A Royal Tea Party
Chapter One: The Bachelorette
Alice marched up and down the staircase outside Granny's, her hands on her lips as she pondered over what was happening in her life. She was worried about everything, she had to keep Robin happy, Zelena happy and even herself happy, but she was nervous.
"Starfish, are you okay, you look sad?" Nook smiled, offering her his hand, hoping to calm her.
"Papa, I'm worried. What if I'm not the wife Robin wants. I've hardly had anyone my whole life and now I have everyone. I'm so used to being alone, oh Papa, this is all so confusing." Alice sighs, rubbing her temples.
"Love, please. You're everything Robin needs and wants. When she asked me for my permission so that she could marry you I knew she was the one." He grinned, holding her tightly. "You got this." Nook was just as nervous for his daughter as she was, but he knew that putting on a brave face was the best option.
"Thanks, Papa. I believe you." Alice grinned. "I got to find Nobin." Alice felt a rush of calm, finally feeling slightly at ease about the whole situation.
Nook smiles, watching Alice leave.
"Nobin!" Bellowed Alice as she ran to Robin as she stood outside the library.
"Tower girl. Shouldn't you be at home getting ready for tonight?" She laughed, gently kissing Alice on the lips softly.
Alice gazed over Robin, admiring her in her patterned blue dreams and baggy orange sweater. "I'm slightly nervous about it." She replied, her hands intertwining with Robin's.
"Hey, it's going to be alright. We are getting married in four months. You go out tonight and forget all about that. You have, Snow, Emma, Regina, Jacinda, Sabine and my Mom there with you. You're in the safest hands." Robin grinned, pulling Alice closer and into a warm embrace.
"I know. Thank you Nobin. I love you."
"And I you." Nobin smirks, pecking Alice's cheek. "Now go. I'll see you when you get home."
Alice beamed, skipping off back to the townhouse she was sharing with her Papa.
Alice turned on her stereo and played her favourite song, she danced to the beat as she began to get ready for her night at the bar, getting ready was easy and simple for her, it was always her favourite plaid shirt and black leather pants, finished with some black ankle boots and a dash of rose red lip paint. She pulled her hair into a tight bun on top of her head. She turned to her door after hearing a knock. "Come in!"
Nook peered his head around the door. "Hey Starfish, I was just checking up. How is it going?" He paused, smiling proudly at his daughter. "You look real pretty, love."
Alice blushed, biting her lip as she smiled. "Thank you, Papa."
"Where are you meeting them?" He asked, going to sit down on a leather chair by her dressing table.
"At the Hatter's rooftop bar, I've never been but Regina and Emma both said they serve the best cocktails. I said we had to go, it reminds me so much of Wonderland." Alice grinned widely, gazing over a picture of herself, Nobin and Zelena which sat on her bedside table.
"Aye love, I've heard all about it. Be safe my little Starfish, and have fun. I'll be up waiting for you when you get home along with Robin." Nook smiled, standing up to kiss her forehead.
Alice blushes once again, she felt flustered, but excited. "I know, I gotta go Papa, I bet they are all waiting for me." Alice darted off out the door.
"Goodbye, love." He whispered softly, watching her go.
The bar was filled with so many familiar faces, all dressed to the nines. The setting was perfect for Alice, everything felt just right.
"Alice!" Yelled Zelena as she waved, beckoning Alice over.
"Everyone's here now." Said Sabine, slurping on a cocktail.
"What's that?" Asked Alice, pointing at Sabine's drink.
"It's called the Queen of Hearts." Sabine replied, offering Alice a sip.
Alice politely declined. "No thanks, doesn't sound delightful. I'm after something… Ahh, this; Curious and curious."
Emma nudged Regina. "This is sweet, what you did for Alice."
"Thanks, Emma. I'm helping Nook protect her, she's like my own. She had a sad upbringing. I'll do all I can to make sure she has the best life." Regina smiled, clinking her glass with Emma's.
Alice glanced around the room, her eyes following the line of women laughing and smiling.
"Alice." Whispered Snow as she leant over her shoulder.
"Snow." Alice replied, going to sit down next to her.
"I'm so glad I get to be a part of this, I love watching people fall in love, and now a wedding! How so exciting. I want you to know that I will be here for you and Robin through everything." Snow hugged Alice tightly and clinked their glasses together. "To love!" She cheered.
Alice chuckled, a wild smile upon her face. "To love!" She grinned, watching all the other women raise their glasses.
Zelena nodded, sitting next to Alice and Snow, her arm wrapping around Alice's. "I've never seen my daughter so happy, you make her smile like I never could. She adores you, as do I. You're the greatest addition to this family, Alice."
Alice hugged Zelena tightly. "You're going to be the best mother-in-law ever!"
Snow chuckled. "Be careful Alice, have you seen our family? We come from crazy backgrounds."
"I can agree." Replied Emma from the corner of the bar table, taking a break from her chatter with Regina.
"I second that." Said Jacinda. "And I've only been in this family for a short while."
"I like crazy. It's part of who I am. I'm mad, completely bonkers. But the truth is, all the best people are. So for me, it's not a problem. I'm curious about being in this family, but to be honest I'm just happy to have a real family, I'm surrounded by people who care for me, and I am forever grateful of that." Alice took a sip from her drink, not realising that the whole table of her friends had gone silent.
"Alice." Muttered Regina, going over to kiss the side of her head. "We are your family now. You'll never be alone."
"Second that!" Grinned Zelena.
"I'm home." Alice smiled, gazing over them. "Home isn't a place, it's where you feel most comfortable and happy."
"Yes you are my dear." Smiled Emma.
The music bellowed over them, turning the quiet mood into a loud one, the drinks and chatter kept coming for hours.
"It's early morning now," Laughed Jacinda. "I think its time we get home before the bartender kicks us out."
"Good idea." Said Emma.
Alice hugged all her friends tightly as they left, apart from Zelena who stayed behind.
"So, Alice. I have a question. Have you asked Regina yet?"
"Asked me what?" Said Regina as she appeared from the corner of the door frame.
Alice turned to Regina, she cleared her throat. "Will you be my Maid of Honour?"
Regina grinned widely. "Of course! There is nothing I want more!" She ran to Alice, almost sweeping her up off her feet.
"Perfect, now let's get you home to Nook. I'm sure he is worried." Zelena smiled, leading Alice out of the building while Regina followed.
Alice unlocked the door, creeping in as quietly as she can.
"Alice." Whispered Nook, who was half asleep in an armchair in front of the TV.
"Hey Papa." She replied, wandering over to him.
He patted his lap. "Sit."
Alice grinned and sat down, cuddling into her father's embrace.
"I'm so proud of you, Starfish. You've overcome so much, you're a hero and a beautiful princess in my eyes forever."
Alice smiled, snuggling into her father's chest. "I love you, Papa."
"I love you too, Alice. Now go upstairs, there is someone waiting for you."
Alice perked up, kissing her Papa on his cheek before running upstairs. She opened her bedroom door and saw Robin laying on the bed, she walked over and glanced down; Robin was fast asleep under her blue duvet, she bit her lip, before quickly getting changed into her pjs and getting into bed with her and cuddling up. "Goodnight, Nobin."
Robin woke up to the smell of pancakes. She grinned widely, rolling over to see Alice still fast asleep, a little bit drool hanging out the side of her mouth, she couldn't help but smile. "Hey, Alice." She whispered, leaning over her.
Alice twitched her nose and rolled over, she wasn't a morning person.
"Alice…" Robin continued, kissing her cheek again and again.
"Huh?" Muttered Alice, slowly waking up and wiping the dribble from her chin.
"Finally." Robin laughed, kissing Alice's nose.
"I was sleeping." Alice yawned. "Do I smell…?"
"Pancakes?!" Snickered Robin.
"Pancakes!" Repeated Alice, smiling as she rolled out of bed, running straight downstairs.
Robin laughed after smiling to herself, she reached for her glasses and put them on. Oh how she loved that woman, every little thing was a memory to cherish forever.
"Robin are you coming?" Yelled Alice from downstairs.
"Just a moment!"
Alice sat down at the table and began tucking into her choc chip pancakes.
"I made your favourite," said Nook after swallowing a mouthful of his own. "Only best for my Starfish."
"They are delicious, Papa." Alice grinned.
Robin stood at the doorway, smiling at them both. "I like you pjs, Alice."
"Pale blue with starfishes printed on them. A perfect fit." She giggled, patting a chair, indicating for Robin to sit down. "Papa got them for me for my twenty fifth birthday."
"She usually wears them every Sunday when we have a lazy day together while we watch movies and eat junk food." Laughs Nook as he so brightly smiles at Alice.
Robin grins and goes to sit next to Alice, watching the father and daughter duo laughing with one and another. It made her feel so happy, seeing the woman she loved the most finally able to be with her father again.
"So, Nobin." Alice said with a mouthful of food. "Are you looking forward to your bachelorette tonight?"
"The timing is fun, considering they are all properly hiding under their duvets right now with a raging hangover." She laughed, winking at Alice.
Alice smiled and turned her head. "Or are able to handle their drink?"
"Starfish," Killian chuckled. "I remember nursing your hangover with orange juice just a few weeks ago when you went out with Regina and Emma. But I do hand it you, you drunk them under the table."
"I guess I got it from my Papa."
"…And those ocean blue eyes." Mumbled Robin, her eyes locked on Alice's.
Alice blushed and flung a chocolate chip at Nobin.
Nook grinned and got up, cleaning up the empty plates. "So what are you two doing today?"
"I'm babysitting Hope while Emma and the other Hook go out for the day." Replied Robin, her hand laced around Alice's on the table.
"I'm going over to Regina's to discuss something." Alice lidded her eyes and grinned playfully.
"Oh?" Said Robin, intrigued. Nobin slurped on a cup of coffee after swallowing the food in her mouth.
"It's a surprise. You'll see, soon."
Killian nodded at the both girls. "I'm heading out to the harbour, it's sort of my job now. Which is normal for a pirate, right?"
"A pirate in the middle of Storybrooke, yes." Alice giggled.
"Well have a great day girls, I'll see you later." Nook waved and left.
Robin's nose wrinkled up when she gazed at Alice. "So we are alone now?"
"We are." Smirked Alice, kissing Robin gently on the lips.
"I dibs the mint choc chip!" Yelled Robin, chasing Alice to the freezer in the corner of the kitchen, she laughs, grabbing Alice by the waist and trying to tickle her.
"No, stop. I want that!" She laughed, trying to push Robin away playfully, her laugh echoing around the kitchen,
"Never!" Said Robin, acting as if she was the villain in a movie, she picked Alice up by the waist once she had a tight enough grip so she could spin her around, like they were in a fairytale. Their eyes locked as they grinned; their beautiful laughs filling the atmosphere.
"You're extraordinary." Said Alice faintly.
"And I'm yours, forever." Robin replied, her arms pulling Alice towards her, she pressed her lips against hers firmly.
Alice flustered, her heart forever warming to her dear sweet Nobin. "Then I truly am the luckiest girl in the world."
Robin scooped Alice up in her arms, taking her upstairs.
"I love you so much, Robin." Alice whispered in Robin's ear.
"Forever." Replied Robin.
Regina stood up and opened the door, letting Alice in. "Hello, Alice."
"Hey, Regina. How is the planning going?"
"It's going well. Jasmine has agreed to let you stay in a beautiful house in Agrabah."
"That's incredible, I can't wait to take Nobin there! She's always wanted to go." Alice jumped for joy, running to hug Regina.
"I'm a Queen of all the realms, of course they would say yes to me." Regina chuckled. "Do you want some tea?"
"I thought you'd never ask." Laughed Alice, settling herself down on the couch.
Regina tilted her head and smiled, offering Alice a cup of piping hot tea. "So tell me, where do you plan on having your wedding?"
"I'm not sure. I don't know this place very well." Alice replied, rubbing her thumb over the rim of the mug.
"Do you want it to be intimate, or?"
"I'd rather that. You see, all these people scare me, I'm not one for crowded places… Curious places, yes. But crowded, no." Alice nodded.
"I understand, give me a few days and I'll find the perfect location." Regina smiled.
Robin bounced baby Hope on her knee, patiently waiting on Emma and Hook's return. "Hey beautiful baby. Well aren't you adorable. My tower girl and I plan on having a family soon. I hope they look just as beautiful as you." Robin smiled listening to the baby's gurgling.
"I'm sure they will." Laughed Emma as she returned with Killian. "Thanks for babysitting Hope," Emma picks up Hope and smiles. "I'll see you later."
Robin nods and leaves, wandering back to her house to get ready for the night.
Zelena popped her head around the door frame and came up behind Robin. "Bloody hell Robin, you look beautiful."
"Thanks, Mom." Robin gave her mother a toothy grin as she adjusted her long curly locks and straightened out her blouse.
"Are you excited about tonight? We are going on a boat party! Curtesy of Captain Hook!" Zelena beamed, almost jumping for joy, however her tight leather dress had other ideas. "Oops."
"Mom, be careful!" Robin shook her head and let out a huff of laughter, moving over to help her mother up. "Come on."
The pair hurried down to the car and Zelena drove them to the harbour. She waved at Hook and Nook who were both manning the ship.
"Ready Ladies?" Smiled Nook.
"The lasses are already onboard, so hurry up." Hook grinned.
Zelena and Robin came aboard and headed into the ship, greeting the others.
"This such a good idea." Snow said, smiling towards Sabine.
"I thought it would be different." She replied, taking a swig of beer.
"It's wicked." Zelena laughed, going over to Regina to grind up against her.
Robin, quick to be embarrassed, threw her hands over her face. "Mom!"
"What?!" Chuckled Zelena as she and Regina danced together. "Let go and have fun!"
"Listen to your Mother!" Howled Regina as she grinded up against Zelena. "We Mills' know how to let loose."
Emma shot them both a look. "A Queen and a bit more refined, right?" She laughed and threw her hands up into a quick shrug and joined them, getting behind Regina.
"Seriously?" Robin sighed with a grin on her face. "I'm getting a drink."
Snow, Sabine and Jacinda looked at one and another and burst into hysterics before going to dance, but not with the 'grinders'.
Robin entered a separate room from the rest of them, and to her surprise Alice was sat on the Captain's chair, she had a tea set out and placed upon the table. "Alice. What are you doing here?"
"I planned this with Zelena. We all knew you aren't the one for wild partying, just like me. I know it's supposed to be your night without me, but." Alice just smiled, tucking her blonde hair behind her ears.
"Oh Alice, this is perfect. You're perfect." Robin goes to sit down and smiles widely as Alice pours her some tea.
"I know that the tea party is my kind of thing." Alice mentioned, taking a sip from her cup.
"It's our thing now." Robin grinned, taking the cup to her lips.
"Always."
The pair spent an hour or so together before returning to the main party together, as they arrived they stood still in shook of the outcome of their absence. Both Regina and Emma were piled on top of each other. "What the hell?" They both screeched.
"Drunk twister!" Shouted Zelena as she flopped to the floor, joining in.
Snow shrugged.
"But there is no twister mat?" Alice muttered, her eyebrows raised.
"We made our own." Sabine laughed.
Robin grabbed Alice's hand and laughed before taking them both to the pile of women so they could join. "What's the harm?"
All the women began laughing like a mad bunch of witches, the cackling echoing through out the ship.
"I'll remember this night forever, Alice." Robin smiled, her hand locked with Alice's.
The women laughed their way all through the night, dancing like hooligans and singing along to any song, even if they had never heard it before. It was a sight to see; the no curse or bad guy life was really the perfect life for them, finally being able to let go, and really enjoy life.