A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews. BTW I forgot something in the last chapter. When little red went back to her house the picture of her was gone. Also, sorry for the colossal wait...spring break...no internet...yea it sucked. Anyway, on to chapter 3!

Disclaimer: I do not own OUAT.

Chapter 3

*****************Storybrooke******************

Ding Ling. The bell on the door of the diner jingled as Ruby unlocked the door.

Walking in, she put her keys on the counter and went behind to put on her apron. She started brewing the coffee, turning to look out the window again.

She didn't even notice when Mr. Gold hobbled in. It wasn't until he rang the little decorative bell that she came out of her trance. Looking at the man she brought her classic Ruby smile, even though inside she was shaking.

"Sorry, my mind was totally out of it. What can I get you Mr. Gold?" She said with her bubbly voice.

In truth she was kind of uneasy. Granny got sick again last night and couldn't come in with her.

Stupid old woman, I wish she would just go ahead and die. Just to get it over with.

She didn't like to be alone with Gold. He made everyone uncomfortable, but just him alone made her sick to her stomach. She was actually really well when it came to the male species, no matter the age, but it was different with Mr. Gold.

Gold had a look, like he wanted to say something but just couldn't quite get it out. It took her a moment, but Ruby noticed the look.

Now Ruby was a people person, obviously. So she knew certain looks, especially men, even Mr. Gold.

"Got it." She went around the counter to get a glass. She opened up the night cabinet full of alcohol. Pulling out some scotch, she poured in a generous portion. Handing him the cup, she felt a little more comfortable. This she understood.

A guy with alcohol she could deal with, so she decided to start a conversation.

"So is this a celebration or a drowning of sorrows?" She didn't have a good or bad tone, just asking with curiosity.

Looking up as if he had seen Ruby for the first time, he gave that Gold smile that made everyone grow cold.

"Bit of both actually." He stated as he took a sip gratefully.

Trying to relax, Ruby smiled, leaning on the counter in her usual manner.

"Oh? How?" She smiled, trying not to seem intimidated.

Looking up at her, his face became hard to read.

"Well obviously I'm sure everyone knows," Gold started.

That you were arrested. Ruby thought silently inside her head.

"That I was in a bit of trouble. Well that's the celebration dearie, freedom." Taking another sip.

"And the sad part?" Ruby bit her tongue so hard she tasted blood. She was so stupid, why would she say something like that? Sure, with any other person she could, but this was Mr. Gold.

But to her surprise, he answered. "I was robbed, by Mr. French of course. He stole something important to me," Ruby noticed he stuck his hand in his pocket as he said this. So whatever it was he must've got it back. "But he didn't keep it, oh no, he gave it to the worse person in this whole town."

"The Mayor?" Yet another thing she had said without thinking. Whether it was the scotch or something else, Mr. Gold seemed different. It took her a moment to realize, she had never seen this man in here before, let alone drunk.

"Ah, yes the Mayor." Looking at Ruby he smiled. "I was blackmailed. The beast was finally slain." He said as he finished the last dregs from the cup. Ruby grabbed the bottle, but he put his hand over the top, shaking his head.

Standing up he laid money on the counter. As he headed towards the door, Ruby could see her regular early birds on their way. But curiosity was getting the best of her. Standing up, she stared at the man.

"Can I ask what was stolen?"

Turning, he gave her what seemed like an actual smile. He left with these words in her mind.

"You can ask all you like." Opening the door, he stepped out into the town of Storybrooke, holding the chipped cup in his pocket.

Ruby watched him leave, wondering what was happening to this town. Things used to be so simple.

******************Enchanted Forest*******************

Hiding out in the woods, Red followed a path she knew from these parts. After what happened she was trying to cover as much ground between her and the inn. She had never needed a man and certainly didn't need one now, let alone one like that.

She continued on her way to her destination, her grandmother's house.

She and her Granny were extremely close, even with her occupation. She was a barterer. Whatever there was to sell, she was there to sell it. She moved all over, but she went out of her way to always make some time for her Granny.

She was now a day's journey from her dear Granny's. It was a long travel, but it never bothered her, because it was always worth it.

But this time it was different. She had had a bad encounter in that inn. Usually her travels were pleasant. Lonely, but pleasant.

This time around, however, Red was in a constant state of fear. She had put that man in his place, but that didn't make her feel any less uncomfortable, being alone, exposed on this path. For the first time in a long time, Red Riding Hood wished someone, anyone, was here with her.

She heard horses approaching. Her blood pressure rising, ran she ran away from the path, into the undergrowth. Crouching low, she waited for the horses to pass.

Wait. She thought. Why am I hiding from a team of horses? I am no coward.

Standing up, she was about to head back onto the trail when the horses went past. What she saw made her fall back into the plants.

There were six men. The man at the head of the team was the same man from the inn. Even with the gear of a soldier on she could see him. She noticed some of the others were thought to be prisoners of the kingdom.

It was mid-afternoon now, the lighting was better. She almost let out a gasp, but knew she couldn't even breathe till they passed. The man that led the team was well known, as an assassin.

Grey Wolfback. The Queen's best assassin. He was just like a wolf, hearing, sight, and smell, that just like the animal. But that was not what made her refrain from gasping, looking into his eyes she saw the same familiar coldness of the man who had killed her parents. Lucky for her she was deeply covered, even if he knew her scent he would be able to detect her.

It must have been hours after they passed, but her heartbeat was still beating as fast as the hooves of those horses.

She curled up into a ball, she was so confused. Why were they in such a hurry? DId it have something to do with her? If it did, did they know who she was?

Questions were filling her head every second. She didn't even notice how dark it had gotten. Her hunger was unimportant, but her exhaustion was more nagging. But she didn't dare sleep, with fear the wolf man would return.

Unfortunately she was exhausted and had no say in the matter. Within the hour she was in a deep sleep.

She awoke abruptly. She was indeed still in the brush she had been in the day before. Standing up she realized she was extremely hungry.

Picking up her travel basket she opened it and took out some of her cinnamon bread. It was a special bread, could be fresh for up to three days after it was made. She took a huge bite and began to chew thoughtfully. Listening to the sounds of crickets seemed somehow reassuring.

"That smell's divine." Someone said.

Standing up, Red pulled out her father's dagger, holding it out menacingly.

"Who goes there?" She looked around but saw no one. "Show yourself."

"I am." She heard a chirp.

Looking around Red could see no one. Thinking she was going mad she decided to be on her way. When she heard the voice again.

"My apologies madame." The sounds of the crickets abruptly stopped. Feeling something on her shoulder, Red looked to see a nicely dressed cricket.

Shocked, she moved so fast the cricket flew from her shoulder. Ashamed for how she acted, Red began to apologize.

"I'm so sorry, sir. You startled me." Looking around Red tried to find the little cricket. "Sir? Sir where are you?"

"On the tallest plant to your left." something chirped. Turning, Red could see the green cricket.

Walking towards him, she crouched to remain eye level.

"Well I believe an apology is in order." Red stated, but before she could apologize the cricket did it for her.

"You are quite right," Making a bowing motion he continued. "I apologize. I shouldn't have startled you." Taking off his little hat he introduced himself. "Jiminy Cricket, pleased to make your acquaintance."

Surprised by his forwardness, Red introduced herself.

"Red Riding Hood, but you can call me Red. And I meant I should apologize for throwing you off my shoulder."

"Well then apology accepted, miss. Now forgive me, this may sound selfish, but what was that you were just eating?"

Standing up Red understood. Even crickets must get hungry, and no one can resist the smell of Red's cinnamon bread. Pulling out a small piece from her basket she handed it to him.

"It's completely understandable. It's very, uh, mouthwatering." From what she could see it looked as if he took a bite. She heard an 'mmm' come from him.

"Thank you very much. Is this your recipe?" Smiling at the compliment, she curtsied.

"Yes sir, I'm known for some of my creations. That bread being the first. My grandmother said I have a natural talent at baking."

"Well I agree with her." Finishing the bread he looked at her.

"Once again my apologies Red. But I'm sure it's not that comfortable talking to me from down here. If it's alright with you of course, I would like to walk with you for a moment. But to keep up-" This little cricket was more polite than most men in this world. But he couldn't get it quite out. But Red understood.

"Sure, hop on." She interrupted him, looking up he seemed to smile.

"Most gracious, thank you." Hopping up to her shoulder he continued their conversation. "So where are you going this fine day?"

Staring down at the insect as she went back on the path, Red realized something. She had asked for someone to talk to, looks like she got her wish.

********************Storybrooke*********************

Ruby went through her morning routine for breakfast at the diner's. Right on time, Ruby saw Mary Margaret walk in, with a book.

She sat down and started reading, Ruby knew one of two things were going to happen. Either David was going to come in and they would try to seem discrete while making it obvious. Or Emma was going to come in and ruin the fun for them. Or maybe today it would be both. Ruby smiled at the potential drama.

Ruby poured Marco some coffee and sat back to observe. Right on time, David walked in, sitting in the same booth he always did when Mary Margaret sat at that table.

She didn't understand what was up with them. Obviously they dug each other. But that pesky wife of David's was in the way. Katherine wasn't that bad a person, true, but she never did anything. She was always just there.

Ruby liked it when people did something crazy and out of character every once in awhile. She wished Mary Margaret and David would just go ahead and at least sit in the same table. Or maybe they should just go ahead and have an affair. Now that would catch Ruby's attention.

She liked crazy exciting things. She needed something new every five seconds. She hated her routine, it was just too plain. And as if the universe was reading her mind, Emma walked in, sitting with Mary Margaret.

Now there was someone who was almost always exciting. Ruby hurried over to her to get her coffee. Emma inspired Ruby, though she would never admit it. Emma was new and different than others. Ruby remembered the day Emma had come to the town. Her Granny had almost had a heart attack by a newcomer. Ruby herself was taken off guard. Ever since Emma had been here things were. . . changing. Ruby couldn't explain it but things were different. Ruby had had to change her pattern, sure she was still in a pattern, but at least it was a change of scenery.

"Hey girls," Ruby greeted. "Anything new?" She always wanted to know about everything, not like the Mayor, trying to put her nose in everyone's business, just gossip. And the sheriff was always the kind of person to know things.

Emma looked thoughtful, as if trying to remember.

"Well you know Gold was arrested, right?" Emma looked at Ruby.

"Oh yeah, everybody who's anybody knows. It's a small town." Ruby wanted to know why though. "Hey, why wasn't Mr. French arrested?"

Emma looked shocked. "Why are you asking?"

"Well," Ruby said slowly. "Mr. Gold said Mr. French stole from him, so I thought stealing was a crime. How come you put Mr. Gold in jail instead, sounds kinda weird if you ask me." Seeing the look on Emma's face she quickly added, "But it's not my business, you're the sheriff." She walked away, leaving the two to their coffee, but she was still curious.

After Ruby left, Emma finally got down to business. She had been meaning to ask Mary Margaret something, but kept forgetting. Even now though, Mary Margaret's mind seemed somewhere else entirely.

"Mary Margaret?" Emma looked at her friend. Mary Margaret shook her head as if coming out of a trance. "Can I ask you something?"

Mary Margaret looked at Emma, she smiled. "Of course. What is it?"

Looking at her cup Emma was unsure whether to say anything or not. Deciding it was better to ask, she continued. "You know Mr. French, right?"

"Of course, he sells the best flowers. Why?"

"Well you know the night I arrested Gold?"

Mary Margaret nodded. Then she realized something, she didn't know anything about what happened that night. Understanding that's what Emma wanted to talk about she decided to forget about the window.

"Oh, right. I guess we've both been kinda busy lately. So what happened?"

"Well I heard from someone that they had seen Mr. Gold with Mr. French's truck. When I showed Gold the stuff still at Moe's place, he said I didn't get anything. And when I told him I would get what he wanted when I found Moe, he and I quote said 'Not if I find him first'." Emma imitated Gold's voice.

Mary Margaret put down her cup. "That's horrible. What happened?"

"Well," Emma continued. "When I heard he was in the van, I guessed he had found French. I heard there was a small cabin in the middle of the woods, the perfect place I thought. So I found out where the cabin was and headed out there. Sure enough I saw the van, and I heard someone screaming."

"Oh my gosh. Was he-"

"Yeah, he found French. So I arrested him for assault. Then Regina came by the jail house."

Mary Margaret gasped. "What did she do?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "I still think she's pure evil. Henry got that right at least. She brought him by and said I could have thirty minutes with him. Apparently she needed to talk to Gold, alone."

"What did you do?" This, at the time seemed more important than her problems.

"I took Henry out. We went to get ice cream. But when I came back something was off with Gold," Emma put down her mug, thoughtfully.

"What was off?" Mary Margaret wanted some sort of distraction from her own life.

"Well I can't explain it, but when I came back Gold had a cup. He was in his cell, holding this little tea cup." Emma had that look in her eye Mary Margaret came to recognize.

"Do you think Regina gave it to him?"

Emma thought about it. It didn't really make sense, but Emma guessed she was getting close.

"Yeah I think she gave him the cup." Emma guessed Regina might have put Moe up to it, but she kept thinking about the shack. What Gold did, why did he do it?

Mary Margaret noticed Emma's concerned look. "That's not what this is about, is it?"

Putting her mug down in defeat Emma looked up. "No it's not, as much as it irritates me about Regina, that's not what's bugging me. When I got to the cabin and heard the noise, some of it was pain, but Gold was also yelling at French."

"What was he yelling?"

"He kept saying how 'you hurt her, what happened to her', something about a her. Did French have a daughter?"

Thinking back as far as she could remember, Mary Margaret couldn't recall any daughter. "No, I don't think so."

"Well did they ever, um...have an interest in the same woman?" Emma asked awkwardly. Mary Margaret laughed.

"Really? Mr. Gold? Interested in someone?" Seeing the serious expression she added, in a more serious tone. "Uh no, I don't think so."

Standing up Emma laid down some money. Picking up her coffee she pushed back the chair she was sitting in. "See ya later Mary Margaret."

"Where are you going?"

"I have some questions to ask."

Ruby walked away Emma and Mary Margaret. Now she didn't like the idea of what happened. What was up with the justice system? She better tread lightly or else she might get arrested for something.

"Ruby," her granny called her. Ruby went behind the counter to her Granny at the register.

"Yeah," Her granny was such a pain. "What is it?"

"Stop harassing the customers girl." Her granny gave her a stern look.

Ruby gave an exasperated sigh. "I wasn't harassing them, we were talking. You know the thing normal young people do. It's called socializing."

"Well, you're not on break yet, so stop socializing." And that was that, her granny continuing with the books or whatever.

Ruby threw her hands up, "Fine as you wish your majesty." With that she walked off.

As she was serving people she kept staring at her granny. Till Mr. Clark came in. Always asking things about food he's already eaten, making extra sure he wasn't allergic to it.

"Uh. . . Ruby, is there any peanut in this. 'Cause you know some restaurants change cooking oils and use peanut oil."

Instead of her usual 'not since the last time you asked' and his reassured smile she looked over at her granny.

"Sorry Clark, I'm not allowed to speak to you or anyone of the other customers," Clark had a confused look.

"But what about my allergies?"

Ruby hated seeing people hurt, but she enjoyed sticking it to her granny even more. "Sorry bucko, no go."

"RUBY!" Her granny yelled from the counter. Ruby turned.

"Yes ma'am," she had a fake smile on her face.

"Here now."

Ruby took her sweet time getting to the counter. Taking extra care of the coffee pot back into the coffee maker. Then striding toward her granny.

"Yes?" Ruby said with fake innocence.

"What exactly are you trying to accomplish?" Her granny's eyes were hard.

Ruby shrugged. "Nothing really, just doing as you said."

"Young lady, you very well know that's not what I meant."

"Whatever," Ruby shrugged, her watch started beeping. "Well that's my break. Later." Throwing down her apron she walked out of the diner.

**************Enchanted Forest*****************

Red finished her tale of the night before. It felt nice to have someone to talk to.

"Hmm. It seems you are in need of some assistance." Jiminy said thoughtfully.

"I know, but I'm not quite sure what to do. I'm a good archer and fighter, but not even close to take on the Wolf." Red said.

"Well as you said, you are not sure it is you they are after. But we should move with caution."

They had traveled far that day, using side roads and the forest, not wanting to run into the Wolf.

It had gotten dark faster than Red had anticipated. They would only have a small amount of time before it got dark. Looking around she decided to ask her new friend what he would think.

"Jiminy?"

He had actually continued to talk, looking at Red he realized she hadn't been listening. Instead she must've been looking at the sky. Noticing himself that it was indeed late.

"Yes Red?"

"What do you think of our present situation?"

"I believe we should find some lodging before it gets too late."

The two continued on in silence. Red didn't know of any place to stay from around here. But after only a few more minutes there was a smell. It was enticing, the smell of cooked meat.

Red looked down at her companion. "Do you smell that?"

"Yes, it smells delicious."

"It could be the wolf and his crew. We should move with caution."

They had been traveling all day. Eating some from Red's basket, but that supply was beginning to dwindle. Slowly moving they noticed a cottage. Red decided to take a closer look.

Walking up to the door she heard people. But it didn't sound like there were a lot. Looking a the cricket on her shoulder, Red waited for his confirmation that is was okay to proceed. He seemed to nod his head so Red tentatively knocked on the door.

An old man opened the door. He was just a normal old man, not a bandit or one of the horsemen. Ruby let her grip from the dagger she had apparently been holding lessen. Ruby was grateful, the man seemed nice enough.

"Why hello there." He greeted from the open door.

Red bowed. "Hello sir, my friend and I have been on a long journey and was wondering if we could have refuge here for the night?"

"Why certainly miss," a confused look came upon the old man's face, he looked over Red's shoulder. "Did you say you had a friend with you?"

"Oh, yes," Looking at her shoulder she realized the cricket was gone. Looking back at the old man she smiled. "Well I guess he is no longer traveling with me."

Opening the door, the old man let Red enter his humble home. She enjoyed the warmth from the small fireplace inside. She was upset her one friend had left. Where had he gone? Looking around she noticed carpenter tools. Turning to the man she smiled.

"You are a carpenter?"

Looking at the table with his tools he looked back at her. "Ah, yes. I make many things and sell them when I can."

Grabbing a bowl he walked over to the fireplace, there was a pot, he spooned some of the stew into the bowl. Setting it on the table in front of Red he gave a warm smile.

"You must be hungry." Red gratefully took the bowl.

"You are very kind." Taking a bite she was shocked. The stew tasted amazing! It was an excellent mixture of herbs and spices, giving the meat a certain taste that was perfect on this chilly night. "This is delicious."

Pouring himself a bowl he sat across from her. "Thank you, it's nice to be appreciated. Now if you don't mind me asking, what is your name?"

"You can call me Red, most everyone does. What's your name?"

There was a twinkle in his eye from the fireplace, he smiled. "Gepetto."

A/N: So how was it, hope you like it. Please review about any comments, ideas, parts you liked :3