To Metope, you're getting greedier by the second my dear! I have to finish this fic by the end of this week or else you guys will be left stranded till January 20th! I am trying to wrap things up and it's tugging at my heart that it is nearing its end too :D and I'm always glad to give you a break from studies. And the action will start in the next chapter, just one more fluff for you to endure :P
To rickmantic, I wouldn't give up on Regina yet ;)
To Jason, they better give her a happy ending or else I'm gonna have issues with the writers :D and yea I wish they can do it too but I'm not holding my breath! By the looks of it Snow couldn't give a damn what Cora will do to Regina or what Regina did for them.
To Guest, yes but it won't be that much I'm afraid.
To Ann, this is as soon I can. I'm glad you liked it and I always look forward to your input.
To Gizela, I missed your review :D
To Dakota Kent, thanks hun. And I hope it happens too.
Regina's brain was starting to let go of the overshadowing darkness and wake up. She knew that Snow was asleep in her arms, or more like on top of her, so she tried not to move. The first thing she sensed was her empty arms, and the lack of any weight on top of her. She opened her eyes and saw that Snow wasn't there. She sat up and groaned in pain, when her sore back muscles objected to the movement. She stretched her arms and back to get rid of the soreness in them, and glanced over at the clock, almost 11.
She got up and walked up the stairs, she knew the house would be empty by now. It was well past 3 by the time she had fallen asleep, and she knew there would be no going to the office now. They were supposed to go the stables for the day, and she still had to shower and eat. She opened the door gently, aware of the fact that Ariel was probably fast asleep inside. She had to suppress a laugh when she saw Ariel taking full advantage of the empty bed. She was sprawled onto the bed, lying on her stomach and somehow had managed to kick all the covers off of her and the bed. Regina walked over and put the covers back onto the bed and made sure Ariel was tucked in, before leaning over and planting a soft kiss on Ariel's forehead.
Half an hour later she emerged from Henry's bathroom all showered and ready. She made her way downstairs and fixed herself some cereal; there was no point in having a large breakfast with lunch time right around the corner. She gulped it down fast, and then prepared her coffee. She took it and walked back into the living room to finish the paperwork she had with her the night before. She sat on the couch sipping her coffee and staring at paper after paper.
She was fully aware of the date today, but she also knew that she didn't have to spend it like she used to anymore. This year Ariel, Snow and Henry were with her, along with Emma and David. She wasn't alone anymore, and there was no need to sulk. She had people who loved her around her and she finally allowed herself to feel the love she had for them; especially Snow. And she also knew that they will all be there for her no matter what.
She had no idea how long she was like this before she heard the sounds of footsteps coming from the floor above. She had barely put the papers back into their files, when a sleep-walking Ariel shuffled her feet into the living room. Ariel grumpily walked over and plumped onto the couch. She curls up against Regina's chest, with the armrest behind her back.
Regina put her arm around her daughter and rubbed her back, in an effort to help her wake up. She rests her mouth against her forehead, and starts running her fingers in Ariel's hair soothingly.
"Morning sleepy head" she said affectionately.
"Morning." Ariel grunted in response, obviously still half asleep.
"How did last night go?" she asked.
"Great. Nothing happened. We even worked on the control thing again, I told her that I'll start teaching her how to change on command." Ariel mumbled lazily.
"Why?"
Ariel shrugged, "extra protection, especially against Cora and Gold. Wolfs aren't affected by magic, which is what makes them so deadly. It was a surprise that my magic not only got her under control, but also changes her back. But I have to wait till she gets the control back fully." She explained.
Regina sighed and moved so she can face her daughter, she gently took a hold of her chin and lifted her face so she can look into her eyes, "Stop worrying about what will happen if Cora gets here; you're not alone anymore. It won't be just you facing her, it will be all of us." She soothed.
"I know; but I'm just not looking forward to that day." Ariel sighed.
"Me neither. Now go take a shower and I'll fix you some cereal for a light breakfast, because we are meeting the rest at the stables."
"Why?"
"We're spending the day there, sort of to honor hour father's memory." She explained.
"That sounds great. He would've loved that." Ariel said gently, a warm smile on her lips. One that was mirrored by her mother.
It was almost 5 PM, and laughter could be heard a mile away from the stables, same for the sounds of galloping. Even though Henry and Emma still had yet to learn how to ride; David, Snow, Regina and Ariel were great at it. Emma was riding with David this time, and Henry with Regina. They held races, with Henry and Emma as judges. They had competitions for the highest jumps over barriers; and needless to say that Regina made them all feel bad about themselves. The only one who was able to keep up with her was Ariel. They had to admit that Daniel's genes were displaying beautifully in her.
Unbeknown to all of them, a set of eyes were watching them from afar. Those eyes were green with envy at their laughter and happiness. Most of said envy was directed at one person in particular; she had become the Evil Queen and destroyed so many lives, yet the good in her won again. He knew all those years that he was kidding himself when he thought that she had truly become dark. He knew that it was only a matter of time before that piece of Cora's soul loses its battle against Regina's true soul. But he didn't care as long as he has his son with him. But he doesn't have his son with him, and she has her kids with her. His grip on his cane tightened, knowing that there is no point in harming Snow for no reason; Henry is a child and he never harms a child; and he needs Ariel to get rid of Cora and to find his son. He also knew that he made a promise to Belle; that he will try to be better. And as Ariel's laughter rang throughout the place, her words about what his son would think rang in his ears. Although he hated to admit it, but she was right. If his son saw him now, he will hate what his father had become, he will hate what his father did in the name of finding him.
But again, Regina did some awful things in Daniel's name and her daughter -his daughter- is right there racing along side her mother on her horse, with her ebony locks flying behind her, and her radiant smile and eyes shining in the fading sunlight. After a few more moments of envious glares, he walks back out of the stables and into his car.
After their day at the stables, the small group made their way to Granny's for dinner and drinks. They were still talking and laughing with each other, gentle and playful teasing going back and forth between them. They walked into the small diner and ordered. Ruby and Granny stood and chatted with them, and even offered Regina consolation when they learned of the day's significance.
It was almost 11 and the house of the mayor stood proud and silent. Its occupants had long gone to bed; all except for two. Regina sat on the small couch she has by the windowsill, with Ariel sitting between her legs and resting against Regina's chest, rising and falling gently with Regina's breath.
They had been there for about an hour, watching the moonless sky with its twinkling stars. They talked about Ariel's time in Atlantica and Regina opened up a bit about her time in the Enchanted Forrest and how she felt. She had already opened up to all of them, after their return from the stables, but she opened up more with her daughter. Ariel had asked about Daniel, and Regina was more than happy to tell her stories of him.
The next morning went by smoothly, they were all awake and out of the door by 8:30, and went to work and school. Ariel went over to Sneezy and tried a few spells to restore his memories. After 3 hours of agonizing work; especially with Sneezy's constant sneezes and whining, she finally managed to succeed. They even had Happy cross the border and come back to make sure that the spell is working fine. Once they had their confirmation, they spread the word around. But people still decided to stay clear of the borders, and just stick to Storybrooke. They weren't used to the outside world, and they didn't want to venture on.
They all came back home around 4 and after a quick lunch, Snow and Emma dragged Ariel upstairs to get her ready for her date with Hook. After some reluctance, Regina followed them upstairs to find a dress for Ariel.
Once Ariel had showered, the ladies did her make-up and hair. They were putting the final touches when the doorbell rang.
David walked over to the door and opened it, revealing Hook standing there. He was in jeans, shirt and a jacket. He glared at him and Hook took an instinctive step back.
"Yes?" David asked nonchalantly. Henry was standing in the doorway of the dining room, shaking his head in amusement at the situation.
"Is Ariel ready?" Hook asked politely.
"She would have been down here if she was, wouldn't she?" David growled and Hook gulped.
"Listen up, Hook. If hurt her, if you even contemplate the thought of hurting her in any way, you won't get the chance to worry about Regina and her dark magic, because I will make Regina's magical punishment seem like a pipe dream to you, are we clear?" he hissed threateningly, "she's Snow's baby sister and that makes her my baby sister, and I protect what's mine. So don't even think about crossing me, got it?" he continued.
"I can't hurt her. I love her, and don't worry I'll take good care of her." Hook answered him sincerely.
Even though David noted the sincerity in his statements, he still didn't allow his face to soften. His attention was then diverted to the sounds of footsteps coming down the stairs. He turned around in time to see Ariel walking down the stairs, with the other three women surrounding her.
David's face softened up immediately, and his face broke into a proud smile. She was wearing a figure-hugging black dress, and her hair flowed down in loose, soft curls. And she had light make-up on, which highlighted her eyes perfectly.
An admiration whistle tore through the air, and they all looked over at Henry, who grinned "Stunning, sis" he said with a dramatic air.
They all laughed, "Thanks, sweetie." Ariel answered him.
"Hook, can I have a word before you two head off? And Snow, do you mind showing her where the coats are?" Regina said.
"Sure." Snow and Hook said simultaneously. Hook knew that Regina was going to be threatening him not talking, but he also knew that it just means that she is a good mother looking out for her daughter.
Snow and Ariel knew that Regina wanted to get rid of Ariel, and they both played along. Emma went along with them, and giggles and whispers could be heard between the three of them.
Regina rounded on Hook, her eyes narrowed at him. Even though Hook was already intimidated by David, this sent fear coursing through his veins. This was the Evil Freaking Queen they were talking about, if he so much as moves one hair out of its place on Ariel's head, she will make the Dark One, Cora and the Wraith, combined, seem like nothing compared to what she will become. Even though Henry made her promise not to use Dark Magic anymore, he knew that he will gladly give her permission to do so for his sister's sake. And David already made it clear that he won't really need any magic.
"The only reason why you are not dead right now because of what happened in Neverland is because she loves you, and I will not hurt her in any way; and because you never really gave them permission. But the fact remains that you left her alone on that ship with a bunch of pirates who think that she is a female sailor. You left her unprotected and vulnerable, and you knew that she wasn't feeling well. so, not only am I going to kill you if you hurt her, but I will become your worst nightmare if you don't take care of her properly, do I make myself clear?" her tone was dangerously low and he could tell that she meant every word.
"Yes, and I know I screwed up that day. But I promise you that it will never happen again." He assured her.
"Good" she said in a slightly less threatening tone.
They both heard the clicking of heels, and saw Ariel walking towards them with her coat on.
"Shall we?" Hook asked her.
"Yeah." She said.
"Have fun, sis" Henry said, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Ariel smiled and rubbed his back lovingly, "thanks, kiddo."
"Have fun, sweetheart." Regina said, as Ariel kissed her cheek, "thanks, mom."
"I will be fine." She said to David.
"I'll believe it when I see it." He said, kissing the top of her head.
She waved at Emma and Snow before she walked out with Hook. David and Regina crossed their arms in front of their chests, and stood staring out the door, watching Ariel and Hook walking down the foot path in the grass and round the corner out of their sight.
Snow and Emma waited till the door was shut before erupting in a fit of giggles. Henry was smirking at his grandfather and mother, and said mother and grandfather were looking at them quizzically.
"What's so funny?" David asked.
"You two" Emma answered through her laughter, gesturing with her hand to David and Regina.
David and Regina looked at each other and immediately knew that those three will be having a good laugh all night at their expense.
Hook and Ariel went for a walk on the beach after their dinner, which was spent mostly in talks and laughter. They talked about her rape, and her father.
Ariel was surprised at how she easily opened up to him again, like no time has passed. He still knew her like the back of his hand, and knew what to say and when to say it. She had a good laugh at his expense when he told her about David and Regina's threatening speeches. He mock glared at her, but she couldn't keep the laughter at bay. And the more he whined about it, the harder her laughter seemed to get.
They were now walking down Main Street, hand in hand and deep in conversation. When they neared her house, Hook stopped her before they could be seen from the windows of the house. He was sure Regina and David were both glued to the windows waiting for their arrival.
He gazed down into her eyes, and before he could chicken out, he leaned down and kissed her. Ariel was surprised at first, but was soon returning the kiss. One of his arms wrapped around her shoulders, cradling her head in his elbow; while his other arm went around her waist. He felt her arm wrap around his torso, while the other hand was cradling his face and keeping it close to hers.
After a few moments they both let go, mainly due to the overwhelming need for air. He smiled down at her, and planted a few soft kissed on her lips before he let her go. He watched her walk the foot path towards the door, and put the key in the door. He had his hands in his pockets and smiled at her before she walked in and closed the door behind her.
Regina and David were pacing the room, taking turns in checking out the window for any signs of them. Regina was biting on her nails nervously and David was going over his plan to kill Hook and not leave anything that could trace back to him. Although he knew that being who they are, pressing charges would be hard.
Snow, Emma and Henry were having the time of their lives at their expense. They were making fun of them, teasing them and laughing hysterically. Snow was slightly worried, but not like the two buzzing bees, who drew a whole in the living room floor with their pacing.
"She's back" David suddenly exclaimed as he looked out the window, seeing Ariel walking towards the door. Regina darted towards the door once she heard the fumbling of the keys in the lock. She swung around the doorframe of the living room in time to see Ariel walking in.
"Hey, Mom." Ariel greeted, with an amused smirk on her lips.
David was close on Regina's heels and they both went over to Ariel. Regina hugged her and David was eyeing her critically, inspecting her for any excuse to go kill Hook.
Ariel winked at Snow and Emma behind her mother's back, and they both winked back and giggled silently. Henry was grinning at her like Christmas was here.
It was well after midnight, and the residents of the mayor's mansion were fast asleep. Emma and Henry each in their beds; Snow's head resting on David's chest; and Ariel sound asleep with Regina's arm around her. None of the peacefully asleep residents were aware of the looming danger itching closer by the minute.
That is all the fluff I have folks. Let me know what you all think and prepare for angst and action in the coming chapters.