**A/N: I know this update took forever, and I apologize. I will try to update more frequently in the future. In any case, I bring you Ch 10 - I hope you enjoy! (All errors are my own. I admit, I may have rushed some things because I was excited to get it up. Please forgive me.)

Quick Note: Snow's character may seem slightly OOC. This is because a) I wrote her as "Badass Snow" from FTL, and b) I figured after growing up together (which they did in my Universe), and seeing how Red and her family are a bit "rough around the edges" you might say, that maybe they had developed their own method of communicating that they might not have with anyone else. They are basically sisters in my version. Except they like each other. Ha!

Rating: NC-17 with WARNINGS, see first chapter.

Ruby swiped the back of her hand along her sweat-covered brow, threw the dishrag over her shoulder, and grabbed the next batch of orders off the line. What a day it had been! After Snow had left, it had been a constant barrage of questions about what had gone on. Well, that was until Granny found an old apple crate, stepped right up on it in front of the whole room, put her fingers to her mouth and blew. All eyes had flown to her, the room so quiet you might have heard an inchworm crawling across the floor. It was kinda scary when Granny got this mad. "Now you all cut it out, ya hear? My grandbaby's business ain't nobody's but her own. Next person t'ask her about it, talk amongst themselves about it, or even think about it gets a one-month ban from the diner! Do I make myself clear?"

There were a few scattered murmurs in response. Ruby's gran was less than pleased. "Well?!" she called sternly to the room, fists on her hips, "Surely y'all can do better than that?"

Immediately the room erupted with cacophony of "Yes, ma'am" and "Sorry", and as it died down, one lone, tiny "You're bossy" rang out from somewhere in the back. Everyone turned to look, but no one would own it. Eugenia narrowed her eyes, trying to see if she could catch the one who would dare risk their diner privileges, but after a moment it was clear that the offender was safe. Mrs. Lucas's eyes softened and she took her hands off her hips and her fists unfurled.

"Well, alrighty then. That'd better be the last of it." She gave one last sharp look at the crowd before stepping off the crate and flipping it upright to take with her. It was pretty quiet while she crossed the room and placed the crate behind the counter. Fred Cale, the butcher, was the first brave soul to approach the counter and offer to pay for his meal. Everyone watched in stunned silence, collective breaths held. "Didjya enjoy your dinner tonight, Fred?" she asked sweetly, and the man breathed out in relief. The customers behind him also exhaled. Within moments all was forgotten, and the diner was a loud ruckus once again. It'd been non-stop service since.

Red took a quick breath now as she very quickly dropped off the omelette and steak to table five and the side of mashed potatoes for the Emerson baby at table three. On her way back up to the front, she hazarded a quick glance at the clock and her heart stopped. No, it couldn't be! She had exactly seven minutes to make it to Snow's by 7:30 or there would be hell to pay! She caught her Gran's eye and nodded towards the clock, and was given a shooing motion from the old woman in return.

"Good luck, honey," Eugenia whispered lovingly as her granddaughter approached, recalling only too clearly how she'd once needed to rely on her own dearest friend for support. She hoped, for Red's sake, Snow would be as gentle and loving. Ruby smiled in response, stole a quick peck to her grandma's cheek and was off. Her apron was untied and thrown over her shoulder before she'd even exited the kitchen.

Within fifteen minutes, Red was in her street clothes and headed up her best friend's front walk. She approached the front door with mild trepidation. Her palms felt clammy and as she raised her right arm to knock, she realized both hands were already in fists. She was more frightened about the upcoming conversation than she had realized. She swallowed nervously, unclenched her fingers, smoothed her palms along her jeans to wipe away some of the sweat, and closed her eyes tightly as she rapped on the door. She heard a vague, "It's open," from inside and took a deep breath before turning the knob beneath her fingers. Here goes nothin, Rubes. Let's see what your relationship with Snow is really made of. She opened her eyes and the door at the same time.

As soon as the door swung wide, Ruby was overwhelmed by the sweet flowery scent that was distinctly Mary Margaret, and the lingering hint of fresh pine that was distinctly David. This, along with soft pastels throughout the apartment, had always helped Red feel comfortable and happy here. No matter which world they'd loved in, actually, Snow's had always been a house of compassion and support. . . Ruby hoped that held, even now. As soon as she'd crossed the threshold, she was greeted with a big, warm smile from Snow over her kitchen counter. She was standing very relaxed, white wine already in hand. Ruby could see another glass had been poured just for her. Her own smile overtook her face and she eagerly shut the door behind her before sliding onto a stool in front of it.

"Hey," she said, still smiling despite her stomach turning itself inside out. Her fingers tapped nervously on the glass and she bit her lower lip.

"Hey," Mary Margaret replied, eyes twinkling. She had no illusions that whatever Red was about to tell her would be an easy conversation, but she hoped her love for the werewolf shown through. Above all, she wanted her bff to know she was in a safe space.

Red eyed Snow with adoration, having no idea how this amazing woman was able to put her so at ease, even as tense and uncomfortable as she had been on the way over. But, without fail, she did. Snow was her very best friend, her rock. She just hoped that that wasn't all about to disappear. With that last thought, Ruby had unconsciously lowered her head in shame, and Mary Margaret looked on, an intense ache surging through her chest. She reached over the counter and placed her fingers under Ruby's chin, lifting the woman's soulful brown eyes to her own. Ruby looked back at her, eyes now filling with tears.

"Oh, Snow. . ." she started, the tears flowing down over her cheeks in waves. Mary Margaret quickly rounded the island and was next to Ruby, her friend's face in her hands, in record time.

"Honey, tell me," she said softly, her fingers pushing Red's errant hairs out of her face, her right hand dropping to cover Red's own in her lap, gripping it strongly. "It's ok, it's ok now. I've got you."

Red was unable to stop the tears; they were like a deluge. She hadn't cried like this since the night she'd first told her Gran what had happened. There was something about the women who loved her that made her want to purge everything bad and evil within, get it all out. Snow pulled Red's face to her shoulder lovingly while gently slipping an arm around the other woman's waist and pulling her gently to her feet. She very carefully guided her friend across the room to the couch, where they both settled onto the soft cushions. Ruby sobbed for a long while with Snow holding her like her life depended on it, all the while rocking her, placing soft kisses in her hair and whispering beautiful, supportive things in her ear.

Finally the tears slowed. Both women had lost track of time. Snow hadn't been sure what tonight would entail and had therefore requested David stay at his own place tonight. She'd also asked her daughter, Emma, to make herself and her son, Henry, scarce as well. The last thing she knew she and Ruby needed was someone walking in on this obviously crucial, painful conversation. Ruby slowly pulled back out of Snow's arms and dried her eyes with the base of her palms. Mary Margaret helped wipe a few away with her thumb and cradled Ruby's left cheek as they faced each other. They dropped their heads forward simultaneously, foreheads meeting in the middle, Ruby stared into her lap, toying with an errant string from the couch. Snow just waited and watched.

Snow wanted to gather a few things, and nudged Ruby up off her a bit. "Sit tight for a second, dear," she said and hopped up from the couch. She was back in a flash with a box of tissues and their wine glasses. Snow plopped back down on the couch, and gave Red a silly side-eye. Red was mid-sniffle in a fresh tissue when she caught Mary Margaret's silly look and giggled. Soon they were both laughing over gods knew what. When the giggles slowly died down, Snow pushed Red's wine glass closer to her on the coffee table.

"Drink this. It'll help you relax. Gods know you need it, you look like shit." Snow grinned evilly as she said it, the twinkle in her eyes a welcome distraction; Ruby grinned back. It was truly great having her badass friend, Snow, back in her life. Not that she hadn't liked pre-curse Mary Margaret, but this woman, the one who was holding her and giving her something to laugh about at the same time, this was the friend she'd grown up with, that she adored, that she'd killed her own mother to save. This woman, she often thought, with immense gratitude, was the reason she'd survived to adulthood. All the scrapes she'd been in, and Snow had had her back through every single misadventure, and had possibly loved her even more because of it. They were "two peas in a pod", or so Ruby's gran always used to tell them.

Red sat up fully and bent forward, cupping both hands around her glass. Mary Margaret was now reposed against the couch arm, knees drawn up, naked perfect little feet and tiny pastel blue painted toes resting on the couch cushion, facing her friend, cradling her own wine in her hands, the bottom resting on her stomach. They both drank at the same time. Snow just waited. It would come. After a few moments of sitting together in comfortable silence, Ruby leaned back against the couch and smiled.

"You know the only reason I ever come over is because you have wonderful taste in wine, don't you?" Ruby stated, glancing over at Mary Margaret and grinning coyly.

"Oh, is that so?" Mary Margaret took the bait and Ruby nodded. This was an old routine for them. "Well then I suppose I'll have to make sure I never run out, won't I?"

There was a pause as both friends looked back to their glasses. "You mean everything to me, Red," Snow continued. "I can't imagine my life without you." And with that she buried her tiny pale toes under Red's thigh.

Red laughed. "You always did get cold feet. Here let me warm them up." She took Snow's legs and straightened them out so that both feet rested on her lap. She picked up the right foot first and absentmindedly began to rub. Snow just waited. She knew her friend too well; she couldn't be rushed.

Suddenly, without warning, Red's fingers stopped and the words exploded from her, shamefully.

"I hurt Belle, Mary Margaret. Badly," she stressed the last part, trying to get Snow to understand this was not trivial. "Not like Peter bad, obviously, but really, really bad."

Mary Margaret was admittedly confused. Red had killed and eaten her boyfriend, Peter, long ago, when in her werewolf form. And yet, Mary Margaret was certain she'd seen Belle that afternoon in the diner. She'd looked fine, as far as she could tell. What possibly could have happened to make Red think these two incidents were even remotely on the same level? Instead of asking though, she just waited. It would all be clear soon; the floodgates had been lifted.

"Um, so," Red continued, dropping her head into her hands, and sitting all the way up now. Snow moved her feet back along the couch and watched. "Um, ah, I—jesus, Snow, this is so hard. I'm so afraid to tell you!" She didn't dare raise her head and look the other woman in the eye. Mary Margaret reached forward and placed her hand on Red's forearm, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm not going anywhere, Red, you know that," she said. Ruby looked up to see her friend's face lined with concern but not disgust or pity. Mary Margaret gave her a warm smile, the kind that worked its way up into her eyes. Red returned the smile half-heartedly. This is where it will might change. Her heart was breaking all over again. If she lost Snow, she didn't know what she'd do, either.

"Tell me that again in a few minutes, after you've heard the whole story."

Both women sat in silence for a few minutes while Ruby worked out the words. Finally, she could bear it no longer. This was either going to work out or it wasn't, she was no coward! She had to face what she'd done, didn't she?

"I assaulted her, Snow. In an umm... intimate way. It was terrible and forceful and tragic in every way you can imagine."

Snow's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Wait. . . you and. . . Belle? Why, Red? Why would you hurt her? You would never hurt anyone. Peter was an accident."

Red buried her face in her hands, elbows resting on her knees. Slowly awareness settled over Snow. She had read the Book many times when they were children. She knew what this meant.

"Oh my gods," Snow's eyes were wide and she suddenly gripped Red's forearm so tightly it hurt. "She's your True Love." The statement hung heavy in the air, so powerful and serious.

Red looked up at her again, eyes brimming with new tears, and nodded. "And the Wolf's mate."

It took Snow only a minute to add that to the equation. "It was right around Wolfstime, yes?"

Red nodded again.

"Holy fuck."

Red swallowed and looked at hands in her lap again before dragging her eyes back over to her best friend. "Exactly."

"I assaulted her, I told Gran, and I ran. I got the Hell out of Dodge. I couldn't put anyone else in danger." She balled her fists at her side and stood up, full of rage with herself. Snow grabbed at her jeans, trying to pull her back to the couch, but Ruby was lost in her memories and self-hatred.

Slowly Ruby settled back to the couch, allowing herself to be pulled downwards and once again into Snow's arms. She sobbed once again to her friend's chest. "Do you hate me?" she finally croaked out, the words dripping in fear.

Snow held her tighter and smoothed her hair. "Shhh, no, never. I am always here for you. I know you never would have done something like that on purpose. Never. I know you."

Red looked up at her and saw Mary Margaret was telling the truth; she saw only love in those big green eyes. Red threw her arms around her this time and squeezed her hard. They both pushed back and after a few moments of silence, Snow asked, "So what now? Why did you come back?"

"It was absolutely the most horrible experience being away from everyone. Plus, if I stay away from Belle, I shouldn't have any more... issues. After all, I've always controlled it before. Then again, I've never had a True Love before, but I'll even wear my cape every Wolfstime!"

Snow gasped. "Wow." Red never wore her cape on purpose. And a moment later, she followed it with, "You know, I know tonight has been tough on you. How about you go home and get some sleep and meet back here sometime tomorrow. I have some ideas I want to kick around with you."

Red looked at her warily. "Ideas? About what?"

"Well, it's True Love, isn't it?"

"Yes. Yes it is but—"

"But nothing, Red. Love always finds a way. Always." She picked herself up off the couch then lent her arm to pull Red up as well.

Red began to protest and Snow got on her tippy toes and put a finger to her lips. "Shhh. No more talking tonight. We are going to figure this all out, I promise. Together."

Red couldn't help but laugh. A full, bottom of her diaphragm laugh, and it felt good.

Snow rested back on the flats of her feet and raised her eyebrow quizzically. "What?" she asked. "What's so funny?"

Red just smiled at her, face still red and raw from all her tears, and Snow found the smile contagious. "It's just that my Gran said the same thing. That we'd figure it all out. Together. It suddenly dawned on me that here I was so afraid and yet I must be the luckiest woman alive to have you two as my guardian angels."

Snow blushed softly and pushed up from the floor once more to land a kiss on Red's cheek. "We will. And you are," she finished, and rolled back to her normal height.

Red continued to grin before moving forward and taking both of Snow's hands in hers. She leaned down and kissed her cheek as well, as had been their custom in the old land, and whispered in her ear, "Thank you so much, my sweet friend." Snow crushed her in a bear hug she wasn't expecting and both girls laughed.

"Ok, so, I'll head out now," Ruby said, her fingers sliding from Mary Margaret's and making her way out into the night from the open door. Just as she was about to head down the path though, she looked back up, eyes full of hope and possibility.

"Do you really think she could ever love me or want me again?"

Snow's heart ached for her friend once more. She didn't know all of the specifics, no, but she knew that the way True Love worked in their world was that it worked through any obstacles in its path. This would be no different.

Mary Margaret grinned. "Yes, my friend. Yes. Now go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

"Ok," Red replied, still reeling from the emotional evening. "Snow?"

"Yes, Red?"

"I love you."

"As you should," Snow responded, grinning. "Now go. Shoo. What do I have to do to get you off my front stoop?"

Ruby laughed and turned away, hand in the air, feigning annoyance. "Yeah, yeah. I'm going. Just remember I only come for the wine," she said snarkily.

Snow called out behind her, "Just know I haven't forgotten that it was your turn to bring the beer. I will have my revenge, never you fear!"

Snow heard her friend laughing softly in the night as she crossed the street. "Good Night!" she shouted out after her, and was rewarded with a clipped, "'Night!" in response.

Smirking playfully, Snow slowly closed her door and locked up, whispering to herself, "We will figure this out together, Red. I swear to you." Her brain worked in overdrive as she walked around the apartment cleaning up after their evening, mulling over everything she'd learned and everything that was probably yet to come. After placing the glasses on the counter next to the sink and the kleenex back in the bathroom, however, she decided to leave the bulk of what was going through her head for another day; it was too much for one evening. She turned off the light and headed for bed.

**A/N: Please remember to leave a comment. I enjoying knowing what you guys both like and don't like; all of the feedback helps me become a better writer. Thanks to all of you for sticking around and I hope this chapter didn't let you down! Some fun stuff is coming soon! Much love! xx