Title: But You Can Save Me From Madness, Part Five
Pairing: Regina/Ruby
Rating: R
Length: 5, 700
Summary: Ruby needs an escape and Regina's house has been empty for a long time.


She's stunning when she sleeps, her dark hair surrounding her like a halo as the sun shines in through the large windows. It adds to the luminescent material that makes up Regina's comforter, making her seem as if she's glowing. Ruby hardly ever finds herself awake before Regina, but the high from the day before seems to have remained, causing her to wake like lightning was moving through her veins.

Ruby slides across the bed when she can't stand it any longer, waking her up with a warm kiss placed below her ear.

"Good morning," she mumbles after Ruby moves to her lips. "So babies do it for you then, hm?"

"I'm happy," Ruby replies, moving down Regina's jaw to her neck as she slides on top of her. Her teeth bear down and it earns her a shaky gasp that she desperately wants to hear again. "Aren't you happy?"

"Very, very happy," Regina breathes and grasps the back of Ruby's head to kiss her hungrily, moaning quietly against Ruby's mouth as the brunette slides a hand down Regina's stomach and underneath her pajama bottoms. It's an addicting thing, to have Regina powerless underneath her, to draw gasps and whimpers from deep in her chest, to feel her shiver and jerk as Ruby bites at her shoulder.

"You're incredible," Ruby whispers in Regina's ear as she watches her fall apart with a shuddering breath. She kisses Regina again and again while she tries to catch her breath, only to eventually be good-naturedly pushed away with a laugh. "You are."

"I think I'm supposed to be relishing you with compliments, dear." Regina runs her hands along Ruby's scalp, laughing as it causes Ruby's neck to relax and her head to fall against her shoulder. "Sometimes the canine similarities are astounding."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're insinuating that the girl who just gave you a fantastic orgasm is the same as Pongo, and frankly I find that disturbing." Regina laughs against the side of her head, hands moving down to rub her neck. "New house, new bed, new baby. Maybe it's turning around."

"You'd be a good mother," Regina muses, earning her a guffaw from Ruby as she lifts her head to meet her gaze. "You really don't think so, I assume."

"You assume, I know. I don't think I'll be having any litters anytime soon."

Regina moves to hold her jaw loosely, eyes studying Ruby's mouth. "Here I thought Ruby Lucas was brimming with self-confidence."

"Self-confidence? Yes. Maternal instincts? Not so much." Ruby swoops down to kiss her. "Not all of us can be Regina Mills."

Regina laughs and pats her shoulder. "Come on. I have a soon-to-be twelve year old and a werewolf that will be demanding breakfast within the hour. It's a tough crowd as it is."


"So I'll be…"

"He or she will be your uncle or aunt," Ruby clarifies as they step into the library. She shakes out the umbrella before she walks in, removing her boots as Henry unlaces his shoes. "Feeling okay about these big life changes?"

"Sure," he shrugs in reply. Ruby laughs a little; you could dangle this kid from the side of the Empire State Building and he'd probably just ask when it was time for lunch. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know… You won't be the only kid in the family anymore."

"Trust me, I wouldn't mind someone else getting some attention now and then."

Ruby laughs again, shaking her head as she leads him to their spot. "God, you take after your mother."

"Which one?"

"Either, really."


Ruby misses this feeling, the gentle swaying back and forth as the wind blows through her hair. She had been to the stables with Regina a few times, but they only went off the property once and not nearly as far as she was going now. David rides next to her in silence, his right hand on the reins and his left resting in sling.

"Are you sure you're okay riding with one hand?"

"Wouldn't be the first time. Usually I've got a sword in the other, though." He smiles at her in an easy way that makes Ruby feel at ease as they let the horses choose whatever speed they want on their hike through the woods. "Remember when it was just us looking for Snow?"

"I do," she nods. It had been a little terrifying, really. They had travelled for days together, and all she can remember was leaning on Charming's optimism until he finally caught her neurosis. "It was getting scary, the longer it took. Knowing neither you or me was with her, protecting her."

"She showed us."

"Yeah, she did that pretty often, actually."

David laughs. "Thanks for coming out with me. I don't like riding alone and Mary Margaret wouldn't take the chance."

"It's too bad it's not a genetic trait. I think Henry handles himself better than Emma."

"Ah, you can only expect so much from a spoiled twenty-first century kid these days. Say what you want about horses, at least we weren't killing our environment when we travelled."

"They've got it right about plumbing though. Major time saver."

David laughs again and brings them into silence as Ruby awaits his next remark, watching as his eyebrows furrowed. She has no idea why she agreed to this particular first meeting with David, but she appreciates the effort for intimacy and nostalgia.

"Remember the night we split up?" Ruby asks suddenly, startling David a little with her question. She doesn't expect a response really, after so many years of not talking about it. "You… it was like all of a sudden you took every worry I had from me and put them on your shoulders. There's never been a moment in my life when I was more afraid of what was going to happen next."

"You kissed me," he states because she doesn't. "Pretty good diversionary tactic, Lucas. Caught my attention, anyway."

"Well, it was either that or slap you, and judging by your wrist there I think I saved you a broken jaw." A corner of his mouth quirks up but he looks down, looking lost in thought. "We've never talked about it because it didn't mean anything. I would have done the same to Snow if it had been her."

"While I appreciate the idea that you'd kiss my wife if she were feeling down, I'm glad it hasn't come to that."

"Yet."

"Well, you remember her when she was pregnant with Emma. Those hormones were killer."

Ruby smiles as they enter a small clearing, bringing her horse to a halt. David does the same and they both look out at the clear blue sky. "It feels like years since I've seen the sun."

"Spring definitely didn't come willingly this year. But it's here now."

She looks over at him and he meets her smile with his own. "I wouldn't ever not want you in my life, you know. We've been through so much, and Mary Margaret loves you with all her heart… I'd say you were like my brother, but I'd hate to get a reputation involving kissing family. The werewolf stigma is bad enough."

"I'll take your incestuous tendencies to my grave, I swear."

"I mean it. I missed you. And I'm sorry. Not because you're Mary Margaret's husband, because you're my friend and I hate that I hurt you."

"And I hate that I gave you every reason to," he sighs, looking back out at the cloudless sky as their horses help themselves to the grass around them. "Regina's changed. I'm sorry I didn't want to believe it before. And I can't imagine your presence not being a positive change for anyone. She's lucky to have you in her corner."

"Well, it's not that far from your corner, believe it or not."

"I believe it." He glances over. "Believe it or not. About that night…"

"Really?"

"I'm sorry for leaving you," he continues. "You brought me back to life, got us settled, and then took on all those guards alone. And I hated leaving you."

"You had to. To get Snow." Ruby runs her hand along her horse's neck – Regina's horse. "Besides, you suck at starting fires. Someone had to do it. I thought you farm boys were supposed to be helpful."

She spurs her horse on before he can reply, laughing as he shouts behind her and hurries to catch up. They return to the stables as the sun starts to set and she waits for him to lock up before hopping in the passenger seat of his truck. The ride there had been quiet and long, but now they're animated again, talking like they used to. He even drops her off at Regina's without command, despite having picked her up at Granny's.

Ruby walks into the house, laughing a little as she hears Henry run up the basement stairs as he becomes aware of her arrival.

"Ruby, I need your hair."

"Oh, honey. No. That's weird."

"No," he says impatiently as she takes off her jacket. "My mom's showing me how to make potions. I need your hair for one."

"Well, that's a more reasonable request then. I think." She pulls two hairs from her bangs and holds it out to him, raising her eyebrows as he takes them and practically flies down the stairs, earning a reprimand from Regina. She shakes her head and walks into the study, picking up her book from the end table and collapsing on the couch.


"Well, if it isn't the human ultrasound."

Ruby greets Gold with a polite smile for Belle's sake, even though the other woman's not here with them.

"What can I get for you?"

"Coffee will be fine for now," Gold replies as he awkwardly shifts onto the stool. "Any inkling on the gender, Miss Lucas?"

"Unfortunately, the kid's not talking yet and there's only so much I can hear. I'm sure they'll want to find out as soon as they can."

"How far along is Mrs. Nolan?"

"Ten weeks," Ruby responds uneasily, pouring his coffee and returning the pot to where she got it. She desperately wishes the diner were busier so she could attend to someone else.

"I'm sure David is over the moon."

"Here I thought you were the beloved grandfather."

The older man sighs and sips his black coffee and Ruby debates whether or not to pretend she has something else to do. Unfortunately, he speaks before she can.

"Not quite as beloved anymore, dearie. But you could help me with that, if you'd like. I'd make it worth your while."

She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. "Are you kidding me?"

"You're in a prime position to help me. And I'd very much like my powers back now. They do belong to me, after all."

"Well, you can figure out how to do that on your own," Ruby says brusquely. "And don't think I won't be telling Belle about this little proposition, Gold."


Like clockwork, Mary Margaret balloons out at the beginning of five months. Despite the constant badgering, neither she or David seem at all interested in finding out the gender of the baby, unintentionally creating a topic that won't go away amongst their friends and family.

"Carry high, it's a guy," Granny remarks from behind the counter as Ruby runs her hands along the bump. "You knew last time, I bet you know this time."

"I feel like I know," Mary Margaret replies cryptically, hands resting on top of her stomach. She's glowing, much like she did the last time she was pregnant.

Henry, who has his ear pressed against his grandmother's stomach, pipes up. "I think he's a guy."

"Crap," Ruby mutters after he speaks, glancing at the white gold watch on her wrist. "Henry, we've got to get you to the park to meet your mom. I was late last time."

She picks him up by the collar of his shirt and a belt loop on the back of his jeans, carrying him out of the diner, laughing as he squirms free and races her to her Camaro. When they arrive at the park, Emma is just pulling up, waving at Ruby as Henry darts out to the playground, recognizing two kids from his class.

"His clothes – freshly washed. Regina had time this morning." She hands Emma the duffel bag, helping her slip it over her shoulder. "How are things?"

"Good. Mary Margaret and David are getting really excited about the baby. David's still going to be in the cast for a while, but he likes work at the stables. I think he missed working with animals. The farm kid in him."

Ruby nods and looks out at the playground, squinting so it would look like the Dark Palace she remembers in her dreams. "Henry thinks it's a boy, so expect a new brother."

"Well, he does have magic in his veins, I wouldn't rule it out." Emma shoves her hands in the pockets of her jeans. "So how are things at Regina's?"

"Good." Ruby looks over at the blonde and smiles. "And she loves when Henry comes over. I've never seen her so happy."

"Is there… is there anything I should know about, Ruby?" Emma meets her gaze for a moment but drops it to the ground soon after. "Between you and Regina? I just… with Henry involved, I just wanna know where things stand."

"I…" Ruby knows it's not fair to keep something from Henry's mother, like they had done so many times to Regina. She knows letting go of hostilities isn't going to be as easy as Archie tries to make it seem. "Yes. He doesn't know. We don't… do anything around him, if that's what you want to know."

"It's not, I know you better than that. And Regina's pretty practiced at discretion. I just needed to know for sure."

"Does anyone else know?" Ruby asks quietly, looking back out at the playground to watch Henry slowly return to them.

"I don't know. I don't think so. Maybe they suspect something in the back of their heads, but I don't think anyone's really considering it." Emma opens her free arm as Henry arrives, hugging him with one hand and smiling at Ruby. "I'll see you later."

"See you guys." She waves and watches them depart, sighing as she returns to her car.


Regina has every kind of bath item available – Epsom salts of every scent, oils and bubble baths that were as soothing and as fragrant as perfumes. Ruby feels as if she's floating into a bath made up of wildflowers by the time she's added everything she chooses. She turns the water until it's near scalding, sinking in without a qualm.

She's joined soon after she steps in, Regina walking into the bathroom and leaning back against the sink.

"How's Mary Margaret?"

"Big," Ruby replies dreamily, tired eyes glued shut. "How was your appointment with Archie?"

"Probably as riveting as yours usually are." Ruby laughs, her voice echoing around the room. "I'm glad he takes me Sunday evenings. My weekday appointments always seem to get lost in my mind."

"Too much stress. You should hire more people at City Hall. The town's in a different position than it used to be, you know." Regina makes a noise of agreement and Ruby forces herself to open her eyes as she brings up her next topic. "Emma asked about… us today."

"Well." Regina seems lost in thought for a long time before she finally shrugs and looks down at her nails. "I guess people were bound to figure it out eventually."

"Will it bother you if people know?" Ruby asks.

"No. Will it bother you?"

"No."

"Good." Regina looks back over at her again. "We'll… we'll have to discuss it with Henry. Maybe Emma should be there too."

"That's a good idea."

"Could we wait though? A few weeks or…"

"Sure." Ruby looks back down at the foam-covered water she's submerged in. "Is there a reason why…"

"I would just be more comfortable if Mary Margaret were in a more stable condition."

"She's five months pregnant, not on her deathbed."

"I know. And I'm sorry if it bothers you, but only a few weeks. Alright?" Ruby nods and Regina takes her exit. "I have a few more things to do in the basement. I'll see you in a bit."


They're invited to the loft for a surprise party Mary Margaret plans for Emma's birthday. Regina and David actually end up in conversation, with her presenting him with a potion that will quicken the setting of his bones, so he can finally free himself of his metal cast, warning him that it was likely to be painful but worth it. Ruby finds herself with Belle, who's watching Gold with more than curiosity. Whenever Ruby asks her what's wrong however, she avoids the question.

Emma's thoroughly surprised as she walks through the door with Henry. Granny had stayed at the diner to keep up appearances, but she's joined them in time for the cake to be brought out. They gather around the island as they sing and Regina takes the moment to press her front against Ruby's back, hands swiftly moving over her hips.

It's as deliberate as her lips brushing against the shell of Ruby's ear as she sang, but more risky, considering their company. No eyes are on them however when Emma blows out her candles, Regina stepping away from her as she claps with everyone else. She moves to help Granny cut the cake, fingers glancing across Ruby's lower back one last time.

If Granny weren't in the building, Ruby wouldn't have been able to last as long as she did – waiting until they're out in the cool night air before she takes her revenge on Regina, pushing her back against her black car as kissing her soundly.

"You're such a fucking tease," she whispers against her crimson lips, hands sifting through her dark hair to guarantee her hold. "It's gonna get you in trouble some day."

"I don't mind this kind of trouble," Regina replies, her own kisses heady and leading and her hands back on Ruby's hips. If Ruby bothered to look behind her, she would see Mary Margaret standing in the bedroom window of the loft staring down at them. But her mind remains preoccupied until she hears the loft door finally open again, signaling another exit.


They've fallen into the habit of actually being domestic, doing favors for one another, stopping in the hallway to kiss before they continue on their way, sitting in silence wrapped up on the couch and reading their different books. She spends every night in Regina's room, until it eventually becomes their room, her own scents having moved into every corner of the manor. It makes Ruby happier than she can ever remember being, and the only hit to her buzz is the reminder that she has to keep this all a secret until Regina is ready to discuss it again.

They get caught by accident on a Saturday when Henry is staying over. Regina's son was in the dining room working on a model of a castle for his art class while they stood in the living room, looking through old records.

"I love jazz," Ruby sighs, flipping from Sinatra to Cole.

"Now that surprises me."

"It relaxes me. There's no other genre that can go from heartbreaking to exhilarating like jazz can." She sets her wine down on shelf, putting the music back in its alphabetized order.

Regina pulls out a record from a sleeve, setting it down on the player and moving the needle to the middle of the disc. Ruby leans over and kisses her as a young female voice she doesn't recognize takes on slow jazz rendition of The 59th Street Bridge (Feelin' Groovy) by Simon and Garfunkle. It's both uplifting and mellow, and the voice is sweet and warm.

Regina holds out her hand and Ruby accepts, laughing as Regina spins her out and then back into place. They move slowly in a small circle and before Ruby is aware of herself, she's kissing Regina, forgetting that they were just a head turn away from being spotted by the boy in the dining room.

"Why are you kissing my mom?"

Ruby jumps back, fumbling with both her words and her body as Regina licks her lower lip and looks down. She's smoothing out her dress, looking as calm as she does in the bath. "We, um… we do that sometimes?"

She would hit herself but Henry's already on his way over to stand in the threshold, his eyes on his mother.

"I hope you're not upset," Regina offers, meeting her son's blue eyes. Ruby has to give Regina credit; she never backs down from a confrontation. "You do already have two moms as it is…"

"Do you love her?"

"Yes."

Ruby blinks in surprise at Regina's immediate response, given with no sign of question or remorse. She says it as if it's a fact she's known for a long time.

"Okay." Henry turns and heads back to work on his project. "But I'm not calling Ruby mom. It's too weird."


Ruby doesn't broach the subject until later that night, as she's getting ready for bed. Well, she doesn't broach it at all; Regina finally just calls her out on the vow of silence she's taken up since Henry had discovered them.

"Are you really not going to say anything?" She asks as she changes into into a pearl colored slip. She sits on the edge of her bed and begins to apply lotion to her legs, but she keeps her gaze on Ruby.

"I don't know what to say," Ruby says honestly.

"Well, I meant it. You've been living here for nearly a year now-"

"And that's how you chose to say it? It wasn't even directed to me, it was for your son's benefit."

"It was not," Regina snaps as she steps around the bed. "Ruby, what did you think this all was? After all this time?" Ruby doesn't respond, just kicks away her jeans. She doesn't look at Regina until the woman turns her and presses her back against the dresser. "Do you believe me or don't you?"

Ruby gives her best attempt at hiding her smile as her hands move to Regina's collar. "Maybe I need some proof."


She's on laundry duty the next day, Sarah taking over the front as Granny helps the Charmings decorate their nursery, having offered to make the valances, the crib skirt, and anything else they wanted sewn or knitted for their child's arrival. Ruby would go out to meet Regina as she enters the diner but she can hear her making a direct path to the back room.

"Come to help me with the towels?" She asks without turning around.

"No," Regina responds immediately, pressing herself against Ruby's back.

Ruby smiles and continues folding the white towels. "We're in front of a wall full of windows and two doors that have ancient locks. And I got enough proof last night if that's what you're driving at."

"Maybe you did." Regina's hand has undone the button of her jeans before Ruby can so much as breathe. It's slipped below her underwear as Regina's lips moves to her ear. "But I didn't."

Ruby tries to remain on alert, to pick up on any voices heading towards them but her mind is lost as Regina's hand presses against her and her teeth scrape along the soft skin on her neck. Ruby's hands have slipped to gripping the folding table, Regina's arm around her torso keeping her from falling over completely.

"Regina," she hisses through gritted teeth, feeling the wood start to crack beneath her hands. Ruby has enough trouble trying stifling groans when Regina's kissing her in an empty house, but she supposes that this is what Regina wants – she is a tease to the end. "Regina, please."

"Please what?" She asks against Ruby's ear, hips brushing against her with each thrust of her hand. She slows her movements as Ruby's whines heighten and her own thrusting becomes erratic. Tease.

"I love you," she breathes desperately, one arm reaching back to take a hold of Regina as she straightens up despite her weakening knees. "Not a lot… right now. Please don't stop."

When she finishes, Regina allows her to slump forward into the laundry, resting on her elbows as she desperately tries to catch her breath. Ruby can hear her walk to the sink and turn it on.

"I'll see you at dinner."

"See you," Ruby mumbles numbly as the door opens and then closes. As her heart slows, she finds herself laughing quietly to herself as she straightens again, turning the table around so Granny won't notice the dented wood. She loves this table.


They eventually have Granny over for dinner; something Regina insists is long overdue. They hold it on a Sunday night with clearance from Emma to have Granny drop him off on her way home that evening. The four of them are seated around a roast at the dining room table, Henry asking questions about hunting in the other land for a report he has to do for their new class.

Granny has just finished regaling them about the joys of skinning animals, which surprisingly enough doesn't put anyone off their meal, when she turns to Regina.

"Did you ever go on a hunt, your majesty?"

Regina laughs into her wine glass, nodding. "My father only had one child and she was most definitely not a boy. He had to make do with taking me out on royal hunts, far more often than my mother would have preferred."

"What did you hunt with?" Henry asks, his dinner already nearly done despite everyone else only being halfway through.

"Bow and arrow until I could hold a crossbow well enough on horseback."

"That's so cool."

"We used to go out with my father's steward and squire and two guards who I'd known all my life. They came with us when we moved to the Palace."

"Those brothers who own the hardware store."

Regina nods at Granny's interjection. "They were always great with building shelter. We could go out when it was snowing and be more than comfortable."

"Red could sneak up on any animal by the time she was twelve," Granny states, glancing towards the girl in question.

"Killed my first buck with a knife at twelve," she nods taking a sip of her wine. "It's weird how that would scar a kid here. It just meant venison stew for three months back home."

Her remark earns her a laugh from Regina and a fake glare from Granny.

"I didn't hear you complaining."

"I'm not complaining now, I'm just stating a fact. No one could do things with deer like you could, Granny."

"That's right. I've been getting requests, you know, from people who were at the palace. I've been telling Charming to do some hunting just for that reason. You should think about going with him."

"I wanna go too," Henry insists, looking at his mother for approval.

"I don't see a problem with it," Regina replies.

Ruby takes a sip of her wine, an attempt to hide the both surprised and pleased look on her face. Regina always seems to hold her cards close to herself – even Ruby gets blindsided.


The hunt is successful, though there is a copious amount of downtime that the two adults get to spend with Henry, helping him with his bow skills and teaching him how to do things like start fires and find water.

When they arrive back at the loft, having dropped their spoils at the butcher to be divided up between the families and the diner, Mary Margaret and Emma have dinner ready and they all sit to enjoy it, Henry describing every detail of his weekend the whole time.

Ruby helps Mary Margaret with the dishes, waving Emma off to spend time with her son and his father while Charming had insisted on stopping by Granny's to tell her the news and get dessert. Mary Margaret is unusually quiet, despite Ruby's attempts to start any conversations.

"Is, um… something the matter?" She finally asks as she places the last dish on the drying rack. Mary Margaret opens her mouth to say something, but apparently decides to forget it in favor of grabbing the small plates to get ready for dessert. "Mary Margaret."

"Do you have any idea how idiotic I feel?" Mary Margaret asks quietly, staring down at the drawer where the utensils are. "Thinking you and Regina were just roommates this whole time?"

Ruby glances over at the group in the living room, daring to step closer only to startle Mary Margaret into grabbing the forks and slam the drawer shut. She smiles as her daughter's family looks over quickly before returning to their conversation. The fake grin remains plastered on even as she begins speaking again.

"I saw you… god, a month ago and I've been waiting to for you to come talk to me about it, but the longer you didn't the more I couldn't help think that it must have been going on for way more time than I could have imagined." She stares at Ruby with empty blue eyes. "Am I the last person to know?"

"No, of course not," the words spill out in a rushed breath that reminds her to keep going. "We haven't… it's just, it's difficult to talk about…"

"Who all knows?" Mary Margaret demands.

"Henry. And Archie and Whale. Emma…"

"Great, now my own daughter is keeping secrets from me. That's wonderful." She looks over at the woman in question, a glower on her face until she turns to pull the ice cream out of the freezer. "Why? Why didn't you tell me?"

"You know why," Ruby insists quietly, looking down.

Mary Margaret sighs but doesn't reply as David arrives with their dessert, strawberry rhubarb pie. She dishes out the servings in silence, sighing again when Ruby waves a plate away.

"I'm sorry," she finally admits as she stands at the counter with her, everyone else having taken a spot on the couch or a chair. "I'm sorry I've pushed you away so much that you think I can't handle to hear about news in your life without freaking out."

"There are bigger reasons behind it, and we both know it. But I… want to be with her. And I don't want to lose you."

"Ruby, you killed your own mother to save me. You're never going to lose me." Mary Margaret's tone borders on hurt and it makes Ruby feel worse. "I'm sorry if you felt like you would."

"Enough apologizing already," Ruby insists, nudging Mary Margaret with her shoulder and stealing her fork away for a bite. "We're here and we're happy and you've got a baby on the way. So spill it, you know what it is already."

Mary Margaret rubs her ballooning stomach and laughs quietly. "It feels like a prince to me."

"David will be thrilled," Ruby replies with a smile, reaching over to place her hand on the other woman's bump as well. "So will Henry."

"Henry will be disappointed that he can't play with him until he's old enough, and by then he'll be interested in girls, not little cousins. Or little uncles."

"Don't talk like that around his moms, they will be none-to-pleased to hear that scenario."


For the first time in a year, she braves going down to the basement, eyes watering at the different pungent smells that came from the different beakers. Regina glances over, adjusting the heat under one before she turns around to greet her.

"I thought you'd never come down here."

"Wanted to see what all the fuss is about." She takes notice of a small rack on the far wall, filled with different glowing vials. One is empty, save for a single hair. "What's this going to be?"

"Want to find out?" Ruby nods, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she watches Regina pluck a hair from her head before she drops it in the vial. Her hazel eyes widen as she watches Regina spin it slowly in a clockwise motion, a luminous purple liquid replacing the two hairs in less than half a minute.

"What is it?" She asks reaching for the vial, only to have Regina pull it from her grasp, a few drops trickling down the side of the glass and down her fingers. "See, you can't be trusted with it, give it here I want to see."

Regina laughs and relents, handing it over and rubbing her hands together. "It's something special."

"What does it do?" Ruby asks as she holds it up to the lights.

"I don't know, actually."

"You've never made it before?" Regina shakes her head, leaning back against the table only to jump forward with a gasp as Ruby brings it to her lips.

"Ruby, don't-"

"Too late," she coughs after drinking the entire contents in one gulp. There's a pleasant buzz running through her veins immediately, and she feels warm, as if she was standing in the sun in July. "It tastes like grapes. I expected that, but for some reason I was hoping for something else."

"Quit joking around," Regina presses the back of her hand to Ruby's face and forehead, looking her over for any signs of change. "How do you feel?"

Ruby laughs and grasps Regina's worried face in her hands. "Fine. Happy. Elated. Maybe you found the magical equivalent to ecstasy," she laughs, kissing Regina soundly as she slips her arms around her shoulders and pulls her closer. "I love you."

Regina smiles and relaxes, returning the kisses in kind. Her hand slips up Ruby's thigh underneath her dress, and it's like a current goes through Ruby's whole body. She pulls away, resting her forehead against Regina's, gasping against her lips. "I love you too."