Hello again my SwanQueen Fandom! How I have truly missed you, and writing. As you can see I took a ridiculously long FanFic sabbatical. Life has been insane the last few years and no matter how much I wanted to write I was too busy...or too fucking tired to brain at all! So...after 3 or 4 years of silence - Here we have Chapter 12! I apologize if it's a little off from the rest but I'm soooo RUSTY, I promise to get back into the swing of things!
Also - SIDE NOTE - Fuck OUAT for crushing this ship to shit! Long Live SwanQueen via FanFiction! 3
Chapter 12
Regina took a deep breath and blew it out harshly, steadying herself for her trip down the stairs. "A week, just a week." She spoke aloud only to the air around her. As she made her slow decent down to the lower deck her eyes caught Emma's for brief moment. For a second she thought that what she found in them was curious concern, but it was quickly replaced with something more akin to caution. Emma turned her back to her and sought out the metal tipped arm of Mr. Jones. Regina worried her sculpted brows about it as she watched the pair make their exit with the rest of the group. All except for Ruby, whom unbeknownst to the older woman had had her eyes glued to her since her reappearance from above. The wolf girl smiled cheerily at the imposing woman and sauntered her way towards her. Regina let her scarred smirk bend slightly upward at the affectionate interaction.
Well at least someone seems happy I didn't toss myself overboard.
The two walked off the ship together, following the strides of the rest of the gang back towards Main Street. Henry had previously decided on seeing the Soundsational Parade today, rather than waiting until later and cutting in to their wandering around time during the rest of the week.
"Shall we break off for a bit to find a few snacks to hold us over during our sidewalk wait?" Emma suggested. "We can all go gather whatever sort of 'something' we want and all meet here before the show to stand together." The group agreed, and Charming volunteered to hold back and save some curb for the rest of them. With the condition that someone bring him back something extra sugary and hopefully ice creamy in return for his waiting. Henry chose to also stick it out with his grandpa adding the same stipulation.
Mary-Margret, Neil and Rumple went off to grab some more coffee and a scone, or two. While Hook grabbed on to Emma's arm and suggested they go fetch one of those huge turkey legs he'd been eyeballing. "T-that sounds..." Emma looked around hoping Ruby or Regina would mention something seemingly more appealing and she could graciously decline. Unfortunately neither woman managed to speak up and she signed reluctantly...having to keep up the charade with the captain she had intentionally, unintentionally fallen into. "great." she said halfheartedly.
Before Regina had a second to speculate or...well, feel whatever she was thinking of feeling about those two, Ruby nudged her in the side. "Hey Queenie, ya fancy getting something delicious?" The girls eyes gleamed curiously and the powerful woman found it excruciatingly tempting.
"I'd love to." Whatever sudden urge to be stupid had gotten into that Swan, it wasn't going to keep her from trying to enjoy herself. And for whatever reason Ruby was the only soul that seemed interested in keeping her entertained. With that, everyone split off in their separate directions.
David and Henry sat on the curb together watching the different street performers jaunt up and down the paved street, claiming the attention and admiration from different Disney goers. David was the first to break the silence.
"So, ya wanna talk about what's going on kiddo?" David spoke in a reassuring tone.
Henry signed heavily before he spoke.
"I don't know Gramps, I thought our plan would work! I mean, it looked like everything was going really well! You saw them on the plane...and at the Buzz ride." Charming nodded along to the young boys small rant. "They looked like they were really starting to get along. Smiling and talking and like actually being happy NEAR each other." He stopped to catch his breath. "I don't know what happened from then...to now. It wasn't even a long time, it seemed like everything flipped outta no where!" The boys voice was getting more and more alarmed, and the quicker his speech pace became the more frazzled looking his little face emoted.
"Henry, take a breath boy. I know what you mean." He placed an understanding hand on his grandsons shoulder, and gave it a small calming squeeze. "I know you were hoping that our little scheme would work immediately but things happen. Adult feelings can sometimes be much more fragile and unsure than those of kids." Henry sat listening to his grandfathers wise words. It was an odd concept to most to seek wisdom from Charming, with the exception of both his grandson and his daughter. Two of the only people that could see passed his sometimes 'dopey' exterior and find the little nuggets of knowledge lurking in the princes words. "I think that we've already accomplished so much of what we intended to do kid. I mean, getting your moms to buy into your possible 'depression' and then to agree to this trip without a seconds thought...that's pretty fantastic if you really think about it."
"Yeah but..." Henry started to detest when David cut him off.
"All we can do now, is try to covertly guide them into situations where they have to be together. Ninja them onto rides next to each other. Snag seats at meals before they can sit, making it so their only choice is to be side by side. Anything more than that son would give us away for sure. We can be coy and sneaky without being overt." Henry blinked a little as if a mechanism in his eyelids was the key to his processing concepts.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. It's just frustrating to watch. I know, and you know how perfect they are for each other. And how happy they could be if they would just stop being so...sooo, them!" Charming and Henry both laughed at the shear truth of that statement. It's almost as if these two women recognize how compatible they would be together, that they have to avidly push against the idea by be overly annoying to the other. "What I want to know is what's happening with the two of them now!"
"I don't really get that myself. Your mom has never been a huge fan of Ruby and now they're smiling and joking with each other. It's a little weird, I agree. But what's throwing me more is Emma suddenly linking arms with that bonehead!" The two shot matching scrunched faces that read as something close to 'what is that awful smell?' and then laughed at each other.
"I think it's time we really upped the game plan a bit. You take Emma and I'll take mom, we can Parent Trap them like Lindsay Lohan by just always making sure they only have each other as an option!" Charming's head bobbed back and forth in agreeance.
"Alright, sounds like a good idea. When they get back from snack grabbing, lets try to weasel them together. The two shook on it.
"Operation Magic Moms' is back in business!" Henry squealed, collecting a couple strange looks from passerby's but not caring in the least and throwing his lanky arms high into the air in a resolute salute!
Meanwhile Hook and Emma stood in the Turkey Leg line with half a dozen other people, Hook wearing one of the largest smiles Emma had ever witnessed. It's genuine existence being the most obnoxious thing she had seen today. She knew 'why' she was glomming onto the the make-up'd man...but it didn't make it any less unsettling to her. All she was after was a distraction from the strange feelings clinging to her every thought. Every time she got close to having normal interactions with Regina, something inside her would spring loose and knock all her better judgment all over the caverns of her brain. She was happy to see Regina enjoying herself during what she assumed would be a torture-some experience for her majesty, but something about it suddenly being produced by Ruby's presence got her all hot and bothered. Not in a sexy kind of way. What in the actual fuck was happening? She was pretty certain that her canine gal pal was harboring intense feelings for their bookworm friend, and now out of no where she was showing the same sort of interest in Regina. Her Regina.
Merp, stupid Emma brain stop doing this Freudian thing!
Not 'Her' Regina...but you know...Regina. Blah.
She didn't completely understand the mixture of emotions stirring themselves into a thick batter inside her heart, and quite frankly being stuck trying to ping pong them off of Hook wasn't really working the way she had intended. Regina and Ruby seemed happy as can be roaming the park together and she was doing just the opposite...and why? They'd been making headway with one another, maybe she'd been wrong to back off. Maybe she should back back in?
Yeah why not, Ruby is my friend. Regina is becoming my friend. I don't need Captain Leather as a Regina shield. I don't Want a Regina shield! Oh...oh, that's a light bulb moment. Swan, get it together.
The duo finally reached the front of the line, Hook attempting to order them each a leg until the realization of just how grotesquely ginormous these bird bits really were sunk in. They took their behemoth snack to a small bench near some shrubbery and sat to share the feast. Emma took the first bite completely melting into it's flavor, but finding it rather complex a task to actually chew into the stringy meat. Hook however seemed to take no issue with it's texture as he chomped in mouthful after mouthful consuming it in huge carnivorous portions before her eyes.
And he wonders why I don't jump at the opportunity to dine with him. Regina never masticates anything this feverishly. Like this is the last thing she's ever going to injest.
Emma's mind trailing off into thoughts of watching the gorgeous woman clamp her lips eloquently around any morsel of sustenance. Leaving delicate little lipstick marks on her food before smoothly taking final bites of her meals. Like the well mannered royal that she was.
Look at him, he's nearly covered in turkey juice! His face is literally glistening with grease and oil. Regina would faint at the image of this. How she would revel in the idea of ramming that whole leg down his gullet as punishment for being the most appalling creature to ever eat in her presence. Maybe I should just slam it down that gaping maw in her honor! For the Queeeeeeen!
"Hey, Pet?" Hook poked her in the arm stirring Emma from her internal monologue.
"Huh, oh uh...yeah it's good." Hook's head tilted and made a confused face.
"Um, I asked if you wanted to go browse some shops before we head back to the others?"
Ugh...must stop talking to myself and start listening to doofus.
"Oh, hah! No, I think I'm ok in the way of merch right now. I'd rather wait till the end of the week to start collecting souvenirs. Plus I don't want to carry a bunch of junk around."
"Love, I wouldn't be a gentleman if I let you carry your own bags. You know that." Emma smiled but inside she was gagging.
Chivalry alive and well, and yet somehow super puke worthy.
She pat his back roughly and took another giant bite off the leg in front of her. Earning herself a proud and slightly aroused glare from Killian.
"Lets shove off shall we? Head back over to my dad and Henry." Killian deflating with every word. That was a short lived turkey leg date. The two walked off at different speeds in the direction of the parade. They were met with waiting eyes and impatient looks.
"Well? Sweet things for our reward or what?" Henry blurted.
"Oh, sorry kid. I can go find you something, or we can wait to see if anyone else got ya anything." Emma asked her son.
"It's okay Ma. I think that we may get more than we bargained for with Ruby and Dad out there still looking for munchable treasures." The blonde nodded knowing very well how accurate that statement truly was. Ruby loved to spoil Henry because of his adorable demeanor. Neil did so also in hopes of gaining Dad points. Either reason was beside the point for this young man, whatever got him treats was beyond his concern as long as he kept raking in the swag! Emma sat between her father and her son, trying to create a body barrier between her and that smarmy seaman.
A few shops down Ruby and Regina sat at a tall table top eating matching ice cream cones and laughing together. Ruby couldn't quite believe the once malevolent woman was now sitting in front of her licking dripping ice cream from her long slender fingers and giggling like a school girl. "I've never seen you so out of your element, and yet completely blending like you've always been here. You look..." Ruby let the statement slip without letting her brain process, and run defense before allowing it to escape her mouth. She paused longer than socially acceptable not sure if she should actually finish her thought.
"I look, what dear?" Regina questioned, still trying to capture the rogue droplets of milky confection overflowing from her cone. She sent the flustered girl an inquisitive glance over her icy mound, causing the wolfs blood to run colder than her treat.
Ruby gulped audibly.
"You look...perfect." She dared. Regina could feel a tightness in her chest that was unfamiliar and yet completely welcomed. She let a half sigh, half laugh depart her lips. She wasn't entirely sure her next course of response.
"Thank you? I'm not sure what to say to that honestly." Normally something like this would be incredibly uncomfortable for both of them, but somehow it just felt...perfect.
What is happening here? Regina...you're confusing 'us'. Oh great...perhaps this inner prolixity with myself has actually caused insanity.
Ruby just beamed and shrugged at her companion. Maybe there really wasn't anything to say. Perhaps just being here together in this stolen crack in time, eating ice cream and not worrying about the outside world was all that needed to be. They sat a while longer in the comfortable silence making quick work of their cones. Once finished, they hopped back into line to grab two more scrumptious snacks for the boys being used as placeholders. Ruby couldn't quiet explain to herself what was spiraling around her. She'd just had one of the most distressing and confusing experiences with her best friend. Her heart tumbling at the thought of completely fucking up the relationship she had cherished having with Belle. Yet somehow only hours had passed and she felt none of that heartache or bitterness. Whatever switch had magically been flicked to life by the queens proximity was quelling all the turmoil that her earlier encounter had created. Something about this woman she hadn't previously given much thought about, other than the occasional 'damn Regina looks fierce as hell in that pencil skirt' was calming and incredibly enticing. The aura around the royal had shifted and become a magnetic force pulling in her direction. She was reveling in the fact that she could bring about this positive shift in the once cruel and unforgiving mayor.
The ladies made their way down the rows of shops along the central strip, searching through the throngs of visitors to locate where they had left their squad. Both of them lost in their own thoughts, and considering what could be circulating through the others thoughts as well.
"Mom, Mooooom!" Regina heard the familiar sound of her child calling out to her. She fought through the thick collection of people to get to him. She hadn't realized just how teeming with pedestrians this street would become in the quick minutes she'd been away. She reached out behind her instinctively grasping for Ruby's hand to help guide her through the elbow-to-elbow cavalcade around them. Ruby captured the woman's smooth hand in her own and let herself be lead by the monarch. As they approach their company, Henry began to bounce in his position to further direct his mother to them. The crowd around them buzzing erratically making it rather difficult for the duo to move inside herd. Emma noticed as they grew nearer that the two had their hands coupled casually together as if it were an standard thing for them to do. A hot searing bolt shot through her guts, causing her to clutch at her stomach for relief. No one noticed the questionable gesture. It stung and she wasn't certain why her body could acknowledge this blatant reaction to Regina, and yet she herself couldn't muster the nerve.
Damn, internal betrayal! Stupid subconscious, what's wrong with you?
"Oh, my word!" Regina signed out in an exhausted huff. "I can't believe how packed it is here! Is this typical of a midday parade?" Regina and Ruby dropped their hands in disconnect. Not making any sort of acknowledgment to one another of the touch at all. This fact creating an even more noticeable disturbance inside Emma!
What the hell did I miss! Hand holding...comfortable hand holding! Regina doesn't just Hold Hands...I must be high...that turkey leg was drugged and now I'm tripping. Hook roofied me and this is a dream. Regina...Ruby...HANDS...together. Nope...super drugged.
Emma wobbled on her knees and touched her forehead to check for fever. Regina and Ruby handed their respective cones to the anxiously waiting boys. Regina took note of Emma's odd exterior.
"Are you feeling alright Emma? You look a little faint?" The noble asked.
Because Dream Regina, I have very clearly been dosed with all the drugs and you are a distorted bizarro version of yourself!
"Emma?" Regina tentatively reached out and let her hand linger on Emma's forearm. "Dear, are you okay?" An authentic tone of worry lacing her breath. Snow and Charming now taking parental consideration as well.
"Emma?" Snow prodded as well. The amount of attention she had brought upon herself managed to shake her from her stupor.
"Huh...Oh. Yeah I'm fine. Just must be the heat, anybody got any water?" Rumple extended his arm with an unopened bottle. "Thanks." She shook her head a bit to rid herself of her previous thoughts. Henry had since stepped between Emma and Charming leaving only space on Emma's other side for Regina and Ruby to fit. Enacting his new ingenious plan of attack. He then tried to get Ruby's attention to pry her away from his mother's right side. Hoping that perhaps he could give his moms some uninterrupted "alone time". Well...as alone as they could get in an overrun theme park.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Regina further inquired once they were within whispering distance. Again she laid a hand on Emma's lithe forearm to silently express her worriment.
"Yeah, I'm totally fine. No big deal. Just a little hot and not hydrated enough." She took a large swig from the bottle before her.
Way to play it cool there Swan.
"Did you and Ruby find anything tasty to nom on?" She meant it the way she said it, but her inner pervert was trying not to train itself on the question.
"Mmmm, yes. We had ice cream as well. How did you and the marauder fair?"
"Ugh, we shared a Turkey Leg...not as good as you would assume." They exchanged a quick laugh, as they settled into a relaxed standing position, awaiting the start of the parade. "So, any word on what our plan is after this?" She felt a little awkward trying to make small talk after she had just thrust herself at Hook to get away from this strange new feeling toward Regina, and now attempting to do the opposite.
"I'm not really sure. I figured we would continue to let Henry decide. I don't know if he's wanting to ride something else or go spend money frivolously in the shops some more. I suppose once the chaos of the parade ends we will have a better idea on our little masterminds intentions." Emma nodded. She was probably right. The parade started up, and the group of Storybrooke natives enjoyed watching the floats creep down the route. Characters waving and blowing kisses out in their directions. Most of them were from different stories than their own, so there wasn't really too much awkwardness while watching them stroll on by. Henry and Snow bounced with glee to the music, Ruby giggling along enjoying the commotion entirely.
As the show came to a close the huddles of people began to disperse, our cast trying to cling to one another so as not get separated. Once everything had cleared out and they could all gather together again, they looked to their youngest for their next move.
"What now Bud?" Neil asked.
"Lets go ride Autotopia and The Submarine...and do the Marvel walk through. By the time we get through those lines and dinner, the fireworks should be starting!" Everyone followed suit and headed towards their requested destination.
Henry and Charming began to execute their mission by calculatingly planning each pairing for the rides. Their first stop was AutoTopia where Henry requested a ride along with Hook, Charming claiming his wife as usual. Henry then orchestrated a second pairing saying, "Dad, you ride with Ruby and see if you can keep up with me and Hook!" Ruby and Neil exchanged uncomfortable glances unsure of what Henry's angle was, but not wanting to question the boy they obliged. Rumple again chose to sit this one out, leaving Emma and Regina our last viable pairing. Henry could sense it in his brunette mother the urge to ask for her own car when he cleverly spoke up. "Moms you two ride together too, see if you can actually manage to work together!" He laughed heartily. Causing his mothers to both blush uncomfortably. Ruby seemed a little peeved having been growing closer to Regina, she wanted to be trapped in a tiny tin car with her for a few solid minutes. But who was she to argue with the worlds most adorable little boy.
The attraction started and Henry kept careful watch of what was happening in the car containing his mothers. He couldn't hear the exchanging of words from his distance, but what he saw absolutely looked like grinning. And that was reward enough for his crafted match ups.
Emma and Regina worked together happily to push their car along the track, not much conversation took place but they laughed together at the exhilaration of speeding along the tiny countryside roads.
Similar interactions took place while under sea level on the Finding Nemo themed Submarine. Charming and Henry working together again to ensure that no matter where everyone else sat, Henry's two moms would get stuck sitting side by side. They chatted cordially about the different ocean themes before them. Occasionally having to share very little window space to see out the porthole at the same time. Their faces nearly touching several times. The closeness eliciting the same warm tingly feeling in each women's body.
After the superhero walk-through and several stops into different shops to browse the merchandise, the team decided to settle upon a place to satiate their collective hunger. No one really wanting to deal with a full menu or a more formal seating situation they agreed to eat at Galactic Grill. Burgers and fries being consumed by all to make a hasty dinner before the next portion of waiting would begin.
The Fireworks were about the start and they needed to get a good spot before once again the human sardines would make it near impossible. They all finished in record time hurrying to the front of the castles facade to get a fair view of the sky show about to take place.
Henry asked his father if he would hold him on his shoulders, making sure that he couldn't try to interfere with his female parents getting closer, during what could be considered a fairly romantic opportunity. Charming situated his wife and himself behind Hook and Ruby, closing the space between them and the other people in front of them, so they couldn't get behind the husband and wife to claim position next to either magically charged women. It was the final event of the evening and the boys were rather proud of themselves for their careful planning and execution. They traded proud glances 'good work team'.
The music indicating that the show was about to begin boomed through the surrounding speakers. An atmospheric whimsy began to fill the space around them. Regina stole a quick glance at the taller female. She looked absolutely stunning in the mixing hews blasting above them. Emma's eyes seemed moister than usual and Regina found herself wondering about Emma's colorful past. The musics crescendo burst around them in time with the erupting of fireworks overhead. Emma found herself overwhelmed with different emotions. She could feel Regina's eyes on her and the way they were making her feel mixed with the powerful reaction the display of lights was causing in her, she felt her head whirl. A huge part of her was starting to fully comprehend what might be happening in her blood. She couldn't pass off these feelings as general lust or admiration. She was actually starting to have real 'Feels' for Regina, and seeing her cozying up to Ruby was causing a super storm inside her. She let the idea of reaching over and engulfing Regina's hand in her own play around in her head for a second. She looked over to see that Ruby had somehow managed to sneak herself between her parents and stand at the other end of the Regina. She had a friendly arm gripping onto Regina's shoulders and she was playfully pulling her back and forth in an 'isn't this so fun' sort of manner. The moment was lost. Regina's eyes had left her form and were now trained to the sky above staring up happily with Ruby. Emma...had missed her window.
Mother fucking god dammit.
It was now growing late and the adults of the group decided it was a good time to head back to their rooms. There are still plenty of days left to see more of the parks. They crawled to the exits scooting along tiredly to the hotel. Once in the lobby everyone traded goodbyes agreeing on a morning meet up time. Regina volunteering to walk Henry to his room to kiss him goodnight.
Hook choosing to stay back and drink some before he retired for the evening.
The Charming's and Rumple heading to their respective rooms.
Neil asked Emma if he would like to join him for a nightcap, her declining and instead asking Ruby to hang with her poolside for a while. Ruby knowing it was probably due to her earlier mention of wanting to discuss her 'secret' realizing she probably couldn't get away with avoiding the conversation any longer.
Neil slunk away to the elevators in defeat.
Emma led Ruby to one of the resorts less occupied pool areas in hopes of having a more private place to chat. "So, what's going on Rubes? One minute you're all flustered and upset over what I can only imagine has something to do with Belle...and then the next minute you're all googly eye'd at Regina? ...Regina? Like, really? What the fucks going on? You can't hardly stand her, now you look like you wanna jump her at first chance."
Ruby chortled a bit at Emma's obvious confusion. "I don't know Em. I mean yeah I've always found Regina completely overbearing, and like she has a very rigged stick jammed way to far in her backside but I don't know...something changed."
Emma wasn't convinced that 'something' just changed. "Ruby really? I've known you a while now, I know what your face says before your mouth says it. Something happened earlier when you left with her and you're not telling me."
"I'm just enjoying her company. We're having fun together. Isn't that what the whole point of this trip is?" Now Ruby was just being willfully withholding.
"I'm not buying it." She pressed harder. "You came back nearly distraught. Did something happen when you checked on Belle?" Ruby shuttered a bit and closed her arms around her middle.
"Okay yeah, ya happy?" Emma didn't look happy, she looked intense and interrogative. She felt uncomfortable. "I went to check on her, and she was being just so pathetic and small. I was just there to make her more comfortable and then leave...but when I went to go she asked me to stay. So...I did. I laid there with her for a minute and then she grabbed me." Ruby shifted in her seat a little like what she was saying physically hurt. "and, she kissed me. Like really kissed me Em, not like a peck but like full on clawing at me and kiiiiiissing me. Ya know?"
Emma openly gawked. "Uh, whoa. Ok, and then what happened?"
"Regina called and Belle like snapped outta whatever crazy she was in and then she freaked out. Curled herself up and told me to leave." There were hints of tears in her eyes threatening to fall, but she blinked them out of existence. "So, I left and met Regina in the lobby. What else could I do?"
Emma wasn't sure how she would have reacted in a situation like that either. "Wow. I...I'm sorry Rubes, I know that couldn't have been easy. Are you going to talk to her about it?"
"Honestly? No, I don't think I can. When it happened...at first it felt good, and as soon as I saw that look on her face...it just didn't. It felt wrong and like I'd somehow totally broken everything. And then when we got back to the park, Regina totally pacified every shitty feeling I was having. I don't know what this feeling is now, but I know it doesn't feel anything like what I felt in that hotel room."
Emma really did not want to be hearing this. She knew that she had never actually expressed any feelings toward Regina to her friend, but she did know that even still Ruby was a fucking werewolf and could tell these sort of things without being verbally told. So what the hell was she doing moving in on her territory?
"Dude, really?" Ruby looked taken aback.
"Dude, really what?" Ruby's tone was a little more irritated than Emma would have appreciated.
Don't you dude what me. You're supposed to sense these things before I do you stupid dog. How dare you move on into my space before I've even had fair time to claim it! I'll hit you...I just might hit you, get a newspaper and smack that pretty little nose of yours. Selfish wolf.
"You can't just...just, change your mind like that. And like decided all of a sudden without even talking to Belle that you're just moving on to someone else." Her response was ill stated and had zero heart of conviction behind it. Ruby just looked at her reeling with confused.
"And why not? Belle clearly doesn't know what she wants...or maybe she does, and it really doesn't appear like its me. Regina seems happy when we're together and isn't that a good thing."
No, and fuck you for thinking so Furball!
"Whatever Ruby, I think you're being really irresponsible with both of their feelings. You can't toy with people like that." She didn't know why she was being so callous. If it had been anyone else she would have probably been encouraging Ruby's choices, telling her it was good to move on. But...no, she couldn't do that here.
"Whatever Ruby? Toying with people? Really Emma, is that how you really feel? You sure you're not just projecting this onto me because you can't admit to you're own issues? Like what the hell have you been doing all day? Being all buddy buddy with 'Captain Rumbug'?"
Done. Nope. Leaving.
"Whatever, I'm outta here. Figure your own shit out friend." Emma stomped away feeling really crappy about how she'd just handled herself with her best friend. Mostly because she knew that stupid bitch was right.
Uuuuugh, must drink all the things and not feel any of this!
Emma trudged her way through the lobby and into the bar, where she inconveniently located the very same 'Captain Rumbug'. Not having the emotional give-a-shit to care. she took a seat next to the man and asked for whatever he was having. The two sat exchanging jokes as they threw back shot after shot. Emma attempting to drown out what had just happened, Hook hoping to get Emma to whatever level she required to find him dazzlingly handsome. Though he wasn't sure why that level required copious amounts of alcohol, he was certain he was dazzling enough sober. The evening wore on and the two became more and more intoxicated. Emma eventually having to excuse herself before she made anymore mistakes. Hook fought her to stay, or at least come back with him to his hotel. She had enough sense about her to decline either offer and said her goodbyes. Her drunken slurry brain making one final stupid choice, she kissed the pirate square on the lips allowing him enough time to take full advantage of her drunkenness to slip her some tongue.
Whatever, everyone seems to be making 'new friends' I suppose I can too.
She broke free from the pirates mouth and gave him a clumsy wink before stumbling off in the direction of her room, passing Regina in the hall without noticing at all. Regina however, was very aware of the drunken saunter of the blonde as she followed her boozy trail from where it had come. What she found in its wake was less than stellar. Hook, wearing the biggest most predatory gleam she'd ever laid eyes on.
"Well, you look amused. Anything I should know about?" Hoping it was a result of some drunken co-ed having mistaken him for some musician or something.
"I just shared quite the evening with Miss Swan." He stated dreamily. "She kissed me. I knew she wanted me, I just wasn't certain how long it was going to take before she acted on it." His speech was a little lazy due to the obvious buzz from the liqueur but it was no where near incomprehensible, and the statement had Regina trying desperately to contain the bile growing in her throat.
Well Miss Swan, I had you pegged wrong. I thought you had slightly higher standards, but I supposed we're all incorrect sometimes.
She had no interest in sitting here hearing anymore about their exchange in saliva so she abruptly excused herself, by just walking the fuck away. Hook not really noticing at all due to his misty state of being.
Regina walked briskly out of the lobby and into the courtyard surrounding the pool area. She meandered awhile until she found a quiet hidden fireplace. Much to her happy surprise she found Ruby sitting at the fireplace looking as though she was also seeking some solace.
"Ruby?" Ruby heard the familiar sound of her name and turned to face the one using it. She smiled softly when she saw where it had come from.
"Regina, hey." Ruby patted the seat beside her in front of the large inset mantle. "What are you doing out here this late?"
"I couldn't sleep, I was going to grab a nightcap...but..." She trailed off.
"But?" Ruby nudged
"I ran into Hook and rather lost my interest."
"Ah, yeah he sorta has that effect on people."
"Well, not everyone." Regina said with the hint of bite in her voice.
"What do you mean?"
"Apparently he and Emma had quite the time between them drinking like fish and allegedly kissing...each other." Regina found it hard to even finish the sentence without choking.
"Ew, what!?" Ruby spat without thinking.
"My sentiments exactly Dear." Regina agreeing without hesitation.
"Oh god, I hope she was just drunk. That's just...just eck!" The two women sharing an uncomfortable giggle of disgust. "Well, either way that's sorta surprising and unexpected. I just thought she was being nice hanging with him today...not really being serious."
"Yes well, I suppose no one can truly know what another persons full intentions are can we?" Regina said this with less snark and more hurt than she intended. Ruby taking full note of her voices cadence.
"You okay there Queenie?" Using a pet name that was becoming more and more comfortable an exchange between the two. Regina began to say that 'yes she was fine.' but then in an unusual moment she chose to be honest.
"Actually, no. I'm really not sure I am." Ruby blinked and scooted closer to the older woman as if to say 'go on'. "I don't really know what I'm feeling."
"Well, do you wanna talk about it? I'm pretty good at listening." Regina wasn't sure this was a wise road to venture down, and then again why not. What could she really lose?
"I've recently been experiencing some rather confusing feelings. And so help me if you ever speak a breath of this I will make sure you suffer endless torture until the end of your days." Ruby felt a slight pang of fear and then was instead over run with a sensation of arousal. She nodded.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." She put a hand on the queens knee urging her to continue. Regina took full notice of the intimate gesture. She sighed deeply and went on.
"I've been having 'feelings', odd unappreciated feelings about Emma." Ruby's head tilted the way a curious puppy's would at an unfamiliar sound. Regina found it endearing. "More recently I've though maybe she could be having the same feelings...but in light of what has just happened, I think I may have been completely flawed in my assumption." Ruby could nearly bank now on the fact that Emma had been so upset because Regina in fact was correct in her thoughts about Emma, and that the savior had left their earlier conversation to make poor rash choices based on her irritation with Ruby. She chose not to say a word and instead continue to listen to Regina's statements. "I really don't know what to do with all of this. I'm not used to having this sort of problem."
"Well, I am." Ruby just looked into Regina's eyes in an compassionate way.
"How so?"
"I've had the same frustrating feelings for Belle for what seems like forever." Regina's stomach suddenly grew warm. "But I've come to realize just how one sided my feelings are, and it totally sucks to accept but sometimes there just isn't anything you can do about it...so you make the shitty choice to move on."
But...how can I just move on. I'm an evil queen. Happy Endings are not just lying around being overtly available.
"Move on?" Regina questioned. "It's not that simple Ruby."
"Why not? You'll never know what else is out there if you spend all your time waiting for someone that's not even glancing in your direction." Ruby knew her statement, at least when related to Emma Swan, was slightly unfounded. Now she was pretty sure these two totally had the hots for each other, but the primal portion of Ruby's being chose to Prey instead of do the friend thing she should do.
Regina just looked at the younger woman with utter confusion. "Like I said Miss Lucus, it's really not that simple."
"It totally is." And with that the hungry wolf lunged forward capturing the flummoxed woman in a passion fueled kiss that left the both of them star dazed and dizzy.
Alright peeps, there ya have it. Hope you enjoyed my reintroduction to Fanfiction! Review...as you will 3333 XOXOXO