Chapter 10:
"Well, it might take me a while before I remember not to call you Hook, but I'll certainly try…Jones." David extended his left hand to congratulate the pirate with a celebratory handshake.
"It might take me a while before I remember how to use this hand again," Hook replied with a laugh as he gripped the King's hand firmly in his own.
"It was smart of Regina to think of restoring it; it will certainly make it easier for you to blend in when you get to Oz," Snow mused at her husband's side.
"Yes, she is remarkable." He caught Regina's eye and chewed on his lip flirtatiously, which she returned with a side long glance and a conspiring grin. The Charmings were oblivious.
Emma, however, noticed and gave her a little nudge as they finished laying out the picnic on the blanket. She hadn't told anyone what she had seen the night before, which Regina was quite grateful for, but that didn't keep her from teasing the former queen at every available opportunity.
The party the night before had been the chance for all their friends to say goodbye to Lillian and Hook whereas the picnic was their way to say goodbye as a family. They spent the afternoon talking, and just enjoying spending time together before they left in the morning.
While the others were occupied in a game on the grass near the river Hook and Regina took the opportunity to sneak away for a moment alone. As she followed Killian away from the clearing and farther into the forest the queen caught Emma's eye, asking her to deflect any curiosity about their whereabouts. The blonde nodded with a smirk which Regina couldn't help but return. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea to have Miss Swan as an ally.
They walked in silence for a minute or so, stealing glances at one another as they pressed deeper into the thick foliage. Suddenly the pirate stopped and took his queen by the hand; she turned to face him. His eyes were hungry as he pulled her closer. Her lips crashed into his with the same fiery passion they had shared the night before, picking up right where they left off. He took a few steps forward, guiding her to a nearby tree and pressing her back against it. She let out a soft moan as he moved his lips down to her neck for a moment before slowing down.
"I want you before I leave," he whispered in her ear as he paused for a much needed breath.
She looked into his eyes which were burning with passion. "I'm not to be had that easily Captain," she replied teasingly.
He smiled and raised his eyebrows playfully, "So I've noticed; quite unlike the queen I once knew."
"I've told you, I'm a changed woman." Her smile beamed making her face more beautiful than ever.
"It's a matter of virtue then?"
"I don't know if I'd call if virtue, but I am trying to stay away from my vices."
He cocked his head to the side. "Very well, we'll wait." He sighed dramatically, "But you know it's going to torment me the whole time I'm gone, don't you?"
"Yes, I do," she whispered with a devilish grin.
"Wicked woman," he shot back with a smirk. She kissed him again.
He pulled back and looked around nervously, like a school boy working up the courage to ask permission for something. "I was wondering if …I was hoping that I might write to you while I'm in Oz. I know it sounds sentimental and old fashioned but-"
"I would love that," She interjected.
"You would?" He wasn't used to suggesting romantic notions like that and was relieved to hear that she didn't find it soppy.
"Yes," she assured him sincerely. "And I shall write to you in return."
He smiled warmly at her and raised her hand to his lips.
At the mention of Oz Regina's thoughts turned to her daughter; she was torn between wanting to stay there with her handsome pirate and her desire to spend as much time as possible with Lillian. "We should probably head back before they start to get worried," she decided as she took a moment to smooth her hair.
Hook understood, "Of course; it would be terribly embarrassing for us to be interrupted…again." They shared a laugh at that. "Why don't you go on ahead while I do a quick patrol; that should abate any questions."
The queen nodded her agreement and with one last kiss they reluctantly went their separate ways. As she approached the clearing she conjured a basket of blueberries to explain her absence from the group. It wasn't that she was ashamed to let the others know that she and Killian were involved, but rather that she was enjoying the intimacy of their private romance and wasn't ready to share it with the world just yet.
The remainder of the day felt as though it flew by. Before she knew it Regina found herself telling her daughter goodnight and climbing into bed. She lay there for quite a while, her mind unwilling to rest as she continuously thought about her daughter and the captain who would be leaving her in the morning. The thought of letting Lillian go brought fresh tears to her eyes, like the ones she had been fighting all day; but this time, instead of fighting them, she let the tears flow in silent trails down her cheekbones and onto her pillow.
The past two years with Lillian had been wonderful. Regina had loved being able to spend so much time with her, getting to know her, and developing a real mother-daughter relationship. It had been more than she had ever dreamed she could have with her; and now she felt as if it was over. Of course they would still be close, but it would be different; it had to be. Lillian was an adult, and she was going out into the world on her own. The queen finally understood the difficulty Snow had endured trying to parent an adult child too soon.
Yes, in the morning everything would change, but she still had tonight. Regina sat up and silently made her way to Lillian's bed across the room. She sat gently on the edge of the bed for a moment before swinging her legs up onto the mattress and laying her head on the pillow next to her sleeping daughter. Disturbed by the motion, the girl's eyes flitted open and were met by an apologetic smile from the queen, which she returned. No words were needed. Lillian took Regina by the hand and scooted closer to her, resting her head against her mother's cheek. Regina held her daughter close with her free arm and kissed the top of her head affectionately. Her heart burned in her chest, filled with sadness and immense love as she closed her eyes and drank in the moment. Lillian's head became heavy and her breathing slowed, indicating that she had fallen back to sleep. Regina knew that she should try to do the same; morning would arrive soon, as would the changes is promised to bring. Reluctant but resigned to the fact that morning must come, she kissed her daughter one last time and whispered softly, "I love you Lillian, with all my heart."
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"Well, I guess this is it Jones," David said, extending his hand to the pirate. Killian took it and shook firmly. He had actually come to think of the King as a good friend in his time there.
"Aye, I suppose it is."
"We're all counting on you." David looked him in the eye, stressing the importance of his mission.
"Keep her safe," Snow added seriously, but with a kindness that made it sound like a plea.
Hook could clearly see the sisterly affection that existed between the two women; it reminded him of his brother Liam and the close bond they had shared all those years ago.
"I will your highness."
"You're sure we haven't forgotten something?" Marie had spent all morning fussing over Lillian's luggage adding a third sweater, a second blanket… and then a fourth sweater, "just in case."
Lillian smiled warmly and took her adopted mother by the hand, "Yes, I'm sure. You've given me everything I need, just as you've always done."
Marie's blue eyes filled with tears and she released a little sob as she pulled the girl into her arms. Lillian smiled again and returned the embrace.
"In fact I think you're trying to weigh me down with all those extra sweaters and blankets so I can't leave," she teased, not wanting the mood to be too somber.
Marie chuckled at her joke and pulled back, holding her daughter's face in her hands.
"Oh you! I may not want you to leave, but I couldn't be more proud of you my dear."
Lillian ducked her head humbly.
"Thank you."
Snow came up to her next with tears glistening in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around her younger sister. Lillian's throat suddenly felt tight with emotion as she returned the embrace. They remained that way for a long time, not saying anything out loud, but their hearts communicating so much. As they finally pulled back Snow wiped away a tear that rolled down Lillian's cheek. The younger girl turned her head to look at her mothers who stood by her luggage waiting, holding hands to comfort each other in preparation for the final goodbye.
She turned to face her sister again. "Please watch over them," she requested looking at both Snow and Charming.
Snow spoke first, without hesitation, "Of course."
"They'll be under our constant protection," David promised.
Lillian let out a grateful sigh of relief. "Thank you."
Snow nodded. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm nervous," Lillian admitted.
"You're going to be amazing," Snow replied confidently, "I know it."
"Thank you for having faith in me Snow. I hope I don't let you down."
"You could never let me down. I'll be here for you, no matter what."
Killian waited for the chance to catch Regina alone. He wouldn't be able to tell her goodbye the way he wanted to, but he'd be damned if he left without assuring her of his affections in some way. When the moment presented itself he walked over and stood as close to he as was possible with everyone around. She stared up at him, her beautiful brown eyes full of sadness. The sight tugged at his heart and made him ache to comfort her. He lifted his hand and softly stroked the back of her arm, which was out of sight.
The corners of her mouth turned up slightly at his gesture; how she longed to fall into his arms and just let him hold her. She felt vulnerable, an unusual emotion for her as she had always been so careful to keep those walls up around her heart, until now. She had allowed him in, and by the way he was looking at her in that moment she knew that he could see the damaged, emotional creature she really was. She had to tell herself that it was alright and fight against the Evil Queen impulse to not appear weak.
"Thank you Killian," she finally managed to say. "Thank you for what you're doing for my daughter."
"I'll guard her with my life," he vowed with such sincerity that she knew he meant it.
She bowed her head gratefully as a tear escaped and rolled down her cheek before she could catch it. His heart twisted and his hand flinched, wanting so badly to wipe the tear away.
"Regina," he whispered loudly enough for only her to hear. She raised her head and looked him in the eyes once more as he spoke again, "There won't be a day goes by that I won't think of you."
His words touched her more than he could ever know. To hear him say that, to know that someone truly cared for her, was like a soothing balm for her battered heart. For so many years she had lived with a deep and painful loneliness that could not be kept at bay; and now in that moment she was filled with hope. Not only that she could love again, but that she could be loved.
A warm smile graced her lips and chased away some of the sadness that had settled in her eyes, making his heart skip a beat at her beauty.
"Good," she replied good-humoredly, the hope restoring some of her playful charm.
The pirate laughed, enjoying her flirtatious response and that smile which he felt drawing him in, closer to love with each passing second.
"I guess there's no point trying to keep up with you now," Emma said playfully to Lillian.
The brunette shook her head. "I'm doing this for both of us." She put her hand on the blonde's shoulder. "I promise I will share everything I learn with you. You're more powerful than you know Emma. Have faith in yourself and it's me who won't be able to keep up with you." They hugged and wished each other well.
The princess and the pirate made their way through the rest of their goodbyes until there was only one left.
Lillian crossed to her mother and the two of them clasped hands. The former queen stood tall with a brave smile on her face, one that her daughter tried to emulate with some difficulty.
"Mother," she spoke softly, her voice suddenly full of emotion she had been trying so hard to contain.
Regina shook her head as tears spilled onto her cheeks. "I know sweetheart, she said still smiling, "you don't have to say anything."
The girl sniffed and fought to regain her composure.
"I have something for you," Regina continued as she reached into her cloak pocket and retrieved a compact mirror. She opened it and broke it into two pieces, a mirror on each half, before presenting one to her daughter.
"These will allow us to communicate," Regina explained. "I will always carry it with me. Anytime you want to talk to me or see me just hold up your mirror and wave your hand over the surface."
Lillian nodded. She was grateful to have a way to talk to her mother; she knew that missing her would be the most difficult part of her new adventure. She looked up into Regina's eyes, unable to stop the tears from flowing freely. This was it, the moment had finally come. She reached into her pocket and withdrew the golden pouch Anton had given her. She unfastened the latch and took out one shining magic bean. She took a moment to look at each member of her family one last time. There were a lot of tears and sniffles but many encouraging smiles as well. Henry gave her a thumbs-up, and Marie looked as proud as ever. She could feel their love and support. Snow nodded, assuring her that all would be well.
Regina squeezed her hand and mother and daughter embraced one last time. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself; it was time to let go. They separated and Lillian turned to Hook. He offered his arm to her which she took and followed him a few paces forward. The pirate turned his head to look once more at his queen. Regina put her fingers to her lips, sending one last kiss that only he saw.
Lillian lifted her hand and tossed the bean to the ground in front of them. A swirling green vortex appeared as the portal to OZ materialized. She stared into it, preparing herself to make this leap into the unknown.
Killian looked over at her. "Are you ready princess?"
She nodded and replied confidently, "Yes, I'm ready."
Together they leapt forward into the portal and on to the land of Oz.
At that moment in the heart of the Emerald City the Wizard smiled and sat back on his throne with a triumphant laugh.
His valet was confused by his spontaneous outburst. "What is it, your Greatness?"
The Wizard's smile dissolved into a smirk and he rubbed his hands together greedily.
"She's here."
Ok, so I know Hook said that line to Emma on the show (please don't riot CaptainSwan shippers-I actually ship CS too!) but it was too good for me to pass up for this HookedQueen goodbye. We are off to Oz now-YAY! Things are going to get very interesting now, if the Wizard's reaction to Lilian entering the realm gives you any indication :) Thanks for reading you guys; it's fun to share my imaginings with you. And a special shout out to LOCISVU for your reviews-thanks for sticking with me!