Chapter 11: Simple Touch

Belle had been staying with Graham and Regina for about a month, and everything had settled into a nice, predictable routine. There were times when Belle had almost forgotten she had had a life before this relationship, because it had been so wonderful being with them. She had made a lot of progress archiving the city's documents, although there were still possibly weeks left of filing the rest of the boxes, and so far she had only scanned the records from 1936-1959. She was enjoying the work thoroughly, and she knew Regina was appreciating the help with the rest of the day-to-day running of things.

"You're looking well" Archie commented when she arrived in his office.

"Thanks, I feel good." Belle blushed slightly, still a little uncomfortable talking about her situation.

"How is it all going?" Archie pressed gently.

"Surprisingly well. I thought the three of us living together the way we are would have been awkward, but it's not." She paused "It's still taking time developing the physical side with Regina. Kissing is as far as it's gotten."

Archie nodded. "We all knew it would take Regina time. It's been a very long time since she's let anyone into her life, so you've allowed her to take a big step."

"I think she's becoming more relaxed. Sometimes I've noticed that Regina will actually touch Graham without planning it, like hold his hand or stroke his hair. She never used to really do that."

Archie smiled. "That's wonderful. Now, are you still ok? I know this relationship could be difficult for you as well."

Belle nodded. "It's weird. I never in a million years thought I could be in a relationship with two people, but it just feels…normal. We just stay honest with each other and so far we haven't had any fights or issues with jealousy. I know it will end eventually when Regina gets better, but until then…I'm happy being there."

The session ended, and Archie and Belle chatted for a few moments, and decided to make a cup of coffee. Archie couldn't really believe how well the surrogate relationship was working. Clearly the three of them were able to handle themselves maturely and respected each other's boundaries.

He knew Belle was telling the truth because he had already caught up with both Graham and Regina earlier in the week, and both of them were looking relaxed and happy - Regina, especially. Archie had never seen her look better. Regina had also appreciated having help at work which let her accomplish more but leave the office on time. She had been making use of her increased leisure hours; spending more time gardening, reading and getting more sleep.

"So, Ruby asked after you again." Belle said, slightly teasingly.

Archie was trying to stay professional, but he had a weakness when it came to Ruby. His cheeks went red and he had a silly grin on his face. "What did she say?" He asked, pushing his glasses back up on his nose.

"Well, she was wondering if you were ever going to ask her on a date" Belle smiled.

"I-I'm not sure if-I don't know if I should." Stuttered Archie. "I don't see someone like Ruby being interested in me. I see the young guys chasing her at the diner." He said more seriously, his therapist mask coming back.

"Are you kidding me? Ruby's been hung up on you for more years than I can count. She's never said anything because she has this insane notion that the guy needs to make the first move."

Archie sat silently, his brows furrowed in slight confusion. He then cleared his throat. "But-I. Anyway, I'm supposed to be working with you, not the other way around."

"No problem. I just gave you some information that might be helpful. What you choose to do with it is up to you." Belle smiled. "Just don't let Ruby know I gave you the hint."

Archie laughed. "You've gotten braver, Belle." He observed.

Belle smiled. "I think I have. Graham and Regina have made me braver. It's the first time in my life I haven't been a total wallflower."

Belle left Archie's office feeling good. She hoped that she hadn't pushed things too far with Archie, but the poor guy had to know how Ruby felt about him. Belle knew he was never the kind of person who would take a risk unless he knew it was going to work, so she hoped her little interference was worth it. She picked up a few things from the store to get ready for dinner.

Regina was working late that afternoon having a meeting with Mr Gold on a town planning matter, so it was just her and Graham for the first time in a while. They chatted together while they prepared a stir-fry, knowing it would make excellent leftovers for lunches or when Regina finally made it home. They sat up at the kitchen island eating dinner, knowing Regina would probably be horrified by this. She always preferred to eat in the dining room, but Belle and Graham were far less formal with their eating preferences. They were very alike in a lot of ways, and in a universe where neither of them had ever met Regina, they probably would have been a pretty happy couple. But despite Regina and Graham's differences, they loved each other completely, and nothing would ever change that.

Over the last few weeks, Belle realised that even though she was attracted to Graham and the sex was phenomenal, the love she had for him was just a strong friendship, and nothing more. It was as if the sex was compartmentalised somehow. When Graham had realised this, he became more relaxed around Belle and their relationship had been easy to sustain, knowing that they weren't in danger of hurt feelings or jealousy.

"Hey, did you want to do something different after dinner? I was thinking a card game. Something totally silly like snap or go fish." Belle suggested.

"Actually, that sounds good. It's been an exhausting day, I don't think I could use my brain for anything complicated." Graham rubbed his eyes, looking tired. Belle knew the police department was overworked, and because Graham was the Sheriff, he bore the brunt of the responsibility. She hoped that Regina would be able to find room in the budget for another police officer, especially as the town was steadily growing.

When Regina came home, she saw Belle and Graham playing snap at the kitchen table and smiled. Belle certainly brought a lot of laughter into their home. She was going to miss her when this relationship ended.

"Five, and SNAP. I win!" Belle shouted and Graham groaned. The game had gotten competitive, and Belle had only won based on the last hand. They both looked up from their game and saw Regina, who was doing her best not to laugh. "Hi Gina, we've got stir-fry in the fridge for you." Said Graham.

"Sounds good. I was getting hungry. Truth is, I'm not used to working late anymore. This is the first late meeting I've had in a month. I don't miss it." Said Regina, heating up her food in the microwave.

Belle gave a little chuckle when she saw Regina set the table properly – placemat and everything, even though she was only eating a bowl of stir-fry by herself. Regina always insisted on doing everything 'properly' and it must be exhausting for her to keep up those standards. Regina ate while Belle and Graham had another round of snap. This time Graham won, throwing his cards up in triumph. "Good game, Belle." He laughed, shaking her hand like you would at the end of a football match.

"Oh, this isn't over. I'll beat you next time." She threatened good-naturedly.

"You're on." Said Graham.

"Children." Said Regina, rolling her eyes. But the truth was, she liked the less-serious side of things, even if she didn't admit it. Belle was slowly teaching her to let things go and loosen up. Regina knew she would never be as candid or free as Belle, but she would love to be more relaxed version of herself.

Graham left the dining room, saying he was going to read a bit and get some sleep. Belle cleaned up the kitchen while Regina sipped her tea.

"So, was there anything you wanted to do tonight?" Belle asked. "We could find a movie on Netflix and cuddle."

"Sounds good." Said Regina. "It's…that time of the month and I'm feeling pretty awful." She admitted.

Belle raised her eyebrows slightly "Would you like a massage, then? I know I get awful cramps during mine, and the massage helps."

Regina's expression changed. "I haven't had a massage in almost ten years." She looked somewhere off into the distance. "My god I would love one." She said sincerely.

They retreated to Regina's room. Regina stood a little awkwardly for a while, and Belle left so Regina could undress and get under the covers. Belle came back into the room with a heat pack and some massage oil, hoping this would make Regina feel better.

"I'm not an expert at this. I only did a weekend course about three years ago." Belle admitted, placing the heat pack on Regina's back.

Regina seemed to relax with the heat. "I've gone for so long without being touched, I think anything you do would feel fantastic."

Belle got to work, slowly running her hands down Regina's back, using her palms to warm the oil. Regina let out a slight moan under the touch and started to relax. Belle's fingers kept working gently over every tight spot she could find before concentrating on her lower back now that the heat pack had done its job.

"That feels so wonderful." Said Regina. "I'd forgotten what it's like to be touched."

"I'm just glad I can help you feel better." Said Belle, continuing to work out the knots in Regina's shoulders. "I never realised how important touch actually was, not until I moved in with you."

"It becomes even more important when you have so much trouble accepting it." Said Regina. "I didn't know how scarred I was from Daniel until my wedding night with Graham. We had started to undress and I had a full-blown panic attack. Graham spent the whole trip on the pull-out sofa. I don't know why he didn't leave me right there and then." Regina sat up, holding up the sheet in front of her as she was naked from the waist-up and was clearly not comfortable with it. Her eyes were filling with tears at the memory.

"Oh Regina." Said Belle as she pulled Regina in for a hug. "Graham loves you so much, no matter what. I've never seen anyone as devoted as he is. He would move mountains for you."

Regina let out a small laugh and wiped her tears. "I just…..feel Graham deserves more than me, more than I can give. That's why I asked you here, Belle. I want to be truly married to him."

Regina leaned forward and gave Belle a kiss. It started out slowly at first, then deepened. Over the last few weeks they had slowly developed a rhythm that worked, as this was unchartered territory for both of them. Regina was so focussed on the kiss that she hadn't noticed that the sheet had slipped, exposing her breasts.

"Oh, Regina, you are so gorgeous." Belle breathed, as she gently traced her hands down Regina's side. Her skin was like porcelain, and her body felt so soft to the touch. Belle had never thought of herself as someone who was attracted to women, but Regina was the exception. She was magnificent.

Regina beckoned Belle to move closer, and she lay back down on the bed with Belle straddling her. Their breaths became more ragged as the kiss deepened, Belle moving down so she could kiss Regina's neck, just the way Graham had done for her. She wasn't used to taking the lead, but it felt so good she didn't want it to stop. Regina was also fumbling at Belle's shirt buttons, exposing her bra. She moaned when Regina slid her hands inside and stroked her nipples with her thumb. Belle ached to be closer to Regina, wanting so much more than kissing. They were both now lying side by side, running their hands over each other's bodies, Regina gasping every time Belle touched her.

Almost in an instant though, Regina stopped. "I-I think that's enough." She said, hastily dressing herself. Belle tried to hide the look of disappointment on her face, knowing it was Regina who had to decide how far they would go. "It's ok, Regina. That was…."

"Pretty wonderful." Regina let out a rare smile. Belle nodded, getting dressed herself, knowing she must have looked terribly askew as she walked out of the room. As she padded down the hallway she saw that Graham's light was turned off, and she didn't want to bother him.

She crawled into her own bed and willed herself to sleep, but the kiss she had shared with Regina was flowing though her mind and the heat wasn't leaving her body. She gently reached down inside her underwear and began to touch herself, surprised with how wet she was. She started to relax when her fingers began to send a familiar warmth through her body. She continued moving her fingers in a circular motion, lifting her hips to send her over the edge. Her body shook as she came down from her orgasm, not really believing she had just done that. She had never really been the kind of person to masturbate, but tonight she felt she never would have slept without an orgasm. It was strange. She had survived for so long without relationships, sex and touch, and now suddenly it had become something she didn't want to live without.

Author Notes:

Because of the glitch I had when trying to upload chapter 10 this week, I thought I would reward you guys with a double chapter this weekend! How am I doing? Please leave a review!

Much love,

Lady Eowyn