"Ah! Ruby...uh...damn! Are you...uh.."
"Hold still! Almost..."
"Are you really...mm...sure are about this?" Victor asked, grunting as he felt her fingers.
"I thought you wanted this," were the words in his ear.
"I do but...jeez, careful!" as she tugged on his hair a bit.
"If I move this way..."
"Is this really...uh...what's neces...sary?"
A practically purred giggle was her answer. "Always. Now let me look."
He stood shirtless, staring back and her face brightened. That was definitely a very dangerous smile right now.
"Perfect," she grinned running a thumb over his red-bitten lip.
-
Ruby ran around the diner, setting a plate in front of a customer before going for another. They had picked up alot of business lately - first the few-months lull since the last villain, and then more when Emma, Snow and their family returned from Camelot and well, Hell. Slowly a stranger or two would show up every day. She wasn't sure she liked it.
But she and Granny both needed the business. And since getting married she'd like if she contributed and Victor got well-deserved time off. But even for a wolf she was tired.
But then Ruby felt it. The gaze that held awe, thrill only that one person could have, excitement for the future, and most of all - love. Love two people like them never thought they'd have.
Victor Frankenstein was across the street, waiting for her break time. Small book in hand and tinted glasses on his nose. He wore his usual hospital attire; nice button down, tie and slacks, blazer instead of the white coat. The things she felt for that man...
She smirked and blushed when he glanced up. He made her feel beautiful beyond the wolf inside but also showed tenderness no one else saw.
Holding up a hand to signal a few minutes, she turned for more customers.
Victor leaned against his car, ankles crossed, sketchbook balanced. He'd been drawing alot more lately and was only partly sure where inspiration came from. Before the curses were broken he drank too much, worked too much, and didn't find much happiness. This modern world could be almost as bleak and depressing as his own black and white one.
Now post-curses there still seemed to be more death than lives saved, but that was his responsibility. Not that the magical people didn't notice these things, but it usually was up to him to save the ones in the hospital. Luckily Ruby and Snow had gotten more doctors hired and he actually had breaks. She sometimes had to drag him out of his lab but he wasn't as run down. Still tired but now he had someone at home.
Ruby was his bright spot. He'd never thought he could be loved after what he'd done but she literally picked him up, set him on this path. Of course when dating they felt like lovesick teenagers again, but gosh did he love her. She not only saw past his dark spots but made him laugh, allowed him to see the bright colors of this world without hurting his eyes like it used to. And as much as he embraced her wolf as part of her, he saw past it to the woman.
Victor saw someone so beautiful, so kind. Bold in words but also shy as she didn't want to hurt anyone and just be accepted. Cliche as it sounded she had a sort of intimidating beauty at first glance, but when you got closer she was vibrant and full of life and the kind of person you could gaze at for hours and never get bored. Not just in appearance but in the warmth she gave to others, the kindness whether that be feeding someone who didn't have it, or just talking, laughing, listening.
In the 5 months of being married she had already been seriously injured and he thought he'd lose yet another person he loved. But he remembered her words from the docks and was able to use science to save her.
And yet in moments the two would just sit there staring at the water or snuggled on the couch, just enjoying the quiet. Because in Storybrooke it was never quiet but together they were two monsters calmed.
And that is why he'd been sketching more. Mostly of his new wife but also trees, shops, and things around town. Also obviously things for his lab, new studies and things Victor found fascinating.
"Whale!" a voice called.
He groaned in his head. He knew some people only knew the cursed side but after years he really wished they used his given name. The other reason was who was calling.
Charming hopped out of the cruiser, papers in hand.
"Problem, Sheriff?" he asked dryly. "I'm not exactly loitering."
"We'll see about that. I had something to talk to you about." Charming crossed his arms and followed Victor's gaze to the window across the street. "It's not appropriate to spy on people, you know."
"If you must know, I'm waiting for my wife."
Charming wasn't his biggest fan and vice versa but couldn't they let it drop after all these years? Though he seemed to lighten up a tad since Ruby was hurt.
"That better be all. Look, when we were in Camelot alot of things happened and some people came over with us."
"And that has to do with me why?" Victor was bored already and could see Ruby finishing up orders.
"Because there's still little we know of during Emma and Hook's time as Dark Ones. If anyone else came over with the knights, we don't know what condition they may be in. Just be prepared for them to show up at the hospital," Charming answered, getting annoyed.
"So now you're ordering me to do more work on people we know nothing about? Isn't it your job to keep track of them?" He was still firm in the fact this guy wasn't his Prince.
"Well, Whale, maybe you'd rather be holed up in your lab," Charming shrugged.
Ok maybe not so lightened then.
Raising a brow Victor acted like this wasn't getting to him. "And what's that mean?"
"Just everyone's going to be in the front lines. Ruby has. But we'll need someone back here too." That same casual tone but with a subtle dig that he got around the doctor.
Victor stood up straight, ready to challenge with a not so nice retort but was stopped by a familiar presence.
"Hey, guys, what's going on?" Ruby asked.
Both men turned and she had an expression like she didn't know but they saw that look in her eye.
"Just filling him in on potential new arrivals," Charming answered, back to his normal smile.
"Yeah, I heard about those. Here's your's and Snow's order," Ruby told him, handing over one of the bags she had.
Her wolf was feeling protective as she moved a step in front of Victor, but the woman wasn't sure if it was warranted.
"Thanks. We'll see you at the festival right?"
"Yup! Snow and I already talked girl stuff over our outfits."
Charming smiled, bid goodbye, and drove off. They didn't miss the look towards the doctor though.
Victor turned his best grin to his wife and hugged her tight. "Come on, let's eat before we both get swamped again."
And he was back to his normal witty and doting self on the drive to their spot but Ruby knew something just didn't sit right.
The next day nearly everyone had off to get ready for the town's Harvest Festival. It had elements of Halloween but traditions from the Enchanted Forest for activities. And selling more candles and trade goods.
Granny had hired extra help to get all the catering done, and gave Ruby an out. She was so antsy during the dinner rush the previous night trying to figure out what was wrong, that she messed up a few. Granny rolled her eyes and told her to take the morning off and just talk to that boy and that it was worse than when she caught them on a morning after.
So Victor was in the living room trying to pay attention to a book but he kept jumping up to pace. The record playing low was out of tempo with his steps. Ruby watched three, four laps before she huffed and stepped into his path.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, sorry. Just alot to think about," he answered. But the words were too fast to be convincing.
He tried to make another pace around the room but she sped in front of him. Eyebrows up and arms crossed she gave him that look.
"What?"
"I know when you're lying, remember?"
"Normally I'd love your wolf senses but stop," he told her firmly.
"I would if I didn't feel it rolling off of you since the talk with Charming."
"So? It was the usual grudge, that's all."
She growled. Actually growled at her husband.
He finally sighed and sat back on the couch. "Fine!" But he bit his lip and started fidgeting. "Do you think I'm predictable?"
"He said that?"
"Not exactly the words but...do you think I'm the same boring guy with his head in the books and avoiding all the heroic things you all do?" The words were a bit broken in the middle. "I swear I haven't looked at another woman since we started going together."
Ruby's wolf whined and her heart hurt. She loved Charming as one of her best friends but sometimes he annoyed her like this.
Grabbing Victor's hands she shook her head. "No, Victor. No, you're not boring. I find it fascinating how smart you are. Part of what makes you attractive," she smiled.
"But I haven't changed before or after the curse. You even have to drag me away from the lab."
"Because you're doing amazing things. I've seen you go from grief to confident and believing in your work again. And yes Whale was a little arrogant but I knew it was just the curse, an act," she answered passionately believing that.
He went to open his mouth but she cut him off.
"Victor Frankenstein is not only an amazing doctor, he is going to find his brother, he saved my life a few weeks ago. And," this time Ruby touched his cheek. "I know I'm the only woman because the way you look at me makes me feel more than a monster the wolf used to be."
"You're not agreeing with the Prince?" he asked surprised.
"I love him like a brother but it's a little annoying. And I bet he doesn't want to know our love life," was said with a chuckle.
Just then a grin came over her face and she stood. He felt the wolf strength as she pulled him up maybe too forcefully.
"Come on, there is one thing you could change."
"Liza..." Normally he loved that look on her face as it led to one thing, but this scared him a bit.
"I have the perfect idea!"
"Liza!" was shouted as she shoved him into the bathroom. "We don't have much time before you have to leave for the party."
She smirked wickedly. "That's never stopped you." But then she was blocking his escape and digging through the cupboard. "And you're going with me."
"What! No, you were going with the girls."
"The whole town is going and I want you with me. C'mon, you get one night off."
He groaned but nodded. "Again, why are we in here?"
"Aha!" She triumphantly grabbed a box, a spare pair of his gloves, and giggled a bit when she pushed him a little too hard into the counter. "Oops! Sorry. We should have just enough time for this..."
He noticed the color on the hair dye box and his eyes widened. "Ruby, no, come on!" But it was too late, his head was underwater already.
"Ah! Ruby...uh...damn! Are you...uh.."
"Hold still! Almost..."
"Are you really...mm...sure are about this?" Victor asked, grunting as he felt her fingers run over his scalp nicely.
"I thought you wanted this," were the words in his ear.
"I do but...jeez, careful!" as she tugged on his hair a bit."Watch your side!" was warned when she hissed a little at the bandage pulling.
"If I move this way..."
"Is this really...uh...what's neces...sary?"
A practically purred giggle was her answer. "Always. Now let me look."
He stood shirtless, drips running over his shoulders and her face brightened. That was definitely a very dangerous smile right now.
"Perfect," she grinned running a thumb over his red-bitten lip.
He looked in the mirror and gasped at his now bleached hair. "Ruby! What did you do?!"
"You wanted different," she shrugged. Then she leaned closer, nose to his jaw. "You look amazing."
He gulped. They really didn't have time for the things that made him feel. He gripped her waist tight, pressing into the counter for a kiss.
After a few moments she wiggled away, eyes dancing teasingly again. "One more thing!"
"We're finishing that later!" he assured.
She ran back in with a t-shirt and dark jeans. Ironically the dark shirt had a wolf on it. He didn't think she knew he'd hidden that away as his own secret! But the sleeves were shredded a bit...
"Did you take your claws to this?" he asked suspiciously with his own smirk.
She blushed and shoved him out of the bathroom, shutting the door fast. "Get changed! I still have to put on my costume!"
He looked around, not seeing any of her stuff on the bed. "What are you wearing?!"
The couple walked down Main Street and under the archway made of festive corn. To him Ruby looked gorgeous; a bit big leather jacket, faded lightning bolts on her dark shirt (he smirked at that), red short skirt, and her hair pulled up where loose curls framed her face highlighting the bright red streaks.
Victor however was second guessing his own rocker-type look. A black bracelet and leather jacket joined his outfit (and eyeliner of course).
"I don't know about this..."
Ruby huffed a little, running her fingers through his hair to style it again. "Stop pressing it down. Trust me you look good."
They looked around, a few of their friends staring. Regina wore one of her regal dresses, Robin in a tux (Henry insisted). Killian and Emma were off to the side at one of Granny's tables. The pirate wore a dress shirt, vest, slacks and a bowler hat. She had on a navy blue dress that matched. Though it seemed as if they were trying to stay out of the way after everything.
Across from Victor and Ruby Tink sat dressed in a sweatjacket, plaid skirt and t-shirt. Her friend next to her was a new girl with wavy brown hair, big eyes, soft smile and wearing a pink flowy dress.
The newcomer's jaw practically dropped when seeing the doctor.
"See?" Ruby smiled. "Hot!" Though the wolf growled a bit and possessively pressed into him. "You're mine though."
"These guys shouldn't be looking at you," he laughed softly in her ear.
She giggled. The dwarves, Marco, and a few of Henry's friends were no threat.
His smile faded though as Snow and Charming walked over.
"Snow! You look great!" Ruby squealed at the long white dress, purple sweater against the chill, and delicate flowers in her hair. Charming wore his royal outfit.
"Whale. Uh, I mean, Victor," the Prince nodded.
"Nice turn out here, Sheriff." The doctor could be civil.
"People seem to enjoy it."
The girls broke away to talk and both men avoided eye contact.
"I -"
"Just to be clear I may've formerly had a problem, but at the hospital they're my patients, my responsibility." Victor spoke first.
Charming sighed. "Victor, my wife and your...wife are friends. While I may not like what you did, we've all done things under curses..."
The doctor studied him a moment. "Snow made you apologize."
"Not exactly an apology, you did sl-" A faint growl reached them. "Ruby's like a sister but you did save her and you have helped the town. Can we just call a truce?" he rushed.
After a purposeful long minute Victor stuck his hand out to shake, and with a smile cracked, "how much did that hurt?"
Charming grumbled with a small smile and returned to Snow.
Ruby had gone to look at the food tables. After gathering some snacks for both of them, she turned to find Victor but accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh, sorry there, Luv," a British voice sounded.
She would've thought it was Hook but looking up she saw a young blonde man, looking dressed straight out of a popular magazine shoot. He had bright blue eyes and short hair.
"My fault. I'm a waitress, usually I'm better at this." She tilted her head. "Do I know-"
"Liza?" "Hun?" two voices called. They turned and found Victor and a young woman with long blonde hair. She was dolled up in a dress and fake blood.
Victor wrapped an arm around his wife, nose to her hair much the same as she did earlier. The two men looked curiously at each other.
"We should get going, we only stopped for a short time," the other woman spoke.
"Feel free to visit anytime," Ruby smiled and then the young couple seemingly vanished into the crowd.
This time it was Victor's turn to growl and kiss her neck. Ruby laughed and slapped his shoulder lightly.
"Hey guys!" Henry called. "It's almost time for the costume contest!"
Victor groaned as she dragged him through the crowd. "It's for the kids, c'mon, Monster!" she teased.
They passed a teenager on the drums - one of his regular patients he'd grown close to. And Ruby said hi to nearly every Storybrooke resident. The girls squealed over her outfit (and drooled over his), and the men were shocked by his new appearance but complimented him.
It was easy to say both got a little possessive over each other being checked out, but Ruby was happy Victor once again seemed confident in himself. It wasn't so much the hair dye or new look, it was people talking to him and not looking down their nose.
Victor was glad the fairies had organized pictures of everyone because seeing his wife like this was so going in his sketchbook. And maybe privately a few other ways he liked at home...
By the end of the night they'd had too much sugar and she convinced his doctor half once wouldn't hurt, alot of apple cider (non-poisoned), and both gotten powdered sugar on their noses from funnel cake Granny made.
They made one more round through their friends, both tired from the week. "I can't wait to get you home," she smiled licking her lips.
"I thought you were tired?"
Ruby leaned up to whisper something in his ear, then smiled at his stunned face. "That sound tired?"
The couple barely made it through the door before they were kissing, thankful they lived in the woods because the growl she gave and his shout were not meant for others.
"Wait, how long were you pilfering those sweet 'n' low packets from Gran to cut the chemicals?" he asked as he remembered earlier.
Her laughter led him deeper into the house.
Victor pressed his wife against the bedroom door, hand gently cradling her injured side. "Thank you for tonight."
"Anytime. It was really fun."
"Though could've gone without that one guy staring at you."
"The girls couldn't keep their mouths shut." She knew her husband looked good. But he was hers and she was his.
He kissed her hard again, told himself she still had sugar on her mouth.
If his jacket had a new claw mark in it and they were still finding buttons from her outfit, well that was only for monsters to know.