Disclaimer: I do not own OUAT or the characters. Also, it goes without saying that this will be very deviant from canon. Enjoy!

Love and Horrors
1. Waiting Room

Once everyone was sure the visitor would live and, arguably more importantly, had not seen any magic, they all went back to their homes. Victor still felt wired and took to walking the halls. The hospital had always been a fairly quiet place. The comatose David and the ever-growing Henry were his only consistent patients for years. Tonight was the most active Victor had ever seen the place. The adrenaline of that alone was a rush, but adding to that his successful surgery and the energy was electrifying.

Victor felt so alive, full of purpose again.

He passed by the waiting area and paused when he saw a familiar figure. "Hey. What are you still doing here?"

Ruby lifted her head and smiled at him. "Hey. I'm waiting to see Belle. With all that was going on with that guy, I didn't really get a chance to check on her." Victor's lips moved up to match her smile. Ruby truly was an amazing person. Even during the curse, she was always friendly and kind to others.

Victor invited himself to sit next to her. She had found the time to go to the library and get a book. He guessed it was for Belle.

"What book is that?"

"Oh, it's a book about wizards and magic." Her smile turned more amused. "You think some of the cursed names here are a little too spot-on? One of the characters here is basically called Wolf McWolferson." Her amusement was so infectious Victor found himself laughing. Ruby's eyes sparkled at him in delight.

"Speaking of names," Victor mused, "I don't actually know yours. Your real one."

"It's Liza." Their eyes met and Victor's heart skipped a beat. Everyone called her "Ruby", even her closest friends. Yet she gave her real name to Victor without a second thought.

"Liza." He liked the way it sounded. Victor's gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he broke contact. "I'm not sure receptive Belle is to visitors," he warned her, "but you're welcome to try."

"Thanks." She squeezed his hand, hopping to her feet. "See you later," she called over her shoulder.

Victor watched her go, letting out a sigh. His fingers still tingled from that squeeze. He flexed them a few times but the sensation didn't go away.

Eventually Victor rose to his feet and continued his rounds. Full of purpose... and something more.