First off, thank you so much for the lovely reviews! I was surprised at how popular the first chapter was! I'll be making a slight correction as I miscalculated the time. For the purpose of this fanfiction, Henry is eleven, not twelve as I had written in the first chapter. I'll get to editing it later, but for now, it's time for Alice/Regina feels.
Stay tuned for more! I would love to hear your suggestions and ideas for this SQ family, what sort of things you'd like to see happen or what you hope will happen.
**Disclaimer: I do not own or claim ownership to OUaT characters. Not even Alice. This is purely for a fan-based love of the characters.**
Enjoy!
Let Me Into Your Heart
Regina sat on the edge of the bathtub with her hand under the running water, testing the temperature. Satisfied that it was warm enough, but not as scalding as she herself would have made it, she plugged the drain and allowed the porcelain vessel to fill with water. Alice stood in the middle of the bathroom, just watching Regina silently.
"Alice, would you let me help you take off your dress?" The girl shook her head fiercely. "You can't take a bath with it on, sweetie." Alice grasped the skirt in her hands, holding on so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Regina turned around to see that the bath was half full and turned off the water. She adjusted herself on the edge and faced Alice. The child was clearly afraid of something. Emma had shared quite a bit of her childhood memories with Regina, giving her some insight to life without a family. She partially understood Emma's need to spend time with Snow and Charming from that, but it still didn't quell her own desire to have Emma living with her. At least she was satisfied with what she could get for now.
Regina held her hands out to Alice and smiled softly, "Alice, Emma and I really want to help you. I promise, nothing bad will happen to you here. We have a son, his name is Henry. While you're here, he'll be like your brother. You wouldn't want him to see you all dirty, would you?" Alice shook her head slowly. "Good girl. Now, let's get this dress off and get you into the tub."
Alice finally nodded and allowed Regina to help her undress and held onto the woman's hand as she climbed into the tub. The girl relaxed slightly as the warm water rose up around her and she looked up at Regina. Her blue eyes almost said 'thank you' causing Regina to stand up and smile warmly at the girl. A knot formed in her stomach and she felt her eyes become a bit watery. Whomever allowed a child to become this frail and uncared for was certainly evil beyond any standards that Regina knew.
After showing Alice which bottles were the shampoo and conditioner for her hair, Regina announced that she would go look for clothes for the girl to wear. Alice shot her hand out and took hold of Regina's shirt, holding her close to the tub. The brunette looked over her shoulder only to be met with worried eyes. At 7-years-old, Henry had insisted that his mother no longer needed to keep an eye on him in the bathtub, but this child was much more dependent. Regina sat back down on the edge of the tub and placed a hand gently on Alice's head. "Okay, I'll stay here until you're done. We'll go look for clothes together." Alice's eyes lit up and she nodded, then dutifully took the bottle of shampoo and began working the liquid into her hair.
Regina felt a little nostalgic sitting on the edge of the bath. She recalled when Henry was 6 and had begun doing his bath duties on his own. She instinctively reached out and wiped soap from Alice's brow before it could drip onto her eyes. As Alice reached for the bar of soap to scrub herself, Regina reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She thought about texting Emma, but quickly decided against it. Instead, she scrolled through her address book and tapped on Kathryn's name.
K, I need a favor. Can you possibly come by and bring some clothes for a 9-year-old girl? I'll explain when you get here. Thanks!
Regina replaced her phone back in her pocket, just as Alice was wiggling down under the water to rinse herself of the soap. "All done?" Regina asked. Alice nodded appreciatively.
The brunette reached down into the tub to release the plug, effectively draining the water and filling the bathroom with the gurgling sound of the drain. She got up and took a perfectly white towel from the linen shelf nearby and kneeled down to wrap Alice in it, pulling the girl into a hug. It was more instinctive than anything. She had always wrapped up Henry the same way when he was small. Suddenly realizing herself, Regina let Alice hold the towel around her small body and stood up. "Let's go find you something to wear for now, okay?"
She walked into the large walk-in closet that was connected to the bathroom. Regina's closet was meticulously organized. Work clothes filled nearly two walls, followed by casual clothes, then coats and jackets, then a large cubby shelf for shoes. She felt she could never have enough shoes or enough heels. There were a pair of black boots tossed to the side and a single black leather jacket hanging off the door handle. Regina rolled her eyes, scolding Emma in her head for her blatant disregard of the closet's organization. She told herself that until she could make space, Emma would have to put her things in the dresser in the bedroom or in one of the spare rooms.
As Regina took down a small t-shirt that she had received at a charity event, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Tucking the shirt under her arm, she pulled out her phone and found Kathryn's reply.
On my way. Definitely curious. Hoping for a good story!
Replacing her phone back in her pocket, she knelt down in front of Alice. "Here, you can wear this for now until my friend Kathryn comes by with some clothes for you." Using the towel to help Alice dry off the rest of her body, Regina helped Alice pull the shirt over her head, noticing a few scars here and there on the girl's back and legs. Again she felt that knot in her stomach twist and turn, nearly bringing sympathetic tears to her eyes. As much as she hated to admit it, when Emma had a 'strong feeling' about something, she was usually right. She hoped that she wasn't right about Alice, but a part of her agreed with her girlfriend.
Regina's phone buzzed again in her pocket as she walked Alice out into the bedroom. She sat down on the bed with the girl next to her, using a dry towel to soak up the water in the child's blonde hair. She stopped a moment to look at her phone, surprised to see a message from Emma instead of Kathryn.
Hey, baby. Everything going okay? I forgot that Henry said he was going to be with my dad after school today. He reminded you this morning, I can't believe I forgot!
Regina rolled her eyes and replied quickly.
Sometimes I wonder how you get through your day, Emma Swan. I just gave Alice a bath. She's very bright for a child that doesn't speak.
Yeah, she only said two words to me. But she's still pretty expressive. Anyhow, I just wanted to check on you two. I still gotta go to my parents' place. I'll get my stuff when I pick up Henry. Finishing reports from today. Need anything?
No, we're fine. Kathryn is coming over with clothes for Alice.
I would have done it if you asked, baby.
She's a little girl, Emma. I want the opportunity to dress her up like one, not in the sort of tomboyish clothes you'd pick out.
You're so mean sometimes. Good thing I love you for it.
Back to work, Sheriff Swan. I'm not signing the police department payroll for you to just sit around and text your girlfriend.
Regina chuckled as she put her phone away, turning her attention back to Alice. She reached for her hairbrush on the nightstand and began gently working through the tangles of blonde hair in front of her. She managed to brush most of it straight before Kathryn knocked on the front door. Kathryn was well acquainted with Regina's home and let herself in, announcing from the entry that she arrived.
"In the bedroom, Kathryn!" Regina called out. She put a hand on Alice's shoulder. "My friend Kathryn is here. She's going to help us get you all dressed up." She received another nod from Alice as Kathryn entered the room. The tall blonde walked into the doorway holding a shopping bag.
"Regina, I love helping you and Emma, but you really need to..." Kathryn stopped as she noticed the little girl sitting beside Regina. "Oh my...did Emma have another child after Henry?!"
Regina's eyes widened at Kathryn's claim, "No, where would you get that idea? How does that even make sense? She found her in the woods after getting a call from State patrol. She thinks the girl is a runaway from a foster home."
The blonde sighed in relief. "I see. Well, I brought over some things you asked for. Are you guys going to be her foster parents?"
"I'm not sure," Regina answered, peering into the bag. "Emma said just for awhile. She's going to start looking for the girl's family tomorrow." She pulled out a pair of underwear, a deep violet and grey plaid dress and grey socks. Regina couldn't help but grin.
Kathryn shrugged, "I saw it in the store and it seemed like something you'd like. I'm surprised you didn't ask Emma."
Regina handed the clothes to Alice and instructed her to go change in the bathroom. After the girl got up, wet blonde hair clinging to her oversized t-shirt, Regina leaned back on the bed. "You know how Emma is. She'd probably come back here with jeans and a miniature version of her red jacket. Between her and Henry, there are enough boys' clothes to dress an army. I hate to admit it, but I've always wanted a daughter..." Regina looked towards the bathroom wistfully, her memories flashing back to when Snow was quite small. She felt a tinge of pain, but after years of pushing those feelings back, Regina was able to regain her composure quickly. She stood up from the bed and went to her purse. "Just indulge me for awhile, Kathryn."
"Oh, I intend to. I think it's very sweet, honestly. I didn't know Emma had such a soft spot." Regina merely nodded as she took out some money and offered it to her friend. "Keep it, Regina. Think of this as a friendly favor, not one of Mr. Gold's transactions."
"Thank you. I'm sure... Oh dear." Regina stopped, having looked towards the bathroom just in time to see Alice struggling with the dress. She quickly moved across the room and took hold of the wiggling girl, then gently unhooked the clasp at the top of the dress's zipper. The garment fell to Alice's shoulders loosely and she turned to look up at Regina apologetically. Her eyes reflected fear, as if some sort of swift punishment were coming for her clumsiness. Regina smiled and turned Alice around again to pull up her zipper and re-hook the clasp. "There, now. My, what a lovely young lady."
Alice beamed brightly and threw her arms around Regina's waist. The deputy mayor couldn't stop herself from hugging the child, finding herself smiling genuinely as she did so. Kathryn poked her head into the bathroom. "Oh good, it fits. I'll keep that in mind." The blonde held back a giggle but the gesture did not go unnoticed by the deputy mayor. She shot a glance to Kathryn who shook her head and grinned. "Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, Regina. I was just thinking how cute you two are. It's almost like she's your and Emma's actual daughter."
Regina's mouth opened to response but sound refused to come out. Her face immediately colored a curious shade of red before she stood up and strode over to meet Kathryn. The blonde was used to Regina's need to intimidate with proximity and simply stood there and smiled. But having nothing to really bark about, Regina sighed and brushed past her friend. "Come, Alice, let's go make those cookies now." Alice did a small jump and headed out of the bathroom. She stopped in front of Kathryn and made a small curtsey in thanks for the dress, then scurried on after Regina.
Kathryn followed them down the stairs, grinning from ear to ear. "She really is adorable, Regina. I think you should consider at least becoming her foster parents." Regina shot another malicious glare over her shoulder as she reached the ground floor. Kathryn looked absolutely silly grinning as she did, but Regina just rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll leave it alone for now. I've got to go, I have errands to run."
Softening her expression, Regina turned and waited for her friend to join her and grasped her hands. "Thank you for helping, Kathryn. We'll get together for lunch soon and I'll fill you in. Maybe after things get settled."
Kathryn pulled Regina into a hug, then stepped back and crouched down in front of Alice. "It was very nice meeting you, Alice. Regina will take very good care of you; she's a very good mom." With that, Kathryn stood up and excused herself waving as she closed the front door behind her.
Alice grasped Regina's hand and looked up at her. The brunette was unconsciously smiling down at the girl yet again. All afternoon she'd been smiling constantly at the girl's infectious attention. "Kathryn's nice, isn't she? Now, what do you say we get started on those cookies, then we'll go grocery shopping?" Alice nodded vigorously. Regina quietly wished she could hear the girl's voice, but understood that it would likely take some time.
It didn't take long for Regina and Alice to finish baking their cookies and leave them cooling on the kitchen counter. Regina had always wanted Henry to cook with her, but he was too occupied with his books and comics than doing the things his mother enjoyed. She couldn't help but feel a bit ecstatic when Alice showed such a happy smile when Regina put the child sized apron over her dress and rolled up her own sleeves. No more than 45 minutes later, they stood in a clean kitchen with a dozen warm snickerdoodles on a rack to cool.
Regina announced that they'd be headed out to the grocery store and Alice obliged. She was quiet during the car ride, as Regina had expected and still very quiet when they walked into the store together. She latched onto Regina's hand, making it a bit hard for the brunette to steer the cart. Regina sighed, "Alice, honey, I can't get any of the groceries if you don't let me have both of my hands." An idea came to her head and after taking out her wallet and phone, she handed her purse to Alice. "Hold onto this for me, okay? It's very important and I think you're the only one I can trust to do it." Alice's head bobbed once in agreement, clutching the woman's purse so dearly to her chest that Regina thought it had become an instant security object for the girl.
Satisfied with the task she was given, Alice followed Regina around quietly as the woman collected everything she needed for dinner that night. It had been some time since Snow and David had come over for dinner, Regina having showcased her culinary abilities each time. Her intention for inviting them was to get their assistance in convincing Emma to move in, but Regina managed to do that on her own with the unintended help of her young blonde cohort. But now they had a different topic on their hands: the young girl. Regina was not sure how Emma would bring up the subject to Henry or her parents, or what their reaction would be to find that they had taken in another child. Although Regina didn't imagine their response to be too terrible. They had been incredibly supportive, once Snow and David had gotten over their hardened distaste for Regina (Snow would never say 'hate'), in respect to their daughter's affections for the woman.
Regina stopped in front of the meat department and stared at the various cuts of beef. David and Emma were definitely father and daughter from their over the top love of cooked meat. Not that the deputy mayor didn't enjoy a quality steak once in awhile, but the other two would be willing to have it regardless of its quality. She shook her head in disappointment and then realized that maybe she should go all out, just once in awhile. Rack of lamb sounded pretty good to her at the moment, but Snow was always somewhat uncomfortable with young meat. Regina didn't mind cooking for lots of people, but catering to tastes other than her own was a bit of a hassle. She looked down at Alice and smiled. "We'll make something good for everyone tonight. Would you like to meet Henry and his grandparents tonight, Alice?" The look on the girl's face suddenly became uncomfortable and Regina pulled back her enthusiasm. She crouched down again, smiling softly and placing her hand on the girl's head. "I'll tell you a secret. Henry is a Prince. His Grandpa David and Grandma Snow, they're a Prince and Princess. I'm a Queen... and Emma... she's my Knight. Tonight, we're going to have a royal feast, just for you. Would you like that? You'll be an honorary princess." Regina figured her plan was flawless. What little girl didn't want to be a princess?
It took Alice a moment to respond, taking Regina's words into careful consideration. Then she nodded firmly and stood just slightly taller by straightening her back. She was certainly determined to show that she could be a princess, especially in front of a Queen. Regina bit her lip at the sheer amount of cuteness coming from the little girl. She reached into the meat cooler and pulled out a tray of ground beef and a tray of Italian sausage. Henry and Emma always loved her lasagna. In fact, she was known in town for having lasagna better than Tony's, a fancy Italian restaurant known for its gigantic meatballs. With an objective in mind, they moved through the aisles quickly, picking up the necessary ingredients for dinner and other groceries they were low on.
Focused on finishing the shopping so that they could head home, Regina continued up and down the aisles with Alice.
"Regina." A small voice called out to her. Regina turned around and found Alice looking up at her, holding an bright red apple.
A thousand emotions ran through the pit of Regina's stomach to her heart and into her throat, causing her to choke back a few tears. She had only spent a few hours with the girl, but found that she was definitely growing attached to her. Rage conflicted with the compassion she was feeling for the child as she thought about the condition Alice had arrived in with Emma. She crouched down and gently took the apple from Alice. "Is this for me?"
Alice nodded, "Regina" she answered. Without warning, she smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around Regina's neck, hugging the woman. Regina gasped in surprised, but found herself lifting the girl up in her arms. Not only did Alice actually speak, but she was so sincere and genuine in her actions that Regina's heart melted the moment she heard her name.
Regina gently set Alice down and drew a breath, trying to calm herself. "Thank you, Alice. I think we're all done. Let's go home." She offered her hand to Alice, who gladly took the woman's hand while clutching her purse to her chest.
They paid for their groceries and hurried out of the store. Stepping out of the store into the parking lot, another young voice called out to Regina. This one was brighter and cheerful. She turned to see Grace and her father Jefferson approaching the store.
"Hello, Madame Mayor." Grace said cheerfully. She saw Alice standing next to Regina, clutching her hand tightly. "Hello. I'm Grace. What's your name?"
Alice hid behind Regina's arm, clearly showing that she wasn't too comfortable in this situation.
Regina sighed. "Sorry, Grace. She just arrived in town, but she's a bit nervous. Alice, will you say hello to Grace? She's Henry's friend." Alice peeked out from behind Regina and released the woman's hand to wave, but quickly grasped it again. "Sorry."
"Madame Mayor," Jefferson said, greeting Regina. He glanced down at the girl beside her and raised an eyebrow. "A relative?"
"You could say that..." Regina said distantly. Alice's eyes met Jefferson's and she immediately ducked behind Regina. She could feel Alice physically shaking next to her. The girl was clutching Regina's shirt so hard that her little knuckles were turning white. Regina bent down and touched her hand to Alice's face. "What's wrong? Alice?!"
Grace and Jefferson looked at each other nervously. "Sorry, Madame Mayor. We'll be excusing ourselves now." Jefferson placed his hand on Grace's shoulder, leading her away from the brunette and the quivering blonde girl.
Alice looked absolutely terrified. Her blue eyes shot back and forth, constantly looking past Regina but never at her. She was shaking, tears threatening to pour from her eyes and what little voice she was willing to release only came out in terrified whimpers. Regina wrapped her arms protectively around Alice, trying to calm the child down. There was no way she would be able to get all the way home without Alice walking on her own. Regina reached for her phone, hoping she could get a hold of Emma. The former Queen didn't really like asking for help, but at a moment like this she couldn't deny that she needed it.
"Regina? What's going on? Who's the kid?" another voice addressed her, this one masculine and tinged with worry. She turned around to find David and Snow behind her.
"David! Please, can you help me? I don't know what's wrong with her." Regina looked up at her girlfriend's parents with the most desperate look in her eyes.
"Charming, get the cart and bring it to Regina's car." Snow instructed. She bent down next to Regina who was holding Alice against her, hoping the girl would calm down. "What happened, Regina?"
"I... I don't know. We were just about to leave and then we ran into Jefferson and Grace... then she became like this." Alice wrapped her arms around Regina's neck again, holding on as if she were about to be torn away from this nice woman who was taking care of her. Regina stood up, holding Alice in her arms. "Snow, I really hate to ask this of you and David, but can one of you drive us back to the house? I don't think I'll be driving like this."
Snow furrowed her eyebrows together in confusion. "Is she... Emma's?"
Regina sighed, a tinge of irritation creeping behind her eyes in the form of a headache. "Please, Snow... not right now. We'll discuss it over dinner."
Without another question, Snow reached for Regina's purse where the girl had dropped it and pulled out the Mercedes keys. They walked together to the car, David looking up as they approached.
"I... forgot to get the keys from you. Anybody want to tell me what's going on?" he asked, looking back and forth between his wife and Regina.
"Just... get in the car." Snow answered. She opened the back door so Regina could climb in with a bit of trouble, Alice still holding onto her and now sobbing quietly.
Regina looked at the young girl in her arms as they traveled down the roads of Storybrooke to her home. In just a few hours, the child had gone from shy and withdrawn to being incredibly attached to the brunette. She had said her name. Alice had even offered her an apple. A honey crisp apple... just like the ones from my tree. Regina ground her teeth together, seething in frustration at how she had no outlet to direct her emotions. In one moment, the girl went from absolutely adoring Regina to becoming so frightened that it seemed that she was a mere shell. Regina certainly didn't expect to be sitting in the backseat of her own car with her girlfriend's parents driving while she tended to a mostly mute runaway child when she woke up this morning. I really hope Emma remembered her toothbrush. There is no way I can do this without her.
This chapter was a bit shorter than the last one. Really wanted to develop Regina and Alice's relationship here and throw in a little kink. Thanks for reading! Please stay tuned for more!