AN Well this is it! Last chapter. I have had so much fun on this journey and hope you enjoy the end. Who knew writing the final chapter and saying 'goodbye' to a fic could be so hard? Thanks to those who followed and favourite this fic. It means so much and a super special thank you to those who have taken the time to review. It helped me so much.
Regina lent against the cool railing, her gaze fixed on the ocean in front of her as the breeze whipped her hair about her face. It was early – the sun had barely begun to rise and in the aftermath of the attack on Alayna the night before she relished the calmness of the silent, pre-dawn town she built. Images of Blue running Alayna through with the dark fairy's want had plagued her dreams. Sometimes there were screams of horror from Snow and David and Emma, other times the townspeople had cheered as life had run from her daughters too still body. Each time Regina had awoken shaking, tears flowing from her eyes and unable to breathe as she had searched the bed beside her for her little girl frantic until she found her warm and soft, at this last horrific awakening she found her baby lying on Robin's chest.
This time even the thought of facing another nightmare was too much and Regina slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Robin and Alayna. After pacing downstairs for 10 minutes, unable to quiet her mind and going crazy with idleness she summoned clothing from upstairs, covering herself in purple smoke as her magic dressed her in boots and black jeans, a comfortable sweater. She took her jacket from the closet and made her way outside. The air was cool and it was still dark out though the chirping of neighbourhood birds was a telltale sign that morning wasn't far away.
She walked at a pace fast enough to get her heart rate up, hoping the exercise would rid her of the visions that were haunting her but it wasn't until she made it to the docks that she realised what she really needed to do. Leaning against the railing she let the tears fall. One became two, became a stream until her nose was running and her shoulders were shaking. She buried her face in her hands and for the first time in two years truly let go.
"Regina?" She heard the soft lilt in the voice, the gentleness with how he spoke her name and rather than calming her his soft tone only made her cry harder. She raised her head from her hands as her shoulders shook with more force but she could not bring herself to turn around – to show him just how quickly she had crumbled. She felt Robin's arms come around her pulling her back to his front while he softly kissed her hair and whispered comforting words into her ear but he made no move to turn her – knowing she would not want him to see her in such a state, that she would face him when she was ready. She leaned back into him as she continued to cry and as the tears lessened she turned quickly to bury her face in his chest, hoping he wouldn't see her so distraught.
"It's ok Regina, we're safe, we're here and we're safe," he whispered continuing to kiss her hair.
At that Regina pulled back sharply, "where's Alayna? You didn't leave her alone?" Robin was taken aback by her state - her swollen, red eyes, the scratchiness of her voice – how long had she been crying out here, alone?
"Of course not, Mac came with Maleficent. He told me you were here, to come to you." Regina immediately relaxed and hid her face again into Robin's chest breathing him in. Of course Mac would have felt her distress. She was embarrassed but a wave of peace came over her when Robin wrapped his arms around her, pulling her impossibly closer to him and she felt incredibly grateful to have this, to have him.
After a long stretch of silence where they both just relished the feeling of being in the other's arms Regina spoke: "Did I ever tell you that Henry – he, d-died?" Regina whispered. Robin's hand that had been circling her back stilled for a moment before he continued his comforting strokes.
"No Milady, I don't believe you did," he replied, equally quiet. Surprised that she was talking to him without prompting and not wanting to break the calmness that seemed to surround them despite her obvious distress.
"He did – twice," she continued, turning her head to bury her face in the crook of his neck. "Once, when we were in Neverland, he gave Pan his heart. We were able to get it back but until then… he was, he – " she couldn't continue and Robin nodded so she could feel he understood.
"And the second time?" Robin prompted gently.
"I killed him," she whispered, and again the gentle passes Robin's hand was making on her back stopped. "My jealousy, my anger, my fears – they killed him."
"You'll need to be more specific my love – what happened?" Robin went to move back so he could look at her but Regina stopped him by tightening her arms around him. Sure that she wouldn't be able to tell him this if she were looking at him.
"It was before Neverland, before Pan, when Emma came to Storybrooke. I wanted her gone so I gave her a pastry with a sleeping curse in it. Henry ate it to prove to her that I was the Evil Queen. He, he died – Emma was able to bring him back with True Love's Kiss and the curse was broken." She paused, "you know the stupid thing is that Emma was leaving Storybrooke – she was going to leave and that wasn't enough for me… I almost – k-killed my son to win, to have her permanently gone – to keep that stupid curse."
Robin felt her shoulders begin to shake again and walked them slowly to sit on a bench still facing the ocean. He manoeuvred her so she was sitting on his lap and sat quietly for a moment. Happy to share her burdens but also confused.
"Regina?" he whispered and at her murmured reply he continued, "love what has brought this up again?" Regina pulled back, sniffing and wiping her eyes.
"I've faced a lot of adversity in my life Robin," she began, her voice still raw. Robin nodded, agreeing. She had confided so much of her story in him during the missing year. "But I have never felt as scared as I did when I lost Henry. Not when facing my mother, or Rumple or the King. Not with Pan or Zelena – even when I was sure I would lose in that fight against her I wasn't as terrified as I was when Henry's heart stopped beating. Last night, when Blue had Alayna, when I knew we couldn't save her , when I could see in Blue's eyes that she would really take Alayna's life – that was when I felt that fear – like ice in my veins…" she looked back out at the ocean. Robin remained silent – still unsure what this was all about – Alayna was in danger and he had been terrified but she hadn't died.
With another sniff and wipe at her eyes Regina finally turned to face him, more tears welling in her eyes as she looked at him. "Those other times – with H-Henry. I was alone. I – I had to bury what I felt – I couldn't face it, I had no one to share the fear, the burden of what I had done and I couldn't deal with it on my own so I swallowed it down." She looked back out at the ocean. "Last night I kept dreaming about Blue – taking Alayna, k-killing her – Gods Robin it was so real." She turned back and snuggled into his embrace again. "When I woke up I had to get out, I was going crazy… when I came here I realised I wasn't alone this time. I could grieve, I could feel… because I had you." She pulled back to look up at him. "I love you Robin." She whispered. "And I think I finally believe that's not a weakness – you're not my weakness – you're my strength."
Robin ducked his head to press a kiss to her temple, to the tear tracks beneath her eyes and then finally to her lips. Regina ran her hands up from where they were pressed into his chest to his hair and pulled him closer to her. Deepening the kiss and drinking him in as though he were the very air she needed to breathe. She needed to show him how much she loved him, how grateful she was to have him in her life and how much she needed him. With a wave of her hand she enveloped them in purple smoke transporting them to her vault. Robin was intoxicated by her kiss and failed to notice the change of location until he felt the softness of a mattress beneath them and the support of the seat that was at his back disappear. He fell backwards, pulling Regina on top of him earning him a dry chuckle from the sorceress above him.
He broke the kiss, reaching a hand up to stroke her cheek, "I'll never get tired of that sound Milady," he whispered, glancing around him to take in his surroundings. "Regina?" He queried. Regina moved to kiss him again but he stopped her with a hand to her cheek. "You're upset, you've just been crying – I don't know that we should –" Regina stopped him with soft kiss.
"I need to be one with you Robin," she whispered. "Make love to me." She said moving in for another kiss. The peace in her voice was enough for Robin to know she was ok. He gently rolled so that Regina was beneath him. A desperate need to be skin to skin over taking him, leading his fingers to deftly open the buttons on her jacket and raise the fabric of the sweater underneath to expose the skin of her belly.
"I love you Regina," Robin said breaking their kiss to look into her eyes. "So much. And I am so glad, privileged, to be here for you, to share your burdens and your pain. I'm sorry that I – " at that Regina quickly raised her hand, her fingers covering his mouth.
"No – no apologies Robin. We have both apologised enough to last a lifetime. I forgive you." She smiled softly at him. "I love you - I'm ready to move forward Robin – with you, with Henry and Roland and Alayna. Let's not waste any more time on apologies." She slowly brought his face down to hers, kissing him once, twice, before deepening the kiss. Robin groaned as her tongue entered his mouth, tasting, exploring in a way that was both new and familiar. He pulled his hands from her hair to shuffle out of his own jacket and shirt, breaking their kiss again to slide Regina's arms free of the confines of her jacket and pull her sweater over her head.
"Gods you are beautiful Milady," Robin whispered looking down at her bare torso as Regina slid the straps of her navy, lace bra from her shoulders revealing her breasts to him with a cheeky smile.
"You're not so bad yourself Thief," she murmured, lifting the white vest that covered him up his chest until Robin lifted it over his head. Regina moved to unbutton his jeans, pausing to watch Robin stand and pull them down with his boxers in one move. Staring at him bare before her Regina felt heat pool in her belly and a dull throbbing begin at the apex of her thighs. By the Gods his was a specimen of a man, and he was hers. Robin smirked as he saw desire darken Regina's eyes and her tongue unconsciously slipped out to moisten her lips. He loved the effect he had on her. With all the game playing that had occurred in the early days of their relationship back in the Enchanted Forest there was always something incredibly primal about their desire and need for each other. Something that had always crossed the social boundaries that should have separated them. He was never convinced that their attraction to each other, their physical need for each other could be explained away by Tinkerbelle's soul mate theory… But looking at Regina now as she slowly, sensually unbuttoned her own jeans and kicked off her boots he found he really didn't need an explanation – he would just thank the Gods that this woman was his.
When Regina had dropped her jeans to the floor Robin kneeled on the bed and stilled her hands that were toying with the top of her lacy underwear. "Allow me, my love," he said softly, slipping his fingers into her panties, one hand moving underneath her to squeeze her buttocks and the other moving between her legs to find her already warm and wet. He groaned as he toyed with her opening, not quite wanting to pump his fingers into her wetness yet, needing to hear her whimper for him first. He spread some of her wetness up to her clit, slowly rubbing fondling circles over her bundle of nerves before returning to tease her opening again. The hand at her rear slowly worked her panties down her legs until Regina impatiently kicked them off.
Robin broke their kiss to work his way down her neck to her breasts and found one of Regina's hands already twisting and squeezing her nipple while the other toyed with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Robin, please," she sighed. He pressed open-mouthed kisses to the underside of her breast before taking a nipple into his mouth and sucking fervently. As his lips closed over her nipple he slowly pumped a finger inside her, earning a groan as her hips rose to meet his finger. He pumped in and out in a slow rhythm while enjoying suckling on her breasts and then added a second finger hearing her hiss out a 'yes' breathlessly.
"Gods you're a vision like this Regina," he whispered as his face hovered above hers once more while his fingers continued to move inside her. He kissed his way down her body, over the stomach that had held his daughter down to her core. Pressing kisses to her pubic bone and becoming impossibly harder at the scent of her arousal. He gave a firm stroke of his tongue from the opening where his fingers continued to languidly pump inside her to her clit before beginning to work her bundle of nerves in earnest.
"Oh Robin, yes," Regina moaned, unable to control the rising of her hips against Robin's face. Robin moved the hand that hand been gripping her hips across her stomach to hold her in place as he suckled her clit firmly, bringing her over the edge with a moan. He released her clit with a last teasing lick and continued to pump in and out of her with his fingers as she came down from her high. Resting his face on her stomach between her hips he caught his breath until at Regina's beckoning he moved back up to kiss her deeply.
"I love giving you pleasure," he whispered against her brow as he gently stroked her hair. "Watching you come like that." He kissed her again as Regina moved, flipping them over so she could straddle him with a soft, sated smile.
"Let me give you pleasure Thief," she said and when Robin expected her to slowly take him inside her she surprised him by moving instead to sit lower on the bed, pushing his legs apart as she bent her head to press open mouthed kisses to his already hard cock.
"Regina – you don't have to – " whatever he was going to say melted into a groan as Regina took him into her warm mouth. Firmly sucking as she pulled back so only the head remained she swirled her tongue over his tip before letting it leave her mouth with a wet plop.
"I know I don't have to Thief," she said, surprisingly commanding given she had just had his cock in her mouth. "I want to." Her head was back between his legs and she swiftly took him back into her mouth again. Setting up a quick rhythm where she sucked, twirled and moved her hand to pump the base of his cock in time with the bounce of her head. Robin was quickly moving towards his peak and as he raised his head to watch her he nearly came in her mouth. Seeing her head bounce over his crotch while her firm arse was poised in the air was too much and he pulled himself quickly and somewhat painfully out of her mouth, scraping his member against her teeth in his hurry to remove it.
"Robin what - ?" Regina looked up confused.
"Gods Regina have you any idea how sexy that is?" Robin asked breathless. "I almost came in your mouth." He looked at her incredulous as to how quickly she had brought him almost to orgasm. He had always prided himself on his control in the bedroom but this minx was his undoing. "I really, really need to be inside you right now." He said, still breathing hard and nearly coming as Regina smirked and stalked towards him on her hands and knees like a lioness. They locked lips in another fierce kiss as Robin flipped them, sliding easily into her wet core as Regina wrapped her legs around him and moaned at the feeling of him filling her.
Robin paused to press his forehead against hers, breathing deeply to calm himself wanting to bring Regina to her peak again before arriving there himself. Regina pressed her lips to his before she began to rock against him impatiently and taking her cue Robin began to move slowly in and out of her. He kissed her once more on her lips, then her shoulder before he pulled back, bringing her legs over his forearms to enter her more deeply and groaning at the combination of the feel of her tight around him and the vision of her writhing in pleasure beneath him as he hit that spot in side her with every thrust.
"Yes, Robin," she mewled, fingers twisting in sheets as she climbed that peak again. "More – please, faster," she cried breathless as she dropped a hand to her core and began to rub furiously to bring her much needed friction that, at this angle, Robin couldn't provide.
"Gods you're gorgeous Regina," Robin spoke softly, knowing his words were always enough to tip her over the edge. "So tight and wet, I love the feel of being inside you… Come lovely, let me feel you come on my cock." Bending his head to suckle her breast he felt her go over the edge and groaned in relief as he came inside her with her shuddering muscles milking his cock.
"Gods Robin that was amazing," Regina breathed, giggling slightly as she sunk further into the mattress, boneless and loving the feeling of his weight on her as he caught his breath.
"You're amazing." Robin breathed. Raising his head to press a kiss to her lips, pulling back momentarily before kissing her more deeply. "I love you," he whispered against her lips before hugging her to him, his face in the crook of her neck.
Regina held him to her, soothingly moving her hands up and down his back. "We need to go home Robin," she practically slurred, feeling so relaxed – not wanting to leave the cocoon of peace they had built for themselves but knowing she needed to head home and see Alayna, talk to Mac and Maleficent.
"Hmm," Robin agreed, breathing her in one last time before pulling back to look into her eyes. "What if I want to keep you to myself a little longer?" He queried, playing with a lock of her hair.
"Later," she promised. Pressing her lips to his as she waved her hand, clothing them once more.
"Hey!" Robin pouted, "no fair!"
"Hmm – it was necessary or you wouldn't have left the bed." Regina smirked, pushing him back so she could wriggle out from under him and get to her feet. Holding out her hand for Robin to take and pulling him to his feet. Robin pulled her in for another kiss as she once more waved her hand and surrounded them in purple smoke bringing them to her living room.
Regina pulled back to smile at Robin as the purple smoke dissipated only to find Henry, Alayna, Mac and Maleficent all awake and more than a little worried. Henry's face immediately broke into a smile when he saw his mother smiling at him.
"Mom!"
"Henry – what are you doing here? I thought you were with Emma?" She looked questioningly at Mac who raised his hands, palms facing outward in a gesture to show he had no part in Henry's appearance in her living room.
"I wanted to make sure you were ok – that Lainey was ok so I came first thing this morning but you weren't here! I was so worried," he said moving into her embrace as he whispered so only she could hear, "I thought you had left again."
Regina tightened her grip on Henry as tears welled in her eyes. "Oh Henry," she said catching Robin's eyes as he moved Alayna onto his hip and guilt washed over her. "I won't leave you again – I promise." She pulled back to look in his eyes. "Not by choice Henry – never by choice okay? I will always fight to stay with you. I'm your Mom – just as much as I am Lainey's Mom. And I will always fight for our family, for all of us to be together." She pulled Henry back into a tight embrace. "Now - how about some breakfast?" She looked up, eyebrows raised, silently asking the wider group if they wanted to eat. She was starving and warmth coloured her cheeks as the caught Robin's gaze and recalled their earlier activities – no doubt the reason for her growling stomach.
"Sure," Mac said warmly, reaching for Maleficent's hand and entwining their fingers. "Let's have brunch."
"I don't know that I have much to offer," Regina said moving towards the kitchen mentally running through the contents of her fridge.
"Mom, Grandma and Grandpa are at Granny's?" Henry suggested and Regina's eyes widened. "I'm sure they would love us to join them."
"Okay – " she said, her voice less sure than she had intended. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath. "Sure Henry. We can go to Granny's". She gave a reassuring smile and put her arm over his shoulders. "That's where we always go to celebrate, right?" Henry smiled back and it warmed her heart.
"That's right," he said.
No one was surprised when silence fell over the diner as the bell rang signalling their entrance. Regina and Henry were first through the door, her arm having remained over his shoulders on the walk to the diner. Robin, with Alayna still on his hip followed them and numerous eyebrows rose when Mac and Maleficent followed, still hand in hand.
Ruby broke the silence, walking speedily around the counter to envelope Regina in a hug. Regina froze in shock – clearly taken aback by the unusally warm welcome. 'God Regina are you ok?" Ruby began as she pulled back. "Mary Margaret told us what happened!" She looked over to Alayna and gently stroked the crown of her head. "How terrifying – is she ok? I can't believe Blue would do such a horrible thing." Granny had also moved to approach the group.
"People can justify some crazy things Ruby – you know that. I'm glad you were able to stop her Regina," Granny said with a nod.
"I didn't stop her," Regina replied with a small smile. "Alayna saved herself." She reached out to softly stroke her daughter's back as she snuggled into Robin. Still shy at the attention that was being bestowed upon her by these strangers.
"Well I'm sure your love is what gave her the strength to do it." Granny said, brooking no argument and Regina gave a small smile and nodded at the old wolf who had certainly surprised her with her support since her return.
Granny and Ruby moved back to the counter as Henry, Regina and Robin took Alayna towards the Charmings' booth. Mary Margaret, David, Emma and Hook were already part way through breakfast. They had nearly reached their destination when Grumpy and his 'munchkins' were suddenly in their path. Grumpy had his hands in his pockets, his look fierce and Robin instinctively turned so that Alayna was away from the dwarf.
"Whatever you have to say Leroy – " he began, his voice commanding. Leroy put a hand up to silence the thief.
"Look sister – I don't like you, I never have. What you did to all of us in the Enchanted Forest made all our lives a living hell." Robin went to interrupt but Regina silenced him with a glare. She was used to this – had been enduring Grumpy's barbs for years and would continue to endure it, she didn't want or need Robin fighting her battles. "But what Blue did to you – to your kid – that was wrong." Regina's eyes snapped to Grumpy's – her face showing no reaction but internally her heart pounded causing a rush to her ears.
"What did you say?" She asked sternly.
"I said she was wrong – we," he said looking at his fellow dwarves, "were wrong. If Blue can do something so bat shit crazy like threaten to kill a baby – maybe your boy is right and we're all living somewhere in the grey zone you know?" Regina's heart warmed and when Grumpy referred to Henry as her boy it nearly burst. "So long as you're not cursing our asses we've got your back sister. I still don't like you – but you brought Emma back like you said you would and you didn't kill Blue for what she tried to do…" Grumpy rubbed his beard absentmindedly. "I guess what I'm saying is we trust you – for what it's worth."
Regina just continued to stare at him – her mask having slipped to reveal her confusion for a moment before it returned and she gave him a slight nod. Grumpy went to move and stopped suddenly when Regina whispered something cautiously.
"What?" he asked gruffly and Regina cleared her throat, her heart still pounding at what she was about to do.
"I said – a lot. It's worth a lot." She didn't meet his eyes as she moved around him to continue on to the Charmings' table. Still in shock over what had just occurred. Robin smiled widely, proudly as he watched her and couldn't resist clapping Leroy on the back as he stepped past the smaller man. If the dwarf was finally seeing the woman for her present instead of her past perhaps the rest of Storybrooke would as well? And who knows? Maybe one day Regina might as well.
"Regina!" Mary Margaret exclaimed as her former stepmother came to their table. "Join us, please!" Her smile was eager but nervous. They hadn't really talked since the whole 'trying to take her baby' thing and given Blue's actions last night Mary Margaret was surprised Regina had come to Granny's at all. She had expected her to be holed up inside her mansion keeping her loved ones close. Regina gestured for Henry to sit beside David as she moved in beside Emma. "I'm so glad you're here. I need to tell you how sorry I am – we are" Mary Margaret continued, nodding to include David "for everything. It seems I've still got so much to learn. I feel like I'm forever taking two steps forward and three steps back with you… but I'm sorry for hurting you, and Alayna." Mary Margaret reached her hand across to give Regina's a quick squeeze before drawing it back. Knowing Regina would not appreciate having her hand held through breakfast. "Thank you – for giving us another chance."
Regina scoffed, but not unkindly, then brought her gaze to Mary Margaret's before continuing sincerely. "I won't say that what you did was okay – because it wasn't. No one should have the right to force a family to be separated – but after everything I've done, and all the chances you have given me, it is certainly the least I can do," her mouth quirked into a half smile.
"Good." Mary Margaret said with some finality. "Now - how are you feeling?"
Regina exhaled, shaking her head as she realised just like that Snow White had put it all behind her. She really was the same little girl who had gotten everything she ever wanted in the Enchanted Forest, but somehow she was still family. "Overwhelmed – I guess. It's been a busy few days." Regina looked to Emma. "How are you feeling?"
Emma gave a small smile. "Overwhelmed," she laughed at having borrowed Regina's turn of phrase. "Grateful – to you, all of you, for having stuck by me. Happy that you're here," she concluded bumping her shoulder into Regina's. "Pleased to have a second chance." Her cheeks turned pink in embarrassment – having shared more than she was used to, but needing to express how she felt. "I never understood, before, you know" she continued looking down at her fingers as she turned a napkin left and right, over and back, "– how someone could do terrible things and not be a terrible person." She brought her gaze up to Regina's and looked into her eyes, something passing between them that neither could put into words. "I do now. And, I admire you so much more because you rid yourself of the darkness one day at a time – you didn't have a magic staff to drive it from you."
"Emma, you know that Mac's staff wouldn't have worked without your will. Sure it gave you a helping hand, but that doesn't mean you didn't do that yourself too. You get that right?" Regina asked softly and Emma gave a nod, but it didn't diminish her newfound respect for her son's adoptive mother.
"So!" Ruby interrupted brightly, hoping to defuse some of the tension (and largely succeeding). "What can I get you guys?"
XXX
When Regina and Robin had moved towards the Charmings Mac took the opportunity to steer Maleficent to their own booth.
"I thought we were here for brunch with the Un Charmings?" Maleficent said with a smirk.
"Is it my fault the diner hasn't tables big enough to accommodate all of us?" Mac replied with a smile before giving their order to Ruby who couldn't resist sneaking a look at Storybrooke's latest couple. She had to admit something about the duo inherently worked, even their hearts seemed to beat in-sync with one another.
"Regina looks terrible," Maleficent remarked, looking across the diner as Regina finished her confrontation with Leroy. Her dry tone doing little to conceal the concern evident in her gaze.
"She's actually doing better than you think," Mac said with a soft smile. "It seems like more of Storybrooke's inhabitants are ready to give her a fresh start," he gave a nod to the dwarves as they left the diner.
"You're a cheat you know," Maleficent raised her eyebrow as she reached her hand out to turn Mac's face gently so his gaze was on her and not the diner's front door.
"Maybe, but it's out of my control," he shrugged, taking her hand from his face and kissing her knuckles chivalrously.
"Well I'm glad you can't read my mind," Maleficent replied, her joking tone belying the truth of her words.
"So am I," Mac said seriously and Maleficent's brow rose in surprise.
"Why?"
Mac smiled, "because it makes this real." He leaned over the diner table and gave Maleficent a soft kiss that she couldn't help but smile into.
"Do you ever wonder why? Why you can't read my mind?" She asked as he resumed his seat and Ruby placed Mac's breakfast and Maleficent's coffee in front of them.
Mac shrugged, "I have my theories." He looked up and at Maleficent's enquiring look he chuckled. "I don't think you want to hear them."
"Why don't you let me be the judge of that dear," Maleficent said wrinkling her nose as she took a sip of her too-bitter coffee. "That girl burns the beans every other day," she complained before waving her hand over her coffee replacing her cup with a more appealing one. "Much better," she nodded after taking another sip.
Mac laughed at her antics. "I never took you for a coffee snob," he said with affection.
"Is that so? I'm a snob about most things, why not coffee? Now stop trying to distract me. Why can't you hear my thoughts?" She asked again.
"Have you ever heard of the 'balance of nature' theory?"
"Can't say that I have Mac, but I'm not really one for philosophy." Maleficent said unable to hide the genuine curiosity in her voice.
Mac smiled softly at her, "it surmises that nature is essentially in balance and will correct itself when that balance is compromised for some reason." Maleficent narrowed her eyes and at her somewhat suspicious look Mac chuckled.
"Well, let's just say I think you're my counterweight." He said taking her hand as he pushed his now empty plate aside. "You balance me."
Maleficent merely hummed in response, relieved he wasn't sprouting talk of 'destiny' and 'soul mates' and 'always finding each other'. Amazed that even without being able to read her mind he instinctively knew that such talk would nauseate (terrify?) her.
"A counterweight?" She said with her eyebrow raised.
"A counterweight," Mac confirmed with a nod of his head. "And you know what that means?" His tone was joking but his eyes held hers with a seriousness that suddenly had her heartbeat speeding up. Maleficent subtly shook her head 'no'. "It means that I need you, Maleficent. You keep me balanced, grounded. You share my burdens and I share yours." He smiled and eyed her almost in challenge.
Maleficent broke eye contact and moved to stand. Mac let her, imagining she would need time to process what he said and he didn't want to push. But she merely moved around the table and took his hand in hers, tugging to get him to his feet.
"If I'm the counterweight – that makes you the 'load'" she smirked. "You didn't think that analogy through did you sorcerer?"
"Maybe not as thoroughly as I thought I had," he said wrapping his hands around her waist.
"Let's get out of here," Maleficent whispered, pressing her lips to his, stealing a quick kiss before moving to the door.
As Mac and Maleficent walked out of the diner Tinkerbelle walked swiftly in, nodding a greeting but obviously in a hurry. "Regina," she called, sighing in relief as she saw her friend, still in a booth with the Charmings. She gave Ruby a nod and a resolute wave of her hand – a signal that Ruby seemed to understand as she quickly prepared an Irish coffee for the fairy and set it before her. Regina came to the counter, her eyebrow raised at the fairies choice of drink and Tink bristled. "What? It's better than that 'hot chocolate' you bang on about." She took a long sip and swiped her tongue along her top lip to ensure there was no left over cream there. "Blue's awake," she stated without preamble. "She was out all night, Yellow and I took turns staying with her. She had a pretty rough night and then everything went calm at about 7am." Tinkerbelle spoke in a flurry, before she paused to take another sip of her drink. "And then half an hour ago she practically jumped out of bed. Not exactly what I was expecting you know? Mac should really have warned us."
"What do you mean 'jumped out of bed'?" Mary Margaret asked as she approached, her brows furrowed over squinted eyes.
"That she literally jumped up – nearly gave Yellow a heart attack. Blue was in an absolute state banging on about having to right wrongs and make apologies. She was more jittery than I've ever seen her. Thank the gods I had a bit of poppy dust - that put her out. She needed to seriously chill some," Tink concluded with a determined sip of her drink and a sigh. "I thought you should know," she said looking up at Regina. "I think you'll be up there on her list of people to 'make amends' to." Tink used air quotes to emphasise the 'make amends' and rolled her eyes as she continued, "as am I – and if you think self-righteous Blue was annoying, just wait until you meet 'apologetic Blue'." Tink all but shuddered recalling the way the older fairy had gripped her shoulders and kept apologising for having taken Tink's wings in a fit of temper.
"Am I gonna need one of those?" Regina asked, tilting her chin towards Tink's drink, only half joking.
"More than one I imagine Milady, if Tinkerbelle here is any indication." Robin laughed and Regina swung her purse onto her shoulder.
"Well I had better make myself scarce," she said, taking Robin's hand and giving a nod goodbye to those still at the table.
"Regina, be nice," Mary Margaret gently admonished. "Blue deserves a clean slate after what she has been through and she is just trying to apologise!"
"You can run, but you can't hide Regina!" Emma called having overheard the conversation.
"I can try," Regina said under her breath as she walked back to the booth. "I'll see you for dinner Henry." She said kissing the top of his head and walking towards the door. She reached out to take Alayna from Robin as he struggled to put his coat back on.
"So, where to now Milady. Are we going to hide in the cannery?" He asked with a smile as they walked outside.
"No," Regina replied, her voice carrying a slightly serious tone that Robin had not anticipated. "I think I need to see Roland." Regina hugged Alayna to her chest for a moment before raising her gaze to meet Robin's eyes and he saw the trepidation there.
"I think he will like that," he said putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her into a side hug as he moved down the path in the direction of Marian and Michael's house. "He will like that a great deal."
It was only a short walk to the Tillman house and Regina's heart beat faster and faster with each step. She had missed Roland so much while she was away, it had hurt almost as much as leaving Henry. She had almost convinced herself that Roland would not want anything to do with her, she had murdered his mother for goodness sake! And she could still see his wide eyes staring up at her while Robin screamed that she was a monster, that she had killed Marian… It had cut her like a knife and those big, wide eyes had haunted several of her dreams… Deep down she knew Roland, he didn't have a resentful bone in his body, was always so loving… so forgiving… but hoping that she would see him one day, introduce him to his baby sister? That was too much to hope for during her time on the ranch. Now it was here, happening. How did she possibly deserve this?
Seeing him in the diner the evening before, being able to hold him had been a dream come true. Now she was going to be fulfilling his wish to meet his sister. He'd seemed so excited by the prospect; Roland was such a loving child she couldn't imagine him being anything but an amazing big brother. She just couldn't stop the nervousness in the pit of her stomach.
All these thoughts swirled around in her mind and before she knew it Robin had stopped at a gate and was looking at her expectantly.
"Are you ready to go in Milady?" he asked gently and at Regina's nod he opened the gate, waiting for her to pass before closing it behind them and making his way to the porch to knock. They could hear some high pitched shouting followed by thundering feet as they knocked. One of the children called out that they would answer it but it didn't sound like Roland.
"Hey Robin," Gretel said unlatching the door, not having seen Regina behind him. "Roland's out the back you want me to get him?" Her eyes suddenly widened at having seen Regina. "Oh," she said stepping back. "I'll get my Dad" she practically ran off and Regina cringed inwardly, hugging Alayna closer to her, appreciative of the emotional shield her warmth provided. Robin's arm wound around her waist pulling her into his side as he kissed her temple.
"Robin, Regina," Michael said warmly, though with obvious surprise. "We weren't expecting you," he shook hands with Robin while he exchanged a nod with Regina and rested his hands on his hips. "Marian will be right in she was just outside with the boys. Your daughter I take it?" he queried, his smile widening at the sight of the enchanting toddler. "She's lovely Robin, has your smile," he noted as Alayna flashed a small but dimpled smile his way.
"Thank you," Robin said sincerely as he saw Marian appear with Roland.
"Regina! You comed!" Roland screamed racing past Michael to hug Regina, his arms around her thighs but his head now reaching her stomach.
"I did. I'm sorry I had to – ah, leave yesterday –" she said awkwardly, not sure quite how to explain their sudden departure. "But I brought your sister to meet you, like you asked." She gently untangled herself from Roland's arms so she could squat down to bring Alayna to Roland's level. "Roland, this is your sister Alayna." Her eyes filled with tears as her heart leapt at finally introducing her little knight and her princess. "Lainie sweetheart, this is your big brother Roland," she whispered against Alayna's hair.
"Hi 'Layna," Roland said, almost shyly. "I got a present for you in my room. Can I hold her Regina?" He said, his hand going out to the hand Alayna had on her mother's shoulder. He barely touched her, as though if he did she would float away.
"Of course you can sweetheart – she's pretty big though – maybe you could sit down with her?" Roland sat cross-legged on the floor and Regina placed Alayna on his legs. His arms came around hugging her fiercely.
"Woah – gentle my boy!" Robin intervened with a chuckled. "She still needs to breathe!" Roland relaxed his grip and leaned around to kiss Alayna's cheek.
"'Layna I'm your big brother – I'm gonna look after you!" He stage whispered into her ear, causing more tears to gather in Regina's eyes as Robin put his arm around her waist. "Will she play with me?" he asked earnestly.
"She likes books and puzzles – have you got some books and puzzles she can look at with you?" Regina asked.
"Sure, they're in my room and I'll show you her present come on!" Roland shuffled Alayna off his lap unceremoniously and ran off down a hallway as Regina chuckled and Alayna slowly got to her feet looking around curiously for her brother before toddling after him.
"Ah – Robin maybe you should – " Regina began awkwardly, not comfortable making her way through Marian and Michael's home to follow the boisterous six year old.
"Come on Regina!" He called.
"It's fine, Regina, please, Roland would love to show you his room," Michael said as Marian came to stand beside him.
"No, this is your home, I won't go trailing through it," she said firmly and looked imploringly at Robin who moved to follow Roland and Alayna into his room. Well I didn't think that through, she thought as she realised she was now alone with Marian and Michael. How's this for awkward.
"So that is your daughter" Marian said, more a statement than a question. Regina nodded slightly, bringing her hands together to refrain from fidgeting. She was determined not to let Marian and Michael see how uncomfortable she was and prayed to whatever gods were up there that Robin return quickly.
Raising her chin slightly she said as warmly as she could manage, "you have a lovely home."
"Thank you," the silence was awkward as Michael rocked back and forth on his heels. "Can I get you a drink?"
"No, thank you. We won't stay – I just…" Regina let her voice trail off. "Roland wanted to see Alayna and I felt like I should bring her here. I appreciate what you did, Marian. Approaching us in the diner, it can't have been easy." Regina brought her gaze to Marian's. She hadn't planned on having this conversation, but suddenly the words just flowed out of her. "I apologise - for the Enchanted Forest." She said softly, but not dropping eye contact with the maiden. "Many years have passed for all of us, but for you – well, the wounds are more raw." Regina took a breath that she exhaled on a short chuckle. "It must seem crazy to you – the Evil Queen, allied with Snow White and Prince Charming, sharing a son with the Saviour and a daughter with the Prince of Thieves. But truthfully, I am not that person anymore." Regina hadn't noticed Robin return behind her, Alayna in his arms and Roland at his side, nor did she notice the tears welling in her eyes. "I love Roland – truly. During the year we were in the Enchanted Forest – when Henry and I were separated and I didn't think I'd ever see him again – Roland was a light for me, the only light during such a dark time." Her voice took on a wistful tone, "He holds a special place in my heart and I would give my life to protect him. I understand it will take time for you to believe that, but I wanted you to know just the same."
"You got a special place in my heart too Gina," Roland said from behind her, causing Regina to turn around wiping tears that had fallen at his words, a full smile on her face. She reached down and pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you Roland," she said kissing his cheek. "Is this your present for Alayna?" She asked excitedly, putting aside her discomfort and focusing on the boy in front of her. She took the little stuffed monkey from Roland and held it up to Alayna who smiled and hugged it tightly to her chest.
"I got a monkey for her – it's not like mine but she likes it!"
"She does, and is this a picture for her?" Regina asked taking the paper from his hands. It looked like the forest with a mixture of green and browns and blues.
"Nope – that's for you. So when you go away again you'll remember your way home. It's the Merry Men camp. If you get there they'll bring you back to us."
Regina hugged Roland to her. "Thank you Roland," she whispered into his hair. "I love it. I will treasure it always." Roland smiled proudly as he looked down at his drawing again.
"Regina?" He softly questioned.
"Mmhmm?" she murmured, not releasing him from her embrace just yet.
"Are you going away again?" Regina felt Roland's breath hitch and she closed her eyes briefly before meeting Robin's eyes over Roland's curly head. She shifted her gaze, taking in Michael and Marian and was surprised to see tears in the other woman's eyes as well.
"No Roland. Alayna and I are going to stay here in Storybrooke with your Papa."
Roland squeezed her impossibly tighter. "I'm glad," he said, completely disarming her with the simplicity and honesty of his words. "I love you 'Gina," he said into her neck.
"And I love you Roland," she replied kissing his hair and holding him for a moment longer. "Come on 'big brother' are you going to read your sister this story?" She asked, wanting to lighten the moment. She looked down to find Alayna watching her and Roland closely before she wriggled out of her Papa's embrace. Moving to stand in front of Roland she reached out her little hands to softly touch his rosy cheeks. A golden glow spread over Roland's cheeks and face, covering his little body before dissipating. Regina heard Marian gasp and saw the woman move to grab Roland before Michael held her back, but she continued to struggle against him until she heard Roland's giggle.
"What was that, it tickled!" Roland squealed and Regina frowned up at Robin, uncertainty clear on her face.
"I'm not sure Roland," Regina whispered. "Would you like me to find out?" She posed the question to Roland but was really asking Robin and Marian. Marian looked to Robin, unsure but then gave Regina a determined nod. Roland merely shrugged with a smile and said "sure" Regina quickly waved her hand over him trying to find a trace of the spell she had just witnessed. A smile broke out over her face as she was able to clearly see what her daughter did.
Kissing the top of Alayna's head Regina smiled up at Marian before addressing Roland. "Alayna loves you sweetheart and she likes to protect the people she loves. She has given you special invisible knights armour to make sure nobody can ever hurt you, or take you away from your Mama and Papa. Okay?" The question was once again directed at Marian and though Regina could sense the woman was not exactly thrilled at the use of magic on her son there was a degree of understanding there, given the wielder was just an infant. She gave a small smile to the child again nodding to Regina who responded in kind before mouthing 'I'm sorry!' to Robin over Roland's head.
Robin however looked proud and pleased that his daughter was protecting her brother and merely shrugged.
"You see Roland, big brother's protect their little sisters, but little sister's also like to look after their big brothers." Roland smiled, hugging Alayna to him once more.
"Thanks 'Layna." He said cuddling into her and giving her another kiss on her cheek before saying in a soft whisper, "we'll look after each other – for always."
Regina and Robin left Roland with his mother for the afternoon, only able to leave when they promised him he could come for dinner and to stay the night at Regina's place. After putting Alayna down for a nap Regina walked down stairs where she had left Robin only to find him asleep on the couch, a familiar, light snore emanating from the back of his throat. Pulling a throw rug off the back of the couch she covered him over before putting her jacket back on and walking out the front door. She'd had it in her mind all day that she wanted to go and see this person. Hadn't really seen him since she came back but now it was time. More than time really.
As she walked up the stairs to the Storybrooke Hospital Regina felt a sudden shiver. She hated this place, had always hated it. To her the hospital was a place to leave things she would rather forget about – people, illness, death. Still she was glad Gold had not yet been discharged and this conversation could take place on neutral ground.
Regina was not surprised to find Belle at Gold's side. Since he had awoken she was rarely elsewhere. But she was surprised at the warmth with which Belle welcomed her.
"Regina!" She said a little breathlessly. "Come in – Rumple will be so glad you've come. You know your idea, with the hypnosis? It has worked so well! I mean, he is still drained, but he is doing so much better. No longer comatose at least." Regina nodded as she realised the reason for the girls enthusiastic greeting.
"I was hoping to speak with him – if I may?" Regina asked, as warmly as she could manage under the circumstances. Here was a man who threatened her child, was the primary reason she had stayed hidden for two years and then 'outed' her to the Blue Fairy.
"Of course, he's asleep now but I'm sure he'll be awake any moment" Belle smiled. "Or I could call you? When he wakes up I mean."
"That won't be necessary dearest," Gold murmured, though he kept his eyes closed for a moment longer. "I'm awake, just resting my eyes." He gave a wry grin as he opened his eyes, locking his gaze on Regina immediately. "I heard you had a busy night dearie, saving saviours, defeating misguided fairies with dark wands. Quite the drama." His words were teasing but his tone was almost concerned.
"Just another day in Storybrooke," she replied dryly. "Why did you try and make the deal with me back in Boston Gold. I want the truth." Rumple seemed surprised by her openness, his gaze flicked to Belle who immediately furrowed her brow.
"Belle, dear, can you give us a minute," he said softly, his gaze imploring. Belle nodded but with a look in her eyes that clearly conveyed they would be talking about this later.
"Thank you," Regina said quietly as Belle left the room. "You didn't tell Belle. Why am I not surprised?" She said without bite as she sat in the seat previously occupied by Belle. "Talk to me Gold, or I'll have Archie hypnotise you into always telling the truth. Who knew you of all people would respond so positively to hypnosis?"
"I didn't mean any harm Regina," he said sincerely. "To you or your child. You know me, I was just looking after myself."
"But to what end Gold? I've gone over and over this and I can't see what benefit you could possibly have attained by binding yourself to Alayna."
"What difference does it make now?" He looked down dejected and Regina really looked at him. Seeing a man, just a man – Rumplestiltskin the coward. How he was centuries ago, before the dark curse, so incredibly human. "I am no longer the Dark One – I am but a man." He tried to put a little spring in his voice but it fell flat.
"I want to know if someone else will try and come after Alayna. Knowing what you were trying to achieve – it might help." She spoke softly and ducked her head to catch Gold's gaze. "Please."
"I knew Merlin was watching you but I didn't know exactly why. I didn't know your child was the Grey but I was fairly certain Merlin wanted her."
"How did you know it was my child he was after?" she asked quietly.
"Because if he wanted you dearie he would have made a move long before we were all cursed to Storybrooke. It had to be the prophesised child he wanted. Even the Dark One is no real match for Merlin, I thought if I could bind myself to the being he wanted I would be protected when he eventually came." Regina nodded. "It would have brought her no harm you know. I had no intention to –"
"You never do Rumple, you never do… " she said her voice thoughtful. Shaking her head she continued, "But thank you. For your honesty." Regina rose to her feet.
"It's funny you know," Gold's voice called as Regina went to leave the room, stopping her in her tracks and she turned back to face him. "She has the protection of the Evil Queen, the Saviour, the Sorcerer… and yet the Grey need fear no one. She is the manifestation of the very magic that flows through all our veins, the power behind the greatest of spells… She need fear no one." Regina's blood ran a little cold at the hunger in Gold's eyes and she had never been more relieved that he no longer had any magic. Steeling her gaze she merely nodded and walked out of the room and out of the hospital.
She was tempted to transport herself home, preferably straight into a hot shower feeling the need to cleanse the day away but chose instead to walk and as she came past the pond she saw a familiar figure sitting alone on a bench, shoulders hunched so she was turned in on herself. She was tempted to keep walking, just to go home and leave this confrontation to another day but hell she was on a roll! And her feet just seemed to walk her over there.
Regina cleared her throat as she approached and indicating to the empty spot beside Blue asked softly, "may I?" Blue gave a nod, though then immediately averted her eyes. "Tinkerbelle said you were practically jumping out of your skin when you woke up, what's happened?" She asked the fairy, her voice a little short but she was the former Evil Queen after all and this moth had threatened to kill her child not 24 hours ago.
Blue closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I woke up," she said her voice steely and Regina knew she meant an emotional, rather than physical awakening. "The things I've done, choices I've made, they can't be undone Regina. So many lives… so many mistakes. God you must be laughing at me right now." Blue gave a humourless chuckle. "The kindly Blue fairy, nothing but a hypocrite, finally brought so low…" Blue kept her gaze on the lake, her voice soft, a little bitter.
"To be honest it's kind of a relief." Regina said quietly and Blue turned to her, her gaze sceptical. "Your standards were always so high for me Blue – so unachievable. I guess I feel better knowing that you make mistakes too."
Blue looked at Regina in obvious confusion, "I thought you'd want to kill me for what I've done," she said so quietly Regina could barely hear her over the soft breeze.
"Oh I did," Regina chuckled. "But I'm really not that person anymore Blue. Besides, I live in a glass house, I can't throw stones."
"Do you think you could forgive me one day?" Blue asked, her gaze back on lake. "Not just for Alayna, but for ignoring you in the Enchanted Forest, when you were a girl." Her voice was thoughtful, reflective.
"Why did you?" she asked, turning her body towards the fairy.
"Your mother" Blue replied quietly. "There were so many things she did, people she hurt. I know she was cruel and heartless and watching you as a girl I just couldn't believe that someone so evil could raise a child to be anything but. It's only now I realise that it wasn't Cora's actions that gave rise to the Evil Queen, it was mine, ours. If I'd helped you run away instead of ignoring your cries for help…" Blue shook her head, tears falling unchecked down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry Regina." She said finally bringing her gaze to the former queens.
"Thank you, for saying that but I made my own choices Blue and I'm done blaming others for the way my life turned out. So yes, it will take time but I believe I can forgive you." Regina said surprised at how easily the words came. She got up to leave and took a few steps before turning back to the nun. "Mother Superior?" she called. As the nun caught her gaze she continued, "I'm not one to usually give advice, but if I may…?" Blue nodded, her eyes the most open Regina had ever seen them, there was no judgement in her gaze and it was so refreshing. "The best place to start with all this, in my experience, is to forgive yourself." She gave a small but genuine smile before turning to continue her journey home.
The quiet meal she had planned to enjoy with her soul mate and her children grew into an impromptu dinner party. When Emma and Hook dropped Henry off Regina found herself inviting them to stay for dinner. Mac and Maleficent had arrived not long after with Lily and then when Mary Margaret and David turned up with Roland it seemed the Hood-Mills house was the new local hotspot. She managed to stretch the lasagne she had prepared with salad and fresh bread but there would be no second helpings – thank goodness she had prepared both Henry and Roland's favourite desserts, wanting to spoil her boys.
Roland planted himself firmly in Regina's lap, refusing to move even as Regina struggled to eat her food with the wriggling little boy on her lap but she wouldn't have it any other way. Robin couldn't help but think back to meal times in her castle during the missing year when Roland would do that exact thing and the Queen would wave an irritated hand at Robin, like she was shooing away an annoying bug, anytime he tried to move his son from her lap.
They laughed and teased and Regina could not believe that in less than a month she had gone from a life where she was admittedly content on Mac's ranch to a life of pure happiness back in Storybrooke. Something she had never allowed herself to dream. She had all of her loved ones under her roof, smiling and enjoying each other's company. She could hardly believe it. Sure they would have their highs and lows like all families – possibly some future villains to face but that knowledge no longer scared her like it once did. Something like joy bubbled up in her and she fought back happy tears as she kissed Roland's curls, watched her soul mate and her beautiful daughter exchanging Eskimo kisses, caught her son's eyes and immediately understood what he was saying with his smile and nod at her: even a 'former' villain can have a happy ending.
The End.
AN A final goodbye from me. I really hope this ending stayed true to the fic. Thank you so much for sticking with this story. Means so much.