They reached the edge of the woods, stopping at Ruby's car. When Belle informed Ruby she had walked to the woods, Ruby immediately opened the passenger door for her, ushering her inside the car. She smiled as she touched Ruby's arm and entered. Ruby closed the door behind her, her own smile never fading as she walked around to the drivers side.

The moment she was in the car, she made she to hang the Wolf from her rear view mirror. Belle felt her heart skip at the action. The car started with a quiet roar and they were on their way to the Sheriff's station. The ride was quiet, each woman looking forward, not saying a word. It was a comfortable silence.

Ruby pulled in front of the Sheriff's station and parked her car. She glanced over at Belle, running her hand through her hair. "Come on, let's go see what your best friend wants." she joked, opening the door.

Belle made a face and huffed. "Her timing made me disown her a long time ago."

"Timing?" Ruby inquired, slightly confused.

Belle waved her hand. "Never mind. Let's go see what she wants."

They walked into the office to see Emma sitting at the outside desk, her feet up, phone in her hand. Ruby smirked. "Hard at work, I see." she joked as Emma quickly turned to look at them.

"I was just about to text you again." Emma said, tossing her phone on the desk. She lowered her feet from the desk. "Listen, what are you both doing Saturday night?"

Ruby thought for a moment. "Nothing that I know of.."

Belle shrugged. "I have no plans."

"Awesome." She grabbed a file before pressing her hand into the desk, pushing herself away. Her seat rolled backwards and hit the metal cabinets. "Regina has to go out of town for some kind of Mayor thing." She stood up and walked toward them. "And I seriously hate being in that big house all by myself."

Ruby made a face. "You do realize you carry a gun?"

She walked over and stood in front of Ruby. Her eyes looked her up and down before she punched her in the arm. Ruby's mouth dropped open and she shrieked in pain. Belle pouted with a tiny laugh as she rubbed the spot that Emma punched.

"I thought maybe we could have a girls night. Go to the Rabbit Hole. Then have an old school slumber party at my place." She pulled open the filing cabinet looking for a place to stick the object in her hand. "And we can celebrate Belle's new found singleness."

Belle closed her eyes, inwardly cursing Emma. She had gotten so caught up in her apology to Ruby, she forgot to tell her about her relationship with Killian ending. Ruby flashed her a concerned look.

"You and Killian? When?"

"This morning." She waved her hand. "It's okay. It was sort of mutual."

Ruby let the new information set in. Belle was single. And, she was, well, dating someone. Her brow furrowed as she questioned where she was going with this. It doesn't mean a window had just opened for her. It just meant her friend needed her.

Emma slammed the cabinet closed, snapping Ruby from her thoughts. She looked at her friends, crossing her arms against her chest. "So, are you two in?"

Belle and Ruby exchanged glances then a short shrug. They turned to Emma. "Sure." they responded in unison.

Emma clapped her hands together. "Great." She smiled to herself.

Ruby felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She reached and pulled it out. Her eyes focused on the screen. She typed something back quickly, a small smile playing on her lips. Belle watched her, feeling her stomach twisting as she watched Ruby's expression when she typed. It was Ariel. There was no questioning that. She breathed in deep, keeping herself under control.

Ruby placed her phone back into her pocket and turned to her friends. "I gotta go." She looked at Belle, frowning slightly. "Will you be okay getting home?"

Belle pushed down the lump in her throat. "Um, yeah, I can walk it's not far."

Ruby stepped closer and wrapped her in a tight hug. "Thank you." she whispered.

"You're welcome." Belle responded, her arms around her neck, holding her close.

Ruby pulled back slowly, feeling Belle's finger tips gently brush against the back of her neck. She did her best to control the shiver that made it's way through her body at the contact. She kept her composure as she said goodbye to them both and exited the Sheriff station.

When she was gone, Belle turned to Emma, a knowing look on her face. "What are you plotting?"

Emma placed her hand on her chest, her mouth dropping open. "Plotting? Me?" she inquired. "I am insulted that you would think—"

"Emma." Belle said, flatly as she crossed her arms against her chest. "Am I really supposed to believe that the Sheriff is afraid to stay in her house alone?"

Emma grinned as she stepped toward Belle. "Let's just say, I'm giving you your window." she said, placing her hands on Belle's shoulders. "But, use it quick, cause if you don't, it will close."

The Rabbit Hole was packed, but luckily there was at least one pool table open. Emma struggled with her game as usual. Ruby and Belle sat back laughing every time she missed a shot. Every missed shot, was another vodka shot taken. By the time the first game had ended, the women were laughing obnoxiously loud and, Ruby and Belle, were unconsciously flirting with one another.

Emma smiled, proud of herself as she watched her friends. Ruby was sitting on the table with Belle standing between her legs. She would lean in, probably making fun of Emma, and Belle would laugh. Her laughter would lead her to touching Ruby in some way. Whether it be her shoulder or pushing her playfully. Emma took another drink. This drinking game had to be her best idea yet.

"You guys want another round?" Emma called out, the smile still on her lips.

Ruby turned to her. "I'll take another one." She turned to look at Belle, who was only inches from her. She thank God for the alcohol because having Belle this close under normal circumstances would have made her pass out. "Do you want anything?"

"I want Emma to learn how to play pool." she joked, laughing obnoxiously once again. She pushed Ruby playfully causing Ruby to laugh as well. "Yeah, sure, I'll take another one."

Ruby held up two fingers to Emma who nodded and walked away. Her attention went back to Belle who was smiling at her. Her smile was so infectious that Ruby smiled back. "What?" she inquired, taking the last sip of her drink.

"I-" she paused, shaking her head. The smile still remained on her lips. "Nothing. Never mind."

Ruby turned slightly, placing her drink down. "No more of this never mind crap." She took Belle's empty glass and placed it down as well. She grabbed Belle's hands, shifting them so their fingers interlocked. She looked deeply into her eyes. "Tell me. Whatever you have to say. Just say it."

Belle stared back. The thumping in her chest was so loud, she could hear it over the music blasting in the bar. She felt shakey and was thankful for Ruby holding her hands because she swore she would drop from the inability to stand. She took in a deep breath. Just as she opened her mouth to confess everything

"Ruby?"

Ruby and Belle turned at the sound of her name being said. Ruby's eyes widened and Belle released her hands, stepping back. Ariel was staring at them. A confused, yet questioning look on her face. The redhead stepped slowly toward them.

"What's going on here?"