'Belle?'

Ruby knocked on the door, jiggling the 'We're Closed' sign a bit. She was a bit apprehensive coming here although Belle insisted it was fine. She had asked Belle if she would be okay with some company while she cleaned Mr. Gold's things. It has been a year since Mr. Gold left and the place still gives her the creeps. The wolf suspected it was all the collective dark magic that was giving off that vibe.

Ruby knocked again then turned to the street. It was a beautiful day and she had to beg Granny to let her off for the rest of her shift. The diner wasn't as busy but the girl who took over was new and was as worst as Bambi learning how to walk.

'Hey Ruby.'

Belle looked like she was just crying. Poor Belle, Ruby thought. Mr. Gold left with no explaination whatsoever. 'Hey, Belle.'

The smaller brunette tried a smile before she went in the shop, Ruby following. If Ruby felt creeped out outside, the feeling inside was even worse. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, wanting to shield whatever will come from the ambiance.

'Are you cold?'

'No. It's just... really weird here. Are you cleaning all these up?' Ruby gestured to the things on the wall as they walked to the back office.

'I don't think I will. I don't know what's in those and I would rather not tinker with it. I've called Regina about these stuff. I trust that she'll know what to do.' Belle primly sat on the bed and pulled a dress shirt to her lap. She folded it neatly and tucked it in the box near her feet.

Ruby noticed the speed at which she did the deed. She moved so slowly, taking her time as if waiting her husband will suddenly show up and stop her mid fold. At this rate, night will have fallen but she still wouldn't be half way through. Ruby sat down next to her and took her hand. 'Belle, why don't you let me do this?

'No, I can-I can do this. There's not much left. I- I need to do this.'

'Belle, you're gonna not gonna finish if you-'

'No.' Belle said firmly.

Ruby flinched at the tone but just squeezed her hands. 'Alright, alright, how about we split the clothes?' The wolf smiled when Belle nodded. She handed the other brunette a shirt and picked one for herself. After a couple shirts, the silence was getting to heavy. 'So... when's Regina coming over?'

'In a little while. I figured it would take a long time to get it all done so I scheduled with her as soon as possible.'

'And she agreed?'

'She did. She figured it best to get a handle on anything magical before a curse accidently breaks again.' That made Belle laugh and Ruby relieved that she could still do that. 'Regina was supportive. She was understanding.'

'Well, she did lose Robin. She knows what you're going through.'

Belle put another shirt in the box then glanced at Ruby. 'I'm not sure. She doesn't look as devastated as... as me.'

'Well, they've only practically met. I think she was just relieved that somebody was destined for her. It's a lonely life being a monster.' Belle glared at her for the word use but Ruby disfused with a sly smile. 'I only used the word to relate to me.'

'Ruby, you are not a monster. You're... you're a great person and you're my friend. Don't ever call yourself a monster again.' Belle reprimanded.

Ruby appreciated the words. 'Thank you, Belle.'

'None of that, okay?'

The wolf affirmed with a nod and started folding the clothes again.

The clothes were done with and as Belle was taping the box when Ruby saw something on a table that caught her eye. It was pink box that had a red ribbon atop it with the name Belle on a small ornate paper. She figured it was from Mr. Gold and debated on whether to bring it up. It looked like something that was to given on Valentines day.

'That was a gag gift.'

'Jesus christ, Belle!' Ruby jumped at Belle's voice. She dropped the box and clutched her chest, fearing her beating heart would jump out of her chest. 'Don't sneak up on people like that, I almost had a heart attack.'

Belle giggled slightly as she ran her hand up and down Ruby's back. 'I'm sorry.'

Ruby spoke again when she was able to manage her breathing. 'A gag gift? From Mr. Gold? He doesn't seem like the kind of person that will do that.' Ruby faced Belle, leaning back against the table.

'Behind the tough exterior, he's a fun guy.'

'Fun.. guy?'

'Yes. I haven't gotten around to opening it, though.'

'Do you want to?'

Belle seemed thoughtful. 'Yes, I do. He told me it's something funny. Maybe we'll get a laugh out of it.'

A knock was suddenly heard and the faint calling of Belle's name. Belle looked at the clock and saw that Regina was right on time. Then came the tell tale clicking heels.

'Belle?' Regina popped her head in the room and smiled when he saw the brunette. 'Miss Lucas, hello.'

'Hey Regina.'

'Thank you for coming, Regina. Where would you like to start?'

Regina walked inside the room officially and looked around. Aside from the packed boxes, it also contained some relics, mostly displayed on the wall. 'I think I'll start here just to finish this side. I will need a full day for the store.' Regina went to it without a word, checking out the other side of the room.

Ruby picked up the box and jiggled it. 'Do you wanna open it now?'

'Yeah, sure.' Belle took the box from the wolf and took off the ribbon. She tucked the name card inside her shirt, making Ruby laugh, before she tried to lift the lid. From the look of the box, it didn't seem to be that hard to open but it seemed like it was crazy glued shut.

Ruby furrowed her brows upon seeing Belle's trouble. 'You okay there?'

Belle only grunted in response as her hands trembled in exertion. The sides of the box was getting dented from Belle's mighty grip.

'Here, let me try.' Ruby took the box from Belle and tried. She may be in her human form but some of the wolf strength still comes through. Still, even with, the box cannot be opened. It was deformed by now and both girls were getting frustrated. 'Why.. doesn't.. this..' Eventually, the hold loosened and Ruby had a hurrah moment. 'Almost there...' Ruby dug her nails on the side of the lid that got loose and placed her thumb on the other side for leverage.

'You go, Rubes! You can do it!'

Finally, the noise from the two girls roused Regina's attention. 'What are you hens clucking about?' Regina walked to them when she saw what Ruby was doing. Ruby twisted to Regina to show that the box and that it was almost open. 'What the hell is that?'

Belle looked back. 'It's from Rumple.'

'What?! Don't open it! It might be another curse!'

'It's not. It's a gift for me.'

'Oh.' Regina cringed at the face Ruby pulled. 'Miss Lucas, give me the box.'

'Huh?'

'You're gonna give yourself a heart attack opening that box. I'll open it.'

Ruby sighed as she reluctantly gave the gift. 'Regina, no offense but I don't think you're physically capable to open that. I'm a wolf and I almost couldn't. I could by the way, you just... stepped in.'

'Don't worry, I won't break a nail.' Regina put the box right under her face and waved her other hand above it. The manicured hand sparkled in violet hue and the lid slowly lifted. Regina had a smirk on her face.

'Well, that's just unfair. Let's arm wrestle right now.'

'It's not a pissing contest, Miss Lucas... but if we did, I totally would win.' Ruby was to counter but the magic worked. 'You both wanted to open the box, did you not?' Regina held the lid and pulled it away. Just as the path was cleared, red powder exploded on Regina's face. Upon contact, the red powder disappeared, leaving tingling volts of electricity on her pores. Regina was only able to close her eyes as it was all too sudden.

The two woman next to her gasped as they saw the action unfold.

'Oh my god...' Belle was immmediately frantic. She snatched the box from Regina's hand and threw it on the ground.

Regina opened her eyes slowly and anger spread through her body like widlfire. 'What the hell was that?!' She screamed.