A/N: For those that follow my other stories, this Red Beauty story is not set in my Christmas In Storybrooke Universe. This story follows the aftermath of the season 2 finale and is slow burn Red Beauty. I hope you like it.

Ruby Lucas watched from afar as Mr. Gold and Belle said their goodbyes on the dock. By the looks of it, it was clear that Belle had miraculously gained her memories back. She was thrilled that her friend was back, but her heart ached when she realized that it was probably "True Love's Kiss," that was the cause. She watched as they kissed and Rumplestiltskin got on the boat with the others who went after Henry. She saw her friend's tears as the boat went through the portal to Neverland and she stood alone on the dock.

The truth was, Belle had stolen Ruby's heart from the moment she had walked into Granny's and ordered three iced teas. Their friendship had grown in that time, but she had known for sure that she was in love with the girl when she looked into her eyes and told her that she didn't believe that she was a monster. Their friendship had its challenges, mostly because of her rash decisions hurting Belle, but she enjoyed every minute that she spent with the librarian. She knew that she hadn't loved anyone like this since Peter, but she knew that it would never come to fruition.

As much as Ruby hated Rumplestiltskin, she couldn't deny that he was Belle's true love. She knew that Belle deserved someone who treated her better than even she could treat her, and from what she had seen and heard, Rumplestiltskin was not up to the task. However, Ruby knew the rules of their world: True Love would always win out over anything else.

She noticed that Belle hadn't moved, and she took a deep breath. She cautiously approached her, not wanting to alarm her. "Hey Belle," said Ruby softly. Belle jumped a little at the sound of Ruby's voice, and she turned around. Belle smiled at the sight of her friend. Ruby continued, "Welcome back."

"Thanks," Belle said through her tears. Ruby saw her hesitation and knew that she needed to say something.

"I'm so sorry," Ruby said, "For everything. I shouldn't have lied to you."

"It's okay," Belle said, "You were doing what you thought was best."

Noticing that Belle was still crying, Ruby asked, "Do you want to go back to Granny's with me?"

Belle shook her head, "Maybe later. I just want to be alone right now."

"Okay, just know that I'm here for you."

Belle pulled Ruby into a hug, "Thank you." Ruby inhaled Belle's scent of fresh books and tea and never wanted to leave the woman's embrace. Reluctantly, Ruby pulled away and turned around, walking back to Granny's.

As soon as she walked back to the diner, Granny approached her, "Where the hell have you been?"

"Belle's back," Ruby said simply before returning to work. Granny nodded, giving her a knowing look. Throughout her shift, Ruby kept her eye on the door, hoping that Belle would come in, but she never did.

Closing time came and there was still no sign of Belle. Ruby closed up and packed a bag of food for Belle. She walked over to the library and knocked on the locked door.

Belle opened the door and Ruby held out the bag, "I figured that you were hungry."

"Thank you," Belle took the bag from her and smiled.

"Can I come in?" Ruby hoped that she could cheer Belle up.

Belle, however, shook her head, "Now's not a good time."

Ruby's face fell, "Maybe some other time?"

"Maybe."

"Good night then."

"Good night." For the second time that day, Ruby walked away from Belle feeling terrible. She really wanted to help, but she knew that she was powerless. As she walked to the Inn and trudged up the stairs to her room, she thought about everything.

When she reached the safety of her room, Ruby locked the door and let the tears flow freely. She realized that her troubles were more than Belle just pushing her away, more than Belle being in love with someone else. She had been really unhappy over the last few months in more ways than one. With all of the things that had happened, her best friend hadn't had any time for her. She knew that Snow and Charming were busy with Cora and Regina and all of that drama, but it was like Ruby didn't exist anymore. Actually, that was a lie. Apparently, she only existed when Snow needed her to babysit or someone needed to find someone, and even then she was usually forgotten.

She was tired of being forgotten and it honestly felt like she was being written out of her own story. On more than one occasion, she wondered if anyone would care if she left town or if they would just replace her with someone else. The only person who seemed to appreciate her was Granny. Wiping her eyes, she got ready for bed, resolving to try and talk to Belle tomorrow.

The next day, she had no luck, but Ruby refused to give up. The day after brought no success either. She continued to bring Belle her lunch in hopes that she would let her in and open up to her, but to no avail. On the fourth day, she slumped against the refrigerator door, frustrated and figuring that nobody would notice if she just moved into the fridge and froze in there, only to be brought out on special occasions.

She didn't know what to do. She knew that Belle was unhappy, and it killed her that she couldn't fix it. For the hundredth time, she seriously considered leaving town and getting a fresh start. Ruby glanced at her Granny, who had come in to get more steaks. She loved her Granny, but she didn't know how much longer she could stay here with the way things were. Granny noticed her and told her to take a break. She went for a walk in the woods, imagining a new life for herself. Many flashes of fantasies popped into her mind. A particularly strong fantasy involved her being a secret service agent assigned to protect a man with a microchip in his brain, but she knew that it wouldn't be the life for her, and it would probably be over in a couple of weeks.

After an hour, she made her way back into Storybrooke. She almost made it back to Granny's, when a call of, "Ruby," stopped her in her tracks.

She sighed and turned around, "Hello Victor."

Whale caught up to her and smirked at her, "So, I've been thinking. You and me should go out."

Ruby shook her head, "No thanks, I'd rather be friends."

Victor took a step forward, "Come on Rubes, we're meant to be."

Taking a step back, Ruby asked, "And why's that?"

"You're hot, I'm hot and you saved my life."

Ruby sighed, "Look Victor, I really enjoyed our conversation by the docks, but I just want to be friends."

Victor leaned in to kiss her. Ruby's wolf reflexes allowed her to quickly smack him across the face. "Get the fuck away from me."

Ruby ran to the Inn and dashed to her room. Slamming the door behind her, she went to her desk. She pulled out two pieces of paper and a pencil, her mind made up. She scribbled a note to herself and pocketed it and then wrote a note to Granny. When she was satisfied, she left the note on the desk. She pulled out a backpack and started packing. A few pieces of clothing and some protein bars were shoved into the bag. She knew that she was probably being rash, but she needed to get away from this town and start fresh, even if it meant leaving the ones she loved behind.

Closing the door and locking it behind her, Ruby left the Inn and ran to the town line. Taking a deep breath, she knew that there was no going back after this. She took a step over the line and then another.

Her mind went completely blank. She looked around, having no idea where she was or even who she was. She pulled her backpack off of her back and looked for any clues, but there was nothing. She felt in her pockets and found a note inside. It read,

Ruby-

Walk away from the town, you'll be much happier.

"My name is Ruby," she thought as she looked at the "Now Leaving Storybrooke" sign. She didn't understand what was going on or who put the message in her pocket, but it was the only lead she had. Terrified, she ran away from the town, hoping to find someone who could help her figure out who she was and where she had come from.