Let's Play Pretend
Let's Play Pretend
Note: I do not own Once Upon A Time or its characters. I do not make a profit from writing this.
Rating: PG
Warning: Language
Genre: Fluff
Characters: (in order by mention or appearance) Regina Mills, Archie Hopper, Henry Mills, Ruby Lucas, Emma Swan, Maggie (OFC), Alexandra Boyd-Herman, Ashley Boyd, Sean Herman
Summary: He was supposed to be spending the weekend alone with the woman he loved, due to an abrupt change of plans, they have to play house instead. It opens their eyes to what they could have had, and still could...
“I know this is an unusual request, Doctor Hopper, but you’re the only person I trust with Henry,” Regina Mills said, her tone and the cruelty in her face left little option to say no.
Archie swallowed thickly, “But-I-I-had plans this weekend,” he said, clearly his throat.
The Mayor’s laugh was cold, “To spend time with the town whore, I know. You can move that to another time, my son is more important that getting laid,” she hissed as Henry peeked his head in.
“Mom, what’s taking so long?” he asked, annoyance tugging at his voice as only a child could carry, she looked from him to Archie, her brows raised.
“Fine. This is the last favor I do for you Miss Mills,” he said, voice low, trying to control his rising emotions. “You have no control over me; I’m doing this for his sake, not yours. That woman you view as nothing more than a common whore is the woman I love. I will not stand for you to address her as such. If I hear you say that again, just remember whose good side you need to stay on, understand?”
Regina’s eyes were wide at his words, it made him grin, “No promises. Henry, be good for Doctor Hopper, stay with him and do not run off to see Miss Swan.”
“Yes Mom,” Henry muttered diligently. With that Regina walked out of Archie’s office, leaving Henry to turn and peer up at Archie. “So, I get to stay with you for the weekend?” he asked.
Archie nodded, “Yes, you are. Are you ok with that?” he asked, knowing Henry had little choice in the matter.
The boy just shrugged, “It’s better than going with her. I really don’t like Maggie,” he said simply, “After all, she’s really Maleficent so I’d rather stay away from two evil witches.”
Archie fought back a chuckle, “Henry…”
“I know, I know, They aren’t evil,” he said, rolling his eyes, “But who’s the whore?”
“Henry!” Archie cried, Henry just looked at him, wide eyed.
“What? Who was Mom talking about?” he asked.
The Doctor shook his head, “That word isn’t to be repeated. It’s a mean word Henry, it’s degrading to women. But if you must know, she was talking about Ruby. We had plans for this weekend,” Archie explained.
At that Henry’s brows knitted, “Ruby’s not bad. She can’t be, she’s Little Red Riding Hood,” Henry said.
“Oh is she now?” Archie asked, Henry nodded.
“Yeah, haven’t you noticed? All the red? The wolf thing she keeps in her car? She lives with her Granny? Brings food to people?”
Archie was actually taken back by that, “For once, Henry, I cannot fight your logic. They are similar,” at this Henry beamed up at him.
“I knew you’d start to catch on!” Henry said happily.
Archie smiled and ruffled his hair, he didn’t say anything more on the subject, he didn’t want to give the boy false hope. Instead he began to pack up his bags, given Henry was his last appointment of the day. Henry merely watched him, swinging his legs back and forth.
“There’s just one thing I have to do first, I have to call Ruby, is that alright?” he asked, Henry shrugged, he obviously didn’t care.
As the phone rang in his ear, he wondered what Ruby’s reaction would be…but he did not expect her greeting as she finally answered. “Hey love bug.” Her voice was a high croon.
He was taken back, “Uh, Ruby?”
“Yes?” her voice was still high and didn’t drop as she continued to speak, “What’s up?”
“Is there any reason why you’re talking like that?” he asked, she merely laughed then ouched.
“Sure is. I got a surprise for you,” she crooned.
“I can’t imagine what you have as a surprise,” he said mildly.
She laughed again, “Don’t be naughty. Guess what we’re doing this weekend?”
“What?” he asked.
“Playing house! Ashley has decided to enjoy the weekend with Sean and I got my Princess for the weekend! Yes, yes I do!”
He laughed softly as it suddenly clicked to why she was talking in such a high pitch, “We definitely are. Guess what? Regina has deemed me Henry’s caretaker for the weekend.”
“Look at that, we got a girl and a boy and I didn’t have to destroy my body to do it,” she joked, he just shook his head.
“I’ll pick up pizza on the way home if that’s ok with you,” he said.
“Sounds good, hurry home honey, I miss you,” she giggled then hung up.
He couldn’t help but grin; he really did love that woman.
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To be Continued
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This one part to a longer story...which I'm still writing, but I wanted to post this for writerserenyty, my fellow Ruarch shipper, given it's her birthday. I hope you enjoy it sweetie! ♥