Disclaimer:
Once Upon A Time and Singlebrooke Dating Service are not mine.
Author's Note:
I'm such a crappy writer. Sorry for my updates… Forgive me. Here's a lengthy chapter for you. Okay this chapter is going to be in Regina's POV. Henry is going to meet David!
Chapter 12: Loading
After our messy and hearty breakfast, David drove me home with a promise that he'd call me tonight. Reaching the front door, I could faintly hear the sounds coming from the television.
Walking to the family room, I saw my sister engrossed with the show she's watching so I made myself comfortable on the couch beside her. "Hey," when she didn't even acknowledge my presence, I subtly poke her and sidled up her side so I am leaning on her with my feet propped up on the arm of the couch.
"Hey yourself," MM nudged me with her bony elbow but she didn't even glance away from the television.
"Where's Henry? What are you watching?" I righted myself up and then laid my entire length on the couch using MM's lap as my pillow. I reached for her hand and placed it on my head so she'd know that I'd like a massage. When we were younger, MM used to play with my hair. She'd brush it, braid it, and even give me head massages. I love those massages, they're soothing and relaxing. Whenever I get the chance, I make MM massage my head.
"He's upstairs reading. I'm trying to catch up with Once Upon A Time," I hummed a reply and closed my eyes when I felt my sister start rubbing my scalp. It feels good.
"That silly show again?" I snickered. She's really into those silly tv series. She even has a collection of DVDs of different tv shows in her room. There were a lot.
"Hey! Don't go hating on it. You've never even seen a single episode yet!" my sister yelped while yanking on my hair which she was grasping with both hands.
"You are such a child. Don't come crying to me over that silly show next time then," I sat up and rubbed on my scalp where she tugged at my hair. God, that hurt!
"It's not silly! It's life changing! You don't even know the impact of this show on me and all the other viewers. Besides this Evil Queen has been my obsession since the first episode. You both even share a name, lucky you. She's the most complex character here. She's loved and hated at the same time. I can't even…"
So there goes my sister. It's really fun to get a rise out of her, especially when it's about her beloved shows. She gets defensive and would rant for ages. Her face would get so bright red and puffy you could feel her rage like she's huffing and puffing them into your system. It's quite hilarious, really.
"Mom!" I heard Henry's exclaim so I twisted my body a bit so I could face him. When he sat beside me on the couch, he practically sprung his whole weight on me crushing me with his hug, "Where have you been?! I was worried sick when you didn't come home last night! Where did you sleep? Who were you with? I almost called the cops because I thought you were kidnapped!" my baby boy questioned all at once and then took a lungful of breath after. Sometimes I have to remind him to breathe if he gets all anxious or excited. I rubbed his chest while kissing him on both cheeks, I missed him last night.
"Drama Queen," MM muttered silently but we still heard it and that earned her twin glares from my son and me. He's so much like me at times, it's adorable.
"What's with all the hullabaloo?" Neal asked, coming from the kitchen. His face is covered in bread crumbs. His eating habit is like a kid's. A kid in a grown man's body. My son is more mature than him sometimes, "So the Mommy returns… Why didn't you go home last night? Who's the punk ass you were with?" after dusting off the food from his face and shirt, Neal hovered over me and gave me his big brother stink-eye.
"I do remember telling MM where I would be. I'm home. I'm safe. No need to cause this ruckus," I addressed both my sister and brother, especially my brother so he would tone down the overprotective brother a bit. Facing my son, I lifted his chin so he's looking at me before I softly said "I'm sorry my darling boy if I worried you. I love you, Henry."
Their obvious concern is much appreciated but sometimes it can be overbearing. I'm an adult for god's sake! I love them so much that I don't want them to worry so much about me, I can take care of myself and especially my son whom I love more than anything else in the world.
"Love you too Mom," Henry said while loosening his crushing hold on me and snuggling closer to my chest. When he was a toddler he loved my cuddles but now because he's a growing boy, my cuddles don't appeal to him much. So whenever I get the chance, I take great pleasure in it. My baby is growing too fast.
"People! I'm trying to watch here. Shush it! Oh, and Gina? I need the dirty deets later," MM dramatically shoved us out of the couch and shooed us away from her.
"Geez, women. I'm outta here! Be back later. See ya kid, be the man of the house while I'm gone!" Neal called before slamming the front door shut.
"Bye Uncle Neal!" Henry waved him goodbye and was about to sprint back to his room when I caught his wrist to halt him in place.
"Henry can I talk to you? Mommy has something important to tell you," I crouched down to be at eye level with him. When he nodded his agreement, I lead him to the kitchen.
"So what is it, Mom?" when we both settled by the counter, he straight away asked me.
This is the first time I will talk to him about this certain topic and I am panicking a bit. What if he doesn't want me to date? What if he wouldn't like David? I'm pretty sure I'd do anything my son would ask of me. Well if he doesn't want me to be with anyone, I'll do it but with David in the picture I don't even know. Taking a deep breath, I took both his hands so I could rub them to help sooth him and also to calm myself in a way.
"Honey, do you remember that man in the park I was with the day you found the lost puppy?"
"Yeah, I think. Why?" he furrowed his little brows in contemplation which I find so adorable so stole a quick kiss on his forehead making him scrunch his cute nose.
"I am dating him. I want you to meet him, sweetheart. His name is David and he would like to meet you, that is if it's alright with you," so that's it. I just need to know his reaction. Would he approve of me dating?
While waiting for his answer I couldn't keep my hands still so I fussed over his hair. I'm that kind of mother who spoils their child like you would not believe. I love him with all of me that I'm afraid I coddle him too much.
"So, he's like your boyfriend?" after a while he finally said something. I was worrying over his reaction. This is a really big thing. His answer will either make or break me, it's scary.
"Yes, sweetheart. David's my boyfriend," I nodded in confirmation.
"Oh…" he said it making his lips form the perfect 'O' shape. I would find it really adorable if I weren't internally panicking over his reaction. What did he mean by 'Oh'? Is it a bad thing?
"Honey?" I prodded for more.
"It's cool, Mom. Yeah I wanna meet him," he finally answered with a hint of a small smile on his handsome face. I couldn't help myself, I peppered kisses all over his face making him squirm on his seat so he could get away from me. After smacking him with kisses, I snuggled him to my chest enjoying his warmth and company.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I've arranged for us to meet him tomorrow at Granny's… So what have you been up to while I was gone?"
xxx
"So, Henry… uh," David stuttered. He looked somewhat out of his element under my son's piercing gaze.
We arrived at Granny's and found David already in a booth. When we settled down, we gave our orders to the waiter. It was a bit uncomfortable because I see my son sizing David up. I believe Neal taught him that. I smirked internally upon seeing David squirming under a child's gaze.
"Mr. Nolan, so you're my mom's boyfriend?" my darling boy asked. I felt proud because he grew up to be such a well-mannered young man. I could give myself a pat in the back for a job well done.
"Uh.. yes," David answered blushing slightly. I feel the smile creeping up on my face so I bowed my head a little and let my boys talk without my interruption.
"How'd you meet my mom? Are you from here? Do you have a job? How old are you? Do you love my mom? Are you planning on marrying her? Are you going to be my step dad? Do you like kids? What -" I hear Henry shoot off his hundred questions so I patted his arm and butt in.
"Henry, one question at a time," I reminded him while giving a small smile to both of them. My boys. That sounds really nice.
"Oh, sorry…" Henry squeaked making David and I chuckle lightly.
"It's okay buddy. Well, I met your mom over the internet. I grew up here in Storybrooke. I'm the town Veterinarian. I'm 30. I love your mom, so much… Hmm, your mom and I haven't talked about marriage yet but it will be a dream come true if she becomes my wife and you… as my step son. I was never around kids much but I like them. So how's that, buddy?"
I froze on my seat for a moment there. I had to remind myself to breathe. Seriously, how can this guy be real? He wants to marry me? Me? Even if I have a child? Even if I have a lot of emotional baggage? I love this man so much. Forcing myself not to cry in front of them both was a little struggle but a few deep breaths did the trick.
God, the urge to jump him and kiss him senseless while smiling that heart-warming smile at me was so strong I had to grip the edge of the table. My hormones are going haywire. Get yourself together Regina, your son is there sitting beside you and you're in a diner full of people. Deep breaths.
"I think you're alright, Mr. Nolan," I heard my son say breaking through my musings. When I glanced at him, he was beaming at David. David also has this goofy smile on his face making my heart flutter at the sight.
"You can call me David, kid." David said while reaching over the table to ruffle my son's hair making all three of us laugh. Me, my son, and David making small talks, eating breakfast, this just felt right. Like a family. My little family.
"Okay, David. So… do you like comics?"
xxx
"Breakfast was nice," I muttered breaking the comfortable silence.
After breakfast Henry wanted to go to the park so here we are hand in hand trailing behind my son and basking in the summer sun.
"Yes it was. Did I pass?" David inquired, giving me a sly smile.
I took a moment to think of what he was referring to but I came up blank. I'm not sure what he was asking, "Pass what?"
"Did I get your son's approval to be your boyfriend? I think I did pretty well back there. I made your son laugh," he tugged at my arm so I was much closer to him.
Oh that! "I think you passed," I gave him a nod and thumbs up.
"Phew! I can sleep better now," he dramatically placed his free hand on his forehead making me let out a very girly giggle.
"I'm going to play with Paige!" Henry hollered back at us before sprinting off to the playground where his friend Paige was at.
"Henry, stay where I can see you!" I shouted after him. Hoping he heard me.
"Stop coddling the kid. You're such a Mom!" David nudged me making me grasp at him tightly so I wouldn't lose my balance.
"I am a Mom! And I do not coddle him… much," I gasped out loud and almost stomped my feet like a child. Almost.
"Okay, okay… So wanna cuddle with me instead?" He let go of my hands so he could wrap his arm around my waist while quirking his brows suggestively.
"You my boyfie, are such a child" he's such a hottie I couldn't help it, I tapped his nose and blew him a kiss with an additional wink. That should do it.
"Boyfie? That's cute," he smiled and planted a wet kiss on my cheek before dragging me to the nearest bench.
I was watching Henry push Paige on the swing when I felt David's breath on my neck. I felt goosebumps on my skin despite the warm weather, "Honeybunch, can I ask you something?" he whispered on my ear. The pet names are cute, we're both acting all lovey-dovey it's nice.
"You just did, sugar bun." I whispered back without facing him. I could feel his smile, making me smile as well.
"How did you get this?" I felt his thumb hover above my lip scar so I turned to face him. He placed a lingering kiss on my scar making my breath hitch. I quickly scan our surrounding, looking if anybody's minding us. When I checked if no one was close by that could potentially hear us and Henry's still busy playing with Paige, I exhaled a breath before looking David in the eyes. This is it, the moment I'm going to tell him what happened that day.
"…My ex-husband," I muttered under my breath. After all these years that bastard still can draw out so much emotion from me.
"He did this to you?" David asked slowly. I could feel his muscles tense up. He was angry. Angry at Leo even though he never met him. I would never want him to meet that bastard.
David clutched both my hands into his and brought it up to his lips so he could kiss my fingers. He brought my hands close to his heart and started rubbing it to him, the action soothing my rising emotions. After so long, I'll be disclosing my experience again but David's presence is enough to make me feel safe. I can do this. For him. For us. After this, there will be no more secrets between us.
"That was the last straw. He was sent to jail and I divorced him after that beating. He almost killed me. Henry was two years old when it happened, I'm just glad that he wasn't at home that time. My brother was there the morning to take Henry out. Leo was at work so I thought I had the house to myself. When I got out of the shower, I was surprised to see Leo there in our bedroom. He was drunk and angry. He was yelling at me, accusing me of sleeping around. I didn't even get to say something because he punched me in the face. I was barely conscious after that first punch but he kept on beating me. Next thing I knew I was in the hospital, black and blue." I was brought out of my painful memory when I felt David's hand on my face.
"Fucking asshole! I'm so so sorry for what he did to you, babe" I didn't know I was crying until David wiped my fallen tears with his thumb and kissed them all away.
The dam broke, I couldn't stop my tears anymore but I still went on with my story. I have to finish telling him, "Turned out, Neal forgot Henry's diaper bag so he had to come back and get it. Thank god for small miracles. He got back just in time before Leo nearly killed me. He said he beat the shit out of Leo before the cops and ambulance got to our house. That's why my family's over protective of me. They don't want a repeat of what I've been through. If I just told them what's happening maybe things would've worked out differently. But I was young and terrified not just for myself but also for my family and especially my son. I didn't know the extent of what Leo can do if I tell on him. Bastard."
"I will kill him myself if I ever see him. He will never lay a finger on you or Henry ever again, Regina. Not as long as I'm breathing," He promised. Wiping away the remaining tears, he kissed me softly on my forehead muttering 'I love you' silently.
David draped his arms around me so I snuggled to his chest closer and wrapped my arms around his middle whilst planting little kisses on his jaw.
"You know, before, I never looked at myself in the mirror because I hate this scar. It reminded me of Leo. Of everything I've been through while married to him. But after a while, I got used to it. I don't even remember how I look like without it. Kinda makes me look as if I'm a badass, don't you think?" after a while of us just cuddling on the bench, I playfully nip at his neck earning myself a chuckle.
"Did I ever tell you that you're a wonderful person and I love you so much?" he gave me a playful squeeze before kissing my head.
"You just did," I chuckled softly. God, I love this man. I never imagined being with someone like this. He's like the perfect guy a woman could wish for. How is he even real? I'm one lucky girl. Damn. I don't ever want to let this man go. Ever.
"I love you, Regina. That scar should be a reminder that you're a strong person and a fighter. I am so proud to call you mine and be your man."
Looking up to him, I placed both my hands on his face and brought him closer to me before kissing him for all he's worth. The kiss was sweet and passionate. I gave my all with that kiss, hoping he'd feel my love through it.
When we broke apart for air, our noses and foreheads touching, I whispered those three words that I've been wanting to tell him since forever.
"David, I love you."
"Say it again," he exhaled a breath and a light chuckle that tickled my senses making me chuckle with him.
"I love you, David" I complied, giving him an Eskimo kiss.
"Again," he said breathlessly making me giggle. I'm so happy right now I'd do anything for him. God, I'm sappy when I'm in love. Wow, I'm in love.
"I love you with all my heart, my Charming Prince David Nolan." I declared from the bottom of my heart before claiming his lips for another deep kiss.
"Eww. That's gross," we faintly heard gagging sounds and Henry's grunts making us stop the kiss. When we looked up, Henry was watching us. He was making silly faces for catching us making out like teenagers on a park bench. His adorable expression made David and I laugh.
I love my boys so much. God, I'm happy and in love.
A/N: It's so fluffy I'm gonna diiiieee! Let's give 'em their moment before I dump them with more drama. *evil laugh* Sorry for the mistakes. Leave me reviews, I love reading them. Thank you, my dears!