@piiratical ( continued from here )
as with all disasters, the reunions are always warm and affectionate. he usually stood off to the side, watching the others partake in the warm welcome. hugs from many, laughter that filled the air, smiles on every face he saw. it was still strange to see that joy among so many people, to know that, even if he wasn’t directly involved, he was part of this tightly woven group. many still kept away from him, no matter how often he proved himself a reformed villain. the charmings were the ones who had drawn him close. and in truth, he didn’t need anything else.
but he was ( pleasantly ) surprised when ruby gave him a small smile, walked away from snow and came toward him. he and the wolf weren’t exactly friends, but she was close with snow, friends with emma, and that brought her closer than others. admittedly, he hesitated when she came toward him. he didn’t know what she would do, but he figured he would make the first move. he met her halfway, arm open, an invitation for a hug. and he was grateful that she took the offer. he’d hate to stand there and look the fool. he wrapped his arm around her shoulders with a small laugh.
“ good to see you’re well. “
Ruby was rather affectionate by nature, though the she-wolf had not come to bestow such pleasantries on the pirate; they had yet to become close ( and who had the time when Storybrooke was constantly under siege by something ), though the she-wolf would consider him part of their close knit family ( he was, after all, dating her best friend’s daughter, and in spite of his dark past, that already put him in her good graces ).
So when the brunette caught his gaze and began to close the distance between them, the fact that the former pirate was the first to extend his arms in offering of an embrace caught her by surprise. Quick to replace the momentary shock with a kind smile, Ruby didn’t miss a beat as she snaked her arms around him, tightening them before leaning back to meet oceanic hues. ❝ And by that, I assume you mean in one piece, ❞ she teased.
❝ Come on, ❞ she started, pulling back from the much welcomed hug and walking towards the diner. ❝ Whatever you want -- on the house. No matter what Granny says. ❞












