A/N:This has actually been finished for weeks, I just never got around to posting it. I was inspired to write it right after Adele's new single was released. I doubt I'll write more for this, but I think this ends well enough.

The night was quiet, the cerulean light of the full moon penetrating through the sparse clouds that had accumulated in the Maine sky.

Ruby paused, her ears flicking her as she tried to determine if anyone or anything had noticed her approach. There was sound several meters to her left. She lifted her head, black nose twitching as she tried to catch a scent on the air.

Deer.

She turned away in disinterest, her paws flexing against the cool earth. Crisp leaves crunched softly as she moved, the sound lost amidst the dense trees.

Her destination was close, and her heartbeat sped up. As she pushed through a last collection of dense shrubbery, she could see the large house just off in the distance.

Her tail twitched nervously. She probably shouldn't be here.

Movement caught her attention, and Ruby stilled.

Regina was sitting outside on one of the comfortable lawn chairs, a thick blanket settled around her legs. As Ruby watched, the seated woman's head tilted back.

Ruby smiled internally. Regina was looking up at the stars.

The side door to the house opened, and Ruby's joy faded.

"Would you like some tea?" Robin inquired as he approached Regina.

Regina's head shook carefully. "I'm fine."

Robin moved to stand alongside Regina, one hand reaching out to brush softly at Regina's hair.

Ruby growled lowly.

"Are you sure?"

The hand that reached up to cup Robin's hand was pale - still too pale to be considered healthy.

"I'm sure."

Robin smiled down at Regina, the deep lines around his eyes crinkling. "Alright. Let me know if you need anything."

Regina didn't say anything, her head dipping once in a nod to acknowledge his words.

Once Robin was gone, Ruby sat. She shouldn't linger. Just because Regina didn't know she was here, that didn't make it okay. She pawed at the ground in front of her.

Since finding Regina nearly a week ago in the woods, she'd hardly seen the woman at all. A low whine escaped her throat at the thought.

As far as the people of Storybrooke knew, she and Regina had no ties beyond Mary Margaret and the rest of the Charming family. It would have been awkward to linger at the hospital for too long, the brief moments she'd managed had been doubly so because of Robin's persistent presence.

The pull of wanting to check on Regina was too much to resist - especially when she was wearing her wolf skin and instinct constantly threatened to overpower good sense.

Even now, she wanted nothing more than to push forward and get a better look. Regina's scent was still tinged with something wrong. The Blue Fairy had been reluctant enough to help despite Mary Margaret's insistence; something could have easily been missed.

She stood and took several paces to the left, her attention still focused on Regina as she worried over the right course of action. Her body moved automatically in a small repetitive path as she considered approaching Regina. Perhaps she could just voice her concerns to Mary Margaret.

Her tail drooped when she realized the latter option was the best option. Despite the brief moment she and Regina had shared in the forest, the former queen had been distant in their brief interactions.

"Ruby."

The word was softly spoken, but easily heard by Ruby's keen ears. She stiffened and turned slowly to face Regina.

Regina exhaled softly, imagining the breath escaping in a white puff of air. Her eyes slid open and she noted with no small amount of amusement that she was wrong. Though she felt so very cold, the night was only a little chilled.

She adjusted the blanket on her lap, trying to insulate herself better from the cold that seemed to pervade from her very bones. It was no use.

She hadn't felt warm in a week. The last time had been…

"Ruby," she said without thinking.

Her face was sad as she looked up at the moon, her eyelids drooping once more as she recalled the warmth of a smooth long-fingered hand against her own. Even the bright red coat that she'd snickered at in her pettiest moments had been oh so very warm.

The jacket lining had still been infused with the heat of the tall werewolf, the grudgingly missed scent as comforting as the warmth itself.

Regina's hands clenched at the thick blanket, trying to stop herself from thinking of the few clear memories she had of her latest magical mishap. Her memory was muddled on the incident, and it irked her that what she did remember was tainted by something that should never have happened.

Something brushed against her hand. She opened her eyes reflexively, inhaling a sharp breath when she realized the enormous wolf, whose chest was higher than her seat, was Ruby.

The large head was bowed low, the golden eyes enigmatic as Ruby waited for her reaction.

She knew she should do nothing and let the wolf wander off. They stared at each other for a few brief moments before Ruby's head dipped lower for just a moment. Ruby shifted to turn and walk away.

Despite what she knew was right, Regina reached out to brush softly against the thick fur before Ruby could fully turn away. She was stunned by her own concession, her mind murky as her body cried out for warmth.

The wolf turned and nudged tenderly at her hand, the cool nose trailing softly over the goose pimpled flesh of her wrist and up over the long sleeve of her shirt.

As the furred head nuzzled at her own, Regina was unsurprised to feel the delicate press of a warm, human cheek against her own.

"You're cold."

Regina swallowed at the low voice, her lips twitching with the effort it took not to smile.

"You don't say," she said dryly.

Ruby leaned back, her long wavy hair creating a small curtain of darkness between them. "My fur is pretty warm." Her eyes held a hesitant question.

Though Regina was very tired, she found herself scooting over. "No, this is fine."

Ruby's grey-green eyes seemed to twinkle with delight, her lips curling up into a smile.

Regina's eyes narrowed. "I don't want to smell like forest or dog."

The low chuckle she received was soothing and familiar. She held her breath as Ruby gently moved her until she was resting snugly between Ruby's legs, her head cushioned by a firm shoulder.

Long arms moved around her, once again adjusting the blanket. Even without it, she could feel the immediate difference.

Heat seeped into her flesh from behind, and she began to relax. She'd almost forgotten what it was like not to be cold, the time before the needle pricks of icy pain was a distant memory after a week.

The world around her had seem distant and muffled, but as she sat with Ruby curled around her, the images around her began to sharpen. Her thoughts began to clear.

This wasn't right. Robin was just inside, the man she knew as her soul mate having not wandered far from her side since her nearly fatal attempt at magic.

As if summoned by her thoughts, the side door to the house creaked in warning. Her heart seemed to leap up into her throat. Robin couldn't find them like this.

"Ruby," she said as she began to straighten up. Her hand pressed down, only to find the cool side of the lounge cushion. Surprise curled through her as she slowly looked around.

Ruby was gone. That was impossible, surely she would have felt-

"Regina, I think perhaps it's time to come in," Robin suggested, a slightly worried look on his face.

Regina forced a small smile on her face. "Alright."

As his strong arms slid beneath her body to gently pick her up, she nuzzled into his chest.

She was so cold.

The diner was bustling, and it never failed to surprise Ruby exactly how much really could stay the same amidst so much change. Putting on her old apron had been familiar and odd, and in truth she still wasn't certain how she felt about working at the diner again.

"Ruby! Another beer," Leroy demanded loudly. His nose was a bright pink, eyes glossed over in thanks to the several drinks he'd already consumed.

She moved behind the long counter that split the diner until she was standing in front of his bar stool. Her palms were flat on the countertop as she leaned forward.

"Maybe it's time I cut you off." She considered his appearance with raised eyebrows.

A sour look passed over Leroy's face. "Aw, come on sister I'm not causing any problems."

Ruby eyed him carefully. She turned to his drinking companion, brows still raised. "And there won't be any problems, right Doc?"

Doc blinked at her in surprise, adjusting his glasses before nodding furtively. "That's right, we're just here to relax and have a few drinks."

She nodded at both of them before retrieving a fresh pint of Leroy's favorite lager. Though Leroy had been better with his drinking since the breaking of the first curse, she could just as easily remember several incidences where he'd gotten out of hand.

Her attention was pulled away from the men as the bell above the front door jingled, revealing Robin and Roland.

Ruby swallowed and plastered a fake smile on her face as she moved further away from the door.

Robin's arm was extended as he entered, and it took Ruby a moment to realize that he was holding the door open for someone else.

Her head ducked down so it would appear like she was focused on doing something behind the counter, but she had to bite the inside of her cheek when she saw Regina.

Henry was beside her, the tall teen with his arm carefully around his mother as she tried not to lean into him for support. Ruby smiled to herself, though she was still worried that Regina was recuperating so slowly.

Hands twitching with the effort it took not to round the counter and help the mother and son, Ruby forced herself to go refresh a few drinks for other customers instead.

Though she'd been gone for months, it hadn't been hard to slip back into the role of being a waitress, and she'd finished her rounds before she was ready to. She tugged the small order pad out of her apron pocket as she approached Regina's booth.

"What can I get you guys?" she asked after giving the small family a quick look.

She nodded her head absently as they each recited their preferences, careful not to look at Regina for more than a moment when her eyes happened to wander in that direction.

As Henry finished relaying his order, Ruby smiled. "Great, I'll be back with your drinks. Granny isn't too busy right now, so your food shouldn't take long."

Henry and Roland offered her bright grins, and she turned away with a relieved look. She worked quickly to prepare their drinks, knowing that it was better to get things over with sooner rather than later. There would be a reprieve between delivering their beverages and serving their dinner, and she needed it.

Regina's legs trembled lightly with the effort it had taken to walk to her closet and get changed. As soon as she'd emerged from her room, Henry had been there with a worried look and a steadying hand.

"Are you sure you're up to this Mom?"

She offered him a crooked smile, mildly exasperated. "I'm fine, Henry."

His eyes welled for a moment, his lips twisting into a strange parody of a smile. "Yeah."

"Henry," she said in a strong voice.

They both stopped, and she turned to face him. Though he was just slightly taller than her now, his head had ducked down and for a moment she saw her little boy again. She raised a hand to cup her son's face, her heart clenching.

"What's wrong?"

He was quiet at first, his eyes remaining averted until she tugged his chin up gently.

His eyes were laced with remorse. "This is my fault."

"What? Henry, no. If anything I-"

Henry's head shook vigorously. "No. I've talked a lot about how much I miss Mom and I know I've been putting a lot of pressure on you to help figure out how to fix this…"

"Oh, Henry." She had to swallow around the lump that had formed in her throat. "This isn't your fault. I'm trying so hard for all of us. I'm helping Emma for your grandmother and myself as much as I am for you and her. What happened was just an accident."

He bit his lip and nodded, and Regina pulled him in for a hug. His head leaned down to rest on her shoulder. She brushed at the back of his head softly with her free hand, her eyes squeezing shut tightly.

She'd almost lost this again. She needed to be a little more careful in the future. Who knows what might have happened if Ruby hadn't been around to help find her?

Regina's head shook minutely as she tried to focus on the present. Henry was chewing happily on a fry, and the image helped to ground her. Her emotions felt raw; it didn't help that Ruby was working tonight.

"Henry, would you mind letting me out? I need to visit the ladies' room."

Henry hurriedly swallowed, a slight frown marring his features. "You want me to go with you?"

She offered him an even look, one eyebrow slightly raised. His cheeks flushed.

"Okay Mom," he said as he scooted over. She could tell he still wanted to at least escort her to the door, but what she needed most was privacy.

Henry reached out a hand to stubbornly help her up, and she accepted it with a smile and a reassuring squeeze. She understood his need to help, but she needed some time alone to collect herself.

The trek to the bathroom was quick, and she was relieved to find the space unoccupied. She slumped back against the door with a sigh, her head tilted up as she stared at the white textured ceiling.

She was a little fatigued from all of the walking, but overall she felt good to be up and about on her own. Her legs were trembling worse than they had that morning, but she knew she'd needed to do something. Limited walks around her house and its surrounding land weren't enough.

Regina had begun to get frustrated with herself, feeling trapped in her own home. The diner had seemed like a good first step away, but now she was doubting her choice.

She brought a hand up to rub at her face, remembering how warm Ruby's brief glances had made her feel. That warmth was gone. She crossed over to the sink to examine herself in the mirror. The color in her cheeks was nearly nonexistent.

"You okay?"

The voice, unexpected as it was, made Regina look up in surprise.

"Ruby?" she asked in disbelief as she turned to face her surprise company.

Ruby shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. Regina was glad the waitress was distracted as she admired the snug denim jeans and the way the long-sleeved crimson shirt was rolled up to reveal the strong, yet delicate forearms.

She pulled her eyes away just in time, one arm rising to protectively cover her stomach. "What are you doing here?"

A nervous hand rose to comb through wild locks. Ruby looked as if she were warring with herself. The taller woman exhaled a soft breath before speaking again.

"I've been worried about you."

Ruby's gaze was steady, and Regina felt warmth begin to prick at her skin almost painfully. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Regina, I," Ruby said before words failed her.

Regina's heart began to beat fiercely, the warmth coming sharper, quicker as Ruby took a few hesitant steps in her direction.

The hand that slid up her arm and shoulder felt like fire to her chilled flesh despite the sweater that separated their skin.

"Ruby," she choked out as she was drawn into a tight embrace, her hands wrapping automatically around the taller woman's waist to clench at Ruby's lower back.

She could feel the pressure of a kiss against the side of her head, the movement repeating against the skin of her forehead a moment after that.

A knock sounded on the door, and confusion rattled through Regina when she found herself alone.

"Regina?" a voice asked carefully through the door.

"Ruby?"

Regina clenched her hands at her sides, her mind careening as she tried to understand how Ruby had suddenly gotten outside.

The door opened, a head poking through the opening. Ruby offered her an awkward smile. "Henry asked me to check on you - your food's ready."

Shock struck Regina as suddenly as lightning, though she did her best not to visibly react.

"Tell him I'll be along in just a moment."

Ruby hesitated briefly before nodding and departing.

Regina turned to stare at herself in the mirror. What the hell had just happened? Ruby had just been in here - but then no, she hadn't.

Her stomach churned as she considered the situation, hands trembling as she tried to locate her recently replaced cell phone.

"Damn," she said as she remembered she'd left it at the table. She closed her eyes with a sigh, resolving to make a call as soon as she could have another private moment.

There had to be some reason she'd been experiencing things that hadn't really happened. Perhaps there had been additional side effects to the spell and the consequential contact she'd had with the imperfect Vessel. After all, her healing time had been dreadfully slow even with the Blue Gnat's assistance.

Ruby was a magical creature and something must have happened when she'd arrived to assist Regina.

Regina was determined to find out.

Long tapered fingers traced the side of a dark brown bottle idly as Ruby stared at her lukewarm beer. The music at The Rabbit Hole could just be heard over the groups of people chattering away, the small dance floor only showcasing a handful of people.

The atmosphere that had helped distract Ruby so many times during her cursed life wasn't doing much to divert her mind from all the things she was trying not to think about. Everyone she would have called to join her for a night out was busy with significant others, children, or both.

The beer seemed uncommonly bitter tonight, and she'd barely managed a few mouthfuls before stopping. Mixed drinks were always an option, but drinking had lost its appeal almost the moment she'd sat down at the half-full bar.

A small commotion at the front door pulled her attention away from her beer bottle. She scowled at the group of merry men that pushed their way through with boisterous voices. Thankfully Robin wasn't among them, but Ruby still felt more uncomfortable than she had a few moments before.

She pushed her beer away with a sigh. Of course she could leave, but what else would she do if she left the bar? Nothing seemed appealing, and she was too restless for sleep.

Someone sat next to her, but she ignored the movement. Her nose alerted her to a mix of wild forest, wood smoke, and...baby powder?

"Mulan," she said in surprise.

The warrior-cum-merry-man offered her a half smile. She looked uncomfortable in a thick leather jacket and jeans, the lack of armor no doubt the source of her discomfort.

"Hello."

Ruby shifted a little on her bar stool so she was partially facing her new companion. "What are you doing here?"

"The other men thought I should join them for what they said was 'a little loosening up.' I am not certain what they mean, as I have already elected not to wear my armor around town."

The serious consternation on Mulan's face made Ruby chuckle, and for a moment she felt light-hearted. A loud guffaw made her turn away for a moment, and when she faced Mulan again she was startled to find the warrior studying her intently.

"How have you been, Ruby?"

Ruby's head tilted curiously, her brows furrowing slightly. "Fine, why do you ask?"

Mulan's face was unreadable as she continued to analyze Ruby. "You were quite distraught when we came to assist Regina." She paused, her gaze steady. "I had no idea you and the Evil Queen were so close."

Both the old title and perceptive observation made Ruby war between anger and concern. "Regina has changed a lot since the old days. Many people I care about would be upset if something happened to her."

Mulan nodded sagely. "I see. I'm sure Robin appreciated your assistance. Your strength is admirable; you didn't falter once on the long walk back."

Ruby bit at the inside of her cheek, trying not to react. "My wolf makes me strong."

She had to force herself not to recite a litany of defensive remarks - the terrain had been ill-suited for a gurney, and she hadn't liked the thought of Regina bouncing around. Only one other person had needed to help her carry the slight woman, and that had only been because the gurney had been too ungainly to keep level on her own.

"It is one of the things that make you strong," Mulan conceded with another nod.

Ruby wasn't certain she liked the even, understanding look that was shot her way. A change of subject was in order.

"So, if you and the merry dudes are supposed to be loosening up together, why are you over here?"

Mulan straightened in her seat, looking very uncomfortable. "They don't bathe regularly."

Ruby half-laughed, half-scoffed. "God, you're telling me. I can smell them from here."

"Really?" Mulan looked both intrigued and sympathetic.

"Really. Come on, let me buy you a drink - at least I don't have to live with them."

"I often stay with Aurora in town, but I would appreciate a beverage."

They shared a smile as Ruby waved down the bartender.

By the time Ruby finally wandered home a few hours later, she was almost tipsy. She hummed as she unlocked the door to her room, absently flicking on the light as she closed the door behind herself.

She turned to begin stripping out of her clothes, shirt halfway up her stomach before she realized she wasn't alone.

"Regina?"

Though Regina still hadn't regained her normal pallor, she struck an intimidating figure dressed in a matching onyx skirt and blazer. A crimson silk shirt glimmered between the open front of the jacket.

The upholstered chair, with a print Ruby had often considered both generic and lame, seemed as regal as a throne with Regina on it.

"Ruby," Regina said in a flat voice.

It was apparent from Ruby's apparel that the woman had been out for a night on the town. Judging by the slightly glossy look in the lanky woman's eyes, Regina would say that Ruby had been somewhat successful.

"Regina," Ruby repeated, "how did you get here? Did you use magic?"

Regina waved a flippant hand in response.

"You shouldn't be using magic, Regina!" The words came out in a hiss of anger.

"Don't." The word tasted acrid in her mouth as she stared at Ruby and tried to contain her anger.

She could tell Ruby was struggling to keep a handle on her own temper, and she raised her chin in a silent challenge.

"You left without a word." The words were soft, but she knew Ruby could easily hear them.

Ruby looked confused, the angry tension in her body becoming one of uncertainty. A brief look of hurt flashed across her face. "What did you expect me to do?"

"I-" Regina stopped, unable to speak. Her mouth was dry. She brought a faintly trembling hand up to tuck some loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"Let me get you something to drink," Ruby said, making Regina's head jerk up in surprise.

The lanky werewolf said nothing as she moved past Regina, and the small reprieve from the intense green eyes gave Regina new energy. Ruby's uncanny ability to read her was unsettling.

"I tried to call you - when you were away, I mean." Regina gritted her teeth, not liking the hint of uncertain vulnerability in her own voice.

She could hear Ruby moving around in the small room, and a moment later a small glass of water was deposited on the end table adjacent to her right. Ruby sat opposite her on the low coffee table.

Regina reached for the water, grateful to have something to do with her hands. She sipped delicately, welcoming the moisture.

"Was that after Robin left you?"

Regina inhaled sharply through her nose, slowly reaching out to deposit the half empty glass back to the end table so she could formulate a response.

"Yes," she admitted. She was afraid to look up at Ruby, but she forced herself to do so anyway.

Ruby's face was strangely serene, her lips quirked up in what could be either a grimace or a grin.

She didn't speak. Regina gathered her energy.

"Ruby, I care for you...a great deal more than I would like to admit." She licked her lips, reaching for her glass to drink a little more water. "I called you because I thought that maybe fate was wrong."

The wood of the coffee table creaked out a warning, and she saw Ruby visibly force her hands to relax from the edge of the mahogany.

Regina's throat worked as she swallowed.

"You thought fate was wrong because Robin left you for Marian? You thought you could just call me up and we could just, what, go back to the way things were before?"

Ruby's words were laced with an acidic bitterness, and fury began to writhe within Regina.

"What, you think I wanted that? You think I wanted him?" she scoffed, distaste making her lips twist unpleasantly. "I am so tired of having my life decided for me - so tired of having fate dictate the life I should live!"

"You had a choice!" Ruby's voice exploded as she stood abruptly, her chest heaving and hands clenched at her sides.

"It wasn't much of a choice," Regina lashed out in response, furious when her voice cracked and her eyes began to sting.

She could see Ruby stiffen, and she swallowed before speaking again. "Fate is cruel to those who try to oppose it."

Her voice was rough, and Regina was unsure if she had the energy to continue.

"Fate is cruel either way, Regina."

Ruby's face was pained, and for once Regina wished that she'd never shied away from speaking in those quiet moments after their bodies had cooled and Ruby had looked at her oh so softly.

"Yes, it is."

Her hands trembled as she braced them on the sides of her chair and stood, straightening slowly to keep her balance.

She could see Ruby waver, and as she took her first step, warm long-fingered hands braced her arms.

"I'm tired of bowing to fate," she said as she stepped even closer and was enveloped in warmth.

Regina gasped as their bodies aligned in a way that had long been denied, fitting just so. The cold that had permeated her since her recent near-death experience was swept away in a riotous blaze of vigor, painful in its intensity.

"I love you."

The words tickled over her ear delicately, and there was a shooting pain in her chest.

"I love you," Ruby repeated as tears began to trickle down Regina's face.

When their lips met Regina couldn't help but hope that, even though they weren't soul mates, the bitter curse of destiny could be broken.

"Tink, I'm so glad you could come on such short notice." Regina offered the fairy a relieved smile.

The smile she received in return was bright, and she carefully led the way to the chairs situated opposite of her desk.

Tinker Bell squeezed her into a quick hug before sitting, and for a change Regina didn't even mind.

"It's no problem Regina, I was glad to get your call. I've been so worried since you were hurt. I can't believe that Blue didn't agree to help you right away!"

The outrage on Tink's face seemed out of place with her normal demeanor, and Regina smiled again. "Thank you for speaking to her with Mary Margaret."

Tink waved a hand dismissively, a concerned look shifting onto her face. "Is everything alright?"

Regina angled her head and carefully considered the fairy before her; she trusted Tinker Bell well enough, and there weren't a lot of options available for the help she needed.

"I think that there might be lingering effects from trying to construct the Vessel. I'm worried that perhaps the Blue Fairy missed something. I'm just not...right."

The pixie-faced woman nodded, immediately pulling out the wand Regina had gifted her several months ago. "Tell me what's wrong."

Regina's words were stilted at first, hesitant to explain everything that she'd experienced as Tink nodded along and swept her wand carefully over the still-healing wound in Regina's abdomen.

Tinker Bell look troubled as she finished speaking, and Regina's stomach churned anxiously at the look.

"What is it?" she asked when she finally found her voice.

"Regina," Tink began, her green eyes sympathetic and her voice soft, "there's nothing magically wrong with you."

"What?" Regina was incredulous. Perhaps Tink wasn't as adept with magic as she'd thought - there was something quite obviously wrong!

The fairy smiled sadly, eyes twinkling as if she knew exactly what Regina was thinking. "Regina, I think that maybe we need to talk about Ruby."

The room was heavy under the weight of their silence. It was Tinker Bell's magic that had led her to Robin in the first place, and Regina felt terrified at what she might reveal if forced to speak about Ruby.

A delicate hand settled on her own, and she sent Tink a startled look.

"It's okay."

Tink's face was full of gentle understanding as Regina began to speak.