In Another Life

By lockedsoulsam

I think I've changed the plot of this story five times. It's been begging to be written for a while now and I had to.

Chapter 1

"The marks humans leave are too often scars."

― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Regina Mills was more than just a woman. She was a Queen, a mayor, a mother, and Emma Swan's best friend. Regina was someone Emma looked up to. She carried herself with such grace and class that one could only be born with. Everything she did was neat, and proper and perfect, even when she cursed. Which wasn't often. Emma mused to herself that Regina even drank from a cup just like she imagined a queen would; With her pinky held high in the air like those snobby rich people from the country club she used to work for at twenty-one.

Emma was content with watching Regina work. The way she worked the room and interacted with guests. She thought it was incredible. She also thought Regina looked exceptionally beautiful today. The way her black Versace mini dress clung to her curves in just the right places, her matching red bottomed Louboutin's accented her calves and the hair, oh god the hair. It cascaded down her back in waves. Regina was beginning to embrace her natural curls which meant no more straightening it. It was longer than Emma had ever seen it and she liked it this way.

"Emma, Emma, earth to Swan," Ruby waved a hand in Emma's face removing her from the blank stare.

"What?" Emma tried to snap out of whatever trance she was in. She tore her eyes away from Regina and looked to where Ruby was standing next to her.

"You know, it's getting pretty hard to believe you're married to a man when you look at her like that." Ruby pointed out.

"I don't look at her like anything." Emma defended. "I was just admiring how good of a hostess she is. For hosting Snow and David's anniversary party here and all."

"Are we talking about Emma's crush on Regina?" Snow picked that moment to approach them.

"I do not have a crush on her." Emma blushed. "Hook and I have been married for over two years. Can you guys, just, not?"

"Oh, Emma, I'm just teasing." Snow kissed her daughter's cheek.

"But everyone has had a crush on the mayor at some point," Ruby said. "I mean have you seen her?"

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Regina was a perfect hostess. Just as she was at everything else. Snow had been elated when Regina volunteered to throw her and David's anniversary party. No one was counting which anniversary unless they wanted to include the twenty-eight years they were cursed.

The trio carried on a light conversation until Regina made her way over to them. She smiled and flicked her hair behind her shoulder before coming to a stop.

"Please tell me one of you have vodka or I'm really going to keel over and die." Regina gave her famous politician smile. She waved at a few passersby. Once they were out of her line of sight she widened her eyes and signaled that she was going crazy.

"Come on Regina I thought you liked these things." Emma threw an arm over the back of her chair.

"I do," Regina assured her. "I can only smile so much. Don't you think?"

"It's a pretty smile." Emma complimented.

Regina grinned and raised a brow. She could only count a handful of times Emma had genuinely complimented her. She looked over to Snow who shrugged.

"Anyways, Regina, how is Turner? "Ruby changed the subject quickly.

"Turner is, good, he's great." Regina wiped her hands on the fabric of her dress. Oddly enough she was nervous to talk about her guy friend. She wouldn't really say he was her boyfriend. They had been dating for a few months but hadn't made anything official yet. After Robin's death, she was afraid to get back on the dating horse so to speak. When Snow introduced her to Turner Gordon, a doctor at Storybrooke General, Regina was not interested in his advances, she gave him a chance after a lot of persuasions and so far, she didn't regret it. He was a great guy with a gorgeous smile. He treated her well and he had a job. Perfect, right?

"Why isn't he here today?"

"Henry is here." Regina found her son in the crowd. He waved from his spot in a chair. His girlfriend, Erin, sitting in his lap. "We are not yet as invested in a relationship where I want to introduce him to my son. I've made that mistake in the past."

"So, does that mean you two haven't?" Ruby gestured.

"Haven't what?" Regina leans in and tries to decipher what she was insinuating.

"You know Regina," Ruby continued.

Regina stood stock still and cleared her throat. She knew what Ruby was talking about now. Truth was, she thought about sex with Turner. Who wouldn't? He was six foot three, muscular, and good with his hands. Any person with eyes could clearly see that he was good looking. Regina had done a lot of thinking and decided that she would like to take things slow with him. Get to know him first before giving him such a special part of herself. With Leopold, her wifely duties were not of her choice. He would take what he wanted when he wanted. Maleficent was the woman to show her everything she knew. She was eternally grateful to her friend for showing her the gentle hands of a lover. Graham was an entirely different topic as Regina wasn't proud of her time with him. Robin, her supposed soulmate was a man she gave her entire self to multiple times.

Regina wanted to be cautious with this one. She had her heart under lock and key. With time, she was willing to give Turner a chance. For now, she wanted to take it slow.

"Oh, I do, I just…" Regina stumbled over her words and Regina Mills never stumbled.

"Would you guys like some drinks?" Emma asked suddenly. She jumped from her seat to pull Regina along with her. She could clearly see that the brunette was a little more than uncomfortable.

"I'd like a lemonade." Snow called after them.

Regina questioningly glanced at Emma but didn't ask until they were back inside of Granny's.

"I was saving you." Emma dismissed her look as they stepped up to the counter. There were cold drinks already waiting to be taken. "I could see that the question was making you uneasy."

"There you go again," Regina took a glass into her hand. "Saving me."

Regina didn't mean for the comment to be so deep. There was a pause before Emma gently bumped her hip. Regina bumped her back before taking a sip of her drink. She liked this. Their friendship. Emma was someone who always understood her when no one else did. After the final battle, they'd become closer than ever. Co-parenting Henry was like second nature, he was sixteen years old now, dating a new girl named Erin, and even driving. Their weekly lunches with Snow, Ruby, and Zelena were always something to look forward to.

"Maybe I like saving you." Emma grinned. "Are you going to tell me the truth about Turner or do I have to get Ruby back over here?"

"Are you going to tell me about you and guyliner or do I have to get Snow over here?" Regina shot back.

"Touché." Emma chuckled. "Hook is fine. He's probably out with his crew drinking, or working, or doing god knows what."

"I'm surprised you two have made it so long." Regina thought. She wouldn't dare say it aloud. She had come to terms with her feelings a long time ago and she wanted to be supportive of Emma.

Emma glanced around the diner. Everyone was mingling and happy. The town had changed so much since the final battle. Regina was officially redeemed and Mayor of Storybrooke. Everything was going so smoothly.

"He, uh, wants to have a baby." Emma decided to confess. She swirled the straw around her cup and avoided eye contact. A part of her couldn't bear to see what Regina's reaction would be.

"Oh." Regina tries to hide her surprise. "And are you? Pregnant? Or..."

"No, no, nothing like that." Emma chuckled. "I just didn't know if I ever wanted more kids. When I had Henry, I was so young. I didn't even hold him. The fake memories from the second curse were the only things I had when it comes to raising a child. Neal is almost three. I just don't know if I want to or can. What if I'm not a good mother?"

"Have you told this to him?" Regina inquired.

Emma waved to one of the dwarves and turned to fully face Regina.

"I have," She began. "In so many words." At Regina's look, Emma grimaced and put one hand in her pocket. In Emma language that meant no. "It's not something I can speak so freely about."

"You're saying it to me." Regina pointed out. "Why not your husband? A child is a big responsibility. If that is something you two want or don't want it should be discussed freely."

"Why are you so right?" Emma frowned.

"Dear, if you haven't learned by now, I'm always right," Regina said.

"So, are you going to tell me about this Turner character?"

"Well, what do you want to know?" She tilted her head. "You have met him a few times in the past."

Emma had met Turner many times in fact. Only in passing so she hadn't been able to get a good read on him.

"Does he," Emma didn't know why she was asking. She could excuse it for wanting to make sure her best friend was taken care of. "Does he make you happy?"

Regina pursed her lips and tried to figure out where Emma was coming from with this question.

"I am content yes." She settled on. "He treats me well. If he didn't don't worry you would be the first person to know, Emma."

"Good because I'll kick his ass," Emma warned. Regina laughed loudly which in turn caused Emma to smile. That laugh was like music to her ears. Over the past few years, she was able to hear it all the time. "But I want the truth, Regina."

She considered Regina's eyes and she knew she had her answer. Regina always hid her feelings. She could lie to everyone else, but she could never lie to Emma. Regina didn't look surprised at Emma's words. She sometimes forgot that the other woman had a superpower. She thought back to all those years ago when Emma came to town. How they would fight over Henry. How they fought over basically everything, and they had come far.

"Turner and I decided that it would be best to go our separate ways." Regina looked down into her glass. "I don't think I was as ready for a relationship as I wanted to be."

"He didn't hurt you, did he?" Emma asked.

"No, nothing like that." Regina shook her head. "I did not want to lead him on. He was everything, but he just wasn't…"

"The right fit?" Emma finished for her. Regina looked up at her wide-eyed and her only response was a shrug. "I know the feeling."

Without offering any further explanation, Emma left Regina to herself. She knew what getting too deep into her feelings would bring. She buried those a long time ago. She was happy with Hook. As happy as she had ever been. The same could not be said for Regina.

Regina downed the rest of her cup and walked over to Zelena. Her sister was carrying two-year-old Robyn on her hip. The toddler was a spitting image of her older sister with subtle hints of her father. She grinned up at Regina and reached over to her.

"Wagina." Robyn cried and flung herself into her aunt's arms. Regina's quick reflexes thought for her and she cradled Robyn to her.

"Hello, Robyn, how are you today?" Regina asked. Zelena fixed Robyn's dress while continuing her conversation with Blue. An unlikely alliance that Regina didn't dare question.

"I good. I want cake." Robyn pointed over to the cake that was planted in the middle of a long table. It was for after dinner and speeches. She supposed the little girl could have a little. But that would also mean having to deal with an excited two-year-old.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but the cake is for later." Regina ignored the adorable pout from Robyn. She was notorious for her pout and getting her way. She caught the familiar look in her eyes and laughed. "No using your powers either Missy."

Robyn grunted and reached back over for her mother. If Regina wasn't going to help her she didn't want to be in her arms. Regina then decided to go back to the bar and revel on how she was being given a break from playing hostess. Everything was going great and everyone was having an enjoyable time.

"This party is great." The woman beside Regina said aloud. She looked around Granny's to see people filtering in and out. People were mingling and dancing. A perfect picture considering all they had been through in the past.

"It's something," Regina responded. She made eye contact with the woman standing next to her. She'd never met this woman before. Not here in Storybrooke.

"I'm Destiny." Regina looked down at her hand and up to the woman's face. Bright green eyes and a contagious smile. "No need to tell me who you are. I already know."

Regina nodded. "Where are you from?"

"Around." Destiny tilted her head. "Don't worry your majesty, I am not a threat."

"Excuse me if I don't believe that to be true." She ignored the title and wanted to get straight to the point. The guest list for Snow and David's anniversary party was open but not open to strangers. If there was someone new in town she would know. Right?

"My name speaks for itself." Destiny began. "I help people learn their true destiny. I make wishes."

"Like a fairy?"

"Please, fairies wish they had half the power I do." Destiny rolled her eyes.

"Are you…supposed to be this cocky?" Regina asked. This woman intrigued her. Even if she was a little annoying.

"No, but I'm good at what I do." Destiny rested her hand atop Regina's. "I know your deepest desires and I know how to make them come true. All you have to do is wish for it?"

"Listen, I don't know what realm you dropped in from but go back." Regina removed Destiny's hand from her own. The woman looked amused by this but remained silent. "I do not have any hidden desires. I wouldn't want help from you. Go play your little fairy games elsewhere."

Regina walked away in annoyance. Destiny seemed harmless enough. She was probably a new fairy in training. Which meant Regina would have to tell Blue to keep her pets on their leash. This town didn't need more magical beings causing trouble. Not when they had gone this long without any incidents.

"I am not a fairy," Destiny yelled after Regina. Why didn't anyone understand that?

"Hey, Ma, do you think Mom would let me borrow the Mercedes to take Erin home?" Henry approached Emma. She had been in the middle of picking a song on the jukebox in the hallway. Granny needed to update that thing and soon.

"Over her dead body." Emma snorted. "The only thing Regina loves more than her car is you."

"It was worth a shot." Henry watched her scroll the music list one more time. "I'm still pretty upset Killian made you sell the bug. I was hoping it would be mine when I turned sixteen."

"Yeah well, kid, the bug wasn't safe for anyone to ride it anymore." Emma finally picked a song. "Besides I have the cruiser from the station. It's pretty reliable."

"Yeah. It's alright." Henry agreed. "But I know you miss the bug."

"I do, but I'm on to bigger and better things. The bug was there when I needed it and I don't need it anymore." Emma assured him.

"It was still cool," Henry replied. He looked over to where Erin was waiting for him. He had so much more to say to Emma but didn't want to start an argument at his grandparent's party. "I'm going to walk Erin home and then I'll be back."

"Be safe, kid." Emma patted his back. "Use protection." She called as an afterthought.

"Ma!" Henry cringed. She was so embarrassing.

"Henry, I wasn't born yesterday. Leaving a party early before they have even served the cake or dinner?"

"She just wants to talk. "Henry said.

"Talk," Emma smirked. "Just remember I'm too young for grandchildren and I think Regina would agree."

Henry hurried across the room to his girlfriend. He would rather be anywhere else than talking to his mom about sex. She and Regina had several cringe sex talks in the past with him and he didn't need another one.

"He's growing up so fast." Destiny came up behind Emma.

"Not you again," Emma growled. This girl had been following her around for weeks and she didn't know why. Her incessant badgering and talking were starting to get to her.

"I want you to make a wish." Destiny tried to keep up with her as Emma sat down in a chair.

"Great, I wish you would leave me alone."

"Not that." Destiny laughed. "I want you to wish for something that you've always wanted. Something that would make you feel better. Don't make it shallow though. I hate when people make those."

Emma sighed and began to tell the girl off before Regina came into her line of vision. She watched the other woman work the room just like earlier and she couldn't help but smile. Regina deserved nothing but happiness and to always have that smile on her face. Sometimes Emma wished she was the cause of that smile. She used to feel sorry for how her own life went but when hearing about Regina's she felt even worse. The woman had gone to hell and back for her and she would only do the same.

Destiny pulled Emma from her thoughts with a wave and a snap.

"Hello, earth to Emma, geez you really are one of my most annoying charges." Destiny shook her head.

"If you're not a fairy then what are you?" Emma asked. "A genie."

"No." Destiny frowned. "I'm nothing like Glinda either so don't ask."

"Why are you so dead set on wanting me to make a wish?" Emma was curious now.

"I'm your godmother."

"But wouldn't that make you a fairy?" Emma reasoned. "Also, you're younger than me. How does that work?"

"That is beside the point. You're unhappy." Destiny revealed. "I know because I watch over you. Keeper of lost souls, Angel of Destiny, if you will."

"Okay, and I would have to deny that," Emma said.

Destiny was almost out of reasons for Emma to believe her. "I want you to make a wish."

Emma's eyes met Regina's from across the room before she looked back to Destiny.

"Can I make a wish for someone else?"

Destiny pursed her lips and shrugged. "Ah what the hell go ahead."

"Fine." Emma looked down at her hands. "I know Regina's birthday is in a few weeks and she's been alone for a while. If there is anyone that is unhappy it's her. I know she has her family with us, but she deserves to know what love feels like. She deserves to know what it feels like to be loved, for real."

Destiny listened patiently at Emma's spiel. The woman sure could talk.

"I wish for Regina to have the best birthday ever this year." Emma finally says.

"Finally, something I can work with." Destiny grinned mischievously. She rubbed her hands together and snapped her finger once.

Emma squeezed her eyes shut and waited for things to go wrong but all she was met with was silence. She peeked one eye open and standing before her was Regina.

"I knew she was a fake." Emma cheered happily.

"Emma, why are we in my bedroom?" Regina asked impatiently. She didn't have time for Emma's games.

"I finally called that fairy on her bluff." Emma walked to the door leading to the hallway. "Nice room by the way. Did you do some redecorating since I was in here last?"

"No, but if you could poof us back to the party I have to host." Regina rolled her eyes. If this was another one of Emma's antics she did not need it at all.

"Fine, fine." Emma relented. She grabbed onto Regina's hands and closed her eyes to poof them when there was a knock at the bedroom door.

"Mama!" A child's voice filtered through the door. "Mommy?"

"Regina, you don't happen to have a kid, do you?" Emma asked.

"Swan what did you do?"

"Me?" Emma asked incredulously. "I didn't do anything. It's probably just Neal and he somehow got poofed here with us."

Regina opened the door and was met by a little boy with big brown eyes. A little boy that was not Neal.

"Henry?" Regina gasped.

"Oh shit." Emma's mouth dropped. "What did I do?"

A/n: Continue or scrap it?

-LSAM