A/N: Sorry about the late and short chapter. I hope you all like it. I tried. I am pretty awkward in these situations and writing it isn't much better Sooo... Yeah. Anyway probably not my best work cuz like I said awkward but this one goes to my gf ( mdlay) for letting me be my awkward self.

Chapter 12: Ruby's and Belle's Friendship

When Ruby walked into the kitchen she stood by the bar next to the high chair stools while on the opposite side Belle knelt into the sink to find a vase for her flowers. Belle put the flowers in the vase that she had filled up with water and placed it in the small squared dinning table. Ruby noticed the small little candles on the table and smiled, that woman was trying and Ruby really appreciated that.

"So I wasn't really sure what you preferred to have between chicken or steak, so I did both as my guest you may choose which ever you like best and I will have the other. I don't mind having either of them." Bell was blushing and not meeting Ruby's eyes.

"Well if you don't mind I'll have the stake." Ruby chuckled then added, "I am mostly a red meat eater."

"Okay. Well good to know for next time. I mean not that I am expecting next time to be on a date. Not that this is a date-" Ruby had walked around and placed her hands on Belle's shoulders lightly.

"Hey relax, it's okay let's just do tonight and if we both agree to a date then we will decide that then, okay?"

"Sorry. Yes. Okay" Belle nodded and went to plate their food. Once everything was on the plate she put the dishes on the table and turned to Ruby. "Feel free to sit I will just grab some water, and would you like beer or whine with your stake?"

"Beer please, but I don't mind wine either if that is all you ever have."

Belle put that in her memory for next time. She was ready to try to make this work with Ruby. She had been a true friend and she had been developing feelings for her. Her feelings had gotten stronger as Ruby started to spend more and more time reading and giving her company at the library taking her lunch every now and then. Ruby was fun and care free, but more than anything she was loyal.

She set the tone romantic by turning the lights low so it was a soft glow and Ruby's smile seemed to brightened and her eyes sparkled with hope. Belle put the beer in front of Ruby and before setting her glass down she took a healthy sip to relax her nerves.

"So shall we?" Ruby said as she rubbed her hands on her pants to clean the sweat out of them.

"Yes. Let me know if you like it."

Ruby dug into her food and moaned at the taste of it. Her granny cooked deliciously but Belle's cooking was even better. If she knew what heaven tasted like it sure taste like that food.

"Belle this…mmm…. This is sooo delicious." Ruby said as she added another for full.

"Thank you." Belle lightly blushed adding to her beauty.

They ate in silence for a while then Belle and Ruby exchanged different books they enjoyed reading and discussed them thoroughly.

"Well out of all the books I have read my favorite is The Host. I enjoy reading about different worlds and getting that feeling of something much bigger out there even if it is fiction. Wanderer was the only soul to have travels many planets only to decide-"

"Ruby, wait don't tell me I think that is one of the few books I haven't had the opportunity of reading yet as is a fairly new to the library. When did you get the chance to read it? I don't remember you reading it when you where around?"

It was Ruby's turn to blush. "Well let's say I borrowed it without you knowing." Ruby laughed then sipped on her beer. Her plate was clear of food and notice Belle was done with hers too so she took them stood up and walked towards the sink.

"Ruby leave those there and come sit down please."

"The least I can do is help with the dishes after you cooked this delicious meal. Plus I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't at least help some what with this."

Belle hung her head hoping that after the small talk Ruby would take a light hint on her feelings, but what she didn't notice was the wince and slight pause Ruby did as the word friends stuck to her throat. Both wanted to be with each other but neither knew how to approach the subject; Ruby not wanting to press for something Belle wasn't ready for and Belle not wanting to hurt Ruby again.

"Well let me grab a dish towel to help dry them." Belle stood and turned the lights on a little more but not all the way. She started to dry next to Ruby and placing the dishes away in the shelves. They did the task silently but the tension was mounting. Once Ruby was done washing she leaned her back against the sink and looked at Belle as she finish drying the rest of the dishes.

All Ruby wanted to do was to pull Belle into her arms and kiss her until they couldn't hold there breaths any longer. Not knowing that Belle wanted to kiss her too; to finally take that step and hoping there relationship would develop into something more.

Belle put the last dish away and as she turned to look at Ruby she noticed that her lips were so close that if she leaned in she could kiss them. And then she did. She moved her face forward, her lips catching Ruby's by surprise, and Ruby responded to her grabbing her hips to pull her closer. They kissed until they were drunk of each other only then parting just enough to allow air to enter there bodies. There foreheads and noses touching, while Ruby's hands were on Belle's waist, Belle's hands were on Ruby's neck and cheek.

"So I am guessing this was a date?" Ruby smiled at Belle who instantly blushed.

"Only if you wish it to be." Belle looked down.

"Yes, I would love it if it was." Ruby said as she pulled Belle into a hug.

"Would you like to watch a movie before leaving?"

"As long as I get to spend sometime with you, I would do anything." Ruby smiled as Belle lead the way to the living room. Ruby sat on the couch while Belle picked out a movie. Once the movie was playing Belle sat next to Ruby who wrapped her arms around so as to cuddle her closer to her. It was the best first date Ruby and Belle had ever been. They watched the first twenty minutes of the movie but every few stolen kisses seemed to last longer and longer as they continued stealing them until they were completely wrapped up in each other instead of the film playing on the television screen.

As the night came to an end Ruby was walked to the door with a promise of seeing her tomorrow at the diner first thing in the morning. And Belle with a promise of a good morning kiss awaiting her with her usual cup of tea