"So, how does it look Doc?" Emma asked the man in the white coat standing by her hospital bed. The overwhelming fragrance of rubbing alcohol stood strong in the air.

"How does it look?" He replied in disbelief, "Pardon my French Detective, but it looks pretty fucking bad. What happened, anyway? I mean, how did a simple gunshot wound get to be something like this?"
As Dr Whale carefully examined her wound, Emma hesitated before replying, noting that Regina had not yet returned from the cafeteria to fetch some much needed coffee.
In a hushed voice she explained, "The whole thing is a bit complicated to be honest, but, it's probably bad because I tried to tend to the wound myself.. later the night that it happened."

"And what of the bullet? Do you have it?" He asked.
"It's undergoing forensics at the moment. I Uh, I pulled it out of my shoulder myself."
The doctor smirked, "Yeah, I can see that."
Whale stood now, and took in his breath. "You did quite a bit of damage, I'll be honest. I'm not sure exactly how you managed to get that bullet out, but in doing so, you've torn a lot of tissue and damaged the muscle in your shoulder. I have to run a few tests to be certain, but it appears there is some evidence of slight infection there as well."

Emma sighed. "How long do I have to be here?"
"Not long.. we just need to take a few samples to run tests, give you a complete exam to make sure the rest of you is ok and then clean up and properly redress the wound. You should be out if here in a few hours. Providing we don't run into any hiccups."
Just as he was finishing up, Regina returned with 2 cups of steaming hot coffee.
"Oh! Dr Whale, how nice to see you." She replied upon entering the room. "What's going on? Is Emma ok?"

"Yeah, I have every reason to believe she'll be alright." He replied. "It's good that she came in when she did though, another few hours with that wound being untreated could have led into a more complicated situation."

"Alright, thank you Doctor. I appreciate the update." Regina replied, a certain calmness to her voice. "Of course." Whale nodded. "I'm going to start an order for some antibiotics to be given, as well as getting a nurse in here to start redressing the wound. Once that is completed and the tests I need to run come back negative, we will have you both on your way."

Emma nodded, tight lipped. "Thank you again doctor." Regina replied.
As Dr Whale slipped out of the room, Regina pulled a chair closer to the hospital bed where Emma was resting.

Quietly, she sat down. Feeling a little bit awkward at first, Regina sat back into the chair, then sat forward and back again. Finding herself restless, she crossed and uncrossed her legs a few times before Emma had had enough.
"Regina." Emma began, "What is it? Can't you sit still?"
"It's fine," Regina lied, "I'm fine."
"No, you're not." Emma answered. "Something's bothering you. Out with it."

Regina looked away pursing her lips. There was something playing in her mind, but was it the right time?

Stealing a quick glance at Emma who lay still in the bed, eyes closed, Regina took a breath. "So, earlier... at your office..." She paused, "um, did you mean what you said? About um, about hating me?"
Emma raised her brow not opening her eyes. She took a few seconds to respond, after all, Regina deserved to sweat a bit.
"Honestly Regina, at that moment, yea. I really felt like I hated you-"
"Oh uh yea, I see" Regina replied, not sure she wanted to hear much more, she diverted her eyes away from her nervously fidgeting with her phone.
Seconds later, she felt the warmth of Emma's hand slowly clasp onto hers.
"Regina that moment was one of the worst moments I've ever had to deal with. I know you understand that. But, you should also understand that I could never truly hate you."
Regina's head snapped back to face Emma, her lips slightly parted in disbelief.

"Do I hate what you did, and how you did it?" Emma added, "Yeah. But, there's no changing it. I can either move on without you in my life, or move on with you in my life. And now that there's a child involved?" Emma paused before continuing, "well, now it's not only about us, is it?"
Smiling, Regina agreed.

"You're right, thank you."
Emma gave Regina's hand a final squeeze before taking her hand back and closing her eyes again to rest. "Great, now can you please sit still? I feel like this might be my only chance to catch up on some sleep."
Regina sat softly back into the chair. Quite honestly, she could use a bit of rest as well.
It wasn't long before she could hear the subtle whimpers of Emma's snoring and Regina relaxed a little more. Everything was going to be alright. Once Emma was patched up, they would set back into their mission of pressuring Cora, finding Henry, and start to work on their happily ever after. It might not be the most ideal of ways, but it was a step in the right direction.

Regina rested her eyes, but was quickly startled by the vibrating glow of Emma's phone. Regina's gaze flittered over to the cell resting on the bed near Emma's hand, but Emma seemed undisturbed by its noise. Regina sat staring at the blasted thing, beckoning to be answered. However, after a few seconds, the phone sat silent again. The tenseness in Regina's body began to slowly relax once again until moments later, the phone began its buzzing once more. After this scenario repeated itself a few times over, Regina had had enough.

"Who on earth needs to speak with her so urgently..? Emma hasn't mentioned she's working any other cases right now.." Regina thought to herself. When curiosity finally got the best of her, Regina quickly grabbed the phone, pausing only once to be sure Emma was still asleep. Once she was satisfied with the soft hum of Emma's breathing, Regina pressed the home button on the phone, bringing it back to life.

One phone call and 2 texts from... Mulan BPD..? Who on earth...?

Captain Hua.. Regina remembered. I just knew you'd be a problem.

Regina stood, grabbing her purse. She felt a tight knot forming in her gut as she stared down at Emma.

Mother was right about one thing, she thought to herself, love is most definently weakness. It makes you act foolish. It clouds your better judgement.

Quietly, she walked around the side of Emma's bed, deep in thought.

How stupid am I? None of this is real, it never was... Emma and I were always doomed from the start, I just refused to see it.

Slinging her purse over her shoulder, Regina tossed the phone down onto the bed, bouncing as it fell on Emma's blanketed legs.
Emma jostled slightly but did not wake.

Regina hesitated, her heart filling with anger and sadness. With a firm hand, she tightly gripped the strap of fabric holding the purse onto her shoulder.
Angry tears filled her eyes.

Why am I so... mad right now? Emma was simply hired to find Henry. It's not like we're... a thing. I've no right to be angry but, why do I feel this way??

Taking one last look at her, Regina walked out of the room, and out of the hospital.

**********

Hard wet rain pounded the pavement and streets as Regina found herself driving around the city aimlessly. It was getting later at night and she had to decide if she was going home or going elsewhere. She passed by restaurants, bars and clubs just starting to open up their doors for the night. There were a lot or people out and about, regardless of the wet, chilly November air.

I really need to clear my head..

As if on queue, her attention was suddenly drawn to a bar just before leaving the main portion of the city. Regina parked her car and sat in the cold for a few minutes contemplating her next move; the sound of heavy raindrops drowning out the hustle and bustle of city nightlife.
From what she could tell, there were quite a few patrons inside, but it did seem like a small place, at least from the outside. Beautifully Painted with brown bricks surrounding the polished wooden frame of the bar, it sat in the middle of a row of small shops and businesses. Atop it's beautiful wooden doors was a lit up sign that said "Wolfesbaine". If nothing else, the small bar seems warm and welcoming.

Must be a new spot. I don't remember ever seeing this place before..

Regina's curiosity getting the best of her, she got out of her car, using her coat to shield her from the rain, and briskly walked into the bar.

The scenario that met with Regina the moment the doors slammed shut behind her was unforgiving. After a slight hesitation, she sauntered up to the counter and squeezed herself onto the only vacant seat at the bar–a stool with a torn leather seat. Still unsure if she wanted to stay, she begrudgingly inhaled smoke that permeated the room, forcing her to adopt a squint as she kept the entrance in view.

Obviously this place has no respect for the non-smoking laws of Boston.. Regina thought to herself, allowing the lawyer in her to seep out.

Shaking the thought from her mind, Regina's attention was turned to one of the many TVs blaring overhead, broadcasting the local football game as truckers and locals placed bets over who would win and by how much. Slouched to either side of her, patrons laughed and hollered to one another, as the collection of empty shot glasses and beer mugs in front them suggesting repeat career drinkers.
Just as Regina set her purse on the worn bar and tried to flag down a bartender, she felt the unwanted presents of another, standing much too close for her comfort. Startled at the sudden feeling, she accidentally dragged the sleeve of her coat through a sticky puddle of alcohol on the counter as she briskly withdrew her hand.

Regina glared at the woman who suddenly appeared next to her, giving her best "What the fuck" vibes as she sized the girl up.
Though attractive, the girl seemed much younger than the rest of the patrons in the pub, and had a somewhat "bright eye-bushy tailed" demeanor about her.

"Can you watch what the hell you're doing please??" Regina said.
"I'm sorry, what?" The girl replied, pointing to her ear, "can hardly hear you!"
More annoyed than before, Regina raised her voice to repeat herself, before realizing who she was about to yell at.
She wore a tightly fitted red blouse, unbuttoned and tied up at the bottom, exposing her midriff and her round, near perfect cleavage. Blue jeans so tight it seemed as though her muscular thighs were bursting to escape, and tall red stiletto heels.

Immediately, the bar tender approached the girl without any form of effort on her part and began pouring 3 shots of vodka in front of her.
Thanking the middle aged man with with a wink and some bills, she sucked the clear liquid of one glass down, and slid another to Regina.

Her smile was quite captivating, though she wore too much red lipstick. But what drew Regina in the most, was her long, chestnut brown hair that framed her dark smoky eyes.

"Ruby??" Regina said.

"Hello there Regina, surprised to see you here!" Ruby replied, "This doesn't seem like the type of place you'd frequent."
"Well, it's not. And it's Ms Mills to you." Regina replied still somewhat annoyed. "But it seems as though tonight is undoubtedly full of surprises."
Ruby shrugged.
"What exactly are you doing here then?" Regina asked.
"Oh, I love places like this actually."
Regina raised her brow, taking the free shot in her hand.
"Truth is, My cousin actually owns this place. He opened it about a year ago, and it's finally picking up some steam. He's the bartender."

"Really?" Regina asked, feigning interest.

"Yep!" Ruby replied. "Anyway, the bar is named after our father's side of the family, 'Redwolfe'."

"Ah, yes I see. Wolfsbaine. Clever." Regina offered.
"So, you come here for free drinks then?" She continued, gesturing to the shot glasses.

"Yea, plus, I kind of work here now. Part time anyway."

"Oh." Regina said, "I'm sorry, is the firm not paying you enough?"
"You might say that.." Ruby replied nervously, "The firm has been closed since you left a couple months ago."
Regina nearly choked on the vodka as she took it down. "What?? Closed?"
"Well, yea." Ruby replied matter of factly, "without you or Cora there, there's no one to run it."
With reality once again setting in, Regina replied "Yea.. I Uh, I guess that makes sense."
"Yeup, gotta pay the bills!" Ruby laughed, slamming down her second employ shot glass.

The bartender quickly returned, filling 3 more glasses in front of them. This time, Ruby took only one, and slid the other two toward Regina with a smile. "You can have the extra this time. Looks like you need it."

"Thanks." Regina replied sarcastically. "Do I really look that bad?"
"No, you could never look bad, Ms Mills." Ruby replied, a subtle flirtatiousness to her voice, "but, in light of all that's going on, I don't think it'll hurt."
Regina chuckled, "point taken." As she emptied one of the shots into her mouth, wincing slightly as it ran down her throat.
"So, how is everything going with your son? Have they found him yet?"
"Not exactly." Regina replied, "however, we know that he is with my mother. Which in a way is good and yet also bad."
"With Cora?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. My wonderful loving mother."
A moment of silence passed between them.
"I guess the good news is that I don't believe she would harm him." Regina offered. "But, she's unpredictable so, we're all still on edge."
"Yikes." Ruby replied, sucking down her vodka.
"Cheers to that!" Regina chimed, raising her glass before emptying it once again.

In efforts to change the subject, Ruby asked "so, do you always dress like that?"
"Like what, exactly, Ms. Redwolfe?"
Ruby laughed, "You can call me Ruby. And I meant like, all sexy-professional.. pantsuits and pencil skirts, you know?"
"Well, you can still call me Ms Mills." Regina replied, toying with an empty glass as she began to feel the effects of the vodka, "and yes, I do. I'm sorry you don't find it, pleasing."
Sarcasm dripping from her lips as she maintained eye contact with her.
Ruby smiled, "I never said that.." a certain coyness to her voice as she traced the button-lined V-Neck of Regina's blouse with her fingertip.
The movement of the fabric lightly grazing her skin with Ruby's touch gave Regina goose bumps.
Slowly, she grabbed Ruby's hand firmly, pulling it away from her. "I'll ask you to watch yourself, Ruby. You are my subordinate, and these actions are uncalled for."
Ruby clasped onto Regina's hand with her own, pulling her closer. "In case you forgot, Ms Mills, we no longer work together.. but I'll gladly play the role of your secretary, if it so pleases you." Then she turned, her back leaning against the counter, flirtatiously smiling at Regina.

Oh how badly Regina wanted to fuck her, just to put her in her place, if nothing else.

Compose yourself, Regina. She reminded herself.

"I'm going to need a few more of these." Regina replied, brandishing an empty shot glass. It was gonna take more than a few drinks to help her forget this dumpster fuck of a day.
Ruby smiled, then placed her fingers in her mouth whistling to her cousin for more shots. Quickly he filled 3 more tiny glasses with vodka. Regina took one, bringing it up to her face "is this all you drink?"
"It gets the job done." Ruby replied, "besides, it doesn't look like you came here for wine and cheese."
"No, I most certainly did not."
They both took down these shots, slamming them back onto the wood of the counter, smiling at each other.

This motion of taking shot after shot went on as the hours ticked by, until finally the bartender announced for last call.
"Shit, what time is is??"
Ruby glanced at her phone "It's nearly 3."
"In the morning??" Regina asked.
Ruby nodded.
"Alright, I need to get home." Regina replied, stumbling a bit as she stepped down from her stool.
"Oh no you don't.." Ruby replied, attempting to catch her, stumbling as well. They both laughed at themselves as they held on to each other for balance.
"I don't think you're fit to drive, Ms Mills."
"'I don't think you're fit to drive Ms Mills!"
Regina said mockingly, "and you think that you are?"
"Absolutely not!" Ruby replied, "thankfully I live in the apartment above this place. You should spend the night, I promise, no funny business!"

Regina paused, examining her.
At this point, I wouldn't mind some good 'ol funny business..
She thought to herself, looking around the room. "Hey," she exclaimed, "is your cousin a twin? Since when we're they both working the bar?"
Confused, Ruby looked up to try to see what Regina was referring to.
"Um.. how many fingers am I holding up?" She said to Regina.
Trying to focus on Ruby's hand, she replied "A lot.."
"Yeup, ok" Ruby replied, "You're definitely not driving."

**********

As they made their way up the spiral staircase at the back of the bar towards the apartments, Regina used one hand to tightly grip the metal of the handrail; the cold steel giving some life to her drunken state. The other arm however, was wrapped around Ruby's thin waist, her fingertips tucked just below her belt at her hip, as she attempted to steady herself for the climb.
"Hey now," Ruby teased, "watch where your hands go, we agreed their would be no funny business, remember?"
As Ruby spoke, Regina misstepped, tripping over the stairs. Ruby caught her just in time, saving Regina from what could have been a very unfortunate ending to the day.
Ruby and Regina laughed as they nice again tried to steady themselves up the stairs.

Once they reached the top, Regina leaned her back against the wall just outside Ruby's door.
Her eyelids drooped and she smiled, "You know Ruby, you really are beautiful. If this were another time..."
"What's wrong with now?"
Hungrily, Ruby leaned into her boss, placing her free hand against the wall by Regina's head. Their lips were mere inches from each other. A moment of silence passed, until Regina could take no more. Like a Hunter going in for her kill, Regina took Ruby's mouth with her own, kissing her as she moved forward, pressing her against her apartment door.
Ruby, now taking full advantage, ripped open Regina's button down blouse, exposing her bra and cleavage.

Suddenly, as if an animal tempted by a bloody steak, Ruby began her ravage. Her hands briskly exploring Regina's body as they kissed.
Regina spun Ruby around, biting the side of her neck, and whispered "Open the door."

Once inside, Ruby pressed Regina face first against the wall, using her full body to apply pressure. Using her knee, she briskly separated Regina's thighs. "I gotta say, Ms. Mills, I daydreamed about this over and over in my mind, sitting at the front desk of the office.. I never imagined it would come true." Ruby whispered with wet words into Regina's ear. Regina made a motion to speak, but was caught by surprise to feel Ruby's hands groping her ass, almost too hard.
"Just do what we both know I came here for, I don't need to hear about your dreams." Regina replied sternly.
Abruptly, she turned to face Ruby, breaking her hold. Quickly she pushed passed her and moved toward the bed. Ruby was quick to follow, taking Regina down onto the mattress with her. The two women lay there tangled with one another, as Ruby restrained the older woman kissing her roughly on the mouth.

Regina closed her eyes letting out a soft moan; the sound of her voice echoing off the mouth
Of her secretary as their bodies pressed together. Regina could feel the knot in her stomach loosening as she became more and more in-tuned to the task at hand. The air in the room became hot and thick with sweat with every second that passed, taking Regina's memories with it. Though she had always thought Ruby to be a very attractive woman, she'd never allow her thoughts to drift while married to Robin. Especially not about another woman... that wasn't Emma.

However, now that she felt another woman's naked skin colliding with her own, it wasn't that hard to imagine. After all, there was something to say about the fact that Ruby confessed her attraction to Regina, especially since Ruby was almost 10 years younger than her.

I guess I still got it.. Regina thought to herself.

All at once, Regina was shaken from her day dreams the moment she felt Ruby's fingertips climbing their way up the inside of her thigh, pushing their way beyond the fabric of her much too tight pencil skirt.
Her heart began to race as their mouths once again found each other; the taste of Vodka remnants lingering.

"I've been wondering," Ruby began, "What do you think Cora would say about fucking your secretary? Do you think she'd prefer me over that detective? What's her name again.. Emma?"

Regina's eyes went wide as hot red anger pierced through her.

"You do NOT have permission to put Emma's name in your FUCKING mouth!" Regina boomed, grabbing hold of Ruby's throat. Through gasping breath, Ruby only smiled, "now, that's more LIKE IT!"
"You're more twisted than I thought.." Regina said out loud, noticing the spark in Ruby's eyes.
They both stared at one another for the next few seconds as Regina held on to Ruby's neck. "So, you want it kinky, then?" Regina asked. She had now reached a point where she found something that would help her forget. To forget all the heartache, sorrow and fear that had been building over the last few months would be a blessing. "Looks like you enjoy a little pain.." she continued, "well, so do I."

Regina removed the thin leather belt that sat decoratively on the hips of her skirt, and tightened it around Ruby's neck. Using the slack of the belt she tugged at it like a leash, pulling Ruby up to her face.

Regina pulled tighter at the make-shift leash pressing Ruby's lips to hers. The sheer power she had over the girl sent shivers down her body. This felt different than sex with anyone else.. it was defanantly hotter than sex with any man she had been with. Although, it didn't say much considering there weren't many, and sex with men was just so.. boring.
It was like sex with Emma.. only, without the love, the tenderness... it was just raw sex. But for the moment, it was exactly what Regina needed. She needed to feel powerful again. She needed to regain control.

Regina pushed Ruby back down onto the bed, letting go of the belt-leash for a moment. Ruby lay there, face up smiling at Regina. The leather strand now lose around her.

"You havnt given up, have you?" Ruby taunted, licking her blood red lips.
"Given up?" Regina asked smirking, "Well now, I thought you knew me better than that!"

As she spoke, Regina roughly peeled away the tight denim that was seemingly painted onto Ruby's long legs, pulling off her heels and separating Ruby's thighs so that she was spread wide before her. She grabbed hold of the would-be leash once more, wrapping it around her fist to pull it tight again. Then, she placed her free hand against Ruby's core, feeling her body heat pulse with her sticky sweetness. After realizing how easy it would be to slide one or two fingers in, Regina opted for three, purposefully not taking her time about it. As she did so, she pressed her own hips against the back of her hand, using them to thrust herself into Ruby. Within seconds, Regina could feel Ruby's muscles contract in pleasure as they fought to push Regina out. As the muscles in her arm flexed, Regina stood her ground, causing a booming rumbling howell to escape from Ruby's lips as she came.

Regina released the leather from her grasp, and slowed her pace to a stop as the two women lay in a sweaty, drunken heap. Both of them now on their backs, gasping for breath.

A few moments later, Ruby climbed over her, softly kissing Regina's body. In a trail, Ruby dragged her lips down, over Regina's breasts, down her firm stomach, using her hands to remove her skirt. Regina spread herself, bending her knees as Ruby's tongue traced over her skin. Using her mouth, Ruby took Regina's now swollen clit into her mouth, sucking and playing with it. Regina moaned and screamed with pleasure, gyrating her hips to help her along. Within minutes, Regina grabbed Ruby by her hair, pressing her face further in as she came, hard into Ruby's mouth.

Seconds later, both women relaxed.

"You taste sweet.. like honey." Ruby remarked, using the back of her hand to wipe her mouth.
Regina just rolled her eyes, pulling a sheet over her body. Resting her head on one of the pillows, Regina closed her eyes.