direction of the pool table.• I think you’ll have more fun hustling them.

about, Tink picked up the cosmo glass by the stem and took a tentative sip. To label the drink sweet was a gross understatement, though she took another delicate sip to confirm her assessment.• It’s very Ruby.

As for that lot over there. •Tink jerked her head subtly in the ~

their drinks, including Emma’s requisite beer. A distracted Tink offered a quick thanks to them before returning to watch one of the fisherman miss a trick shot. With that in mind, she swiveled on the stool to face Emma and the garishly pink drink within reach. Eager to see what all the fuss was ~

•The thwap of a dart striking the board a ways off center was followed by a loud whoop from one of the frat guys. Frat guys or some local fisherman.• Bit of a devil’s choice situation here.

•As Tink pondered their options and tracked the skill level of each group, the bartender reappeared with ~

the pool tables, observing a couple of men intent on their game, beers in hand.•

•The bartender made their way toward the quiet end of the bar, and patiently listened as Tink ordered two of the house special with the addition of a beer on tap for Emmato temper the sugary taste.•

Safety check. We’ve got the Ruby specials and a beer just in case.

•Her attention shifted toward ~

thought for some, but Tink met the prospect of delving into the wolf's mind with curiosity, the same way one might consider the prospect of psychedelics.•

Tink waited to respond until the pair arrived at their favorite stools along the bar, set back from the noisiest section of tables.•

I'll get you a proper drink as a chaser. Just in case. Besides, just think of it as an adventure into the mind of Ruby Lucas. •That might have been a terrifying ~

•Tink made a mental note to recount Emma's reaction to the house special to Ruby, who would no doubt find it amusing she agreed to try one in the first place. 'Syrupy' was probably a more accurate descriptor than 'amazing' but Ruby was emphatic this was a memorable mixological experience. ~

lingering bitterness remained. Luckily, Emma should know well enough not to comment on it. Besides, tonight was about fun, not simmering in past hurts.•

Is one of those drinks going to be the syrupy special? •Tink didn’t wait for an answer as she crossed the threshold into the bar.•

recognize just how significant her own hotness factor was. Ruby referred to it that way, which Tink found amusing as if attraction could be boiled down to a simple math equation. The fairy in her knew otherwise.•

You mean cute ex-fairy butt. •Even so many years after the loss of her wings, ~

•Emma’s nose boop caused Tink to scrunch her nose.• Ever heard of personal space? •Her laugh followed the remark.

With Emma rushing forward to hold the door, it afforded Tink the opportunity to take in her friend’s own outfit. Emma’s self-deprecating nature made it a little harder for Emma to ~

smoothed out her simple black dress with one hand, tucking away a few wisps of hair that escaped her messy up-do.• That’s really embarrassing for the state of our best friendship.

arrival.•

Oh, I am so ready. •Tink adopted what she imagined to be the face of a warrior—fierce, calm, prepared. In actuality, she probably looked a combination of angry and like she was holding back a sneeze.•

Seriously though, it’s been too long since we just let loose, Emma. •Tink ~

•Not as familiar with the bar’s entertainment schedule as their nightly visitors, Tink failed to recall if this was a night with a live band. However, there was little time to wonder. Ahead of them, a group of men crowded in through the entry door, hooting loudly possibly to announce their ~

proposing to use me as distraction bait again? I’m so offended, 𝒷𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑔𝒶𝓁.

•Even from this distance, she could hear snippets of music that were hard to decipher.• But I admit, I am quite good at keeping the male gaze off its game.

and when she found something she liked, it made repeat appearances. Tink found this quality strangely endearing.• Ruby’s tastes do run a bit 𝒻𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓉𝓎.

•Tink hazarded a glance at her friend, disguising an amused look with her darting gaze following the path toward the Rabbit Hole.• So you’re ~

Hey! •Tink feigned indignation and swatted her hand behind her without looking, missing Emma but not really intending to catch her. Though narrow, the alleyway was short, and soon they emerged onto the neighboring street.•

You are so predictable. •Emma tended to avoid overly sweet mixed drinks, ~

their local cobbler.• Besides, I really want to try their new house special. Ruby was raving about that drink the other day.

•Few in Storybrooke received the privilege of Emma’s goofy side, and Tink enjoyed every opportunity to draw it out.•

I see where this is going. You’re ready to hustle some guys, and I am so in!

•To cut off an extra block, she steers her best friend down an alleyway between a thrift store and ~

my 𝒷𝑒𝓈𝓉𝒾𝑒. You’re not sheriffing, so what 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 you been up to? • Tink gave her an expectant look before tugging Emma by the elbow to lead her down the street.•

Yes, good idea! Let me go back to the library and collect her. •Jokingly, Tink whirled around as if bound for the library where she’d left Belle, but instead, she turned back to Emma with a sly smirk and gave her a playful shove.•

I see more of Belle these days than ~

patience with me as I learn the dewey decimal system.

•Learning really meant peppering Belle with endless questions about where to locate a book• And you? Are you sheriffing, or can you slack off for the day?