A/N: I'm back! Third installment is here. A big thank you to Kedi, sindzero, Inanna (I agree that Gerard Depardieu definitely does not have the charms of Raphael), mondsafari, Tess621, kjakes9514 and Jael73! It helps a lot to know you're liking it and are waiting for more (It makes me guilty enough to continue)!
Finding the Rainbow Room, the stunning view of the New York cityscape perfectly framed by the classic elegance of the club, Ruby felt like she was in a movie. The second the gentlemen of the group (barring Jefferson) went to get drinks the small group of friends turned to Ruby as one.
"Ruby, your husband is gorgeous." Jefferson spoke first.
"Yeah, so cute. And those shoulders…" MM breathed and Emma nodded approvingly.
"Yeah, he cleans up nice."
"He does look good, doesn't he?" Ruby felt an almost proprietary pride watching him walk up to the bar. The man even had an attractive walk.
"I love a man who can carry a suit." Belle said, her eyes dreamily trained on the back of Gold's well-tailored jacket.
"And if I do say so myself we don't look bad either." Ruby said and straightened up a bit. The four of them did indeed look their best. Belle was wearing a deep blue dress that showed a fair bit of her gorgeous legs. Mary Margaret was wearing a green off the shoulder dress, showing off perfect skin and Emma was rocking a black cocktail dress. Ruby herself had opted for her signature color - red, but in a deeper hue than normal and it pulled more towards red wine. Fitted perfectly by her friend Ashley, who was a genius with needle and thread, it was a floor length gown with a deep slit in the skirt. With every step it hinted at long, toned legs and showed off the high heels she'd found in a thrift shop and had polished until they looked new. Her hair was swept up in a Grecian inspired mass of curls secured by copper bands and her lips matched her dress perfectly.
In short, Ruby didn't think she'd ever looked better. And making her feel even better was Archie's repeated, darted glances. It made her heart beat heavier and her skin flush under his gaze, an almost palpable heat where his eyes rested. Usually it made her annoyed when men's eyes lingered too long, feeling as if their gazes crawled like ants on her skin. But his shy, quick glances that got stuck on her and drank in made her feel beautiful. It was as if he couldn't help himself and that made her feel sexy, powerful, wanted. Feeling his eyes on her again she looked up to see him leaning against the bar and her heart tripped a little in her chest. He really did look amazing in his simple, yet elegant black tuxedo, white shirt and black bowtie (she'd bet it was the kind you tied yourself too). He wasn't the slightest bit uncomfortable in it like most men in the room, and carried it impeccably with his wide shoulders and tall frame. It made her want to slide her hands under that jacket, over his shoulders, feel the heavy fabric slide off, bring her attention to the buttons of his shirt, opening them – one by one until-
"Ruby!"
"What?"
"Didn't you hear me?"
"No, sorry. What were you saying?"
"Percy found our table, come on." Shaking her head she wondered if she was going mad, getting lost in thought over undressing Archie Hopper. Glancing back she caught his eyes once again on her and wondered if she possibly wasn't alone in her predicament. Deciding there was no harm in a little experiment she added some sway to her hips as she walked over to the table their group was occupying.
o.O.o
Laughing and talking Ruby barely noticed the time passing. She didn't think of having to pose for pictures or pretending to have fun as she talked to Archie, enjoying the deep, calm sound of his voice over the din of other guests' conversations and the sweeping music they were playing. She smiled when Archie and Belle got involved in a discussion about the best novel ever written, when he made MM laugh with his quiet but well-timed humor and when he got a long, searching look from Emma who rarely trusted anyone, especially not the second time she met him. But there was just something about Archie Hopper, something both innate and ingrained, an interest and a care for the people around him that immediately put you at ease, made you lean and trust.
Emma wasn't the only one with trust issues and Ruby was surprised to find herself already sure that Archie would never do anything to hurt her. To hurt anyone, for that matter. She was considering that fact and what it could possibly mean when Archie had gone to the bar to get them another drink when Emma spoke.
"Uh-oh. Look over there. I sense ex." Turning in her chair to see, Ruby noticed everything from Archie's uncomfortable stance to his flickering gaze signaling discomfort. He was talking to a woman in a gaudy, peach colored dress. She was attractive in a way that made Ruby think of doctors' wives and social calendars, with slim limbs and an air of the fake confidence acquired from putting others down. Her hair was the greyish type of blonde hairdressers often chose to disguise brunettes and it was styled to perfection. But the ruthless hair spraying it had received left it sitting like a helmet on her head. All in all Ruby felt she knew the type before even talking to her. The type that was popular in high school and then found they had little value after their glory days were over, turning their attention to clinging to others, living off their success. Distinguished psychiatrists for example.
"It's certainly something." And she didn't like it one bit. Because while Ruby was not as immediate thoughtful as Archie she did not let her friends hurt, for any reason. Getting up, she said,
"Be right back, ladies."
"Not good," MM breathed as Ruby sashayed across the room, men parting, eager to please as she walked by. "Ruby had that predatory look in her eyes."
"Oh, this ought to be good," Emma leaned forward in her chair, unabashedly staring at Ruby and Archie, fully ignoring MM's stern glance.
As Ruby approached the pair she heard the woman's sugarcoated venom pour over Archie like a sickly syrup, trickling and pooling in the air.
"I'm surprised to see you out, Archibald. You never seemed to enjoy it when we were together. Out on the prowl, are you?" She laughed, a light, brittle sound as if it was funny that he would try to find someone at all and Ruby felt her hackles rise. "I mean I'm out a lot now. Jonathan enjoys showing me off." She fanned her hand in front of her face, her giggle grating Ruby's ears. The ring she was so clearly trying to get Archie to notice glinted in the light. "I guess now that I'm to be his wife he wants everyone to know."
"Congratulations, Eleanor. I'm sure you'll be happy." His tone was stiff and unusually cold. It made him sound like a different person and Ruby didn't like it at all.
"Oh, don't be like that. I'm sure there are women out there who want to sit around all evening and watch you deal with those psychos on the phone. And enjoys that slobbering dog of yours and your poor sense of style. And those tweed suits." The woman rolled her eyes and gestured with her glass of champagne. "Jonathan of course only wears Savile Row." Ruby had heard quite enough and summoned a brilliant smile as she sidled up to Archie and slid under his arm, easily placing it around her shoulders.
"Honey, there you are. I've been looking all over for you. Who's your friend?" Enjoying the other woman's jealousy as she took in the perfectly fitted dress Ruby was wearing, her narrowed eyes showing she was clearly aware of the attention men in the room were giving her, Ruby smiled up at Archie. He seemed a bit surprised by the endearment but replied,
"This is Eleanor Robbins."
"Oh, Eleanor, I've heard so much about you. Say, you wouldn't be related to the Baskin Robbins ice-cream in any way, would you?"
"No, I'm not."
"Oh, I just thought you looked like someone who enjoys ice-cream." The woman was stick thin in the hard-earned way of someone deathly afraid of gaining weight (and in their minds so losing the only value they had, their appearance) Archie tried helplessly to disguise his surprised laugh as a cough and Eleanor replied icily.
"And you are?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, how rude of me. I'm Ruby Lucas-Hopper, Archie's wife." The affected act dropped as she gaped as Ruby shook her hand.
"His wife?"
"Yes, that's right." She saw Eleanor's eyes drop to her hand where it was wrapped around Archie's arm and then narrow at the sight of the ring.
"I see. Well, it's nice to meet you. Excuse me." With a last jealous glance at Ruby's figure she turned and making sure she could be overheard, Ruby whispered,
"Is that the one with the gross mole or the bad breath?" Archie's jaw dropped as Eleanor's back stiffened but she kept walking and Ruby giggled under her breath.
"What on earth was that?" Archie stepped back, Ruby's hand slipping from his.
"You looked a bit cornered. And that woman was atrocious. Behaving as if you're the one in the wrong when she is clearly a pest to be around." He opened his mouth to reply before his lips twitched and he relaxed.
"She really was." He ran a hand though his hair. "Though not strictly appropriate I'm…I'm grateful for helping me out. Thanks, Ruby."
"No problem. That's what wives are for. Which one is Jonathan by the way?" Looking up and around Archie nodded.
"Over there. With Eleanor." Ruby looked over to see the other woman positively spewing venom in a tall man's ear. He looked up to see them and Ruby thought they looked as if they deserved each other. He was broad and handsome in a comically generic way. He looked like nothing more to Ruby than a large Ken doll. When he spotted them she saw his eyes get stuck first on her face before sliding down her silhouette and crossing her arms over her chest she shuddered inwardly and pointedly looked away. Feeling Archie put an arm over her bare shoulders she looked up to see his eyes, colder than she'd ever seen them directed at Jonathan who caught the look and tore his eyes away from Ruby, turning away and tossing back his drink. Feeling an entirely inappropriate response to Archie's protective stance she spoke to distract herself.
"Looks like they deserve each other", Ruby said and Archie nodded.
"Indeed." Sighing inwardly in pleasure at having his arm wrapped around her again Ruby looked up.
"Want to go?"
"Soon. First I'd like to dance with my wife. It is why we came after all. May I have this dance?" He stepped back and held out his hand and Ruby's heart fluttered.
"Of course." Then he swept her out on the dance floor and Ruby forgot all about Immigrations Services, deportation and Eleanor and her large Ken doll.
o.O.o
Returning Ruby to the table he was pleased to note she had seemed to enjoy dancing with him. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled as she took a sip from her drink, listening to something Belle was saying. She looked absolutely stunning in her red dress and the way her hair was spilling down her neck and that one maddening curl reaching just to her collarbone was driving him to distraction with the wish to touch her skin just there like it was doing. Feather light and silky, hear her breathing change, feel her muscles shift under his hands as she took in the feelings he'd create and then… He didn't actually dare looking lower than her shoulders in case his eyes actually got stuck. He wouldn't put it past himself. Not when she looked like that, when she looked up at him and smiled.
"Okay, so we dressed up, we danced, time to go?" Emma asked, eager to get out of the dress she rarely wore.
"In a bit. I think it's time for the next plan of the evening." Jefferson responded.
"Next plan?"
"Yes, it's a party."
"A party?" Ruby echoed.
"Your wedding party, to be exact. I rented the function room upstairs."
"You what?"
"I rented the room upstairs and invited 150 of your closest friends." As Archie had learned already the questions "Are you insane?" arose a lot around Jefferson and he was about to voice it himself when Ruby interjected.
"Jefferson, who are these 150 people? Basically everyone I know is here."
"I invited most of them by telling them the original guests had the flu and we had too much food and drink that would get left over. They are just going to assume the rest are friends of friends or replacements like them."
"It's still way too many, Jeff, we're meant to keep this low-key. This is crazy."
"Listen, Rubes, the same eight people appearing in every picture is going to look suspicious. But who is going to doubt a wedding reception that had 150 guests? It seems well-planned and less dubious than a quick ceremony at the court house." Beginning to see the sense in Jefferson's initially crazy stunt Archie relaxed a little.
"But it's weeks since we got married." Ruby objected weakly.
"Tell them you were busy, that's why you had a small ceremony et cetera. Now stop being a party pooper, Lucas, and go enjoy your wedding party."
Entering the function hall with Ruby at his side he had to stop and stare. The room was large with a sleek, modern interior that still held elegant, vintage hints. The tables were round and professionally decorated with tall lilies for centerpieces, little tea lights and fairy lights prettily arranged on the tablecloths. They spread around a large dance floor and a band was playing softly in the background. Servers with trays of something that looked delicious and served in a martini glass slid between guests. Milling in the room were the famous 150 close friends and Archie hoped Jefferson was right about the function looking more real this way. To one side was a buffet spread out on three long tables and on the other side was a bar. Right inside the door was a photo of Archie and Ruby, their arms around each other, wearing hideous Christmas jumpers and smiling at the camera. It had been taken the same morning.
"Nice one, Jeff. This is the least tacky wedding party I've ever seen." Emma spoke first.
"Why thank you, Swan."
"It's beautiful, Jefferson, how did you pull this off?" Belle asked.
"Oh, just a few calls here and there." Though he rarely spoke of it Jefferson Madden was the heir of one of New York's most influential families and the three friends knew very well what he was saying was true. What a Madden in New York wanted, a Madden in New York got.
"It's wonderful." MM already looked misty eyed and Ruby shook her head amusedly. Her friend was such a romantic even a fake wedding set her off. The group set off, enthusiastically pointing out their favorite bits of the reception, leaving Archie, Ruby and Jefferson at the door.
"Jeff, this is absolutely amazing. Thank you, I know it had to be ridiculously expensive." Jefferson shrugged.
"No worries, anything for my little Red. Now, enjoy your party." Then he stepped back and as if the band had sensed it they stopped playing as Jefferson called,
"Dear guests, friends and family and the new friends we hope to make tonight. Please welcome our newlyweds – Archie and Ruby Hopper!" The applause rose and Jefferson leaned in.
"I thought it'd be more believable if they all knew who the couple actually was." Then he pushed them further inside the room and Archie found himself with a glass of champagne in his hand and Ruby at his side, greeting people he had never met all of them seeming glad to be there and happy for the newly marrieds. Everyone appeared to think he and Ruby were a genuine couple and were enjoying themselves so bit by bit he relaxed. That was until someone in the crowd yelled for a speech. Getting ushered up on stage he nervously cleared his throat. He was not a great public speaker on any given day but convincingly giving a speech about Ruby as his wife without lying though his teeth (he was a terrible liar) was a daunting task. Praying for strength he stepped forward.
o.O.o
Ruby wrung her hands where she stood off to the left on the stage. She saw Archie's hands shake slightly as he pulled nervously on his sleeve.
"Ah, I…Thank you first of all for coming. We really appreciate it. We're really happy to share this day with all of you, and hope you will have a great time." Feeling like this wasn't really happening to her Ruby summoned a smile and looked out over the crowd.
"So…About my breathtaking wife. She…" Archie turned his head to look at her and Ruby felt her heart start beating heavily in her chest. She'd never be able to come up with a speech just like that in front of over a hundred people. People would know they weren't really married. She was going back to Canada, she'd have to pay a fine or go to jail and-
"…stuns me every day. Every time I think I have her figured out she does something else amazing and I see a whole new side to her." Meeting his gaze Ruby felt the cold, twisting dread in her stomach subside a little. This wasn't too bad. It sounded almost as if he meant it.
"She's the wisest, most compassionate, intelligent woman I've ever met. She's funny, beautiful and true to herself. If someone ever needs help, she's there for them in a heartbeat, ready to fight or soothe, cheer up or listen. I'm not the only one who knows this - she has a group of friends who would all gladly walk through fire for her and I would only be honored to join them." Ruby felt the words float in the air before falling around her like feathers, stroking her skin in warm, gentle touches before fluttering to form a soft, light feeling in her stomach. As if she could float like the feathers, dance through the air.
"I count myself lucky she would ever look at me in the first place and luckier because I know what she sees is all of me. The good, the bad and the in-between. And she's still here. I could not be more grateful or feel more blessed than I do today. Except perhaps for tomorrow when I look forward to waking up with her and see her messy morning hair, see her eyes clear when she slips out of sleep and know she'll be with me for one more day. A whole day. I can't think of a greater gift than that." He picked up his glass and held it up, "To my amazing wife, Ruby Lucas Hopper!" Ruby felt her heart drop and land in the pile of feathers she had imagined. Softly, silently she fell and looking up to meet his gaze again she knew what it was to be in love.
o.O.o
The room responded as one,
"To Ruby!" In the silence as everyone drank the toast, MM spoke,
"Oh my god, someone talk about something else or I'll blubber." She was wiping a tear from her cheek and looked over to Emma.
"Don't look at me, I'm gone." Laughing through her tears MM saw that the usually cool and collected Emma had tear tracks down her cheeks.
"It was a good speech."
"It was great, but I was looking at Ruby. Have you ever seen her look like that?" Looking up at their friend Belle said,
"Oh…" She bit her lip because she could see it clearly, her friend had fallen – and hard – for her pretend husband. "Oh, this is not good." It had all been good fun when they'd just seen the attraction and the nerves, thinking it'd be good for Ruby to date a decent man for once but not thinking it'd be serious. But watching Ruby meet Archie for a hug on the stage the three of them knew it was too late for simple now. Suddenly a voice called from the crowd –
"Kiss! Kiss!" The chant was picked up and Emma burst out,
"Oh, the sneaky bastard. This is all Jefferson's doing. He planned the whole thing. It's precisely ten forty-five." Showing her friends the time on her watch the chant grew louder and hesitantly Archie and Ruby smiled before leaning in for a peck. For a moment the looked like what they were, two people forced to intimacy beyond what they were comfortable with. Then something in the air around the seemed to shift and with a sigh Ruby sank deeper against him, his arms tightening around her waist and pulling her closer. Ruby's hands travelled from his arms to his shoulders, winding around his neck.
"Whoa." Emma blinked in surprise as the 150 closest friends of the couple cheered around them.
o.O.o
The noise seemed to filter in little by little before Ruby realized it was cheering. Suddenly woken from the spell she stepped back. Trying to clear her mind she met Archie's wide eyes and tried to regain some composure.
"Ah…I think that was a pretty good show."
"Right. Yes. Convincing. We should…" He gestured to the steps down from the stage.
"Of course, yes." Cursing inwardly she carefully went down the steps. How stupid could she be, falling for Archie Hopper? They had a business arrangement, a tentative friendship. And her self-destructive heart didn't care one bit. It was more concerned with enjoying the sensation of his warm hand at the small of her back guiding her and the way she could still feel his lips against hers. Reaching their group of friends Ruby saw Jefferson tuck a wad of bills in his jacket.
"What's that?"
"Oh, you should never be without cash. Drinks, anyone?"
"As long as it's on your tab," Emma replied and Jefferson grinned.
"Indeed it is, Swan, as it's an open bar." Emma's lips twitched.
"Go on then."
"I'll help." Archie followed Jefferson and Ruby intently missed his warmth behind her.
"That was some kiss there, Lucas." Emma said and MM elbowed her in the side.
"Leave her alone, Ems."
"I'm just saying. Besides, it's not so bad is it? I like Archie."
"Not so bad? It's not so bad that I'm in love with him? Of course it's bad, it's horrible! He just thinks we're doing this for my visa. This wasn't mean to happen. I'll have to fix it. Somehow. But I…I..." She caught sight of him through the throngs of people and her heart seemed to fill with warmth, filling until it spilled through her completing all the pieces inside her that hadn't been whole before. "Oh god, what am I going to do?"
"Relax. I'm sure you'll figure something out." Emma took the olive out of her martini and popped it in her mouth. "You're married to the man, aren't you?"
A/N: I hope you're enjoying it so far!