Ruby, Cinder, Parent, AU

"Little Red, watch where you're going. You wouldn't want to bump into anyone."

"Yes, Cindy."

The woman chuckled at the young girl's cute nickname for her. She had been reluctant at first to let the brunette call her something so silly, but the name had really grown on her. Now it brought a smile to her face every time she heard it. It reminded her of how lucky she was to have Ruby in her life. She couldn't believe it had only been two years since she had found the young girl.

Moonlight streamed down in thin beams illuminating the forest floor. All was still save for the light breeze in the air and the silent footsteps of a woman in red. Her gait was measured and deliberate. She walked with dignity and purpose, even there, where roots and small plants littered the narrow forrest path.

She had set out that evening to clear her mind. She had hoped that some fresh air and a change in scenery might help her with her considerable mess of problems. There were so many important decisions that had to be made and she was in charge of making every last one of them. But her brain and her heart were not in agreement and she needed answers soon.

The evening's quiet atmosphere was shattered with the howling of a wolf, drawing the woman out of her mind and back to her surroundings. Through the trees she could very clearly see what could only be described as demon-wolves thundering down an adjacent path. Sightings such as that were incredibly rare, especially so close to civilization. The woman's interest was piqued.

Deciding she would rather indulge herself in this mystery than drown in the turmoil of her mind, the woman carefully stepped through the underbrush to the path the beasts had been following. She turned so that she would be heading towards where they had come from and began her trek.

A minutes walk led her to a small clearing in the woods. The ground appeared to be deliberately cleared of any foliage. What seemed like the remains of a fire still smoldered in a ring of stones. The whole place felt rather empty, like something was gone, taken away.

Turning to leave the woman caught the first sign of movement. She prepared herself for the worst but was floored when she realized what it had been. Curled in a ball, huddled at the edge of the clearing, shaking violently, was a small red bundle.

The woman took a step towards it then hesitated. There was no knowing what the unassuming red spot was. Then she heard it. Whimpering. Whatever it was that was contained in those, it was crying. Her feet once again were able to move, stepping closer to the shivering cloth.

Bending down, gently as she could, she put what she hoped was a comforting hand on the red cape. The shuddering stopped abruptly, the person hidden within paralyzed by fear. Unsure what to do next, the woman spoke softly to the bundle.

"It's alright. You're alright. Everything's fine."

There was a pause before the bundle began sobbing. The sound was similar to that of a small child. The woman, unsure of what to do next, pulled carefully at the material encasing the tiny person. The red shifted and suddenly all she saw was silver. But it wasn't shining, no, it was dull and glassy. The somber orbs were so wide with fear, brimming with anguish.

"Everything's going to be alright. I'm not going to let anything to happen to you."

Cinder waltzed across the kitchen to look at the calendar. June 19. It had been one year since she had left the criminal underworld. One year since she had become her own person. One year since she had become responsible for another human being.

"Little Red, are you ready to go? You wouldn't want the party to start without its guest of honor."

Little feet raced down the stairs and careened around the banister. The little ball of energy came to rest holding tightly to Cinder's leg. Brilliant silver eyes looked up at the woman as well as a face wide smile.

"Yes Cindy, I'm all ready!"

The woman rolled her eyes at the silly name but smiled all the same. She reached down and took the young girl's hand and led them out the front door.

"Are you excited to see all your friends?"

The car drove smoothly beneath them. Ruby sat in the front seat, her legs hanging comically short off her seat.

"You bet. This is going to be the best day ever!"

Cinder felt an infectious smile break across her face. Something about the young girl's enthusiasm managed to elicit an infinitely positive response from the obsidian haired woman.

Glancing down at her phone Cinder looked once again at the time. One thirty PM, June 19. She had taken Ruby into the city, much to the still young child's delight. There were plenty of things for an curious, energetic eight year old to explore. They had already stopped in the park and taken time to run around in it's gently sloping, green hills.

As they walked down the street Cinder couldn't help but smile at the girl. Seeing her move so excitedly from window to window, watching her face light up in wonder every time, it made her feel whole again. If she had never met the young girl, there's no telling what might have happened.

"Cindy? Can we go in here?"

"Of course, my Little Red."