Cqofegypt does not own OUAT or any characters or languages. She only owns the plot Read and Review! Enjoy!

Fathers and Daughters

Ruby trudged along with baby Juniper in her arms. Her limbs were growing tired and weak; she'd have to stop soon and get some rest, or she would faint with exhaustion.

Juniper whimpered, and Ruby, too tired to move, lay down, cradling the child close to her.

"The road is not the safest place to lay my dear, you may get trampled upon."

Ruby's blood froze, and her hackles rose as she heard the voice of the imp.

"What does it matter to you whether I lie in the road or not? It is my decision, and mine alone"

"Very well," said the imp, "But if you do so, I'll have to take the baby and raise her myself"

Red's eyes narrowed and burned sulfurous. "Never!" she roared.

Rumpelstiltskin giggled, and uttered a sigh of relief as Ruby picked Juniper up and held her close, walking away from the road.

Rumpelstiltskin watched Ruby closely, wondering what was on her mind.

"If your thinking about running dearie, just know you wouldn't get far"

Red glared at him. "And why is that?"

"Well" he said. "I have many enemies- it wouldn't take long for one of them to find a young mother and her child alone in the elements"

Red snorted, but was curious. "Who?" she asked.

"Why Queen Regina of course" Rumpelstiltskin noticed the girl shiver.

Good. She knew what a danger Regina was and could be if found vulnerable.

"I know" Red said softly. She looked at him then, unsure, though curious.

"Jiminy said you are my father" her voice trailed off, though he knew she wanted an answer to her question- perhaps all of them.

There would be time for that... time also for Jiminy to do some self examining, and be sure he was the right man for Rumpelstiltskin's daughter.

Hopefully sooner rather than later...

"I am" he said, trying not to giggle, and held out his arms for the baby, his granddaughter.

Red held her close, not trusting him an ounce.

He bowed to her, proud of her will to follow her instincts.

"Well, what do you want?" Red asked.

Blunt and forward, dearie, just like Belle... Rumpel thought, shaking his head again. For Ruby, he had to be brave.

Being his offspring, she too had magic.

Unlike Baelfire, Rumpelstiltskin would leave it up to Ruby whether she wished to use her gift or not.

He needed help to find Bae, but if Ruby did not wish to, he would not force her.

"For you to come and live with me at the Dark Castle, of course" Rumpelstiltskin smiled.

Ruby frowned. She had heard of tales of Rumpelstiltskin in her time at Granny's. He had once had a maid whom he was rumored to love.

Rumors held that she died trying to escape from him.

Ruby would not allow her daughter to live as a slave and work for her so-called grandfather.

"So that my daughter can be raised as a slave as your maid once was? I think not!"

Ruby scoffed, not realizing just how much an effect her words had on her father.

Suddenly she felt a clawed hand strike her cheek.

"Don't you ever say that again!" the imp hissed, sounding more like a man now than the imp.

"Your mother loved you" he groaned, "Loved you so much that it killed her... killed her that she fell off of the tower!"

Ruby was confused. What did he mean by her mother loved her? Her mother had tried to kill her best friend, Snow White!

Was he then talking about his maid? How had she loved Ruby as a mother? They had never met!

"I thought they said you drove her to her death!" Ruby growled as she held her cheek.

In his insult, the imp had accidentally scratched his daughter with his talons.

"If that's true I can see why! I'll ,make sure that you never find us!" Ruby held Juniper close and started to run far, far away.

The spinner, still upset, smiled bitterly to himself as his daughter took to the hills.

"Run as far as you can dearie," he said, tears streaming down his face as he thought again of Belle, "I'll find you. I'll always find you"

Storybrooke

The morning after seeing Archie and Ruby together, and Archie make his way out of the bed and breakfast, the couple's daughter, or stepdaughter, Juniper Cricket, made her way quietly around the room she shared with her grandfather.

There were two beds and one bathroom; her grandfather got in late most nights, so Juniper did her best to be quiet and let him rest as she prepared for school.

Today she was running late. The bus would be here in five minutes and she couldn't find her glasses.

Fortunately at the last moment, she found them on top of her head, grabbed her shoes and bag, and headed to the door, just as Roger was sitting up.

They met eyes, and she smiled, but he shook his head and shooed her off.

Go.. Go... you not late he signed.

She flashed him a quick I love you, and scrammed out the door.

Roger chuckled and shook his head. Juniper was so much like Ruby had been at that age.

Going to the stove to heat the kettle for his morning tea, Roger sighed and stretched.

After sitting down with his lonely breakfast of toast and tea, he wondered just what today would bring...

Juniper just managed to get her shoe laced before running full speed towards the bus stop. She could not be late. It was imperative that she was not late. Grandpa was back at the B&B, Ruby and Archie were working, and she didn't know the way to school on her own.

Suddenly she bumped into someone.

Looking up to apologize, her blood ran cold at the identity of the person she ran into.

"Well... good morning little one" said the lady. "I hope you're alright"

Juniper nodded mutely, not trusting herself to speak.

"That's fine... you should run along now... the bus won't wait forever..."

Juniper's eyes narrowed as the woman smiled sweetly.

"And Juniper..." the woman called. The girl glared hatefully at her.

"Remember our deal... there's not much time left. I do hope you find a way to help your brother..."

Before Juniper could scream foul language her great grandmother would never approve of, who but Henry Mills came over to Juniper and grabbed her arm.

The woman winked. "Goodbye, now"

Juniper glared as Henry dragged her away, both of them rushing to the waiting school bus.

The woman walked away, smirking to herself as she took an envelope from her side pocket, dropping into the mail slot of Granny's Diner.

Whether or not Juniper followed her orders, it wouldn't matter... soon, she would get her revenge!

Juniper and Henry got on the bus, breathing hard due to the amount of running they had just done.

"What- was that- all about?" Henry breathed heavily.

No Speak Juniper signed, putting a four to her lips and shaking her head.

Henry nodded. They couldn't talk now.

OK++ he signed back.

Juniper grinned suddenly, catching Henry's interest. He wondered what she was so excited about.

He felt a little weird as his stomach gave a little squeeze. As he looked at her, he seemed to notice her for the first time.

Juniper was very pretty, with long, dark black hair and amber brown eyes. Henry shook his head, having the feeling that to have a crush on Juniper would be a very bad thing.

He decided to get rid of his feelings right away.

But, a second later, his stomach squeezed again.

What? He signed as he used the signs Juniper taught him.

Last night A-R-C-H-I-E he at bed morning eat

What? Henry asked, trying not to voice it too loud.

What for? He signed.

Juniper grinned from ear to ear.

I-don't-know but last night R-U-B-Y her room he leave outside he go

Henry tried not to go nuts. Archie was in Ms. Ruby's room?! What the heck for?

He go where? He signed enthusiastically as Juniper giggled.

I-don't-know home maybe she grinned again.

Henry rolled his eyes. First Archie didn't believe that there was a curse, and now he was making moves on Ms. Ruby? That didn't make sense!

As if reading his thoughts, Juniper tapped his hand to get his attention again.

She signed quickly since they were pulling up at the school, and wouldn't be able to talk for a while.

You remember A-R-C-H-I-E my stepfather R-U-B-Y my mother them two no help, Snow White Prince Charming two-of-them can't rule kingdom

Right Henry signed, as they both got off the bus.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Henry asked as soon as he was sure they were out of earshot.

"You didn't look too happy back there" he nodded, implying the woman Juniper had been talking to.

The next few hand motions took Henry by surprise, as Juniper rushed inside before the bell rang.

Lady that-one she danger++ you careful

After all he'd read about her, and the magic she possessed, could she really not be trusted?

Back at the Diner, Ruby Lucas had just finished wiping down the bar after her ritual morning argument with Granny.

The Diner had just opened, and the first few customers were walking in when she noticed Archie Hopper come in for his morning order of blueberry muffins and tea.

Archie for his part was happy to see that Billy Goats wasn't there.

If there was anyone he trusted less than Dr. Whale around Ruby, it would have to be Billy.

During the last few weeks, the town had been recovering from the loss of Sheriff Graham, and had heard of or witnessed the heroic actions of Emma Swan, rescuing the life of Regina Mills, Mayor of Storybrooke.

After the fire, a small band of people including Archie, Ruby, and Mary Margaret Blanchard decided to rally together and make poll posters, entering Emma into the election for Sheriff.

The posters had been a big hit, thanks to Archie's hidden talent for artistry, and Mary Margaret's stash of red and blue glitter.

It didn't help that there was also the last round of the debate tonight, and poor Archie was nervous about moderating it.

There had been two rounds already, with Emma creaming Sydney all the way.

"Good morning, Ms. Lucas" Archie said with a smile.

Ruby looked up, commanding her stomach not to flip as she smiled back at him.

"Good morning Dr. Hopper... how can I help you this morning?"

Archie had to look down for a moment to catch his breath. Did anyone have the right to look so beautiful, so at peace as Ruby did, nearly the first thing in the morning?

Feeling himself flush, Archie prayed his mind wouldn't wander down a path he shouldn't.

He preferred to keep his friendship with Ruby platonic for now... that was the safe thing to do, right?

"I think I'll have a cup of spice tea and a blueberry muffin"

Ruby smiled. The morning batch was just about ready.

"Coming right up"

As to distract himself from Ruby's feminine wiles, Archie looked around, seeing one of their posters in the window.

"Have you seen the polls?" he asked, wanting to make light conversation.

"No, I haven't had the chance" Ruby said as she poured his tea into a styrophome cup, after placing a piping hot muffin on a plate.

"Careful, it's hot" the waitress smiled as she handed him first the cup and then the muffin.

"Enjoy" she smiled.

Definitely Archie thought, trying not to blush.

"So, is someone running against Emma?" Ruby asked, clearing off the counter in the back.

Archie shrugged as he took a sip of his tea after a large bite of his muffin. Both were heaven.

He cleared his throat before he spoke. "Hmm I'm not sure, but if Regina wants Emma out, she might send someone in to sabotage."

"Sydney" Ruby rolled her eyes. "Emma creamed him in the first two rounds, can't he just admit defeat?"

Archie smirked at her humor. "Maybe not."

The door jangled as another customer came in.

Seeing the stranger pay them no heed as he sat down with his laptop, Archie returned his attention back to Ruby.

"Say, I was thinking of taking a walk down the pier at sunset- I was hoping to clear my head before the debate"

Ruby smiled sympathetically, realizing how nervous he was about the debate. He didn't do much public speaking, so it couldn't be easy for him.

Ruby suddenly found she wanted to run her hand along his and give him a comforting squeeze, let him know he wasn't alone...

But she didn't.

"Would you like to come along?" Archie asked, somewhat nervously.

Ruby looked into his bold blue eyes, hesitant, nervous, yet confident as if he were ready to take a leap of faith...

Truth be told she liked the idea... it was better than getting stone drunk with Billy, who for some reason lately had been creeping her out, looking at her as if he wanted to eat her alive...

"Thanks, Archie- I'd love to"

Archie, having fully prepared himself for a thank you, but no, raised his head in surprise.

Smiling as if he'd discovered some mystical being, his gaze got caught in Ruby's peridot gaze.

The door bell jangled again, but Ruby was too involved in Archie to care.

She didn't notice another man come in, look from her, to Archie, back to her, glare at them both, before walking out the door, kicking a letter that was beside the door.

"Well well...morning lovebirds!" Granny chirped as Ruby and Archie both jumped and blushed.

Secretly the old woman grinned with glee. If only her granddaughter could see the worth of men in Storybrooke... men like Archie...

Trying not to bank on the hope of having great grandchildren with black and red hair, Granny went on about her business.

"Granny!" Ruby groaned.

Archie grinned slightly, then out of nowhere had the crazy notion to kiss Ruby's cheek as he paid for his breakfast.

Sadly, his courage lacked the strength to do so as he grabbed his umbrella and bid his customary farewell.

"Until this evening then" he nodded to Ruby with a smile.

"I'll be there" Ruby promised, grinning as the doctor left.

Once he was gone, Granny gave Ruby a look.

"What?" Ruby asked.

"Who are you, and what have you done with the old Ruby?" Granny teased.

"A month ago you wouldn't have looked twice at that man. Now since Emma Swan came you've been different."

Ruby resisted the urge to play with her hair.

"You're always telling me to listen instead of flirt" she shrugged.

"So, you thought you'd actually follow my advice and give it a try?"

Ruby looked hurt. Did Granny think that she was toying with Archie? That's not what she was doing...

"S a nice change, is all, if you really meant it" Granny eyed her.

Ruby wiped an imaginary stain off of the bar.

"Humph, that's funny"

"What?"

Did you get the mail yesterday?

"Yeah, why?"

"There's a letter by the door. Must've dropped one." Granny went to pick it up and turned it over.

Ruby huffed. Did Granny think she could do nothing right?

She frowned and shrugged deciding to give in for once. "Dunno, maybe"

"It's for you" Granny said.

"Huh?" Ruby walked around the bar to Granny, who gave her the note.

Ruby tore the note open, took it out, and read it...

Ruby meet me at docks 12pm Roger

"What is it?" Granny asked.

"It's from Mr. Bracings" Ruby said, confused. "He wants me to meet him at the docks at 12 pm"

"Today?" Granny asked, confused. The man had never asked for Ruby's company during business hours before, he always waited until after.

"Yeah, I guess" Ruby said, turning over the envelope in her hand.

"But that's lunch rush" Granny said, without thinking.

Ruby winced. Granny was right. Why would Mr. Bracings want her at the busiest time of the afternoon?

"And you-know-who will be back with Marco for their number five special" Granny snickered as Ruby fought a blush.

"Can I go? I promise I'll be careful and be back as soon as I can"

Granny huffed. "Okay, but don't stay out too long."

Ruby squeaked and hugged her Granny, who hummed.

"Go'on, scoot"

At eleven thirty, Ruby got a nod from Granny to go. She grinned, dashed out of the diner, on her way to the B and B to change clothes.

Hmm... what to wear...

Ruby finally decided on some comfortable jeans, a gray tank top, and a plaid shirt along with her boots. Hopefully it wouldn't be too cold out there.

She took a look in the mirror, let her hair down and shook it, grinning.

She was excited to see Mr. Bracings again; he was always sweet to her, leaving her generous tips, despite the fact he worked on a farmer's salary. He was mostly mute, so he was teaching her how to sign with her hands.

At first Ruby was frustrated, but Roger was always kind and patient with her. Slowly as their friendship grew, her use of sign did as well.

She wasn't as good as Juniper, who she'd seen signing the day Archie and she and Henry got stuck in the crater.

Maybe she'd ask Juniper for some pointers some time.

Ruby looked at the clock. 11:45 gotta scram!

She hurried out to the pier where Roger normally fished, having committed the route to memory when she first met Archie. It was the same route he took to walk Pongo.

Finally out to the pier, Ruby looked everywhere for Roger, but couldn't find him. Ruby was confused...

Had he stood her up?

Elsewhere, a man was texting on his cellphone.

U sure bout this? He texted.

Very sure.

She is there now.

All you have to do is tap her shoulder.

Gravity will take care of the rest.

The man sighed. He wasn't so sure about this Unknown person, but if they were sure...

You want your pride back, don't you? Came another text.

Isn't she your girlfriend?

Shouldn't she pay for downright cheating on you?

The man glared at the text messages. When it was put that way...

I'm heading there now.

Out.

Elsewhere, a woman walking back to her home she shared with several others, grinned. Her revenge would finally be complete.

Ruby, noticing her watch read 12:10 winced. She'd promised Granny she'd be back right away.

Should she leave Roger a note?

Ruby looked around one more time, and saw something, or someone out on the Jeti, she couldn't be sure.

"Hello?" she called.

If someone was hurt and they needed help, she needed to help right?

She climbed out on the Jeti, wishing she had worn shorts and sneakers instead of jeans and boots.

The rocks were slippery...

"Sir, are you alright?" she called, then making it to the edge, she lifted the hat, finding nothing but a tackle box.

That was weird... who would go fishing and then leave their tackle box and hat on the Jeti.

Ruby turned slightly when she thought she heard something.

By the time she caught sight of something behind her, she gasped, flailing her arms to reclaim her balance.

"Wha...? NOOOO!"

SPLASH

Ruby came up for air and took a deep breath.

She was in jeans, boots, and a little known secret...

"Can't Swim!" she cried, trying not to gulp in water.

She did the best she could to grasp onto the rocks, but they were too slippery...

"HELP!" She screamed.

Dimly she noticed the person on the Jeti, looking at her smugly, crossing his arms.

No, it couldn't be...

Noticing the man made no effort to move, no effort to help, but instead sat there on the rocks as if he were there to enjoy the sunshine,

Ruby lost all hope.

Peter, here I come...

Finally, she sank, falling asleep into the warm depths below...

At the convent, one of the nuns was singing to herself as her emergency cellphone beeped.

Gone

She grinned. Her revenge was complete...

12:30

Archie came by Granny's for lunch when he noticed Mrs. Lucas was a bit worried.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Lucas... is anything wrong?"

Granny, to worried to notice Archie called her 'Mrs. Lucas' instead of "Granny", shook her head, putting a hand to her forehead.

Marco looked up at the woman, surprised when she didn't say anything to Archie about the slip-up.

"It's Ruby, she's late" Granny huffed.

"I see... is that normal?" Archie asked, slightly disappointed he wouldn't see Ruby and get to talk to her about their later plans.

Apparently there would be a party later for the winner of the debate. He wondered if after their walk she'd mind stopping by with him?

"Usually" Granny said, rolling her eyes. "Today's a bit different though"

"Ah. How's that?"

"Well, she got a note from Roger Bracings to meet him down at the docs"

Archie was confused. He knew Roger couldn't write very well... he hadn't been to school as a young boy.

"Did he say what for?"

Granny shook her head. "No" she sighed, rubbing her eyes behind her glasses.

"Hmm..." Archie noticed Granny's distress, but didn't want to give in to panic just yet.

"Have you talked to him?"

Granny shook her head. "I can't- he's mute and he talks in Sign. Ruby understands him, and his granddaughter, Juniper, she's at school"

Marco, seeing the woman was getting more upset, stood up.

"Please, sit down... you may feel better, than just pacing around"

Archie smiled admirably at Marco. Though it was little known that Marco, a widower had a slight crush on Granny, he was still attempting to act like the gentleman he was.

Archie looked in Roger's direction, who noticed him.

Archie had seen Ruby sign; she made it look so easy... how hard could it be?

Hello he signed.

Roger smirked and signed Hello in return.

You give R brown write-

Roger looked confused.

Archie was also confused and decided to try again.

R you give pennies week

Roger looked at Archie as if he'd just landed from the moon.

His facial expression would have made both his daughter and granddaughter giggle hysterically.

Taking pity on the therapist, Roger shook his head.

R-U-B-Y you need talk-to. You sign awful you.

Archie, though he had no idea what Roger just said, blushed.

I'm such a turkey! He thought. How could I think that sign language is easy when I have no idea how to do it?

Archie noticed Roger trying to get his attention. That was a start.

Roger pointed at Archie and gestured writing something down.

Oh! Archie thought. He wants me to write it down! Okay, well, that's easy enough...

Archie wrote down 'Did you write Ruby a letter?', and handed it to Roger.

Roger read it and signed with his hand again.

Oh-I-see

He glanced up at Archie, pointed to the paper, and began to sign.

R-U-B-Y me letter write me

Archie caught Ruby, Roger, and write.

Roger shook his head, and and the same time, pointed to his hand.

No

Oh! his shaking of his head, and that sign mean no.

You no? Archie signed.

Roger smirked. No he signed again.

He wrote on Archie's paper.

Good try. No I not send Ruby letter. What's wrong?

Archie read the note and then noticed Roger put a letter Y to his chin and tap twice. He looked concerned.

Archie wrote quickly. Ruby's gone

He showed Roger the note from earlier.

Roger, confused, shook his head.

He would normally write

12 pm docks Ruby meet me.

Whomever had sent that note, had written it backwards, but since Ruby was still learning, she wouldn't know better.

Sipping his tea, Roger wondered who could have sent that note pretending to be him.

It could have been Gold, but then, what use would Gold have for Ruby? He preferred to stay on land anyway.

Sipping again, he considered. It would have to be someone that knew of his and Ruby's close relationship.

Considering it was now a quarter-to-one, Roger started to worry.

Could it be someone here? or...there?

Why the Jeti?

Suddenly his mind flashed back to meeting Juniper and getting rid of a bottle, which held a sleeping potion...

Eyes wide, Roger realized the culprit was someone with knowledge of Ruby...

Ruby going to the docks...

Ruby couldn't...

SHIT!

He got up quickly, dropping his teacup, rushing out the door.

He had to get to his daughter quickly...

He prayed he wasn't too late...

The dark was peaceful once one succumbs and sinks...

It gives him or her time to think...

Would anyone notice her missing? Would anyone miss her?

Would anyone find her?

If Archie knew she died by falling off a Jeti, would he miss her?

Would she die before she went on her first pseudo date?

Would she see Peter?

Would she see her mother?

Ruby wanted to swim, but she was so tired...

Ruby was brought out of her musings by someone grabbiing her hand and pulling her to the surface.

Once she was at the top, she took another huge breath of air.

She began to cry as someone pulled her into their arms.

Was it Archie?

No, Archie wasn't this small...Mr. Bracings!

Shivering, cold, and wet, she received hugs from Marco, Archie and a tearful Granny...

After which she clung to Mr. Bracings.

You find me she signed with a tearful smile.

"Dearie" he whispered hoarsely as if it had been years since he used his voice; Ruby was surprised.

"I will always find you" Ruby nodded, cuddling into the warm embrace of her father-figure, holding on for dear life.

She was warm and safe at last...

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