Author's Note: I don't own anything.

Ruby spent the night at Mary Margaret's house for safety. She had never been so scared before of Mr. Gold. She spent most of the night awake, keeping check on her phone, and trying to relax. It was almost impossible for her. The slightest creak made her jump and thank goodness Mary Margaret was there to sooth her.

Mary Margaret put on the radio and some soft tunes began to play. Ruby let her eyes close much to her dismay. She kept thinking Mr. Gold was going to burst through the doors and attack her in her sleep. She would whimper out in her sleep.

After only getting three hours of sleep, she called the hospital to check on Belle. They couldn't tell her much except that she was asleep. Ruby was not satisfied and wanted more information. They refused. Ruby grew irritated and went down to the hospital herself. When she came upon Belle, she was startled to see the sight before her. Her hair dischevled, her skin pale, and bruised all over. Ruby's heart broke into a million pieces at the sight of her friend. "Belle?" Ruby softly whispered.

Belle was startled at the sound of Ruby's voice. "Ruby?"

Ruby nodded and came to the side of her friend. She looked at her with deep pity and sorrow in her eyes and all she wanted to do was hug her. "Are you alright?" Ruby asked.

"She suffered a concussion, and some bruising," came the voice of Dr. Whale.

"When do you expect to release her?"

"Tomorrow morning, now I suggest Ruby you go home and get some rest."

"I can't sleep. I want to be here with Belle."

Ruby's pleading eyes met Dr. Whale's. "You are so loyal Ruby, not wanting to leave your friend's side."

"It's the wolf in me. The beast within my soul. Wolves are loyal creatures."

"You aren't a beast Ruby, you just think you are. Even though the wolf is inside you, you are more human than you realize."

Dr. Whale left and Ruby stayed by Belle's side. Belle whimpered in pain every now and then and would cry out Mr. Gold's name. For long time periods she would lay awake just to make sure Ruby was still there. Of course she was. Ruby held onto Belle's hand for support and comfort. Belle closed her eyes again and slept.

The next morning, Dr. Whale released Belle. She went home with Ruby and was to stay there for the time being. Mary Margaret had packed up most of Belle's stuff and placed it in Ruby's apartment. A room had been set up for her.

When Ruby and Belle got to her apartment, Ruby hugged Belle. Ruby could feel the emptiness inside of Belle as they hugged. It wasn't her. She was there, but not mentally. Her eyes wandered around and she would randomly burst into tears.

"He can't hurt you anymore. I won't let him," Ruby declared as Belle curled up on her bed.

"Ruby, you don't have to do this for me."

"I do Belle. I'm going to look after you no matter what."

Ruby went to get Belle a glass of water so that if she woke up and needed something to drink it would be there. Suddenly Ruby's phone went off. She looked down to see it was Mr. Gold calling her. She hit the silence button. She did not want to talk to him. Her phone soon read that she had a missed call, followed by an alert that said she had a voicemail. Nervously, Ruby called her voicemail to hear what Mr. Gold had to say.

"Ruby, its Rumplestiltskin, or Mr. Gold, I was calling to see how Belle was and to apologize for my behavior. Please let her know that I called. Call me when you get this message. You know my number."

Ruby immediately deleted the voicemail. Mr. Gold wasn't going to even get close to Belle!

Belle was awake when Ruby came back into the room. She looked terrified. "Ruby, I'm seeing things," Belle whispered.

"What are you seeing?"

"It's hard to explain. I'm seeing figures. They aren't clear, just shadowy. They move back and forth."

"Just close your eyes and try to relax, if this continues I will call Dr. Whale."

The doorbell rang and Ruby ran to see who it was. She saw Mr. Gold standing outside with a bouquet of flowers. She didn't open the door, pretending no one was home. She watched him leave and walked out of her apartment. She picked up the vase and smashed it against the wall in rage. She took the flowers and began to rip them apart. "Ruby?"

Belle's voice startled Ruby. "What happened?"

"Nothing."

Belle cautiously walked out to see the smashed vase along with the flowers. There was a card, but it was wet from the water filled vase. "Who left this?"

Belle opened the card and saw it was from Mr. Gold. She crumpled the letter but then smoothed it out. "You are not keeping it," Ruby said taking the card and ripping it up.

"But-"

"Belle, you could have died because of him. Do you want that?" Ruby reminded Belle.

Belle grew silent as she walked back into her room. Ruby shut the door and went over to the window. She saw Mr. Gold was talking with David Nolan. This wasn't going to be good.

Three hours later, Belle awoke crying again. Ruby ran into Belle's room. "What's wrong?"

"I can't sleep," Belle muttered rubbing her eyes.

"What can I do to help you?"

"It helps having someone to sleep next to."

Ruby climbed into Belle's bed and curled up next to her. "Thanks Ruby," smiled Belle.

Ruby awoke to find herself cradling Belle in her arms. "I will always protect you," she whispered.

Ruby looked at her phone and had three missed calls from Mr. Gold. She was going to have to change her number.