, or were standing upright. Archie tried to ignore how his heart started to beat a little bit faster as only an inch or two of space separated her knees poking through her ripped jeans from his own grey slacks.
"What happened?" Archie asked, though Ruby needed no prompting as her hands animated her story.
"Henry came to me when he couldn't find Gold and Regina. I'm not sure of the details"—she waved her hand as if to brush the unnecessary points away—"but David was under a sleeping curse and Snow and Emma had found a way to come back, but Henry was scared that Regina and Gold were going to try to stop Snow and Emma when they weren't at the pawn shop"—Archie's eyebrows raised at the surprising setting, so Ruby explained with a quick pause for breath—"that's where they cast the spell to help communicate with Snow—and so I helped him track them to the well in the woods. I blacked out for a minute"—Ruby shrugged off Archie's attempt to question her as she saw his concern—"but when I woke up, Snow and Emma were standing over Henry in a big hug, and then Snow remembered David so I rushed her to Gold's so she could wake him with true love's kiss." She paused for another breath and clasped her hands together. "And it was the most magical thing and now they're all back and we're going to have a gathering tomorrow at Granny's, so you'd better be able to come tomorrow!"
Archie laughed at her breathless explanation that made very little sense, though he nodded throughout the whole thing. He didn't care about the details—he was sure he'd hear more later. He just reveled in Ruby's grin and her excitement at the reunion of her best friend's family. It was nice to see her so happy, and he felt his own joy grow with hers.
"Yes, tomorrow. I will be there. Do you need me to bring anything?" Archie asked the young woman sitting on his couch. Even in a t-shirt, ripped jeans, and her signature fur coat—in a deep red, no less—she looked stunning.
Ruby gave him a quizzical look. "You mean food?"
"B-believe it or not, I've been known to throw together something edible in the kitchen. Some might even call it good." He cringed inwardly at his stammer, especially when it surfaced around her.
Ruby chuckled and brought her hands up in a defensive apology. "Okay, Chef, bring whatever it is that's your specialty. We've got drinks covered." Suddenly she furrowed her brow as if she just remembered something. "I have to go! But I'll see you at the party," she said, swatting his knee before springing up from the couch.
"What time?" Archie called after her as he stood up, herself already out the door.
Ruby popped her head in the doorway, her long hair framing her face. "Six! Or about that. See you then!" she grinned, and then disappeared.
Archie crossed the room to the window to see the brunette rush across the street and into the diner as the glass door engulfed her from sight. The familiar twinge of sadness pricked Archie as he regretted her absence.
Archie was relieved that Ruby had never been a patient of his. It gave them a freedom in their friendship, and he loved the vibrancy she brought to his stuffy little office. Maybe it was because, when she visited, he knew she was coming for himself and not his services.
No matter the reason, it was hard to deny the warmth that filled him when he saw her bright smile—how she was his favourite part of the day. He was determined to keep that a secret, though he knew better than try to convince himself it was only friendship. He knew it could only ever be one-sided, for he was too old and boring for someone like her. No, he would cherish the friendship they shared, and not hope for anything more.
He shook his head at himself, remembering the smell of her in her hug—spicy and sweet, like cinnamon—and tried to focus on what he would make for the party the next night.
"Does that look straight?" Ruby asked her friend as she reached to stick her banner up across the diner's menu boards, a piece of masking tape in her hands hovering over the blue ribbon.
"Just a little bit higher," Belle instructed from across the diner. "Perfect."
Ruby fastened the ribbon in place and stepped back to admire their work. Strung across the ribbons were the words "WELCOME HOME MARY MARGARET" with each letter cut out and pasted on its own sheet of brightly coloured construction paper.
"Oh, almost forgot," Ruby grabbed the last piece of blue paper that added "and EMMA" in white letters and strung the sign to the bottom of their handiwork.
"So you already had this ready?" Belle asked as she stepped forward to join Ruby at the counter.
Ruby shrugged. "Yeah, we had our first 'Welcome Home' party for Mary Margaret last year." She shuddered in remembrance of their life during the curse and the awful time when Snow was framed for Kathryn's murder that thankfully never actually happened. "Let's just say it was a messier time, before the curse broke."
"Ah," Belle nodded, knowing better than to ask any more questions.
After one last glance at the banner, Ruby tucked the scissors and tape away and brought out the glass tankards, lining them up on the counter.
"So how are things with you and Archie going?" Belle asked with a hint of a knowing smile.
Ruby paused and looked at Belle. "What are you talking about?"
Belle poised herself on the stool and folded her arms on the counter. "I see the way you two look at each other. He's in here all the time. He can't take his eyes off you."
Ruby rolled her eyes in dismissal of Belle's accusations. "We're just friends," she insisted in between the clinks of the glasses. Ruby couldn't admit, even to herself, how much she looked forward to seeing Archie come into the diner or running into him and Pongo on their walks.
"Right," Belle continued with a mock serious expression that said she didn't believe a word of it. "That's why he stares at you with longing glances when your back is turned, and you light up every time he comes in to the diner."
"Archie's just an old friend. Besides, he'd never think of me that way." Ruby leaned on the counter with her arms crossed, closing the gap between herself and her friend.
"I don't know about that. I'd say he's pretty crazy about you," Belle replied.
Ruby sighed and then tried to cover it up with a half-hearted smile. She was determined to treat Archie better than she had countless of other guys, though sometimes she couldn't deny him a playful swat or her arms around him. But that was just being friendly. "Nah. He deserves better than someone like me, anyway."
Belle shook her head, her expression turning serious. "Ruby, no one could do better than you. Don't sell yourself short! You were the only one to take me in when I was lost in Storybrooke." The two women exchanged sweet smiles, and Ruby knew better than to argue with the brunette who stubbornly saw the best in everyone. A smirk played across Belle's lips as she added, "Plus, I think Archie'd say you deserved better than him—but I say you both deserve each other!"
Ruby raised her eyebrows. "I think there's a compliment in there somewhere. But didn't you say you were meeting Mr. Gold this evening?" she said, mirroring Belle's teasing.
"Alright, alright." Belle slid off the stool and started to make her way to the door. Before leaving she turned to Ruby. "Just know you look adorable, and have fun tonight," she said as Ruby came to give her a hug.
"Thanks, Belle. You have a good night, too. Although, are you sure I can't convince you to stay for the party?"
"Goodbye!" Belle said as the tinkle of the bell above the door sent her off.
As the librarian was leaving, Archie came to the door, and Belle held it open for him. "Thanks, Belle," the redhead said as he stepped over the threshold with his arms full. Ruby only barely caught Belle's raised eyebrows and the hint of mischievous smile aimed at her through the glass door.
"Archie, let me help you with that," Ruby greeted as she helped him unburden his arms. She grabbed the plastic cake holder and placed it on the counter behind her.
"Thanks, Ruby." He took off his coat and scarf and hung them on the coat rack, along with his umbrella. He then took in the decorations that had just gone up. "The place looks great!" he beamed.
Ruby chuckled. "Trust me, it's about the least we could do." She didn't want to reveal that it was only a recycled sign, but she could see recognition dawn on his face.
"Your secret's safe with me," he promised. Archie then took the chance to notice Ruby as he glanced her up and down and exclaimed, "Ruby, you look lovely!"
Ruby felt herself blush. "Thanks." She hadn't wanted to overdress, so she decided to stay classy and understated in all black, with a sleeveless blouse, miniskirt, tights, and heels. It was fun to have an occasion to dress up for, and the return of your best friend was certainly cause for celebration. She noted that Archie had dressed up a bit as well, with a tweed vest instead of his usual sweater-variety over his tie (black) and shirt (light grey), and a grey sports jacket that finished off the look. "You look pretty handsome yourself." Ruby thought she saw his cheeks and ears flush at the compliment. He always looked well put together, and Ruby couldn't deny it was attractive.
Granny came in from the kitchen, a stack of white plates in her hand. "Archie!" she greeted as she set them down on the counter. "So glad you could come."
"Glad to be here," Archie replied, stepping past Ruby to greet the older woman. "I brought something for the party," he explained, motioning to the container that had sat forgotten on the counter.
"Archie, you made a cake?" Ruby gasped as she uncovered the contents. Chocolate shavings dusted the white icing with bright red cherries circling the top. Ruby could not hide her surprise.
"It's n-nothing," Archie shrugged. "Just a black forest cake."
"I'm impressed. You didn't tell me you were a gourmet baker!"
Ruby noticed his ears redden more. "Don't get your hopes up before you taste it," he said.
"It's beautiful, Archie," Granny said as she brought out the cake stand and carefully transferred the dessert to its surface where it stood in pride of place on the counter. Ruby thought that Archie looked pleased with their approval. She didn't doubt that the man had secret talents, but he still found ways of surprising her.
Soon enough, the bell above the door began to announce guest after guest as more people joined the party. Ruby's heart swelled with joy when the Charming family arrived, and she rushed across the room to embrace her best friend. "I wasn't worried a bit," she whispered into her friend's ear.
"I can tell," Snow chuckled as she returned the squeeze. Ruby could feel tears of happiness prick her eyes as they pulled back and took each other in. All too quickly Snow turned to greet Archie as Ruby hugged Emma. Ruby couldn't believe her friends were finally safe and all was well.
She didn't want to leave Snow's side as she snuck in and gave her another hug while David began his toast. It felt so good to finally be sure of her presence, especially since they'd seen so little of each other as Snow and Red. Was it crazy to want to cry and laugh at the same time?
Ruby was also incredibly aware of Archie's presence on her left, and she felt warmth flood through her as she stood between two of the people who meant the most to her in all the world, with Granny right across from her. "Hey!" Ruby cried in response to David's toast, raising her tankard and clinking it with Archie's, whose own smile was almost as big as hers.
This is how it should be.
Spirits were only slightly dampened by Regina's arrival. Even the presence of the Evil Queen couldn't stop their cheer, and Ruby turned to Archie as the Charmings had a quick family meeting.
"So are there any other hidden talents I should know about?" Ruby teased her friend.
Archie's cheeks coloured as he looked down to his drink. "None that I can think of," he replied. "My talents are limited to one cake recipe."
Ruby smiled. "I know that's not true." From the treasures he kept in his office, Ruby knew Archie had many hobbies, though he was sometimes too shy to share. A lonely clarinet tucked in the corner came to mind.
She glanced around the room to take in who had come. "Marco's not here?" she said as more of a question than a statement to Archie.
"No. He appreciated the invite, but he hasn't been in the mood for celebrating since Pinocchio is still missing."
Ruby nodded in understanding. "And Pongo is with Marco?"
Archie nodded. "Yes. I thought he could use the company, and it frees me up to enjoy the company here."
"You'll have to tell him we missed him," Ruby said as she placed a sympathetic hand on Archie's arm. Her heart wished that everyone could be as happy as they were in that diner that night.
The party continued well past the time of food and cake, and happiness flowed along with the beer. After mingling with others, and noticing an awkward exchange with Regina and Emma outside, Ruby found herself next to Archie in the corner near the door. Her feet ached in her high heels, and she slipped them off, instantly becoming shorter beside him. She looked up to see he was still buttoned up, almost literally, with his tie tightly knotted under his vest. "Archie, this is a party! There's no place for ties," she teased. Before she knew what she was doing, her hands flew up to his neck and she slid the black fabric from under his vest, loosened the knot, and slipped the cumbersome thing out from his collar. His familiar scent of sweet earthiness and fresh soap made her head spin and her stomach flutter. "There," she said with a nod, pleased at a job well done, and flung the tie behind him.
Archie didn't protest, but simply smiled down at her and held her elbow to steady her. "Did you want to get some fresh air?" he asked as he nodded towards the door. Ruby nodded and followed his lead. The crisp air felt refreshing, and she enjoyed the quiet as they made their way to the green painted railing.
"Here, take this," he said as he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Ruby smiled her thanks. Archie leaned against the railing with his forearms resting on the wood and looked up to the starry sky. Ruby slid her hand around his elbow and hugged his arm, following his gaze upwards. She thought she felt his muscles stiffen through the thin cotton but he didn't move as they stood there together under the inky sky. The moon was only a sliver amidst the twinkling—the moon that used to haunt her with its eerie glow and now felt like a companion who counted her down to her true self.
Ruby sighed. She felt full—warm and peaceful, like everything was how it should be. And maybe a little bit fuzzy.
Archie broke the silence. "There's something so calming about the stars. They've been there for thousands, billions of years, and they keep shining for us long after their light has burned out." He paused and licked his lips.
"I wished on a star," he said softly. "Back when Blue turned me into a cricket."
Ruby turned to look at him, her arms still around his, as his gaze remained focused on the sky.
"I hadn't done that in ages. But then, I did it again. When you were a wolf. I prayed that you would be okay."
Ruby squeezed his arm in response. It was surprisingly muscular and she realized he usually had on more layers over his shirt. He looked at her, meeting her gaze with his smile that melted her heart. She rested her head on his shoulder. Never before had she wished to freeze a moment and keep it with her, close-by, always.