Hi all…I tried a different angle this time. This is my 2nd fan fic for O.U.A.T based on Skin deep, episode 12. I was so inspired by this episode. Here's the downlow on my my story. I noticed Belle and Ruby are two different people. So, in modern day storybroke, I wanted them to become friends…I love how Belle is so kind, caring, curious…and a unique beauty. Ruby is a daring, bold, spontaneous women, with a unique beauty as well. Being the nerd I am, I thought they would make a great team. In the beginning there is a lot of Ruby/Belle.

Maurice owns a autoshop, and me being a array of mixed nuts, I wanted Belle to work for her dad as a assistant, but she is still Old Belle, just with a couple differences. Please keep reading, I don't want to give it all away. I am continuing this story as we speak. Please review, I welcome ideas. No one will be turned down. Help me, my fellow readers/writers. *By the way, there's a treat in it for you Camaro fans…aaaaannnddd *curtains open…

Recently, her 24th birthday was a week ago. After helping her Dad, Maurice, at the auto shop at a extra 15 hours to her usual 40, she finally had time to go on a much needed shopping trip, with the birthday money she received from her dad and friends. She needed to get a few books, the newest novel by her favorite author, Phillipa Gregory, a repair manual for her crappy cavalier, and some new cloths. So many people requested oil changes this week, her dad couldn't keep up. Well, she pretty much earned back what she sacrificed for all her oil damaged jeans. She was in dire need of a haircut and brow wax as well. She felt she was looking like a long haired version of her dad. She laughed out loud at that thought. Shopping, and a makeover? It would be fun and would make any other girl ecstatic. But she was dreading it. All she wanted to do was was go to the bookstore. That was her favorite errand of the day. Belle thought differently…why not do the more dreadful tasks, and get the easier, fun ones later. Technically, her method was reward based.

Belle needed mental therapy…in the form of a cup of coffee. Granny's diner was a few steps away…why not?

She locked eyes with a well dressed man in his late 30's, or upper 40's, not sure. He stared at her though the window. She smiled back at him. He was reading a book, and drinking coffee. She was curious to see what it was, but she didn't want to become the creepy young girl…

Rumor had it, it was Mr. Gold. He literally owned the town. He would stop in and get his car, the one he seldom drove, maintenanced. He always asked for Belle. She always thought he was just a lonely older man, looking to speak to a young girl. She was the only one there. No one ever spoke of him being married, or dating. He was always in his shop, or sneaking a quick sip of scotch or coffee at Granny's, three doors down.

Ruby greeted Belle. "Hey girl, no date?" Belle laughed.

"No…-she looked at her tag…Ruby, I never have one."

"Ok…booth, or at the bar?"

"The bar please," Belle replied.

Ruby met her across. "What will it be, girly?"

"A coffee. Two sweeteners. That's all."

"No creamer," Belle shook her head and smiled.

'Oh…is your heart dark like your coffee…black and bitter?" Belle chucked.

"Oh, you are to funny! No, I always drank it that way." Ruby poured hot coffee, put in back on the machine and leaned in across Belle."

"You work at Maury's Pit Stop right?" Belle sighed.

"Yeah…I'd quit, but my Father loves the place as much as me." Ruby laughed.

"Girl, don't know how you can work at such a messy place, I love my clothes." Belle nodded her head as she sipped her coffee, then placed it down.

"I hear you, I am not that big into what's in, but, clothes aren't cheap, a cruddy pair of jeans cost about 30.00 dollars in this town. I'd rather spend it on a book. Matter of fact, I'm going shopping after this,- Belle pointed to her sleeve, a oil splotch and rust stain, yep".

"You had a tough day," Ruby asked.

"Yes…matter of fact." Belle looked around. "I got so many requests to do the oil, it's easy, but stressful. A lot of people are demanding. Are you friends with the mayor?"

"Nope, barely see her."

"Oh, ok great. I changed her car today…I wanted to scream. Porche's are so difficult. She was so demanding! Not even a tip!" Belle began to imitate her. "Miss, please get me some coffee, I can't get up, so busy here with paper work….miss, miss, did you hear me? Miss, don't get your dirty self on my interior." Belle rolled her eyes and laughed with Ruby.

"Sorry I'm airing my dirty laundry on you,"

"It's cool. I enjoy talking to people. Makes the shift fun," Ruby said. Mr. Gold looked up at Belle's direction. Belle smiled at him. She felt embarrassed complaining of a customer when he was one of them.

"I'm sorry Mr. Gold, am I being to loud?" Mr. Gold smiled.

"No Dear, I enjoy listening to the sound of your voice, and I had to look at the two pretty girls gossiping at the bar."

Ruby smiled. Belle blushed.

"Oh, I see. Thanks." Belle looked back and sipped her coffee.

"Mmmmm, this coffee is great."

"Thank you, I have a gift, I am the coffee goddess." Ruby posed with confidence. Belle laughed. Someone called Ruby's name.

Oh, sorry girl, I will be right back." Ruby scuttled off leaving Belle alone at the bar. Belle looked out the window, seeing a couple girls about her age walking by with bags. Laughing with each other, like they had no care's in the world.

"My, I wished I had a friend, I can talk to anyone, but no one to share my secrets, my stories, to do pointless things with."

"Uhm…hey Belle?" It was Gaston. A friend, admirer actually, she didn't want around. He was so annoying! Belle put on her happy face and moved on her stool to face him.

"What are you doing here," he asked, while running his fingers through his dark thick hair. His piercing blue eyes full of curiousity.

"Oh, I am just having some coffee, chatting with a friend…well, my server, Ruby…you?"

"Ruby…you got to wonder what she looks like underneath all that make up…she is a pest, won't leave you alone." Belle forced out a laugh. Once again, he spoke about looks. What's new?

"I think she is very pretty, and nice. We were having a nice conversation actually." Belle smiled when she saw him fidget alittle from feeling awkward. Gaston moved the chair next ti her and stood over her.

"But you look pretty as always."

"Thank you Gaston."
"Sooooo, how about seeing a movie tomorrow night?"

"Eh, maybe. I have a lot to do today."

"oh, I was asking tomorrow,"

"oh…I have to, I have to…" Mr. Gold popped up from his book and looked at the damsel in distress.

"She's helping me at the shop, backroom needs to be cleaned, right my dear?" Belle forced a laugh.

"Yes, Mr. Gold, glad you reminded me, I almost forgot." Mr. Gold winked at her and went back to reading. Thank goodness for Mr. Gold

Gaston leaned in to whisper into her ear.

"Your going to still ditch me, for that old man, you know, both our Dad's been trying to set us up for how long?" Belle rubbed her eyebrow.

"Ok Gaston, I'm going to say this as kindly as I can. My Dad may like you, I like you to, but you are getting on my nerves. I am not into men my age. I like older men." Instantly, Belle got a idea. She looked at Mr. Gold, with affection. Gaston nearly spat in disgust.

"Are you crazy…look at me! He is like, 1000 years old." Belle looked up at him.

"Well, at least he knows when a girl says no. He would probably have more experience…in everything." Her plan was working. Ruby came back. She looked Gaston in the eye.

"Hi there…you gonna harass my girl, or get something?" Gaston walked out and muttered something of the line, ruby was a hag, under his breath.

"What's his deal," Ruby asked.

"Oh, he's been trying to date me for such a long time. Don't know why. Frankly, he annoyes me."

"Tsk, that boy is such a pain. He brings trouble and has so many chic's following him. He can't stand me, and I prefer it that way, Ruby smiled.

"You said you were shopping," Ruby asked.

"Yes, I was going to Abby's boutique, to go get some jeans. I should have my dad comp me for ruining them. He won't buy me a jumpsuit, or a uniform. He is soooo cheap!" They laughed.

"Well, I was going to Abbys after work, would you like to tag along? She has a sale on crop tops…I love those things."

"Yes, I could use a shopping buddy. If I had a figure like yours, i'd wear those to, Belle complimented.

"You can, you look the same size as me."

"What do you do to stay in shape anyway," Belle asked.

"Between walking around 8 hours a day, stressing out, and biking everywhere, it's easy." Ruby gave a smug grin.

"What do you do, Belle?"

I hula hoop, and survive off coffee and bread. I don't mean to, but I read so much, and am so busy, I forget to eat. Ruby chuckled.

Did you want to grab anything to eat before we go? In the backround, Mr. Gold laughed at their girlish banter. They could be so silly when they were in pairs.

Belle finished her coffee and laid a five dollar bill on the table.

"Ready when your ready," Belle said. Ruby yelled out to her grandma she was leaving, then the girls walked out.

It was only a short walk, about 2 blocks. Ruby was excited. Belle was nervous. She never hung out with another girl for years. She was so used to having her nose in a book, or being around the seven male mechanics at Maury's Pit Stop.

"So, how did you get rid of Gaston anyway?" Belle smiled a sly grin at Ruby, something she picked up from Mr. Gold.

I pretty much got help from Mr. Gold, he lied for me. Then Gaston got mad because quote on quote- Belle used air quotes with her fingers" why on earth would I prefer to choose to clean for a man that's like, 1000 years old, over him!" Ruby laughed. Belle continued.

"So, I pretended I was checking out Mr. Gold, saying I liked older men. It was interesting, then you came to my rescue."
"Wow, Mr. Gold…you are nuts. I hope he didn't get a whiff of that. He seems like a lonely guy," Ruby said. He can be kinda creepy."

"I wouldn't know. Seems I'm the one who doesn't know him much. He's nice."

"He's nice until you break a deal." Belle thought back to those sweet, piercing gray eyes. How could he be that way. He carries himself as a kind, understanding man.

The two women entered the store. Abby was at the counter greeting them.

Ruby followed Belle to the jeans. Belle looked for 4 criterias, medium wash, no holes, average, and low waist. She was picky about the pants she wore. Unlike Ruby, who wore her jeans so low they left nothing to the imagination. After they found some pairs, they both went to the dressing room.

Belle picked two out of three pairs. She went back for a few shirts. Ruby made her way back , all the jeans in her arm.

"I'm going to jump on those crops Ruby announced with excitment" Belle laughed. She went back into the dressing room, she was about to try on a blue v-neck sweater, then there was knock on the door.

"Hey girly, try these on. Live alittle. Belle raised a brow as she grabbed the aritcles of clothing.

A blue halter top, a brown crop top with suede frindge, and a black, off the shoulder sweater.

"I don't know if I have the nerve to pull this off…"

Ruby yelled back from the stall on the left.

"Come on girl, you got the looks, get the cloths! Turn more heads. Enjoy your youth while you can. Why do you think I dress the way I do," Ruby preached.

"Well, I guess I could. Belle tried on the black sweater, with one of her jeans she choose to buy. Belle walked out.

Ruby came out. She approved.

"Niiiiiccceee," that shirt was made for you." Ruby grinned and she held up her findings.

"I found 5 crops!" Belle shook her head in amazement. "I have my books and magazines, she has her tops."
They went to the register, checked out, and left.

Outside the shop, it was unusually quiet for a Friday afternoon.

"Well,-Bell started, thanks, it was nice to get out with someone for a while.

"Are you working tomorrow," Belle asked Ruby.

"Yeah, on the brighter side, it's the weekend, more tips! But next Friday, I am going out…to a party. Oh, did you want to come? We can show off our new cloths!" That pain in ass might come…"

"Gaston," they said in unison. Ruby nodded her head.

"You should dress really hot, to really tease him, face it Belle, deep down, us girls wanna have the power, in the form of teasing men." Belle laughed.

"Why not! Oh, I have to got to get my hair cut…not looking forward to that, I have a thing with people's hands holding sharp things, like scissors, close to my face…"

"Oh, go to the shop down the street, my friend Ariel cuts hair, tell her I sent ya, she might throw in a free be, or discount." Belle smiled.

"Thanks, Ruby! Well, I would love to go to the party with you. I need to get out. Sadly, the highest point of my social life, was with you today." They laughed.

"Ok girl…sounds like a plan, stop by tomorrow if you want to."

"I'll do my best. See you later Ruby." The women waived at each other and parted ways.

Belle had half mind to go over to see gold back at the restaurant. After all, Ruby left, she saw Ruby walk home after words. Bell made up her mind. I will talk to Mr. Gold.

To her dismay, the window was empty. "Where did he go…" she wondered. A idea popped into her mind. The pawn shop!

Belle quickly walked three doors down, then walked into the shop. Low and behold, Mr. Gold greeted her with a smile.

"Why, hello Dear, it's so nice to see your pretty face." Belle smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Gold, you always had a way with words…makes me wonder why you aren't taken sometimes," she said flirtatiously. He smiled at her compliment.

"Anything I can get for you?"

"Well…I wanted to thank you for –she did air quotes, rescuing me. That boy has been a pest for longer then I can remember."

"Anything for a damsel in distress." Belle felt a odd a tickle on her stomach, it wasn't bad, but it was unfamiliar. She was so drawn to his eyes. In this light, his eyes were almost silver. She wondered how many untold stories were hidden behind those eyes. She felt so drawn to him, and had no idea why. Belle wanted to say something, but she couldn't figure out what.

"Belle…" he said, with his silky, Scottish accent. She snapped out of her reverie.

"I'm sorry Mr. Gold, I…I am quite out of it today, a rough shift at the shop, then a busy hour with Ruby…I…I like your tie, it's a nice color, I love purple. "Shut up, you idiot, your making a fool of yourself, just ask him already," Belles inner voice screamed. She laughed nervously. Great, now this man thinks iv'e come to hit on him.

"Just to show my appreciation…I…I was wondering if you needed a hour of help…for free. I am just returning…a favor. Mr. Gold's eyes lit up as he smiled. Belle blushed so hard, she had no idea why all these involuntary things were happening to her.

"Actually, when are you free, I could use some things tagged and put away, new merchandise," he replied. Bell took out her planner. She skimmed through it with her finger.

"Well…looks like tomorrow is pretty open. How about it?" Mr. Gold nodded and held out his hand. She shacked it.

Belle was startled as soon as he took her hand and turned it over, knuckles facing up. He kissed her hand and looked up at her once more.

"It's a deal, your so kind." Belle let out a breath. "Okay Mr. Gold, I look forward to it." Belle waived and left. That was crazy…

Belle walked towards Ariels beauty saloon. Getting the hardest part done…

Belle was greeted by a tall, youthful, wavy red headed girl, looking to be right out of highschool.

Ariel smiled.
"Hello, do you have a appointment?"

"No, actually, I feel bad I didn't make one, I can come back…"

"Oh no girly, we always have room for one more!" "What can I get for ya?"

"Eh…cut, eye brow wax…oh, Ruby sent me here…from the diner."

"Oh, Ruby! That's my girl! How about 10 percent off and a free French manicure?"

"If you have the time," Belle replied.

"Great…follow me." Belle was in awe of her as soon as she turned around. Ariels hair was so beautiful…vibrant red, cascading to the middle of her knees, it was so luxurious and soft looking. She had little pearls inter-twined all over her locks. Belle felt inferior to her already. "If only I had red hair, not this mousy auburn stuff…"

Ariel took out her scissors out of her cup containing sanitizer, and started combing out Belle's hair.

"Wow honey, you have some thick hair…are you Irish?"

"No, I think French. That's what my Pa tells me." Ariel looked at her intently into the mirror at Belle's reflection. I can see that! So…do you want me to add in layers, it looks like that's how you hair is cut. Leave it long?

"Yeah, I'd like that, please." It grew quiet between the two. After a half hour, bell got her nails and brows done. Paid Ariel a handsome tip, and left.

Belle ran home to sit on her feet and relax after this hectic after noon. She needed to change. She still had on her work clothes.