AN: Okay, so I think that there are only going to be a few more chapters in this story. I want to say thank you for your great reviews. They make my day!

When Belle awoke, she felt like she couldn't breathe. She was gasping for air, desperately trying not to suffocate. She squirmed and cried, trying to get something into her lungs, but when she heard Ruby's voice soothing her, she realized it was all in her head. She was fine.

"Hey, it's okay," Ruby told her, holding her hand.

Belle looked over at her and smiled lightly. Boy, she looked like a mess. Ruby had black smudges all over her face and clothes, and her hair was wild. Her eyes looked panicked, despite her calm voice. Belle could tell she was worried.

It had been five hours since the fire, and Ruby hadn't gone home. She stayed right by Belle the entire time, even though multiple people, Granny included, had told her to take a shower and get some rest. "How?" she had asked in an annoyed tone. "I can't sleep until I know Belle's okay."

Every single person that had tried gave up eventually, which was fine with Ruby. She just wanted to make sure Belle was okay. Just wanted to make sure she wasn't hurt too bad. Then maybe she'd go home and sleep. Maybe...

"How are you?" Ruby asked the smaller brunette.

"I've been better," Belle laughed, but stopped when she saw Ruby's serious expression. She sighed. "I'm scared."

Ruby let out a breath she was holding. "I thought you'd say that. Don't you worry, I'm going to catch the bastard that did this."

The whole situation had Rumple written all over it. After Belle had explained everything that happened before the fire started, Ruby's suspicion was only increased. Regina was the only other person in town who could start a fire like that, a fire that definitely was fueled by magic, but Regina had been showing her nicer side lately. That, and she didn't have anything against Belle.

Rumple, however... Rumple was a different story. He was a monster, like me, Ruby thought, but quickly pushed it aside. He was a monster, a heartbroken one, and he was capable of horrible things. Why would he do it, though, Ruby questioned. He would never hurt Belle, would he?

"Ruby," Belle said, interrupting her thoughts.

"Huh, what?"

"I asked if you could please get me some water."

"Oh, yeah," Ruby mumbled, still in deep thought.

I'm going to kill him if he did it. I'll burn him like he tried to burn her. She mentally scolded herself. Don't get violent, Ruby. Violence isn't the answer, justice is.

She returned with the water for Belle and handed it to her. Belle drank it quickly, mumbling a "thank you" in between sips. Ruby sighed and sat back down, the leaned over and kissed Belle's cheek. "I'm really glad you're okay," Ruby said.

"I wouldn't be if you hadn't ran in there and gotten me out. Thank you for that."