Part 1: Forest
Chapter 1:
"To the return of your heart." Robin said.
Glasses clicked, and the fireplace flickered. Regina smiled and looked at Robin, in awe of how someone could actually love her as much as he did – someone other than Henry.
"So, how does it feel?" Robin asked.
Regina felt true happiness within her heart. She felt the light of true love was slowly removing the darkness of her heart.
"Stronger than ever." She said, truthfully.
Their lips met, and they kissed. Finally, Regina could love again. She felt tears come to her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she cried of happiness, the last time she felt something as pure, without complications.
"What is it?" he asked, for she had pulled away.
"I just, never thought I'd have this. "
He nodded, and she laughed, joyful at last.
"After I lost my wife, I felt like that for a long time," he sighed. "Her death was my fault."
Regina saw guilt in his eyes. His wounds had healed, but his scars would never go away. She, of all people, understood that.
"I'm sorry"
"I would've walked through hell, to be with my Marian again, but when I finally admitted to myself that she was gone, that she was never coming back, I had to let that guilt go."
Regina looked into Robin's eyes. Beautiful and wise, for they had seen much; they had cried endlessly, just like hers. Maybe, just maybe, the two of them were more alike than she thought. This was her second chance, too.
"My first love, Daniel, was killed because of me," she whispered. So few people knew of this. She had never told anyone before, of her guilt; she had never admitted that she didn't truly blame Daniel's death on Snow White; she blamed it on herself."
"And that's why you never wanted to open yourself up again."
Regina felt vulnerable, but she didn't feel weak, she had finally let this go. She now, could truly, move on, and be happy.
"Tinker Bell told me it was possible, that I could love again. And, she led me to this tavern, to a man who, she said I was destined to be with." She smiled.
"I never saw his face, but." She paused, knowingly, and gently took Robin's arm.
"I did see his tattoo."
"It was me?" Robin said incredulously.
"Yes." She said, not believing the words herself.
"I was just too scared to approach you."
Robin chuckled gently, looking at Regina lovingly.
"Well, maybe," he began, " things work out when they're supposed to. Maybe, it's all about timing."
He stroked her hair. She rested her head on his shoulder, and felt his embrace. She closed her eyes and just lay there.
…..
"Roland!" Regina called.
The little boy ran to her, and she held his hand. Robin smiled.
"Aren't you motherly?" Robin said, grinning.
Upon hearing this remark, Regina remembered her past. How the king had said he recognized her motherly ways. She felt a flicker of fear in her heart, a fear of loss. The moment quickly passed, as she remembered how different everything was now.
"I have thirteen years of experience."
He kissed her forehead, and she felt warm. Everything had completely changed now. Perhaps her happy ending was finally here.
As they arrived at Granny's, Regina looked at Henry, he looked at her and smiled. She had made him proud, and he had seen the good in her she was still surprised to find.
He was reading a story, to Snow's little baby, his uncle. Snow held the baby, joyful, and Regina wasn't bothered, for she too was happy.
"And that's when the bandit leapt on top of the carriage and stole the prince's jewels. The prince chased the thief on horseback, through the treacherous forest."
Regina sat down, with Robin and Roland. She saw Emma enter with the pirate, and help retell the story of Snow White and Prince Charming, despite initial, playful protests.
"Should we go?" Robin asked Regina, signaling to the booth that had caught her attention.
"No, I wouldn't want to ruin this moment."
"You haven't had much trouble in the past."
"I've-"
"changed. Yes, I've realized."
Regina smiled, and looked over to the booth.
"…ran away, and was living on a farm." Red was telling. All of that seemed so silly now, so far in the past.
"Well, it seemed like such a peaceful life. Running away from everything." Snow smiled, remembering those days.
"Like mother, like daughter." Hook remarked, slyly.
Emma seemed distraught, and murmured to him.
"What is he talking about?" Henry asked.
"Should we read more stories?" Charming said nervously, covering for his daughter.
"Actually," Regina said as she stood, "I'd like to know what the pirate is talking about."
"It's nothing."
"Are you planning on moving back to New York?" she said, raising her eyebrows. Robin put his arm around her, probably sensing her worry, beneath the apparent confidence.
"Why would we go back to New York?" Henry asked, confused.
"You're not," Regina said quickly, outraged by Emma's sudden authority over Henry. Regina had given everything up for them to be happy together, but she couldn't just take him away. Regina was his mother. "Right Ms. Swan?" she said, looking at her.
"Actually, it's complicated." Emma replied, uncertain.
"Why would we leave? This is our home." Henry said
"Henry, this isn't the time or place." Emma said.
"I think it is." Regina interrupted in a calm, but aggressive manner.
"No, it's not." Emma said, and she went outside.
Regina rolled her eyes at Emma Swan's overdramatic nature and placed her hand on Henry. He didn't want to leave, so he wouldn't. Her son wasn't going anywhere.
"Grandpa, look." Henry pointed outside.
There was a giant tornado of light. Zelena's time portal had opened.