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Sins of the Past - Part 3

Fanfiction _ Once Upon a Time

Fictober 2022/ Prompt #10: “It’s my name on the line.”

Summary: Regina’s plans are moving right along. Our Storybrooke heroes race to help Archie.

Author’s Note: I really loved Archie and Regina’s relationship in the series. Did I entertain the Regal Cricket fandom? Absolutely. But if we’re going with canon characters, Red is a healthier, happier option, in my opinion. Humor me as I dabble.

…….

Regina was practically giddy; her plan was working just as she knew it would. All of Storybrooke’s heroes were twisted with concern over their dear, sweet cricket. From what she’d heard Dr. Hopper had made quite the spectacle in front of the lovely Belle. The good mayor knew Gold would be hearing all about it later on. Perhaps he’d be at war with his decision, but Regina couldn’t be bothered with his waffling morality. She had bigger plans in place.

She carefully descended the steps into her crypt, heading straight for the back wall. She’d spent so much time down here she could locate each item with her eyes closed. She gathered each item, lining them up on a ornate table in the center of the room. As she worked, her mind drifted to the good doctor, and the time they spent together before Emma Swan came to Storybrooke.

In the Enchanted Forest, Archie Hopper was a cricket, a conscious, a nuisance, something she could easily swat away or crush with her foot. Here in Storybrooke, though, he was a friendly face, a willing ear, and, with enough liquor and encouragement, a very attentive lover.

In the beginning, Regina thought she’d received everything she ever wanted, but after enough time had passed she soon grew bored. Long before her desire for a child she opted to test boundaries and relationships – just to see what she could get away with in this new world.

Dr. Archibald Hopper had been an intriguing character she soon found herself wanting to deconstruct. Handsome in a buttoned-up sort of way, Regina found the college professor look oddly appealing. He frequented the Rabbit Hole enough for her to notice, typically drinking alone while casting nervous glances in Ruby’s direction.

It hadn’t been hard to get him tipsy; he’d welcomed the company and the conversation, and of course, Regina was no novice when it came to seduction. A brush of the hand here, a hand on the knee there, and dear Dr. Hopper was flushed with arousal. She’d smothered his morality with smoldering kisses and trailing hands until he was trembling beneath her from want.

She’d lured him back to his office each time, making sure the blinds were open just enough where they could be seen. A drunk Leroy saw them once, starting the rumor, and putting a stain on sweet Archie’s reputation. Most of the town didn’t believe it, but the rumor was there as Regina intended.

“It’s my name on the line,” he’d stressed to her the next day in her office. The look of betrayal Archie gave her had done little to Regina’s mood, and the doctor, seeing she wasn’t concerned with his name or reputation, had slunk away with his tail between his legs. Regina grinned at the memory.

Poor Dr. Hopper. He was so lonely, so desperate for affection and respect, and she’d used him for her own enjoyment. It had been a delightful surprise to know the walking conscious knew exactly what to do with her, and unlike some of the men she’d tempted in Storybrooke, Dr. Hopper liked to take his time. In hindsight, perhaps Regina could have utilized his… abilities more often. But his damned moral code was draining.

“There we are,” she murmured, placing the last item on the table. “Now, let’s see how the savior handles this little disaster.”

……………..

“Archie! Archie!” Emma pounded on the doctor’s front door, Ruby and Mary Margaret flanking her. David, Marco, and Leroy were at the back trying to find a way in.

“Archie, please, open the door,” Mary Margaret called.

Ruby sniffed the air. “We’ve got to get inside now,” she said, tone urgent. “Can you get us in?”

Emma cast an insulted look over her shoulder before dropping to her knees. “Of course I can get us in,” she replied, starting to pick the lock. She didn’t voice her concern about what they might find when they were inside.

The door swung open, revealing a darkened house. The smell of alcohol was overwhelming, and as Emma took a tentative step inside she heard glass crunch under her boots. “Archie?” She called, hesitating before she flicked the hall light on. Mary Margaret gasped as the light displayed the full destruction of the house. Furniture was tipped over, books torn and scattered, and glass covered most of floor. “Archie?” Emma called again, moving further into the house with Mary Margaret and Ruby close by.

She heard a crunch in front of her and looked up to see David coming through a back window. “Anything?” He asked, and Emma shook her head. He went to unlock the back door for Marco and Leroy, while Emma continued through the house. Archie’s house wasn’t large – a three bedroom, two bath with a front room serving as a library, a kitchen, and a small laundry room. The space was utilized well, and between the six of them they were able to rule out every room but one: Archie’s bedroom.

The house was now bathed in light, and the trail of disaster had gone from room to room. “Do you think he did this?” Leroy asked softly, lifting his eyes under darkened brows.

“I smell alcohol, and blood, and…,” Ruby trailed off, a look of panic crossing her face as she moved to Archie’s bedroom door. “Archie? Archie, it’s Ruby. I’m coming in, okay? Don’t shoot.” David and Mary Margaret shot each other a concerned look while Marco ran a trembling hand over his face. Ruby slowly turned the door knob, surprised it wasn’t locked, and let the door swing open gently. “Archie,” she called into the darkened bedroom, reaching her hand inside to turn on the light.

“Don’t.” His strangled voice made her freeze. “I don’t want you to see me like this. Please.”

“Archie, it’s Emma.” Emma slid past Ruby, ignoring the crunch of broken glass as she stepped into the dark bedroom. “We came to make sure you were all right.”

A broken laugh from the corner of the room. Archie’s typical raspy voice sounded raw and drained as he began to speak. “Ironic, isn’t it?”

“What is, Archie?” Emma held up a hand to keep the others at bay while she slowly crept closer.

“I’m the town psychiatrist, and you’ve come to see if I’m all right.” His laugh turned to a sob, and Emma froze. In all the time she’d known Archie she’d never heard him sound so… hopeless. “Please leave. Please. I’m begging you.”

“I can’t do that, Archie, and I think you know that. How could I look Henry in the eye again?”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” His voice was so soft Emma almost didn’t hear him.

“Emma, get out of there now,” Ruby said so firmly Emma actually took a step back.

“Please, don’t hurt her,” Archie cried, his voice breaking with tears.

“Archie?”

“Emma, now!” Ruby cried, reaching out for the blonde. Emma whirled on her heel, a rush of panic racing through her as she felt what Ruby had been trying to warn her about.

“Emma!”

Emma Swan was glued to the spot, paralyzed with fear as she watched in horror as the bedroom door swung shut, and the darkness swallowed her whole.

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