Author's Note
I'm so excited to post this! I loved writing it and I hope yall enjoy it.
I have attempted to improve my writing style and shift away from my previous dialog based style. Let me know what you think about it.
I'm not sure about the timeline here. Belle and Rumple are apart and Ruby is still in Storybrooke. I apologize in advance for the sketchy timeline, but just it and let your mind run free.
Last thing, I originally intended for this to be a one-shot which is why it is so long, but I have ideas for a few more chapters if it is liked enough. So let me know what you think! Review please!
The idea to hold a ball was widely accepted by the residents of Storybrooke. Despite the reoccurring curses that plagued the town they wanted to do something to bring back a sense of pre- dark curse normalcy. Excitement filled the town and soon enough after much preparation and planning the day had finally arrived.
Everyone was dressed in their finest attire. Most opted for a clothing style more reminiscent of their home, the Enchanted Forest, yet still this new realm left it's mark creating an Enchanted Forest Storybrooke hybrid ball.
The town hall was almost completely filled. It appeared as though most everyone was present, eager to participate in the festivities. Music flowed from the band as the people danced elegantly to the ballroom music.
There were several tables in the back with chairs for seating, although they weren't in use. There was also one dedicated to various deserts that Granny had generously donated, including punch and a small amount of alcohol, per Ruby's request.
Currently, Ruby sat at the end of said table where she had forgone the designated seating tables and pulled a chair up directly next to the alcohol sipping shots while gathering a small collection of glasses.
Regina walked up with Henry in tow setting eyes on Ruby with a worried crease forming in her brow. She had grown close to the girl and they had developed some sort of strange friendship. Thinking of it made Regina inwardly shake her head. She was her former enemy's best friend, heck, she'd tried hard to see to the girl's death. The werewolf proved to be an irritating obstacle. Every time she would get close to finally getting Snow, Red would take out half of her army. The girl was brave, strong, and resilient which in the end kept her and Snow alive. Thinking of her... stepdaughter - that made her cringe at her mental choice of words - ...Ruby's best friend, reminded her of a previous conversation with the young woman.
-FLASHBACK-
"So much has changed. I mean don't get me wrong I'm grateful for Snow and everything she's done to help me, but it's just not like it was."
Ruby bitterly smiled and gave a humorless laugh. "I guess that's what happens when you fall in love."
Regina didn't really know what to say. She didn't have much experience with friends. "Love changes people."
Ruby seemed to accept this answer. Looking down focusing on the hands in her lap her eyes hardened which didn't go unnoticed by Regina. "Yeah it does. For better or worse."
Regina felt sympathy towards the werewolf knowing she was implying her own love life. Regina had always thought in the back of her mind that love was something of a cure all, but Ruby proved it hard to hold to this. Of course thinking about it, did love solve Regina's problems? Falling in love could, in fact, be looked at as the cause of virtually all her problems.
Breaking free of thought she placed a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Bad things happen, but good things happen too."
Ruby smiled through teary eyes taking Regina's hand in her own. "Becoming friends with you has been a good thing."
Regina was shocked. She had heard many unsettling things said about her throughout her life, but this might have been the first time it was something good.
Much to Regina's relief Ruby spoke again, not sure she knew how to address the previous statement.
"Snow and I aren't close like we used to be. She has a family now. She has her happy ending."
"That doesn't mean you can't be a part of it."
"I don't belong in it."
Regina didn't like the resignation in her eyes. Like she had given up on happiness. Gold's words echoed in her mind. 'Villains don't get happy endings.' She dismissed the unwanted thought. Surely, Ruby couldn't be considered a villain. Yes, she had killed many people, even innocent people, but this woman in front her a villain? Furthermore, even giving thought to such a controversy would validate Gold's statement which would ultimately include herself which Regina didn't like, at all.
"I've been without a friend for far too long."
Ruby was drawn from her dark thoughts by Regina's admission. Both glad to have a friend despite the previous murder attempts between them.
-END FLASHBACK-
She chose to sit at the table right next to the younger woman. While Henry made to grab some of the deserts.
"Miss Lucas, why don't you come have a seat with us?"
Despite their awkward 'friendship' things typically remained somewhat reserved between them. Not that they had much contact with each other, both settled to know they had someone available to be open with.
Ruby nodded grabbing her chair and placing it at the table that the Queen was closely seated at.
"Wow. You look amazing Ruby." Regina said taking note of her dark red dress covered with a layer of black netted tulle. The bottom flowed out to uneven lengths while the deep red bodice was tightly laced up with a black tie. The front showed off a bit of clevage whilst the back was lace up with the same black colored tie scooping down a bit leaving the black tie to zigzag across her open back. It was something that would never be seen in the Enchanted Forest, never in Storybrooke either for that matter. The dress was entirely Ruby, as if no one else could ever wear it - it screamed her name.
"Thanks." Ruby replied with a smile as she sat.
Henry returned with with a plate full of sweets. "You're going to be sick if you eat all that." His mother chided.
"No I won't." Henry said, his words muffled from his full mouth.
"Granpa!"
"Henry, my boy." Mr. Gold said squeezing Henry's shoulder.
Regina shot him a look of contempt. Still uneasy that her son was related to such a man. In turn, this made their past all the more awkward. Regina wished nothing more than to cut ties with him, yet for Henry's sake she mustered through it.
"Regina." He acknowledged smiling knowingly at her displeasure.
Turning to the table's other occupant he spoke. "Miss Lucas. Pleasure seeing you here."
"Snow insisted, but I'm only here for the drinks." She said throwing back a shot.
He raised an eyebrow at her noticing the glasses scattered between the two tables. He reached over and poured himself a glass. "I must say your tolerance for alcohol is quite impressive."
He downed his then regarded the empty glass with a disapproving looking. "Although, I hardly consider this stuff to fit for consumption."
"I never knew you were a liquor connoisseur."
"There are many things you don't know about me. I have some bourbon that would make this taste like mud in comparison."
Ruby couldn't suppress the giggle that escaped her lips at his snide remark.
"I must say miss Lucas I'm surprised you're not out on the floor dancing."
"I don't really know how." She said not meeting anyone's gaze.
Rumple scoffed.
"I don't either, but mom thinks I'm doing good." Henry piped up. Regina smiling in proud agreement. Henry was a fast learner and Regina couldn't be prouder.
Ruby unconsciously rolled her eyes. "I'm serious. I've never been to a ball."
The meaning of Ruby's words struck Regina hard. "Wait, you mean you've never been to a ball?"
She looked at Regina as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm a peasant. My village didn't exactly throw balls."
Regina knew this. That was not what she was insinuating. She decided to be a little more specific.
"So let me get this straight, you were best friends with Snow White and you've never been to a ball?"
Ruby sighed deeply. "I'm not exactly welcomed with open arms by people. Despite my friendship with Snow most people despise me. I've killed a lot of people. I don't have the best track record." Ruby was downcast at her admission no doubt mentally berating herself.
Gold drew her attention by speaking. "Regardless of your lack of experience, I'm sure any young man here would jump at the chance to teach you."
He gave a small smile that Ruby thought was meant to be encouraging.
'Great I'm being encouraged by the Dark One... as if my day wasn't bound to get worse.'
The entire idea of Rumplestiltskin trying to be encouraging was laughable. Ruby actually would have laughed at the notion if her mood hadn't turned bitterly sad.
"Despite the old Ruby's extensive list of interested guys, after the curse broke it disappeared. Shocking as it may seem, not many people wanna date or dance with a werewolf."
Regina fought to conceal a smile at Ruby's false tone and blunt sarcasm. That was something she loved about Ruby was her use of quick remarks and blatant sarcasm.
Ruby confessed once to Regina that she wished the curse remained unbroken, though it was selfish. During the curse she was loved and desired by men. Something that she would never have.
Rumple couldn't believe his ears. Here was a gorgeous - no, she was far more than that. She was alluring, breathtaking, something exquisite. He could not fathom why any man would not want her. Sure she was a werewolf which technically made her not human. She had much blood on her hands and guilt on her heart, but her soul was beautiful. They say the eyes are windows to the soul, well one look into her eyes undoubtedly revealed the truth to the saying. He made up his mind. Honestly, his heart jumped at the chance. Although, he couldn't say that his motives were entirely pure, but that was irrelevant to him.
"Well then let me be the first. If you would do me the honor. May I have this dance?"
Ruby's mouth opened a fraction as if to speak but then language was lost to her. Leaving her lips slightly apart for the briefest of times.
Wide eyed shock stunned Regina. Never in a million years would she have imagined this situation. Yet, here it was before her own eyes. The thought of Rumplestiltskin's ex-wife, girlfriend, whatever she was passed through her mind for an unknown reason.
Ruby's shock had worn off as her lips were now closed. The aforementioned lips were now curling into a cocky smile. As she grasped his extended hand to stand.
"I'd love to."
Anger overtook Regina as she watched the Dark One lead her away from the tables. He should not be her first dance. Not him. Anyone but him.
Excitement and nervousness filled the pit of her stomach as they stopped on the makeshift dance floor. She had no idea what to do, how to begin. Truthfully, the idea of accepting Rumplestiltskin's offer wasn't all that pure. Sure she wanted to dance and having someone offer without a look of malice was pleasing. But what really appealed to her was the fact that it was Rumplestiltskin. It was the Dark One. The forbidden aspect appealed to her. It shouldn't she knew. He was dangerous. The hand that he extended to her was soiled with blood. Yet, her's were too. Wasn't she just as dangerous? She knew Snow would not be happy if she saw them, yet she couldn't bring herself to care. As far as she was concerned Rumplestiltskin had shown more kindness tonight than any other.
She stood there awkwardly, facing him. "Uh, I don't exactly know how to do this."
He took her hands and placed them properly then likewise did the same himself.
"Just follow my lead."
She stumbled a few times, which truthfully could have been due to the amount of alcohol she previously consumed, and made many missteps, whereas, it was like he was born to dance. She was amazed.
"I never took you for a dancer."
"Like I said earlier. There are many things you don't know about me, dearie."
She smiled at him as they continued the intricate pattern of movements.
Ruby's attention was snapped away to a presence by her side. Snow stood there with a strange expression on her face. Snow spoke directly to her disregarding her dance partner leaving him to stand there awkwardly waiting.
"Red, what are you doing?" Snow's voice strained to keep a pleasant demeanor.
"I thought it was kinda obvious. I'm dancing." Ruby threw a glance Rumplestiltskin's way.
He wondered if he should just walk away. It wasn't hard to figure out the purpose of Snow White's interruption. She was alarmed because here stood her best friend arm in arm with the Dark One.
Snow grabbed her hand and led Ruby away a few steps. Speaking in a hushed yet panicked tone. "With him?!"
At this Ruby was thoroughly annoyed. She could dance with whoever the heck she wanted. Who was Snow to think otherwise?
"Yes, with him. He's the first person here to show me some decency. Not that you'd know. Funny how you only notice when I'm doing something you don't approve of." Thinking her statement wasn't quite true. Regina had really been the first, but she thought it better to leave her out of it.
Snow was taken aback. "Red... I'm sorry."
An apology. Of course she was apologizing because that's Snow White for you. Ruin lives first, apologize later. Wait, ruin lives? Perhaps she'd been spending too much time with Regina.
"It's just... well he's Rumplestiltskin. I mean you were dancing with Rumplestiltskin. He's dangerous."
She said it like she was trying to convince herself of the fact. Though she said it aloud she couldn't believe the truth of the statement.
Unlike Snow, Ruby didn't keep her voice down. Not giving a crap if people heard her. "Yeah well so am I! And frankly I don't give a crap!"
People were staring at this point.
Regina watched the situation unfold in front of her. She couldn't believe Snow had the gall to make a scene like this. She wanted to intervene but she knew throwing herself into the mix would only complicate matters. Although, she couldn't say she disagreed with Snow. Ruby shouldn't be around Rumple. She wouldn't have made quite the mess Snow had made though.
"I'll do whatever I want!"
She loudly proclaimed before turning around and briskly walking up to Gold. She grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked him in for a violent kiss. He hadn't had time to react much to his own displeasure. Ruby released him and stormed off flinging the exit door open as she left.
In her wake she left a stunned Rumple, a shocked Snow, and a disgusted Regina.
He stood there unable to move. What the heck just happened? Ruby had kissed him? Ruby kissed him. A smirk appeared on his lips at the realization. Sure he was merely a pawn for her to prove a point, but that didn't change the fact that she had kissed him. He'd be lying if he said that he hadn't thought of it before. Ruby was a gorgeous woman. Who wouldn't want her? No, it went back further. During the curse he had watched her. Wanted her. Regina had made her cursed version dress so... he couldn't place a word to it. Tempting? He could only fantasize about the girl getting too drunk and him getting lucky. No. Truthfully it went back even further. He heard the stories back in the Enchanted Forest of beasts who walked as humans. Few they were and allusive they were. He vividly recalled the day widow Lucas called to him asking for something to help her cursed granddaughter. He helped of course - for a price. He came across her as she had matured. Watched her in awe. She was breath takingly beautiful. His time was cut short because he had other matters to attend to but glee filled him as he knew soon enough he'd see her once the curse was cast. Now here he stood so many years later still intrigued by the same woman.
He walked back to the tables pouring himself a glass of that wretched drink. Regina glared daggers at him and he couldn't keep the smugness off his face.
He hadn't seen Ruby since last night. Although, he supposed she was probably working a shift at the diner. Currently, Regina was milling around his shop for... something. He couldn't remember what it was. Although, he doubted she'd find whatever it was. He couldn't bring himself to care. Let the Queen occupy herself. He continued to wipe down his counter removing all the smudges.
The chime of the door drew their attention and the person standing there left them both gaping.
"Uh, hi." Ruby said somewhat unsure, which made him all the more curious.
She approached the counter not paying mind to Regina in the corner. Perhaps she didn't see her or perhaps she didn't care.
Rumple felt a tinge of excitement surge through him at their closeness. He could smell her rich perfume from this distance. The only thing separating them was the counter.
"Miss Lucas, what can I do for you?"
She hesitated looking as though she wanted to say something but chose something else.
"I came to apologize for the other night."
"I can assure you, no apology is needed."
He regarded her for a moment sensing there was more.
"Is that all?"
She smiled and gave him a look that belonged to her cursed self. "Actually I was wondering if I could try some of that bourbon."
A crooked grin overtook his face as he went to the back room to retrieve it and two glasses.
Regina stood there with her jaw hanging. She was flabbergasted to say the least.
He poured their glasses full. They tapped them together in a mock cheer. He quickly downed his as she took a testing sip. He querked a questioning eyebrow at her. In response her eyes lit up as amazement set on her face.
"Woah, where has this been all my life? I don't know if I'll be able drink my old stuff anymore."
"You should never have to settle for less, dearie."
Regina felt nausea mounting in the pit of her stomach at their easy banter. She was broken from her trace by Rumple grabbing her arm and leading her to the door.
"Come back tomorrow and we can look again."
She quickly walked down the street relishing in the cool Maine air trying to stifle her rising bile.
Rumple closed the door. With a sly smile he flipped the opened sign closed.
Author's Note
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