Ruby watched the clock on the wall as she finished her shift in the diner. She looked at her Grandmother who was closing up for the night. Ruby rarely got nervous, but today was one of those days. She flipped the sign on the front door from open to closed and turned back to Granny, who was wiping the counter.

She cleared her throat and Granny looked up, "What do you want?"

Ruby sat down at the counter, "I want to propose to Belle."

Granny grinned in response, "About time. Snow White owes me ten bucks."

"You bet on when I was going to propose?" Ruby asked astonished.

"She was betting on Valentine's Day," Granny explained. Her face turned serious, "Now Ruby, I know how much you love Belle and how you make each other happy. But I'm not doing my grandmotherly duties if I don't tell you that marriage is a serious commitment."

Ruby nodded, "I know. I'm ready for it. I only want to be with her."

Granny smiled, "I know." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a simple diamond ring. She handed it to Ruby, who examined it as though it was a sacred object, "This has been in our family for generations. Take care of it."

Ruby stood up and hugged Granny, "Thank you."

"No problem," Granny replied, "Now go home. Tell Belle I said hi."

The Rabbit Hole was practically empty that night. So many people were preparing for the Christmas holiday that only a few lonely souls were out of their homes. Tinkerbell sat at the bar, throwing back a shot as she looked around bitterly. She had come to this world a few months ago and was initially impressed with all of the technology it had to offer. Now the luster had worn off. She felt alone, her only friend was out of town on her honeymoon, and she still hadn't gotten her wings back. She threw back another shot, at least this world's alcohol supply was good.

She scanned the place looking for someone, anyone, so she wouldn't have to drink alone. Her eyes locked with August sitting at a nearby table. They both smiled at each other, daring each other to make the first move. Throwing caution to the wind, Tinkerbell stood up first and made her way to the table. "Excuse me," said Tinkerbell, "Your table looked a little empty."

August gestured to the seat across from him, "The bar doesn't look much better." Tinkerbell sat at the table and August continued, "Are you tired of the overly sappy Christmas cheer as well?"

"I don't get this holiday," Tink admitted, "What's with all of the gifts and trees and other crap?"

August laughed, "As a dozen holiday specials on TV will tell you, the true meaning of Christmas is spending time with family and friends."

Tink leaned back, "And what's your take?"

"It's a holiday created to sell things under the guise of religion," August said, sipping his beer, "But it's nothing compared to Valentine's Day."

"What's Valentine's Day?" Tink asked curiously.

He smiled at her, "You're in for a treat. It's the worst holiday for single people ever."

"Surely, you haven't ever been single for long?" She questioned. She was starting to like this guy.

August shrugged, "I've just been waiting for the right person." Tink did her best to conceal her blush. She quickly steered the conversation away from the topic as she asked him about his story. She talked about her life as well; glad that she could confide in someone about her feelings. The hours ticked by as they talked.

Soon it was closing time, and they left the bar. "Thanks for coming over," August said.

Tink smiled, "It was nice not drinking alone."

They stood there awkwardly for a few moments as though they were waiting for something. Tink finally made the first move, "You want to come back to my place?"

August grinned. "I'd love to." Tinkerbell smiled as she led him back to Granny's. When they reached the town square they stopped short at the sight before them. A green monster…creature…thing dressed in a Santa suit was working to dismantle the giant tree.

Tink gasped, "What is that thing?"

"It looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book," August replied in disbelief, "They call him the Grinch, but he's a fictional character."

"So are we," Tink replied. She felt a little frightened by the creature and said, "Let's get out or here and maybe it won't hurt us."

They resumed their walk as a quickened pace towards their destination, leaving the Grinch to finish his work.