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differentgardenstudent89 · 6 years

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Protecting Her Honor

Bonus chapter! I didnt plan this one; it just kinda wrote itself. Hope you all enjoy!

Breathing deeply later that evening, Archie made ready to open the door of Granny’s Diner. Shortly after, he paused and thougt to himself. Was it really a good idea to ask Ruby to attend a party with him after her ordeal this afternoon? Briefly glancing at his reflection in the porch light, Archie smiled to himself. It would only hurt him more if he didn’t try... He entered the diner, noticing Ruby watch as Regina ended a discussion with Emma and Henry.

Ruby caught his eye and nodded, smiling slightly, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

In his line of work, Archie gained a second sense: knowing how to read people and their emotions. Talking about people’s emotions and lives was his livelihood, so he pretty much could tell when someone was trying to hide something, including Ruby.

She had told everyone present earlier, himself included, that she had slipped and fallen from the Jeti, after noticing that Roger Bracings wasn’t on the rocks; she began to look for him.

Why look for him in jeans and combat boots? Archie thought. He understood that the water could be cold, but the jettison were not meant for anything thicker than a sneaker; it would have been better to be barefoot.

He loved her more now than ever, and was determined to help, even if she were afraid to say anything...

"Hello" he smiled when they were alone finally.

"Hi" she murmured softly.

"Ruby, are you-" he began, before he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise as Ruby looked behind him with and abject look of fear on her face. Something was wrong, or someone...

"Ruby" Archie scowled as he heard, rather than saw Billy Goats saunter up to the counter.

"I’ve called you, like, a thousand times already! You ready to go or what?"

Ruby’s shoulders slumped and her face fell. Archie’s hands itched and hurt, especially when he saw a drop of water hit the counter.

"Yeah, uh, sorry. My phone died. Archie, I’m not feeling too great right now, do you mind waiting while I close up and then walking me home?"

Archie, not expecting her change of plans was slightly startled.

"O-of course, Ruby, I hope you get to feeling okay"

Archie swore he saw her blush.

"Thanks, I’ll just be a minute"

Archie nodded and smiled, sitting down at the barstool he had that morning.

"That’s Ms. Lucas to you"

Archie, confused, turned to Billy.

"I’m sorry, did you say something?" Archie said dryly.

"Yeah, I did" Billy scowled. "Ruby n me we’ve been together for a while now, so she’s not too keen on anybody showing disrespect, especially to her man!"

Archie raised an eyebrow. Just who did this young man think he was!?

The therapist tried silently to process the response and his reaction; he smiled and looked at Billy condescendingly.

"For your information Mr. Goats, Ruby Lucas and I have been friends far longer than you have been a mechanic in Storybrooke. We agreed when we met that we would mutually refer to each other by name. From what I understand about women and dating, a drink here and there shared over two weeks while looking over a pile of dirt doesn’t constitute a relationship."

A snort was heard behind the two men just as Billy was thinking up a reply.

Archie turned to Ruby, feeling his ears turn red as he noticed she was trying not to laugh aloud.

"I’m ready when you are" she said softly, her jacket looped around her arm.

"Finally! About time we got outta here and away from this old-timer!" Billy growled.

Archie’s look was sardonic at best as he raised another eyebrow at the fumbling mechanic.

At least Peter would have tried coming up with something more original.

Ruby looked at Billy in disgust. "I wasn’t talking to you, filthy rat! I’m done Billy, not that there was anything between us to begin with"

Billy looked between them and scoffed. Archie eyed him mistrustfully.

"Wow! Now she tells me! That hurts Ruby, it hurts"

So did pushing me off the Jeti, stupid! she thought.

"So what now, you gonna fling it with me and start on the old timers now, huh?"

Ruby gasped and slapped him. Archie was seconds away from maiming him. His eyes flashed green in the dim yellow light.

"Stay away from me you troll!" She ran out, crying.

"Yeah. Just great! Run like you always do, Ruby! Ain’t nobody else gonna come to your rescue cuz you done slept wit em all!" Billy called after her

Archie had had enough. He tripped Billy with his umbrella and crossed the boy’s right arm behind his back.

Billy yelled out in pain.

"I don’t see anyone coming to your rescue, Billy" Archie hissed. "Go on, keep yelling" as Billy yelled, Archie hogtied him with his laces, and jabbed the rod of the umbrella into the mans shoulder muscle.

Billy screamed in pain.

"If I ever... hear you have hurt her, or embarrassed her, again, I will break you"

"Let me out! You’re crazy!" Archie smiled.

"Who will they believe, Billy? Me or you? Let me know if you ever want to talk about that"

Archie patted Billy’s bruised shoulder and Billy hissed in pain.

"You have a nice night" Archie chuckled darkly.

~*~

Archie caught up with Ruby outside the diner a minute later.

"I thought you might have walked home already"

Ruby smiled and shook her head. She seemed to want something, but wasn’t sure how to go about getting it.

"And leave you behind? No way" Archie chuckled as they walked in the direction of the bed and breakfast.

"Archie, we never got that walk you promised. Can we go now?"

Archie raised an eyebrow at her. "You want to walk instead of going to the party?"

Ruby nodded. "Yeah, well, something Billy said made me feel kinda self conscious, so I’d rather not be around anybody right now"

Archie nodded and scowled as he thought of Billy.

"Billy is ignorant. As is anyone else who tries to intimidate you or anyone for their own self importance."

Ruby flushed. Archie sighed, grasping Ruby gently by the shoulders.

"Don’t give in to them, the hatred, the naysayers. They’re just jealous and insecure because you outshine all of them"

Ruby’s eyes lit up and shown with tears. “Archie, do you really mean that?"

Archie smiled and rubbed her nose with his. "I absolutely do, one hundred percent."

"Hey! Hopper! Thats my line!" a voice behind them hollered. Archie grinned and raised his umbrella at his fellow green eyed red head, a security guard named Will Bowman who had a crush on Ruby’s coworker, Wendy Shields.

Ruby giggled. She turned back to Archie, who was looking at her thoughtfully.

"Something happened today at the Jeti " he surmised. "Something that you’re afraid to say because it may cause a bad reaction from someone"

As if he’d hit the nail on the head, that look of abject fear was back. Then it suddenly clicked. Ruby didn’t fall off of that Jeti! She was pushed! By Billy!

A rage like no other surged into the therapist’s veins just then. His eyes felt like they were on fire.

He will pay for this a darker side of Archie’s mind howled Archie briefly wondered if he wasn’t a wolf in disguise.

That rat will pay for hurting our mate!

As if Ruby sensed what his body was going to do, act on the senses of his mind, Ruby threw herself into Archie’s arms, praying he would hug her back. Praying he would comfort her and not seek revenge for what Billy had done...

~*~

I should have known Archie would figure it out- and he did. Of course he did! I didn’t even have to say a word. It was like he could read my mind or something!

The video cameras had been out of order today. Zack was due in the morning to check them out and see what was what. Fortunately, Archie wouldn’t be arrested for tying Billy up like the pig he was; it was Billy’s word against Archie’s, and I sure wasn’t going to testify...

When I saw Archie’s eyes turn green, I knew something was up. My senses of hearing and smell were getting keener. Could Archie have what I do and have really good eyesight? Even without his glasses?

He had looked at me thoughtfully. Not the violet steamy gaze I would have sworn I saw earlier, just thoughtful.

"Something happened today at the Jeti " he had said. "Something that you’re afraid to say because it may cause a bad reaction from someone"

I was sure my face drained of color. I was scared Billy would come outside and try to finish the fight with Archie- that it would get physical. I was afraid Archie would get hurt, or arrested by Emma and taken away from me.

I couldn’t let that happen!

Keep him back! A distant part of me howled. Do what you must, but do not let him return! He is our mate!

I threw myself into his arms, praying he would hug me. Praying he wouldn’t leave and pummel Billy to a pulp. That reaction was for tough guys like Leroy. Not Archie. Not my sweet, noble, attentive Dr. Hopper, who had a more protective side to him that I had never seen before...

Please, I thought, please hug me back and give me the comfort I’ve been needing all day...

I wrapped my arms around his waist, both to keep him with me, and to let him know I was there.

Please hug me back! Please...

~*~

You must return and destroy- eh?

I heard a whine in the distance, as if a dog were upset and crying.

I was confused I had walked Pongo home before coming to the diner. There were no other dogs...

Our mate is saddened. Comfort her *lick* *lick*

It was then that I felt arms around me.

Ruby! Ruby was hugging me!

I felt could die happy and go to Heaven right then.

My eyes were now warm, not hot as I had felt earlier. I wondered what color they were now. I hoped they weren’t violet... I would die of embarrassment! I only feel violet late at night when I’m dreaming... Ahem...

I smiled, closed my eyes, and buried my face into Ruby’s long silky hair...

We turned and noticed the lights on the fishing boats in the distance. They looked like stars out there on the water...

Ruby and I looked at each other and laughed as I held her in my arms. Sweet, strong, beautiful, intelligent Ruby... I loved her, and hoped someday I could tell her so...

~*~

#enchantedlove #redcricket #impliednick/judy #onesidedsqueakingwolf #ifyoulikeBillydon’tread #wolfsenses #wolfanger #wolflove #hugs #feels #comfort #ruby #archie #love #protector

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differentgardenstudent89 · 7 years

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Challenging King George

King George stood pacing in is palace, waiting for word regarding the 'retrieval' of the man thought to be his son.

The shepherd boy had not been royal by birth, neither had his brother, but George still expected David to act as such, under the pseudonym of James.

None of the kingdom were wise to the deception, save the impish wizard Rumpelstiltskin, but George suspected the imp of having something up his sleeve.

George's problem presently was a girl that David, er- James had met, the beautiful stepdaughter of Queen Regina, Snow White.

George had suspected Regina of trying to get rid of Snow White, causing the princess to flee for her life, living a life of solitude in the woods.

That in itself wasn't a problem, save the woods was where the Princess and George's son Prince James just-so-happened to meet.

That had been three weeks ago.

Since that time, James had refused to marry Princess Abigail, daughter of King Midas, swindling George out of a handsome reward and healthy alliance.

George was beside himself, tearing to shreds the note to Snow White that had been found in James' room.

The doors of the palace were thrown open and George turned to see his soldiers dragging two wolves and a cub into the throne room.

“Well? Did you find him? Where is my son?!” George snarled.

“No, your highness, but these wolves may be able to reveal his location- we have reason to believe they are werewolves, sire”

George raised an eyebrow, grabbing a sword and walked over to the near black wolf, placing the sword's sharp edge to its throat.

“Alright, wolf- speak. Where is my son?”

When the wolf didn't answer, George got ready to swing the sword.

Suddenly, George was thrown onto his back by a ravenous growling red wolf, its green eyes glinting with rage, it's fangs dripping with so much heat one might have mistaken its saliva for acid.

You should learn not to point sharp objects at others, it hissed. You might just get bitten!

George panicked, rolling away from the wolf.

“Enough! Tell me where my son is!!”

Never! Snarled the onyx she-wolf. James and Snow will rule this land!

The red wolf looked at the black wolf, her golden eyes angry and determined.

Red had forgiven her friend six months prior.

Jiminy had explained that she had left, even though he wasn't sure why.

Red knew; she felt guilty.

Snow was a princess courted by royalty- since the Queen wanted her dead, she didn't get the chance to find someone, even while Red was, or had been, married and had given birth to a child.

It couldn't have been easy for Snow.

But now, with George's son James, it looked as if Snow had found her Prince Charming.

Both wolves panicked when George reached down suddenly, and grabbed the tiny cub crawling at his feet.

Red yipped.

Jiminy growled. Drop her George, drop her- NOW

“Oh... yours perhaps, wolf?” George sneered at Jiminy, whose fur started to ruffle and heat.

Red whined. Not to give orders, but- DO SOMETHING!!

George grinned evilly. “ A life for a life. My son for your cub, wolf- Where is he?!”

Red growled and leaped for the cub, but George was ready, kicking her in the side.

Red shrieked in pain, while Jiminy leaped in front of her, fangs dripping with spittle, eyes gleaming with hate.

George then smirked, and tossed the cub, when Jiminy leaped and caught baby Juniper safely in his jaws.

Placing her next to her mother, Jiminy felt his cheeks heat when the puppy wagged her tiny little tail at him and licked his nose.

Jiminy could hear Red's laughter.

Wagging his tail slightly, the red wolf found himself wanting to nuzzle Red, and cuddle the pup to himself, keeping them both warm and safe from George and his men.

Then he realized with yet another blush that nuzzling Red would lead to the wolf tradition of scenting, as in scenting their mates.

And though wolves mated for life, Jiminy and Red barely knew each other; considering marriage was impossible!

Red on the other paw was finding it difficult not to fall in love with Jiminy as both a man and a wolf.

Ever since they met, time and time again, Jiminy had constantly seen to hers, and to her daughter's welfare.

Red's heart squeezed with love when Juniper, not yet a year old, stood on hind paws and licked Jiminy's nose as a thank you.

Red tried not to sigh as she watched Jiminy and Juniper; him laying down wagging his tail, as Juniper yipped and started teething on his ear.

Ow Jiminy protested with a huff, but never said anything more.

Red sighed again... whomever he married, Jiminy would make an excellent father someday...

“As touching as this family reunion is, I still want to know the whereabouts of my son!” George spat.

“Lock them up. And when they turn back to their miserable human selves, bring the bitch to me- I want to speak to her- in private”

Jiminy was now on alert, especially when George sent a lecherous glance in Red's direction.

“Have her sent to my chambers.”

Jiminy, back on his feet in front of Red, hissed before growling long and loud at George.

Over your dead body! Touch one hair on this woman and her daughter's heads and I will personally use your bones for toothpicks!

“My dear wolf” George grinned wickedly. “I should love to see you try” He waved a dismissive hand.

“Take them away”

Jiminy gulped.

Rumpelstiltskin, if you're out there... show yourself!

One hour later...

Red and Jiminy lay in the cold, dark, moldy cell long after Juniper had fallen asleep next to her mother for warmth.

Jiminy for his part felt like a failure.

Here they were in George's prison with time running out; there was no telling how long it would take Rumpelstiltskin to come to their aide, let alone when George's men would come for Red.

Jiminy shuddered at the idea of George anywhere near Red.

How he wished he could take her away from her, to marry her- to mate her.

Feeling his fur ruffle beyond repair and dis-comfortable heat throughout his body, he tried to calm himself and rid his mind of certain thoughts.

The ginger alpha male lay his head down and sighed- how could he have been so foolish?!

Suddenly he felt a warmth upon his head and neck.

Jiminy's tail wagged again.

Red.

She lay her head upon his and sighed.

I'm sorry Red

For what?

For not doing more- because of me you are in grave danger...Maybe I'm not listening hard enough to myself... I'm not the man I want to be...

Jiminy's sigh led to a quiet groan.

Suddenly he felt the fur on his head and behind his right ear getting damp.

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven...

Red was licking him!

Jiminy decided he could die happy and go to heaven right then

You did the best you could, Jiminy, for even that, I owe you our lives

Jiminy huffed, shaking his head. Red sighed and lay her head upon his again.

- As for George- well... I'll- I'll be alright

Jiminy growled again.

If he so much as lays a finger on you, I'll-

“-Tear him to shreds, eh dearie? Hard to do if you're not here”

Both adults raised their heads, their tails wagging quickly.

Red tried not to yip in excitement.

Jiminy knew how she felt, he wanted to howl from the rooftops, but first...

Gently, as carefully as he had held her the night she was born, Jiminy picked up little Juniper, still asleep, in his jaws, being careful not to let his fangs sink into her skin.

Juniper yipped in her sleep and yawned, Jiminy smiled and beamed with pride as he followed Red and Rumpelstiltskin out of the cell.

The four escaped in the nick of time, just as George's soldiers barged into the cell, finding it empty...

#enchantedlove #redcricket #Wolflove #escape #rumpelstiltskin #ouat-king-george-is-an-ass #AU:when-wolves-talk-to-humans-they-speak-telepathically

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differentgardenstudent89 · 7 years

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lol tried this on my dog. she went nuts!

vine

(Kitten lets out a tiiiiiiiny little cry.)

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differentgardenstudent89 · 7 years

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The Season of Advent: PEACE

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’

Luke 3:4-6

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differentgardenstudent89 · 7 years

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squeeee ^^^

I pray he would marry you without a penny to your name, for that is a man who would truly treasure you.

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differentgardenstudent89 · 8 years

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I love this! it's so well written!!! Enjoy nickxjudy fans!!!

——Vintage Misery Series——

Act 1

Act 2

Act 3

Act 4

Act 5

Act 6

Act 7

All the acts so far.

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differentgardenstudent89 · 8 years

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Awesomeness

C.S. Lewis’ experience as an atheist.

/ Mere Christianity

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differentgardenstudent89 · 8 years

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The Visitor

Six months after Juniper was born, things did not go back to normal, after all, one wonders if there even is such a state of mind; yet Red and Granny fell into a routine. Becoming a mother was an exciting, yet daunting task for Red. She had yet to master the skill of the wolf, let alone teach it to her own child…er…cub… Each morning before dawn, Juniper would wake up at near two for feeding, which was followed by a brief if reached four more hours of sleep before getting up to tend the chickens. Following was getting ready for the day, tending and feeding the baby, home chores, feeding, setting June down for a nap, lunch, nap for herself, before Granny would wake her to run. Red didn’t mind. she found running in the woods for an hour or two unseen helped her to keep her strength up. After would be an evening feed, before a light supper for her and Granny before bed. During this time, Red occasionally thought about Jiminy and how he was faring after his daring rescue to save hers and her daughter’s life. Was he doing well? In her heart, it was unintentional, yet she felt a pang. She didn’t mean to compare Jiminy to her poor, dead husband Peter… even so, it wasn’t time to move on, at least she thought so…

Granny watched Red as she acclimated to her new routine. Motherhood agreed with Red, as if she had been a mother all her life. Granny could see that Red loved Juniper to death, and would do anything for her. She often heard Red talking to her daughter at night, telling her all about life, her memories she vaguely remembered about her life with her father, there was a lot of guess work involved in that, so Red’s tales often took the form of an adventurous princess in red, who used magic and played with fairies. In observing her granddaughter, Granny also noticed that Red seemed sad, lonely… even before she had when Peter was alive. Was it possible that Jiminy Puppeteer had a positive effect on her? Could her Ruby be in love with the ginger youth? The Lord be praised if that’s so! Granny thought. She looked over at their family bible, standing on the hearth. Granny smiled cheekily at her granddaughters. She was sure without playing Naomi that Red had found the prince of men among their villige, if not the entire realm! “What was that, Granny?” Red asked, turning from feeding Juniper some cool porridge.She had weaned Juniper a week ago off of nurse milk; the child was growing her teeth. Granny muttered a curse, praying for forgiveness in her head. “I was just thinkin, Red. I’m pretty certain you’ve found the Prince of men in the village” she eyed Red knowingly. Red was confused. “What do you mean? Peter is dead” Granny kept her eye on her knitting. “Wasn’t talking about Peter, dear” Red was perplexed. She scanned her memory for what or whom Granny could be referring to. “Come now, child!” Granny hooted with a laugh, “‘Tisn’t everyday a ginger headed stranger leaps to the rescue and saves two lives at once” Red flushed. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Granny humphed. “I may be old, but I’m not that old!” Red humphed, placing her hands on her hips, her green eyes gleaming. “I don’t even know the man!” Granny shrugged, “Never stopped Grandfather and I…we were married fifty years!” Red rolled her eyes as she picked Juniper up out of the hi chair. Juniper gurgled and smiled. Granny was thankful she was such a happy baby. Such as it was, in time, Juniper would need a father… one preferably accepted by the church and the court… someone honest, God fearing, loyal, protective… someone like Jiminy… Before he had left six months previously he had bemoaned his woes over a strong goblet of tea, including about his father destroying his cherished bible. Granny had nearly cursed them to the ground, but Jiminy pleaded her not to awaken Red and the baby… they needed their rest… “I’m just saying, girl, that if young Jiminy came calling, I would have no objection to his being your ‘kinsman redeemer’.” Granny winked and grinned, to which Red rolled her eyes again, shifting Juniper to her hip. “Goodnight, Grandmother!” Granny didn’t have to know that Red was flushing scarlet… it dripped from her voice. As she blew out the candle, Granny chuckled and headed to her room for the night. What surprises would the next day hold? The next day Granny was off to market to get food… very important with a growing tot in the house. Red was feeding Juniper her lunch of mush meal with honey. The baby was making a big mess and Red found herself unable to keep from laughing. “No no, June… the meal goes in your mouth…” Red startled as she heard a knock at the door. She grabbed her quiver just in case, and unbarred the door. “Who’s there!” she yelled. “Jiminy!” he sounded alarmed. Red felt her heart speed full as she opened the door. Sure enough, Jiminy Puppeteer stood before her, smiling, his face red from cold. “Jiminy!” she cried surprised, trying not to blush. He was tall and handsome as she remembered him, still wearing his clothes and vest of a nomad, his green cloak with its familiar rich detail sat crisp and flowing on his broad, wide shoulders. Red came to her senses and moved for him to come inside. “Come in! please, make yourself at home…. Granny will be back shortly.” Jiminy nodded, smiling. He’d noticed her blush and tried not to do the same. “Yes, I saw her up the road. she told me you were here.” Red smiled and reached for his cloak. surprisingly, it was still laced with magic as her own was. Suddenly there was a screech, followed by a giggle. Jiminy laughed as he noticed baby Juniper, with something akin to porridge in her hair, on her face, everywhere it seemed but her mouth, the intended target. “Hello to you too, m'lady… and how are you today?” Juniper, seeing this as a moment to make friends, picked up some porridge and hurled it at him. Jiminy chuckled, agilely missing the throw. “JUNIPER” Red bellowed. The child looked at her. “NO” Suddenly Juniper’s lip quivered. Jiminy’s heart nearly broke as she burst into tears. Red firmly shook her head. Jiminy was about to mention that no harm was done, but then realized this was Red’s way of training her daughter. The younger she understood, the quicker she learned. He wished he himself had been brought up with the same care… then remembered. Ruby’s parenting style seemed familiar, because it had Granny’s same no nonsense style. It warmed him to know that however brief, at different times, he and Red had been loved, cared for, and brought up by the same person. After a few seconds, Red went to pick up the child, and kissed her cheek. “Shhh… Mama’s here… it’s okay. Mama loves you” The baby stopped crying as Red, in her muslin dress continued to sway back and forth, nearly dancing with the baby in her arms. A quick touch of Red’s hands to the mess, cleared it away. Instead of bathing now, Red magically changed Juniper’s clothes, her hair no longer sticky with honey. Juniper would get a proper bath later. Red giggled, especially when Juniper nuzzled her shoulder with her head. Jiminy had to look away for a minute to catch his breath. Did anyone have a right to look so beautiful, so at peace, so happy? Jiminy shook his head. He didn’t want to, but checking on Juniper was not the only reason he was here… He looked at Juniper. As she grew she was becoming the spitting image of her mother… no trace of Peter to speak of, save perhaps her ears and nose… Beautiful… absolutely beautiful, the both of them. Continuing to stare at them caused his heart to hurt. He was a lonely man, no longer young, per se, but he still had remnants of his youth… He longed to have a family. Perhaps Red could fill that void, but then what right had he to impose on the grief of a young widow? Red could feel Jiminy’s eyes on her and Juniper. Not in a dangerous or uncomfortable way, just… thoughtful. Holding her child close to her, still a part of her and a part of Peter, Red felt saddened all over again of her grief. Not just about what she had done to Peter, but their whole life, their whole relationship. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt that their whole relationship had been based on a lie… If they were truly man and wife, shouldn’t there be proof that it was so? Had she indeed related improperly with Peter and had their child out of wedlock?! Red gulped, feeling her stomach overturn. She could and probably would be found out for two crimes instead of one, because as everyone else saw it, she would also be tried for murder… Tears came to her eyes as she prayed that what she felt and was thinking wasn’t true. If she be put to death, what would happen to little Juniper? And indeed, even if she were to marry again, her new husband would only be doing so out of pity, if he wasn’t repulsed by who she was and handed her over to the authorities… Red tried not to whimper in terror of her thoughts as she kissed Juniper’s temple. No one would ever take her baby from her. Absolutely no one…. not even Rumpelstiltskin, who was known for taking the firstborn of every family…. Remembering that she still had company, Red blushed, embarrassed, recalling hers and Granny’s conversation this morning about the not-so-mysterious ginger youth. “Granny said you would want to speak with me” she said, pensively. Jiminy nodded, feeling the pressure and guilt rise in his chest once more… “Red, I… I must tell you the truth.” Red looked at him, warily, holding the baby to her chest. “I didn’t find you on my own six months ago… that is to say, I’m not a naturally born werewolf” Red almost scoffed and rolled her eyes. She had already known that… “I was sent by Rumpelstiltskin to find you, and your daughter.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her that he had done so as part of a deal… that wasn’t important right now… “Rumplestiltskin?!” Red barked, alarmed. Jiminy nodded, feeling as guilty as ever. “Why? What does he want with me and my baby?” Red was backing away from Jiminy now; seeing this, he stood up slowly. “He’s… he’s your father. he’s been looking for you for a long time, and he needed my help…” Red shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t believe you! My father died… when I was a baby!” Again she was bombarded with visions of black and white, and red everywhere. Jiminy shook his head.“No, Liza, he isn’t dead… he’s very much alive and is waiting for you.” Red startled when he called her 'Liza’. he’d said it so softly, so tenderly, she’d nearly swooned with the baby in his arms. Red pondered how different his voice sounded when he was the wolf, compared to his natural voice; it wasn’t far off, but as the wolf his voice sounded slightly deeper, huskier, with the trace of a growl… She shook her head. She was Red Riding Hood. There was nothing she loved more than a good chase. As he stood before her, Jiminy himself felt warm, invited, comforted in Red’s company. He would much rather get to know her mind, what made her a person, what her hopes, dreams, and fears were, rather than overtake her by force. Women he learned were to be loved, not abused. Still, he felt himself flush as he thought about what it would be like to be married to Red, to love her as his own, to protect her and their children, er cubs, from harm, to shelter her from all who feared her as the wolf… Moments before, he had just come from the tavern hearing a bunch of men jeering about Red, how Peter lost his life and manhood because of her. One went as far as to say what he’d do to Red if he encountered her. It had taken all of Jiminy’s strength and will to walk out without tearing the heathens to shreds… He looked at Red, who was smiling softly at him, he could see her ivory cheeks flush, and gulped. “Ruby,” he said cautiously. Red looked at him, wide eyed. “Yes, Jiminy?” she asked. With her trusting voice pouring out his name like silk, Jiminy knew he had to court her! Acting on his instincts, Jiminy’s eyes narrowed. “Do you trust me, dearest?” Red gasped. Did he just call her…? “With my life,” she whispered, delicately rubbing Juniper’s back, who’d fallen asleep due to her swaying. Jiminy felt he would burst with pride. He wanted desperately to hold the little one, but he stayed himself. Seeing this, Red smiled. Wolves mated for life, and if he so chose to ask Granny for her hand, Red would have no objection. There was just the small matter of Rumpelstiltskin… Red grinned, hoping that Juniper wouldn’t be too cold outside in the snow. Jiminy was confused as he saw Red’s eyes flash… wolf’s time was over, so why…? Red grinned a little, her hands delicately rubbing the left side of Juniper’s head… A moment later stood the beautiful onyx grey she wolf, a tiny black cub in her mouth. You’ll have to catch me first! She sprinted out the door. Jiminy smirked a moment later, his cloak riveting to the ground, eyes flashing green before he sprinted nose first after her. She wanted a chase? Well then, two could play that game…

#wolflove #granny #juniper #porridge #feels #redcricket

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differentgardenstudent89 · 8 years

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yum

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differentgardenstudent89 · 8 years

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I always wondered what OUAT Belle would look like in this costume :)

Disney Princess Challenge:

Day One: Favorite Princess

“a beauty but a funny girl”

#impbelle #beautyandthebeast #skindeepfeels

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differentgardenstudent89 · 8 years

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Table for Two

It was February before Archie and Ruby were able to catch up with each other socially.

Since September of the previous year, both had been extremely busy keeping up with customers and patients alike, and their increasingly busy workload didn’t allow for more than a brief hello at church either.

Both Abel and his wife Marie looked at Teresa.

“Don’t look at me, babies… it ain’t in my timing”

The pastor and his wife grinned at each other as they headed off to a quiet supper at Charlotte’s.

Meanwhile, at Clark’s, David Nolan was having a hard time.

He loved his wife, Katherine, but he wasn’t in love with her.

Ever since he heard her voice, his heart belonged to none other than Mary Margaret Blanchard, third grade school teacher.

He’d been trying to talk to her, but they just couldn’t seem to get a moment alone together.

He remembered earlier that day when Ruby, the wild carefree diner waitress at Granny’s convinced Ashley Boyd and Mary Margaret to go out for drinks later for a girls night.

When the girls had said yes, David looked unsure… Ruby could be a little too promiscuous, and risqué for his taste… he preferred subtle, mild mannered Mary Margaret. there was a purity about her that he loved…

“Two Valentines” said a voice.

David jumped when he noticed the tall, imposing figure of Demetrius Gold in front of him in line.

David noticed briefly the tape and rope the man was buying… weird…

“Yeah, Just couldn’t decide” he fibbed. “They’re both so… us” David was lying and he knew it, but he didn’t think Gold could tell.

“Well, you’re fortunate to have someone who loves you…” he trailed off as if thinking of something.

“Love” he scoffed “It’s like a delicate flame… and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever”

As the two bade goodbye, Teresa looked at her husband Saul, in line for some snacks and extra formula for their grandson.

“Well” she frowned.

Saul shook his head. “Better get a hold of Abel and quick… Moe French is in some deep trouble”

The two elders, seemingly having a glow about them, watched as Demetrius Gold limped down the street in search of his prey. Apparently, it was payback time…

“I really appreciate you doing this Archie, it means a lot.” David said with a smile as he and Dr. Archie Hopper sat down together for drinks at the Rabbit Hole Bar.

Archie remembered the last time he was there and shivered slightly, then took a sip of his beer.

“It’s no problem at all, David, I was happy to come” Archie smiled. If not you will be when you see who’s here David thought.

Aside from checking in on a woman clearly not his wife, David was determined to prove something to himself; that Archie, if not in love, then at least had a major crush on their local waitress, Ruby.

If Archie had known of his intentions, not only would he have refused, but he would have blushed his hair red, and stuttered himself silly.

As they sat down to drinks, and David kept his eyes solely on Mary Margaret, Archie was amazed at David’s blatant behavior.

This was a singles’ bar. Shouldn’t David be with the woman he had married, and publicly declared that he lo- oh…

Archie’s thoughts froze in mid sentence as his eyes rested upon the woman who had been unknowingly, the object of his secret desires for as long as he could remember.

The therapist suddenly had a sneaking suspicion…was she the reason David had asked him to come along with him tonight?

Archie suddenly felt betrayed… and wished someone would call David out on his misdeed.

Ruby turned around and thought she caught a glance at two familiar looking men.

One was definitely David.

The other… Ruby tried to keep down her martini as her stomach jumped.

It was him!

Crap crap Criminitely Crap! Ok… play it cool and casual…

“Check out those guys…” she gave a not so subtle hint to Mary Margaret to turn around.

Catching Archies eye, she winked.

He gulped and his ears turned red.

Ruby did her best not to giggle into her drink as she turned back to her friends, not noticing Archie had tugged at his tie…

Ashley, thinking Ruby was talking about the sweater vested dorks to their left, shook her head.

“Oh, honey, I’m still with Sean” she shook her head.

“Sean’s not here”

“he’s working” Ashley defended.

“he’s always working” Ruby deadpanned. But even Archie’s a workaholic and he still finds time to hang out.

She threw a glance over her shoulder, her stomach flipping again, but Archie was talking to David.

When Ashley continued to mope, Ruby gave up.

“Have fun moping” Ruby shrugged, grabbing her glass and turned around, walking over classily to the guys’ table.

Archie, ever the gentleman, stood up at her arrival.

“David, Archie…hi! What brings you two gents out tonight?”

If Ruby had been focusing, she could have been able to tell that the dear doctor was hopelessly blushing under her greeting.

He jumped and scowled when David kicked him under the table.

David grinned at her, charmingly. “Drinks, food, atmosphere…”

Archie could have sworn he and Ruby were in sync with each other.

This was due to simultaneous raise of the eyebrow they were both now giving the adulterer at his pitiful lie. Suddenly feeling very tiny, as if being scolded by his parents, David excused himself.

“Yeah uh….I gotta go… thanks Archie” David stood up nervously and shuffled to the door.

Archie smirked at Ruby’s pursed lips “Sure David… anytime”

Ruby crossed her arms “Betcha a meal on the house this isn’t gonna end well for him tonight…he’s in the dog house for sure.”

Archie smirked. “you’re on, Ruby… you’re on”

They grinned at each other, both thinking along the same lines.

Boy, he’s cute!

Gosh she’s gorgeous!

Would he really like me?

Would she let me court her if I asked?

Both snapped out of their stupor at the same time, blushing.

“Ah, w-would you like to sit down?” Archie asked, pulling out a chair for Ruby.

Delighted that he was so charming, Ruby couldn’t keep the smile from lighting up her face.

She did the best she could to keep from blushing. Good thing her rouge was darker tonight!

“Aww thank you Archie, I think I will.” Archie smiled and pushed her chair in after her.

After he was sure she was seated comfortably, he sat down and they ordered: a green salad for him, and a medium well steak with A1 sauce and steamed broccoli for her.

Deciding their previous alcohol had boosted their bravery, both drank water.

Over comical discussion they talked about Henry, the little girl Juniper that Ruby had recently taken to babysitting while her grandfather is away, and how they’re enjoying, or despising their jobs.

“Maybe you could do something else?” Archie suggested.

Ruby frowned. “I could, but that would mean leaving Granny. I know I’m 26 and all, but she’s all I’ve got…”

The conversation lulled as Ruby got quiet and was close to tears. Archie, determined not to let her cry, magically pulled out his handkerchief, and says something that makes her laugh while she wipes her eyes.

Feeling bold, he puts his hand on top of hers. “If you ever need help Ruby, or just want someone to talk to, I’m always here.”

Ruby looked at him. “Here?” she asked, making light of his comment.

Archie shook his head and chuckled. Ruby adored how his laughter made his eyes crinkle.

“I’m not saying call me tomorrow” he blushed as she giggled.

“I just might” she grinned. He blushed harder causing Ruby to laugh again.

Ruby nodded and folded her fingers in his cupped hand. “Thanks Archie…that means a lot. And thanks for the date, even if you had to shoo David away from the table.”

Archie took a big step in rubbing the back of her hand and winked.

“Anytime, Ruby, anytime”

Meanwhile, a midget and an ex nun looked on at the two in obvious interest.

“Awww they’re so sweet! what do you think, Leroy, will he go in and sweep her off her feet?”

Leroy looked over at Archie with a smirk then looked back into the bold brown eyes of his love-interest….

He often wondered what they were now.

Were they lovers, friends, friends with benefits?

It was impossible to tell… especially since she had just left the Roman Catholic church.

How soon could he tell her what she meant to him?

He tried not to think about it, and decided to enjoy the time he had with her.

She beamed as he took her hand and squeezed slightly.

“I dunno, munchkin… I guess that depends on whether or not he burns his hand or breaks the dishes on his way out”

Astrid giggled and chided him playfully for not being nice.

Leroy shrugged and sat back. he’d figure things out later about how things stood between him and Astrid.

For now, as long as she kept smiling and giggling, all was well in his world…

until…

“Well…Astrid and just what are you doing here in this place of filth?”

Astrid winced apologetically at Leroy and gulped, not answering her superior, currently glaring down at them, hands on her scrawny hips.

Leroy tried not to scowl… just when things were going so well…

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Looking into green eyes of a hotly dressed Ruby, he smirked.

From their table, Archie attempted to calmly wait for Ruby’s return. He didn’t quite trust Leroy though.

He felt a stab of conscience… Leroy was obviously involved with someone else.

Archie turned his attention instead to the Mother Superior. he wondered just what was she doing in a place like this?

From what he could gather from Ruby, Astrid, a friend of Ruby’s and Leroy’s new girlfriend, had just recently left the church.

And now it seemed MS was here to bring her back.

Obviously it was Astrid’s choice, so why was MS here?

Ruby hoped she could stop a storm before it got a chance to brew.

“Leroy, can you go and get Astrid a glass of water?”

Leroy, sensing her motive, squeezed Astrid’s hand comfortingly and left.

MS stiffened at the contact between the two, and seemed even more incensed by Ruby’s appearance and presence thereupon, given her… reputation.

“If you would excuse us Ms. Lucas , I believe I have this under control…don’t I Astrid?”

Astrid meekly nodded her head, and continued to look down at the table.

Ruby, feeling defiantly willful and protective over her friend, stood her ground against the older nun.

“I think not your Nunliness, may I recommend this conversation continue outside?”

Ruby tried hard to keep a straight face; how does one properly address a nun?

Archie chuckled. whatever was being said, Ruby was definitely holding her own.

He personally had never had any dealings with Mother Superior, but the way the woman was looking at Ruby, made him feel uncomfortable.

Before he could get up and try to diffuse the situation, MS said something that had set Ruby off.

“I do not have and will not take the time to trifle with harlotous tarts and barflies” MS glowered at Ruby and Leroy.

“Astrid, get up and get your cloak…we’re leaving”

Ruby looked at Leroy in shock, who looked mad enough to dump the whole bar on the nun’s head.

All Ruby had tried to do was to protect Astrid’s honor subtly; continue the conversation outside so the girl’s feelings wouldn’t get hurt, and Leroy wouldn’t end up in prison.

Now it was all she could do not to find one of those old crosshair bows on eBay and shoot the nun down… either that or shape-shift into a wolf and tear her head off.

Before Ruby could do any real damage, Archie got up, and walked quietly behind her.

“Ruby, is everything alright? our food will be here soon.” he turned to the others apologetically.

“Please, don’t mind me… I came to see that my companion was alright”

Casting a quick glance to Archie after looking at MS, Ruby walked back to the girls’ table.

Archie stood puzzled for a second.

Ruby’s expression had been one of deep pain…what was that all about?

MS turned on him. “Good evening, Dr. Hopper… how nice to see you…” she trailed off awkwardly.

Archie turned to her stiffly. he had noticed the look of hurt in Ruby’s eyes that passed from MS to him before she walked away.

For his part, Leroy looked ready to pummel something.

By the look of sadness on Astrid’s face and the tear rolling down her cheek, Archie was sure it wasn’t due to something Leroy had said.

Which made him wonder just what MS had said to Ruby.

As much as he would have liked to ask Leroy what had happened, he couldn’t without causing a scene.

How was he to handle this situation? getting irate and demanding to know what was said would lead him nowhere, and talking to her in private just seemed rude… he decided to take a more diplomatic approach.

“Good evening to you as well your grace… he said kindly. “I trust you’re enjoying your holiday?”

Surprised, the nun nodded her head.

“As well as can be expected, doctor, though my mind is elsewhere these days…” she smiled at him.

If that was a veiled attempt at flirtation, he ignored it. He turned to Leroy and winked at Astrid who smiled at him confused…just what was he doing?

“I wonder where Ruby could be?” Leroy guffawed. MS gritted her teeth and forced a smile.

“I’m sure she’s well in hand, Doctor…” she purred and touched his arm.

MS’s attempt at…well… did she consider it seduction…? it annoyed Archie to no end; especially when he was here with Ruby and not her.

To him, loved was layered…a mystery to be uncovered. Ruby was definitely a mystery.

Clearing his throat as his cheeks flushed slightly, he made up his mind to court Ruby properly, with Granny’s permission, and Ruby’s consent.

He didn’t want someone who threw herself at him and had to be in constant control while condemning the world, or at least Astrid, Ruby and Leroy for their mistakes.

He nodded and smiled slightly in Ruby’s direction as she returned.

He had seen Ruby over at her original table and heard slight clapping… he wondered what it was about and why Ruby looked so radiantly happy.

She looked almost wistful for a moment. Archie decided he’d figure it out later.

Returning his attention to Mother Superior, he shrugged slightly.

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had a trying time…it happens to all of us. If you will excuse us… Ruby?” with a frown, the psychologist gave the nun a curt nod and walked back to the table with Ruby where their dinner was waiting.

Leroy and Astrid gawked at each other.

MS highly offended by this point, turned on her heel. “

Don’t think that you’ve gotten away with anything, Astrid… we won’t forget this… I won’t forget this.” Then with a dark scowl in Ruby’s direction, she turned on her heel and left.

By the time Archie made the decision to walk Ruby home, Mary Margaret and Ashley had already left.

Archie watched with a smile as Leroy helped Astrid with her poncho, placed his arm around her, waved to Archie and Ruby and the two of them left.

Archie helped Ruby out of her seat, left a tip for the waiter, and the two of them walked out of the Rabbit Hole.

It was raining outside as it had throughout the night, so Archie pulled out his umbrella, opened it, and offered Ruby his arm.

Touched, she accepted his arm and walked closely enough with him so that anyone looking might have viewed them as engaged or married.

Archie chuckled to keep his focus off of his flushing cheeks.

“So, did you enjoy yourself?” he asked. Ruby nodded smiling, feeling unexplained butterflies in her stomach.

“I did, thank you. I hope I didn’t intrude on your evening” she looked at him as Archie shook his head.

“Not at all, my dear. I had a wonderful time this evening… was anything wrong, earlier…?”

Archie noted that Ruby shook her head too quickly. she had transferred her thoughts to the comment Mother Superior had said before Ruby returned to her original table.

Realizing that Archie meant Ashley and MM, before realizing that Archie may have been watching her that night also, made Ruby blush.

“No…not at all… honestly, I was glad to get away from them till the end…” she whispered.

Archie felt as if he were part of a secret no one else was supposed to overhear; it warmed him that she would take him into her confidence.

As if sensing the curiosity in his features, Ruby giggled. “Don’t tell anyone yet, though I’m sure it’s bound to get out by breakfast, Sean and Ashley are engaged”

Archie raised an eyebrow. Young Sean Thomas and Ashley Boyd, engaged?

Ruby smacked his arm.

“What?” he asked. “I can hear you thinking!” she frowned.

“Ashley’s my friend and so are you. For just this evening can you not be a psychologist?”

At the pleading tone in her voice, and the look in her eyes, Archie would have given Ruby the moon had she asked.

“Alright, alright… just for tonight” he teased, wanting to kiss her hair and feel it flow through his fingers…

Ruby squeaked which Archie thought was adorable.

She held on tighter to his arm as they continued making their way to the bed and breakfast before he walked home.

As he watched her walk beside him, watching her watch the rain as it fell, Archie had the desire to ask her, right then…

“Ruby, I was wondering…”

Ruby, getting slightly sleepy from the day’s events, and realizing she didn’t have much time before dawn, turned to Archie.

He was a solid, strong, well built man.

And though he didn’t tower over her, there was still a compatible height difference.

She wondered briefly what his arms would feel like around her, what his lips tasted like…

She shook her head. Peter… she was still mourning for Peter, right?

Ruby remembered briefly that during their short period of dating, Granny hated Peter. She said he was a bad influence and called him a wastrel… whatever that meant.

Ruby herself hadn’t felt as safe, as protected as she did with Archie now. When Peter held her, it was always Ruby who had to initiate the hug.

He’d been late for several dates, and stood her up, once.

That time he’d claimed he’d gotten a flat tire on his bike, but instead of a mechanic receipt, Ruby found a tab for Tina’s Trinkets, a jewelry store in town.

Ruby hadn’t questioned it, until one time Peter had come by, late, smelling of booze, drugs, and lavender…

Ruby was a strawberry girl. she didn’t do lavender anything…

“Mmm?” Ruby asked, as Archie touched her shoulder lightly.

“Ruby, are you alright? You don’t look well”

“Mm… I’m okay. What were you going to ask me?”

Archie’s heart sank. He’d wanted to ask her if she would perhaps like to start courting… but now, judging by the look on her face, she was nowhere near ready.

She looked ready to cry, to fall asleep, maybe both.

Archie dared to hope she wasn’t thinking about Peter. He tried not to curse the boy in his head, despite the boy was dead.

They were here at the B and B. it had stopped raining and Ruby was asleep on her feet.

“Stay with me, Ruby” Archie murmured. He felt her hang onto him as he closed his umbrella.

Archie made a decision. Peter had cast Ruby aside as if she meant nothing to him.

If she had, they may have been married or at least engaged by this point.

There was an old phrase that said one man’s trash is another man’s treasure… Ruby was Peter’s ex…

Archie vowed from that moment on to treat her like the treasure she was. As it said in Proverbs she was worth more than rubies.

He felt like Boaz in the story of Ruth. Peter had died, Ruby was stuck, and now she needed a guardian.

Archibald Jiminy Hopper believed himself to be that guardian.

“Do you trust me, dearest?” he murmured.

“With my life” she whimpered sleepily.

Archie felt like crying as he placed a hand to her back and stooped down.

“Then hang on tight, love… you’ll be home soon”

With that, the therapist, at nearly two thirty in the morning, picked up the waitress in his arms; she weighed nothing at all…

“Archie…” Archie kissed Ruby’s hair, near her ear. “Shhh…. you’re as light as a feather sweetheart, hang on to me now”

Archie got Ruby to the B and B, Granny waiting in the front room.

“Oh, thank Heavens” Granny hissed.

“Her room?” Archie whispered. Granny led him down the hall to the door across from Roger Bracings and his granddaughter, Juniper.

Setting on the lamp, Archie lay Ruby down gently after Granny moved some blouses from the bed, muttering under her breath.

“I’ll say good morning now” Archie grinned.

Granny smiled, as she worked taking off Ruby’s boots.

“Thank you, Dr. Hopper” she whispered.

“It’s Archie” he hissed with a smile, raising his umbrella in farewell.

“See you at lunch!” Granny smirked.

Archie chuckled shaking his head as he walked down the stairs.

He didn’t notice the door open and a little girl sneak out to get a better look.

Juniper Lois Cricket nearly shrieked for joy.

She could not wait to tell Henry!

“Juniper! you get your scrawny little behind back to bed young miss!” Granny hissed.

Juniper giggled and headed back to bed. She couldn’t wait for school tomorrow!

Granny chuckled once she’d gotten Ruby changed into her nightgown.

“See? I told you if you wait long enough you’d find a good man… and girl, if you haven’t caught the Prince of men in our town!”

Granny noticed her granddaughter’s breathing, and her makeup having run.

Was she grieving over Peter, or the mistakes that had been made?

“You live n learn, girl… sleep now, Ruby. I love you” with that, Granny kissed Ruby’s temple and turned out the light…

As she rolled over, holding her pillow, Ruby finally gave into her tears.

Somewhere inside her, she questioned Peter’s honor as a man.

Was it…? yes. Ruby now understood.

Through Abel and Marie, counsel from her grandmother, and her own instincts, it was possible that Peter, her beloved Peter, had been untrue.

She thought back to the day she’d first met Archie.

Peter hadn’t been happy to meet some stranger that Ruby had just met.

“How long have you known him, Ruby?” he’d asked, his leather jacket smelling of smoke and odd…lavender.

“I just met him today Ruby answered wondering why he would ask.

Peter nodded nonchalantly.

“Yeah, well, stay away from ‘im. He’s a lot older than you, and bets are, he’s a shrink!”

Ruby was confused, “What’s wrong with that?”

As if reading her mind, Peter glared at her. “He can hypnotize you- make you think things- y'know what? forget it… let’s go”

Archie had wanted to ask her something tonight, but her mind had been back at the bar.

As they spoke, his eyes spoke volumes. Ruby was sure of two things.

One, Archie had been in the bar before, and that something had happened there that he didn’t want to share.

Two, there was a hidden anger deep within the doctor, that had risen slightly before she started crying.

Ruby was sure, in her gut, that Archie had known about Peter, and being the gentleman he was, didn’t know how to tell her…

With this knowledge, Ruby broke down into tears, grabbing her jacket, which still had Archie’s hint of cologne.

Breathing deeply, Ruby cuddled closer imagining Archie was still there. She had found her prince. Now what?

Giving into her buried, thought-long-forgotten grief, Ruby muffled the sound of her tears as she cried herself to sleep…

In the darkness of the room across the hall, the small ears of Juniper Cricket flicked at hearing the heartbreaking sounds of mourning coming from Ms. Ruby’s room.

Tiptoeing out of her grandfathers room she quietly made her way to her friend’s room.

Smoothing out her mother’s hair, Juniper felt Ruby’s grief fivefold.

she had never been told about her birth father, Peter, and did not hold any grudge to that.

As far as she was concerned, Jiminy Cricket alias Archie Hopper was her father.

Sleep well Mama Juniper whispered as she kissed her sleeping mother’s temple.

As Juniper turned to the door, she heard Ruby cry in fright.

In that next moment, Ruby awoke to the feel of soft fur and smell of puppy breath.

huh?

the puppy whimpered, and Ruby shrugged going back to sleep.

Juniper made herself comfortable, resting her head on Ruby’s arm.

Papa was right… no one would ever harm her again…

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