Sober Chapter 1, an once upon a time fanfic

Author's note: Tigger warnings for graphic depictions of violence and drug use.

They weren't really close when it all happened. In fact, there was some contention, and there had always been somewhat harsh banter between them.

But it all changed when Ruby said, "This one's on me."

Regina frequented Granny's diner quite a bit. Her mayoral office was boring, and her secretary was exceptionally annoying, so she brought her laptop to the diner to work through her lunch. Ruby, of course, was the waitress there. They didn't speak much, other than for Regina to order whatever she was having, so when Ruby offered to pay for her apple and her coffee, it was fair to say that the mayor was shocked.

"W-Why?" Regina managed to ask, after staring at Ruby, dumbfounded, for several moments.

Ruby shrugged and replied, "You look stressed today."

Lips parting, Regina continued to stare, surprised by Ruby's observation and perceptiveness.

When Ruby realized that the mayor wasn't going to speak, she shrugged again and announced, "I'll be right back."

When Ruby brought the apple and coffee, Regina opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Luckily, Ruby saved the day by saying, "I hope you have a nice day, Madam Mayor."

This was so abruptly out of character for Ruby that all Regina could manage was a stuttered, "T-Thank you."

~!~!~

Upon returning to her office, Regina found herself staring off into space as she examined Ruby's expression in her mind. What the hell was that about? she wondered, still confused by Ruby's sudden gesture of kindness. Why was she so nice to me?

This thought remained in Regina's head for the rest of the evening and stretched out into her dreams.

'Hi, gorgeous,' Ruby greeted Regina, upon her entering the diner. 'What can I get you, princess?'

Regina smirked and replied, 'Anything that tastes like you.'

With a grin, Ruby leaned in and kissed her lips.

Regina woke abruptly from the incredibly short dream in a cold sweat.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" Regina asked herself out loud, shaking her head in an attempt to shake the thoughts away.

The next day, Regina was hesitant to enter the diner. Is it going to be awkward? Regina wasn't sure, and the unknown put her on edge. Again, she thought, Why was she so nice to me?

Luckily for Regina, it wasn't all that awkward. In fact, Ruby simply offered a weak smile and a nod upon seeing her enter.

"Morning," Ruby greeted her shortly, once she'd chosen a booth in the back of the establishment.

"Good morning to you, too, Miss Lucas," Regina managed to say, finding herself being far more polite than usual.

Now, it wasn't that Regina wasn't polite most of the time. At least, she tried to be. For most people. But with Ruby, in the past, they had shared a few quips and disagreements – usually over town business, during town hall meetings – so it was strange for both of them to be exceptionally civil.

By the time Regina dug into her work, however, she felt a headache coming on in full-force as she rubbed her temples to try to calm the throbbing pain. Ruby noticed and immediately made her way to the table.

"Are you alright?" the younger woman asked gently. "You look like you're in pain."

"Yes, well… I do have a bit of a headache."

"I've got ibuprofen in the back. I'll go get it."

"You don't have to—" Regina tried to protest, but Ruby was gone in an instant.

When Ruby returned with the bottle of ibuprofen, Regina wanted to protest again, but she found herself so incredibly grateful for the painkillers that she accepted them.

"Thank you, Miss Lucas."

"You can call me Ruby, you know," Ruby chuckled. "I think you know me a little too well to keep calling me, 'Miss Lucas.' Plus, it's pretty annoying, and it sounds forced."

There was the quip.

"Well… Ruby… I'll have you know that I don't force anything. I simply have propriety and standards."

"Well… Madam Mayor… I'll have you know that I have none of that," Ruby laughed, grinning at the woman seated in the booth.

Regina rolled her eyes but couldn't prevent the smile that crept over her lips as she replied, "I noticed."

"Nice," Ruby chuckled. "Real nice."

"Listen… Ruby… Things between us…" Regina tried, but Ruby shook her head, cutting the mayor off.

"Some things are better left unsaid, you know? I just… I figure we can put it behind us."

"You think so…?"

"If you want to."

"Do you?"

"I'd like to, yes. I mean, if you're going to come in here every flippin' day and harass me with requests for coffee, we might as well be civil," Ruby replied with a grin.

Again, Regina rolled her eyes, "You really are something else, Miss Lucas."

"Please. It's Ruby."

"Ruby…" Eyes locking, Regina felt a strange sensation of warmth spreading through her as she added, "Thank you. Really."

"I know we've had our disagreements – and I think we always will – but we're sort of stuck in the same town, and that's not changing any time soon, so I figure I can try to be nice."

Regina offered a small smile as she nodded her head and said, "Agreed."

~!~!~

During Regina's next trip to the diner, Ruby smiled brightly at her and brought her an apple and a coffee without her even ordering it. After setting it carefully on the table in front of the mayor, Ruby slid into the other side of the booth.

"Good morning," she said cheerfully. "How are you, Madam Mayor?"

"You can call me Regina."

"Anyway… How are you?" Ruby chuckled.

"Better now," Regina confessed. "Has anyone ever told you that you have a nice a smile?"

"Sorry… What?" Ruby asked, mouth hanging open.

"And that you're a bit dense?"

"What?"

Laughing, Regina explained, "It needed to be said. Anyway, how are you, Ruby?"

"I'm doing great, actually. Better now."

Regina raised an eyebrow as the corner of her mouth turned up into a smirk, asking, "Is that so?"

"Yeah. It is so."

"It's good to see you happy, Ruby."

"I'm always happy," Ruby teased.

"No one is always happy, Ruby," the mayor retorted.

"True," Ruby conceded. "You certainly are grumpy most of the time."

Regina let out an exaggerated gasp as she cried, "Well, I never!"

Ruby just laughed and shook her head, rising from the booth as she said, "I'll see you later, Regina."

~!~!~

When Regina didn't show up at the diner the next day, Ruby found herself surprisingly concerned. The mayor always came in on weekdays, during her lunch hour. Something must have happened, Ruby reasoned.

"Hey, Granny," she called out behind the kitchen. "I'm gonna take my break."

"Oh, no you don't! It's lunchtime, and we—"

"Bye!"

After grabbing two cups of coffee, Ruby made her way to the mayor's office.

"I'm here to see the Mayor," Ruby informed the woman's secretary.

At first, the secretary looked at her quizzically, taking in her revealing outfit and low-cut blouse, but Ruby coughed loudly to bring her back into the moment.

"Now, please?" Ruby pressed impatiently, being as polite as she could possibly manage.

"I'll let her know you're here…" the secretary said hesitantly, rising from her seat and slipping into the mayor's office.

When she returned, she looked somewhat disgruntled as she announced, "You may enter now."

Unable to stop herself from rolling her eyes at the ridiculous formality, Ruby entered the mayor's office.

As soon as she saw Regina, who was looking down at her paperwork with a serious expression, Ruby smiled. It quickly faded, though, when Regina lifted her gaze, looking solemn and fatigued.

"What can I do for you, Miss Lucas?"

"Regina… We went over this. Please, call me Ruby."

"Yes, of course. I apologize. Today has been… Well, it's been a ride."

Raising an eyebrow, Ruby approached the desk and sat the mayor's coffee down in front of her.

"This is for you. I didn't see you at lunch so I figured you might be missing your afternoon pick-me-up."

"Ruby," Regina said. "You really didn't have to do that…"

"I didn't mean to bother you," Ruby assured her. Then, she chuckled, "But damn, your secretary looked horrified when she saw me."

"Well… Your outfit is a bit… um… revealing. We don't often see many… um…"

"You can call me a slut," Ruby laughed. "Granny does."

Looking shocked, Regina's eyes went wide.

"Ruby," she said seriously. "I would never call you a slut."

"You've called me a lot of things. Why not that?"

"Well… because it would be really awful of me to say that to you. And I'm quite done with saying awful things to you."

With a slight smile, Ruby sat down in the chair across from Regina's desk.

"It's good to see you," the younger woman confessed.

"Ruby…" Regina started, biting her lip. "What you did for me today was very kind. Would you care to join me for dinner tonight? I'm making my famous lasagna. It's Henry's favorite."

Knowing it was quite the rare occurrence for Regina to allow anyone anywhere near her son, Ruby raised an eyebrow as she replied, "Are you… Are you sure? You really don't owe me anything. I was just… paying it forward, I guess."

"You don't owe me anything either. You don't need to pay it forward."

"You know, Regina… If you're serious about dinner… I could honestly really use some company right now."

This earned a smile from Regina, which spread infectiously to Ruby in an instant.

"I'm quite serious. Besides… Henry likes you."

"He what?" Ruby asked, shocked by the comment.

"Well, actually, I think he has a bit of a crush on you."

"Holy—"

"Can't really blame the poor boy. He's a teenager now, and you have the best breasts in town. Not to mention—"

"Sorry… What?" Ruby gaped.

Regina leaned back in her chair and watched the continued look of shock on Ruby's face intensify.

"You'll find, upon spending more time with me, that although I have propriety and class, I say what I mean and rarely regret it. I've also been told I have no shame."

Doubling over with laughter, Ruby felt tears form in her eyes.

"Oh, my God," she cackled. "You really are something else."

"That's what they tell me," Regina replied with a grin.

"I should get going," Ruby sighed, wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes. "I'll see you tonight?"

"Six?"

"Sure thing. I'll be done my shift around 5:15, so that should give me enough time to change into something more… suitable."

Raising an eyebrow of curiosity, Regina told her, "I look forward to it."

~!~!~

When Ruby arrived at 108 Mifflin Street – the mayor's mansion at edge of Storybrooke – Regina was surprised to find her dressed rather conservatively, with only a small amount of her cleavage showing as she wore a simple yet classy, tight-fitting black dress. Her hair was down, and her flowing curls – which were usually straight – were bouncing around her shoulders as she walked into the foyer of the mansion. Regina had to notice.

"Wow, Ruby," the mayor said softly, giving Ruby a very obvious once-over. "You look… different."

"Good different or bad different?" Ruby laughed. "I know you prefer your women… exposed. Should I have worn less?"

"Oh, my God, Ruby. That's ridiculous. How do you even know that I like—"

"Oh, please. You're as gay as they get, Madam Mayor," Ruby challenged, howling with laughter. "I notice when you stare, Regina."

"Awfully bold this evening, aren't we?" Regina grumbled, leading her companion into the kitchen. While Ruby stood beside her, smiling proudly, the mayor asked, "Wine? Cider?"

"Wine, please."

"White or red?"

"Red, of course!" Ruby teased, playfully bumping Regina's shoulder.

"I should've known," Regina chuckled, shaking her head as she expertly poured the glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Fancy wine for the mayor, huh?" the younger brunette commented with a smirk, gazing into Regina's eyes as she was handed the wine glass.

"No. Only for my guests. I don't partake in any alcohol consumption other than hard apple cider. Wine is not my… preference."

"But have you ever tasted a fine wine on a woman's lips?"

Staring, somewhat taken aback by this comment and the boldness of it, Regina replied, "Well… No. I suppose not."

"It's an experience."

"I'm sure…" Regina mused, looking Ruby over with curiosity.

"Anyway, it would change your mind about wine, I think."

Regina chuckled and gently tugged Ruby's arm to usher her into the living room.

"Please, sit," Regina welcomed her, gesturing to the couch.

"Where's the little guy?" Ruby asked, as she sat down carefully on the leather couch.

"Henry is upstairs doing his homework," the mayor explained. "I told him he couldn't come down until it was done."

"Good work, Mom," Ruby announced with a grin. "Such a good parent."

Raising an eyebrow at this, Regina asked, "You think so?"

Suddenly serious, Ruby nodded, stating, "Yeah. I do. He's a wonderful young man, and he only has you to thank for that."

"And Emma…"

"You raised him, Regina. I love Emma as much as the next girl – and she does have great biceps – but you're the one who made him the man he is today."

"Hmm…"

"You should take some credit for you hard work, Regina," Ruby told her, placing a warm hand on Regina's thigh, which was bare where the skirt of her dress was riding up slightly.

A little while later, after more playful conversation – and plenty of teasing from Ruby – Regina heard the timer go off in the kitchen and announced, "That's dinner. Make yourself comfortable in the dining room, and I'll be right in."

"Can I go get Henry?" Ruby asked with a smile. "I miss that little guy."

"Of course."

Ruby returned from her trip up the stairs with Henry in tow, both of them wearing broad, bright smiles.

"What are you two up to?" Regina asked suspiciously, fully noticing the mischievous look on their faces.

"Oh, nothing!" Ruby sang, pulling Henry into the dining room with her as Regina sighed, shook her head, and disappeared back into the kitchen.

"Holy shit, Regina," Ruby breathed, after only one bite of the lasagna. "This is incredible."

"Ruby," Regina said sternly, but felt herself stifling a laugh. "Watch your mouth around Henry, please."

"Oh, shit. Sorry."

"Ruby!"

Henry burst out laughing at this, tickled pink by Ruby's obvious defiance.

"No, seriously, though," Ruby said, abruptly serious. "My bad." Then, turning to Henry, she said, "Henry, don't say anything I say. Anything at all. Mom will get mad and you'll be in big trouble. I'm a terrible role model."

"Nuh-uh!" Henry cried. "You're great, Ruby! I wish you could come over all the time."

Ruby blushed and looked over at Regina, who was smiling warmly as she watched the interaction between her son and her guest. Henry was right, in what he was implying. There was something about Ruby that just seemed to fit.

~!~!~

The next day, when Regina saw Ruby at the diner, the younger brunette was quick to approach her.

"Hey," she said softly, leaning against the table. "Last night was really nice. I enjoyed your company immensely. Thank you for having me."

Raising a surprised eyebrow, Regina replied, "You're very welcome, dear. It's really no trouble. I enjoyed your company as well, to be honest. It's been a long time since I've had a guest in the house." After a pause, Regina added, "I think it was good for Henry too. He adores you."

"Yeah?"

Regina nodded and offered a warm smile before Granny grabbed Ruby arm and barked, "Back in the kitchen, girl! You think this is social hour?"

Rolling her eyes, Ruby flashed Regina one last smile before following her grandmother back into the kitchen.

When Ruby came back around to offer Regina another drink, the mayor declined.

"I need to get back to the office," she sighed, knowing full well she was reluctant to leave.

Before Ruby could say her goodbyes and wish Regina a good day at work, Regina pressed a napkin into the palm of her hand.

"Call me later."

Ruby's eyes went wide as she squeezed the napkin protectively.

"T-Thank you, Regina… I…" Ruby started, blushing. "I'll call after my shift and make sure it's not after eight, so I don't wake Henry."

"Call any time, Ruby. I keep my phone on vibrate at night, so I know when someone's calling, but it doesn't wake him."

"I wouldn't—"

"Ruby… Any time. Really."

Cheeks turning a brighter shade of red, Ruby nodded weakly and tried to force a smile, but found herself feeling too shockingly shy to make it happen.

"H-Have a good day, Regina," Ruby stuttered, nodding her head as a parting goodbye and turning to leave Regina to collect her things and head back to the office.

~!~!~

For whatever reason – Regina wasn't sure why – the mayor sat on her couch after putting her son to bed and held her cell phone tightly in her hand, finding herself feeling the jitters of anticipation as she waited for a call from Ruby.

Around ten-thirty, after a glass of hard cider, Regina fell asleep on the couch, lying down with her phone resting on her chest. Shortly thereafter, she was startled awake by the unmistakable sensation of the phone's vibration.

She answered immediately and sounded a bit startled when she said, "Hello?"

"Hey, Regina," Ruby said slowly, feeling her nerves get the best of her.

Something about the whole situation was strange and unfamiliar. They had never been so tolerant of each other, and now things seemed to be even beyond simple tolerance. In fact, they were actually enjoying each other's company.

"Did I wake you?" Ruby asked gently, when Regina didn't speak right away.

"What? No, I—"

"I totally woke you," the younger woman laughed nervously. "Sorry. I knew I should've—"

"No! No. It's perfectly alright. I did say any time. What time is it, anyway?"

"Eleven-fifteen. Should I let you get back to sleep?"

"Ruby, stop. I told you any time, and I meant any time. Now, tell me… How are you? How was the rest of your shift?"

Taken aback by the care and sincerity in Regina's voice, Ruby replied, "It was alright. Kinda missed you."

Again, Regina went silent. Had she really just said…?

"Regina?" Ruby asked anxiously, hearing only silence.

"Yes! Yes, sorry. I… I was just thinking."

"What were you thinking about?"

"What you said, of course," the mayor laughed. "And how it would've been nice to have been able to finish the day out at the diner, with you around."

"Is that so, Madam Mayor?" Ruby teased, suddenly finding a spark of confidence.

Regina thought for a moment, then replied, "It is so."

Then, Ruby mused, "Anyway, I was thinking about diarrhea sex."

"You what?"

"Well, I saw this thing online—"

"Jesus Christ, Ruby!"

"What? I wasn't—Oh, GOD. No, no, no. I wasn't watching diarrhea sex! It was mentioned in a meme!"

"In a what?"

"Oh, Lord, Regina. Have you been living under a rock, or what? Don't you use the internet?"

"Well, I certainly don't use it to look up diarrhea sex!" the mayor cried, dumbfounded Ruby's bold and relatively inappropriate choice of conversation subject matter.

"I mean, think about it," Ruby said pensively. "Who does that shit? Ha-ha. Get it? I said who does that shit."

"Dear God, you are something else."

"Think about it! I mean, how weird do you have to be to want someone to shit all over you?"

"Are we really discussing diarrhea sex right now?"

"Yeeep," Ruby giggled. "You love it. Wait… Do you love it? Are you into diarrhea sex?!"

"What?!" Regina gaped. "Are you fucking serious right now? Of course not! Who does that?"

"THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING!" Ruby shouted excitedly.

"Okay, enough. No more diarrhea sex."

"Yeah, yeah," Ruby mumbled grumpily. "Anyway… I think you and Henry should come over and let me cook for you."

"Oh, heavens no!" the older brunette cried, completely forgetting about the previous conversation. "Absolutely not. You serve us every time we come into the diner, Ruby. You don't need to do kitchen work when you're off the clock. I'd be more than happy to have you over again, and I'd love to do the cooking. You deserve a rest."

"Thank you, Regina… That's very sweet."

"Tomorrow night?"

"Really?"

"Well, yes. Of course. Why not?"

"Well, I just… I thought maybe you might be… I dunno… bored of me? Need me in small doses?"

"Oh, please. I can hardly get enough of your sass, and you know it."

This caught them both off guard as they sat in silence for a few moments, neither daring to address the confession Regina had just made.

"I'd love to see you again," Ruby finally answered. "I'd be happy to come over. But you really don't have to cook. I—"

"Nonsense. Just tell me what you'd like to eat, and it's yours."

"I really could eat anything."

Regina laughed at this and countered, "You're a meat and potatoes kind of girl, aren't you?"

Ruby laughed too and admitted, "Yeah, true. But honestly, I'll eat anything you make."

"Filet mignon and mashed potatoes it is. Do you like garlic?"

"Of course I like garlic! I'm not a vampire, am I?"

"Garlic mashed potatoes it is," Regina concluded with a smile. "See you tomorrow at 6?"

"You're not coming in for coffee at lunch?"

"Of course I am, dear. How else would like I keep myself from killing my assistant?"

Laughing, Ruby answered, "Well, you said tomorrow at—"

"In addition to lunch. Don't worry; I'll be there."

Regina could hear the smile in Ruby's voice when the woman replied, "Good."

"Anyway, you should get to bed. You've gotta be up early."

"Since when do you care that I—"

"Of course I care, Ruby. Why are you up this late anyway?"

"Insomnia?" Ruby laughed. When she heard Regina sigh, Ruby added, "It's alright, hun. I'm used to it."

"Maybe you just need someone to tire you out," Regina commented passively as she stared up at the ceiling.

"Sorry… What?"

"Fuck. I didn't mean… I just meant—"

"No, you're probably right. I need to get laid."

"Rubes…"

Raising an eyebrow as she gripped the phone a little tighter, Ruby felt startled by the pet name. Since when did the mayor call her 'Rubes?'

"Sorry. Pathetic, I know," Ruby said suddenly, tearing herself from her thoughts and apprehensions. "I'll admit that I'm lonely, I guess. Ugh. That really is pathetic. Sorry."

"Stop apologizing," Regina said firmly, her tone changing. "I hear you, Ruby. You don't have to be sorry. And… I feel that, too. I mean, let's think about it. I haven't actually had sexual relations with anyone in years. After Henry was born, I… Well… Priorities changed, I guess."

Ruby was silent for a moment – just long enough for Regina to wonder if she'd said too much – before she replied, "You're good company, Regina. And to be honest… I wish I'd known it sooner. I think… I think we could have been really good friends if we'd let each other in a little."

Sighing, Regina asked, "Could have?"

The implication in Ruby's words – at least the implication that Regina heard – was that they couldn't be close now.

"No, I just meant… We could've been… sooner."

Ruby couldn't bring herself to say 'friends.' What if Regina didn't see it that way? What if she was just being nice? What if—

"Say friends," Regina ordered, tearing Ruby from her thoughts once again.

"What?"

"Are we not?"

"Well… I don't know… I mean… I didn't want to assume that this was…"

"Ruby," Regina laughed. "Stop it. Yes, we're friends, if you want to be."

"I want to be," Ruby said quickly. "I really want to be. You're the only sane person in this entire town." When Ruby realized that she might have been implying that their friendship was one of convenience, she rushed to add, "And more than that… I think despite our glaring differences, you and I hit it off pretty well together."

"Indeed. And if it wasn't for your pompous attitude, we might—"

Bursting out laughing, Ruby nearly dropped the phone, saying, "Just couldn't help but slip that in, huh?"

"Of course not."

Ruby could hear the smile in Regina's voice, and something about it was so sweet, so playful, that she couldn't help but feel the unfamiliar tingle of butterflies in her stomach.

"Ruby?" Regina asked softly, after a pause. "You fall asleep?"

"Nuh-uh," Ruby answered, suddenly realizing just how tired she really was. "Just thinking."

"What about?"

"You, mostly. And how I hate that there was so much contention before now."

"All we have is now, Ruby. We can't change what happened. And I'm sorry that I didn't allow myself to get to know you before passing judgment. All we can do is go forward."

"Knowing me as much as you do now, what's your judgment?"

Hearing the unintentional trap in Ruby's words, Regina hesitated. What to say?

"I think you're… I don't know how to say it. I don't really have a judgment about you anymore, really. I just… appreciate you."

"You appreciate me? For what?"

"For your intelligence. Your wit. Your playfulness. Your personality. And, of course, your beauty."

Stunned into silence, Ruby found herself going quiet as she tried to process what the mayor had just told her.

"Regina?" she asked, after a long bout of silence that Regina didn't break.

"Yes, dear?"

"I… I don't see any of that in me."

"Oh, Ruby…"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I sound pathetic."

"It's okay, dear. You can talk to me. You can tell me anything."

"Okay… Well… I guess… I… Um… " Ruby started, sucking in a steadying breath. "I just wonder why I'm alone sometimes. Like, what's so wrong with me that no one even wants to fuck me anymore? I mean, I know I used to be the town ride, but—"

"Hey. You're not the town ride, Ruby."

"No. Not anymore, anyway. But I was."

"Ruby."

"I'm sorry, Regina. God. I guess I'm just tired. I'm gonna hang up and try to sleep now before I say anything stupider."

"Ruby Lucas!"

"What?"

"Enough. What is with you tonight? You tell me all this personal stuff and then bail, like you think you can't trust me?"

"Wait… That's not—"

"No, I get it."

"No, you really don't, Regina. You really, really don't."

"Ruby, come on. If you trusted me, you wouldn't pull away like this."

"I just need to sleep, okay? I don't want to say anything else and make a fool of myself."

"Ruby," Regina sighed heavily, rubbing her face in frustration. "You're not going to sleep when you hang up, are you?"

Sighing herself, Ruby replied, "No, I'm not. Goodnight, Regina."

"Ruby, wa—" Regina tried to protest, but the call was ended before she could finish.

~!~!~

Regina wasn't sure if she should go to the diner the next day, as Ruby hadn't returned any text messaged attempting to confirm their planned meal that night. Not wanting to upset Ruby further, she skipped her afternoon coffee and apple. Alone in her office, she let her head fall to the desk as she tried to take slow, deep breaths and return her focus to her work. This, of course, didn't work, as she was immensely worried about Ruby's sudden lack of contact. What the fuck did I do? Regina was thinking, wracking her brain to figure out how their conversation the night before had taken such an abrupt downward spiral.

~!~!~

The next time Regina entered the diner, unable to resist the urge to check on Ruby any longer, despite the lack of returned calls and messages, she immediately noticed a change in the woman's demeanor. When Ruby saw her, she looked away, and Regina couldn't help but see the downtrodden look on her face and the dark circles under her eyes. Regina found herself feeling surprisingly concerned for the woman who, quite frankly, looked like shit.

Regina sat down and waited an unusual amount of time before Ruby made her way to the table.

"Apple and a coffee?" Ruby asked flatly, not making eye contact.

"Um… Yes, please," Regina answered, her face expressing a look of concern that the other woman didn't notice. "Ruby?"

"Hmm?" Ruby replied, finally lifting her gaze.

"Are you alright?"

"Sure I am," the younger brunette lied, rubbing her eye with one hand.

"Alright… Well… Um… I really am sorry, for what happened on the phone, and if you… if you need anything, I'm—"

Ruby interjected, announcing, "I'll be right back with that apple and your coffee."

Before Regina could speak, protest, or try to explain herself, Ruby was gone.

When she came back to the table, Regina's discomfort with Ruby's sudden change in demeanor had reached an all-time high.

"Ruby," she said, more firmly than the first time, as she put her hand on top of Ruby's.

Ruby pulled away almost instantly, her eyes widening at the touch.

"Ruby," Regina repeated. "Can you sit down a moment?"

Quickly, Ruby shook her head and countered, "I have to help customers."

When Regina looked around the diner, there was no one else inside. They were alone.

"Ruby. Please, just sit down."

"I can't."

"Ruby… What's wrong? You look—"

"Like shit?"

Regina bit her lip, eyes locking with Ruby's as her look of concern grew more intense.

"Can I at least meet you after work? Just to chat for a bit?"

"I don't think it's a good idea."

"What happened to 'friends?' Did I fuck up so badly that that's over?"

Ruby blinked a few times before replying, "I don't know."

"Ruby, I know something's wrong, and I'm concerned. Even if you don't want to be friends, I—"

"Why the fuck do you care?"

Regina's eyes widened at the question, and her lips parted in shock as she found herself unable to speak.

"Enjoy your coffee," Ruby said, abruptly turning and walking away from the table.

~!~!~

Regina left the diner feeling the heavy, painful weight of guilt on her chest. She couldn't leave Ruby like this. Ruby's melancholy appearance and obvious distress made Regina intensely uncomfortable. For this reason, as soon as her shift at the office was over, she made her way back to the diner.

"Good evening, Granny," Regina greeted the owner of the establishment. "Is Ruby around?"

"What would you want to do with my—" Granny started to say, but Regina didn't allow her to finish.

"Please, Granny."

"I don't think—"

"I just want to make sure she's okay."

"What's behind your—"

Regina sighed and held out a single red rose and pleaded, "Please, tell her I'm here."

"We're closing up shop, Madam Mayor. I don't think it's a good time."

"Granny, what in the world is going on?"

"I don't think that's any of your business, Madam Mayor."

With another heavy sigh, Regina countered, "I know you don't trust me. And rightfully so. But I swear to you, my intentions are good."

"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, I'm afraid."

"Good grief," Regina groaned. "Please, don't preach to me. Just tell her I'm here, alright? Don't make this ugly."

"You'll not tell me what to do with my own granddaughter! You might be the mayor of this town, but—"

"Alright. If you want to play it that way…" Regina started. "I'll tell the entire town I found a piece of bone in my cheeseburger. How's that?"

"You don't even eat cheeseburgers!" Granny cried, exasperated.

"They don't know that," Regina taunted with a smirk.

"For goodness sakes. What do you want with her anyway?"

"I know something's wrong, and I want to help her feel better and find out what's going on."

Raising an eyebrow, Granny asked, "Are you sure?"

"I'm very sure."

"If you so much as say one word out of line to my little girl—"

"Granny, dammit! GET RUBY, NOW."

Grumbling, Granny turned and disappeared into the kitchen.

Regina waited several minutes before Granny came back out and announced, "She doesn't want to talk."

"Did you tell her it was me?"

"Well, no, but—"

"Don't test me, Granny. I'm trying to be civil to you. I don't want conflict. I just want to see Ruby. Please, just tell her it's me, okay? And… And that I have something for her."

Several most minutes later, Ruby appeared from the kitchen and looked at Regina tiredly, mumbling, "Did you want something? You know we're closing, right? I'm not really in the mood to make you an evening coffee."

Brow furrowing with concern and unease, Regina sighed and held out her hand, displaying the single red rose to Ruby.

Ruby's eyes went wide as she stared, dumbfounded, at the fresh, beautiful flower.

"I… I can't," Ruby protested, shaking her head as she turned and rushed back into the kitchen, leaving Regina stunned.

Unable to do anything else, Regina bit her lip and set the rose down on the counter and left the diner.

~!~!~

I got no excuses
For all of these goodbyes
Call me when it's over
'Cause I'm dying inside
Wake me when the shakes are gone
And the cold sweats disappear
Call me when it's over
And myself has reappeared

~!~!~

Regina tried again the next day but was told that Ruby had called out sick. Concern intensifying, Regina felt a small swell of panic beginning to swirl within her.

Now what? she wondered, wracking her brain for ideas. There's no way she's just got a cold. No. Freaking. Way.

Regina didn't bother to sit down at a booth. Instead, she left the diner, determined to do something – anything – for Ruby.

She found herself at Ruby's apartment, terrified to knock on the door but unable to stop herself. For whatever reason, her desperate need to check on Ruby was overwhelming. She couldn't place why she cared so very much, other than to reason that the connection between them had increased significantly. There was something in Ruby's smile that made it intense.

Taking in a deep breath, Regina knocked. No answer. She knocked again, louder this time, and waited. It was several minutes before the door was answered.

Ruby appeared in the doorway, looking disoriented and confused as she mumbled, "R'gina?"

Regina stared. Is this really Ruby? she wondered.

"Ruby—"

"You s-shouldn't b-be here," Ruby slurred.

"Are you drunk?" Regina asked.

It was twelve-thirty in the afternoon. Surely, she wasn't—

But what Regina noticed next, to her shock and horror, were Ruby's constricted pupils. There's no way…

"Ruby, let me in."

"Get out," Ruby growled suddenly.

"Ruby, please—"

"OUT."

When Regina took as step forward and reached for Ruby's hand, the woman shoved her backwards into the hallway outside and slammed the door shut.

Gaping, Regina stared at the door for a long time before knocking again and calling out, "Ruby. Come on. I just want to talk. I just want to know what the heck is going on. Please, let me in."

Regina prayed the door would open, but after long moments of radio silence and no action, Regina rubbed the tears from her eyes and turned to leave the apartment complex.

~!~!~

I don't know, I don't know, I don't know, I don't know why
I do it every, every, every time
It's only when I'm lonely
Sometimes I just wanna cave and I don't wanna fight
I try and I try and I try and I try and I try
Just hold me, I'm lonely

~!~!~

Over the next couple of days, Regina found herself unable to eat, unable to sleep, and even struggling to take breaths normally. Her work suffered for it, as every time she thought of Ruby, she had to get up, shut her office door, and attempt to manage her panic attack. With each one that arose, she had to convince herself that she wasn't having a heart attack. I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine, she coached herself, gripping the edge of her desk until her knuckles turned white. But what the fuck do I do?

The next time Regina went to the diner, it was three days later. Regina wasn't religious, but she found herself praying to whatever gods existed that Ruby was be there, and that she would be okay. She could handle Ruby hating her, but what she couldn't stand was thinking of Ruby hurt.

"Get out," Granny growled, as soon as she saw Regina walk in.

"Where's Ruby?" Regina asked, ignoring Granny's demand.

"I said get out."

"Granny. I'm not here to hurt her. I'm here to help her."

"And what the fuck are you going to do for her, hmm? You think you can just waltz into her life and make everything better?"

"No, Granny, but I can be there for her if she needs me."

"She doesn't need you."

"Alright. That's fine," Regina ground her, Granny's words stinging her deeply. "But we both know she needs support from someone. Now, tell me what's going on."

Granny paused, and Regina was shocked to see tears filling the woman's eyes.

"Granny?" she asked. "Please, just tell me. I'm here to help."

"This is your fault."

"What is?"

"Ruby's using again," Granny said, her voice a pained whisper.

Regina's lips parted as she stared at the woman with a look of shock.

"When I saw her, I—"

"You saw her?!" Granny snapped, wiping her own tears.

Regina nodded and confessed, "I went to her apartment, just to check on her. She wasn't at the diner and she wasn't responding to text messages. I was worried." When Granny looked skeptical, Regina added, "I care about her."

"Then fucking do something," Granny whimpered, starting to cry.

"What is she using?" Regina asked gently, placing her hand on Granny's forearm.

To her surprise, Granny wrapped her arms around Regina and let her head fall to the woman's chest as she sobbed.

"Granny," the mayor pressed. "What is she using?"

"H-Heroin," Granny sniffled. "She's back on heroin."

"Oh, God," Regina breathed. "Is she at the apartment?"

"No. She wasn't there when I went to check on her yesterday morning, and I haven't seen her since."

"Fuck. Alright. I'll—"

"Find her, Regina."

The mayor nodded firmly, making a silent, unspoken promise.

~!~!~

Momma, I'm so sorry I'm not sober anymore
And daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor
To the ones who never left me, we've been down this road before
I'm so sorry, I'm not sober anymore

Regina drove around Storybrooke for what felt like – and probably was – hours, visually scanning the streets for Ruby. Eventually, she had to park the car and continue the search on foot. Regina even checked the edge of the forest but found nothing. It wasn't until she began walking back towards her car downtown that a shimmer of light caught her eye. When she looked down the dark alleyway, her stomach dropped.

Unmistakably, Ruby was being held up against the brick wall of the nearby building, and the man holding there was very obviously fucking her.

Regina stepped closer just in time to hear him say, "Hold still, slut!"

She opened her mouth to speak as she advanced, but no sound came out, at least until she heard the loud crack of the man's hand across Ruby's face and the instant sound of Ruby crying.

"You want the goods? Then shut up and—"

"HEY," Regina shouted, running towards them. "Get the fuck away from her."

"What's it to you, princess?" the man scoffed, dropping Ruby back onto her feet and zipping up his fly.

"I'm a queen, thank you," Regina said smoothly. "And a bit more refined." Then, she turned to Ruby, who was very clearly dazed and confused, and ordered, "Stand back, Ruby."

"What are you gonna do, huh?" the man taunted the mayor. "Pretty girl like you probably just needs a good fuck."

Regina had long since given up on using magic, but this occasion called for something special. The fire ball that formed in her hands made the man's eyes go wide with horror, and as she shot it at him, Ruby screamed. The man's clothes were on fire, and Ruby was close enough to feel the heat.

When Ruby stood frozen in horror, Regina advanced towards her, grabbed her arm, and jerked her away from the man, who was engulfed in flames.

Ruby stumbled her way to the mayor's car as she slurred, "'M fine. D-Don't. I'm f-fine."

But she was too weak to pull away from Regina's protective grip as the mayor told her, "I'm taking you somewhere safe."

"No!" Ruby screamed, attempting to jerk her arm away, but too weakened in her intoxicated state to fight through Regina's grasp.

"Get in the car," Regina ordered, holding the passenger's side door of the Mercedes open for her.

Ruby protested but nearly fell into the car, slamming her head on the frame as she collapsed into the seat.

"Dear God, you're a mess," Regina sighed, shutting the door and entering the other side of the car.

Before taking the car out of park, Regina looked over at Ruby with sadness in her eyes. The woman's head was hanging down, and her eyes were drooping. It was more than obvious to the mayor that she was incredibly high, and probably drunk. As if this wasn't hard enough, Regina quickly realized that Ruby had several dark track marks on her arms.

"Oh, Ruby," Regina breathed, tears welling in her eyes.

But the younger woman did not reply. She was passed out from the haze of the drugs. This was probably better, because it meant that she was no longer protesting the mayor's rescue mission. Instead of bringing Ruby back to her apartment, Regina brought her back to 108 Mifflin Street.

When she finally managed to get Ruby inside, into the spare bedroom, and under the covers, she was fully crying. Thankfully, Ruby was so incredibly out of it that she would never remember the mayor's intense display of emotion. Words could not describe how grateful Regina was for this fact.

Regina stayed with Ruby the whole night, never leaving her side, until the woman woke crying out in agony around 4:30 AM.

"Oh, God," Ruby groaned, holding her head in her hands. "Need… Need to—"

"What you need is to stay right where you are while I go get you some breakfast."

"Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. What are you doing here?"

"You're in my house, dear. Not your apartment. And you're not going anywhere. You're welcome to hate me. I'm fine with that, as long as you're safe. And you're not leaving until I'm sure you can be safe."

"This is bullshit!" Ruby screamed. "I need another fix. Regina, please. Please. Please. You have to let me go. I'm—"

Ruby reached up to touch her forehead and felt the cold sweat that had formed on her brow. She was shaking.

"You're going to be fine, Ruby," Regina whispered, placing a hand on Ruby's shoulder to gently push her back down onto the bed. "I'm right here."

"I don't want you here!" Ruby screamed. "I just want to go home! I'm fine!"

"Yeah… Well… You sure don't look it."

"Fuck you," Ruby spat, feeling her head pounding with a merciless headache.

"Oh, Ruby…" Regina sighed, her hand remaining on Ruby's shoulder. "My sweet Ruby… What happened to you?"

"Don't touch me!"

"Why are you doing this, Rubes?" Regina asked sadly, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Ruby shook her head and started to cry.

"Please, Regina. Just get me a fix. Just one more. I promise I'll—"

"No, Ruby," Regina said, wiping her own eyes and making her voice stern. "You're done."

"NO!"

"Yes, you really are."

"You don't know what this feels like!"

"Maybe not. But I know it's torture. And I also know that you have to go through Hell to get to the other side."

"Save your philosophical bullshit for someone who cares."

Regina bit her lip for a moment, then told her, "Granny isn't going to save you this time. I am."

~!~!~

I'm sorry to my future love
For the man that left my bed
For making love the way I saved for you inside my head
And I'm sorry for the fans I lost
Who watched me fall again
I wanna be a role model, but I'm only human

~!~!~

Regina spent the next few days guarding Ruby like a merciless grizzly bear protecting her cubs, except that for her, this was life and death. She knew how easily Ruby could have gotten into more trouble or overdosed and ended her life unintentionally.

After two days of intense suffering, Ruby still hadn't given up on leaving.

"You're not going anywhere," Regina asserted.

"You can't fucking keep me here forever," Ruby growled, holding her stomach as her body shook beneath the covers.

"Eat something," Regina sighed, handing her a plate of toast.

"No."

"Ruby."

"NO."

"Gods, Ruby…" Regina whispered, approaching the bed and gently stroking the agitated woman's sweat-soaked hair back. "What happened to you?"

"Don't fucking touch me!" Ruby screamed, slapping Regina's hand away. "I don't need your help! All I need is—"

"You're not leaving," Regina repeated, holding Ruby down on the bed. "So, relax. I know it hurts. I know you're freaking out right now. I get it. But I can't let you go. You have to get clean or you're going to end up killing yourself."

"The fuck do you care? We're not even friends."

"Oh, Ruby… Please, don't say that. Surely, you must know by now that I—"

"That you what, Regina? That you want me to suffer? That you want me to lie here feeling like I'm dying?"

"You're not dying, Ruby. That's the whole point. I'm not going to let you get hurt."

"Yeah, well. You can stop being the hero any time now. It doesn't suit you."

Regina's jaw dropped at this comment as she stared at Ruby, who was giving her an intense scowl.

"I didn't realize the shoe didn't fit. Guess I was just trying it on because I fucking care about you," Regina snapped, after a long pause.

"No, you don't, or you'd let me go get a fix."

"You're staying right here where I can protect you."

"I don't need your help!"

"I think you do, Ruby. I really think you do," Regina sighed, feeling frustrated and pushing a hand through her hair. "How did this happen? Why did you choose drugs?"

"It was a familiar habit and I knew it would make the pain stop," Ruby answered simply.

"Ruby, I—"

"No. Stop. Just get out."

"I'm not leaving you. And besides… I think this is pretty much all my fault."

Ruby's face when stony and serious as she started to calm and looked up into the mayor's dark eyes.

"How?" she finally asked.

Regina wasn't sure if Ruby was testing her or what, but it didn't feel good. Either way, she knew she had to answer.

"I made you feel bad, on the phone that night. It seems like everything went downhill from there."

"Yeah, well… I…"

"It's okay. You can say you hate me."

"I don't… I don't hate you," Ruby huffed, crossing her arms over her chest as she continued to sweat and shake. "I just want this to stop. I know you couldn't possibly understand, but—"

"All I know is that I want you safe. That I… um… That I care very deeply for you, and I—"

Regina had to stop speaking, as her voice cracked at the end of the sentence. It had been excruciatingly difficult to say. It wasn't Regina's style to get attached. In fact, it was quite the opposite. No trust, no disappointment. But here she was, more protective over Ruby than she'd ever been over anyone except her son. She hated the feeling, since it didn't seem to be returned, but she knew she felt a deep-rooted affection for and connection with Ruby.

"Don't," Ruby protested, looking away. "I don't want to hear it. You're torturing me."

"Ruby, you're not in your right mind right now. You're going through severe withdrawals, and I'm just trying to help. Please, let me—" Regina tried, passing Ruby a wash cloth to wipe the perspiration from her forehead.

"Fuck off," Ruby snapped, throwing the towel at Regina without using it. "You're not helping me."

"It's okay for you to hate me," Regina told her. "But I'm not leaving your side until you're clean and sober. I promise the pain will stop… Just stick with it for a few more days, and you'll be okay. I promise, Ruby. Please."

"I don't hate you! I just want you to fuck off!"

Regina sighed and looked down at her feet, saying, "I had really hoped you and I wouldn't end up this way. I do get it, though. I wouldn't want to be friends with me either."

"Well, you are a pushy, know-it-all bitch, so…"

Feeling her heart sink, Regina nodded her head, replying, "I know. Anyway, I'll be right outside the door if you need anything. Just yell for me."

With that, Regina turned away and left the room.

~!~!~

The days ticked by, and after about a week, Ruby finally calmed down.

"Why are you doing this?" Ruby sighed, rubbing her temples as Regina entered the room with a plate of food.

"Because I… I care about you. I thought that was obvious."

"But I just put you through Hell."

Slowly, Regina approached, willing to take the risk, and pressed the back of her hand against Ruby's forehead.

"Your fever broke," she noted, unable to hide the small smile that curled her lips. "Finally."

"Regina?"

"Yes, Ruby?"

"Why me?"

"I don't know, honestly," Regina answered, shrugging her shoulders. "I guess it's because you and I just click. And now that we have, I can't imagine life without you. I know I have to now, but the least I can do is making sure you're still alive. All I care about is your happiness, and if that means never speaking to me again when this is all over… I'll have to be okay with that."

Ruby bit her lip, feeling tears well in her eyes as she mumbled, "You must really hate me. I've been a real cunt to you."

Regina shrugged, looking away as she sat down in the chair beside the bed.

"You feeling any better?" the mayor asked, after some silence.

Ruby nodded reluctantly, not wanting to lie anymore.

"I'm alright."

"I told you the withdrawals would stop."

Again, Ruby nodded, saying, "I know."

"Granny wants to see you," Regina told her, lifting her gaze to check Ruby's face for a reaction.

Of course, Ruby's reaction was a strong one as she immediately cried, "No!"

"I know you feel like shit right now, but she really needs to see that you're okay."

"I'm not okay, Regina. I want to use. I might not be throwing up, shaking, and sweating, but I still want it. It's the only thingI want."

"The only thing?" Regina asked apprehensively, locking eyes with Ruby. "Are you sure?"

"Anyway. I'm fine. So, you can back off now and let me go live my life the way I want to. I'm a grown-ass adult and I can do what I want."

"What triggered this, Ruby? Honestly. Just tell me. Was it me? Was it our phone conversation?"

"No… Well, sort of…"

Heart sinking, Regina hung her head in her hands, muttering, "I'm so sorry, Ruby."

"To be honest…" Ruby started, swallowing her pride enough to speak. "I was… lonely. And frustrated. And feeling ashamed. It wasn't you. It was my own shit. The phone call just… solidified what a piece of shit I am."

"You are not a piece of shit!" the mayor cried, rising from her chair. "Don't you ever say that!"

"I'll say what I want," Ruby growled defiantly. "You're not my mother, Regina."

"I'm not trying to be your mother, Ruby. I'm trying to be your friend."

"Yeah, well… Stop."

"Why were you lonely?" Regina asked suddenly. "What about our friendship? I thought we… I thought we really had a bond…"

"We're not friends. We were acquaintances. And now, we're not even that. I hate to break it to you, Regina, but you're dead to me now. You trapping me here like a caged animal is bullshit."

"I guess I had a very different understanding of what we had, then," Regina confessed.

Ruby bit her lip, feeling a sudden wave of guilt wash over her.

"Regina… I…" Ruby tried, but found the words getting stuck in her throat. "I think maybe I did too."

"What do you mean?"

"I just… I thought maybe… Maybe you wanted… Ugh. Nevermind. Listen, Regina. I really need this. Please, let me leave."

"No," the older brunette said firmly. "Tell me what you were going to say."

"I can't."

"Why?"

"I'll tell you if you promise to let me leave."

Regina laughed at this, shaking her head and saying, "Fat chance in Hell that's happening. You think I'd risk your life just for a little information?"

"Well… No, but—"

"Exactly. I wouldn't. I wouldn't risk your life for anything. I will always, always, always be here to protect you when you need it. Even if you don't want it."

After a long, pensive pause, Ruby said, "Regina… What happened that night you found me?"

"What do you mean?" Regina asked. "You don't remember?"

"Not really."

"You were… I found you in an alley," Regina sighed, rubbing her temples again as she sat back down in her chair. "Some guy was… You were… Anyway, it involved a fireball and dragging your ass to my car and essentially kidnapping you. I guess that's all you need to know."

"What guy?"

"I don't know, Ruby. I didn't know him."

Biting her lip as her eyes filled with tears, Ruby whimpered, "I was fucking him for drugs."

Sighing once more, Regina stood back up, approached the bed again, and put her hand on Ruby's shoulder, saying, "I know, Rubes. But it's alright. It's over now. You're done with that, and you don't have to—"

"Yes, I do. I had no money and no other way to get the fix. I had to."

"He was hurting you."

"That was irrelevant at the time. And if he's still got drugs, it's irrelevant now too. I'll take a few punches for another shot."

"Um… Ruby…"

"Yes, Regina?"

"That fireball kinda engulfed him and…"

"You killed him?" Ruby gaped, staring dumbly at Regina.

"I would do anything to protect you, Ruby," Regina confessed. "And if that means taking out a rapey asshole who was beating you, I'll do it. I don't care if he's dead, Ruby. You are my number one priority."

"Regina… I can't believe you… you…" Ruby whispered, continuing to stare. "You did that for me?"

"Yes. I'll have to live with it every day, for the rest of my life, but I'm good with that, because here you are, past the withdrawals. You've been clean for a week today."

"Ugh. I wish it would just stop," Ruby whined, rolling onto her side, away from Regina.

"I know, babe," Regina said softly, placing her hand on Ruby's back. "I know."

"Babe?" Ruby asked, rolling onto her back again and looking up at Regina.

Blushing, the mayor replied, "Sorry. It just came out."

Letting out a bitter laugh, Ruby noted, "Yeah, it's okay. It doesn't have to be weird. I know you didn't mean it like that. You could never see me that way."

Taken aback by this comment, Regina took a step back and looked at Ruby as her hand fell to her side.

"Ruby… That's…"

"That's what?" Ruby asked sharply, roughly rubbing a few tears from her eyes.

"That's not exactly… true…"

Suddenly in shock, Ruby's eyes went wide as she asked, "Sorry… What?"

Regina shook her head, mumbling, "Nevermind," as she moved to walk away.

Ruby caught her wrist though and jerked her back, closer to the bed.

"When I said I was lonely…" Ruby started, taking in a deep, slow breath. "What I really meant was, 'I wanted you and couldn't have you.'"

Regina's lips parted as she looked at Ruby in shock. Is this real?

"Ruby, are you… Are you saying that you…"

"Not anymore," Ruby asserted, quickly switching back to a dark, stern tone.

Swallowing her tears and the knot in her throat, Regina nodded her head and said, "I get it. I'm sorry I let you down."

"It's… It's whatever."

"I'll let you rest. I'll be back with your dinner in a few hours. Your lunch is on the nightstand."

"Regina, wait," Ruby called out, when the woman turned to leave. Regina turned back to face her with tears in her eyes, so Ruby added, "I… I don't want you to go. I don't… I don't want to be alone right now."

"But I thought you hated me?"

"For the last fucking time, I don't hateyou."

"Yeah, well, you're certainly not happy with me right now."

"That might be true, but…"

"But?"

"But I need you, Gina."

Regina's breath caught in her chest at these words, but she forced herself to snap out of her trance and move closer to the bed. Carefully, she placed a tender hand on Ruby's forehead.

Then, she whispered, "I'm here, Rubes. It's alright. I won't leave you. I promise."

~!~!~

Regina stayed by Ruby's side over the next few days, allowing Henry to spend time with his biological mother to give herself more of an opportunity to keep a closer eye on Ruby.

The woman grew more and more calm and less irritable as the days passed, until finally, Regina asked, "Do you want to go for a walk?"

"Really?" Ruby gaped. "You're gonna let me out to do more than just pee?"

"Yes. If you promise to be good."

Ruby smirked at this and retorted, "I'm never good."

"Oh, Miss Lucas. Forever the flirt."

"You love it, Miss Mills."

Regina forced an insincere scowl and shot back, "That's Madam Mayor to you, dear."

This was the first time Regina had called her 'dear' in a long time, so it caught Ruby off guard to hear the word. Despite Regina's efforts to feign annoyance, there was something sweet about her voice, and it made Ruby's stomach flip.

"Alright… Mistress."

Regina's job dropped as she stared at Ruby. "What… I said… Not… What?"

"Oh. Oops. Madam. I meant madam."

The wicked smirk that returned to Ruby's face for the first time in weeks made Regina's heart flutter. Not to mention, she'd just been called 'mistress.' Licking her lips, Regina continued to stare into Ruby's eyes, her own surprise apparent in her expression.

"Something the matter, mistress?" Ruby teased. "I mean, 'Madam Mayor.'"

Once again, Regina opened her mouth to speak but found that the words were entirely stuck.

"Cat got your tongue?" Ruby taunted, still grinning wickedly.

Regina wanted to protest. To offer a bold quip. To be witty. But for some reason, she gave an involuntary nod.

"I think I changed my mind," Ruby mused, sitting up fully in the bed.

"Pardon?"

"I changed my mind."

"About what?"

"About us."

"How so?"

"I'm not mad at you anymore. I know why you're doing this."

"Do you?"

"Well, yeah. You don't want my blood on your hands," Ruby cackled, rubbing her hands together at her own distasteful joke.

"Pleasant," Regina grumbled. "Really pleasant. And very untrue."

"Oh, yeah? What's the reason then?"

"Because I care about you, obviously."

"Yeah?"

"Don't be daft. Of course I do."

"Tell me what you're thinking. Right now. Don't filter it."

"I can't," Regina protested, looking away.

But Ruby grabbed her hand and pulled her in until their faces were close together.

"Tell me," she ordered.

Caught off guard by Ruby's sudden change in demeanor, and the proximity of their lips, Regina simply whispered, "No."

"Fine. Then shut up and show me."

When Regina's lips parted again, Ruby shook her head with a chuckle and gripped the back of the mayor's neck, pulling her in and catching her lips.

When Ruby finally pulled away from the kiss, Regina was breathless.

"What… What was that?"

Shrugging, Ruby replied, "That was me being honest."

~!~!~

I'm sorry that I'm here again
I promise I'll get help
It wasn't my intention
I'm sorry to myself

Author's note: The song used to inspire the fic is Demi Lovato's "Sober."