Hook glanced around the diner, waiting patiently for Ruby to be done with her other customer. He stirred his coffee idly, adding another packet of sugar. He was a bit chagrined by the realization that he had become addicted to the stuff, but he supposed it was a better vice than rum. He could not understand how Emma could drink it black however...it tasted like turpentine to him without sugar, and cream...and more sugar. And he only drank hot chocolate with her.
"What's up Hook...what did you want to ask me?" Ruby asked, gliding onto the stool beside him at the counter.
"Ah yes, well...what exactly is Valentine's day?" He asked quietly, as he scanned the decorations littering the walls of the diner and took in the red and pink cupcakes in the cold case. When he looked back at her she was aghast.
"Oh no! No one told you about Valentine's day!? You of all people, Mr. I've crossed realms to find you!? Mr. I saved the savior?"
"Er, no..."
"And David calls himself your mate...lame!"
"Can you just, please tell me what it is..." He said, growing impatient and suddenly concerned that he has missed out on something big and important.
"Well...it's only a holiday that celebrates love!" She exclaimed, still annoyed with David. Prince Charming, my ass.
"Love?"
"Yes, love...you know filled with romance, and flowers, and chocolate...lots of chocolate, and also presents! The shinier the better!" She told him, leaning in conspiratorially.
"Oh, like your Christmas..."
"No, it's usually more...how shall I say this...intimate? Personal. Typically celebrated by couples, and married people...I guess everyone really. Hey, what's the matter?"
She asked, taking in his now sullen expression.
"Well, Swan seems to think that it's the worst holiday that this realm has to offer."
"Hmmm, well I've never been too fond of it myself, being single and all...although this year is starting to look up...oh excuse me!" Ruby suddenly jumped up and walked toward the register.
Hook looked over to see Dr. Whale smiling at Ruby expectantly. Ruby walked past him, went into the kitchen and came back with a coffee cup and a paper bag. Then, she opened the cold case and pulled out a particularly sparkly, large red-frosted cupcake that had been set aside and with some flourish and a nervous little hop, presented it to him. It had some very small writing on it that Hook couldn't see. Whale took in the message on the cupcake and his face went red and his eyes went wide, smiling and nodding his head at her like a puppy.
"8 o'clock?" She asked, amused.
"Wouldn't miss it," he replied, sparing Hook a glance and a grin as he practically skipped out of the diner, now eager to get his day behind him. He bit into his cupcake as he went, not caring about the mess he was making.
Suddenly Ruby dropped back onto her stool with a slightly dazed look on her face. Hook chuckled at her, slapping her on the back companionably.
"Valentines Day eh?"
"Yeah..." She said sheepishly, smiling shyly.
"I think I understand now lass, thank you."
"Good luck... Emma, well, you know better than anyone...she's a tough nut to crack. But if anyone can get her to enjoy today, it's you. Maybe you can get Henry to help you?"
"Aye, perhaps...by the way, what did the cupcake say?" He asked as he rose from his seat and placed some bills on the counter.
With that, Ruby gave him a sly smile, and stage whispered, "It said, "Wanna ruin our friendship?" He let out a loud roaring laugh at that and took his leave with a smile.