A/N: If any of you would like to follow or chat with me on tumblr, my username is amvilas.

Chapter 4

The passionate excitement flooding her body is what she had been missing her entire life. Ruby gently bit her earlobe. The moan that slipped from her mouth should have embarrassed her but she'd been waiting for that level of lust for a long time, the kind that wraps itself around every atom and caresses until you're weak in the knees.

"You should check on dinner, sweetness." Ruby purred before stroking Regina's silky hair soothingly.

"Let it burn." The women smiled, bumping their teeth in an attempt at a kiss. Ruby allowed her hands to make their way from her backside, down her milky thighs and plump calves, to slip off her heels.

"Come on, Gina, I'm starving." Regina groaned, prompting a big laugh from the woman under her.

"How can I refuse my Pup?" Regina smiled, lifting herself off of Ruby's lap. The wolf lightly tapped Regina's bum as she made her way to the kitchen. Ruby smiled, running her fingers over her lips, thinking about the kisses the two had shared. She knew that, like most of the citizens, she should resent the former evil queen. She couldn't. In the Enchanted Forest, Ruby was lost. She hurt her loved ones and felt lonely. The curse brought suitors and a livelihood and a permanent home and indoor plumbing. She also didn't have to worry about turning and hurting others without meaning to. It was blessing in disguise for the wolf.

"You okay?" Regina appeared at the doorway, smirking at the daydreaming brunette.

"I'm really great," Ruby beamed as she walked towards her girlfriend, "I don't care how our story ends. I'm just going to enjoy every second with you that Fate allows me."

"How is it that you make me feel fifteen again?" Regina placed her hands on Ruby's face lovingly as she gave the wolf an Eskimo kiss.

"So, Regina, I'm glad you could detach yourself from Ruby's bosom long enough to come have family dinner." Snow giggled. Regina glared at her former stepdaughter. Emma slumped down in her seat, not actually eating but just moving it around sluggishly.

"I didn't forget about you all… unfortunately." Regina winked at her son. Henry glowed while sipping from his water, attempting to hide his amusement behind his cup.

"So, what's it like? Dating someone that makes you 'feel fifteen again'?" Regina gasped when Snow imitated her voice.

"Oh my lord, I'm going to murder Ruby!" Regina blushed.

"I think it's beyond cute." Snow clasped her hands over her heart.

"Told you not to date Snow's double agent." Emma whispered mockingly. Regina scoffed at the blonde, smacking her forearm lightly. The sorceress turned back to the younger brunette.

"It's exhilarating. I've never felt so… free and cared for." Snow squealed. Emma dropped her fork causing the clink to resonate throughout the room. Everyone jumped.

Charming cleared his throat, "So, how has the new staff at the mayor's office been treating you?"

"Great. They're much more competent." Regina laughed. Charming returned the gesture before shoveling another forkful into his mouth. It amazed those present that they could sit and laugh together after their long and notorious history. It felt like a close-knit family.

"That's good," Snow brushed aside the topic change, "Ruby said that you cooked for her. That's so romantic, isn't it Charming?"

Charming shifted his eyes towards his daughter cautiously, "Uh huh."

"She said you guys are going to the beach—"

"Enough!" Emma shouted, slamming her hands on the table, "Enough. Jesus."

Emma pushed her plate away violently before running up the stairs, away from the table. Charming sighed as he balled up his napkin. He glanced towards Regina, wanting to gauge her reaction. He wasn't blind. He picked up clues from Emma and Regina. The prince knew that there were mutual, strong feelings between his daughter and the queen. And weirdly enough, he was okay with it. More than okay with it. So, he pushed himself up from the table slowly and made his way upstairs. His pointed look told everyone to stay put.

Before reaching the top of the stairs, he heard Snow whisper with a watery tone, "Was it something I said?"

Charming tapped quietly on his daughter's door, "Em, I'm going to come in, okay?"

He heard a murmured 'okay' before pushing through the thin wooden door. He pressed his hand against the oak and gently shut it with a small click. He sat himself next to Emma on the bed. He finally noticed the tears running down her cheeks.

"Oh, sweetie." Charming place his arm around her, squeezing her into him.

"I feel like society is tugging me in one direction and my heart is shoving me in another," She hiccupped, "What do I do?"

"You can't listen to everyone else. Don't let your life take the same solitary path that Regina's took. I don't want you to wake up in twenty years and wonder where it all went wrong. I think… you already know what you want. You're just afraid."

Emma furiously wiped her eyes, "That's a fucking understatement."

"My sweet girl," Charming sighed, "Stop exploding at her. Stop pushing her away. Fight. For. Her. And you'll prevail."

Emma gaped at her father, "You knew?"

"Oh, Emma, you're not subtle." Emma blew out a breath.

"Does she know?" Charming chuckled.

"She's just as blind as your mother. Honestly, I think she blocks out the signs for fear of rejection and disappointment. She doesn't want to get her hopes up."

"But Ruby—"

"Emma. Stop. She's in love with you. It's so damn obvious that she's just trying to move on because she thinks you would never reciprocate."

"I'm so screwed."

The beach was packed with people. The sun was bearing down and Regina fanning herself while leaning on her elbows on her towel. She was watching Ruby play volleyball with Henry and felt happiness surge through her veins. Her girlfriends emerald bikini wasn't helping Regina cool down at all.

"Hey." A timid voice murmured. Regina shielded her eyes before glancing upwards and coming face to face with Emma. The blonde's timid smile sent butterflies aflutter in her abdomen.

"Emma!" Regina beamed, "What're you doing here?"

Emma plopped her bum onto Regina's towel and turned towards the brunette. Regina instinctively placed a hand on the savior's thigh causing both women to gasp.

"I've been an ass!" Emma shouted. The surrounding families glared at the duo, showing their disapproval. Emma lowered her voice to a whisper, "I've been an ass."

"So you've said… to practically everyone in Storybrooke." Regina smiled, gesturing to the constituents that were still glaring at them.

"I've been going through some shit and I've been a crappy friend to you. I'm so sorry."

"Thank you for the apology," Regina caressed Emma's thigh, "I've missed you."

Regina wrapped her arms around the blonde's torso tightly. Emma held on for dear life, shoving her nose into the brown locks. Regina's perfume invaded all her senses, spiking her arousal. Emma brushed her fingers through her hair slowly. Ruby watched from a distance. She didn't know if she should feel happy for Regina because her love was showing signs of reciprocation or if she was upset because she was losing the woman that brought her such happiness. All she could do was watch it all happen before her eyes.

Question: What are your thoughts about Ruby/Regina and Regina/Emma in this story? I know many of you are Swan Queen fans but doesn't Ruby make you swoon?

I think Meghan Ory (Red/Ruby) is stunningly beautiful! But Lana Parrilla is a damn goddess. I could stare at her for hours (I know, creeeeepy) :)