This is my first Fanfic, so I'm hoping for the best. Christmas, Red Beauty and eggnog for everybody!

Ruby felt a frigid breeze drift over her face. It stung her nose and made her sniff. Blinking bleary eyes she sat up and tried to gather her bearings. The feeling of something wet and soft beneath her made the girl jump. Looks like it snowed last night. Her clothes were stiff with snow- they creaked like Granny trying to reach something under her bed. Ruby jumped up and down a few times to try and dislodge some of the bigger pieces before setting out, stumbling through the white drifts, away from the woods. Some hot chocolate would be very appreciated; I'm freezing my ass off!

The trek back was absolute hell. Ruby was shaking so hard she could barely open the door to the inn. Once inside she turned the shower on as hot as it could go and slide in with her clothes on. Ohhhhhh, so warm! The burning water was enough to defrost Ruby and her clothes enough to actually take them off. She sat in the shower as long as possible, forcing the cold out of her bones. It had felt like removing several layers of ice every time she let the water cascade down her thawing form. When the hot water finally ran out Ruby reluctantly evacuated the shower to go change into something warm enough for the trip to the diner. Don't wolves have some resistance to cold? This just isn't fair. In a flannel shirt, jeans, insulated hiking boots and two jackets (plus all necessary hats, gloves and scarves) she began the short walk to Granny's. You shouldn't have parked your stupid car there, idiot.

The diner was all done up in Christmas lights and wreaths that made Ruby very excited for the coming holidays. Presents and Granny's one-time-a-year eggnog. All of Storybrooke was a-glitter with white and decorations. Shockingly, the mayor's house was liberally decorated, though Ruby suspected Emma had a hand in that. Our Sheriff sure can pick 'em. Ruby had never been close to Regina, but even she could see the positive (though slow) effect Emma was having on the frosty woman. Frosty, the ice queen was a vindictive, bitchy soul. With a business suit and a Fuck You glare, plus two eyes as black as coal! Ruby laughed to herself. I'll tolerate that woman for Emma's sake. Ruby walked in and looked around surprised,at 9'clock in the morning on a Saturday, there were very few people in the diner. Grumpy and were in one booth chatting about…nuns? And Archie was in another sipping what smelled like eggnog and reading the paper. The lone figure at the counter caught Ruby's eye. She smiled and snuck up behind her favorite librarian, who was engrossed in yet another book.

"Is there ever a time that you aren't reading?" Belle jumped and spun around in her seat. When she saw the speaker her eyes lit up and she smiled.

"I don't read when I'm talking to sneaky waitresses." She turned and gently put the book away. Ruby laughed and drifted to her spot behind the counter. Belle's customary iced tea was nowhere insight, so she reached down to grab a glass and start making one. A small hand on her wrist paused her work.

"It's a bit to cold for that today. You should know." Belle said with her eyebrows raised, indicating Ruby's still bundled up state.

"Hey, you're almost as bad as me." It was true, the librarian had on a similar out fit to Ruby but she ditched the coats for some comfy-looking, but stylish sweaters. Held prisoner for 28 years and she still has better style then half of this town.

"Could I try some of this eggnog stuff instead?" Belle asked with a small smile. Ruby beamed back and went to go get her a mug. All that girl had to do was smile and any willpower Ruby had was thrown out the window. I bet she knows it, too. The waitress returned with a Santa Claus shaped mug, filled to the brim with 'nog. She set it down and leaned on the counter. Belle gingerly picked of the over filled mug and brought it to her lips. She sipped daintily for a second, but then started taking bigger gulps. The mug was placed back on the table empty and Belle was grinning like a fool with an eggnog mustache on her face.

"That was delicious!" She exclaimed happily. "Can I get some more?" Ruby just shook her head with a laugh and swiped up the mug to refill it. She returned with a mug for herself as well and set them both carefully on the shiny surface.

"Go easy on this stuff Belle, I don't want to have to deal with you in a 'nog coma."

"Ok, I'll try and pace myself. How'd last night go?"

"Oh, the usual," Ruby sighed. "Running felt really good, but it snowed and I woke up freezing and covered in it." That was what stunk about her transformations in the winter, not being able to wake up somewhere warm. Of course the curse had sent them up north to snowy, snowy Maine. But she couldn't complain, because as a human Ruby loved snow. And Snow, too. I wonder if that's annoying for her in the winter. Ruby pondered her friend's name and the fluffy white stuff on the ground while Belle sucked down her eggnog. When she finished her eggnog mustache had grown and Ruby fought to contain her laughter.

"Here," She giggled. "Let me help you out with that." Ruby grabbed a towel from underneath the counter and reached across to wipe her friends face. Belle blushed and looked away while Ruby carefully brushed the drink away.

"Thanks." She smiled and looked back at the waitress. Geez, how can a person be so adorable. Ruby just winked at her.

"No problem, that's what friends are for." She said, taking a swig of her own 'nog.

"I wish you would come to the library." Belle said, suddenly serious. Ruby swallowed and looked at her strangely.

"Belle, I do come to the library. All the time." Mostly to see you.

"No, I mean when you turn. It's big enough for you in there and it's warm." Belle clarified. "I don't want you waking up freezing and alone every wolfstime. It breaks my heart." Ruby felt her own heart swell with love at those words. She couldn't remember ever meeting someone as wonderful, beautiful and caring as Belle.

"Belle, thank you so much, but you know I shouldn't be inside or near the town at all, really." Ruby smiled sadly. Belle frowned but nodded. Not that she's gonna let it drop. No, Belle was stubborn and patient. She'd bring it up again eventually.

"Anyway, there's something much better and far more exciting coming up this month, before wolfstime." Ruby began, changing the subject. Belle's seriousness somewhat melted away and was replaced with burning curiosity.

"What?"

"Only my favorite time of year." Ruby teased.

"Ruby! Tell me!" Belle pleaded. The librarian reached across the counter to lightly sock her friend in the arm. When Ruby still didn't answer the punching increased and got harder.

"Ow, ow, OK. I submit." Ruby laughed. She groped around under the counter and brought up a headband with reindeer antlers, placing it firmly on her head.

"It's almost Christmas time!" She shouted as she pulled out another pair for Belle. Belle looked at the antlers curiously before turning her questioning eyes to Ruby.

"Well, truthfully, I've never celebrated Christmas before. I was reading about it when you came in." Belle said looking down with a flush of embarrassment coating her face. Ruby felt her heart swell again and gently lifted her friends face up. Ruby felt a stab of anger at the curse and Regina for keeping Belle locked up and kept away from all the joys of the outside world. It was a crime that such a lovely human-being was kept away from such a fantastic experience, all for having ties to a certain lizard-skinned trickster. That snake. Regina was also at fault here, if not more. Ruby felt an explosion of anger in her chest. So many wrongs had been done to such an innocent creature; she could go and rip out all their throats. But, since it was the season of good cheer, she took a breath and smiled.

"Belle, I promise to educate you on all things Christmas-y and to make sure that you have the best First Christmas ever!"

"Will there be eggnog?"

"Yes, there will be plenty."

Well, let see how this goes!