The storm outside had picked up, rain pattering heavily against the windows of Ruby’s small apartment. Inside, the warmth from a crackling fireplace filled the room with a golden glow. Regina had come over hours ago, her face weary from another exhausting day of trying to prove her place in Storybrooke. Ruby had simply opened the door, wordlessly taken Regina’s bag, and offered her comfort in the way only she could.
Now, Regina lay on Ruby’s bed, fast asleep. The blankets were pulled up to her chin, her dark hair spilling over the pillow in soft waves. It was a rare sight to see the former Evil Queen so unguarded. Ruby had tried to resist looking in on her too often, but each time she did, her heart swelled with affection.
She was about to make herself some tea when a sharp knock at the door startled her. Ruby cursed under her breath.
Opening the door, she was greeted by Snow White, David, and Emma. The Charmings were soaked from the rain, their expressions warm but curious.
“Hey, Ruby!” Snow chirped. “We were just in the neighborhood and thought we’d stop by.”
Ruby smiled, forcing casualness into her voice. “Oh, hey! Uh, I wasn’t expecting company.”
David glanced past her into the apartment. “We were hoping you’d join us for dinner tonight. It’s been a while since we all caught up.”
Ruby stepped into the doorway, blocking their view inside. “Thanks, but I’ve got plans tonight. You know, just... me-time.”
Snow’s brow furrowed. “Plans? What kind of plans?”
Emma shot her mother a look. “She doesn’t have to explain herself, Mom.”
But Snow wasn’t deterred. She peeked around Ruby’s shoulder. “It’s just... are you redecorating? That bag on the couch looks so... Regina.”
Ruby stiffened. She hadn’t thought about Regina’s purse and heels, left conspicuously near the couch. “Oh, that? Uh, it’s nothing. Borrowed them... for a thing. You know.”
David tilted his head. “A thing?”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Ruby, are you okay? You’re acting... weird.”
Before Ruby could respond, Snow’s attention darted to the hallway. “You know, if you’re not coming to dinner, I can help you pick an outfit for staying in. You always dress so cute!”
Ruby panicked as Snow brushed past her and headed toward the bedroom. “No! Wait, you don’t have to—”
But Snow had already opened the door.
Inside, Regina stirred, the movement catching Snow’s eye. She froze, staring at the figure nestled in Ruby’s bed. The blanket shifted as Regina sighed softly, burrowing deeper into the pillow.
“Is that...?” Snow’s voice trailed off.
Ruby rushed forward, gently but firmly shutting the door behind her to shield Regina from further intrusion. She turned back to Snow, her expression protective.
“Yes, that’s Regina,” Ruby said, her tone low but steady. “And before you start yelling or jumping to conclusions, let me explain.”
Snow blinked, still processing. “Why... why is she here? In your bed?”
Ruby crossed her arms. “Because she had a terrible day and needed somewhere to rest. Somewhere she feels safe. That’s here. With me.”
David and Emma had followed the commotion, both standing in the hallway now, their gazes bouncing between Ruby and Snow.
Emma finally spoke. “You and Regina... you’re together?”
Ruby nodded. “Yeah. We’ve been together for a while now. We didn’t tell anyone because, well, we weren’t sure how people would react. Especially you, Snow.”
Snow opened her mouth to speak, but Ruby cut her off.
“She’s not just some villain you can push into a box. She’s kind, she’s funny, and she’s trying so hard to make up for everything. But she’s still human, and she has bad days. If you can’t see past what she was, then I don’t know what to tell you.”
Behind her, the bedroom door opened a crack, and a sleepy voice murmured, “Ruby?”
Regina appeared in the doorway, her face softened by sleep, her vulnerability plain to see. The tension in the hallway evaporated as everyone turned to look at her.
“Is everything alright?” Regina asked, her eyes flicking to Ruby and then to the Charmings.
Ruby stepped toward her, taking her hand. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Go back to bed baby. I’ll be in soon.”
Regina hesitated but nodded, retreating back into the room.
Snow looked down, her expression a mixture of guilt and realization. “I... I didn’t know she could look like that. So... human.”
Ruby’s gaze hardened. “That’s because you never gave her the chance to be.”
Emma cleared her throat. “Look, I think we should go. Ruby’s got someone who needs her right now.”
David nodded, putting a hand on Snow’s shoulder. “We’ll talk later.”
As the family filed out of the apartment, Ruby let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She locked the door behind them and returned to the bedroom. Regina was already drifting back to sleep, but as Ruby slid into bed beside her, she reached out, her fingers brushing Ruby’s.
“Thank you,” Regina whispered.
Ruby kissed her forehead. “Always.”