A/N: Wow an update and it hasn't been a full week, yes it's surprising, I know. I'm sorry that this chapter is so short; it's sort of a filler, but also it develops the future plot. It introduces Meg more and involves a lot of the Enchanted Forrest characters and their importance. Also I apologize in advance for no real interaction between Regina and Ruby. Eventually, when I work on the next chapter, you'll get actual Red Queen interaction. I hope you enjoy and please tell me what you think!


July 2013 (Two Weeks After) – The Hamptons

The house is silent the majority of the time and that makes Ruby squirm. It's weird and awkward to her, she's out of her element something that hasn't happened since the first weeks of moving in with Regina.

Making her way downstairs, Ruby hopes today is different that Regina will be waiting for her with a warm smile that's hidden behind her mug filled with coffee. Her heart deflates when there's no Regina in the kitchen only a plate of scrambled eggs with bacon.

It's been like this for the past two weeks, ever since their kiss Regina's been pulling back. It was subtle at first, Regina stopped initiating the conversations that would normally turn to fun banter between them. And then breakfast became a solo meal, Ruby would come down and Regina would be clearing her plate (which isn't that uncommon except that she wouldn't wait for Ruby to finish). Lunch became a time that was a forced conversation unless Regina had lessons back to back because suddenly it seemed that Regina was the best and most popular trainer the club had. And dinner, dinner was silent occasionally filled with small talk that was ridiculous. The waitress considers herself lucky if she catches a glance of Regina before work and she's exhilarated when she's greeted with more than a simple nod.

Ruby frowns as she thinks of what's happened. She can hear the shower from upstairs but no singing. What happened between them? What messed them up like this? It couldn't have been the kiss. Regina had agreed with her about it being just a kiss. Unless she didn't believe that. Which then would make both of them liars because she had lied about the kiss.

Ruby groans, she had said that so they could avoid this, damn her and her stupid mouth.


Regina relaxes as her muscles loosen under the stream of water from her shower. It's been a difficult couple of weeks avoiding Ruby is crushing her. It hurts to know the kiss meant nothing to the waitress. It hurt her more than she'd like to admit, so she's doing what she vowed she'd never do. She's hiding. She's running because she will not allow herself to be hurt again. She can't let that happen again.

But as Regina exits her shower she frowns. Regina misses Ruby. She misses the lousy impressions of her students and the over exaggerated stories from class. Regina yearns for the bubbly and contagious laugh that tumbles from Ruby's lips. She misses the taller woman's hug and how they ground her. She aches for Ruby's adventurous side to come out and beg Regina to do something stupid and thrilling.

Regina groans at her thoughts. If this is how she feels after two weeks she can't begin to imagine the rest of the summer's torture without Ruby. Why can't she be happy for once?


Present Time (July 2013) – The Enchanted Forrest

"I just don't understand what the threat is?" Aurora questions, aware of the growing restlessness between the group members. Her hands rest on her belly and she rubs it as to help calm herself.

Mulan sighs, hating that she had allowed Aurora in on their meetings, but she felt guilty after having denied the ruler her company. Damn, Aurora and her feelings and being pregnant making Mulan feel bad about not spending time with a pregnant woman. The Asian woman rubs her temples feeling both Robin and Phillips eyes on her, blaming her for bringing in another opinion.

The conference room seems smaller than it actually is and the four members feel suffocated in the space. Mulan is close to tearing her hair out, Phillip is tired of discussing the same thing over and over again, and Robin is pretty sure the floor will be ruined if any of them keep pacing. The table in the middle of the room has a map of the kingdom and the rest of the Enchanted Forrest. There are certain things labeled on it: Regina's old castle, Snow and Charming's palace, The Dark One's Fortress, other kingdoms as well.

"Aurora," Phillip says, "we don't know either. It's what we're trying to figure out."

"Then why all the fuss?" The strawberry blonde argues biting her bottom lip.

Robin groans and slumps down into one of the chairs around the table. Mulan holds back a chuckle because yes, she's tired but Aurora is one to never back down easily.

"We're being cautious, Princess," the nickname slips from Mulan's tongue and the warrior chastises herself for the carelessness she's displayed. She's glad Robin and Phillip didn't catch on, and thankful that it was the right thing to say because Aurora has seemingly backed down.

"Okay," Robin repeats, "let's go over what we know has been happening."

Mulan rolls her shoulders, feeling stiff from being in the same position for what feels like hours.

"There's a change in the weather; all of a sudden we're getting stronger winds and a colder drop in temperature. Some people have gone missing. We've heard rumors of The Dark One being back. The Ogres have backed down for the time being, which could mean that someone is holding them to a deal," Mulan ticks off.

Phillip and Robin nod, mentally checking if they're missing anything.

"Most of the people missing, are boys between ten and seventeen years of age," Robin adds, "with a few who are younger."

From the corner of her eye, Mulan sees Aurora tighten the arm that's cradling her stomach.

"Okay," Phillip draws out, "we know whatever is here is mostly after boys who are children turning into young adults. So we pro—'

The King is interrupted by the doors to the room opening loudly.

"Your Majesty," Hiccup announces out of breath and apologetically for bursting in, "I apologize for our unwanted entry. We just have...some hopeful information."

Phillip straightens his posture and waves Hiccup off, gesturing to the other night and …woman who have also come in.

"Megara?" Mulan gasps out when the woman, who is slightly battered comes into view. The previous lilac dress is ripped near the bottom and torn from the left shoulder strap, it's covered in dirt and few stains of copper. The brunette hair which had been up has pieces of mud, twigs, and leaves embedded in a loose array of curls. But what impacts the Queen and the Warrior so much is the previous unscathed face of the Greek maiden is now dirt streaked, with what will be a bruise forming above Megara's right eye and the busted upper lip on the left side.

"Warrior woman?" Meg chuckles, turning to look at Eugene who's holding her arm, "you can let go now."

Eugene looks up to Hiccup, his superior officer, and let's go once he's given the go ahead signal.

"Lady Megara," Aurora gulps, swallowing a bit of bile at the uncanny sight, "what happened?"

Meg scrunches up her nose and then winces when she can taste a bit of fresh blood from her lip.

"Okay first of all, don't call me Lady anything," Meg points out, "that's a huge no, just Meg. Second, this," the woman gestures at her body, "is nothing. It looks worse than it is. I got into the wrong setting and ended up with more than I could handle after a tavern brawl. Third, could you please just point me in the direction of Corona or Arendelle, I promised a few people I'd visit."

King Phillip and Robin Hood look lost at the entrance from the outsider. However, the King couldn't hold back his surprise at the lack of one from his wife and trusted friends.

"You know her?" Phillip asks.

Aurora and Mulan both nod, moving closer to the injured woman.

"Let's get you cleaned up first," Aurora asses. "Then we'll go from there."

Meg waves her hand. "That's unnecessary really."

"There's a reason we brought her in," Knight Eugene speaks from the door.

The occupants of the room stop and turn to look at him, all except Hiccup who's trying to find the right words to phrase the oncoming onslaught of questions.

"What Knight Ryder wishes to say," Hiccup breathes out, "is that we overheard some men talking at a tavern about some of the missing boys. It just so happened to be that Lady Megalos was there when we showed up. And as soon as we did, the tavern became a place for a brawl. We thought she could share some information, sirs and ma'ams."

"Does anyone listen to me?" Meg groans, "Just call me Meg!"

"Is this true?" Mulan asks looking over at Meg. "Where you at the tavern? Did you hear what was going on?"

Meg sighs, tired from her night. "If I answer all of your questions will I be able to go?"

The King nods his head and Meg moves to sit at one of the chairs, she might as well be comfortable.

"Wait," Aurora interrupts, and the worn brunette almost moans, "Hiccup inform the staff to send up supper: the five of us will dine here. Meg, let's get you changed then we can discuss everything that's happened. Gentlemen, if you'll excuse us for a moment."


"This happened after a tavern brawl?" Mulan questioned, not fully believing it.

Meg winced as the rag Aurora held wiped her beaten face.

"I apologize," Aurora whispers having seen the flicker of pain on the other woman.

Meg waves her off before turning her attention towards Mulan. "Yes."

"You got lucky then," Mulan settles as a reply. She takes a step back from Meg, allowing the Greek maiden space to breath, she'd been assessing Meg's injuries. Making sure the woman wasn't truly hurt, luckily she was just a little bruised, it did look in fact worse that it was.

The door to the chamber opened and a chambermaid walked in settling the clothes Aurora had asked for on the bed.

"Here," Aurora mentions handing over the folded pieced of clothing. "We'll wait until you're ready."

Twenty minutes they exit the chamber and make their way back to the conference room where Phillip and Robin await for them at the table.


"So what did you hear?" Phillip asks as they all sit eating supper around the conference room table.

Megara sighs for the nth time that night but plasters on a small smile before turning to the King. She's much more comfortable now, donning a slightly darker shade of purple in the easy to move riding dress. It's one of Aurora's everyday dresses except its short on Megara, so it awkwardly shows part of the riding boots she wears. However, it's clean and not ruined so Meg will take what she can in the meantime.

"I heard a lot," Meg answers cheekily, and Robin chuckles in the background while Mulan huffs.

Mulan takes a moment before hissing out: "What do you know?"

Meg turns to look at the warrior, summing her up in her head. She takes a moment gracious for the meal that's been provided to her by the Queen, who's sitting quietly watching over all of them.

"What most of the towns know," Meg shrugs, "kids are disappearing. They're being taken at night, normally away from home. I don't think I'm being very useful to you. It seems like you already know that."

Mulan sighs at the repeated information, Robin and Phillip's faces drop as well. The only one not put out by the answers turns her attention towards the outsider.

"You clearly know more," Aurora speaks up, making sure to keep a good strong stare against the other woman. "Otherwise Hiccup nor Eugene would have brought you here. Along with the fact that the brawl happened as soon as my knights got there. Which means it's a tavern that holds guest too many who do not like their King or Queen. And it also stands that you've taken a beating; why would that occur unless you had something to hide? Clearly we're missing something."

Megara quirked an eyebrow, she hadn't been expecting the Queen to be this perceptive. Perhaps she had judges wrong when they first met.

"What's in it for me?" Meg questioned looking straight into blue-green eyes.

Mulan is also impressed by Aurora, a side of the monarch she hadn't seen. And her eyes flit back and forth between both women interested highly in what's about to play out. Robin deems the situation one where he should remain quiet, but also in takes all that's being offered. Phillip stunned once more by the strong women he's seen in the room today remains silent until Megara had begun to wager.

"A service to your kingdom," Phillip replies automatically, like any diplomat or ruler.

Meg snorts unladylike and shakes her head. "I asked Her Majesty, this is something for her. After all I am not a member of said kingdom."

Aurora smirked: "A carriage ride to Arendelle or Corona, your choosing."

Meg weighs the options in her head before turning to the Queen. "Make that a carriage and food for the two days journey and I'll tell you all I know."

Aurora takes a moment to look around the room, Robin seems all too eager to know what Megara knows, Mulan is more hesitant and Phillip is ready to order her away. She takes a minute to think of Megara's demands and nods resting her hands on her stomach.

"Very well," Aurora says, "begin with what you know."

The room is quiet while Megara gathers her thoughts. The Greek maiden plays with the remaining food on her plate before choosing the right words to begin.

"Before I can explain to you anything I know," Meg informs, "I have to dive a bit into my personal life. As you all know, I'm not from this Kingdom or the Enchanted Forrest at all. I'm from Greece, as the gracious Warrior has pointed out and in Greece we have our own type or version of magic. Here from what I've gathered there are two types of magic: good and evil. In Greece we don't have sorcerers, witches, fairies, pixies or what you call anyone with magic, we believe in the Gods or more like, the Gods destine our fate. I never truly believed in magic until I met Hades, the God of the Underworld. I worked for him for some time and ended up compromised with an enemy: Hercules."

"The son of Zeus?" Mulan questions, interrupting only for a second and getting a nod in reply. "I've heard of him, never knew if he was real or not."

"He is, very real," Meg continues. "But that's not what I want to discuss, after a few months Hercules and I decided on going our separate ways. For some time I joined Hades again and helped him with whatever he needed. It wasn't until near the end that I heard stories of what had been happening outside Greece. I heard about Snow White returning with her daughter to the Enchanted Forrest, then the Savior being taken to Neverland along with The Evil Queen and The Dark One, gossip is common in the Underworld. I paid it no mind, it wasn't affecting me I wasn't going to question it. Then when I heard the Savior and The Evil Queen had returned to their new land strange things began happening. Hades was suddenly disappearing from his realm often to meetings, I had heard him talk about others joining him. It wasn't until I followed him that I understood. I mostly kept in the shadows but during one of his meetings I couldn't completely hide, so I tricked a girl into letting me work her spot for a few minutes. I was lucky Hades didn't discover me, but it was quite a group of interesting people."

"Who?" Robin asks very intrigued.

Meg smirks at how easy it is to capture the man's attention, but she also doesn't wait long due to Mulan's piercing gaze.

"I can identify some, Ursula, Gaston, a man by the name Jafar, others who I do not know. A woman who I've sworn I seen before but couldn't stare to long and watch because she'd turn every few minutes was very peculiar. She was dressed in riding gear with a mask on her face, covering it, her hair was down almost glowing its light red color, and her hands covered in glove. Not an inch of skin was showing, the only thing from the woman that was visible was her emerald pendant. She was the one who mostly came and sat and listened to the leader of the group."

"And who was the leader?" Aurora presses on knowing Meg is holding on purpose.

"Why Peter Pan, of course," Meg answers truthfully.


July 2013 – Boston

Kathryn Nolan is pretty sure she's never been happier. She has an amazing fiancée by the name of Frederick and two very funny and intelligent best friends who are both starting their lives anew. One in New York and the other in Storybrooke, so yes, Kathryn is very happy right now.

Specifically because she feels that it's been ages since she's had a girl night with just her best friends and not the whole crew of princesses from Storybrooke. Now don't get Kathryn wrong she enjoys nights spent at The Rabbit Hole with Ariel, Tink, Snow/Mary Margret, Emma, Cinderella/Ashley and Belle but she misses Ruby/Red with her silly antics at the bar and Regina's dark and slightly pessimistic views of the world but true and brutal honesty. So she's happy that she's spending a night out in the middle of Boston (Frederick stuck with a project at the Storybrooke Elementary, even though its summer) with Tinkerbell. The pixie was enjoyable company with her fast tongue and new discoveries of this world. The only thing missing is Regina because although she knows there's still bad blood to be cleared between Tink and the former monarch, she knows they still relate to one another.

"Hello," Tink bellows over the loud music of the club, "earth to Kathryn! To her Royal Highness Princess Abigail!"

Kathryn snaps at the noise of her former title, she turns leveling a glare with the shorter woman before swatting her across the arm being wary of the drink Tink holds.

"Don't call me that," Kathryn says narrowing her eyes further.

Tink laughs lightly at the attempted mean tone: "Why? It is your name."

"It was my name, Tink," Kathryn sighs. It's a complicated thing in Kathryn's opinion on who she is. "Abigail is from the Enchanted Forrest she was a princess, but here I'm Kathryn Nolan from Storybrooke, Maine."

"Why did you switch your name?" Tink asks, genuinely curious. "I mean Frederick decided to stick with his instead of Jim. Mary Margret is still Snow and half the town switched back except Prince Charming, or David or James…he's just complicated. I mean I understand why Ashley is no longer Cinderella, or Leroy refuses to be called Grumpy but why not keep Abigail?"

Kathryn takes a moment to ponder the question. It's something she's asked herself many times and can't even quite come up with the correct answer. She sometimes wonders if that's an after effect of the curse, one that causes her to be unbalanced. The blonde law student swirls the drink in her hand before sighing.

"I don't know," Kathryn answers truthfully. "I guess I just don't feel like Abigail anymore or maybe I was just never comfortable as Abigail. I mean other than having Frederick, Abigail was never really happy. She had no true ambitions no real reason to be other than she had a kingdom to run. And when I was Kathryn it wasn't the best life sure but I felt like I had a purpose. At first it was to find David and make him mine but after I got accepted into law here I saw myself being more. I think Kathryn gave me hope, so I decided I would follow her, make her me."

Tink nodded and smiled taking a sip from her drink. "That makes sense…I guess I'm just trying to get used to this world. It's so different from the Enchanted Forrest."

Kathryn smiled back: "It sure is, but I wouldn't got back. This land…it's my home now. And I can't imagine anywhere else."

"It's taking time, but I can see myself getting used to it," Tink agreed.

They let a small comfortable silence settle over them, just listening to the music in the background play. The club there in isn't full and it's not one of the midnight "let's get drunk to fuck" clubs. It's a music club that serves drinks where the music is loud enough to dull others conversations but not enough to shout at one another to talk. And the drinks are at a pretty reasonable prices, it helps that Kathryn is a regular there.

"So anyway enough about alter egos," Kathryn pipes up, "I want to know about you and Hook."

Tink groans and rolls her eyes. "Why do you think there's something going on between us? I mean we have a bad relationship that's clear as day."

"No, my dear," Kathryn grins, "you have sexual tension which isn't bad in a relationship."

"Dear?" Tink questions unamused, "you've been talking to Regina about this haven't you? Can't both of you butt out of my love life, that's nonexistent thank you very much."

Kathryn grinned even wider. "We may have discussed it on occasion and Tink we're not intervening or doing anything we're just…informing you."

Tink rolled her eyes again. "Why is it your concern?"

"Sweetie," Kathryn squeals, "it's clear as day you like him. And once you get passed his arrogance Hook is a decent man, attractive too. And Tink, Gina and I just want to see you happy."

"Gina," Tink scoffs, "she lets you call her that? And I am happy, I don't need Hook for that."

"What Regina doesn't know won't hurt her," Kathryn replies taking another sip of her cocktail. "And we know you don't need him, but don't you want to date?"

"I date," Tink frowns crossing her arms.

"I kno—" Kathryn is interrupted by her ringing phone. "Speak of the devil."

The blonde answers the phone putting on the speaker phone.

"Hey Regina," Kathryn greets followed shortly by Tink's greeting.

'Kathryn, hello…Tink? Am I interrupting a girls night? I can call at another time."

Kathryn waves her off even though Regina can't see her, Tink rolls her eyes at the motion.

"Nonsense," Kathryn laughs, "what can I do for you, Regina?"

There's a sigh from the other side of the line, and Kathryn furrows her brow.

'Something happened…and I don't know how to feel about it.'

"This isn't about Henry is it?" Kathryn questions, concern coating all the words.

'No, Henry is doing alright from what I know. I told you he returned to Storybrooke after a few days.'

Both Kathryn and Tink frown at Regina's resigned voice.

"Then what's this about, sweetie?" Kathryn mentions, prompting the brunette.

'Ruby kissed me.'

Whatever Kathryn was expecting, it wasn't that. Tink for her part looks surprised as well as confused.

"Ruby? Isn't that Red?" Tink pipes up.

Kathryn nods confirming the names before turning her attention towards the phone.

"Ruby…how did that happen?" Kathryn asks.

'You know how kisses happen, Kathryn.'

"Don't be a smartass with me, Regina or I'll hang up right now," Kathryn reprimands. "You know what I'm asking."

Another sigh comes from Regina and both Kathryn and Tink lean closer to the phone.

'It happened the night Henry and I got into the argument before he left. Ruby came into the kitchen before taking me upstairs away from the room. And we had a drink and one turned into the bottle and suddenly we were in my room.'

"You work fast, don't you," Tink teases hoping to ease the nervous brunette.

Instead she gets swatted across the chest by Kathryn who's listening carefully to every word.

"Continue, Regina," Kathryn encourages.

'And nothing had happened, we were just cuddling on my bed. And she asked me to sing to her, Kathryn. She asked me to share a part of me that I haven't shared with anyone but Daniel. I don't really know how she convinced me, but I did it. I sang to her and when the song was over I was in her lap, in her arms. And I felt safe there, I felt comfortable, I felt cared for like before Emma decided to listen to her parents. I was in the moment, Kathryn, and because I was in the moment I did what felt right. I kissed her and she kissed me back.'

"Wait," Kathryn paused in taking all the information. "You waited two weeks to tell me this?"

'Kathryn, this isn't why I called!'

"Sorry," the blonde muttered, mulling over the information that had been shared. "So you opened up to her, got swept up in the moment and kissed her."

She gets a 'mhm' from the other side.

"So what's the problem?" Tink states.

'Subtle as always Tink.'

"You know me," Tink chuckles, "but no, seriously, what's the problem?"

"I have to agree with Tinkerbell here, Regina," Kathryn adds on, "I'm not finding the problem."

'You mean other than kissing my roommate, who happens to be Snow White's best friend, while I'm taking a sort of break from the woman I've been seeing after only a few months since my break up with Emma, who is Henry's biological mother?'

"Yes," both blondes say.

'I…we talked about on the way back from New York after dropping Henry off. I asked what it meant even though I had started it. She said it was just a kiss.'

Kathryn let out a non-audible 'Oh' while Tink only furrowed her brows, not completely understanding.

"I don't get it," Tink confesses, "you shared a kiss. What's there to say?"

Kathryn smacked Tink once again, "You're an idiot." She turned her attention back to the patient brunette who was in another state. "What did the kiss mean to you, Regina?"

There's a silence from the other side and both blondes assume Regina's gathering her thoughts.

'I don't know. I really don't. Part of me wishes the kiss meant nothing but another part of me wants it to mean something. I mean she's Ruby for god's sake, she's notorious for one night stands, and at least she was. And she's also my roommate, I can't…we can't let that interfere with our dynamic. Yet it has and I miss her, something that I thought would never happen. But she's Ruby. I can't…nothing can happen because she's Ruby…we…and then there's Diana to think about.'

"Regina, slow down," Kathryn urges before speaking, "what are your feelings towards Ruby? Be honest, not for us but for yourself. Because, Regina, I think you know what you're feeling you just aren't admitting it."

'…I think I like her…'

"Like her? What are you five, Regina?" Tink laughs.

"Stop it, Tink or we'll bring up Hook," Kathryn hisses shutting Tink up. "Regina, sweetie, do you think you could explain what you feel for her?"

'That's just it Kathryn, I like her. There's no other way to phrase it. She's attractive, charismatic, sweet, sometimes an idiot, but she's Ruby. She brightens my day, something that I didn't know was happening until I stopped interacting with her.'

"Aww," Kathryn coos, loving how lovesick Regina is feeling. "You're smitten, Regina and don't even try to deny it. But what do you mean by you stopped interacting?"

'When she told me it was just a kiss, it hurt. And I guess I knew why, but I tried to tell myself that it really meant nothing. Except it didn't and maybe it wasn't the right moment to kiss, but it felt nice Kathryn. And for it to be dismissed, for me to be dismissed hurt…a lot. So I've been avoiding her…'

"Wow, you've got it bad, Regina," Tink added. "Don't hit me, Kathryn! I'm stating the obvious…"

Regina chuckles and Tink and Kathryn smile at the uplifted mood from the brunette.

"Anyway as I was saying," Tink continues, "maybe it did mean something to her, Regina."

'But she said—'

"I know what she said," Tink interrupts. "But try seeing it from her point of view, you were inebriated and emotional. She probably thought you were doing it out of need not because you wanted to. Which is in fact partially true. You got lost in the moment and Ruby might be taking that to heart."

"Tink is right, Regina," Kathryn adds, "maybe you need to talk about it again."

'I don't know…what if she was telling the truth. I can't put myself through more misery again, I won't be able to. And then there's Diana, what am I supposed to tell her?'

"Regina," Tink sighs, "you need to think about you, not others. Figure yourself out and then worry about the rest."

"Tink is actually making sense," Kathryn says, "she's right. You need to listen to what you want. Do you want Ruby or Diana? And whoever, you choose you need to be honest to both. You need to think about what you want."

'…I want Ruby…I think…I mean Diana, is sweet and lovely, but I can't…it just wouldn't work.'

"Then it's clear what you need to do," Tink declares taking a sip of her drink. "You need to call Diana and give her closure. Then you need to work on you and Ruby."

'But what if, Ruby doesn't feel anything?'

"Then you talk with her and go from there," Kathryn supplies. "But you need to think Regina, think hard about what you want."

'And if she says no? If Ruby won't talk.'

"Then you'll be better off as friends," Tink mentions.

'How am I even supposed to bring it up?'

"You need to figure that out, Regina," Kathryn says. "Believe me, sweetie, I want to help you untangle this mess, but you need to do it on your own."

'I know…it's just, I don't know if it's worth it?'

"Regina," Tink huffs, "stop this misery/it's the end of the world attitude. You've face fucking armies and you're scared of one girl. Woman up, Regina, you're not a woman to wallow in self-pity. Take a step forward and show Ruby what she's missing. Get your shit together and take a step forward, stop hiding."

Silence comes from Regina's line and Kathryn has to say she's impressed with Tink's advice.

'Tink, that's honestly rich coming from you…but I just don't know what to do.'

Silence is present once again as Tink frowns (she honestly doesn't understand why people think Hook and her would make an attractive couple).

"Then just kiss her again, Regina. See where that goes," Kathryn speaks up after the silence has gone on long enough from both sides.

A sigh is heard over the phone.

'I need to think, Kathryn. I'll call you later. Enjoy the rest of your night, Kathryn, Tink.'

"Bye," Tink says, "I'll expect a call with details as well, Regina!"

"Bye sweetie," Kathryn mentions, "it'll work itself out, Regina. Just give it time, love you Regina. Take care."

Kathryn ends the call and turns her gaze towards Tink, who's busy taking the last sip from her drink.

"What?" Tink questions.

Kathryn only raises an eyebrow in return. "You just had to be you didn't you?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Tink feigns.

Kathryn shakes her head, "You're a hypocrite, you know that, right?"

Tink only shakes her head. "Again, no idea?"

"How about we actually talk about your dates since you refuse to talk about your insane attraction to Hook?"

"Why is this any of your concern?" Tink groans.

"Start talking Tink," Kathryn orders smiling as another drink is set in front of her.


July 2013 – New York City

The diner is empty for a weekday night, it's not early but by no means is it late, Diana smiles that means she can take an even longer break. The Hispanic waitress pulls out her phone and hopes that maybe Regina will call today. They had agreed on taking a break over the summer seeing as how Regina wasn't going to be in town, but that didn't mean Diana wanted a break.

Sighing the waitress twiddles her thumb as she looks at her wallpaper. It's a picture of Regina and her after one of their many opera dates. She's got a full out grin and Regina has a small but genuine smile on her face. In all honestly she looks like a dork who's being an idiot in the picture while Regina is trying to hide a smile at her antics. It's her favorite picture, she thinks it captures their characters perfectly.

Diana wants Regina to call. She wants them to talk; to talk about anything but specifically about them. She wants to broach the subject of their relationship. They've been dating for at least four months and Diana wants to know if it's serious. Because Diana knows she's all for it but she can't say the same thing about the older brunette.

She's interrupted by her phone ringing, a flashing picture of Regina on the screen.

"Hey," Diana greets smiling slightly.

'Diana, hello, are you busy right now?'

"No, not really," Diana answers waving to her boss that she's going to take a break before retiring to the back room. "Just taking my much deserved break."

'Good…um, how are you?'

"I'm doing alright and you?"

'I'm okay, it's beautiful out here.'

"The Hamptons, right?"

'Yeah, it's a different space.'

"I bet," Diana mentions chewing her bottom lip. "Regina, why did you call?"

She hears the other woman sigh and her heart sinks a little bit.

'Diana…we need to talk.'

"I'm all ears," Diana laughs, although she can feel her heart sink even lower.

'Diana…thank you. Thank you for the past months you've helped me more than what I thought was possible. And I owe you for opening up my heart again to the possibility to love again. I can't thank you enough for doing that for me. But Diana—'

Diana takes a sigh stopping Regina from continuing: "We're over aren't we Regina?"

'I could say I'm sorry but that wouldn't help, Diana but yes.'

"You're right, it wouldn't but I shouldn't be so surprised. I don't think I am actually. I think I've seen it coming for a long time now."

There's a pause on the other side of the line and Diana wonders how long she can hold back the tears.

'You have?'

"Regina," Diana exhales slowly pushing away the crushing feeling in her chest. "You never really were in the relationship like I was. And maybe it was because you had just left Emma, or whatever happened there, or maybe I was too into us because it's been a while since I found someone so interesting but we never were on the same page. You agreed to go out with me because you're polite—"

'I agreed because I thought we could be something.'

"Maybe," Diana shrugs on her end, "but you also agreed because you're polite. I was a fresh start for you in New York and you took it but I was never intended to actually win your heart in the process. I guess some part of me wished that I would but some part of me knew I was never going to get it."

'Diana…I'm sorry.'

"Don't," Diana hisses before taking a deep breath. "Please don't, I'm not going to lie, Regina—we both know how much we despise those. It hurts to know I was right but I'm glad I know. This way you can move on and be happy which you deserve. I just wish I could be your happiness."

'Diana…'

"Just do me one favor, Regina," Diana mentions wiping the tears that have managed to escape her eyes.

'…yes?'

"Make sure Ruby treats you right. Make sure she's what you both want. Don't settle, you deserve more than that."

'Wait…Ruby? Diana what do—'

"Goodbye Regina."

Diana lets the sobs she was holding back go as she ends the call. It takes a few minutes but once she's collected herself she unlocks her phone.

To Cassandra 'The Bitch' Weston – July 6, 2013

Are you up for drinks tonight?

From Cassandra 'The Bitch' Weston – July 6, 2013

Sure. Meet at the café at 8. What's the occasion?

To Cassandra 'The Bitch' Weston – July 6, 2013

Relationships.

From Cassandra 'The Bitch' Weston – July 6, 2013

I'll see you then.


July 2013 – Storybrooke

The silence of the library is broken by her phone ringing insistently. And Belle is lucky she had quick-ish reflexes because she would have slipped from the stool she's standing on had she been totally unprepared for the noise. Setting her feet on the floor first, Belle quickly makes her way to the device. She answers, not bothering to check the caller id.

"Hello?" Belle whispers, as she holds the phone between her ear and shoulder, returning to the books she had been putting away.

'Belle…why are you whispering?'

Belle can't help but laugh at Red's very Ruby question.

"Because I'm at the library, Red."

She can pretty much see the scrunched up nose from the werewolf.

'Why? I mean it's close to seven-thirty at night. I thought the library closed at seven.'

"It does," Belle replies storing the books. "I'm working though."

'Have you eaten yet? You need to keep yourself healthy.'

"I do know how to look after myself, Red," Belle chuckles.

'Then you should also know it's not good to overwork yourself.'

Belle laughs and shakes her head at her friend.

"Why are you calling, Red? Not that I don't enjoy your surprise calls."

'I needed to talk to you.'

"I can assume that much, Red," Belle muses, thinking that it must be something important for Red to be calling her instead of Snow.

'You know…you can take your sassy ass to the diner. Eat something and then I'll tell you.'

"You're stalling, Red," Belle pointed out.

'And I'll keep at it if you don't go eat something right now.'

"Then I'll hang up."

'I'll just call you again.'

"I won't answer," Belle teases.

'I'll call Gold, or Granny, or Emma. I'll call anyone until I get a hold of you again.'

"You wouldn't," Belle hisses as they banter.

'Try me.'

Belle smiles, she misses Red. She misses the woman who was her best friend.

"Fine, fine, fine," Belle resigns, she wouldn't put it past Red to do what she's threatened. "I'm locking up and making my way to the diner.

'Good.'

There's no talking between them while Belle locks up the library and crosses the street to the diner and both women are content with that. It's not until Belle has ordered a drink that Red starts speaking again.

'So who's your waitress?'

Belle chuckles at the question. "Ariel, Tink normally works week nights but she's out of town and Ashley is working behind the counter tonight."

'Ah, I'm still a better waitress than any of them.'

Belle shakes her head again and waves to Granny who's going over the checking book.

"So modest of you Red."

'Blame Ruby for making me cocky.'

"And how is Ruby?" Belle asks, curious to why her friend switches between herself.

'Ruby's…Ruby's not sure how she should be feeling right now…she's confused.'

Belle furrows her brow as she hears Red's tone drop.

"Red, what's wrong?"

'Regina and I aren't on speaking terms.'

"What happened?" Belle presses on reluctantly. She does not particularly like the idea of Red living with Regina. It has nothing to do with Regina's past, past actions. She just doesn't have the best relationship with the woman who had her locked up for close to thirty years.

Red mutters something unintelligible from her end of the line.

"Red, repeat that."

'I kissed Regina…well actually no, well kind of…it's more complicated than that.'

Whatever Belle was expecting it wasn't that.

"Wait what?" She hisses into the phone hoping no one is overhearing the conversation.

At that moment Granny appears in front of her with a furrowed brow and her glass of water. Belle waves her off after quickly ordering something to eat.

'Regina kissed me…and I kissed back.'

"How the hell did that happen?" Belle questions lost, her language does guarantee a few raised eyebrows and another concerned look from Granny as well as one from Ashley and Ariel. It was pretty rare that Belle used that type of language. However, the young brunette princess turned librarian ignored them.

'Well she kinda leaned in and then I kinda press—'

"Not that," Belle groans, she didn't need that mental image. "How did the kiss happen, Red?"

'Oh…umm, she was drunk or slightly drunk and I ended up taking her to her room. This all happened the night before Henry left and well they had had an argument and I was left to pick her up. So we were in her room sitting together and I asked her to sing. And surprisingly she agreed but when she was finished…she was looking at me, like I could hold the answer to all of the questions of the universe. And I couldn't stop staring, so she leaned in and I kissed back. But then I realized what I was doing and pulled away and left. We talked about it the next day but ever since then we haven't been the same.'

Belle is taking it all in and processing all at the same time. Her mind is working a mile a minute and she almost misses Ariel setting her food down before being able to come up with a sort of decent reply.

"You waited two weeks to tell me this?"

It wasn't the reply either of them needed.

'Belle!'

"I'm sorry if I'm having a hard time processing the fact that you kissed the Evil Queen!" Belle growls into the phone, unaware of Granny's raised eyebrow from behind the counter.

'Can you not tell everyone please! And Regina's not the Evil Queen! Not anymore at least.'

"Sorry," Belle apologizes before taking a deep breath and thinking about everything that's been said. "Okay, so things haven't been the same since…since it happened. So what?"

'You can say kiss, Belle. It was a kiss.'

"Fine," Belle frowns. "Since the kiss, they haven't been the same."

'Yes, we established that. It's just I miss her Belle.'

"Did she move out? Or did you?"

'No, we've just rarely seen each other.'

"Oh…Red…I don't know what to say."

And really Belle doesn't.

'I don't expect you to, Belle. I just needed to tell someone.'

"Oh okay," Belle says taking a bite off her plate. "Why don't you tell me about the…the kiss?"

'It was amazing, Belle. The whole thing was amazing, she's amazing. Her lips were so so soft, and she tasted really sweet. And I swear I could have melted right then and there.

Belle is stumped as she listens to her friend's kiss: some part of her is still processing what Red just told her, another is slightly jealous that the risqué waitress who left Storybrooke enamored by her has already fallen for someone else, and another is just extremely confused as to how this happened.

"Oh wow, it really meant a lot then, Red."

She hears a sigh.

'I don't know, she was drunk when she kissed me. I'm surprised she remembered honestly.'

"But didn't you talk about it?" Belle mentions.

'Yes…well, slightly, not really.'

"What do you mean?"

'She asked what it meant to me on the way back from dropping Henry off.'

"Red…what did you say?"

'That it was just a kiss.'

"Red," Belle gasps and is extremely appalled by her friends answer.

'What?'

"You're an idiot for saying that."

'But what if it actually meant nothing to her, Belle. I was not putting myself out there to dry. I can't do that again, not after last time.'

Belle doesn't miss the hurt tone at the end of Red's statement. She's referring to them and on a level it hurt that Red still resented her for not feeling the same. But Belle is not about to argue with Red about the past, clearly the waitress needs someone to talk to about right now and what happened. She no longer wonders why Red didn't call Snow for this.

"Red," Belle murmurs, "you don't know it will end like that."

'But there's no way to know it won't.'

Belle shakes her head. "Either way, you need to talk about it and I mean actually talk about it, not dismiss it. If you do, things will only get worse."

'I just don't know how.'

Belle smiles softly, "Well that's the million dollar question, now is it? Do what you feel is right, Red."

'But what if…what if it's not what I want?'

"You can't live with what ifs, Red."

'…I know…'

"Good," Belle says, "now, go talk to your girl."

'Thanks Belle.'

"Of course, Red," Belle mentions smiling at the lifted voice of her friend.

'And Belle?'

"Yeah, Red?"

'I go by Ruby, now. You should know that.'

Belle rolls her eyes and grunts out a reply: "Bye Red, love you, you dork."

Belle hangs up after the boisterous laugh on the other end and a giggly goodbye and love from Red.

The librarian turns back to her meal and is about to start eating when she feels someone behind her.

"You know Granny, your sneaking up on others is starting to become obvious," Belle states turning to look at the older woman. "You got your work cut out for you with your granddaughter."

Granny only offers a small mischievous smile before excusing herself to the backroom.


July 2013 – The Hamptons

The house Regina and Ruby share is mostly quiet. Downstairs Ruby watches tv as she waits for their dinner to arrive after calling Belle. While upstairs, Regina rests in her bed after her two calls of the day.

Regina, though, is woken up from her drained nap by her phone ringing. The former Queen groans as she reaches for it. She swears it better be important because she's had enough calls and advice for one day.

"Hello?" Regina greets.

'Regina.'

"Yes, this is she. With whom am I speaking?"

'You're getting dull, child.'

"Granny," Regina states, "always a pleasure. What can I help you with?"

'It's about Ruby.'

Regina freezes, did something happen to the young woman? Is she being held responsible?

'Regina, are you still there?'

"Yes, sorry, what about Ms. Lucas?"

'You need to ask Ruby out.'

"I'm sorry, what?" Regina answers feeling her palms start to sweat, there's no way Granny knows.

'You heard me, Regina. My Red needs to stop making up excuses and being an ass. And you're the only person who I know can help her.'

"You want me to ask your granddaughter out?"

'Oh please, Regina. Anyone with eyes and ears can tell you care about her.'

"I think you're overstepping your bounds Granny."

'And I think you're being a coward for stalling.'

"I'm hanging up now," Regina growls.

'Do it Regina. You'll be surprised to find she cares about you too.'

Before Regina can come up with a dignified response there's a click on the other line.

"What the fuck?" Regina whispers to herself. "There's no way the old woman is right about this."

She doesn't get a long time to actually think about the conversation because suddenly Ruby's knocking on her door.

"Regina?" Ruby speaks softly, "dinner's here if you I don't know want to join me…and umm, there's a marathon of Law and Order: SVU on. I know it's your favorite crime show…so yeah, I'll be downstairs."

Regina scowls at the closed door due to how little Ruby sounds. Rubbing her temples, Regina stands up replaying the conversations of Ruby she's had today.

"I'll be right down, –Ruby…thank you," Regina calls once she hears Ruby start to shuffle away from the door.


Making her way into the kitchen, Regina smiles at the already made plate with her favorite food from their takeout. She softly walks into the living room and takes a seat next to Ruby in front of the tv and sets her plate down.

"Do you want me to move?" Ruby asks after a second, feeling Regina's gaze on her.

This is the first time in two weeks they've been this close to one another so it's understandable why Ruby would feel like she's invading space. Regina bites her bottom lip and shifts her gaze to the floor, how had they let themselves grow this distance. Taking a silent breath Regina turns her gaze back to Ruby.

"No, you're fine, dear," Regina answers taking in Ruby from the glow of the tv.

"Okay," Ruby whispers, "umm, I don't know if you've seen this episode…I mean, you probably have…but I haven't so…it's the one where…"

But Regina's stopped paying attention to the cute rambles from the twenty-seven year old all she can focus on are those plump lips and Kathryn's words of advice: Just kiss her again, Regina. See where that goes. Diana's too: Make sure Ruby treats you right. And Granny's: You'll be surprised to find she cares about you too.

So without much thought and before she can convince herself that this may not be the best solution: Regina leans over shutting Ruby up for good with her lips.