R+R PLEASE!!

Disclaimer: Ruby and Hazel

CHAPTER SEVEN: Love is a reason for living, a reason for trying, a reason for life.

Ruby awoke to the sound of birds chirping and the sun shining through the trees.

She felt a warm body next to hers; she turned to find Allan still asleep. She smiled at the sight. He stayed with her through the night and that meant something. But she had to be careful; her heart had been broken too many times by boys. Something inside told her it was different with him but she pushed it away. It was better to be safe than sorry. She sat up and stretched her arms. Allan felt the movement and opened his eyes. "Mornin'." He mumbled, "Morning to you too." She said back. From where Allan was lying, the sunlight hit Ruby's hair and made it glow. Now he understood why her mother called her Ruby. He felt she should've been called Sapphire because her blue eyes sparkled like Sapphires. The way her hair framed her face made her look angelic. Before Allan could stop himself, he sat up and took Ruby's face in his hands and kissed her softly. Though it was gentle, Ruby felt something powerful. Though it was only days ago she had been hurt by Ryan, maybe it truly was different this time. When they pulled away, they just started into each other's eyes. (A/N: I know, cheesy, right?) "I'm sorry." Allan started to apologize but she interrupted him, "Don't be. I wanted it." She said.

"We should get up and wake the others."

While Allan woke the men, Ruby went to wake up Djaq. Djaq was sleeping peacefully in her tent. Ruby kneeled by her and started shaking her awake.

"Djaq, wake up." Ruby whispered. Djaq opened her eyes slowly and sat up.

"What?"

"Time to get up."

Djaq stood up and walked out of the tent with Ruby following. They noticed they were the only ones around, "I guess they went hunting." Djaq said, "Guess so." Ruby said. All of a sudden they heard hooves. "Go in the tent." Djaq told her, "Believe it or not I can fight." She argued, "It could be Gisbourne." Djaq argued back.

"So? All it takes is a rock to the head and he's out and won't remember anything when he wakes." Ruby replied. Djaq looked at her shocked.

"Jack Bauer and Chuck Norris. That's all I'm gonna say." Ruby explained.

The source of the hooves turned out to be Marion. "Bob Saget! Don't do that!" Ruby said as Marion dismounted. "I brought you a change of clothes. We're going back to the castle today." She said, handing Ruby her David Bowie messenger bag. Inside was a blue gown and matching ribbons to put in her hair. Ruby went into Djaq's tent and changed into in the other gown. It was off the shoulder with bell sleeves. "I need one of you to do my hair." She said coming out. The boys had returned and looked in her direction. "What? You've seen me in a dress before it's not new!" Ruby exclaimed. "Come on and sit so I can do your hair." Marion commanded, "Alright Mummy!" Ruby answered in a little child's voice. Everyone laughed and started preparing breakfast. "So what are we doing at the castle?" Ruby asked as Marion braided her hair again but weaved the ribbons through. "Well I'm going to get information from Guy as you continue to charm the Sheriff." Marion explained, "Uh uh there's no way in HELL that you are leaving me along with the Sheriff. He's a creeper. No wait scratch that, he's THE king of creepers. He puts the 'ill' in 'Oh my God I may have to kill myself.'" Ruby argued. Marion smiled and laughed. "He's having some sort of meeting, he'll probably ask you to perform again."

"Oh well then I'm definitely not going."

Marion smacked the top of her head, "You are going even if I have to drag you." She said, "Your hair's done. Now come on, we'll eat at the castle."

Allan and Robin helped them onto their horses. They said goodbye to everyone and rode off.