So I'm gonna post the last 3 chapters from WHTU here where Jafar got introduced - but I am also going to keep this verse really open so there most certainly will be random one shots within that won't follow this particular storyline etc etc. Hopefully it's not to confusing. I'll make sure that I do have an A/N at the top of each new chapter to ensure you guys are aware if it's a new Jafar Chapter or just a one shot addition.
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Jafar Part 1
His staff clinked harshly on the ground as he strode into the desolate town, dark eyes gazing across the dead streets. It was nothing special…at least nothing he was used to, but if this is where his brother was, then there was no doubt he would burn this village and the woman who condemned it, to the ground.
It lacked the heat and sand he was used to, but that not need matter, he could bring it all himself – the eyes of the golden snake staff glowing as his malice grew in his heart….she would pay….pay for what she had done….and as soon as he found her…. He would avenge his brother, the one who had been enslaved to the Evil Queen for years, the brother who had been lost due to lust.
She may be the Evil Queen, but he was a sorcerer, an emperor of an entire country, a man filled with hatred, and a need for power.
She strolled down the street, content with a smile, her hand laced with her husband's' as the snow began to fall. Thick white puffs of ice swirling around the two of them. It's warm though – an oddity given the fact the snow is plummeting in thick blankets. It's nearly Christmas, slowly the entire town has been turning into a small pocket of a winter wonderland. Stores along the streets are outfitted with twinkling colored lights, a few have gone as far as having reindeer and snowmen stacked on rooftops and front porches. Granny's is head to toe done up as a gingerbread house - gumdrop like creations on the walkway, lights in the arches, candy canes at the door…
It's one of the first times Regina actually finds the displays, somewhat, well cute.
God, she's going soft.
Focusing back on the warmth of the weather, she stares up into the ice blue sky – watching as the flakes that fall, fight for survival against the unusually heated ground. It's definitely to warm for this time of year.
Robin seems to come to the same thought – his blue eyes frowning in curiosity to the weather pattern. It certainly wasn't the first time Storybrooke had been hit with unusual weather. His stomach rolls at the memory of the ice queen and everything that had had happened with it. Everything that followed, everything he had nearly lost, and everything he truly did.
His fingers squeezed against Regina's palm, securing her to him for his own comfort. Near 8 months he had the pleasure to call this woman his wife. 8 months of nothing but her blushing laugh when he would call her to just hear to her say Mrs Locksley – the dance of her eyes when he would scoop his wife up and carry her off to bed – 8 months of him staring absently every night at the sparkle of her wedding ring. But he had lost her, more times that his heart could bear, too many to count, and far too often to think about.
It seems like a lifetime ago now, seeing her in the Enchanted Forest, having that unnerving feeling in his soul suddenly burst to life when he first met her eyes. He recognized her eyes, he could have sworn it when once again they met in Storybrooke…he was born to gaze into them, how could he possibly forget them. Taking a moment, to scan over her face silently, it never fails to cross his mind what life would have been like had the wicked witch not come back through that portal.
Where would they be right now, what would their world entail. He supposes with a smile in his heart, it would be much like it is now, full. He loves her, adores her, cherishes her, and for whatever reason the Gods decided to give him, this woman, this raven haired, honey cream skinned, absolutely stunning woman has decided to let him love her…and to his unbelievable fortune…she loves him back.
With equal and unmeasured ferocity, they love one another.
She is his home, his family, his future, whatever that will decide to be, one thing is for certain – Robin will not be losing another moment with his soulmate again.
They hadn't really spoken about her getting pregnant – not really since their wedding night – and the one time near 4 months ago when Regina had gotten violently ill, within the recesses of his mind, Robin had wondered if it wasn't just a simple stomach flu but something far more.
It turned out to be a bug – nothing more that the fact she was pushing herself a touch to hard while taking care of two sick boys at home. She had grimaced and groaned to the idea of "bed rest" – stubborn as ever. Thank God Robin was just as strong headed, had nearly resorted to tying Regina down to the bed for a few days.
So no – they hadn't spoken much about getting pregnant – life was full, life was beautiful and if perchance they happened to bring another soft sweet light into this world, well that was just another blessing.
He wondered often though, how she would look round and swollen with his child. Most people say pregnancy makes women glow with beauty…but it seemed somewhat impossible she could any more stunning.
His mind mused as they walked together, dazing into the unknown where his hands could possibly wrap around her stomach, graze along the swell and feel a gentle kick under his palm. He imagines a little girl – dark raven hair, chocolate brown eyes, the spitting image of her mother, hopefully with his temperament he smiles, but a mini Regina in every essence. Or maybe a boy, another ruckus causing little merry man, blonde and blue eyed, running free like the wind.
For a moment his mind wanders off to the daughter he already lost – no thanks to that bloody witch. His scowl is uncontrollable, and the ache in his heart still lingers. What would she have looked like, how would her voice sounded calling him daddy…
There has been nights where he has found Regina sitting silently in the den, nursing a short glass of amber whiskey – and he knows she is caught thinking about her sister. Another family member gone, another chance to have someone who she could love, who could have loved her back. He'd sit beside her, sip out of her glass and settle into the couch silently- allowing them each to have comfort with the other when their minds were far apart. He wishes he could take away her pain and longing, has tried to reason within himself what she must be feeling…but that woman just about ruined his entire life. It's hard to reconcile, to forgive, and he finds himself quietly wrestling with it.
He knows Regina sees where he is struggling, the way she tips her head slightly with a sad smile as she reaches for his hand, running her thumb along the band of his wedding ring.
They don't speak much about Zelena, not anymore anyway – have both agreed that if they need to, the other will listen without judgement, but it's a painful past, and they would both much rather curl into the other, let the minutes tick by with nothing else but matching heart beats lulling them to sleep.
"You okay?"
Her question pulls him from the recesses of his mind as he smiles and nods – no sense in dwelling on a past when the future is in front of him.
"Perfectly fine my love"
Her eyebrow arches in question at him, and as quick as it does, Robin leans in to kiss away her wonder, humming into her lips with a smile as he tugs her closer.
"You taste like cinnamon and coffee"
The chuckle that escapes her makes his heart flutter. After all this time, she is the reason his heart beats, will always beat. Her lips curl into a shy smile as her fingers tug against his again, and they move down the street again.
"it's oddly warm for snow?" she comments absently.
He nods, gazing around their surroundings, it definitely isn't normal for this to be happening. Curling around the corner, Robin's arm moves around Regina's shoulder, nuzzling her into the crook of his body, letting her warm caramel smell envelope him. She leans against him as they wait, running her knuckles gently along his sternum, absent patterns that soothe her. A bead of sweat trails down the small of her back, the air so thick and warm the need for her wool coat seems utterly ridiculous now.
It's to hot for December.
The bell rings and the school doors fly open, letting the steadily growing population of youth in Storybrooke flood out. Kids race out at every direction, hollering and playing as parents slowly move in to claim them. Her eyes coast the crowd, frowning slightly at the fact she hasn't seen either of her boys yet. It's unusual, they always walk out together, rather quickly to. Her fingers tap against Robin's chest anxiously as the playground thins out.
"Was Emma supposed to pick them up today?"
Regina shakes her head, her heart beat picking up slowly with that prickle of fear.
"Odd, I'm sure they are just held back", Robin matches her concerning frown. They stand for what feels like an eternity at the fence, staring at the doors that have swung closed. Chewing on her lower lip, Regina huffs, "Maybe we should go inside?"
Robin nods, gripping her hand in his own as the make way to the school. She nearly one the verge of tearing the entire building apart until she finds her children
"MOM!"
Her heart stammers at his voice, she and Robin spinning on the spot together, exhaling relieved breaths as their boys wave from the other side of the school.
"Henry, we didn't see you" She hugs him in tight, silently thanking whoever that they are okay.
"Gina Gina‼"
She smiles at the tug on her hand, flicking her eyes down to see a toothy grin beaming up at her.
"Hello my little knight" Regina hums, nuzzling into his curly brown hair as she settles him on her hip; "Did you have a good day at school?"
"Yup! I drew a picture, and Henry met a girl"
"Dude‼"
The smaller boy shrinks and giggles into Regina's neck, as both she and Robin arch an inquisitive eyebrow at the teenager. The blush that blooms in his cheeks accompanied with the embarrassed roll of hazel eyes, nearly makes Regina chuckle.
"A lady friend hey?" Robin bumps his step sons elbow with a cheesy grin.
Henry groans, slinging his backpack over his shoulder- "she just a friend"
"Oh, and why haven't I heard of this friend" his mother smiles – her warm brown eyes sparkling as she suppresses her laugh.
Roland decides to make things even worse when he pipes up "They are all icky like you and daddy!"
"No we aren't!" Henry roars, desperate to find a way to hide from the shocked looks on his parents faces. Robins' is pure giddiness, his lips clamped tight as he begins to shake through his uncontrollable snort. But Regina…her jaw is dropped and apparently she can't decide whether to take offence that she and Robin are "icky" , or have a minor melt down that her son has a crush. He surely can't be old enough to be thinking about girls…can he?
Robin can't hold it in anymore, between the look on Regina's face, and Henry's absolute mortification, it is beyond comical, and he erupts in laughter. Clapping Henry on the shoulder as he wipes tears away from his eyes.
"I'm sorry lad-" he snorts "but you're mother looks as though—" another hiccup of giggling "—she has just seen a ghost". He doubles over, desperate to inhale some breath.
Regina scoffs with a half hearted scowl "No I don't!"
Robin howls harder, and now even Roland and Henry are joining in with him, finding amusement in her expression.
"I just didn't know about this girl…what's her name? Do I know her?"
"Relax mom. She is new"
New!?
Another new person in town…and the funny weather…her heart skips a frantic beat for an entirely different reason. Fortunately Robin seems to catch on as well, his laughter suddenly dying down as he flicks his eyes over to Regina who is doing her best to not look overtly concerned.
"What's the lady's name?"
"Jessalyn"
She has definitely not heard of this girl before, and if there is one thing Regina hates, it's strangers…they make her feel threatened…especially strangers that are friends with her son.
"She lets me call her Jazz" Roland absently adds, climbing off of Regina who is standing rather still for his liking.
"Does she now? Looks like Henry may have some competition for the lady's heart" Robin jests, hoping to lighten the mood as he catches Regina's eyes once more. He understands her, what she is thinking. A young girl certainly can't be that much harm, at least he doesn't wish to think as much. "How about we grab milkshakes at Granny's before heading home?"
The boys holler in agreeance, high fiving each other before turning to head down the street.
"I'm sure it's nothing"
His voice snapping her out of the frozen nature of her mind. Biting down on her lower lip, she sighs, running a hand through her hair. The nape of her neck is damp…it's definitely too damn hot. Robin presses a quick kiss to her temple before lacing their hands together once more. "Come on, there are milkshakes with our names on them" he smiles, and she tries to return the gesture, but fails miserably. The smile from her face faded and Robin absolutely abhors it when his wife is not smiling.
He tugs her to the right, pushing her up against a tree, pinning her in front of him.
"Robin what -"
His lips crash into hers, hard at first before he sucks in her lower lip, tasting the remnants of her earlier coffee still lingering. He moulds into her body, pressing his hips into hers, a hand flat underneath her breast, the other holding her hand against his chest. He kisses her till they can't breathe, till the small tight little moan that escapes her throat has him pulling back. He smiles, smug perhaps, at the fact her eyes are still closed, lips reddened by his affectionate attack, and her breathing slightly stuttered. But she isn't smiling… at least not yet. Dazed for certain, but that's not what he wants.
He lands a row of kisses along her jaw, over her cheekbone, across her brow, down the bridge of her nose, pecking as many spots as he possibly can, and finally he can feel her smiling, the small light airy laugh that parts as her hands press into his chest in a half hearted effort to push him away.
"Okay-okay, you idiot, stop" she laughs, turning her face slightly away, but that only opens up her neck to his affections instead. He nips and kisses playfully, his hands gripping tightly around her waist as she happily hums.
Moving a touch back, her eyes are hooded, but bright and sparkling as she smiles that one damn smile that sets his heart alight. Job well done, he smirks to himself.
They need to catch up to their kids, but Robin can't resist, leaning in to catch her lips once more, soft and languid before they pull apart, leaving with one last peck on the tip of her nose.
"Come on, the kids will be waiting"
"And whose fault is that" Regina arches a playful eyebrow.
"I couldn't help myself" Robin shrugs with a grin
Stepping into his space, Regina lets her hands smooth over the dark green of his shirt, feeling the thickness of his chest as he breathes into her palms. Her tone drops an octave as she stands up on her tip toes, letting her warm breath coast across his mouth. Robin swallows thick at the sudden change in their body language, nipping at Regina thumb pad that slides across his lower lip. "Do you need to be taught some self control thief?".
Exhaling hard, he leans into her body once more, pressing her firmly into the tree. Her chest arches into him as she groans slightly at the shift, feeling the beginning of his arousal grinding into her. His lips are brushing against hers, Regina's tongue darting out to taste him quickly before pulling away in challenge.
It's really hot (the weather) she thinks, it's stifling, and now having this fire building in her stomach thanks to well an equally hot husband who has now decided to kiss the life out of her…it's really damn hot.
"MOM? ROBIN?"
They break apart, panting, Regina licking her lips, tasting a touch of salt and mint. She chuckles, patting his stubbled blonde cheek before extricating herself from his arms. "Guess schools out of session for today".
Robin groans, adjusting his jeans in an effort to hide the effect that Regina Locksley has on him.
"What if I got detention"
"Oooh, I think Granny Lucas is the one that runs that"
Robin laughs with a shake of his head, kissing her cheek quickly before lacing their hands together, walking until they catch their boys, who merely shake their heads in mutual annoyance at their "ickiness".
"He out like a light"
She nods, "you should take him to bed"
"I'll meet you upstairs" – Robin leaves with a quick kiss on her lips, before scooping up his boy, who is burrowed into a pile of blankets, snoring away. Stretching out on the couch, Regina finds Henry, sitting on the opposing chair, eyes glued to his cell phone, a hint of a grin on his face as his fingers type furiously.
When did he get to be so big? He's taller than her, his shoulders filling out, jaw coming in strong. When did that little bundle of baby softness suddenly turn into a young man. She see's him blush, running his hand behind his neck at whatever is on his screen, and her heart skips when she see's him get that look in his eyes. It's the same look Daniel used to get when they were young, the look Robin gives her in the morning when he snuggles tighter into her, that sparkling gaze the Charmings pass to each other every day.
Clearing her throat, she turns to lay on her side and face him, hoping that it will seem less dominating if she hunkers down low under the blanket.
"What?" Henry stumbles, realizing his mother has obviously been watching him.
"Nothing" she smiles back,
With a heavy roll of his eyes, he exhales "okay, you get 1 question"
"5 questions" she bargains
"no way – you can have 3 and that's my final offer" he retorts.
Three is enough.
"Jessalyn right?"
Henry grunts in acknowledgment
"Where did you guys meet?"
"School"
"Where is she from?"
"She's an exchange student"
"That doesn't really answer my question"
"I don't know actually, I never asked her"
"Who are her parents?"
"Thats a fourth question"
Her jaw drops as she frowns, "no it's not"
"Yeah, you asked her name, where we met, and where she is from…that's three"
"Okay, I was just making sure that was her name, it wasn't an actual question"
"Tough luck mom"
Henry smiles, sending Regina an all too familiar expression of "I won, you lost"… standing he walks over to her, chuckling at the deep set frown on her face. Sitting down in the V of space in the couch, he leans down to press a kiss to her head, "Good Night Mom"
"I still say I only got 2 questions"
He laughs as she throws a pillow at him as he walks away. She hears him bump into Robin on the steps, a goading "mom's grumpy" in passing, followed by a chuckle. She glares at the steps until Robin comes into view, dimpled grin on his face as he walks over to the couch.
"Hey grumpy pants…what happened?"
"I'm not grumpy"
"Ah yes, I can tell by the soft tone of your voice"
She smacks him on the arm, before pulling the blanket up and over her head.
"Regina"
She huffs but says nothing.
There are moments, like right now when Robin finds it incredibly hard to believe that this was once the most feared ruler in all of the Enchanted Forest and beyond. This small woman, who is curled up in childish defiance under a blanket because her son outsmarted her. He can't help by laugh as he grips the blanket to pull it away from her. Apparently her Majesty wants to put a fight. Her hands tug the blanket back, rolling over onto stomach to anchor them. The former Evil Queen is wrapped in a knitted blanket like a burrito.
Leaning back on the couch, Robin pats her bum lightly "you know, your highness, when I was a lad, the last person I wanted to talk about the desires of my heart to was my mother"
Regina snorts in annoyance.
"My father, however. He and I shared quite a few musing moments about what fine creatures beautiful women are"
"Great—by all means, take Henry to the strip club while you're at it"
Robin frowns, not really knowing what a strip club is, but by the sarcastic sharpness of his wife's voice, he figures it's nowhere decent for a young boy.
"All I'm saying, is that maybe you only got 3 questions because you're his mother…it's possible I can talk a bit more out of him"
She throws the blankets off her, sitting up tall, utterly shocked at what he is suggesting. "I can talk just fine to Henry"
"I never said you couldn't"
"But -"
"But think of it from his perspective. You're his mom. And you wanted to have an inquisition on the boy. We men are more quiet, reserved things, sharing our feelings aren't exactly what we do easily"
Regina laughs, "You? Robin please, you wear your heart on your sleeve, I have the love letters to prove it"
He can't deny that, he does like to shower his lady with all the affection and praise he can "I am a rare breed"
"Indeed" she arches her eyebrow at him.
"I'll talk to him"
Grimacing, she climbs over onto his lap, settling into his hips and crook of his neck "He's too young to have a girlfriend"
"I had my first love at 13…technically by Sherwood Forest Standards, Henry is a year behind in the game"
He hisses when Regina nips at his neck. "He's too young, I don't want him dating till he is….well never"
Robin chuckles, wrapping his arms around her waist and underneath her backside as he stands. "Come on Mrs. Locksley, let me take you to bed". She hums into the skin on his neck, peppering his jaw with light dotted kisses "I seem to recall, someone still has a lesson they need to be taught".
She is sweating, the air thick and humid as it blankets around them. The windows are open, but the wind is non existent. They've all but kicked off every sheet and blanket on the bed, the silk tank top sticking to her skin between her breasts and on her stomach. It's impossible that at 3am in December it is this hot. Something is clearly not right.
Standing up slowly so not to rouse Robin, she walks slowly to the kitchen to grab some water.
It's bright in the house…the need to click on a light isn't there, the sun in blazing in the sky…but it's 3 in the morning, how is that even possible? Settling against the island, she stares out into her backyard, if she didn't know better, one would think it was mid-day in July. Her head begins to pound at the thought of another unwelcome guest. For once it would be nice to not have to run off to fight someone, or something. Maybe they should move to Paris she muses. It looks beautiful there, tons of shops and cafes, the eiffel tower and rivers…it would be a nice change. The image of Robin in a beret, makes her chuckle – there would be no way she'd get him to live in a massive city. Damn forest loving man.
It's a fleeting hope that maybe it's just a freak weather pattern, one that will disappear without causing destruction…a small glimmer of hope that is stamped out the moment her phone rings.
No one calls at this hour unless it's an emergency.
Sighing heavily, she picks up "Hello?"
"Regina! Why are you up?"
"Yes well you did phone me Ms Swan"
"Right – uhhh, can you come meet me at the lake?"
"Now?"
The line goes quiet for a moment, she can hear Emma sucking down on her lip in anxiety. "Regina, I don't really know how to explain it…but the forest is a sand dune"
"What?"
"Can you just come down here?"
"I'll be there in 15"
"Great"
She hangs up, her headache now in full force. So much for peace and quiet. The forest is a sand dune…what the hell was that supposed to mean. Quietly jogging up the steps, she cracks the door open, finding Robin on his back, bare chested, with an arm flopped over his eyes. She could let him sleep, there's no real need to wake him up. Granted he would be furious with her if she just up and left.
"Robin" she whispers, scratching lightly on his chest "Babe, wake up for a second"
He grunts, blinking out the sleep from his eyes "w'ss wrong?" he slurs.
"I'm not sure, but Emma called just now. I'm gonna go meet her at the lake, something is going on"
"J'ou want me to come with you?"
"It's okay – stay with the boys, I'll text you once I get there"
He grumbles, sitting up against the headboard, running a hand along his face "Regina, I'd really rather not have you leave without me being there"
"It's probably nothing Robin. Plus someone has to stay with the boys"
"Henry can watch Roland, he's done it before"
She frowns, biting her lip...she'd rather him stay, just in case there was something dangerous, or someone dangerous. At least if it was just her going, if something did happen…
"Stop thinking that way- I'm not staying here while you go out there alone"
"Emma's going to be there"
Robin arches a eyebrow, "Yes, well as much as I trust the Sheriff, I'd rather be there beside you"
It's the damn way he says it to. He doesn't remark that she needs someone to protect her, but rather wishes to be a partner instead, side by side.
"Fine, just don't-"
"Get in your way, I know. You can say it a hundred times, I still probably won't listen"
She smiles with a sigh "okay, let me just leave Henry a note"
They stand still – shocked and partially in awe. The ground slowly turned from mulch and leaves into light bronzed sand. It waved through the brush, building and hilling the further the walked. With each step, the sun beat down on them, scorching in heat.
They had rounded the last curve, expecting to find the lake nestled between the hills. Instead, there was no water, no grass, no trees, just sand. Mountains and mountains of sand.
"What the hell is going on?" Emma stammered out.
"I have no idea" Regina shook her head. Her throat was parched, lips drying out every second they stood before the unsettling new landscape. Swallowing thickly, Regina takes a further few steps, edging into the sand hills, her magic flowing out from her palms, parting the golden sea. They walked slowly, Robins' bow drawn tight, Emma and Regina both shifting the sand around them.
"Regina, I don't' think anything is here" Emma calls out from behind her.
Frustrated, a blast of magic pulses from Regina's hands, evaporating the sand wall in front of them.
"You were saying Ms Swan?".
"Whoa"
They step forward, slow with Regina's magic guiding out.
"Your Majesty"
She spins on the spot, a fire ball raging in her hand, Robin and Emma on either side of her as they take in the intruder. He's thin, cloaked in black, a golden staff in his right hand, aiding him as he limps towards the trio.
"I apologize, I meant not to frighten you"
"Who are you?" Regina growls, letting the fireball expand. His eyes darken, black as night as he stares at her for a heated moment. She know's those eyes…has seen them before…but where escapes her. His jaw is cut sharp, covered in a straight cut black beard, hair long and tied back in a braid, tucked into the collar of his shirt. She knows his face…she could swear it.
The red ruby that hangs on the base of his neck glows as he shuffles forward, but the limp he is playing doesn't fool her. The way he leans against the double headed snake staff….
Her heart stops. The Agraban Viper. Sidney.
He can see her understanding, forming her own realization at to whom exactly he is. His magic flows out, ghosting along her skin invisibly, snaking up into her mind. It's a wall, a breach she has created, and he frowns imperceptibly as the Queen stares back at him with rage.
Retracting, he edges his magic out to the other two. Creeping slowly up the base of their spines, infiltrating the nerve endings that climb high. He's nearly reached the man's brain, finding little resistance. Easy prey. He reaches, ready to take ahold.
Slamming into the ground, he is thrown back by a blast of magic, roaring through the Queen's hands as she growls at him. He smiles, laughs darkly at her outburst. She is attached to this theif and blonde.
"Oh Your Majesty. You truly are magnificent aren't you" he sneers, standing up tall once more. "I can see why my brother was so taken with you"
Robin frowns, turning for a fraction to catch Regina's eyes, but she stares hard back at the man, looking as though she could breathe fire at any moment should she wish.
"It's an interesting town you have here…I wonder, where is my brother"
"Regina, who the hell is he talking about" Emma gripes beside her.
The Queen says nothing, but her heart is pounding furiously. She doesn't actually know where Sidney is…after the Ice Queen he hadn't been seen in well a good two years almost now. But she knows he hasn't left, he would never leave her. Even after everything she had done to him, trapping him in the mirror, in the asylum, using him as her scapegoat, everything….his infatuation, his disgusting deadly obsession with her, it would keep him here.
"I will find him, even if I have to burn this town, and everyone inside it to the ground".
He is gone in a red cloud of smoke, leaving two confused people staring at a hard set brunette.
She needs to find Sidney, before his brother does.