A/N: Just a few quick things before you read:

I don't mean to paint Archie in a pedophile-esque light. I only mean that since Archie is in a magical form (as a grasshopper), he probably isn't aging, and, therefore, he could have a multi-layered love with Ruby. One of a big brother/protector, mentor, and, eventually, a lover as she grows up. So, this would be the origin of that. Hope you enjoy.

"You wished?"

The crimson-clad girl's eyes flew open in surprise. She glanced all around her, seeking the unexpected voice.

Jiminy sighed. He hated this part.

"Down here!"

Her eyes finally found him and widened when she realized who—or what—was talking to her.

"A- a cricket? But that's impossible! How are you speaking?"

"Most people can't hear me at all. Only a true believer in the power of wishes can hear my voice."

"Does that mean my wish will come true?"

Jiminy truly surveyed the girl for the first time. She couldn't be more than seven years old. Her face was hopeful, but her eyes were scared as if she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She had a sweet, innocent face that made him like her instantly.

The night pressed in on the forest around them. The only light came from the solitary star above: the power behind her wish. It provided just enough light to reveal the tear tracks on the girl's face. This place was known for its abundance of wolves, so what was this little girl doing here all alone?

"Shouldn't you be with your mother at home?" he asked. The little girl cast her eyes down with guilt.

"My granny's sick, so my momma sent me to bring her warm bread and sweets. But then it got dark, and I didn't know which way to go, and I got scared. There's wolves out here. So I sat down and ate the food. When my momma finds out about this, I'll get a beating. I don't know if I'm more scared of her or the wolves. So that's why I wished."

Jiminy found himself wishing, for the first time, to be a man again. Normally he enjoyed the freedom of hopping from place to place as he pleased and popping in to grant wishes. But now he felt trapped, unable to put an arm around the poor girl and comfort her. At least he could do something…

"I'll grant your wish."

The girl's eyes lit up and Jiminy's heart felt ten times lighter.

"You will?"

"Even better; not only will I grant your wish, but I will make sure you never have to worry about wolves or your momma ever again."

The girl's smile grew wider, and Jiminy knew, from that point forward, that he would do anything to see her smile.

A/N: Did it make sense? Did you like it? Please review. It only takes a couple of seconds, but it makes me happy for so much longer than that, and it keeps me writing!