When Regina dreamed, it was about Daniel. It was about his murder. About her mother ripping out his heart. The dreams came night after night, the nightmares. Every night she awoke, crying and sobbing as she realized that the Evil Queen would never have happiness, would never be loved, and the weight of such a reality hit her like a brick to the face. She used to feel Graham's arms wrap around her and hold her close, but now, the arms that held her were softer and smaller. Ruby hugged her and kissed her and assured her that everything was alright. And Regina believed her words. It was the 18th year of her curse and Regina felt lonelier than she ever had, even with Ruby in her bed at night.
"Ruby." Regina whispered.
"Yeah?" Ruby asked, giving her mid section a squeeze and placing a kiss on the back of her shoulder.
"I need you to know something very important."
"What?"
Regina let out a shaky breath. "One day, this will end, and you won't believe it was real. You'll think I was lying to you, that I just cheated you, but Ruby...I do love you. No matter what, I just wanted you to know that having you with me, is the only thing that has gotten me through."
"Really?" came the timid question.
"Yes, really." She turned in the waitress' arms to look her in the eye. "Would you believe me if I told you we're supposed to hate each other?"
"Why would I hate you?"
"Because you were best friends with someone that ruined my life."
"Regina, I love you with all of my heart and every fiber of my being. Is something wrong?"
Regina buried her face in Ruby's neck and sighed. "It's just that when this ends, promise me that you won't hate me."
"I could never hate you, Regina. Ssh, go to sleep. You deserve a night's rest." Ruby was her only remedy to the darkness and the pain that no matter what she did, she couldn't seem to escape its grasp. She missed the days where the only things she dreamed of were horses and riding and the touch of a lover. The kiss of her beloved stableboy. She missed being in the light.
xxxxxxxxx
"I want to have a child." Regina said one night after they finished dinner. She placed their dishes in the sink and turned to face her young, beautiful lover. The woman had been wiping down the table, but she looked up with a stunning smile that made Regina's heart skip a beat.
"I think you should have a child. I've seen the way you looked these past few weeks. If you'll just let me come over some more-"
"Do you really want to be known as the woman who's sleeping with the horrid Madame Mayor?" Regina asked.
"First of all, shut up, you're amazing. Very much a smartass with a great ass, but still amazing. You should know by now that I don't care what anyone thinks. Except you that is." Ruby smirked.
"I have a meeting in a few days to go pick up my new son from the adoption agency. Mind accompanying me?"
"Me? Are you sure?" Ruby asked.
Regina nodded. "Do you think would give you the day off?"
"Well if the Madame Mayor is in need of my services, how stupid would I be to decline such an invitation?"
"Very."
"Oh yeah?" Ruby walked towards her and wrapped her arms around her waist, pulling her in for a kiss. "Your wish is my command."
"Good. I trust you will dress more appropriately and arrive at my house punctually on Tuesday."
"Yes ma'am. Gosh, you're as bad as Granny. There is nothing wrong with my clothes. I scored the Madame Mayor so I think they're working for me." Ruby grinned as she released Regina to leave the room, only to call out a moment later "Come on woman, so we can make love. I bought a present I want to try out."
Regina smiled feeling her heart thump with anticipation to see this present. Knowing Ruby, it really could've been anything. That's why she loved the woman. She brought so much joy into her life. The only source of it at the moment. But with new life soon to be around the house, maybe things would get better. Maybe.
A few days later, Regina was pleasantly surprised when Ruby Lucas showed up at 12 o'clock sharp, wearing a nice looking black pants suit with a white shirt underneath and her hair up in a neat bun. "My, my, Miss Lucas. You dress up nicely, but this isn't a job interview."
"You said dress appropriately. This is like the most appropriate thing I own. Wait a minute." Ruby pulled her hair out of the bun and ran her fingers through it to brush it down. "Better?"
Regina chuckled. "Better."
"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go pick up your new son."
/
"Henry." Regina said. "His name will be Henry."
"Bit old fashioned." said the man behind the desk.
"It was her father's name." Ruby supplied, watching Regina with a smile as she cooed over the tiny little infant.
"Actually, it says here that has a brother."
"Really?" Regina asked, looking up.
"Yes but-"
"Then I wouldn't dream of separating them. I'll adopt them both, if that's alright." Regina glanced at Ruby. She rose to accept the second child when he was brought out and Regina looked over at him with a smile. "Daniel. His name must be Daniel."
"How are you gonna manage a town and two of the cutest little things I've ever seen?" Ruby asked.
"Magic." Regina smirked. And just like that, the hole in her heart that she believed would never be filled, felt complete. She had Ruby and now two sons who would love her, and she would be happy.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The nightmares came again and Regina screamed, cried out in anguish despite the warm embrace engulfing her. Ruby whispered to her over and over again that everything was alright. Everything was fine. Then she felt two little dips in the bed and she laughed as Daniel practically fell on top of her in an attempt to hug her. She smiled as both of her now 3 year old little boys climbed in bed to comfort their mother. Regina hugged them close and Ruby cuddled up closer to them. Now Regina didn't have one remedy for the darkness...she had three.
Xxxxxxxx
Regina was bent over trying to unravel a bunch of Christmas tree lights when she heard Ruby yelp.
"Mommy! Ruby's hurt!" Daniel called from his place on the couch, where he was playing with the figurines that would go on the christmas tree. Henry was on the floor destroying a roll of wrapping paper.
Regina arched an eyebrow and peeked around the tree. "Do you need medical attention Miss Lucas?"
Ruby glared at her. "No, I just hate this stupid tree."
"Kiss the boo boo and make it better." Henry called over his shoulder, laughing as he threw the empty roll across the room.
"Henry, don't throw things. Go pick it up and put it in the trash." Regina said sternly. She walked around the tree where Ruby was standing, dressed in a white shirt, red jeans and a Santa Claus hat. "Would you like for me to kiss your boo boo?" She asked, mimicking Henry's baby voice.
"It's weird...that you can make that sound sexy." Ruby replied, throwing a glare at the tree. She sucked on her thumb where she pricked it. Regina took her finger and kissed it, as well as kissed her cheek.
"All better?"
"Better."
"Mommy! Is Ruby okay?" Daniel yelled loudly.
"Yes, Ruby is fine." She smiled as Ruby started hanging the lights with her. Once that was finished, Ruby and Daniel hung the ornaments on the tree and Regina helped Henry gather all the wrapping paper he'd wasted. She could probably find another use for it, but at the moment, all she could think about was how wonderful it was to have a family, to have her family. Because truly, she couldn't be happier. Regina was surprised by the change in Ruby. Even though her Storybrooke counterpart was made to be a promiscuous waitress, Ruby had grown and matured since the boys came into their lives. She had returned her hair to its normal light brown and was more attentive at the diner, taking over more for Eugenia and even doing the books. Her dressage was still on the scandalous side, but Regina found that she didn't really mind. The waitress had all but moved into the mansion and the boys clearly saw her as a second mother. There was still the factor of Eugenia. Ruby wanted her approval but they hadn't really talked about anything yet. Regina herself wasn't sure if she was ready to enter another relationship after the disastrous streak she'd already had. She hadn't wanted to get too attached to Ruby at all, knowing that one day the curse would break and all of this would be over. Yet, the waitress managed to weasel her way into her heart anyway.
The smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies wafted through the house and Henry squealed as he raced his brother into the kitchen. Eugenia chuckled as she stepped out of the kitchen, warning them not to touch the cookies yet. However, she turned a hard eye onto Regina and Ruby. "The two of you have changed each other." The old woman tilted her head. Regina and Ruby exchanged looks. "Madame Mayor, I haven't seen you laugh and smile so much as long as I've known you. Ruby, I'm sure glad she's knocked some sense into your head and gotten you to fly straight." She looked between them, silently regarding their matching anticipation. "Don't hurt my granddaughter, Regina. And Ruby, you mind those kids."
Ruby burst into a grin. "So...you approve?"
"Does it really matter?"
"No, not really, but I would like to have it." Ruby did a leap for joy and hugged Regina. "Whoo! I'm moving in tonight, Regina. No need for discussion." She skipped into the kitchen.
Eugenia shook her head with a laugh. "I meant what I said, Madame Mayor."
"I know. And I will never hurt Ruby, not intentionally at least. I...love her. She's a part of the family. So are you." Regina smiled. There was a sudden scream from the kitchen and the next they heard was Daniel screaming.
"Mommy! Ruby's hurt!"
"Kiss the boo boo and make it better!" Henry added.
"I just said not to touch the damn tray." Granny grumbled as she marched into the kitchen.
Regina rolled her eyes but couldn't help grinning. This was her perfect family alright. It wasn't too long later that she found herself standing underneath the mistletoe hanging from their front door as Ruby hungrily kissed her lips. "Ruby, why are you acting like you won't be seeing me for a long time. You're just leaving to get some stuff for the night."
"I don't care. You are too delicious to stop." Ruby growled in an almost feral way, reminding Regina of her other self. Red and the wolf.
"Ruby. Go...so you can be back in time to get your early christmas present."
Ruby froze and grinned. "You're serious? What is it?"
"It's a surprise." Regina smirked as the younger woman immediately took off down the street. She shook her head and went inside to get the boys ready for bed. An hour later, she was lying on her bed in black see through lingerie, lazily looking through a magazine when Ruby burst into her bedroom, throwing a large duffel bag into the corner. She grinned at seeing the mayor poised on her bed, ready for a night of lovemaking of epic proportions. "Come on, dear. We don't have all night. Santa might come in and catch us."
"Then let's get started."
/
"Mommy!" Daniel and Henry's cries woke Regina from a very sound and well deserved sleep. They burst into the room and ran across the bed, yelling for her and Ruby to get up, before rushing out again, heading downstairs.
Regina sighed as she got up and put her nightgown back on, as well as her long gray housecoat, wondering children couldn't wait for at least 9 o'clock to open their presents. 6 was early, even for her. Ruby put on a pair of shorts and a tanktop and groggily followed the mayor after the boys. Daniel was ripping into his presents while Henry was playing with one he'd already opened. He presented his mother with the toy plane while Daniel finally managed to rip open his new roller skates.
"Look Mommy! Look what Santa brought us." Daniel said excitedly. After opening more presents, they uncovered two bikes, some baseball bats , mitts and gloves, a ton of clothes and shoes and a football.
Regina smiled at seeing her boys so happy and excited. She was surprised when Ruby brought her two presents. "Miss Lucas, I told you not to buy me anything."
"Well we both knew I was gonna buy you something anyway when you said that." Ruby smirked, watching intently as she unwrapped the first box. Inside was a pair of 5 inch open toe stilettos with a diamond studded heel. "What do you think?"
"These are the ones I wanted." Regina smiled, looking up at the waitress. "They were incredibly expensive."
"You're worth a lot more than that, Gina. Besides, I got to buy my girl nice things. You deserve it."
Regina kissed her cheek, touched beyond words at the gesture as she opened the next one. This one held a new Louis Vuitton purse. "Okay, now I'm concerned."
"I saved up for it. Don't worry." Ruby laughed. "It was my pleasure to get it for you. Anything is worth seeing you smile and be happy."
Regina looked at Ruby in awe. "Thank you." She went to get a present from behind the tree. "This is yours then."
Ruby rubbed her hands giddily and snatched the top off with a grin. She held up the new fur coat with a shocked look. "I...love...this." She ran her hands over the fur and frowned, reaching into the pocket and pulling out a key.
"To the house." Regina said. "So you can stop knocking at 12 in the morning." She tried to appear nonchalant, but her facade broke when Ruby leaped up to hug and kiss her, lifting her off the ground.
"Thanks, Gina. I love you."
"I love you too." Regina whispered against her lips.
"Mommy, can we go outside to play?" Daniel asked.
"Dear, it's 6:30 in the morning, and freezing cold." Regina said. "Play with your new video game."
"What new video game?" Henry looked up as well.
"The one over there." Regina motioned to the tv where Ruby pulled the cover off the new game system and both boys screamed at the top of their lungs and nearly tackled her before going over to start it up. A smile never seemed to leave her lips these days. Their happiness was all she could ask for and she felt content with her life just seeing it written across their faces. Her boys were everything to her, one of the only things that made casting the curse worth it. The other thing was Ruby, her beloved and devoted love, whose dedication to the family never ceased to amaze her. Ruby had been with her nearly through it all, evolving from the promiscuous waitress routine that Regina had designed for her, and essentially becoming a woman with ambitions, someone who wanted something better than just sex with random people and a dead end job. That was partially why one day, a few years after that wonderful christmas, that Ruby approached her in her office with a surprising proposal.
/
Regina smiled at seeing her girlfriend waltz into her office as though she owned the place, shutting the door behind her. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Ruby?"
"I was thinking about you. Not in the sexy way, but...how you take charge. You're amazing in areas that I'm not and...I wanted to know your thoughts on buying the Rabbit Hole."
"What?"
Ruby stepped forward, taking a seat across from her. "Well, I've been basically running the diner while Granny handled the kitchens, and I like the responsibility and stuff. But I kinda want my own place. Dusty said he'd sell me the Rabbit Hole for a good price. I wouldn't need any money or anything, I've been saving up for as long as I can remember, I just wanted to know what you thought about it. If it was wise or not."
"The guy who owns the Rabbit Hole is named Dusty?" She had no idea who the hell Dusty was.
"That's not his real name, baby."
"Oh...well, have you spoken to Eugenia at least?"
"Not yet. I wanted your opinion first." Ruby said, suddenly looking shy.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity, Miss Lucas. What exactly have you been saving up for though?" Regina asked.
"Leaving." Ruby answered. "But obviously I can't do that now. Not with you and the kids here, I could never do that. You guys are my world."
Regina smiled, nodding slowly. "If it's what you truly desire, Ruby, then you should do it. However, if you need anything, you know I'm here."
Ruby grinned. "Thanks Gina. Now I have to go talk to Granny." Her grin faded. "If I don't come home tonight, you know what happened."
Regina laughed. "Eugenia wouldn't dare. You're being ridiculous. Sometimes the wolf has to leave the nest and find a pack of their own." The words left her mouth without her even thinking about it, and she mentally kicked herself for it.
"Wolf huh?" Ruby smirked. "I like the sound of that. But anyway, do you have any meetings?"
"No more for today thankfully."
"Alright then." Ruby stood up and walked around the desk, lifting her up and placing her on the desk and sitting in her chair. She pushed open Regina's legs and Regina smacked her arm.
"This is not the place for amorous activities."
Ruby flashed a wolfish grin. "Regina, you are mine. You must accept that I can take you anywhere and any way I wish and you won't complain because you enjoy it so much. Who knows this gorgeous body like I do?" She flicked an eyebrow and pulled off Regina's lace panties, folding them and laying them next to the mayor on the desk. "By the way I'll have a glass of wine and a massage waiting for you when you get home."
"Oh thank you dear, but if you don't mind..." Regina smirked, pulling Ruby's head between her legs. Ruby let out a little growl and obeyed her command.
/
A couple weeks later, the boys were in school and Regina was on her lunch break, so she decided to head down and check out the new and improved Rabbit Hole. Many people gave her wary looks as she approached, but none were stupid enough to try and say she was in the wrong place. The Rabbit Hole sign had been removed and replaced with a new one that read the Wolves Den. She smirked at that little inside joke and went inside. She hadn't put much effort into creating the nightclub for the curse, because she was sure she would never find a use for one, but she noticed all of the changes immediately. Ruby had completely redecorated. The bar was gloriously lit with lowlights under the shelves and a new counter was being put in at that moment, made of a smooth dark wood. The tables had been left the same, as well as the pool table, but 2 stages had been added where the men were fastening some kind of chair to the smaller one and a curtain was being added to the larger one. The ceiling was laced with string lights in the shape of an apple tree and the dancefloor had lowlights added to it as well. The booths along the walls had been accented with fur, new red curtains had been added to the walls as well as painted pictures of wolves. The club had a dark and homey feeling to it, just like Ruby almost.
Regina made her way into the back, to Ruby's new office, one modeled after Regina's own except with darker furniture and accents of red. She smiled at seeing the pictures of her and the boys on the walls and on the desk. Ruby really loved the Mills family. She wondered if that love would persevere when the curse broke. She knew it was going to happen and it made her feel sick to imagine losing everything she'd managed to gain.
"Hey! What a lovely surprise." Ruby interrupted her thoughts and she turned around to be embraced by strong yet delicate arms. She smiled, burying her face into the former waitress' neck. Ruby purred as Regina nuzzled her, reaching around her waist to try and pull her closer. "You okay, baby?"
Regina quickly recovered and stepped away. "Um, yes."
Ruby smirked. "It's okay to show affection outside the bedroom."
"I know, but we both know showing too much affection can lead to something that is best left in the bedroom."
"True."
"It looks like you've made yourself at home." Regina said, gesturing to the new office.
"Yep." Ruby looked around. "It's coming along. Come with me for a second." She took Regina's hand and lead her back into the main room and up onto the smaller stage where a small throne had been placed, intricately carved from a dark wood with red velvet padding. Ruby smiled. "This is the Boss' chair. My chair. And I have a place for you too when you want to stop by."
"Oh? Where?"
Ruby sat down and pulled Regina into her lap. "Right here."
Regina smiled and kissed her wolf's forehead. "Are you happy, Ruby?"
"Couldn't be happier." Ruby replied, wrapping her arms around her. "This place is going to be the cornerstone of Storybrooke."
"With you leading the pack, I'm sure it will." Regina stood up and Ruby moved and pushed her into the chair, sitting at her feet facing her, completely ignoring the workers around them. "Eugenia was okay with all of this?"
"She had some...mixed feelings." Ruby sighed. "She's happy that I'm finding my place in the world, but she's a bit overprotective I guess. I don't want to hurt her business either, not that I'm expecting this place to be all that."
"You just contradicted yourself." Regina pointed out. "And you should have faith in yourself, Ruby. I do."
"Thanks Gina." Ruby looked up at her. "You look like a queen on her throne."
Regina smirked, crossing her legs. Ruby's eyes lit up at the action, clearly trying to peek up her skirt. "Thank you, dear. Since I look like a queen, then I must be one, yes?" Ruby scooted forward and leaned her head against her leg. "Would you do as I command?"
"Always. You are the queen of my heart after all. Command as you will."
Regina took a deep breath at the lustful thoughts filling her mind. She was flirting dangerously with the line here. Ruby didn't know about her being an actual queen, but if she got too comfortable with this, she could make a mistake and let something slip. "Tonight, don't stay out too late."
"As you wish...your majesty." Ruby's eyes darkened in response to her words and Regina felt a desperate need growing between her legs.
"I have a little time left for lunch."
"Then I suggest you get back into that office so I can get something to eat."
"Yes, ma'am." Regina smirked.
/
After their little diversion, Regina went back to work until it was time for Daniel and Henry to get out of school. She got off work early to go pick them up and smiled seeing her 8 year olds running from the bus stop to the car.
"Hey Mom." They said in unison.
"Hello boys. How was school?" She asked, starting the drive home.
"Just fine." Daniel murmured. "Nothing special. School is school."
Regina smirked. "So you didn't have any fun at all?"
"A bird pooped in Miss Blanchard's hand." Henry supplied. "That was funny."
"I'm sure it was." Regina parked as they came to the mansion and got out of the car, Henry and Daniel following. They both froze at seeing the huge boxes sitting in the front yard.
"What's that?" Daniel asked.
"Ruby informed me that the both of you wanted something, but were too afraid to ask for it." Regina said. She knew she was strict, but she didn't like them being afraid of her...unless they did something wrong and had good reason to be. But such trivial things, she didn't mind. Money was no problem, the curse left her with near limitless funds. Technically, she didn't even have to do anything as mayor since the curse basically ran itself, but she would've gone crazy all these years without something to do.
"You got me a trampoline?" Henry asked.
"And you'll let me build a treehouse?" Daniel voiced.
"Trampoline, yes. Ruby will set it up when she gets back from the Den. Treehouse, yes as well, although...I'd prefer it be built in my tree. That way I can somewhat keep an eye on you and I know you'll be safe."
"Your apple tree? Are you sure?" Daniel asked, looking up at her.
Regina nodded. "I have complete faith that you and that boneheaded waitress won't destroy it." Daniel suddenly rushed into her arms. He always surprised her for some reason when he hugged her. "However, if you do destroy my tree...I'll destroy you." She'd designed it to be virtually invincible when she was making the curse anyway, so she wasn't worried.
"Deal." He grinned, hugging her harder. Henry practically dove on top of her from behind, knocking them over, and she laughed as they both kissed her cheeks.
"Alright, alright, let me up." Regina laughed. They pulled her back to her feet and she dusted herself off. "Inside, get out that homework while I start work on dinner. What do you guys want?"
"Lasagna." They said in unison.
"Of course." Regina rolled her eyes with a smile as she followed them into the house. She went into her room and changed into a little sleeveless blue dress that she liked to wear around the house. She went back downstairs to find the boys already changed as well and poring over their homework at the kitchen table. She smiled at them before moving around to begin preparing everything for her lasagna. The boys had finished and she'd just put the lasagna in the oven when she heard the front door open.
"Lucy, I'm home!" Ruby called loudly.
"Ruby!" The boys greeted her love at the door and Regina seemed to fall even more in love with the woman at that moment. Ruby was welcomed into the house and she stepped into the kitchen doorway, leaning against the wall with a card dangling from her fingers.
"What's this?" Regina asked, walking towards the woman slowly, as though she were going to kiss her, before snatching the card and moving away, laughing at Ruby's cute little pout. She looked down at the card. The only thing on it was the number 7.
"That's the stall number at the stables that houses your new horse." Ruby said. "Look, I know you told me about the painful memories you have there, but it's been a while and I know you miss riding."
"How do you-"
"You talk in your sleep and you have a ton of horse figurines in your office. All of your favorite movies involve horses. You don't have to keep the horse, I know you told me to stop buying you expensive stuff, especially considering I haven't made any money off the Wolves Den yet. I just want to give your life more meaning than just me and the kids. You deserve something for you too." Ruby shrugged, looking down.
Regina looked at the card, feeling the pain of Daniel's memory invade her mind. That fateful night in the stables. It was time she moved on from that pain. "I'm afraid." She whispered. "To face that pain."
"Don't you know I'm gonna be there every step of the way?" Ruby asked, pulling her into her arms. "You're not alone, Regina, and you never will be again. I love you and I'll always love you. This pain isn't yours anymore, it's ours. Let me carry the weight sometimes."
Regina wiped at her eyes, but she couldn't stop the tears. "Take the lasagna out please." She said, quickly leaving the room. She went outside for some fresh air, leaning her head back to take deep breaths and trying to gain control of herself again.
"Mom?" Daniel's soft voice made her turn around and quickly wipe her eyes again. "Yes, dear?"
"You okay?"
"Yes, I'm just...a little emotional." He motioned for her to come here and she crouched in front of him and he kissed her forehead. "What was that for?"
"You used to kiss our boo boos to make us feel better." He said. "Do you feel better now?"
She smiled, feeling almost suffocated by the emotions raging inside of her, but she felt calmed looking into her youngest son's dark green eyes. "Yes, much better."
"It's okay not to be okay, Mom. You taught me that." He pointed out.
"I did." She sighed and stood up. "One day, Daniel, things are gonna change and you won't look at me like you do now. I know you won't."
"Nothing's gonna change how much I love you, Mom." He said simply and firmly. "Don't ever think anything will." The last part came out as a command and he paused, waiting for her to confirm this.
"Yes, sir." She smiled.
"Good." He nodded firmly and went back inside.
Regina arched an eyebrow, wondering just how her little boy got to be so wise. She took a deep breath and made sure to clean her face before going back into the kitchen, arriving as Henry helped Ruby take the lasagna out of the oven. Ruby looked up at her, clearly wanting to say something, but Regina just shook her head. They could talk later. She didn't like being vulnerable in front of the boys. She was supposed to be strong, their protector, their teacher and mother. She couldn't do that if she was weak.
They sat down and started to eat and conversation started to flow easily once again between the family. Regina smiled and paid attention just enough so they wouldn't notice, but her mind was a thousand different places at once. After dinner, the boys washed the dishes and headed upstairs for bed. Regina walked into her study and sat down. She wasn't surprised when Ruby came in soon after and closed the door.
"I'm sorry if I upset you." Ruby said softly.
"It was a thoughtful gesture, Miss Lucas, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet."
"That's okay then." Ruby shrugged. "I know I might be pushing you-"
"I need it. I've been holding to a grudge my entire life and hurt so many people, including myself. I want to be done with it. I want to be over it." Regina stood up. "You promise you'll be there?"
Ruby nodded. "Of course."
"Perhaps we can go when you're finished building Daniel's treehouse."
Ruby quirked an eyebrow, but nodded anyway. "As you wish, my love."
Regina smiled as Ruby started kissing her neck. "Come on, you should have a nice, hot shower and then I'll give you a massage and a glass of wine."
"That sounds heavenly."
Ruby suddenly picked her up in her arms and effortlessly carried her upstairs and into the bedroom. Regina took a quick shower. Ruby stepped in with her, but made sure to tell that this was about showering only. Even as she unnecessarily lathered up Regina's breasts with a big grin on her face. They dried off and Ruby quickly got dressed in her sleeping attire, a long gray shirt and shorts. Usually the wolf would sleep naked, but as the boys came into the house, she wanted to be clothed just in case they came into the room at night. She refused to let Regina get dressed and lead her back into the bedroom, offering the mayor a glass of red wine. Regina sipped it, watching the woman run back and forth trying to find the lotion and oil. Once she found it, she downed the last of Regina's wine and bid her to lay down on the bed. Regina obeyed, laying on her stomach while Ruby sat across her lower back and started to skillfully massage the oil into her skin, gently working out the kinks. Regina closed her eyes, feeling all of the tension seep out of her body at Ruby's touch. She sighed contently and smiled softly as Ruby hummed to herself while she worked, moving lower and lower until she reached Regina's lower back and her ass, which Ruby kissed and gave a light snack to.
"You have an amazing body, baby. Did you know that?"
"Mmh, you tell me every day." Regina purred.
"I need to remind you, make sure you know."
Regina snorted. "I know, dear."
"Because I just told you. Duh."
Regina rolled over onto her back. "Care to do the front?"
"I would love to." Ruby switched to the lotion and gently applied it to the mayor's skin. She stole kisses every now and then and kissed Regina's toes when she got down to them. She crawled up the queen's body and kissed Regina's lips, slowly, and slid her hand downwards to start rubbing the Queen's clit. Regina moaned against her lips. "I love you, Regina. You're everything to me."
"I love you too, Ruby." She rolled them over so that she was on top. "Let me show you." Ruby trembled with anticipation. It was not very often that Regina was the one to take charge. It was usually more or less Ruby doing most of the work, not that either one minded. However, Regina wanted to change that effective immediately. Starting now, many things would change.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
And they did. Regina would often smile, looking out her office window watching Ruby and Daniel and Henry hard at work on the tree house whenever they could. It was finished in little over a month. In that time, Regina went to the stables and met her new horse, a tall black stallion whom she named King. The stallion was wild and very intelligent. He broke out of his stall 6 times in one week. With him as a distraction, she didn't dwell on Daniel. It took at least a year before she even came close saddling King, much less riding him, but she was determined.
Regina became more friendly and open to the people of Storybrooke, even going so far as to call a few of them friends. Excluding Mary Margaret of course. She started shedding the massive walls around her that she'd worked so hard to build. It was a struggle at first, and she was terrified. What she'd always hoped to accomplish as a Queen, was to gain the love and respect of the people. Now, it seemed like she was doing exactly that. She felt like that little girl again, who only dreamed of riding horses and being outside or with her father. It felt like...a happy ending.
Under Ruby's management, the Wolves Den flourished, becoming the most popular spot in town, besides Granny's of course. Ruby made sure that the club was never open at the same time as her grandmother's diner in hopes that it would appease her own fears about stealing customers. Ruby was naturally a fun loving person, and that aspect of her became a huge part of the atmosphere and what caused people to flick to the club. Regina made sure to visit at least 3 times a week, even when she was bone tired. Ruby was always elated to see her. But no matter what, both of them never failed to make time for their boys, their precious boys. After a lot of begging Regina even let them go into the Den a few times to play pool or the new games Ruby had added in. However they didn't make it a regular thing of course.
The boys were growing into fine young men. Henry was very imaginative and loved school. He still possessed a bit of baby fat and adored school. His grades were impeccable thanks to Regina's influence, as were Daniel's. Daniel was skinny, more athletic than his brother because he spent a ton of his time with Ruby. When he wasn't running with her, he was in his treehouse or building something. He loved construction. One thing Regina noticed about him as he got older, was his silence. He was naturally a quiet boy, but he only spoke when he needed to. She could spend hours a day without even hearing a word from him. It concerned her until she realized that it wasn't dampening his social skills, he had plenty of friends and he and Henry would get into screaming matches every now and then. None of this affected how much they loved and supported her, something neither were quiet about, and it warmed her heart.
Xxxxxxxx
Regina was sitting behind her desk, just finishing up a stack of paperwork and ready to home to her family when the doors opened and Sheriff Graham walked in. "Hello Sheriff. Anything I can do for you?"
He smiled at her, crossing his arms. "I just wanted to say I'm happy for you. You and Ruby and the boys."
"Thank you." It'd been awhile since she'd spent any time with the man. She was constantly busy these days and those when she'd spent more time with him seemed like another lifetime.
"How are things?" He asked.
She stood up, packing her things to leave. "Just wonderful. I couldn't ask for a better life."
"That's great. I'm glad to see you've loosened up. You practically glow every day."
"Well, I have three little lights that make me glow." He smiled and escorted her out to her car. She drove home and got out, almost skipping to hurry and throw off her heels. She wondered if Ruby would be so kind as to give her a foot massage. Maybe she should try some other footwear than heels all the time. Opening the door she froze, candles were all over the place, creating a path through the house.
"What? What the-" Daniel and Henry suddenly stepped out, both of them in tuxedos with their dark hair smoothed back on their heads.
"My lady, may I take your coat?" Henry asked.
"May I have your bags?" Daniel held out his arms.
"What's going on here-"
"No questions!" Daniel said. She arched an eyebrow, handing them her things. "Please continue down the lit path." They both bowed in unison and she tilted her curiously as she continued through the house to the backyard. It was also lit with candles and lights strung across the roof of the porch. Ruby was pacing back and forth and a small red dress that Regina grinned at the sight of.
"Miss Lucas, what is going on? What is all this?" Regina asked.
Ruby looked up at her and walked to her, taking her hands. "Well, to be honest, I'm about to make a huge fool of myself. I'd planned to do this in a very romantic way, like in front on a moonlit night overlooking the lake, or taking a midnight ride on the beach. But unfortunately, I got the idea for that a little late and nothing seemed worthy of you-"
"Ruby, slow down please." Regina said, still not quite understanding why the younger woman was babbling incessantly or the reason behind the candles. It was a beautiful setting, especially with Regina's new garden for the background.
Ruby took a deep breath. "Regina Mills, I am in love with you, and I have been for as long as I can remember. My life began when you came into it and truly there is no other woman I would rather go through life with at my side. I love everything about you, even the things you hate about yourself. When you smile, I can't help but smile too. When you cry, I can't think about anything else until I find a way to get you to smile again. I'm no knight in shining armor, but I would give my life if it would mean that you get to keep yours. You're my everything. Completely. I can't imagine my life without you."
"Ruby…" Regina whispered. She felt the heartfelt tears start to flow, but her breath caught in her throat when Ruby got down on one knee.
"Would you do this great honor and privilege?" Ruby held up a little box, which she opened, revealing a gorgeous ring. It was silver, with a lovely, intricate pattern and covered in white diamonds with a large ruby as the centerpiece. "Will you marry me?"
Regina gulped hard. "Are you sure?" She whispered.
"I have never been so sure about anything in my life." Ruby assured her.
"Then yes." Regina smiled as the ring was placed on her finger. "Yes!" She cried as Ruby kissed her, picking her up and swinging her around. She screamed when people suddenly came racing out of the house, screaming congratulations. Daniel and Henry came running out and dove on top of the newly engaged couple, tackling them to the ground. Regina laughed and kissed Henry's cheek.
"Party at the Wolves Den tomorrow!" Ruby yelled, much to the enjoyment of everyone.
Regina smiled as she was congratulated by nearly half the town. Then they suddenly parted and Eugenia Lucas stepped forward. She paused in front of Regina, staring down the mayor with a hard eye. Regina didn't back down. Then the old woman smiled and pulled Regina into her arms with a laugh. "It's about damn time." She went on to hug Ruby, both of them quickly wiping away escaping tears.
"Alright everyone." Ruby called. "Get the fuck out so this engagement can be properly consummated with mind blowing sex." Regina smacked Ruby and gestured to the kids. "It's not like they don't we have it, Regina." She pointed out.
Regina soaked up all of the congratulations and attention, because the day after that, everything started to go downhill.
Henry started acting strangely, pulling away. He was reclusive, he moved away from her touch, he barely spoke to her. Once, he looked at her with so much fear in his eyes that her blood ran was so focused on trying to find out what was troubling her son that she couldn't even think about a wedding. Ruby tried sending him to Archie, to see if that would work. It didn't. And then one day...her little 10 year old was gone. She called Ruby and Graham and a town wide search was commenced, but no one could find her little boy.
Then he returned… With his birth mother. Emma Swan. Regina knew at once that her happy ending was over. That everything was going to change and she was going to lose her family, everything that she loved. Even Daniel seemed wary of her. He didn't close himself off as Henry had, but he acted as though he wasn't quite sure how to react to her anymore. Ruby was at her side through it all, but she couldn't stop Regina's fear and paranoia of losing the only things that had given her life meaning. The nightmares started coming again, the effects of the curse were being undone and Regina was forced to make two life changing decisions, all done in an attempt to keep her little family together. She crushed Graham's heart, killing her longtime puppet and protector, an act that even she had vomited afterwards. He had been a good man, but he was waking up, and she couldn't allow that. Everything was falling apart so fast. The last decision was one to eliminate Emma Swan, but it backfired when Henry was the one who succumbed to her modified sleeping curse. And it was Emma Swan who revived him, breaking the curse and her heart, shattering everything.
"No matter what anyone tells you." Regina said, fighting back tears as she looked into the eyes of her sons in the hospital room. "I do love you." She turned and ran before the mob could properly form. The sight of Ruby, her beloved, her fiance, made her freeze. The blank look in her eye, as though she couldn't quite understand Regina anymore. Eyes that had once fell upon her with love and affection, now stared at her emotionlessly. "Ruby...I...I love you. Always have and always will. I'm…so sorry. Please take care of our boys." Before the werewolf could say anything more she ran out to her car and got inside, driving like a madwoman back to her mansion, back to her place of refuge. People were already gathering in the streets, and she knew they were only out for her blood. She pressed her lips against her engagement ring and waited for them to come for her…
Xxxxxxxxx
Read and review! A/N: I absolutely love the RedQueen pairing and had to write another one for them. There might be some SwanQueen and jealous Ruby in later chapters as they deal with the curse breaking and stuff, but endgame will be RedQueen most likely. There is a RedSwanQueen one in the works, because someone asked for one, so that'll be up as soon as possible. Sorry for any mistakes and please give me some good feedback. I love suggestions if anyone has any. So yeah, please review!
P.S: It's also based off the song Remedy from Adele's new album.