A/N: So one reviewer wondered if Regina would open up to Emma so quickly and I don't think it was early. In this story, a few months have gone by since the road trip and Emma and Regina became closer afterwards. So, Regina was already sharing things with her. Also, they've been dating for a month and they would stay up late and tell each other anecdotes about their lives. So, I don't think it was too fast but I could see where someone might think so.

Anyway, here comes the Swan Queen and we meet Hades… again for some of you.


Chapter 10

Tony's Town Square Restaurant was filled to the brim with couples and families laughing, eating, and enjoying each other's company. The large establishment was playing its typical Italian music, like Funicula and Tu Vuò Fa' L'americano. Regina and Emma were standing inconspicuously by the front windows, watching all of the fanfare going on inside.

"That's a lot of people." Emma stated unnecessarily.

"Yes it is." Regina chewed on her thumbnail for a moment before realizing that she could ruin her manicure and pulled her hand away as if she had been slapped. The two women were nervous, the breakdown in Regina's bedroom made that obvious, but now, staring at the unsuspecting citizens, they became wrecks internally. Yes, the people accepted Regina and her sexuality. Yes, they accepted Regina and Ruby. Yes, they accepted the truce between former rivals. But would they accept the savior and the evil queen? Would they consent to the epitome of light and the epitome of dark as lovers?

They knew that their opinions shouldn't matter but it did. Only Henry and Ruby were aware of the shift between them. Emma hadn't told Snow or Charming. She realized, as she stood behind Regina wearing an expensive tux in an alleyway, that she probably should've told them before going on a very public date. But she was terrified of that too. Snow was going to have a meltdown, of that Emma was sure. There was no way Snow would accept it… right?

"Gina," The woman peered at her from her peripheral, "I can't do this like this."

There was a weighted pause, "Oh."

"No! I want to do this but we need to do something else first," Regina let out a breath and nodded, silently asking for elaboration, "My parents. They have to hear about this from me, from us, not from some Joe Shmoe."

"Who?" Regina chuckled.

"It's a saying from this realm. Anyway, I know that the reactions probably won't be sunshine and rainbows but they need to know. No more lies, right? We're tired of hiding." Regina smiled, nodding her head and interlacing their fingers.

"No more hiding. I want everyone to know that we love each other. I want to kiss you, hold your hand, and be affectionate in public. I've never done that and it'll be strange for me but it's something I've always wanted and I want to do it with you." Emma nuzzled her nose into Regina's hair, smelling her apple shampoo.

"Come with me?" Regina nodded. The two women trekked to the car, nestling themselves into the leather seats of the Mercedes, and released a sigh.

"I've done such terrible things," Emma opened he mouth to argue but Regina beat her to it, "But I hope that Snow won't take this personally. I hope she knows that that chapter of our relationship is over, that I'm done with vengeance, and that I'm dating you because I truly love you."

"Gina, I won't leave you even if they don't approve," Regina felt lighter in hearing the blonde assuage her darkest fear that she would lose her before really even having her, "They love me, I know that now, and, no matter what, they'll learn to deal with this. They have to because I'm not giving up on you. Not now, not ever."

The brunette breathed shakily, "Alright. Ready?"

Emma leaned over the center console and placed a tender kiss to Regina's exposed shoulder, "Yeah."

Regina shifted the car into drive and began the short drive to the apartment. Emma leaned her head back against the headrest, stretching her neck in an attempt to take in more air in her already tight throat. Regina scrutinized the blonde, feeling guilty for everything and anything. After receiving forgiveness from most of the citizens, Regina started to think extremely self-deprecating thoughts at all hours of the day. It seems that when you hate a group of people, you don't give a rat's ass about their opinion of you or the crimes you committed against them. But when they like you and vice versa, you feel a deep, unnatural guilt that rots you from the core.

"I can practically hear you thinking." Emma whispered, not wanting to scare the brunette.

"I'll tell you later," Regina sighed, "One thing at a time."

"Promise me that we'll talk about whatever has you so down? You're not alone anymore; I want you to feel comfortable sharing your problems, pains, and everything in between. You have me in your corner."

"I know. And I hope you know that I want to be there for you in that capacity as well?"

"Yeah," Emma smiled, "You what Henry said that convinced me to break my pattern and ask you to dinner?"

Regina shook her head and Emma continued, "Charming told him that dating is a beautiful process when it's done with the right person. I think you're it. You're the right person."

Tears of happiness glistened Regina's chocolate eyes, "I guess he's not as moronic as I once thought."

"I hear from the grapevine that he's pretty charming." Regina groaned dramatically.

Emma let out a bark of laughter and Regina couldn't prevent the wide grin that she flashed at the savior.

"Idiot."


Snow and Charming were sitting at the dinner table with Henry, who was constantly checking his phone, waiting for a text from either of his mothers. He planned to spend the night with his grandparents in order to give his mom and ma some alone time. Yes, the thought of his parents having sex was making his skin itch but he wanted them to be happy so he made himself scarce.

"So Ruby mentioned to me yesterday that she and your mother broke up?" Snow said with a high pitched, extremely suspect voice. She was fishing for information but why? Did she suspect something about his mothers? Henry cleared his throat before shoving another forkful of buttery mash potatoes into his mouth in order to buy himself time.

"Yeah but they're still great friends. Ruby comes over a lot for girl's nights and they hang out at the diner when mom has nothing to do at the office."

"Oh," Snow's voice got even higher, as if she was trying to sound happy, "Are they… flirty?"

"Ew, Grandma," Henry scrunched his nose, "I mean, they are. But they were like that before they dated."

"Are they thinking of getting back together?" Snow continued her inquisition, stabbing at her carrots with unwarranted force causing a resounding clink that made the males flinch. Charming stared at his wife. The crazy was coming out. Snow had obsessed over Regina and Emma since seeing the looks. She would watch them, stare at them, and create situations that would put them in the same room. It made Charming tense. He didn't want Emma to know that he discussed it with Snow, even if she figured it out on her own. Plus, he didn't want to push the women. They would confess their feelings when they were ready, not Snow. Then, they became aware of the breakup between Emma and Hook. Then, they became aware of Ruby and Regina's breakup and Charming was afraid that Snow's heart was going to give out. They shared a heart after all!

"I don't think they will," Henry answered slowly. Snow let out of sigh of relief and Henry narrowed his eyes, "Why are you asking so many questions?"

"No reason!" Snow yelled a little too loudly. Charming dropped his fork, wiping his mouth with his napkin, his eyes darting between his wife and grandson.

"Grandma?" Henry weighed his options, "You see it, don't you?"

Snow gaped before jumping out of her seat, "Yes! Henry, we're not crazy right? Your mothers care for each other romantically, right?"

Henry was literally saved by the bell. Charming jumped out of his seat, trying to avoid the awkward conversation. He strolled over to the large door after he glanced back to check on the two at the table, who were having a stern staring competition, and unbolted the locks. He sighed as he ripped open the door; glad to have a distraction from the strange turn the conversation of the night took. Unfortunately, the objects of the discussion entered side-by-side.

"Regina!" Snow shouted happily. Emma shrugged her shoulders in disbelief.

"Hey mom! Nice to see you too!" Emma teased. Snow ignored her comments, running to the brunette and embracing her. Regina froze for a minute, connecting her gaze with everyone else in the room, pausing on Charming, who simply shrugged. She finally gave in and wrapped her arms around her former stepdaughter. For the first time ever, Regina felt unadulterated warmth in her heart directed at Snow White.

"Are you hungry?" Snow released then jogged to the kitchenette and pulled two plates from a cabinet.

"No, mom. Well, we're hungry but—" Emma was interrupted by the slam of the cabinet door and the shuffling of Snow's shoes.

"No buts! I insist!" Snow began dumping food onto the ceramic plates. Emma noticed that she was putting extra on one of them, probably for her new gal pal. Emma chuckled and Regina gave her a sharp look.

"Emma." The brunette widened her eyes and tilted her head in Snow's direction. Emma sighed. Regina was right. This wasn't the time to stall.

"Hey Henry, could you give us a minute," It was an order, "We need to talk to your grandparents."

Snow stopped her actions mid-stride and gulped. She looked at the two ladies and finally noticed their apparel.

"Emma, are you wearing a tuxedo?" Charming raked his eyes over her clothes as well, raising his eyebrows, "And Regina! You look sexy!"

"Never say that again." Regina quipped. Emma snickered, covering her mouth with her left hand. The blonde took a moment to appreciate the brunette's tight red dress, black stockings, and black heels that accentuated her shapely calves. Emma nodded, subconsciously agreeing with her mother.

"Let's all sit. I—We—have something to tell you guys." Emma interlaced her fingers with her girlfriend's, trying to hide the gesture by standing really close. However, Snow had the eye of a hawk when it came to those two. She caught the gesture and gasped lightly.

"It's happening!" Snow whispered hurriedly into Charming's ear, punctuating her words with two succinct slaps to his forearm. Charming rubbed his metaphorical wounds as he glared at Snow discreetly, "So lets sit!"

Emma gulped audibly as Regina's thumb caressed the back of her hand before separating. The two sat across from Snow, who looked entirely too chipper, and Charming, whose eyes were so wide that Emma feared they would pop out.

"Mom, Dad, we have something we have to tell you," Emma grabbed Regina's hand and she placed their hands on the table so that her parents could see. She swore she saw her parents send sly looks at each other and Snow's lips twitch in amusement. It gave her some hope, "Regina and I are in love—"

"YES!" Snow shot out of her seat with her arms extended skyward, "I knew it!"

Regina and Emma gaped before allowing themselves to join in on Charming's vigorous laughter. Regina spoke up, "You knew?"

"No but I hoped!" Snow's laughter turned to hiccups as the younger brunette began to tear up, "Oh, I'm so happy!"

Emma threw a larger than life smile at her love, who was staring at Snow, fondness filling her chocolate orbs. Emma felt relief and happiness flood every crevice in her body. Could this really be happening? Could her life finally be complete?

"I just have one question." Snow sniffled as Charming handed her a tissue and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"What is it Snow?" Regina asked, mirth flooding her veins.

"You're both powerful sorceresses," Snow swiped the tissue under her nose before making eye contact with her daughter and future daughter-in-law (if Snow had a say), "With magic, can you give me more grandbabies?"


Ruby knew it was late but she couldn't open her eyes to save her life. Granny left her to close the diner but she was so exhausted, she was thinking of shutting down early. No one goes to eat at 11:30 pm anyway. The wolf lowered her head onto her hands, which rested on the counter.

"I gotta say," Ruby jumped, "the service is extraordinary."

She looked up to see that the owner of the voice was a goddamn goddess. She felt her heart palpitate and she felt drawn to the woman. She froze. The angel in heeled boots floated to the counter and offered her hand.

"Desdemona Hades. You, sweetness, are a sight for sore eyes. What's your name?" Hades laughed and Ruby swore it sounded like heaven opening its gates.

"Ruby…Lucas! I'm Ruby Lucas," She shook the offered hand but didn't let go once the motion was over, "My Granny owns this place. I haven't seen you before. Did you just arrive?"

"I was the queen of the Underworld but I got bored of ruling so I handed the throne to my sister. Thought I could use a change of scenery but, apparently, it's just as hot here," Hades stared at Ruby sensually and the wolf blushed.

Oh, uh, I—" Ruby stuttered. Hades was tall, towering over the other woman by an inch, likely less when the boots were removed. She had long, shiny black hair that Ruby wanted to run her fingers through. The former queen's eyes were a light green, so mesmerizing. And her body! She was fit, her abs peeking out below her red, fitted shirt that accentuated her large, round breasts. She was perfect. The raven haired woman took a seat at the counter in front of her.

"You have a way with words, sweetness." Hades teased as she swiped a menu from behind the counter and Ruby chuckled because her tongue was thoroughly tied. The connection was clear and for the first time since Peter, Ruby felt a thrill run through her that made her knee's weak. Fate was giving her another chance.

Ruby looked skyward, smiled widely with her eyes closed, and whispered, "Thank you."


A/N: If you're wondering what Hades might look like, think Megan Fox-ish (Maybe more natural looking, less plastic).

By the way, I do not own anything except Desdemona! I should've done that about 10 chapters ago :D