Welcome eveyone who's made it this far! Hope that means you guys like the story :) a couple things i wanted to say before jumping in. One, I've decided that Emma and Ruby will NOT be intimate with each other. The reason for that is that i want the relationship between the three to be a little more complicated then it would be if i wrote them all romantically involved with each other. With that said, Emma and Ruby will remain BEST FRIENDS who share love for the same woman. A lot of the story will be about how all three work on making it work, Regina with Ruby, Regina with Emma, and Emma and Ruby. Also, i still stand by my word that it's still mostly going to be switching between Ruby and Reginas points of view. Again, you'll get to see some of Emmas thoughts so I'm not completely throwing her aside, she's still a main character after all.
Anyways, enough of my yapping! Lets get on with the story! :D
Chapter 3
Ruby and Regina worked together to make breakfast. Regina couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly in sync they were. It's like they knew what the other was thinking. Regina would turn to look for a certain ingredient when suddenly Ruby would offer said ingredient to her, like she knew what Regina wanted before she could even ask. Then if Ruby needed something, Regina would do the same for her. It was like they were reading each other's minds, something Regina was growing to like more and more.
Ruby had made scrambled eggs and bacon, while Regina prepared a fruit salad, dropped some toast in the toaster and got the batter ready for the chocolate chip waffles. They worked in silence, but not an awkward silence. It felt more like the silence two people had when they were perfectly content to just bask in each other's company instead of trying to find a topic to talk about. She's only ever had this type of connection with Emma.
Reginas thoughts came to a halt when she felt something hit her on the cheek. Blinking in surprise, she looked down and saw it was a chocolate chip. Looking back up and at Ruby she saw the wolf girl trying her best to hide the obvious smirk on her face, obviously the culprit. Regina raised a challenging eyebrow, smirk of her own taking over her face. Two can play it that game, she thought.
Ruby had been watching Regina out of the corner of her eye the whole time they had been cooking. She couldn't help but be mesmerized by the woman's movements, everything seemed to come so naturally to her. She had noticed when Regina had gone deep in thought, she didn't seem to be thinking about anything bad judging by the small smile on her face. But Ruby being Ruby, she decided to have a little fun. Which was why she threw a chocolate chip Reginas way, aiming right at her cheek. As soon as her attack landed Ruby quickly looked down at what she was doing, trying to play the innocent card even thou she knew she was failing miserably. After a few minutes of Regina not saying anything about her assault, she figured the other woman decided to just let it go, which surprised Ruby since she knew for certain that Regina wasn't the type to let things go.
As soon as she thought this Ruby felt herself get completely soaked to the bone in what appeared to be water. It came so unexpectedly that Ruby dropped the spatula she had been holding onto the stove, in complete utter shock. She stood there frozen for a few seconds, trying to comprehend what the hell just happened. Looking down at herself she saw that she was indeed completely wet, her long hair sticking to her face due to it also being soaked. Looking up, there above her head she saw a bucket floating mid air before it disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke. Then she heard the most adorable sound she's ever heard, Regina was laughing. She looked over at the mayor and saw Regina bent over the counter, tears of laughter falling down her face.
Ruby could do nothing but stare in shock and adoration at the woman laughing at her expense, she didn't even feel an ounce of anger at the clear payback for her chocolate chip missile. Removing some strands of hair from her face, Ruby gave a chuckle, " Geez Regina, you sure know how to get someone back", she said. A smirk forming on her face as she took a step towards the still laughing woman, who didn't seem to notice her approach.
Regina continued laughing a little longer, Rubys face had been priceless. She's never laughed this much in her entire life, who knew acting so childish could make her heart feel so light. Wiping away the last of her tears Regina stated, " Sorry dear, but I hope you didn't think I'd let you get away with throwing chocolate at me", she said, still not looking at Ruby while she finished catching her breath. When she was done, she looked back at the other woman only for her eyes to widened in surprise. Ruby was basically right in front of her, a mischievous look in her eye that gave away her intentions. " Ruby, don't you dar-", she didn't get to finish her sentence when the wolf erased the last of the distance between them and pulled Regina into a big wet hug.
Regina gave a small yelp when she felt the cold wet body press against her, she felt her clothes getting soaked through. " Ruby!", she yelled. Trying in vain to get away from the soaked girl, but Rubys arms were like iron around her, making it impossible to escape.
Ruby let out a laugh of her own, looking down at the struggling woman in her arms. " What's the matter your majesty, you can dish it out but can't take it?", she asked playfully. She decided to rub her wet face against Reginas for good measure.
As much as she tried Regina couldn't hold back the delighted laugh that escaped her when she felt Ruby rubbing her wet cheek against hers. At some point she had even stopped trying to get away from the wolf, instead she found herself enjoying everything about this moment. If it was anyone else, not counting Emma, she would have vanished them off her property in a second. But knowing that it wasn't just anyone, that it was Ruby, somehow made her extremely happy. It's almost as happy as she would be if it were Emma, but at the same time different. " Alright alright you got me!", she said while putting her hands on Rubys shoulders and looking up at her, a huge smile still on her face. Then, to answer Rubys earlier question, " And for your information darling, I always give as good as I get". She said, unconsciously bumping her nose under Rubys chin.
Ruby smirked down at her, " I expected nothing less from you Regina, you sure know how to keep me on my toes", she said. She would have said something else when her amazing hearing picked up the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs, feeling a little disappointed that they're moment would end Ruby let go of Regina and stepped back. Masking the disappointment as much as she could Ruby gave Regina a smile, " I think the bacon is almost done", she said, turning around and walking back towards the stove.
Regina also felt disappointment in her heart when Ruby let her go, she wanted to stay in her arms a little longer. But she knew that they shouldn't, at least not until she got some answers about what was happening between them. With that thought in mind, Regina did a quick hand gesture and Ruby and herself were fully dry once again. Ruby looking back at her and giving her a thankful smile, Regina giving a small shy smile back.
Not soon after they settled back to finishing up breakfast, Henry walked in. Surprised at first to see Ruby and his mom cooking together, but then a wide smile grew on his lips. " Ruby!", he exclaimed happily. He's always liked the tall brunette, she was really fun and would sometimes take care of him whenever his moms were busy. Plus, she always made him the best chocolate shake ever.
Ruby gave him a big smile as he walked towards her to give her a hug, " Hey Hen, how's it going little man?", she asked while ruffling his hair a bit, something she always did when she saw him.
Henry swatted her hand away playfully, fixing his hair back into place. " Nothing really, are you here to have breakfast with us?", he asked while taking a seat at the kitchen island.
Ruby gave Regina a glance before looking back at Henry, a shy smile forming on her lips. " Yeah, your mom invited me if that's cool with you", she said.
Henry gave her another wide smile, " Of course it's cool, your basically family!", he said. Then he looked over at his mom, " Good morning mom, thanks for inviting Ruby for breakfast", he said, giving his mom a big smile.
Regina walked over and gave her son a quick kiss on the forehead, " Good morning my prince, and it's no trouble at all. Like I've informed Ruby, she's welcomed anytime", she said, the last part directed at Ruby who gave her a shy smile.
Henry, not noticing the exchange, looked at Ruby again. " How come your dressed like that?", he asked curiously.
Ruby gave Regina a pleading look, as if begging her to be the one to answer. She didn't want to risk saying the wrong thing to Henry, plus Regina was much better with words then she was.
Regina gave her an amused look before turning to look at her son, " Well honey, as you know it was the full moon last night", she started.
Henrys eyes widened in wonderment, " Yeah!, it was. So does that mean that you turned into the wolf?", he asked, eyes shinning with curiosity.
Ruby gave him a sheepish smile while raising her arm to rub at the back of her neck nervously. " Yeah, I did", she said.
Regina then decided to take over, " While Ruby was the wolf she ended up in our backyard, I found her and offered her a place to sleep. The reason why she's dressed that way is because she's planning on transforming later when she leaves, which causes her clothing to vanish", she explained.
Henry looked at Ruby in wonderment, she's always been the top fairytale character that he's been most fascinated about. Who wouldn't be completely in awe with someone who can transform into a wolf!?. " That is so awesome, did you get too see her wolf mom?", he asked.
Regina shook her head, a little sad that she hadn't gotten to see Ruby as a majestic wolf. " No my prince, when I found her she was already back to her human self", she said.
Henry look down at the table with a small pout, he's always wanted to see what Ruby looked like as a wolf. " Aww man, I've always wanted to see what you looked like as a wolf", he said, disappointment clear as day in his voice.
Ruby gave Regina another look before standing up and walking around the island to put an arm around Henrys shoulders, when he raised his eyes to meet hers she gave him a wolfish grin. " How about this, if your moms are okay with it, I'll let them know the next time I'll transform and I'll stop by so you can see me", she proposed. She really didn't mind in showing Henry, she loved the kid. Plus, she had complete control of her wolf so she wasn't scared of hurting him.
Henrys eyes lit up with excitement at the proposition. He looked over at his mom with pleading eyes, begging her to say yes.
Regina looked over at Ruby, she saw honesty and sincerity in her blue eyes. Also, seeing her and Henry bonding like this flooded her heart with warmth. She couldn't find a single reason to say no, not that she was trying very hard to find one. Plus, secretly she was hoping to see Rubys wolf as well so it would be a win win situation. Looking at her son she gave him a wide smile, " I don't see why not, I'm sure Emma will also agree", she said. Laughing a little when her son pulled her into a hug, expressing how thankful he was. She looked over at Ruby once again and saw her smiling wide. Pulling back slightly and looking back at Henry, " Alright dear, go set the table. Breakfast is almost ready, Emma should be down shortly", she said. Henry gave her a nod before standing up and doing as instructed.
It wasn't until 15 minutes later that Emma joined them in the kitchen. Like Henry, she was also surprised to see Ruby. But also like her son, the surprise quickly turned into happiness at seeing her best friend. " Hey Rubes, not that I'm complaining but what brings you by this morning?", she asked curiously, walking over and giving the tall brunette a hug.
Ruby gave Emma a sheepish grin, " I had a little too much fun with the full moon last night. Somehow I ended up in Reginas backyard and she found me and offered me a place to rest for a couple hours", she said. Casually giving Regina a look over Emmas shoulder, she saw the mayor giving the two of them an intense look before looking back down at the finishing waffles.
Emma gave her a smirk, " Had too much fun howling at the moon Rubes?", she asked while giving Ruby a playful shove with her shoulder.
Ruby laughed a little before giving Emma a shove of her own, careful to make it a small shove since she didn't want to accidentally toss Emma across the room. " Yeah Em, that is definitely what I spent the whole night doing", she said back sarcastically.
Regina gave a small chuckle at the two woman's behavior, whenever these two were together the whole town better watch out. They can be such children, thought Regina fondly. Regina still remembered the time Whales had called one of Granny's dishes "too salty, and unfit for the human stomach", his exact words. So in their own form of revenge the pair had stalked Whales until he got off his shift in the hospital, where then Emma proceeded to make his whole car vanish. Which caused the enraged man to walk in the dead of night where then Ruby proceeded to transform and chase the terrified man down the street with Emma close behind laughing hysterically. When Whales had brought the issue up to her, Regina had dismissed it as his imagination since his car was parked right where he left it the previous night. Also, granny and Emma had vouched for Ruby when he accused her of being the beast that had chased him down, they claimed that Ruby had been having a late dinner with Emma when the incident went down. After the whole problem was dealt with Regina had cornered the two women and chewed them out for doing something so childish, even though deep down she herself found it extremely hilarious, but it was still reckless. She knew that they wouldn't listen to her, judging by the sly smirks they shared after Regina had finished her speech about acting like the adults they were. The two women thought Regina would fall for their fake innocent act, but the mayor wasn't born yesterday. .
Henry walked back into the kitchen after finishing setting up the table, he gave his blonde mother a smile. " Morning ma, mom invited Ruby to have breakfast with us", he stated.
Emma gave her son a pat on the head, " So I've heard, it smells really good in here. What's on the menu?", she asked. She walked over to where Regina was standing and they shared a loving kiss. " Good morning babe", she said.
Regina gave Emma another quick peck, " Good morning my love. Ruby and I made scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. I also tossed a fruit salad and Henry requested chocolate chip waffles as well", she informed.
Emma gave a wide grin, " Sounds delicious, I'll go get the newspaper", she said while walking out of the room.
Regina was in the process of turning back to the task she had been doing of getting coffee started when she suddenly felt a feeling of anger mixed with hurt overcome her. It was such a sudden feeling that Regina froze for a moment, hand hovering over the coffee machine. Eyebrows furrowed, Regina tried to think of a reason of why she would be feeling this way. But then just as suddenly realization hit her full force, these weren't her feelings. Just as soon as the thought crossed her mind she whirled around to face where Ruby was, as soon as her eyes landed on the woman her suspicions were confirmed. Ruby was facing away from her and towards the stove, her shoulder muscles looked tensed up and the girl was gripping the spatula in her hand tightly. She couldn't exactly hear her, but judging by the rapid movements of her back she knew the wolf was taking deep breaths. It kinda seemed like she was trying to calm herself down, but why?.
Regina knew for certain now that it was Rubys feelings that she was sensing and not her own, the how or why could wait for later, right now all she wanted was to make sure Ruby was okay.
Giving a quick glance around the kitchen she was very thankful that Henry was out of the room and Emma would usually give her mother a call around this time. With that thought in mind Regina quickly walked over around the island and towards the other woman. She knew in her heart that Ruby would never hurt her, so she didn't hesitate to put a hand on the taller woman's shoulder and slowly urge her to turn around. Eyes widened when she saw amber eyes looking back at her, not a trace of Rubys natural blue eyes to be seen.
As soon as Emma had gotten close to Regina Ruby felt a growl forming in the back of her throat. She had quickly turned around and faced the stove so that no one noticed, but it was extremely difficult to hold back the feelings of anger, hurt and jealousy. She couldn't help but feel like Regina was hers, and that Emma was stepping into her territory, her more primal instincts trying to take over. When in reality it was the other way around. She felt the urge to shove Emma away from Regina and make it known to everyone around that she was claimed. Her wolf instincts were trying to overthrow her human instincts. Ruby breathed hard, fighting against her wolf in a way she hadn't done in a very long time. But she wasn't gonna let herself ruin the nice morning they were having, she would swallow down her natural instincts if she had too.
When she felt a hand on her shoulder Ruby could do nothing but let herself be turned around by Regina. She saw Reginas eyes widened at the sight of what she was sure were her yellow eyes. Fuck, why is this happening to me?. Thought Ruby.
"Pup, are you okay?", asked a very worried Regina, Ruby could practically see the worry in those beautiful brown eyes. She felt like such a bitch for ruining a nice morning and causing Regina to worry, she should of just left when she had the chance.
Ruby then felt warm soft hands on her face, forcing her to focus all her attention on the woman in front of her. Regina was looking up at her intensely, staring deep into amber eyes. " Your okay darling, that's right. Look at me and focus on my voice, everything is okay. Breathe for me okay?", said Regina with the most soothing voice Ruby had ever heard. She felt her wolf calm down, residing back into the depths of her mind where it resided in when she was in her human skin. Her heartbeat slowed down to a normal rhythm, her shoulders lost most of their tension. It was almost like Regina had flicked a switch inside of her, it astounded Ruby to no end.
Regina saw those amber eyes slowly turn blue once again and smiled. She could feel Ruby getting back to normal. The tension had melted away and her breathing had regulated. Regina felt her worry vanish as soon as Ruby took one last deep breath and raised one hand to place it over one of Reginas, who's hands were still cupping Rubys face.
" Thanks Regina", said Ruby quietly.
Regina smiled softly at her, rubbing her thumb slowly over the soft skin of Rubys cheek. " Your welcome Pup, now, would you mind explaining what just happened?", she asked cautiously. She didn't want Ruby to feel obligated to tell her, but she did really want to know.
Ruby looked down, her hands falling by her sides and a frown forming on her lips. " I don't know, something weird has been going on with my wolf recently. I can't explain what it is, but it's not something you have to worry about. I'm planning on talking to granny as soon as I see her and she'll probably shed some light on it, it's probably nothing to worry about ", she said, forcing a smile onto her face to try and alleviate the worry she still saw in Reginas eyes.
Regina frowned slightly, she felt that feeling again that Ruby wasn't telling her the whole truth. But by the look in the wolfs eyes it was clear to Regina that she didn't want to talk about it, so she decided to drop it for now. But she was definitely going to go back to it later. Giving Ruby a small smile, " Alright, but if you need anything please contact me. I might not know a lot about your kind but I have an impressive collection of magical books that are bond to have some useful information", she said. She made sure to convey through her eyes how serious she was about her offer, if Ruby needed help she'd be there to help.
Ruby gave her a shy smile before nodding her head.
Before either of them could say anything else the coffee machine beeped, signaling that it was done. Regina gave Ruby another look before taking her hands away and walking back towards the machine, turning the beeping off and pouring the coffee in three mugs.
Ruby watched her for a few seconds, her stomach fluttering pleasantly. Then shaking her head, she turned back to the stove and served the bacon up neatly on a silver platter, and doing the same for the eggs. She passed by the toaster and grabbed the toasted pieces of bread and put them together with the eggs before making her away out of the kitchen and towards the dining room where she met Emma and Henry.
Regina had watched her go through the corner of her eye, unable to completely squash down the worry she felt for the taller girl. She was most definitely going to talk to Eugenia about this, there was no way she could let it go. Grabbing the plate full of waffles and the bowl of fruit salad Regina made to head out of the kitchen when something caught her eye. Stopping by the stove she saw the spatula Ruby had been using completely snapped in half, with just one hand Ruby had managed to snap a metal spatula in half. Regina knew the girl was strong, but just how strong was she?. She thought to herself. Deciding to think about it later, Regina quickly tossed the broken spatula away and headed for the dining room to have breakfast with the people she cared about most.