Sherlock frowned at his reflection in the mirror. Once he became an adult and moved away from his mother's rule, he vowed to never suffer through the act of dressing up ever again. He broke that vow once, for John's wedding. But he figured that would be the only time he would, and he had been quite content with it. Except here he was, once again, wearing a tight and itchy tuxedo in preparation for another senseless wedding. He groaned.
"Not another peep from you," John said, pointing an accusing finger at Sherlock. He, too, was dressed in a tux. His bowtie hung unattended from his neck, waiting to be tied.
"This is so absurd," Sherlock muttered, adjusting his cufflinks. All morning, as the two men got ready, Sherlock had made his feelings about the wedding perfectly known. According to him, it was a waste of everyone's time, a stupid show of human emotions, and the equivalent of a circus act.
"This was your idea!" John cried, irritation reaching its peak. "I said we could've gone home, but you insisted we stay!"
"Yes, because who invites total strangers to their wedding?" Sherlock said, walking over to John. Without asking, he deftly tied John's tie, moving it into the perfect position. "It's odd, and I want to know why. But that doesn't mean I like it."
John batted Sherlock's hands away and helped him with his own tie. "Of course not, these things are below you." He stepped away from Sherlock and walked over to where his tuxedo jacket was hanging on the bathroom door handle. "I can't even believe we're doing this. We're lucky we were able to get these suits on such short notice."
Sherlock winced at a particularly annoying itch on his side. "Speak for yourself."
"Well, come on then," John said, tossing Sherlock his jacket and nodding to the door. "We've got a wedding to get to."
"Are you excited for the wedding?" Belle asked smiling. Will sat across from her in one of the booths at Granny's. She had only a few minutes until she needed to be at Regina's house to help get her ready, and Will at Charming's apartment to help Robin.
Will stared at his black coffee, staying silent. "Or not?" Belle looked worried. "You've seemed a bit down lately, is there something you want to talk about?"
"No." He rolled his eyes. "Just tired from all the work Regina had me doing."
Belle pursed her lips. "I know that's not it."
Will pushed the cup away from him and closed his eyes. "It's nothing, really."
"Will, it isn't healthy to push things down. What's going on?"
He shook his head, "No. Not today. My best friend is getting married today, it's a happy day. I don't need to do this right now."
Belle looked worried. "Will."
"I'm just not a fan of weddings anymore, that's all." He pulled his coffee back and took a gulp, hoping the caffeine would wake him up for the day. It was times like these he wished he had a bit of magic so he could cast some spell to keep him from whining or sleeping through his sadness.
"Why not?"
He hesitated for a moment, and then spoke low, as if telling a secret. "The last wedding I was at was my own, actually."
Belle looked surprised. "You're married?"
He shook his head. "Well I suppose not anymore. It's stupid really, it's been a while now."
"Wait," Belle began, piecing things together in her mind. "Was this Ana? You've mentioned her before, but you always stop yourself. I never knew she was your wife."
Will nodded. "Yeah, Anastasia. Ana."
Belle motioned for him to continue. He rolled his eyes. He hated feelings. He was sad he still had his heart inside, he hated dealing with them. "We had these two friends. Alice and Cyrus. They got married, and shortly after Ana and I decided to as well. The whole kingdom was there, actually. A bit fancy for my taste."
"The whole kingdom?" Belle looked confused.
Will rolled his eyes again. He seemed so simple to everyone in Storybrooke. They didn't know his past. He knew Belle wouldn't really ever see him the same after this. "Yeah, we were actually King and Queen for a little while. The people loved us once they found out she was good and all again."
"Where was this?"
"A place called Wonderland."
Belle nodded. "I didn't know you were a King, Will. I just thought you were a thief."
Will laughed. "Now why can't I be both?" His smile faded. "We were actually quite good at it, the whole ruling thing. I understood what everyone wanted, and she was firm but kind enough to play it out. I never saw it coming." He trailed off and looked out the window, Belle could tell this was hard for him.
"What happened? Were you hurt?"
"Nobody tried to kill me, if that's what you're thinking." He looked down. "It's nothing really."
"Will, you can't just tell me you were King of Wonderland and stop there."
He rolled his eyes. "It's not a happy story, Belle. This isn't a fairytale ending, you know. Bad things happen sometimes."
She didn't say anything. They waited a few moments, but Will decided to continue. If he was going to tell anyone, it should be Belle. He trusted her, and he knew she wouldn't judge him. They had become good friends. She came to him with problems about Rumple, and it was time he came to her with a problem of his own.
"She fell in love with somebody else." He checked Belle's expression. She widened her eyes, worried for him. "He wasn't from Wonderland, though. He was from here. No magic, no nothing. And she fell for him. I had suspected something was wrong for a little while, and just when I thought I'd say something she comes and says she doesn't love me and she wanted to leave." His voice cracked. He cupped the coffee mug tightly. "It wasn't like the last time. There wasn't a curse. There wasn't coercion. He didn't have an ulterior motive, she said. She just loved him. And so she left."
Belle stayed silent. She watched as Will's eyes welled in front of her. He bit his lip and sucked in a breath. "I'm so sorry, Will."
"After a few days with her gone the whole kingdom was upset. They wanted me gone if she was gone. I didn't have anywhere to go. I found a portal and came here. I figured she had come to this realm with him, and I figured maybe I could convince her. Maybe if I loved her enough she would come back to me."
Belle felt that even she was getting upset. She didn't know how to comfort Will.
"I ended up here, in Storybrooke, and with the curse I couldn't go and look for her. By the time everything was lifted I just thought it would be too hard to go alone. I can't imagine being heartbroken by her again, but sometimes I think it's worth the risk. Anything is worth the risk for her."
After a minute passed, Belle looked at Will. "We'll find her."
Will looked up. "No, Belle."
"No, we will. I'll go with you. We can look together, Rumple can come, and anyone else who wants to. I can do some research and we'll find her together. You don't have to go through this alone."
Will nodded. "Thank you."
They stayed there a while longer, keeping each other company. After a little while, Will felt a bit more in high spirits, and Belle made sure he was safe at the Charmings' before she met up with Snow and Emma to go to Regina's. She felt a bit better knowing she could help.
Regina sipped her coffee, willing herself not to pace all over her kitchen. She glanced at the clock for the umpteenth time that morning, moaning when she saw it was almost ten. Snow, Emma, and Belle should be there already to help her get ready. Her nerves were starting to fray.
This was it. Her wedding day. Not her first wedding day, granted, but the first one she was truly excited for. Today she would marry her true love, her soulmate. After everything she had been through, after everything she had done, she honestly never thought she would reach this moment. It was incredible, exhilarating, a complete dream come true.
And she was absolutely terrified.
It was silly, really. She knew she shouldn't be scared. Robin loved her, and she loved him, and that was all that mattered. She knew he would be waiting for her at the end of the aisle, and then they could start the rest of their lives. She smiled just picturing it. It was the start of a new chapter, one where she was finally happy.
That was still an odd concept. Her happiness. After chasing it for so long, she almost didn't recognize it.
Regina reached for her coffee again only to discover her mug was empty. Actively working to keep her gaze from the clock, she set the mug in her sink and walked out of the kitchen, desperate to move around.
The house was empty, which was a rarity these days. Snow had stayed over last night, but left early in the morning to take care of some last minute errands, promising to return and help Regina with her hair and makeup. Henry and Roland were with Robin, getting ready at the Charmings' apartment.
Regina stopped in her entryway, smiling at a photo she had sitting on the table where she put her keys. It was of the four of them - her, Robin, Roland, and Henry. Emma had taken it. They were sitting around a campfire, Henry teaching Robin and Roland how to make a s'more. Regina was pressed against Robin's side, a soft smile on her face. It had been right after they saved Emma from the darkness, their first time celebrating being together again. It was one of Regina's fondest memories. Her stomach tingled with the knowledge that there were many more of them coming.
A knock on her front door drew her from her thoughts. She barely had time to react before Snow opened the door, using her spare key to get in.
"It's about time you got back!" Regina said, hands on her hips. Emma and Belle trailed after Snow, garment bags over their arms and bags dangling from their wrists.
"Yes, we know," Snow said. "And I'm sorry, but there was something important that needed to be taken care of."
"Oh? Like what?"
Snow grinned slyly. "Like picking up an old friend?"
A fourth figure entered the house, and Regina's eyes widened. She smiled broadly at Tinker Bell as the blonde-haired fairy rushed over to her.
"If there was ever a time to say 'I told you so'," Tink announced, dragging Regina into a hug, "it would be today."
"I'm glad you're here," Regina said, pleased she could still call Tink a friend. After what she'd done to the fairy, she would have understood it if Tink cut her out of her life for good.
"Like I was going to miss this!" Tink said. "I'm the reason we're here, after all."
"Let's not get too carried away," Regina said with a raised eyebrow.
"Okay," Emma said, clapping her hands together. "This reunion is cute and all, but we need to get you ready."
"What are you most excited for?" Snow asked. Regina sat facing away from the vanity in her bedroom, with the four girls in front of her. Belle stood, doing her hair into soft curls that Robin liked, and Tink worked on her makeup. Emma looked a bit useless off to the side on the lounge, but she knew Regina would kill her if she tried to alter the look she was going for.
Regina blushed. "I just keep thinking about all the memories we'll make." She turned to Emma who smiled, understanding. "I know that sounds dumb."
"No!" Snow interjected. "Being in love isn't dumb. I remember my wedding day with Charming. I mean, you ruined it a bit, but it didn't matter much since I was with him."
Regina rolled her eyes. "I see all the work I put in to ruining it didn't work, did it?"
Emma laughed. "Are you upset it didn't work?"
Regina smiled. "Of course not. You know what I mean."
"My point," Snow continued, "is that there isn't anything to be nervous about. No matter if anything goes wrong, it will still be the best day of your life. It only matters that you and Robin are happy."
Regina tilted her head, upsetting Belle and Tink in the process. "I'm not nervous, Snow."
Snow smiled, "Yes you are. Everyone is on their wedding day. And the last time you were married, may I remind you, you weren't in it for the love. You didn't care how the marriage turned out. This time you do. There's so much riding on this for you. And that's what's beautiful about it, Regina. You love him."
"Okay," Emma said loudly, disrupting the sappiness that was crowding the room. "I don't think she wants to hear about how nervous she should be, Mom." She turned to Regina, "Why don't you go over the plans for the day, you like order, it'll be good for you."
Regina silently thanked Emma for the distraction, although she would have never said so out loud. "Right," she began, "In about a half hour, Emma will go to the park and make sure everyone gets seated. Once we're ready, we'll all take the car over to the park and wait until Robin and the groomsmen walk down the aisle to get out. When we do, we'll walk up, I'll say my vows, and start the party."
"You make it sound so robotic," Belle said, laughing.
"Well it won't be," Regina promised. "Nothing could go wrong, not with all the preparation we put in. Every flower, every person, every dish is in order. If something isn't, we can blame Emma."
"Hey!" Emma interjected.
"I'm half-joking."
"Mate," Killian said, "Stop pacing. You're making me dizzy."
Robin stopped abruptly in the middle of the apartment. He glanced over at his friend, who was sitting on one of the bar stools. Killian raised his eyebrows.
"Sorry," Robin said. He brushed the front of his jacket for what was surely the hundredth time. "Nerves."
"You don't say?" Killian said sarcastically. Robin glared at him.
Robin knew that being nervous was just a waste of time, but he couldn't help it. His (second) wedding day was a good enough reason to be anxious. He just wanted to get on with it, just wanted to marry the woman he loved most in the whole world. The waiting was getting to him.
He joined Killian by the kitchen counter and dropped down onto a seat next to the one-handed pirate. Killian was dressed in a nice suit for once, as opposed to his usual leather coat. Regina had insisted (ordered, really) that he look nice. Killian had tried to object, pointing out he wasn't a groomsman. Regina just glared at him. It was enough to silence him into submission.
"Have you seen Regina's dress?" Robin asked. Killian gave him a look that said Really?
"Why would I have seen Regina's dress?"
Robin shrugged. "I don't know. You went to a fitting with Emma?"
Killian wrinkled his nose. "Not bloody likely."
Charming entered the room just then, straightening his tie as he walked. "I have, Robin, and you'll be speechless. Trust me."
Robin smiled, picturing what Regina would look like. "Thank you, David. I mean, she's always beautiful, today really shouldn't be any different, but giving myself something to think about will stop me from-"
"Robin," Killian said, looking very much like he wanted to slam his own head against the counter. "Relax."
Charming clapped Robin's shoulder. "You'll be fine. You love Regina, Regina loves you. That's all you need for a wedding."
Robin nodded, grateful for his friends' support. He was nervous for no good reason. In a few hours, he would be married to his true love, and nothing else would matter.
"Okay," Robin said, placing his hands on his thighs. "What's happening now?"
Killian made a scoffing noise. Charming shot him a warning look before focusing back on Robin.
"Little John and Will are coming over soon to take you and Killian to the park. Emma will meet you there. I'm going to pick up Regina and everyone else up and join you, and then," he held his hands out, "the wedding."
Robin processed it all. "Right, yeah. Sounds simple enough."
"It sounds ridiculously simple," Killian muttered. Robin kicked him.
"Henry and Roland are already there," Charming said, ignoring the two men's actions. "Find them beforehand, okay?"
"Right, yes," Robin replied.
Charming looked at the clock on the wall. "They should be here any minute now. I need to get to Regina's." He searched Robin's face for any more signs of worry. "Will you be okay?"
"Oh, yeah," Robin said. "I think I just need to get there, you know?"
"It will be fine," Charming reminded him. "Just breathe, and keep one thing in mind."
"What's that?"
Charming smiled. "You love Regina."
Warmth flooded Robin. "That I do."
"Shouldn't he be here by now?" Regina asked yet again. Belle and Tink suppressed groans. Snow took a deep breath and placed her hands on Regina's shoulders.
"David will be here any minute. Just relax."
"Regina," Tink said. "The wedding can't start without you, so it doesn't matter what time we get there. And we will get there."
Regina exhaled and smoothed down the front of her dress. Her hair was perfectly curled, and Tink had kept her makeup understated and elegant. It was a far cry from the heavy eyeshadow and lipstick she used to don as Evil Queen, and that only made her like it more.
Snow caught her fiddling with the dress. "Regina, stop fussing. You're gorgeous."
"You're my maid of honor, you're supposed to say that," Regina said, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She tilted her head to the side and considered her appearance.
"Well, I'm not," Tink said. "And she's right. So stop worrying."
A soft knock on the door caused Regina to jump. Snow smiled.
"That must be David. Come in!"
Charming cracked open the door and stuck his head in. Regina faced the mirror, watching his reflection.
"Is everyone ready?" he asked.
Snow turned to Regina, only to find her former step-mother biting her lip. She glanced back at Belle and Tink, who both nodded.
"Why don't we give Regina a few more minutes?" Snow suggested to her husband. Regina smiled gratefully at Snow as she and the women left.
Regina's shoulders sagged the minute the door shut behind them. She let out a frustrated sigh. Only a few minutes ago she had been anxious to leave. But now that the time had come, she was rooted to her spot, terrified at the thought of moving.
"What is wrong with you?" she whispered. She closed her eyes. "Robin loves you. It's going to be fine."
She opened her eyes and stared back at herself. White lace dress, diamond necklace, worried expression. Almost immediately she understood why she was so scared. She looked like a dream and felt like one, too. Any second she would wake up and find herself alone again. That was how her story went.
There was a knock, and Regina jumped again. She cursed herself for being so easily startled. She smoothed the front of her dress again.
"Give me another minute, Snow."
The door opened. "Sorry, not Snow."
Regina turned around, her mouth falling open in surprise. "David?"
Charming held up his hands. "I can leave, if you want. I just wanted to see if you were alright."
Regina pulled herself up to her full height, aided by her heels. "How princely of you, searching for a damsel in distress."
Charming chuckled. "You've never been a damsel in distress, Regina. I come as a friend."
"A friend?" Regina hated how small her voice sounded. Charming's smile was tinged with sadness.
"Of course. That's what we are now, right?"
"Right," Regina said. It was startling, how much that simple sentence meant to her. She was choking on emotions, and she hadn't even made it to the ceremony.
"Now," Charming said, moving further into the room. "Back to the reason I came." He gave her a thoughtful look. "Are you okay?"
She considered lying, or passing it off as nothing, but Charming's sincerity stopped her.
"Is this a dream?" she asked, her voice nearly a whisper.
Most people would probably brush that question off with a laugh, telling her she was silly for wondering. Charming wasn't most people though. He knew exactly why she was asking. A sympathetic expression crossed his face.
"I can assure you, Regina," he said softly. "None of this is a dream."
Regina let out a shuddering breath. She turned back to the mirror and looked back at her reflection one last time. Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, but everything else was perfect.
"Okay," she said. She nodded, half to herself. "I'm ready."
Charming smiled and extended his arm. Regina took it and allowed him to lead her from the room. She couldn't help the thought that it was the last time she would be leaving the room as an unmarried woman.
"By the way," Charming said as they moved down the hallway. "You look beautiful."
Regina smiled. "Thank you." She hesitated for a brief moment. "David? Can I ask you a favor?"
"Of course," he said. "Anything for the bride."
"Would you walk me down the aisle?"
Charming stopped walking. Regina held her breath, afraid she'd overstepped.
"I would be honored," he said, looking genuinely touched. "You really want me to do it?"
"Well, I wouldn't've asked if I didn't," she said, sounding more like her old self. Charming grinned.
"Then yes, of course I will walk you down the aisle."
They began walking again. Regina squeezed his arm.
"Thank you, David. For everything."
Charming squeezed back. "Come on. I think there's a very anxious thief waiting for you."
Regina sat in the back of the black sedan, alongside Snow and Belle. Tink had made her way up the aisle already to officiate, and the girls were waiting until everyone was seated to leave the car and walk up to the aisle.
Snow placed her hand on Regina's shaking leg. "You're going to be perfect."
Charming looked back from the front seat. "She's right, she's always right." Charming looked back at Snow and smiled. Regina rolled her eyes.
"If Robin and I ever get that ridiculous, promise to put me out of my misery?" she said, turning to Belle.
Belle smiled. "Are you ready?"
Regina took a deep breath and nodded. Charming exited the car and held the door for the three girls in the back. Regina had to force herself out, a pit of anxiety swelling within her. She couldn't see past the trees to the other side of the park where the wedding was set up. She saw the beginning of strings of lights intertwined in the trees and took a deep breath. Snow held her, telling her she was beautiful, and don't forget to smile, and be happy this is your best day yet, and how amazing it would be. She tried not to hyperventilate.
As they reached the edge of the trees she stopped, letting Belle walk down the aisle before her. Charming took her by the arm and said, "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be." She smiled back.
The music started, a lone cellist played "The Way You Look Tonight" at the end of the aisle.
Regina took a deep breath and let Charming lead the way. As they rounded the corner, she watched as her friends and family (or what had become family) emerged in their chairs, standing to see her. She blushed, noticing the faces of everyone, trying to avert her eyes, a skill she had never mastered since being the Evil Queen. As she stepped onto the white aisle, she looked up. Robin stood at the end, his face turning from happy to glowing as he looked up and met her eye. She felt beautiful, but nothing could match the way this particular look made her feel.
She felt herself blush, and Charming pulled her a little closer, to ground her, knowing how she felt. She smiled at Henry and Roland on either side of Robin, their happy faces making her more proud than she believed she could be. Belle smiled, biting her lip at Regina, and so did John and Will on Robin's right.
She walked all the way up as the music stopped and gave a hug to Charming, who went to sit by Emma and Hook in the front row. The vows, she reminded herself, trying to remember them again. She had practiced over and over with Emma, trying to get them word for word, but as Tink started the introduction, quoting Regina's favorite sonnet, she could barely remember them. Luckily, Robin was going first.
"Regina," he started. He paused, a soft laugh escaping his lips. Regina smiled and squeezed his hand. Robin looked back up at her and smiled. "Regina. When we first met, I had no idea what kind of person you were. Yes, I had heard the stories of… your past. But I didn't know who you were underneath all that. Because I knew there was something more, and nothing you did would convince me otherwise.
"From that first moment, I just knew I had to learn more about you. I wasn't sure how, or if you would even let it happen. There were some moments when I even doubted whether or not I truly wanted it, what with your temper and attitude." Laughter sounded throughout the assembled guests. Regina ducked her head, but Robin brought it back up with two fingers under her chin.
"But then it happened," he continued, trapping her gaze with his. "You let me in. And I know you were afraid of what I would think when I saw who you were, but Regina, you didn't have to be. Because what I saw - what I still see - is beautiful and wonderful." His blue eyes shone. "I love you, Regina, and I will love you for the rest of my life. We've been through a lot, been separated more times than is fair, faced every obstacle. But right here, right now, I vow to always stay by your side and to love you as passionately and deeply as you deserve to be loved."
A single tear slid down Regina's cheek. She now understood why Tink insisted upon waterproof mascara. Gripping Robin's hands tightly, she resisted the urge to kiss him now, not wanting to wait. His words shook her to the bone because she knew they were real. It was more than she ever expected she would get, and it was perfect. After years of darkness, she had finally reached the light.
Tink coughed, and Regina remembered it was her turn. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she took a deep breath.
"Robin," she began, grateful her voice wasn't cracking under the weight of her emotions. "Once upon a time, I was told by someone," she glanced at Tink, "that there was a person out there I was destined to be with. My soulmate. She believed this person was exactly what I needed to keep the darkness away. I ignored her and chose darkness. I believed that person, my so-called soulmate, wouldn't be enough for me. That it just wouldn't work out, because who could love me when I had blackened heart?"
She paused for a second, letting out a shuddering breath. Robin rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.
"When we crossed paths again years later, and I discovered you were that person, I did the same thing when I learned about you: I ran. Because I still didn't believe there was any hope there. I didn't think I was worthy of your love.
"But you, stubborn, foolish man that you are, proved me wrong. You showed me I still had some light inside of me, that what I've done in my past doesn't define who I am now. I will never be able to thank you enough for that. You… you saved me. Now I vow to do the same for you. Whatever happens, I will do everything in my power to protect you. I will always be there for you, and I will always love you."
Her voice cracked on the last word, but it didn't matter because Robin's beaming smile was enough to tell her she did it right. His hold on her hands was almost painful, it was so tight, but Regina didn't care. She felt freer, somehow. While he obviously knew how much she loved him, she had never told him it in that way. Now she had.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur, with Regina and Robin never looking away from each other. Before long, Roland was stepping up with the rings, and Robin was sliding hers onto her finger, and Regina was doing the same for him. She'd worn a wedding ring before, but that one had felt heavy, like a shackle. This ring was a happy weight, light, but enough for her to know it was there and to be happy with the knowledge of it.
Regina could hear Tink announce they were husband and wife, but she paid little attention to the fairy because Robin was leaning in, dipping his head low, and his lips were on hers. His hands cradled her body to his, and she slid her fingers through his hair. Loud cheering from all around them reminded her of the people watching, but she didn't care as she pushed ever closer, seeking more of him. Her husband.
"Is this where we live happily ever after?" Robin whispered in her ear. Regina thought she might explode with happiness.
"Yes, I daresay it is," she replied, her smile impossibly wide.
"Then let's get on with it, shall we?" Robin took her hand and led her up the aisle and back around the wall of flowers, the jubilant shouts following them out.
Regina let Robin cut the cake first, her smile glowing towards him. He lifted a small piece of red velvet into his hand and shoved it into her mouth. The crowd laughed, and Regina glared, smiling at her husband. She kept repeating the word over and over in her mind, husband, husband, husband.
Regina went next, and full force. She not only shoved a larger piece of cake into him, but she spread it across his face. His jaw dropped into a smile. She watched him stare at her in disbelief as she licked her fingers, giving him a single raised eyebrow as if to say payback.
Near the back of the reception space, Sherlock and John sat together, eyeing the crowd. John joined in on the laughing when the couple cut the cake, and Sherlock sat, silent but mesmerized by everyone around him. There was something strange, he couldn't help think, about the people in Storybrooke. It wasn't something he felt he could prove, though, and that bothered him. He couldn't deduce where this problem lay, he only had a feeling.
"What a nice wedding, don't you think?" John began to dig into his dinner, smiling with the ambiance of the wedding.
"I don't care much for weddings, you know that," Sherlock said. He looked around, noticing the girl from the shop walking towards them. She sat down next to John and smiled at the two of them.
"I wanted to thank the both of you for returning Regina's ring. She told me this morning about your act of heroism."
John smiled. "Oh yes, of course. It was mostly Sherlock, he's the real detective. It was nice of Robin and Regina to invite us today."
Belle smiled. "Well, any friend of Regina's is a friend of all of Storybrooke, we're happy to have you."
Sherlock kept his face still. "Is it not strange that two complete strangers invited us to their wedding?" He directed the question at Belle, but by John's expression, he knew it wasn't the best thing to ask.
Belle looked flustered. "Oh, I think, well," Sherlock could tell she wasn't used to being put on the spot. The dust under her newly painted fingernails told him that she spent a long time around books. She probably wasn't much of a people person. "I think it was a nice gesture."
"Oh yes, indeed." John smiled. "We are quite happy to be here, such a beautiful wedding." He turned to Sherlock, giving him a strained face. "Right, Sherlock?"
Sherlock took this as his cue to say something nice about the ceremony. "Yes, truly beautiful. I thought that the vows were wonderful. Understanding where someone has been, but knowing that they have changed is something that many people might refuse to do. The couple seemed truly in love, which is rare considering divorce rates these days, but I honestly don't see a fault in their relationship. It usually takes me less than a minute to find five potential stress points in one, but theirs seems to tick all the boxes, so to say. Just the way they looked at each other, full of hope and happiness. I would be highly surprised if they didn't work out in the end. It's rare you see love like that these days. Didn't even seem like the kind of love that people will often be in, in a haze, and whatnot, just convinced they love someone, no, these two seem like genuinely know each other. It was lovely, beautiful, even, if I do say so."
Belle and John stared at him, eyes wide. Sherlock worried. "Have I said something wrong?"
Belle shook her head. "No, that was all correct." She got up and left.
John sunk lower in his chair. "You know, even after all these years, I just can never imagine what you'll say next." He continued eating.
Henry leaned back in his chair, a content smile on his face. All around him, the citizens of Storybrooke were chattering and laughing. The happiness was infectious. It had been a long time since they had had an event like this, and everyone was seizing it with open arms. An outsider wouldn't even be able to tell that most of the guests once wanted the bride's head on a plate.
A warm ball settled in Henry's stomach. His mom was happy (both of them, but Regina especially), he was surrounded by his family, and there were no imminent threats. There was no feeling in the world that could compare to what Henry was feeling. It was incredible.
Henry surveyed the room, noting that it was almost time for the dancing. Regina and Robin were sitting a few seats down from him (They insisted that he and Roland sit at the head table with them), talking with their heads bowed to one another. Henry was almost certain they hadn't let go of each other's hands since leaving the ceremony. They would start off the dancing, so Henry figured he would just keep tabs on them until then.
That was when he spotted something curious out of the corner of his eye. Peeking out from under the buffet table was the edge of a tiny black shoe. Furrowing his eyebrows, Henry stood up and made his way over, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one saw him. Confident no one was watching, he ducked down and parted the tablecloth. Curled up cross-legged underneath was his new step-brother.
"Roland?"
The little boy looked up with wide eyes. Henry crawled under and let the tablecloth fall back into place. He winced as he tried to get himself into a comfortable position. His mom wasn't lying, he was getting too tall.
"Hi, Henry," Roland said. Henry focused on Roland and noticed he seemed a little down.
"What are you doing under here?" Henry asked. "You're missing the party."
Roland shrugged, playing with the tablecloth. Henry sighed. While he and Roland had gotten quite close, he felt way out of his league when it came to comforting Roland when something was wrong. And something was clearly wrong now.
"Do you want me to get your papa?" Henry asked. Roland shook his head. "Then what's wrong?"
Roland was silent for a moment while he thought it over. He looked at Henry.
"Is my papa your papa now?"
Henry's heart clenched. He hadn't really had the chance to process it. He supposed it was true, as Robin was now his step-father. But there was something about the term "papa" that made him hesitate. He thought of Neal.
"He's my step-dad," Henry said slowly. "Which makes him like my papa, but it's a bit more complicated than that."
Roland cocked his head. "Do you want him to be?"
Henry considered it. "Yeah, I do. But it's a little hard right now. It's like…" Henry paused. "It's like you and my mom."
"Regina?"
Henry nodded. "Do you want her to be your mom?"
Roland smiled. "Yeah!"
"But you had another mom before, right?"
Roland's face fell. "Yeah. I miss her."
"I know you do. And I miss my dad." Henry placed a hand on Roland's shoulder. "But that doesn't mean that we can't have other moms and dads."
Roland nodded in understanding. "Okay."
Henry exhaled, relieved to have made it through the conversation without any major problems. "Hey, you know what this means?"
Roland perked up. "What?"
Henry smiled conspiratorially. "We're brothers now."
Roland's face lit up, and he threw his arms around Henry. Henry laughed and ruffled Roland's hair. He'd always wanted a sibling, and Roland was the best he could've asked for.
The opening notes of a song played over the speakers, and the talking in the room quieted. Henry nudged Roland and pointed at the tablecloth. Roland looked at him in confusion. Smiling, Henry parted the tablecloth and gestured for Roland to come closer. They both looked out from under the table to see Regina and Robin beginning their dance. Roland let out a small gasp.
The newlyweds danced as though they were the only ones in the world. Their gazes never left each other, and their steps never faltered. Robin dipped Regina, eliciting a giddy laugh from her, then pulled her close. They moved all over the dance floor, their steps perfectly in sync, yet not appearing rehearsed.
Henry's heart nearly burst at the happiness on his mother's face. He'd promised her she'd find her happy ending, and now it looked like she finally had.
Emma sighed. "Look at them. Look at how happy they are."
Killian did as he was told. "Love, you've been saying that since the bloody ceremony. Yes, they are very happy."
Emma smacked him lightly. "Shut up. You sound like such a downer."
"Sorry." Killian watched as Charming led Snow out onto the dance floor, followed by Belle dragging Rumplestiltskin. Standing, Killian turned and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Emma smiled and allowed him to bring her onto the dance floor. He had his prosthetic hand instead of his hook, which she was grateful for. She held that while his real hand rested on the small of her back, holding her close. They began to move to the music, content to look into each other's eyes and bask in the moment.
"It makes you think, doesn't it?" Killian murmured. Emma raised an eyebrow.
"What does? And about what?"
Killian almost looked sheepish. "Seeing Regina and Robin. It makes one consider their own… partnerships." He winced at his word choice. Emma giggled.
"Yes, I suppose it does." She sobered, eyeing Killian closely. "Wait, what exactly are you considering?" Her heart hammered in her chest.
He shrugged. "The future, I suppose. No need to look so frightened," he added when he saw Emma's stunned expression. "I'm just thinking."
Emma managed a smile. "And that's fine. I want you to... think about… things, actually."
"Is that so?"
Emma tried not to nod too quickly. "Yeah. It doesn't have to be any time soon, but… yeah."
Killian kissed her, pulling back to rest their foreheads together. "Easy, Swan. One step at a time."
She let out a shaky laugh. "Yes, that." She brought the hand that had been resting on his shoulder to caress his cheek. "I love you."
"I love you, too," he whispered.
Will sat, slouched over the table towards the back of the venue. He rolled his eyes at the happy couples across the dance floor. Robin had told him that all the groomsmen were going to sit up front at the main table, but once he had joined his new wife on the floor, Will hurried to the back. He gulped down a scotch and soda, and placed the empty cup down onto the satin tablecloth. He didn't really want to feel anything tonight.
After the slow song was over, a popular one came on, and everyone started jumping around. Like idiots, Will thought. He set his head on the table and groaned. He had done his part in the wedding. Maybe he should just go home. He wasn't one to put on a facade for his friends. Bed felt a hell of a lot better than a wedding.
The lights were too bright, and the music was too loud, and the people were far too happy. He played with his glass in his palms, flipping it from hand to hand. After a few minutes of considering it, he stood and headed for the exit. Belle stopped him halfway.
"Look, I'm sorry, I think I'm going to turn in for the night," he said, brushing past her. His head pounded.
"No!" She pulled him back, forcing him to look at her. She had a tense look in her eyes, cautious. "Will, there's someone here to see you."
Will furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?" He tried not to slur his words, he hadn't drank that much, but he was feeling the effects.
"Leroy said there was someone walking around the park that nobody knew, so I went up and asked her who she was."
Will's heart started to pound in his chest. "And?"
Belle looked hesitant. "I came right back when she asked for you."
"Belle, is it…" He trailed off, and then turned around, quickly pacing the other way, to the exit.
"Be careful Will!"
He walked out of the venue, running onto the grass of the park, feeling the cool of the grass on his ankles. He surveyed the park, and then turned around, not seeing anyone. But then, there she was. There was a bench leaned up against the side of the white tent that housed the party. Ana sat there, a terrified expression, her mouth opened slightly, her eyes growing as she figured out it was him.
He rushed and sat next to her. "Ana?" He knew it was her, he could feel her hands in his, could feel her breath on him, but somehow it felt unbelievable. She looked terrified, like she could break at any moment. Her eyes welled, and her cheeks were red. She looked tired, disheveled. He pulled her into a hug. "Are you okay?"
She hugged him tighter. "Will, what happened?"
He pulled away, confused. "Ana, how did you get here?"
She shook her head. "What do you mean?"
Will tried to piece together what he could. He thought about how she left, where she could have gone. He thought it had been this realm, but he hadn't always been sure. But it had been so long, if she had found him now, why had it taken her this much time? And why, after all they had gone through, after all she had said to convince him that she wasn't in love, was she here? "What do you remember?"
He could feel her shaking in his arms. She was cold, wearing only a light t-shirt and jeans. He didn't even know how she'd gotten into normal clothes, or how she had gotten here, or anything at all. She was cold, not warm. He wanted her to be warm. That's all that was running through his mind.
"I-I remember Alice's wedding," she stuttered, her accent thick. Her eyes were darting around, glossy and agitated. She leaned closer into Will, seeking his comfort and warmth.
Will looked confused. "That was over a year ago. That can't be true." He reached his hand down and pulled her face up, looking at him. He saw fear in her eyes, and she began to cry.
"Will, where are we? All I remember is the wedding and then, and then..." She dropped into him, crying.
"Ana, what happened to you?" His mind reeled, he just wanted her to be better. Would he tell her about the man she left him for? Would he tell her anything?
She could barely speak through the tears, her words came out as stabbing pains. "I, there was this man standing over me in the forest." She pointed to the forest away from the park. Had she only just woken up from this haze? "And he helped me up and told me to go find you. It wasn't more than an hour ago. I just walked toward the music, and they found me. You found me."
Will hugged her close, comforting her in his embrace. "It's alright, it's alright." He rubbed her back, and kissed her head.
"Will, I'm scared. What happened to me?" She wiped tears from her cheeks, huffing in and out. He didn't know the answer, which terrified him.
"It's going to be okay, we'll figure it out." He stared into her scared eyes. "I promise."
Regina collapsed into her chair with a blissful sigh. Her feet ached more than she ever thought possible, and her cheeks felt sore from all the smiling. But it didn't matter. Nothing mattered because she was happy.
On the dance floor, Robin twirled Snow around. After sticking close to each other for several songs, Regina insisted on a break, though she hated letting go of Robin's hand. Robin decided to dance with her maid of honor, and now they were both spinning like giddy fools. It made Regina laugh.
"Now that's something you don't hear every day."
Regina turned her head and saw Charming had walked up beside her. She shrugged, prompting a smirk from him.
"I don't always have a reason to."
Charming cocked his head. "I think you mean didn't. I would say you certainly do now."
Regina looked back out over the dance floor, at Emma and Henry dancing, and at Robin and Snow.
"Yes," she said thoughtfully. "I suppose I do."
The song changed to a slower tune, and the occupants of the dance floor adjusted their moves accordingly. Robin was now offering his hand to Emma, who accepted it with a small curtsey.
"Your Majesty." Regina looked back at Charming and watched as he held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Nodding, Regina took his hand and let herself be led back out onto the floor. She and Charming fell into the steps easy enough, memories floating back to them both.
"Remember when I taught you to dance back in Camelot?" he asked. She huffed out a breath, though her expression was good-natured.
"How could I forget? The shepherd teaching a queen to dance. Lowest point of my life."
Charming arched an eyebrow. "Really? That's the lowest point of your life?"
"One of them, at least," she replied. Charming grinned.
"Well, you're a good learner. You caught on fast."
They danced in silence for a few minutes. Regina's gaze kept bouncing around at the assembled guests. She still found it hard to believe they were all there to support her. Well, her and Robin, but she found it hard to believe they would've come if they still feared and hated her. Things were different now. She wasn't a villain to them.
Robin caught her eye from across the floor and mouthed, "I love you." She blushed as she mouthed it back. Her husband. The simple word made her heart flutter.
"Does this still feel like a dream to you?" Charming's question brought her back to Earth. She looked back at him. His expression was curious. She thought it over for a moment.
"Yes," she said finally. "It does. But only because it's better than I had ever hoped it would be." She cringed a second later. "Ugh, when did I get so sappy?"
"Probably when you fell in love."
"That's repulsive."
Charming squeezed her hand gently. "That's what it means to be in love. So enjoy it."
She looked back at her new husband, already on his way over to her now that the song was done. Charming released her without hesitation, touching her arm as he moved away.
"I am," she said to him as Robin pulled her close. Charming beamed and inclined his head in acknowledgement before he left to find Snow. Robin sent her a questioning look.
"You are what?"
Regina pecked his lips. "Nothing you need to worry about."
Will wiped the tears from Ana's red cheeks. "Look, why don't we distract you for a bit? We can figure this all out tomorrow."
Ana huffed a moment and nodded. "There's a wedding going on?" She pointed towards the music and the dancing.
Will nodded. He was worried, mostly about another breakdown, but he didn't think he should be alone with her. He didn't know how to act, and he wanted to be there for Robin now. It was as if someone had reminded him what love was about again. "It's Robin's. You remember him, one of the Merry Men."
Ana nodded. Will couldn't tell if she was processing everything he said, but her breaths were slowing, and she was getting less flushed with each inhale. "Who's he marrying?"
"Regina." He didn't know if Ana knew who that was, or if it mattered right now.
Ana perked at the name. "That's the Evil Queen, right? Cora's daughter?" She looked confused, but Will seemed more pleased, she remembered something, even if it wasn't from the past year.
He laughed at her question. "Yeah, but she isn't…" He didn't know how to phrase it.
Ana looked down, almost ashamed. "A villain? Anymore?"
Will nodded. "Would you like to come with me? We don't have to stay long. It might be good to be around people. It's nice in there, you like weddings anyhow."
Ana nodded, but her expression remained blank. Will stood her up, making sure she was stable enough to walk. She brushed down her pink shirt and took a breath, then placed her hand in his. He squeezed.
Sherlock scowled at the clock for what was surely the hundredth time that night. While it had been his idea to come, he was now seriously regretting that decision. He hadn't been able to detect anything abnormal about the bride and groom, except for how disgustingly in love they were. Sherlock averted his eyes from where they were swaying to the music a few feet away, foreheads pressed against each other.
He admired their bond, truly. He still didn't understand or like human emotion, but there was something in the way Robin held his new wife close that made Sherlock pause. And the bright smile on Regina's face was a far cry from the scowl she had just two days ago. It was like there was a whole other side to her that was reserved for only Robin. What is that even like? Sherlock wondered. He was baffled at the idea of loving someone so much they made you a completely different person.
Sherlock exhaled loudly and sought out the clock again. He so desperately wanted to leave. He was initially going to wait for John to say when to go, but John was currently chatting with that bookish girl and her limping husband. Sherlock slunk lower in his seat. Curse John for being so sociable.
The chair next to Sherlock was dragged out, and a blonde woman dropped into it. He'd seen her sitting in the front row at the ceremony, and only a few minutes ago she had been dancing with Robin. Close with the happy couple, potentially even family. Based on the way she kept surveying the room, he decided she was rather invested in making sure the whole thing went off without a hitch. So, very close then, if she was so determined.
"Hey," she said, fixing him with a curious look. He recognized it as her trying to figure him out. "I heard you're new in town. Thought I'd introduce myself. Emma Swan."
Sherlock wished he could ignore her, but then he realized she might be just the thing he needed to get to the bottom of his little mystery.
"Sherlock Holmes," he replied. Emma nodded slowly.
"So, you're the one who pissed off Regina."
Sherlock sat up in his chair. "Is that so?"
"Mmhm. She was annoyed Robin invited you." Emma tilted her head to the side, her stare intensifying. There was something about her appearance that seemed familiar to him, her features looking like that of someone he had met. But he hadn't come across anyone who seemed old enough to be her parents… A sibling, maybe?
"Yes, well, I was rather surprised when he did so myself," Sherlock said. "People don't invite random strangers to their weddings, do they?"
"No," Emma confirmed. "They definitely don't."
"Then why did he?" Sherlock asked quickly. Emma looked taken aback at his urgency.
"Robin is a very… honorable man," she said cautiously. "He believes in seeing the good in people."
Sherlock scoffed. "That's ridiculous, people are rarely wholly 'good.'"
Emma smirked and glanced at the man in question, who was laughing at something Little John had said. "Yeah, well Robin's had a different upbringing than most."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"So, what brings you to Storybrooke?" she asked instead. Sherlock blinked, annoyed at the unsubtle diversion.
"A case. I'm a detective."
Emma looked impressed. "That's interesting. Though there hasn't been any sort of crimes here. I'm sheriff, so I would know."
Sherlock looked over at her, eyebrows furrowed. "I thought that Daniel fellow was sheriff." He waved his hands dismissively over at the man he met his first day in town, currently spinning a woman with long, dark hair in a red dress around in a circle. A friend of his, and one his wife liked, based on her grin.
"His name is David," Emma said, wincing a bit at the name Sherlock used, "and he is. We're both sheriff." She frowned. "Though technically, he's more my deputy…"
"Either way," Sherlock said, growing tired of the conversation, "I'm well aware there's no case. Seems someone was playing a practical joke. My partner and I will be gone by morning."
Emma seemed satisfied with his answer, though she appeared at bit wary. "That's too bad, you've barely explored the town. But I suppose duties call back home…"
Sherlock caught it. The tone she used. She wasn't sorry at all. In fact, she was happy they were leaving so soon. The corner of her lip twitched just so, almost in triumph. And she'd glanced at Regina for a split second, like she couldn't wait to inform the mayor.
His mind jumped from possibility to possibility. Why would they want him and John gone so soon? Yes, he had irritated the mayor, but her husband seemed to like them enough. And this was an incredibly small town in the middle of nowhere, they definitely didn't get a lot of tourists. So why the urgency to get them out?
He was about to outright ask Emma about it when something caught his eye. Hanging from the ceiling was a beautiful, intricate chandelier. John had made a dull comment about it when they first entered the room. All night it had swayed gently with the beat of the music, but mostly stayed still. Now, he noticed the tiny pieces of glass that comprised it were shaking, vibrating almost. And it wasn't because of the music.
"Sherlock?" Emma questioned, noticing his far-off stare. "Something wrong?"
Sherlock focused more on the chandelier. With every passing second, the shaking got more intense. He glanced at a glass of water sitting on the table and found it perfectly still.
"Yes," he murmured. "Something is very wrong."
Ana grasped Will's hand tighter as they entered the room. Nobody noticed their entrance, it seemed, but Will figured it would be better that way, he didn't want to draw attention to them at the moment. He scouted a table in the back and began to bring Ana over to it, walking slowly as she embraced the room. Her eyes teetered from one thing to the next. She didn't recognize anyone but Robin, dancing in the center of the room with who she figured was Regina, the woman in the long white dress. For a moment she thought to ask why Regina wasn't wearing a crown, but thought herself silly.
"You alright?" Will looked back at her, stopping halfway to the table. Her hands were shaking, and her eyes were darting, but she didn't seem to notice. "Ana?" Will stepped closer, concerned, and held her hands together, his brows furrowing. He hadn't seen her like this in over a year. She had worked out her demons, but now it seemed like she was back in her own mind, harnessing something she couldn't control.
"Ana?" he asked again. Her gaze snapped back to him, her eyes wide. "Why don't we go an sit down, I can get you a glass of water or something."
Emma noticed the scene from the end of the room and stood to walk closer. Her eyes focused on Ana, and she knew something was wrong. It was strange that someone new was in town already, and that Will knew her. She tried to piece together this information, but all she could think was that Hook was wrong to say they were all safe without the protection against the outside world.
"Ana, what's going on?" Will said to her. Anastasia stared at Robin and Regina, swaying in the middle of the room and then looked above them. Before Will could follow her eyes, she lifted up a hand and pointed at the chandelier above the newlyweds, a string of red pouring from her to the hanging pendant.
"Regina!" Emma shouted, seeing the scene. Just as the chandelier snapped from the highest point on the ceiling, Robin pulled Regina from the spot on the floor below, just in time for it to crash to the ground, shattering across the wood floor. Screams erupted around the room.
Robin pulled Regina into him, terrified and protective. Before anyone could say or do anything, Charming was next to them, calling over help to clean the mess. "Is everyone alright?" he asked loudly, over the noise of the room. Everyone was speaking loudly, the music was still beating along as if nothing had happened, but now it only made the atmosphere seem more hectic.
A few of the dwarves rushed over with dustpans and Leroy helped Charming drag the chandelier to one side of the room as the others cleaned the broken glass. Charming assured Regina that everything would be fine, once they got it all out of the way. He knew what having a wedding ruined felt like.
Emma had reached Will, and Hook was the next to come. They grabbed Ana and brought her to the front and out the entrance. "What the hell was that?" Emma shouted. It was hard for her to stay calm in the midst of such an important occasion.
Hook touched Emma on the shoulder. "I think she means who are you and why did you do that just now."
Will stood a foot from Ana, staring at her in awe. He didn't know what to think. Had she come here for ulterior reasons? Was she on some messed up revenge mission for Cora? He stared at her eyes. She was welling with tears, and her hands still shook. She looked terrified and confused. What was going on?
"Look, why don't we give her a little space, alright?" Will stepped in front of Ana, hoping to calm her down before she was interrogated.
Emma shook her head furiously. "Will, step aside, this girl just tried to murder Regina and Robin, I don't give a damn who she is. She's under arrest."
She pushed Will aside and grabbed Ana's arms behind her back.
"Stop!" Will shouted. "She doesn't know what's going on!"
Ana began to cry. "I'm sorry, I-I don't know. It just happened, I didn't have a choice." Her face reddened and her voice cracked. She sunk down and began gasping.
Emma took a step back. Hook walked over to calm her, too. "Alright," Emma began. "Why don't we all go to the station. We can put her in a cell so we know she won't be a threat, and talk this all through. Is that okay?" She directed the question at Ana even though they knew it was for Will.
He nodded in reply, upset. He wished he knew what had happened. Ana had done it, yes, but she wasn't herself. She wasn't really doing it in her own choice.
Emma motioned for them to begin walking.
"I think weddings are cursed for us," John announced, walking up to Sherlock. The consulting detective stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching David clean up the shattered chandelier. Regina was on the other side with Robin and Mary Margaret. They were soothing her with whispered words and comforting touches, but her eyes stayed glued on the pile of broken glass.
"I mean, there was very nearly a murder at mine," John continued, ignoring Sherlock's lack of a reply. "And then this accident here. We should probably stay away from them from now-"
"This wasn't an accident."
John closed his mouth and frowned. He looked from the clean-up crew to Sherlock. "How do you figure?"
"That woman," Sherlock said, his mind drawing a picture of the moment prior to the incident. "She pointed at the chandelier, as though giving someone a signal. She was working with someone, someone who was pulling the strings from somewhere else."
Sherlock left out the fact that he saw a red light, too. It made no sense, and there was no way it could be related to what happened. It was just a catch of the light.
John scratched his head. "Sherlock, I know you like games, and you want this to be one, but it was just an accident. The music must've loosened it, or something."
"Then why did the sheriff haul that woman out of here so quickly?" Sherlock countered. "She had something to do with it, John."
"I thought David was the sheriff."
Sherlock let out a sigh of frustration. "There is something suspicious about this! A chandelier just doesn't fall without someone making it do so." He stared at the remains of the chandelier, his mind racing with ideas. "This is the second time something has tried to disrupt this wedding. That's not a coincidence."
"Right, because there is no such thing as those," John said, rubbing his eyes.
"Correct. Someone wants to hurt the happy couple. The question is, why? And who?" He scanned the room, taking note of who looked suspicious in any way.
"Oh, don't do this," John moaned. Sherlock looked at him.
"Do what?"
"Build this up in your head. We're leaving tomorrow, this isn't our problem." He gave Sherlock a stern look. "There is no game. We are not getting involved."
Sherlock turned back to the room in front of him. His gaze danced over the assembled guests, finally stopping on Regina. At that moment, she looked over at him, and their gazes locked. For a second, Sherlock didn't see the haughty mayor. He saw a scared, hurt woman whose happy day had been disrupted. It was gone right away, but he had already caught it.
"Oh, John," he said. "I believe we already are."
"Talk to me, Regina."
Regina tore her gaze away from the chandelier, now mostly cleaned up, and focused back on her husband. After insisting they were fine, Snow had left them alone to go help Charming calm everyone down. Now Robin was watching at her with that knowing look.
"I should have seen this coming," she said quietly. "I should've known something like this would happen."
"Why would you possibly think that?" Robin asked, stroking her cheek with his thumb.
"I'm the Evil Queen," she replied brokenly. "I don't get happy days like this."
"Hey, stop that right now." Robin's voice was stern. He wrapped an arm around her waist, a protective barrier from their surroundings. "You're past that, and you know it. Everyone has seen you are so much more than your past. You're no longer her. Don't think that way."
Regina sighed and leaned against him. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"This isn't because of you," he whispered. "Look around you, Regina. Everyone here is concerned about you. They're here because they care about you." He leaned back so he could look her in the eye. "Do you understand?"
Regina nodded. Robin smiled and kissed her.
"This didn't completely ruin the day, did it?" he asked. Regina thought it over, coming to her answer quickly.
"No. Today was perfect." And she meant it. She was surrounded by her friends and family, people she once thought she wouldn't have.
"And we're married," Robin said, his smile growing. Regina felt one of her own developing. She picked up his left hand and played with the ring on his finger.
"Yes, we are, Mr. Mills." She smirked. "I still can't believe you took my last name."
"It felt right," he said with a shrug. "Besides, now everyone will know I'm your husband."
"And I'm your wife," she replied, her voice coming out more like a whisper. Robin pulled her into a hug, his arms encasing her in a cocoon of warmth and love.
Regina rested her head against his chest and inhaled his scent. Still smelled like forest, even after all this time. It made her smile, knowing some things never changed.
"I believe we have a honeymoon to start, Mrs. Mills," Robin said near her ear. She shivered at the feel of his breath against her skin.
"We do, don't we?" She leaned back and captured his lips with hers. Her tongue slipped into his mouth, causing him to groan.
"Shall we get started on that, then?" Robin gasped once they parted. Regina smirked.
"Let's go."
Hand in hand, they said their goodbyes to their guests and kissed their sons, promising to be back soon. A car was already waiting for them outside, and they all but ran to it when they had the chance. Regina had a hard time getting in thanks to her dress, but Robin helped her adjust the skirt so it didn't bother her. Finally, they pulled away from the curb, ready to be alone.
As they drove out of town, Robin reached over and took her hand in his. He fiddled with the rings on her finger, a pleased smile on his face. Regina squeezed his hand, unsure of where to look: His face, or the rings. Both were thrilling to her. In the end, he won out, and she settled back in her seat to watch him.
Fallen chandelier or not, this was one of the best days of her life, right behind the day she adopted Henry. Robin was right; her past was exactly that, the past. Now she could focus on her future, which was far brighter than she ever dreamed it would be.
"Robin?"
"Mmm?"
She smiled. "I'm happy."
Robin kissed their entwined fingers. "And that makes me the happiest man on this planet."
A/N: Thank you for those who've favorited and followed! We hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please let us who what you think, we'd love to hear from you!
