Final Chapter hope you enjoy it. Thanks so much for everything. Authors more and final thoughts at the end.

18 months later... (see what I did there! *wink*)

"I still think it should be you." Emma huffed loudly and Regina quickly shooshed her.

"You're like a spoilt child sometimes Em." Regina whispered into her wife's ear. "She was the better choice now quiet down!"

She looked slyly around to check nobody had heard the comment but caught the eye of a glaring woman in the row behind. She smiled apologetically and shook her head, earning a polite smile from said glaring woman.

*Crunch Crunch crunch*

Regina elbowed her wife in the ribs.

"For the love of God Emma leave the damn popcorn alone! I take it back. You are worse than a spoilt child!"

Emma giggled in pain from the sharp prod to her ribs and popcorn spewed from her mouth causing the people behind them to clear their throats awkwardly.

"I mean I just don't see the point of having it here if nobody is gonna eat it!" The blonde whined playfully knowing how irritating she was being.

"It's ss-symbolic." Regina tried to stifle a giggle choking on the 'S' realizing just how ridiculous that sounded and how much her wife was about to laugh.

Emma guffawed on cue and the guy sat behind her caught the contagious laugh chiming in a little louder, "She has a fair point there!" And he munched loudly on his own popcorn to show his solidarity. The group around them started to relax a bit and lighten up.

"You are such a cliche at times dear." Regina commented grinning.

"Uhm would that be my rowdy rebel rock star persona?"

"It would. And thankfully that made my job so much easier casting 'Ella'." She rolled her eyes still gobsmacked by the blondes ability to be so original and creative in every other area of her life but somehow missing how obvious her character names were.

Emma smiled and settled down more comfortably in her seat. She knew how nervous Regina had been about tonight and well, let's just say Regina wasn't the only one with a few acting skills up her sleeve. Her job was done for now and she silently took her wife's hand in her lap and sat back to watch their finished collaboration. She cringed a bit as Regina came on screen and played out the scene where her supposed BFF sent the 'tacos' story. The cringe only got worse as the film progressed and the 'Rudy' and 'Mela' love scenes played out.

"I still don't know why you chose to play Ruby.. I am scarred for life woman!" Emma grimaced.

Regina laughed heartily. "You mean "Rudy' dear? She had the best lines and besides, I thought you'd be happy that GwenAsh finally got their ship to sail."

Regina knew Mal would be the only fit for her own part and she'd accepted the role gratefully. After all, it was their story too. She looked over at her friend a few seats down and signalled for her to keep her eyes on Emma. Her reaction was just too funny.

Emma groaned as the pair made out on screen. "Ughh Gina is this the surprise you were referring to? I don't think I can watch anymore!" She covered her eyes in an exaggerated motion and Regina grabbed at her arms pulling them back down into her lap.

"What can I say dear.. payback is a bitch! Keep your eyes forward. There's this really technical scene on the couch we had to shoot over and over which I'm sure you'll find.. interesting."

Emma laughed and raised her hands in defeat. "I'm guessing this is payback for a couple of things. Didn't know you still held a grudge."

"Oh I don't.. I just love to watch you squirm!" She whispered.

###

The premier was a huge success. Regina was praised for her directing skills as well as her casting judgement and the film recieved rave reviews. Emma, without ever intending to, was suddenly thrust farther into the limelight and marked as a "One to watch.' Her screenwriting was praised and she was being approached by networks looking to sign her up as a writer. It wasn't something she'd ever considered and doubted she'd ever give up the music for a life behind a desk. It just wasn't who she was. But she had enjoyed working so closely with her wife after the second tour. It's just what they'd needed.

The second album hadn't been quite as big as the first but was still a hit by any standards. The tour sold out everywhere and Gold was more than happy to grant Emma an extended contract.

Better Than Fiction had also been the start of something much bigger. Regina and Mal co-founded their own production company focusing on female rights and their production list was currently filled with whistle-blowing projects that aimed to raise awareness of exploitation within the industry, as well as other feminist issues. FemSlash Films were set to become one of the most successful and referenced companies in the industry.

As for the stars of the story... well, let's go back to the night after the premier.

"Mal and I think you need to write a follow up to BTF." Regina called casually as she unzipped her gown.

She heard an exaggerated groan followed by the sound of the shower springing into life.

"I don't know if I've got it in me to write another one. BTF was my happy ending and a one time thing."

The shower door slid open and the brunette joined her wife under the stream.

"No pressure. I was just saying maybe think about it. But do what you need to do." Regina placed a gentle kiss to the back of the blonde's neck and manouvered herself under the streaming water. "I agree though. It was everything. We literally just gave the world our story and I couldn't love you any more than I already do."

Emma kissed her with a heartfelt smile. It still felt surreal that this was her real life now! "And I couldn't love you more." She grabbed the soap and began lathering.
"I don't think a sequel would work. I mean, how am I gonna top that epic tale?"

Regina got that glint in her eye that told Emma things were about to get steamy and not from the actual steam. Her words did not dissappoint.

"Well... how about you just worry about topping this for now."

Emma audibly groaned and did as she was instructed while melodies, lyrics and harmonies swirled around in her head.

"Maybe I could be inspired."

~ The Beginning ~

There you go! Never did I think when I started this that it would take so long to finish! I just wanted it to be perfect because the story meant so much to me. It's one that's been swimming around my head for many, many years, long before SQ and I am so grateful for OUAT and their characters for inspiring me and being the absolute perfect vehicle for this to play out. I was beginning to feel that this would not see completion but now its done, I'm so happy and feel I can close a chapter in my own life and start a new one! Thanks to the EDS for always having my back and being the greatest friends over the past few years. Brought together by our love of SQ and all things regal! Special thanks to our Queen Lana. We miss you on our screens dearly and if you ever read this know we are not just pervs! ? You portrayed a character who resonated with us, pinged our gaydars, inspired us and yes.. we perved a bit but in the nicest most complimentary way possible.

.. seriously the #evilcleavage posts were just mean! Forever your evil regal! Xxx