A/N: Starts off from Henry's POV (third person) but changes between the different characters throughout. It starts off a bit slow, but picks up soon enough.
This story takes place after 4x22, it follows canon and diverges just after The Apprentice expels The Darkness from Rumple. Also, there was never any OutlawQueen or CaptainSwan in this timeline - no disrespect to any ships, they just didn't fit into this story.
A last thing to note - this was originally written to be posted only on Ao3, so the FF writers mentioned are writers on there, but I wanted to try and post it here too to see if people liked this kind of thing :)
...SQ...
It all starts when they're in New York. Henry and his moms are at a two day mini Star Wars convention celebrating Star Wars Day – May 4th.
The convention took place on a three-day weekend this year; a perk of living in Storybrooke was the town had its own magical holidays as well as celebrating national holidays. And luckily, this year one of the old holidays from back in the Enchanted Forest fell on May 3rd, meaning no school and no work.
Henry had been practically vibrating when he worked out the dates matched and begged his mothers to take him to the convention that started at midday on Friday May 3rd. They hadn't needed much convincing however; all it had taken was one puppy dog eyed look from Henry and Regina was agreeing to every demand. He was booking the tickets five minutes later.
He sighs as he stands waiting for his moms to get back from the bathroom so they can head back to their hotel, realising the weekend is now up and they have to head back home. As much as he loves the weird and wonderful town that Storybrooke is, he's going to miss this.
This being him and his moms enjoying themselves in their own little bubble, being the perfect family without worry of the next big bad coming to town and wreaking havoc. He knows once they return to Storybrooke, his moms will go about their usual routine and it'll be back to sharing one week with the blonde and the next with the brunette.
A bunch of squeals coming from somewhere beside him breaks him out of his thoughts. His gaze darts around – searching – wondering what could be the reason. A secret reveal? Perhaps a surprise star appearance? It didn't say so on the site, but you never know.
He can see no one apart from his mothers emerging from the public bathrooms and a few other people dotted about the lobby area, so listens in closer attempting to decipher the meaning behind the high pitched almost-wailing sounds.
"OMG look it's SwanQueen!"
"We have to alert Swen!"
"No way, they look just like Emma and Regina!"
That throws Henry for a loop. How do they know his mothers? And what is SwanQueen?
"Ah I love being a SwanQueen shipper, look how cute they are together; such a great couple!" another voice screeches from the small group watching his mothers chatting animatedly amongst themselves on their way back to him.
It's safe to say Henry's interest is piqued.
He quickly deduces SwanQueen has to be the couple name for his mothers. Emma is a Swan by name and Regina is a Queen – so SwanQueen. It makes complete sense. Henry smiles knowing how badly he wants his mothers to be together as a couple.
He watches - standing too far away to hear - Emma say something to Regina pulling a silly face in the process and the broad smile radiating from Regina's face in response is enough to make his chest ache.
For Henry's whole life - before Emma - it had been just him and his mom.
And they were happy.
Well as happy as one can be living in a small town where everything was frozen in time.
As Henry grew, he'd developed an understanding with his mom - they each meant the world to one another. And though Regina tried her hardest to fulfil the role of both a great mother and father for him - which she had succeeded at - Henry often felt there was something missing in their lives.
After finding out he was adopted, he thought things felt off because Regina wasn't his birth mother. But the niggling feeling remained, even when Emma came to Storybrooke.
He then settled on the idea that it might have been to do with Regina being the Evil Queen - a shudder runs through him at remembering that. And even though they've moved past all of it, Henry will spend the rest of his life showing his mom how sorry he is for his behaviour towards her those few months before the curse broke and that he truly loves and appreciates her very much.
He knows Regina will do the same.
Over the last few years, as they went from dealing with one crisis to another, the nagging feeling had made a constant home for itself in his subconscious thoughts. Pressing up against his mind and pulling at his heart. It was only up until a few months ago when they finally caught a break and Storybrooke quietened down, that he'd managed to pinpoint what it was.
He wanted to be a family.
He'd wanted another parent growing up; he'd wanted his mom to have a companion. And now he had two moms.
But both of them were lonely.
They didn't let it be known.
But he knew.
It struck him then that he wanted them to be together.
It's so obvious in the way they interact with one another that they care for each other deeply. He knows. And if he can see that, it's only a matter of time before they will; even these random strangers can see it too.
A warm ball of hope blooms in his chest at that, Henry suddenly feeling giddy and excited at the prospect of this one wish of his coming true. These people want his moms together as much as he does.
They're definitely his kind of people.
"Excuse me?" he asks turning to the small group currently occupied with swooning over his mothers. A few young girls turn and glare at him for daring to interrupt their fangirling. Motioning in the general direction of where his mothers are, he asks, "How do you know who they are?"
The girls, ignoring him, turn back around. Well except one. She looks to be a couple of years older than Henry, taller by a couple of inches too. Her light bronze skin shimmers in the light as she takes a step closer. The girl scoffs, her hazel eyes boring into Henry with a look that clearly says I can't believe you just asked me that.
"Are you kidding me kid? That's Emma and Regina. I'd recognise them anywhere. It's SwanQueen, the greatest love story never told," she pauses for a second in thought, adjusting her black beanie cap that does little to hide her very vibrant blue hair currently falling out of the low ponytail she has it in. "Actually, I guess their story is being told, through fanfiction. We SwanQueen shippers do have a duty you know?" she stands taller, puffing out her chest with pride, black t-shirt outlining her upper body.
That doesn't answer the question - Henry realises - not really. But he doesn't care. This girl and the rest of the SwanQueen shippers, wherever they are, certainly know what they're talking about.
An idea strikes him then.
His mothers aren't together yet, but clearly there are fictional versions of them that are.
If he can just read some of those stories and draw ideas, he can plan an operation to get them together - Operation SwanQueen, a little on the nose, but it'll do.
Knowing his mothers will reach them any second and they'll have to leave, he hurriedly asks, "Where can I find these SwanQueen shippers and their stories?" And cringes realising he had almost shouted it; the girl's stance becoming defensive immediately.
The girl crosses her arms and watches him with narrowed eyes. "Well present company included, they'll be active on the archive," she says, face unimpressed and voice laced with suspicion.
"The what?"
She rolls her eyes, "Google it, Ao3 SwanQueen," and moves to turn around to resume watching the stunning duo.
"Wait!" Henry calls reaching out to stop her. The girl sighs heavily before pulling Henry gently to one side; a little away from the group.
"Look kid, you seem pretty decent. I respect all the ships, but SQ is my OTP. So if you're going to start arguing about other ships, I don't have time for fandom hate."
"Oh... no I think you're misunderstanding. I wouldn't do that. I- I'm a SwanQueen shipper too," and Henry marvels at how right it feels to say those words out loud. When the girl's facial expression transforms from mistrust to respect he knows it was the right thing to say.
She smiles, patting him on the shoulder, "Attaboy, you've obviously got your head screwed on right. I'm Draconiangrapex09 by the way," she states, holding a hand out for him to shake.
"What?" Henry asks, baffled; reaching out to shake it.
She chuckles, "My name, on Ao3. It's Draconiangrapex09, here let me write it down," she reaches into the pocket of her black skinny jeans producing a little notepad and pen. Swiftly scribbling on it and handing the torn page over to Henry.
Google: Ao3 SwanQueen Search (on Ao3): Draconian_Grapex09 :)
"Oh, okay," he breathes out a small laugh, quickly deciphering the meaning of the words on the note before looking up to see his mothers come and stand in front of him.
"Who is this Henry?" Regina questions, a slight edge to her voice that's not usually present. He immediately feels Draconian_Grapex09 tense beside him.
Henry turns to the girl - now staring at Emma and Regina with a dazed expression on her face - "This is... um, can I just call you DG?" After a few silent moments she slowly nods but doesn't speak. Henry waves his hand in front of her, but DG seems to be lost in a trance. He chuckles internally, certain that if DG was a cartoon character her eyes would have probably turned into little hearts and she would most likely be melting into a puddle on the floor.
"Oh-kayy then," Emma tries breaking up the awkward tension after a minute. She can sense Regina isn't too pleased - and rightly so - they did both just witness a girl a lot older than Henry handing him a note that more than likely contains her phone number. "We should head back to the hotel now," she tries, figuring it would be best to get out of there before Regina decides to hound the poor girl with a hundred different questions.
"Yeah she's er, having a fangirl moment," Henry tries explaining, gesturing towards DG and moving to stand next to his mothers.
"What on earth are you talking about Henry?" Regina asks.
Henry watches DG for another couple of seconds and realises that whilst his moms are there, she isn't going to speak or move. "Nothing, never mind let's go. Bye DG," he says, moving to turn around and leave.
As soon as the two beautiful women turn away from her, DG is broken out of her trance. She hadn't realised the boy was Henry Mills, though he did seem familiar. Damn she should've been nicer.
The last thing she hears, watching the trio leave the conference hall, is Regina asking Henry "Why did that girl give you her number?" And DG giggles, knowing that that note contains something far more valuable than a mere phone number.
On that note is the gateway to the amazing and glorious world of SwanQueen fanfiction.
...SQ...
Regina's standing at the doorway of their lounge room in their hotel suite holding up a box of assorted doughnuts in one hand and a large bag of sweet flavoured popcorn in the other. "I bought fresh doughnuts and found popcorn at the kiosk stand in the lobby," she says proudly, giving herself a mental pat on the back.
And Emma, looking up at her from where she is seated on the sofa, momentarily wonders if she should be wearing sunglasses; the huge grin currently planted on Regina's face is just that bright, making her look even more stunning.
If that's even possible.
Emma smiles back, patting the cushion on the sofa beside her, "Brilliant, let's dig in," she says picking up the remote and moving to press play.
Regina's gaze darts around the room, "Wait, where's Henry?"
"Oh, he's in his room, I don't think he'll be watching the movie with us."
Regina's smile drops along with her hands, "Why not? What is he doing in there?"
Emma shrugs eyeing the treats, the doughnuts smell delicious and her mouth begins to water. "Beats me, but he said he was busy and that he'd be out when it's time to leave."
"But, chocolate frosted doughnuts... " Regina trails off quietly. Her lips forming into such an adorable pout that all Emma wants to do is kiss it off and console her and-
Nope.
No way that will be happening.
Goodness Emma focus, Emma thinks shaking her head.
Standing up, she gently tugs Regina's wrist pulling her over to sit on the sofa.
"More for us right?" she tries, sporting a goofy smile hoping to cheer the brunette up. Regina watches the blonde, the cheeky glint in her eyes and that smile, and God, she is just, so, charming.
"More for us," she agrees, placing the snacks on the coffee table in front of them before attempting to settle into a more comfortable position. Emma smiles watching the brunette snuggling into the sofa and feels a pang of jealousy.
For the sofa?
Get it together Swan.
"All set?" and at Regina's soft smile and nod, she leans back to get comfy and presses play.
Henry's eyes hurt. He knows he should probably stop and take a rest but he can't. He's currently sitting on the bed studying the stories open on his laptop and scribbling away frantically in his notebook. The hotel Wi-Fi is so much faster than the one in Storybrooke and he has to make the most of the time he has left using it, which means to take down as many notes as possible. He just hopes that when it comes back to reading through, his handwriting will be at least somewhat eligible.
They'd gotten back to their three room suite at the hotel a little after 12:30pm and Henry had made the mistake of doing exactly what DG had said to him to do.
Well it wasn't really a mistake.
He can't really say he's suffering from reading SwanQueen fanfiction.
In fact, it's the complete opposite.
It's just that, it's kind of like falling down a rabbit hole. Admittedly, a very awesome and intriguing rabbit hole, but a rabbit hole nonetheless. And didn't Alice turn mad after falling down the rabbit hole? He doesn't know; he's never met Alice. But considering that he literally lives with fairytale characters, he will have to remember to ask one of them about Alice at some point.
For now though, he's running out of paper.
It's just turning 2:30pm and Henry has found that he's already accumulated a small list of his top three favourite fanfic writers: coalitiongirl, Trinadecker and amycarey. He knows there will be many, many more but he's only been reading for a few hours yet. He's just stumbled upon another promising story by coalitiongirl.
SwanQueen shippers are so cool.
The rating for this story is slightly higher than the others he's read so far however, so he proceeds with caution, knowing he doesn't want to read any funny business between his moms - which some stories have touched upon - but he just skipped over those parts when they got too graphical.
Yes, Henry wants his moms together, but what they do with that is going to be behind closed doors.
He doesn't need to know any of that.
Nor does he want to.
A shudder runs through him; he shakes it off and continues reading through.
Emma blinks open her eyes, slowly coming to. She smiles, not remembering ever feeling as content as she does in this moment. She doesn't understand why though. As she attempts to move, she notices a weight on her right side; she looks over and swoons.
There, curled up into a little ball nestled into Emma's side, is a tiny little Queen sleeping peacefully. The Saviour - in an attempt to calm her rapidly beating heart - lets out a deep breath at the sight of the captivating brunette resisting the urge to pull Regina closer so that she can cuddle into her more. The sleeping beauty looks so blissful and untroubled, a stark contrast to when she is awake, that Emma doesn't have the heart to break that peace.
Her gaze lands on the TV screen in front of them just as she's about to doze off again. They must've fallen asleep somewhere close to the end of the movie, enough for it to switch off automatically and for the screensaver to come on. As soon as her eyes read the time on the clock display she jumps up from the sofa causing poor Regina to jerk awake almost having a heart attack in the process.
"What's going on?" she asks sleepily causing Emma to pause her movements standing in awe of Regina, her sleep tousled hair and dazed expression pulling at Emma's heartstrings and she just wants to squish the brunette into a tight hug and never let go. "Emma?" she asks looking up at the blonde. And Emma is snapped out of her trance-like state.
"Oh right. It's almost three-" Regina shoots up from the sofa.
"Get Henry," without another word, the Queen begins rushing around the room collecting their belongings.
"Henry it's almost three o'clock, we're gonna be late!" Emma shouts from behind his closed room door. He panics, shooting up as he glances over at the clock, realising he'd lost track of time.
"Yeah I'm coming!" Henry quickly throws his things into his backpack. His suitcase is already packed and waiting in the other room, but anyone who knows Henry knows that all his essentials are kept in his backpack.
He takes another quick glance at the laptop screen, marvelling at the level of detail portrayed in the story he's currently reading. It's simply extraordinary. His moms are a top fighting team in something called the United Realms - a magic fighting competition. It sounds like it could be fun actually. He's hit with an array of ideas then, moving to scribble them down on the last page of his notebook; grumbling when he finds his pen has run out.
Just what he needs right now.
Henry rummages through his backpack coming up empty. "Henry hurry up, the driver will be here in 5 minutes to pick us up. We don't want to miss our flight," Regina reminds him urgently.
"Yes mom, coming!" After emptying out his backpack contents onto the bed, Henry almost jumps for joy when he comes upon The Author's pen and ink and then immediately deflates realising what using them together will do.
Not one for breaking rules, Henry hesitates before realising that since they are outside of Storybrooke, technically there is no magic here so whatever he writes won't come to life right?
Right, so he won't be breaking any of the rules.
After furiously scrawling down as many ideas as he can remember - adding in little illustrations here and there - he navigates back to DG's bookmarks page, noting down the link address before taking a minute to admire his note work. Okay it's messy and the writing is barely readable, but these ideas are how he can finally get his moms together once and for all.
It can work.
They can be their own little family in Storybrooke.
Henry's optimism is soon replaced with dread however, when he realises that as soon as they enter Storybrooke, the magic will activate the ink and anything written will become reality. Understanding there is only one way to fix this, he grabs his mobile and immediately starts taking pictures of the page.
As he proceeds to tear the page up, he accidentally knocks the ink bottle, spilling some on the laptop touchpad in the process. Quickly tossing the scraps of paper in the bin, Henry rapidly scoops up the small bottle, making sure to close the lid tightly, luckily not much is lost.
He swipes his sleeve across the pad collecting the residue ink, slams the laptop lid closed and proceeds to finish throwing everything into his backpack before leaving in a rush.
...SQ...
The flight from JFK International to Portland International was just over an hour. But the authorities order the passengers from their flight to move into a separate section in the airport as soon as they got off the plane. Some guy from their flight was acting suspicious throughout the entirety of it - nervous pacing, sweating, mumbling to himself and biting his fingernails, so security checks have to be carried out on the plane before anybody is allowed to leave.
If the trio weren't so used to being up against death threats every other week, they would probably be a tad more afraid.
To say Emma is annoyed would be an understatement. It has been almost three whole days since she has seen her beloved Bug and she's anxious to get to the economy parking garage and have a long overdue catch up with her precious car.
"What's taking them so long?" she grumbles wiggling; trying to get comfortable in the very uncomfortable chair she's currently sitting on. Seriously why can't airport seats be more comfy? Her butt is going numb and she fears if she stays seated for any longer, the chair will become permanently attached to her backside.
Regina glances over at the blonde currently occupying the seat next to her. She gives a small chuckle watching the blonde squirm and wriggle in the chair. Her phone battery had died about an hour in of waiting as a result of constant game play, and Regina can tell she is bored.
Knowing Emma is not one for patience and will quickly become agitated and grumpy; she holds out her mobile in front of the blonde in offering.
Emma gasps turning to look at her with wide eyes and a smile that lights up her entire face. And Regina feels her heart rate speed up at the sight.
God she's so adorable.
The Saviour snatches the phone up fiddling with it, navigating to the games folder and opening up her favourite.
"Thanks," she whispers continuing to tap away at the screen; leaning her head onto Regina's shoulder, attempting to snuggle into her side. The familiar scent of spiced apples fills her nostrils and she sighs in bliss. The brunette smiles softly as she rests her head on top of Emma's, watching her play the game.
Henry shakes his leg nervously as he watches them both from the seat opposite. He wonders how long it will take before they can get back to Storybrooke so he can start planning Operation SwanQueen. Maybe he can get his grandma onboard. Snow is a sucker when it comes to love and if this is true love? It has to be. Aunt Z and even Mal will probably want to join in on it too. Aunt Z always makes well meaning snide remarks regarding the two idiots who can't see their feelings for one another. And Mal - whenever present - always agrees stating that Regina is 'literally denial personified.'
Finally after what seems like hours, the plane check comes back negative and the authorities - after questioning the man in suspect - let them all go giving the all clear. Both Emma and Henry nearly jump for joy, Emma scrambling from her seat, pulling Regina up and making a mad dash for the baggage collection area. Henry follows suit and Regina shakes her head in fond amusement, following behind and chuckling at their silliness.
Just as they're about to leave Henry points to something in front of them and they come to understand exactly why the man from their flight had been acting so nervous. There he is - some metres away – kneeling down on one knee in front of a young woman.
Regina gasps a sharp intake of breath realising what's happening, a soft look on her face as she observes the scene unfolding before her. Emma is torn between wanting to go and see her car and wanting to stay and watch Regina watch the scene. Her decision is made for her when she catches the look of wonder cross Regina's beautiful features.
How can someone be so gorgeous?
Emma plants her feet firmly on the ground watching Regina with twinkling eyes and a dopey smile.
Suddenly the crowd gathered around the pair erupt into shouts and cheers as the woman nods her head and is picked up and spun around by her now fiancé. Emma gives a quick whoop and a fist bump to the air in support, takes a few seconds to admire the large grin planted across Regina's face; then ushers them out of the airport in the direction of the economy parking garage.
A few minutes later she's sprinting over to the Bug arms wide open preparing to embrace it. "I've missed you," she breathes, leaning over the bonnet; stroking the car gently. Regina and Henry both share a look; then started giggling at the Saviour's antics.
Though the brunette is still somewhat sceptical of the yellow death-trap, she would be lying if she said it hasn't grown on her. She watches, with a soft smile, as the blonde continues to stroke the car and murmur sweet-nothings to it. Regina knows how much the car means to Emma, and she gives herself a mental pat on the back for agreeing to allow Emma to drive the Bug instead of them bringing her Mercedes.
It was totally worth it for the look on Emma's face right now.
Henry glances over at Regina watching Emma with a look of adoration and immediately grows impatient.
That's it.
They need to get to Storybrooke now.
"Come on moms, we're already late as it is. We've still got an hour's drive before we get home. Let's go," he urges throwing his luggage into the boot and jumping in without another word. Both Regina and Emma raise an eyebrow at their son, share a look and then proceed to copy his actions.
Emma observes Henry through the rear-view mirror as she drives. She looks over to Regina, who is sporting an equally worried look, and motions to Henry with her eyes. Regina shrugs but turns slightly to study him.
For the whole car ride he has been sitting in the back of the car frantically sifting through his notebook with a look of contemplation and mumbling to himself.
"Everything okay Henry?" Regina asks tentatively, not wanting to spook him.
"Hm? Yeah fine. Just need to get home," he murmurs distractedly.
Regina decides to drop it, knowing she'll find out eventually if something is bothering him. Maybe he's just missing home. She turns back around and gestures to Emma to just leave him be, and they continue the journey in a peaceful silence.
...SQ...
They arrive back in Storybrooke at around 9:30pm. A lot later than originally planned, but what can you do? Henry starts to feel giddy as they pull up to the mansion.
Finally they're home.
Operation SwanQueen can commence.
He quickly moves forward kissing Emma's cheek, "Night ma, see you tomorrow!" he says scrambling out of the car, grabbing his luggage and running to the front door.
"Was it something I said?" Emma questions amused at her sons antics.
He's such a weird and wonderful kid.
Regina chuckles watching Henry unlock the door and practically fall into the house, his small suitcase going with him.
"Maybe he just missed home?" she turns to see Emma already looking at her with a small smile.
Emma shakes her head laughing, "Yeah probably."
"Would you like to come in? I can quickly whip something up, I know you haven't eaten since before we got on the plane," as if on cue Emma's stomach rumbles loudly. Emma's eyes widen and Regina breathes out a laugh in response.
"I'd love to, but I should probably go say hi to mom and dad before heading home. I have to be up early for a shift at the station and I'm beat," she doesn't miss the small look of disappointment that flitters across Regina's features just before she's able to mask it.
"But maybe we can do lunch tomorrow?" she questions hopefully, never one to pass up more time with Regina.
"Sure," Regina's eyes light up, giving such a soft smile that Emma can feel her insides melt.
This woman is going to be the death of her.
"See you tomorrow Emma," she lingers for a minute and then exits the car, collects her luggage and enters the mansion.
Henry wastes no time in unpacking. After all of his things are back in their rightful place he figures he might be able to read another fanfic before turning in early.
He opens up his laptop and is met back with DG's bookmarks page, finds a fic that seems decent and clicks on it; then attempts to wait patiently while the page loads.
It's then that he notices a small drop of ink still sitting between the small gap of the right and left-click buttons on the touchpad. Using his fingernail to try and clean it, he grumbles realising his nails aren't long enough.
Damn good nail hygiene.
Henry absentmindedly grabs the pen from next to the laptop and scratches at the little nook in an attempt to scoop up the ink. After he's sure the ink residue is gone he turns his attention back to the screen.
It still hasn't loaded.
In a huff he clicks on the refresh page button and finds that that is an even worse decision as it causes the entire page to reload.
He's too tired for this.
Angry and exhausted, Henry stomps over to his bed and jumps under the duvet hoping the page loads by the time he wakes up the next morning.
...SQ...
Emma wakes up the next day feeling groggy. She reaches over and shuts the alarm off – 7:30am. She's miserable and so tired she could sleep for the whole next week. But if she skips work Regina will kill her.
The blonde immediately brightens at the thought of the magnificent Queen. She giggles - feeling like a schoolgirl with a crush – remembering they'll be having lunch together later. Emma climbs out of bed and collects her things for a quick shower to prepare for the day.
Once ready, she makes to leave the en suite when she pauses, hearing odd sounds coming from the other side of the door. She reaches for her gun, but falters remembering it's in her holster on the night stand.
"Crap, crap, crap," she whispers, almost face palming when she remembers she has magic. Emma calls her magic forth and bursts through the door preparing to blast whoever it is to outer space if need be.
She immediately freezes, eyes growing wide and jaw turning slack; gasping a sharp intake of breath as she takes in the scene in front of her.
There, on her bed, is a very naked Regina, lying on top of a very naked Emma; shoving her tongue down her throat.
...SQ...
Thanks for reading, please leave a review and do let me know if you want me to post the rest of the chapters :)
