note: partly inspired by a line in Republic Of Doyle, and the need for Frankenwolf babies lol.

The next few days were rough. Victor had a hard time stabilizing the baby and then going through mountains of paperwork. Luckily they didn't have to search outside of town for the parents but they were still coming up with nothing. With both situations the doctor's worry and stress levels rose.

But Ruby could also sense something else on him. The beginnings of love.

The Charmings gathered the townspeople and the Untold Stories group into the diner. Awfully small room for a big crowd. But Granny glared at the new people as she served food, angry someone would leave a child in such dire shape.

At least Emma had August as a baby.

Even Ruby's wolf growled inside at the standoffish and nervous crowd.

"Please, everyone. You won't be in trouble," Charming called out. "This baby is very sick. We just need to find his parents so he'll be looked after. Don't you want to know your child is safe?"

But no one stepped forward. This time Ruby did growl outloud and nearly lunged forward. "How could you? An innocent baby left under a wreckage. A sweet boy who just wanted to be held and loved. You should all be ashamed!"

"Maybe no one wanted a defective weakling," someone scoffed. It was an older man, clearly not the father.

"Good riddance!" an old woman called. "We just lost our homes, we have enough children to care for."

"Whoever he belongs to, I'm sure glad it's not any of you!" Ruby yelled back. "He could've died under there if it hadn't been for Victor. A doctor whom I know you all have opinions on but saved the life of a baby because he wasn't going to leave him alone in the cold! Maybe he's better off with people who care rather than you. If I find out who left him to be crushed I will rip you to shreds," the wolf girl threatened.

The crowd rightfully shrank back and Snow grabbed Ruby's shoulder before she could actually bare fangs and claws. She smirked slightly before composing herself as the other woman's eyes flashed. Maybe her friend was ready for young of her own.

"Red, easy, I think you made your point. Emma will finish scaring them into talking," Snow told her. "And if they don't that baby has a whole kingdom that will help him. Here, I gathered some of Neal's old baby clothes, you should take them down to the hospital."

Ruby breathed out and nodded. Peaking into the bag she saw tons of warm soft things. That little boy would be far more comfortable.

That didn't stop her from storming out and taking a detour to the docks, growling outloud that she wanted to maim the woman and man who left him there to die. Never mess with a werewolf.

It was a bit odd, she was all for protecting the people of this town but what she was feeling towards this child was something she'd never felt before. It was different than just being friends to Henry.

She let her sense of smell lead her to the hospital and heart to the man she loved on autopilot as she got lost in thought. She saw the look in Snow's eyes, was she right? Were they ready?

Even without wolf senses or the nurse's desk Ruby knew she'd find the doctor in the small NICU. She was grateful that when the curses broke they fought to hire more people and he didn't have to do everything by himself anymore. Though he tried.

And she was right. He had his back to the window but was definitely holding a small bundle. She leaned against the doorway after washing hands and just watched.

Victor was holding the newborn who he figured was only a month or two old against his chest, swaying lightly. His white coat had been shed over the back of a rocker, hair always slightly mussed, but still looking like he was ready for whatever today would hit with.

"...she's strong and beautiful. She'll protect you if you ever need it. You know she once lifted me in the air with just one hand?" he was babbling to the baby. "But she's also funny and her face lights up when she finds the smallest things hilarious. Yeah, you're going to love her."

The infant was finally warmed up. He had a small bandage where a light burn was on his leg but thankfully nothing too bad. And his lungs were starting to clear with little tiny coughs that were frankly cute.

"You're pretty good at that," she called softly. "Maybe you're not so bad at this whole dad thing."

He startled a bit, covering the baby with his hand protectively, before breathing and realizing it was just her.

"Liza," he smiled before sitting down. "I was just telling him about you. Any luck at the meeting?"

She shook her head sadly, wolf whining as he nodded.

"I won't just give him up."

"Neither will I. Snow sent some baby clothes, you think he will be able to handle it yet?"

"Yeah, I think so. He seems ok with the blanket, but nothing too rough, his skin is still fragile."

"Oh, he's anything but," she grinned and crouched down beside them. "He's a fighter." She was sure he got that from this man, even after only three days.

"Can I?" he asked quietly gesturing to her cloak. When she nodded (always touched by the asking) he took the end and gently rubbed it against the baby's back. "See, little koala cub, that's Ruby, the one I was telling you about. She wears this alot so you'll get used to it."

"You're a sap for kids," she giggled. Who knew the renowned, serious and sarcastic Dr. Frankenstein would melt around babies? She'd admit she was too for this one. And already had for her husband.

"Ruby, there's something else you should know," he whispered, suddenly serious. "He's not just small. I-I think he may be blind."

She gasped. So that's what those idiots at the diner meant...Watching as the boy barely opened his eyes but indeed one was wandering and the other out of focus more than babies should be. He was also paler than normal and a wispy bit of blonde hair.

She cleared her throat seeing the emotion come up in Victor's face. "That's ok. He's safe and will get all the love he needs."

Victor marveled at the conviction in her voice. "You've thought of this too? I-It's not just me?"

Even though she just met the child she knew what he meant. "I feel it too. And if you're really sure..."

"I am," he answered. And that was it. They wanted to keep this little boy they somehow already loved.

He carefully passed the baby and all the wires to Ruby and they switched spots as she sat down in the rocker. She pressed her nose into the white coat, inhaling his calming scent as the child seemed to snuggle into the cloak against her chest.

"Hi there. We're going to love you, little one. I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I swear you're safe now," she spoke softly, leaning down to nuzzle against his sweet head.

Victor smiled and stroked her hair. If Ruby thought he'd be a good dad then she'd be an even better mom. He was glad they were on the same page. Not that he thought Ruby would disagree but he felt proud as her wolf clearly marked this new life as their own.

And that was how Trevor Zachary Lucas Frankenstein became part of Storybrooke. With his very own story to tell one day.