So, the plan is being put into action. Buckles your seat belts. (This was going to be longer but I had to cut a piece.)


The library was surprisingly easy to decorate once Ruby explained to Belle what all the decorations were and where they were normally put. Belle was a diligent worker; she made sure that all the decorations they'd brought were in place and tidy looking. She'd even gone back to where Ruby had already decorated and adjusted anything she'd been lazy about. That's dedication. All in all the big place looked nice: they'd placed fake candles in all the windows and wrapped lights around the entryway. The reception desk was swathed in garland and a jar of candy canes sat on top. Belle had taken to eating a candy cane, then drinking a cup of eggnog, then eating yet another candy cane. Of the 'nog they'd brought only about 3 cups worth was left. Ruby proposed that they split what was left in a toast to their hard work, and Belle happily agreed.

"I think we did a good job." They were sitting on the reception desk watching snow fall through the glass doors. The music faded in and out in the background swirling around them like the flakes outside.

"Yeah, everything looks really nice." Both of them were tired from a full day of work. Decorating a building this big is no joke. It had taken about 7 hours in total and now the sun was dropping below the horizon, with it the temperature. Thankfully, the heat in the library was circulating nicely, even though the system hadn't been used in 28 years. Ruby stole a quick glance at the girl next to her. Belle was sipping her drink and twirling her half eaten candy cane around. Her eyes were fixed on the white gusts outside like it was a movie, just lazily following the blusters. As if it had a mind of its own Ruby's arm snaked around Belle's shoulders and pulled her up against an equally surprised waitress. Belle's surprise didn't last long and she was soon pressed underneath Ruby's chin. Without another thought Ruby pressed her lips into her friends hair. Not a single protest came from Belle, she just relaxed and leaned further in. They sat in silence for another few minutes until a loud buzzing rattled out of Ruby's pocket. Nooooooooo. Ruby moaned internally. But Belle was already shifting away. With a frustrated growl Ruby fumbled her phone out. A text from Emma blinked up at her.

(6:28) Let's meet at the sheriff station and outline the plan. Regina finally surrendered in our snowball fight.

Ruby frowned at Regina's name but swallowed her anger. She trusted Emma's gut and if Emma's gut wanted to have snowball fights and tongue-tango with the Mayor, so be it. Snapping the phone shut Ruby slide off the desk.

"Belle, I gotta go to the Sheriffs station and help Emma out with something." It wasn't a lie; she was going to the station to help Emma. Belle just couldn't know what it was about.

"What does she need help with? Do you need anything?" Ruby smiled at the librarian and shook her head. I need you to stay here and not get wind of your surprise.

"No, its just some simple paperwork stuff. Emma is a fantastic sheriff when it comes to chasing down a prep or breaking a dark curse, but she isn't so keen on dealing with a the paper-related stuff." That made Belle laugh as she too slide from the counter to give Ruby a hug.

"Thank you for helping me. I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked while looking up at Ruby with eyes glowing with happiness.

"Of course." Ruby hugged her back. As if you could keep me away. At that she reluctantly broke contact and shrugged on her coats.

"See you, tomorrow."

-Antlers and Eggnog-

"Emma?"

"Yeah, I'm in here." Emma's voice drifted over to Ruby from a side closet near the file cabinets. Lots of shuffling and bumping could be heard from the tiny space. A avalanche of old papers and folders spilled out from behind the door, followed closely by Emma, who was smiling triumphantly holding a black trash bag. The sheriff was still in what looked like her snowball fight clothes and breathing a little hard from her struggle with the mystery bag.

"What's that?"

"Just wait and see." Emma reached into her prize and pulled out a large, red suit.

"Nice! How long have you had this?" Ruby ran her fingers on the soft fabric. It felt a little dusty and smelled like mothballs and peppermint.

"It was Graham's." Emma smiled sadly. The loss of the old sheriff hurt just as much now that everyone had his or her memories back.

"How did you know this was here?"

"Graham always mentioned wanting to dress up for the kids at school, but decided the his girlish figure might not fit with the whole idea of fat Santa."

"I guess the same applies for us."

"Yeah, but I think I know the perfect fat guy."

-Antlers and Eggnog-

"Hey, I'm not fat, I'm sturdily built!"

"Leroy, come on!"

"Leroy, you owe both of us a favor." Emma raised her eyebrows at the surly dwarf. Oh shit, Badass Mode activated. Ruby unconsciously took a small step away from the tough sheriff. Emma might be a princess but she sure as hell didn't act like one. Nope, Emma was in Leroy's face smiling down at him with a testy glint in her eye.

"I just saved your ass from a dark curse, which means you owe me one. You owe Ruby for all the bar tabs you didn't pay while under that curse. Not to mention all of your indecent behavior." Leroy flicked his eyes over to Ruby with a pleading glance.

"Don't look at me like that, Emma's right. Plus, I brought you and your buddies food while you were in the mines. Come on, Leroy! My friend needs something special for the holidays."

"Who's your friend?"

"Her name is Belle and she, more than anyone I can think of, deserves this." Ruby hardened her gaze. Emma leaned back and crossed her arms, daring Leroy to say something stupid. He looked at the wolf and the sheriff; probably trying to guess which one would be easier to escape from. Neither. With a sigh Leroy held up his hands in defeat.

"Fine, I'll help with your plan. On one condition."

"And what is that?" Ruby asked with a smirk.

"You guys help me figure out what to buy for a girl on Christmas." He grumbled while looking at his boots. Ruby and Emma exchanged a glance. Leroy's got a girlfriend?

"A…girl?" Emma practically snorted.

"Yeah, a girl! Well, actually she's a nun, but that doesn't change anything!" Now he was turning a heavy shade of pink, whether from embarrassment or anger Ruby couldn't tell. Most likely both. The dwarf glared at Emma while she tried to contain herself. Ruby took pity on him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Alright, I'll help you out. What does she like?"

"Uh, well, she used to like travel and adventure and now she likes candles, I guess." He shrugged.

"Giving her something related to travel would be kind of moot, since we can't leave town."

"Maybe you should make her something." Emma chimed in. Sometimes simple is better, at least to the sheriff.

"Yeah, like a necklace or bracelet, something nice. I'm sure you could find some kind of shiny stone in the mines."

"Yeah, I guess I could do that. I saw some opal or something in a cave a few weeks ago." Now Leroy had lost his pink shade and was smiling. "Ok, I'll help you guys out, when do we need to do this thing?"

"Not 'till Christmas Eve."

"Alright, I'll talk to you later." He turned, and started strolling down the sidewalk towards the mines. Emma turned to Ruby and gave her a high five.

"Step One, check!" Now they had their (grumpy) jolly man.


What's Step Two? Thanks for reading, reviews are helpful!