When Ruby awoke, the sun was already high in the sky, not far from setting actually. A purr rumbled in her chest feeling Regina curled up against her, almost buried in her fur. She nuzzled the sleeping woman onto her back and stiffly carried her back into the house and laid her on the couch.
"Ruby?" The queen mumbled sleepily, gripping her fur tightly. "Please, don't go yet." Regina sounded so broken, so helpless. Ruby growled and yanked herself free. Regina opened her eyes wider to look at her. "Ruby?"
"Regina, your life is your own, and when you're ready to take it back, come find me." Ruby shifted back to say. Her eyes no longer glowed as they did at night. During the day, the effects of the darkness were diminished.
"But Ruby-"
"I'm not going to coddle or pity you Regina." Regina sat up and Ruby leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I can't explain the way I feel about you, but I know this isn't you. I want you, the real you. The bold, badass, unapologetic woman that I've dreamed of since I can remember."
"I don't know how." Regina whispered.
"You do. You're just afraid. But you don't have do anything alone. I'm with you, but I want you to be strong. I want you to know who you are again." Ruby said, tilting Regina's head by her chin to kiss her lips. It was a gentle, tender kiss. One to comfort the fallen queen. Regina sighed against her lips and tried to pull her closer, but she stepped back. Ruby gave her a pointed look before turning to leave.
"I don't want to be alone." Regina said softly. Ruby could hear the heartache in her voice, pleading for the wolf to stay. But she was not deterred.
"You will be alone until you decide you don't want to be." Ruby replied, leaving the room. She exited the house and Regina flinched at the sound of the door slamming. She fought the urge to cry and took a few deep breaths to fight it. Ruby's departure was a stark contrast with last night, when she'd defended all Regina had done. Now though, she felt like she'd been kicked to the side again. She walked upstairs and sighed at seeing Robin was gone. Of course, he needed to get back to his wife. The hot water of the shower was scalding, almost burning her skin. She felt so stupid for trusting Ruby. It made her angry that the wolf had managed to get her to let her guard down only to hurt her once again. With a flick of her wrist, the water turned icy cold, and the shock to her senses was just what she needed as she realized Ruby's endgame. A wolf didn't want a weak mate. Ruby didn't want a weak friend. And Regina was weak. She needed to prove to herself and to Ruby that she could be strong again.
Xxxxxxx
Emma sighed, walking behind her family as they made their way to Granny's. Her thoughts were only on Regina. The woman she loved. Ever since she'd been cured of the darkness, she hadn't seen the woman at all. Except finding her in the hospital with Ruby. That had been a shock, a very infuriating shock that sent a surge of rage through her at the thought of anyone else being with Regina. She'd sacrificed herself for Regina to save her life. What had Ruby ever done?!
"Emma, you okay?" David asked, looking over her shoulder.
"Yeah." She said simply, looking ahead to where Neal walked with his arm around her son, both of them excitedly talking away. She knew that the man had been intentionally trying to separate Henry from Regina and no matter what she'd done to correct that behavior, Henry always chose to listen to his father. She hated how he was growing up, seeing the world through the eyes of an entitled prince. Seeing only good and evil and nothing in between. She wasn't that way and she didn't want that for her son. But for now, she was just happy that he was happy.
They walked into the diner, finding it almost entirely empty, which was strange and sat down at their usual table. Ruby came to take their order as she usually did and Emma felt that spark of jealousy and rage once again. Ruby looked at her with a knowing smirk as she moved gracefully about the table and walked into the back to place their orders.
"Hey kid, why don't we go see your mom after dinner?" She asked, turning to Henry.
"He's gonna teach me how to play some video games when we get back." Neal interrupted. "Isn't that right, kid?" He asked.
"Yeah dad."
Emma rolled her eyes.
"What?" Neal asked.
"He should go see his mother."
"He's looking at her." Neal countered. "Look, I appreciate everything Regina's done for the kid, but he's my son."
Emma didn't even hesitate to punch the man in the face, nearly making him slam his head on the table.
"Emma!" Snow exclaimed.
"He's my son. You left me to go to prison, remember? Any parental rights you may've had were forfeited on that day. Don't forget that you had a chance to be a father, but you blew it." Emma hissed.
"Mom." Henry said sternly, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, it's okay. If you really want to, we can go see Regina."
Emma took a deep breath. "Don't call her that. She's your mother."
"Fine. Mom then." He rolled his eyes and turned to his food as Ruby returned to place it on the table.
"Will that be all?" The werewolf asked, still wearing that annoying little smirk that the blonde just wanted to smack off her face.
"No." She said curtly.
"Alright, just let me know if you-" The door of the diner nearly flew off its hinges by some force from outside. Regina made her entrance as only she could. Her hair was nearly twice its usual length, just as it had been in the Enchanted Forest, cascading down her backside like a rippling black waterfall. She wore a fitted red shirt with quarter length sleeves that revealed mounds of mouthwatering cleavage. She wore gray tights that hugged every inch of her curves and ass and tall boots that nearly reached her thighs. There was a strange dark light glowing along her skin and looked almost like tiny sparks of electricity flickering on her exposed arms every now and then.
"What do we have here?" Ruby grinned.
Regina turned her head and walked quickly up to her, her hand glowing with a spinning mix of black and white light, and punched the werewolf so hard, it sent her flying backwards onto the heroes table. Regina grinned.
"Regina, you're not supposed to be using magic." David said sharply, standing up.
"And what are you gonna do if I don't stop? Are you going to stop me?" Regina asked, flashing an evil smirk. "I beg of you to try."
David pulled out the black cuff that they all remembered so well. Regina rolled her eyes. It wasn't like he could actually get it on her anyway.
Ruby got back to her feet, waving her hand and cleaning herself up. She snatched the cuff from David and burned it to ash in her hand with fire and blew the ashes in his face. Then she turned to Regina and slowly walked around her. "So cute, Regina. But do you really think-" Regina spun, landing another punch to her face that made her eyes glow. She tackled Regina to the ground, sending them both rolling across the floor like crazed animals. Emma looked up in disbelief at Granny chuckling her head off.
"Mom stop it!" Henry yelled. Regina stopped and backed away from Ruby and turned to face her son. "You can't use magic." He snapped angrily. "Dark magic is evil. It's bad." Regina tilted her head and smiled before suddenly sending David and Neal flying across the room with magic.
Henry was enraged at this point and Emma stood up. "Everybody just calm down for a second. Regina, just relax, please." Truth be told, she was so turned on by Regina by now, it almost hurt. "What the hell is going on?"
"The little wolf sharpened her teeth." Ruby growled, grabbing Regina from behind and pulling her close. "And she's found out how to bite."
Regina smiled and pulled herself free. "I haven't had a seizure since I went running with you."
"Then we must do it again, yes?" Ruby grinned.
"We must." Regina nodded.
Ruby shifted and waited for Regina to follow suit. The former queen did not hesitate at all. She wagged her tail as she followed her to the door and both realized that they couldn't open it without opposable thumbs. Regina quickly found a solution by leaping straight through it and both disappeared into the gathering night with Ruby calling over her shoulder. "We'll fix the diner in the morning, Granny!"
Granny was still laughing. "Do you folks want your food to go?"
"What the hell was that?" Emma asked, walking over to the counter. "What's going on with Ruby and Regina?"
Granny shrugged. "I haven't the slightest idea. But it's funny as hell. That old queen's got some fire to her." She walked into the back. "I'll get you your food."
Emma was still shocked over what she'd just seen. She didn't quite understand it.
"What's gotten into Regina?" Snow asked, helping David to his feet. Henry was helping Neal.
"I don't know. But we don't have the cuff and she's obviously dangerous." Her husband said.
"Maybe I can talk to her." Emma intervened. "I can try to convince her to stop." She quickly left the diner before they could argue, but Regina wasn't home. The doors were locked and there was no telling when the woman would be back. "Son of a bitch, Regina." She hissed, leaning against the front door, remembering how good the woman had looked in her outfit, so different than what she usually wore. To say she was jealous of Ruby was an understatement. They clearly had some kind of connection that she hated already. She tried calling the brunette but it turned out her phone was off or something. "Great."
xxxxxxxx
Regina purred as Ruby nuzzled her neck as they walked back towards the mansion after a good hour of running. She didn't know why they were turning back so early, but she didn't mind following Ruby's lead.
"You surprised the hell out of me when you walked through that door." Ruby said.
"That's what I was aiming for." Regina let out a barking laugh and circled around the older she-wolf with a wagging tail. She was full of energy and happiness. "Ruby, will you kiss me again?"
"No." Ruby said curtly, waving her tail in the air as they crossed the street. She effortlessly leaped over the garden wall that Regina had made. She paused to wait as Regina soared over it, too high and lost her balance mid air and landed heavily on her side. "You have strong legs. You'll need to remember that when you jump."
"Thanks. And why not?" Regina asked, picking herself up with a soft grunt.
"Because you have to catch me to do it." Ruby flashed a wolfy grin before sailing through her kitchen window.
"Seriously?" Regina whined. She climbed into the window. Not quite as gracefully as her companion, but hey, she made it in. Ruby was nowhere to be seen. Of course. "Ruby." Regina whimpered. "Why do you have to be so difficult?" The house was pitch black, but Regina didn't need to see to navigate through the levels without bumping things. She made her way silently upstairs and shifted back as she opened her bedroom door, surprised to find candles lit everywhere and flower petals thrown across the what looked like, new bed. Ruby grinned as she leaped out of the closet.
"Surprise."
"You did all this?" Regina asked.
"Yep. If I'm moving too fast, please let me know. If this isn't what you want, Regina, then tell me. Because I do want you. I want you more than anything. Either way, Regina, you are one hell of a woman, and if you weren't so consumed with vengeance and Snow, then you would've made one hell of a ruler. You have repaid all your debts to this town, you saved them more times than I can count. I know you've built up a lot of insecurities because of everyone's manipulations of you, but I'm not going to be like that. All I want for you is to be the woman you want to be, the one you deserve to be. i just want you to be you." Ruby looked around the room. "By the way, your bed stank of Robin Hood, so I threw it out. Bought you a brand new one. Well, made you one with magic."
Regina looked at the younger brunette with a smile. "Miss Lucas, you are truly something else."
Ruby bowed. "Why thank you, your majesty."
"And this isn't too fast at all. In fact, it's just what I needed. Thanks for the wake up call." She grinned evilly and with a flick of her wrist made Ruby's clothes disappear. "But I need a little more-" Ruby suddenly tackled her onto the bed, sending flower petals into the air around them. The wolf wasted no time in marking her neck, completely claiming Regina as her own.
"You're mine now, your majesty." Ruby grinned, eyes gazing over Regina's body. "All mine." Her face took on a serious expression. "Robin can never have you again. That bastard."
"As you wish." Regina purred. She couldn't fight back the moan that escaped her lips as Ruby kissed her, with all the power and passion of a wolf. Their tongues caressed each other in a wild dance for dominance. Regina pushed Ruby away to fully take in the sight of her new lover. The werewolf was stunning. Absolutely beautiful.
"I hope you don't have plans for tomorrow." Regina said.
"Why?"
Regina grinned evilly and rolled them over so she was on top. "Let's find out."
/
Regina awoke in her werewolf's arms. She managed to slip free and stood up to stretch, her body sore from last night's amorous activities. She took a quick shower and put on some black lingerie, not really feeling the desire to put on anything else. Ruby smiled at her as she stepped out of the bathroom. "Good morning."
"Good morning." The wolf stretched on the bed, showing an almost feline grace. "Have you been up long?"
"No." Regina came forward and sat cross legged on the bed, facing the wolf. "Why do you want to do this? Be with me?"
"Because you are one of the most amazing women I've ever met in my entire life. And apparently you couldn't see how amazing you were. So I had to show you."
Regina entered her werewolf's arms. Ruby pulled her close and Regina buried her face in her neck. They stayed like that for a while, simply content to hold the other in their embrace. It must've been an hour later before they decided to get up and fix themselves something to eat. Although it was late in the afternoon by this point, she made them breakfast. Blueberry waffles, bacon, sausage and eggs.
"Is that enough?" Regina asked, watching Ruby inhale her plate of food.
"What? Oh yeah. Yeah, this is freakin' amazing by the way." Ruby grinned, turning back to her food.
Regina smiled and started on her own. Once they were finished, they shared the task of cleaning up, but the doorbell rang and Ruby quickly excused herself to go answer it.
"Can I help you, Miss Swan?" Ruby asked, opening the door.
"What are you doing here? In Regina's robe?" The blonde demanded, looking her up and down.
Ruby recognized the powerful envy in her eyes. She was in love with Regina. But Regina was hers now. No one was going to take the queen from her. She stood up a little straighter and smiled. "I'm home, what are you talking about? As for the robe, well, Regina said I could wear it. Problem?"
"Where's Regina?"
"Minding her own damn business." Came the silky smooth answer from the highly amused wolf. "What do you want?"
"I was worried about her-"
"You came to make sure she's still following the twisted rules of your insufferable parents. No need to lie, Miss Swan. Heroes are supposed to be honest and good." Ruby interrupted in a condescending tone. "Regina can and will do whatever she damn well pleases and she needs no permission from the Charmings or has to explain her actions. As for you, you should know right now, that Regina is mine. You can love and hope all you want, but she is mine. If you ever try to take her from me, if you ever touch her or kiss her or any of that nonsense to see if she's your true love...I'll kill you."
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Emma demanded.
"I am the alpha of this house, and the bitch that will kick your ass if you come anywhere near my woman again." Ruby grinned. It felt good to stake her claim on Regina. It was true their relationship had progressed very quickly, but she held no regrets, and knew Regina was going to be her perfect mate.
"Miss Lucas." Regina's deep, sultry voice interrupted their conversation and Ruby turned to face her. Emma peered over her shoulder and Regina walked past, wearing only black lingerie and carrying a glass of wine. She walked slowly, lazily...sexily, in a pair of stunning black heels.
"Yeah?" Ruby whispered.
"You coming?" Regina asked, making her way upstairs, not modest in the least.
"Hell yeah." Ruby slammed the door without a second thought and followed the queen upstairs. "What is this?" She asked, crawling across the bed to collapse next to her. "You know Emma saw you."
"I do. I wanted to show her what she could never have." Regina smirked, offering her the glass.
Ruby took it and poured a little on Regina's leg and slowly licked it off. "Delicious."
/
/
/
Belle hummed lightly to herself as she stacked the books on her cart and went about sorting them and placing them on the shelves. It was a quiet night, as it always was, and she was the only one in her beloved library. That is, until the door chimed and a familiar face walked in. "What do you want Rumple?" She asked over her shoulder, hearing his cane hit the ground as he limped into the building.
"Hello Belle." He said. "It's very late for you to still be here alone." There was a dark glint to his words and she turned around. He was no longer the Dark One, but he still possessed magic, although nowhere near as strong as it once was. She turned to face him.
"What do you want?"
"I was just wondering if you would join me for a late dinner."
"No." She said curtly, turning back to her books, still upset with her ex-husband over the way he cheated her with his fake dagger. The pain of that betrayal still burned as if it were new and she could hardly look at the man without remembering it.
Rumple limped forward to take her hand, stopping her from putting a book back on its shelf. "Please, Belle."
"No, Rumple. I don't want anything to do with you anymore. You've hurt me enough."
"But Belle-"
"She said no, Gold." The shadows parted as Ruby walked in from the back. She stepped forward, her every step punctuated with an arrogant swagger that hadn't been there before. She came out of nowhere, eyes glowing and teeth bared threateningly. Rumple took a step back and scowled, opening his mouth as though to speak, but Ruby raised her hand. "You don't want this fight, former Dark One. You really don't." The man was obviously not pleased, but he eventually retreated. Ruby immediately swept Belle up in her arms and twirled her around. "How you doing, Bookworm?"
Belle laughed as she was placed back on solid ground. "I'm fine. What are you doing here?" She took a moment to fully take in the werewolf, who only wore tight blue jeans and a black tank top. There was something different about her…Something primal, almost animalistic in her movements.
"I came to see you." Ruby flopped down in a chair and picked up a book, flipping through the pages but looking at none of them. She looked back up at Belle. "You look pretty today."
"Thank you, but it's hardly daytime." Belle smiled, sitting on the little coffee table in front of her friend. "It's not wolf's time, is everything alright, Ruby?"
"Everything couldn't be better." Ruby sat up quickly to face her. "Have you ever done something crazy?"
"Such as?"
"I just came from Regina's house and she's starting to use her magic again."
"Okay...is that supposed to be-"
Ruby stopped her by putting a finger over her lips and leaned in really close. "We ran through the forest...as wolves. Isn't that amazing?"
"Yes, it is." Belle laughed at the other woman's excitement as she hopped up and walked around behind the chair, leaning on it.
"You should come with us sometime. She could change you too!"
"Oh no, I don't think that's for me. I'm not a wolf."
"You definitely are." Ruby rolled her eyes. "How about tomorrow? Please?" She whimpered and started nuzzling Belle's neck. "Please? Please? Please? I'm not going to stop until you say yes."
"Alright." Belle laughed. "But only once." Ruby let out a whoop of victory and sat back down. "What happened to you, Ruby? You were gone for so long, and you're so different." Ruby tilted her head and picked at her perfectly manicured nails.
"Have the Charmings figured out who saved Emma and Regina from the darkness when it left Emma?" She asked nonchalantly.
"No, they assumed Emma defeated it."
Ruby scoffed. "Hardly. I saved them. And now, I am the-"
"Dark One?!" Belle stood up, shock evident in her voice.
"I prefer Dark Wolf." Ruby replied.
"Ruby, how-" She paced around the table. "How is this possible? Are you alright? We have to get it out of you!" Ruby stopped her frantic pacing by standing in front of her.
"Belle, relax. I'm fine. I've never felt better in my life. The darkness can't control me like it can other people because I'm already tied to my wolf. I'm not weak like the other humans."
"And you're part wolf. If you lose control, we're all screwed." Belle interrupted, surprise evident in her eyes. She turned her back to Ruby and paced the other way, already formulating ways to get the darkness out of her friend. Ruby grabbed her by the waist and turned her to face her.
"Belle, chill. Kay?" She grinned. "I can't wait for tomorrow night. Meet us at Regina's place."
"Ruby, this doesn't bother you?" Belle asked in disbelief.
"I'm me. Nothing has changed. That's partially why I was gone so long. It's like my wolf and the darkness was fighting. And my wolf won, but then I had to fight it and now I can hardly feel either one. I feel great." Ruby assured her with a smile.
Belle was not quite convinced of this, but she smiled back in return. Ruby was her best friend after all. She trusted the wolf with her life, she was sure the wolf would take care of her own. "Alright, if you say so."
"I do. Now I have to go, I'm really tired. But see you tomorrow, okay?" Ruby looked at her hopefully.
"Alright, I'll see you. Be careful, Ruby. Please."
Ruby bowed deeply. "As you command." The werewolf headed out the door and Belle closed down the library, contemplating what was in store for her tomorrow night.
/
/
/
The mansion was dark when Belle approached it the next night. She looked around for any signs of life, but couldn't find anything. "Ruby?" The door flew open immediately and Ruby picked her up in a big hug.
"You made it. Regina's itching to go. Come on in." Ruby lead her through the dark house and into the back yard where a giant black wolf was sitting beneath Regina's tree. "Beautiful, isn't she?"
"That's Regina?"
"Yep. Come on Gina, change her so we can get going." Ruby said, bouncing excitedly up and down.
Regina let out a small humph and made a gesture with a paw. Belle was engulfed in reddish purple smoke and the next thing she knew her senses were being assaulted by a multitude of sounds and smells. She whimpered and started backing up.
"It's alright, Belle." Ruby's voice soothed her. "Just take deep breaths and calm down."
Slowly, everything quieted down and Belle could no longer smell the nasty scents of dumpsters and trash cans, only the sweetness of Regina's apples in her tree.
"Okay open your eyes."
Belle obeyed and let out a gasp as she took in the world through new eyes. Everything was so sharp and clear. It was all strangely wonderful, almost like something she'd read in one of her books. "This is amazing."
Ruby was sitting in front of her in the form of a great wolf with fur like dark chocolate. She held a mirror in her jaws, lowering it so Belle could see herself and her cream colored fur.
"Beautiful." Regina said, flashing a wolfy grin.
"This is so strange." Belle said, looking around.
Ruby nuzzled her into a standing position and instructed her on how to move just as she'd done Regina. The queen waited patiently for Belle to get it down, and soon, they were racing through the forest as a pack. Belle was surprised at how exhilarating it was to run in this form, tasting a freedom that she never had before. Once, she'd dreamed of being a hero, stepping out from behind her books. This was nothing like she'd imagined. Ruby and Regina lead her up into the mountains, through a mangrove swamp and to a secluded lagoon. Regina didn't even stop as she leaped and belly flopped into the water, showing a side of the normally regal and composed queen that Belle had never seen. Ruby did a flip as she landed in the water after the black she-wolf and Belle let out a happy bark as she jumped in after them. They splashed around the water like children and chased after the fish in the lagoon. They climbed onto the belt of sand and Regina and Belle jumped on top of Ruby.
"Hey, no double teaming the alpha." Ruby woofed, pushing them off and flicking them with water.
"Is this what you do every night?" Belle asked, sitting down to catch her breath.
"Just about." Regina answered. "Isn't it wonderful to be so free?" The black she-wolf looked around at their little haven. "It's beautiful."
"Our own little spot in the world." Ruby agreed, nuzzling them on the neck.
"You did this because you wanted a pack, didn't you?" Belle asked, looking at her old friend.
Ruby nodded. "It's never fun being alone."
Regina whimpered and started furiously licking her ears, making her laugh. Belle quickly leaped up to assist.
"Okay, okay, you've proven your point." Ruby pinned them down and started licking them all over their face. "How do you like that? Huh?"
Belle laughed, almost wheezing by the time Ruby released them. Regina hopped right back up to run around. "You sure have a lot of energy."
"Regina suffers from seizures when she doesn't expend excess energy, magical and regular. She stays active in wolf form to take care of both problems."
"Seizures?"
"Yeah. It came from her trying to please the heroes and not use her magic. But now, to hell with the heroes, to hell with rules, to hell with everyone else!" Ruby yelled. She threw back her head and howled. Regina joined her and Belle wagged her tail as she did so as well. It was so strange for the woman to feel such a freedom, away from her broken relationship with Rumple, the pity filled eyes of the townspeople and away from the secluded world of the library that had once brought her so much joy and peace. Now, it just seemed like a painful reminder of the pawn shop down the street and what used to be.
"So, are you guys coming out again tomorrow night?" Belle asked, trotting to keep up with the longer legged wolves ahead as they walked back to the mansion in the early morning light. Regina gave her a gentle nip on the ear.
"Perhaps." Ruby answered. "I have to work tomorrow. If you guys come in, I can get you a discount by the way." She grinned.
"Maybe we'll stop by."
"Regina, what happened to you and Robin?" Belle asked offhandedly.
Regina froze. "Oh shit. I completely forgot about him."
"Don't worry, I locked the door before we left."
"He's a thief, he can pick a lock." Regina said, hurrying her pace.
"If he's in my bed, I'll kill him!" Ruby growled, shooting ahead.
Belle hurried after them and reached the driveway as Regina turned them back into humans to race into the house. Belle quickly followed them upstairs and into the master bedroom that had to be bigger than her entire apartment and found a very naked Robin beneath the sheets of the new bed.
Regina sighed, walked around the room, gathering Robin's clothes and tossed them at him. "Put on your clothes, Robin, and get out. Don't come back."
"What's going on?" Robin asked. "Why? Have I done something wrong?"
"No, i did. You're married." Regina said. "Now get out." She glanced at Ruby. To her surprise, the she-wolf had said nothing. Her eyes were glowing and she was staring at the bed. "You okay?"
"No, that was my bed." Ruby said. "Now, we'll have to burn it."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Move, Robin." The confused man put on his pants, but nothing else.
"Regina, we talked about this. We're soulmates. I love you." He said, taking her face in his hands and kissing her lips. "Whatever has you upset, we can work through this."
"Goodbye Robin." Regina said, letting her own eyes glow. "I made the mistake of continuing to sleep with you after I found out you were married, and I will pay that price. But this isn't happening again. I want you and all your stuff out of my house. You have 10 minutes." It only took 5 for the man to gather his things, still confused by the sudden rejection and leave.
"You okay?" Ruby asked with a look of concern.
"Oh yeah. I'm fine." Regina sighed.
"Good." Ruby smiled, before turning to the bed and lifting it up. "I like the smell of the forest, but he smells like shit!" She effortlessly carried the bed downstairs and outside, leaning against the front door, before going back upstairs and grabbing anything else Robin may have touched. Regina and Ruby watched her carry everything out to the curb, to the trash and stuff it inside, going so far as to stand in the trash can and jump on it to stuff it down further.
"Hey Ruby, Belle." Henry said as he and Emma walked up. He didn't even acknowledge Regina standing a few feet away. "What are you doing?"
"Throwing out trash that stinks. How are you?" Ruby said. Each word was followed by her jumping, to push the bed down further.
"What happened? It looks brand new."
"It is, but I would prefer not to touch it, much less sleep on it." Ruby said, climbing down. "You heading to school?"
"Yep."
She looked at Regina and Belle. "We've been up for that long?"
"Obviously dear." Regina smirked.
"I'm late for work then. Damn it." She kissed Regina on the cheek and gave Belle a crushing bear hug before racing off down the street to Granny's.
Regina looked at Belle. "Care for some breakfast, Miss French?"
Belle smiled. "That would be lovely."
"Wait, Regina." Emma called, but the queen ignored her.
Belle followed Regina back into the house and the older woman set to work cooking. "Are you okay, Regina? I mean, with the whole Henry thing?" Despite everyone else's fear of Regina's power, she knew Regina wasn't really an evil woman, just fiery and lonely. Having Henry had changed her, made her happier and brighter. She wondered how the woman was coping with the loss. Henry had all but moved out, barely acknowledged Regina's presence anymore, and carried himself like a prince. She knew it was probably hard on the former mayor.
"It's fine." Regina said. "I'm not upset about it anymore. I'm actually considering giving him back to Emma, legally. Maybe even moving."
"Really? Moving where?"
"I don't know yet." Regina shrugged. "I think I just need a change of scenery."
"Well, I'm sure everything will work out just fine." She smiled.
Regina smiled as well. "Thanks Belle. I don't think I ever apologized for locking you in the hospital ward."
"It's alright. Besides, I might get you back for it." She grinned mischievously and Regina narrowed her eyes at her.
"Game on then, Bookworm."
/
/
/
The diner was swamped but Ruby moved effortlessly through the tables. It was a job that she'd worked for 30 years and she was damn good at it, no matter how mundane it might've seemed. She was just taking an order when Zelena walked in and hesitantly sat down, looking around with quick glances. She looked like she was about to be sick.
"Are you alright?" Ruby asked with concern, quickly going to the witch's side.
"I'm fine. I just want some soup, please."
Ruby nodded and quickly sent in the order. She took Whale's order as well and brought both back out at the same time.
"You didn't mix my order with that witch's, did you?" Whale asked.
"No." Ruby growled. She took Zelena her soup. "It's on me. If there's anything else I can get you-"
"Ruby, you forgot my spoon." Whale called.
Ruby sighed and magically produced a spoon in her hand and heated it until it was bright red and placed it in the soup. "Happy now?"
"Ecstatic." Whale smirked.
She rolled her eyes and looked back at Zelena, noticing the smirk on the woman's face. She switched to working the bar and jumped when Whale suddenly screamed and leaped up, knocking over his table. She grinned and waved her hand to clean it up before going back to cleaning the counter as though nothing had happened. Zelena snickered from her seat as she slowly ate the soup, but it wasn't a stomachache, despite the fact that she was holding her abdomen. Ruby could see the waves of magic swirling dangerously inside the woman. She was so powerful, had so much built up tension, that sooner or later the magic was either going to destroy her or let itself free. Neither would be good for anyone. Zelena finished her food, not looking any better, and got up to leave. Ruby gave Granny a quick excuse to leave and followed the woman out into the street. "Hey, Zelena, wait up a sec."
"Thank you for the soup, but what do you want?" Zelena asked with that same suspicious look on her face that Regina had used. The effect of being manipulated and mistreated for a lifetime.
"When was the last time you used your magic?"
"Why? Did the heroes send you to ask me that? I haven't done anything to anyone in months." The witch snapped.
"I know, I'm just concerned considering you're dying."
"What?"
"If you don't let out your magic, it's going to kill you."
"And how do you know that?"
"Because it was doing the same thing to your sister." Ruby answered. "Would you like for me to help?"
"Help how?"
Ruby grabbed her wrist and poofed them to a cliff. Without a word, she pushed Zelena over the edge. The werewolf tapped her arm patiently. A moment later, Zelena shot into the sky on her broomstick, spiraling over head before diving back towards Ruby, with every obvious intention of pushing her off the cliff, but Ruby raised her hand and the broom went into a dead stop, throwing Zelena into her arms.
"What the hell?"
"There's a lot to explain, I know. But first, don't try to do that again."
/
/
/
Regina looked up at Belle, asleep on the couch. The woman must've been exhausted. Regina smiled and went to her study, pushing a button on her answering machine and watching as the hidden panel in the wall opened up. Inside, was a trunk. She opened it and pulled out the box inside and put it on her desk. She magically wrapped it in purple wrapping paper with a red bow and poofed it and Miss French back to her apartment above the library. With that done, she went to bed for the day. Once she awoke again, there was a brand new phone lying on her bedside table, with a note from Ruby telling her to meet her tonight at the Rabbit Hole. Regina immediately got up to shower and change into a little red dress that showed off her legs, figure and cleavage. Ruby was going to flip. She did her hair and makeup and completely ignored the need for jewelry except for a pair of silver earrings with a ruby in the center. She stepped outside with a smile as the dark streets awaited her. She poofed to the Rabbit Hole and went inside, her eyes immediately falling on Belle and her sister talking in a corner booth.
"Hey, Regina, you made it." Belle smiled. She was decked down in one of Lacey's dresses, a simple one sleeved dark blue dress with fishnet stockings and heels.
"Of course." Regina dipped her head at her sister. Zelena had her hair straightened and was dressed in a long sparkling emerald dress with a high slit on one side and matching heels. The witch nodded back as she sipped her drink. "What are you doing here?"
"What? I can't enjoy a night on the town as well?" Zelena asked.
"I never said you couldn't." Regina retorted. "It's just a bit of a surprise."
Zelena flicked an eyebrow before turning back to Belle. "So what happens after I escape the wizard's clutches?"
"You fly on your broomstick for the first time." Belle said.
"Did you know there's a book about me?" Zelena asked.
"No, I didn't." Regina answered.
"It's in the library. You can come check it out anytime."
Regina looked around and smirked when she spotted Ruby, already dancing on the dancefloor. She walked forward, skirting the edge of the dancefloor. Ruby turned her head and paused, smirking as their eyes met. She walked forward, matching Regina's pace. Regina turned her head, fighting the urge to grin as Ruby teleported directly in front of her.
"Are you trying to be hunted, my dear?" Ruby asked, kissing her on the neck. "You know you bring out the animal in me."
Regina practically purred at her touch. She turned her back to Ruby and waded onto the floor with the werewolf just behind her. Tonight she was just going to enjoy herself, to let go, to be free. Damn the consequences and damn who saw. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun. Dancing like she didn't have a care in the world, with her wolf, her lovely lover. They were soon joined by Zelena and Belle and the four of them enjoyed themselves for the night.
Regina giggled as Ruby lifted her onto her back, carrying her through the night towards the mansion. Zelena and Belle were drunkening skipping around them.
"I want some popcorn." Zelena said.
"And cake." Belle agreed. "Regina has all that stuff at the house."
"Let's have a sleepover." Regina grinned. Ruby chuckled as both sisters sneezed and everyone nearly leaped out of their skin as two nearby cars exploded. She nearly dropped Regina as she hurriedly climbed down and took off running. Zelena and Belle did the same and she roared with laughter at their silliness.
"Two of you have magic. Why are you running?!" She looked up at the police cruiser pulling up and scowled when Emma got out of it.
"Regina! Regina, wait!" Emma called.
"It's the cops!" Regina yelled, diving into a bush.
"Note to self: only get Regina drunk at home." Ruby muttered, striding over quickly as Emma helped Regina up.
"I'm not going to arrest you, just fix the cars." Emma said. "let me get you home."
"They're fine with me." Ruby fixed the cars and picked Regina up, throwing her over her shoulder. She did the same with Zelena and Belle and walked up to the mansion, kicking open the door and walked inside, laying the women on the couches. Belle almost immediately rolled off onto the floor and curled into a tight ball. Ruby sighed and turned back to Emma, backing her out of the house and onto the porch. "Thanks for your help, Emma, but I've got it."
"Look, just tell Regina to call me when she feels better tomorrow."
"Why?" Ruby asked, tilting her head in an almost canine manner.
"Because I need to talk to her." Emma said, glaring at her. "You're not the boss of her."
"Of course I'm not. No one is the boss of Regina but Regina. But I know you have feeling for her, and she's mine. Get that through your head right now."
"Who the fuck are you to-"
Ruby roared as she suddenly shifted and bared her teeth, towering over Emma. "I am the fucking Dark One!" She snarled. "And I will destroy anything that threatens my pack."
"You saved us that day." Emma realized, looking at her with wide eyes.
"I did."
"You're the Dark One now? How- What-"
Regina stumbled out onto the porch and leaned against Ruby's shoulder. "Okay big fella, time to go to bed." Ruby immediately softened and gave her nose a lick. "That was disgusting. Come on! We're gonna make some spaghetti."
Ruby shifted back. "No, you're not. All of you are going to bed."
"Kiss my ass." Regina replied, turning to Emma. "Hi Emma, when did you get here?"
"I'll definitely be doing that later." Ruby picked Regina up and carried her back into the house, kicking the door closed with her foot. "Zelena, get off the table!"
xxxxxxx
Ruby grinned the next morning as she tiptoed in the living room where Regina, Belle and Zelena were sleeping and threw open the curtains.
"What the fuck, Ruby?" Zelena groaned, rolling Belle in front of her.
"I hate you so fucking much right now." Regina muttered, covering her head.
Belle just mumbled something unintelligible and pulled a pillow on top of her.
"The sun is shining and the day is beautiful. Let's get up and go for a run." Both sisters flipped her off in unison and she could only laugh as she reclosed the curtains and snuggled up with Regina on the couch.
"Never let me drink again." Regina groaned.
"As you wish." Ruby purred, kissing her cheek. She could afford to take a day off. She was sure Granny would understand that she needed to take care of her pack. Her new pack. It was almost like a dream. Things were going to change from now on, and all of Storybrooke would know that there was a new alpha in town.
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