A/N: Here's the new chapter. I hope you enjoy. Thanks again to everyone who's read so far. Especially those who have followed, favorited and left reviews.
In the week following her arrival in New York, Regina had barely found the time to leave her apartment building. Her first day had been so busy and overwhelming, she hadn't realised just how much there was to explore in her new home. She spent the week getting aquatinted with this land's modern conveniences; the ability to light and darken the room in an instant had occupied a good ten or fifteen minutes of one evening.
She had decided on her second day that a more thorough exploration of the bathroom was necessary. This was where she learnt the hard way how the shower worked; she had accidently turned it on whilst she stood under the shower head fully clothed. In that moment, if she'd still had her magic, it would have been blown into a million tiny pieces. Once her initial surge of anger had ebbed away, she had become quite fond of the object. Although, the luxury of being able to bathe in a bathtub where you could instantly run hot water didn't fail to impress the brunette.
Even more fascinating had been her first encounter with the television. She had completely ignored the large black object in the corner of her living room until Henry had shown her it in action. Regina had gone food shopping to replenish her empty food store earlier that week. As she was struggling home with several bags and a large box from the supermarket, Henry spotted her. The friendly boy was on his way home from school and had offered to assist with her bags.
Regina put the produce away in her cupboards and large cooling device (a refrigerator she thought she overheard someone call it, but she could have been mistaken) and Henry sat on the sofa. He grabbed a black rectangular object on the side table then, as he pushed one of the buttons, the screen came to life. The moving images changed rapidly as the boy pressed the device in his hand- Regina watched on agog.
"This TV's way bigger than ours," he had excitedly informed Regina, who hadn't moved from her spot behind the kitchen counter. "Oh my God, you've got a blu-ray player too. I'm totally coming up here to watch the new Spider-Man film when I get it." He then began looking through the stack of thin boxes Regina hadn't paid much attention to that were left in the corner of the room. She'd had no idea what they were, so she joined Henry where he proceeded to show her how the TV and its components worked. She had tried her best to absorb all the information, but he spoke so quickly, and with so many foreign words- most of it had gone straight over her head.
Since that day Henry had been to visit Regina on a further two occasions, each time bringing a different movie for them to watch. So when Regina heard someone at her door that morning, she had expected it to be Henry visiting her again. She was surprised, however when she opened it to see another familiar face. "Mr Peters, I didn't realise you were coming here today - please come in." Regina supposed she must have forgotten having arranged a meeting with the man during their initial encounter. It was understandable, a lot had happened on her first day in New York.
"I thought I'd pop by and see how you were settling in," Paul responded, making himself comfortable on the sofa. To say Regina was stunned was an understatement, she wasn't accustomed to social visits. Her interactions with the younger man had been courteous enough, and she was very grateful for the help he had given her when she arrived. During their first encounter, Paul had very generously purchased Regina's gold from her in exchange for cash. He then arranged a payment to his grandmother for six months rent in exchange for four coins; Regina could very well be homeless at this moment without the man lounged casually across her furniture.
"Well, in that case, can I get you anything? A drink perhaps?" Regina could be sociable; it was her alter ego who was lacking in social etiquette. During the past week, she had taken the time to contemplate on the opportunity she had been awarded by coming to this new land, she had decided to embrace the chance of a fresh start.
She watched in disdain as Paul kicked off his shoes and put is feet on the sofa. "I'll take a Coffee if you have some."
"Mr Peters, you would do well to remove your feet from my furniture before you'll no longer have a need to purchase any more of those filthy shoes." Maybe some habits would take longer to break.
Laughing Paul placed his feet firmly back on the wooden floor, "I like you, Regina, you're feisty. I was concerned that you were going to be another boring, middle-class lady. But I think we'll get along just fine. So, how about that coffee?"
Regina smirked with her arms folded across her chest. If only he knew who he was dealing with, she thought to herself. "I do have some, but I am yet to figure out how the contraption to make it works. So please feel free to help yourself." Regina had bought the machine and discs of coffee earlier that week during her adventure to the Supermarket. It was on a limited time special offer according to the lady at the front of the store, so Regina felt obliged to make the purchase despite having no idea what it was. What if it had been an essential to living in this land and she had passed up the opportunity of the 'once in a lifetime deal'? She was no fool, it had been an easy decision to make.
Paul got up and made his way to the kitchen counter, "Where do you keep your mugs?" He queried as he tore apart the packet of coffee and placed a disc in the machine. Regina opened a cupboard and handed him one, "You want a coffee, Regina?" She decided that she might as well try it, she had made the essential purchase after all. So she agreed and handed him another mug. "You take it black or with milk?"
Regina had no idea, "What would you recommend?"
"Well, I have mine with a shitload of milk and six sugars, but that's because I don't like the taste of coffee." Regina failed to see his logic, why would he even drink it if that were the case? "Maybe try it black first, see what you think. You can always add milk."
As they sat at the dining table with their drinks, Paul decided to let Regina in on the real reason for his impromptu visit. "So, did you have a nice time at Emma's birthday? It was a good night, right?" Paul asked the brunette who was sipping her coffee, trying to adapt to the new taste.
"It was pleasant enough, I suppose," Regina replied. She wasn't the sort of person who gushes about such inconsequential things.
"I love the enthusiasm, Regina," Paul retorted sarcastically with an eye roll. "As you had such a wonderful time with us that night, I thought I'd invite you along to a Halloween party at a friend's bar. It'll be fun, and I already have our costumes planned out." Halloween was not a tradition celebrated in the Enchanted forest, but from Regina's observations so far, it seemed to be quite a big occasion in this land. From her understanding, it involved dressing up as a supernatural creature; an odd custom in her opinion. "So, you wanna come with?"
"Not particularly, Mr Peters," Regina replied bluntly. The idea of dressing up in a ridiculous and unflattering costume was bad enough, but doing so in front of a group of strangers, that she had no interest in knowing, was unacceptable. "It's not really my idea of fun."
"Come on, Regina. Henry really wants you to be there." Paul pleaded to a resolute Regina.
"If that's the case then why isn't he here asking?" Regina queried. Not that it mattered; it wasn't as if the boy had any sway over her decision making.
"Because I thought my charm, wit and good looks would be enough to convince you," he grinned. "But I can do the puppy dog eyes thing too if that's what it takes." The young man attempted to replicate Henry's hopeful eyes which had worked so easily on her previously. Paul didn't have quite the same outcome.
"That's certainly not going to work on me, Mr Peters" Regina sneered as she got up to pour out the remainder of the coffee from her mug; next time she would try it with milk. Paul got up from his own chair and followed her to the kitchen, helping himself to a red apple which sat in a fruit bowl.
"Fine, well Henry is currently preoccupied with trying to persuade his mother to come so you are stuck with me I'm afraid," he said before taking a bite of the fruit. "I thought you'd have been the easier one to convince."
"It would appear that you were mistaken."
"Believe me, I've only just started."
xxxxxxx
"Are you trying to blackmail me into attending your party, Mr Peters," Regina asked aghast at the depths to which the man sat next to her was willing to sink to get what he desired. Although, the smirk that accompanied his comment made her question the degree of malice with which it was made.
"Bribe, blackmail; call it what you will. But the truth of the matter is that you owe me, Regina," he replied nonchalantly. Regina mulled over what Paul had said. Indeed, he needn't have been so generous with her when she had first arrived, and he was in no way obliged to help her in future. Inevitably, she came to the conclusion that she did owe him, and now she felt obligated to repay.
"Why is this so important to you?" She questioned, there was undeniably a reason this man was so adamant on her attendance.
"I have a vision, Regina. An amazing, spectacular vision and without your participation it would all be ruined." He said with conviction and dramatic arm movements; the brunette could see straight through his act. Regina raised a sceptical brow, prompting the truthful response from the man. "Also, my ex will be there with the guy he left me for, and I'll need all the moral support I can get." He quickly mumbled only just loud enough to hear.
"Fine, if Henry can persuade Miss Swan to attend then so will I." Regina relented to a now beaming Paul, who looked on the verge of engulfing her in his arms. She continued speaking before any actual bodily contact could be made. "Now, are you planning on informing me about these wonderful costume ideas of yours?"
xxxxxxx
A little while later in their third-floor apartment, Henry and Emma were also discussing the Halloween party.
"No way. It's not happening, Henry," Emma said adamantly to her son. The boy had been trying his best all morning to convince her to attend Paul's party, but it was to no avail. "Wearing that dress in public would be bad enough, but then you add in the wig. Nope. Nuh-huh. Never gonna happen."
"Come on, Ma. Paul said even Regina's going."
"Oh…right…I suppose it's not that bad. I'll go try it on then."
xxxxxxx
Two days later, it was Halloween. As it transpired, the party Paul had attended for the past several years always had a dress code. Last year's theme was the Rocky Horror Picture Show, to which Paul obviously went as Frank. This year was Twisted Tales- dress as your favourite fairytale characters with a scary spin. Paul had originally decided upon a Little Dead Riding Hood theme for the group, with zombies and even a gender swap. He thought it was a rather genius idea. Henry would be a male Red, who had been ravaged by the wolf. Emma could have been the wolf, Mable as Granny and himself as the hunky huntsman. However when Regina had shown up, Paul had felt compelled to include her in the group. So he came up with an alternative.
xxxxxxx
"Henry, have you seen where the rest of the fake blood is. I feel like I need some dripping from my nose. What do you think?" Emma asked her son has she stood in the doorway of his bedroom. As he got up from his desk, Emma burst into a fit of laughter. It was the first time she'd seen him in his costume.
"What's so funny?" He asked incredulously. Emma bit her lip as she tried to keep it together.
"The beard just caught me off guard for a second, I'm good now," she replied, failing to keep a straight face. "So, which Dwarf are you meant to be again?"
"Ma, how many times do I have to explain this- I'm Deadly, Dopey's evil twin," Henry huffed as he answered. "I went around using my pickaxe on people's skulls before I was captured and locked deep in the mines. Now I've escaped my prison and I'm seeking revenge on the dwarves that put me there." He stated with exasperation as if it were obvious.
"I can see you've thought it through; got a whole backstory and everything," Emma said trying her best to remain serious. "I just don't understand why you'd have a beard if you are Dopey's twin."
"It helps me get into character" was the response. A knock indicated the others arrival, so Emma left her son to finish dousing his whole outfit with fake blood while she answered the door.
"We're almost ready," Emma told Paul and Mable who came in and sat down on the sofa. "Mable, aren't you dressing up?" Emma asked the woman who had come dressed as an old hag. She wore a tatty black cloak and had tangled her usually immaculate curls. She'd applied warts to her chin and wore a fake pointy nose to complete the look. Mable tutted and shook her at the younger woman's joke. Paul, on the other hand, gave Emma a fist bump.
"Yes, yes very funny, dear. Now where's that son of yours? I want to see him in his little outfit." The older woman said. Emma guessed Henry hadn't yet informed Mable of his costume choice beyond the fact he was a dwarf. She told the older woman that he was in his room- prompting Mable to go see him. Emma grabbed the tequila and two shot glasses and made her way over to Paul. "I thought you were supposed to be the Huntsman?" Emma asked as she plopped down next to him on the sofa; handing him his first shot.
"I am. Look, I'm wearing flannel, Ems" was Paul's reply as he gestured to the sleeveless shirt he wore.
"Oh I see, and what sort of huntsman wears Denim cutoffs?" Emma asked with mirth.
"One who wants his ex to see exactly what he's missing out on," Paul grinned giving Emma a wink.
"I literally have no words," Emma laughed before downing her own shot. "Okay, serious question - yes or no on fake blood coming from my nose?"
xxxxxxx
Regina had fortunately already arranged her appointment with April, the personal shopper, for the day Paul came over. April had been more than willing to assist Regina with finding the perfect attire for her Halloween costume. If only Paul had led with his inspired concept, Regina would have put up much less resistance.
Finding out that the lives of people back in the enchanted forest were known in this land had come as a surprise to Regina. So when Paul informed her that his idea was based on the story of Snow White, she had been stunned into silence. When he further elaborated on his concept, she warmed up much more to the premise.
Regina decided to make sure she was aware of how the tale of her and Snow White had been interpreted in this land. So she asked April to find her the story, she came back with three different films based on the tale. Regina knew from her time with Henry that in this land, stories were often told in this form. The rest of that day was spent watching the three movies back to back; none of which were an accurate depiction of the true events. They were all completely biased toward Snow White, which Regina couldn't be too shocked about. Snow White's side of the story was the only one anyone had ever been interested in.
As she approached the door to apartment 311, Regina had a flash of panic. She hadn't truly realized until this moment, exactly what was happening. For the last two days, the whole thing was still an abstract concept. Yet here she was, wearing an outfit so similar to those she had worn in her old world. Attending a celebration with people dressed as, what to them were fairytale characters, but to Regina were part of her past. The brunette was somewhat concerned with how she may react; she was known to be prone to impulsive and irrational outbursts. Regina took a moment to ground herself. She just needed to remember that it wasn't the people of the Enchanted forest on the other side of that door. They were people who didn't think of her as anything other than their new neighbour. She could go in there and remain calm- Regina reinforced mentally. Letting out a shaky breath she knocked on the door.
"Regina darling, come in. You want a drink?" was Paul's warm welcome as he answered the door in a pair of tiny shorts and a red and black checked vest that lay open exposing his chest. She didn't know why she thought for a split second she could get confused in any way between the people of this land and those of her old world.
Regina followed Paul into the kitchen taking the drink offered to her, "Damn Regina, you look smoking hot" he said as he took in her outfit. Regina smirked, she knew only too well how to dress as the Evil Queen. She had opted to for an entirely black ensemble of skintight leather pants, corset, fitted jacket and heeled knee high boots. Her long hair was in a high ponytail on top of her head and cascaded over her right shoulder. The look was complete with heavy eye makeup and dark red lipstick. Just as she was bringing her drink to her lips she heard a voice from behind her.
"Paul, did I hear someone at the… Holy frigging shit!"
xxxxxxx
Emma stood staring slack-jawed at the new occupant of her kitchen. She was a vision in black leather. Emma gulped, attempting to regain her composure before speaking again, "I - uh- sorry you just don't look like any Evil Queens I've ever seen."
The brunette smirked as she stalked over to Emma, who gulped again; biting her lower lip. Regina stopped in front of the other woman. "And you, Miss Swan, are most certainly the best version of Snow White I've ever seen." Emma stood motionless as the other woman slowly lowered her gaze over her body and then back up to her face, "Although a little extra blood wouldn't hurt."
"I knew it" Emma grumbled to herself. Emma was dressed as a zombie version of Snow White. In homage to the Disney classic, she wore a torn blue, yellow and red mini dress and knee high white socks with red shoes. The dress was smeared with fake blood and she sported a realistic looking wound where her 'heart had been ripped from her chest'. She had pale makeup on her face, and a messy black wig with a skewed red bow on her head.
"Hi Regina, you look awesome," said a jovial Henry as he entered the living area.
"Hello Henry, and may I ask who you are supposed to be?"
"Deadly- Dopey's Evil twin" the boy responded as he swung his plastic axe.
"Ah yes, the pick-axe wielding murderer. I know him well." Regina quipped with a malicious smile.
"Since when is that a thing?" Emma was baffled, was she the only person who didn't know this version of the fairytale.
"Educated guess, Miss Swan." The brunette whispered into Emma's ear causing a shiver to run down her spine. "The name and axe were a bit of a giveaway."
"Right…yeah… of course" Emma spluttered out, why was she suddenly a bumbling idiot? Maybe she shouldn't have had those tequila shots with Paul.
xxxxxxx
Four hours later and all the children and some other guests had left the party, including Henry and Mable. However, it was still full of many increasingly alcohol-fuelled adults in their various Halloween garb. The bar had been decorated to replicate a gothic fairytale setting and its staff were dressed to match. Regina, Emma and Paul sat in a small booth in the corner drinking an excessive amount of alcohol.
"Where is this ex of yours so I can go kick his ass?" An inebriated Emma slurred to her friend, she'd had a few too many Halloween themed drinks. At some point that night she had lost her wig, so her blonde hair was now hanging loosely around her shoulders.
"He didn't even show up," an equally drunken Paul replied with a pout. "And I froze my nipples off in this outfit for him."
"Are you telling me you forced me out this evening for no good reason, Mr Peters?" A discernibly less intoxicated Regina retorted, still looking impeccable. Regina didn't make a habit of frequenting taverns in the Enchanted forest and she didn't intend to in this land either.
With a beaming grin, he replied. "Well, you spent the night with your two new best friends. So that's one good reason." Paul waggled his eyebrows at her while Emma fluttered long eyelashes and flashed her teeth in a wide smile. Regina shook her head at them both, trying to suppress her own grin from forming.
With an exaggerated eye roll she said lightheartedly, "Two drunken fools more like," She got up from her seat and added, "I'm going to the bar, do either of you want another drink?" They both shook their head in unison, showing her their full glasses which they began to drink. "Okay, I shan't be long."
Regina made he way over to the busy bar. She leant over it, trying in vain catch the barmaid's attention as she tapped her foot impatiently. After a few minutes of waiting, she was about to give up and return to her table when she heard an unfamiliar man speak close to her ear. "Can I get you a drink?" He asked. She turned to face him and found a tall man with rugged features, dark blonde hair and a scruffy beard. He gave her a disarming smile as she agreed to his offer. "Hi, I'm Charles," he said offering his hand for Regina to shake. He wore a green shirt with a brown vest and carried a small plastic bow and quiver full of arrows on his back; there also appeared to be an arrow going straight through his head.
"Regina" she replied simply, taking the offered hand and giving her own smile in return. The pair struck up an easy conversation; Regina found the man, dare she say it, quite charming. They both perched on a barstool while they drank and talked together. Regina didn't even notice the pair of green eyes that were watching intently from across the room.