The next morning, Regina was in the kitchen making breakfast. Zaynah was in her high chair, babbling away to herself as she smacked her rattle continuously on the tray in front of her.
'Zaynah, my little princess,' cooed Regina as she gently took the rattle from her daughter's hand and placed it on the kitchen island out of the baby's reach.
'Momma has a headache, so how about you play with your dragonstuffieinstead?' the little girl pouted adorably before she grinned toothily as the rattle appeared back in her hands.
Regina huffed out a laugh as she smoothed Zaynah's unruly blonde hair. 'You can't do that in front of Robin,' she reminded her daughter gently.
Zaynah had first used magic when she was only three months old and Robin had freaked the fuck out, while Regina had been very proud of her. Regina was a magic user herself, but she tried not to use it around Robin because he hated it. He didn't have magic and the only person he had known of who did was the Dark Oneand,well, he had a bad experience with it and now he thought all magic was evil.
Regina knew that wasn't thetruth,though, even if she herself had used dark magic once upon a time. She was a different person now, and she knew she would never resort to those lengths again. Her little girl had changed her life in the best of ways and she would never want her to witness that side of her.
She and Robin had only slept together once before she found out she was pregnant with Zaynah three weeks later and it was quite the shock for Regina because she thought she couldn't have children, and because she couldn't actually remember sleeping with Robin, though she did remember waking up in her Chambers with him the next morning.
But whenever she tried to think back to the night Zaynah was conceived her memories were hazy which was odd because she could remember every thing that had lead up to it but not the actual act it's self though she did have quite a bit to drink that night so that could be the reason.
She finally had Snow's heart in her hands and was about to crush it whenTinkerbellshowed up and told her she could give her the happy ending she so desperately craved if she gave Snow her heart back and let go of her anger. She obviously hadn't just handed Snow's heartback,but had asked for proof, instead.Tinkerbellhad agreed and used some fairy dust, which would lead Regina to her soulmate.
It had led her to a tavern and a man with a lion tattoo. She had debated for a long time about whether she should go in but had decided in the end that she was tired of fighting and never winning plus she had nothing left to lose so it couldn't hurt to just meet the man that was supposed to be her destiny.
She had walked right up to him and introduced herself. She hadn't felt that instant connection to him like she thought she would, but she figured that it would probably come later, so she had stayed and drank with him, and then three weeks later she had found out she was pregnant.
She told Robin straightaway, and he was a lot happier about it than she was and he insisted that he would do the honourable thing and help her raise their child. Those words had only Brought on the feeling of dread,though it wasn't because she didn't want a child because she did, but she didn't necessarily want a child with Robin, however he was her soulmate,and her supposed happy ending so she decided to give him a chance and agreed to let him court her.
She had eventually given Snow her heart back. She didn't want her daughter growing up in the middle of a family feud. She had had a lot more time to think things over and while she still partly blamed Snow for Daniel's death, she knew that it was mainly her mother's fault.
Snow had been shocked and extremely confused when she had randomly thrust her heart back into her chest. She had apologised again for her fatal secret spilling, but Regina had told her that she didn't want to talk about it ever again. She wanted to let go of her anger and she wanted to be a better person for her child, the child she had already loved so much by that point.
Robin had proposed to her on the day Zaynah was born but she had told him she wasn't ready for marriage yet especially after what had happened with her last one, there was no way she wanted to be trapped and unhappy with a man she didn't love.
He had told her he understood though she could tell that he didn't, but honestly, she was still waiting to feel that connection with him because while she cared for him and loved him, she just didn't feel that spark with him and she definitely was not in love with him, she had hoped she would eventually fall for him though so she had kissed his cheek and told him that as soon as she was ready she would marry him.
They hadn't had sex since the night Zaynah was conceived, though not through lack of trying on his part, however she had told him she wanted to wait until they were married, which wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the truth either. She wasn't really sexually attracted to him, he was handsome she knew that, but she didn't want to rip his clothes off whenever she saw him, but again she thought that was justa herproblem because honestly she had never felt like that about anyone, like ever.
Well, that was right up until yesterday, when she had crossed paths with the beautiful barbarian that was Emma swan. Regina had instantly felt that spark that she craved with Robin, and it knocked her for six, because of two reasons, one she didn't know that she was attracted to women, she had never thought of them sexually before and two she had only just met the blonde and knew next to nothing about her, like who she was, or where she came from, or more importantly why she was here, but apparently her body didn't care about that, and she had been a sopping wet mess within minutes of meeting her.
Miss swan had been on her mind ever since and honestly it was just really annoying because she had hardly slept and when she did manage to sleep, she dreamed of golden blonde hair, enchanting green eyes, and that cocky smirk that Regina just wanted to wipe off her face preferably with her own lips, which was really inconvenient since she was sort of engaged to a man.
Then there were her children. The brunet boy that had assaulted Robin because he dared to put his hands on her. The boy had been so upset at the thought that Robin had hurt her that he threw him across the dinerand,honestly, it had warmed her heart a little.
He seemed familiar to her somehow as well, but she was certain she had never seen him before and if they had only gotten into town yesterday, then they definitely hadn't come from the Enchanted Forest. And as far as she was aware, this town hadn't existed until they came here.
Four months into her pregnancy, a new villain had turned up in the Enchanted Forest and threatened to destroy them all if they didn't hand over the white kingdom. The mysterious villain had sent soldiers to slaughter villages, destroying people's livelihoods and killing men, woman and children without a second thought, but they never showed their face.
Snow had obviously refused and sent her own men tofight,but unfortunately none of them had made it back. The new villain had magic andarmiesof thousands of people to do their dirty work. Within weeks, this person had destroyed half of the Enchanted forest while theheroeswere running out of options andideason how to stop them. Evenshe,in her Evil Queendays,hadn't been quite as murderous.
Regina had wanted to fight, she had magic too, and she was just as powerful maybe even more so but her midwife told her that using her magic while pregnant could cause problems for the baby so Robin had convinced her to team up with Snow White and Prince Charming.
'You're good now, Regina, and it will set a good exampleforour daughter. She needs to know that heroes will always win. We don't want her finding out about your villain days.' Was what he had said.
And she wasn't going to lie. It had kind of stung that he wanted herto completely forgetaboutthat partof her. The Evil Queen had helped her survive on her darkest days and if it wasn't for that part of herself then she wouldn't have had the courage to push her mother through the mirror, and she certainly wouldn't have been cunning enough to manipulate Sidney into killing the king, in fact she probably wouldn't even be here right now, the Queen made her a survivor and she wouldn't just cast her aside.
The Evil Queen was a part of her and she always would be, and it was a part that she wasn't at all ashamed of. However, she had reluctantly agreed to team up with the heroes and well, if she had to be honest, it wasn't actually as bad as she thought it was going to be, yes they argued and disagreed, but ultimately they worked well as a team.
Snow was a lot less annoying when they were on the same side and Charming was even less annoying than Snow was, which was a massive surprise, and she found herself actually enjoying his company, most of the time, and she hadn't been able to shake the feeling that he reminded her of someone though she couldn't remember who.
They didn't manage to over throw the villain whose Identity she still wasn't aware of, and well the last she remembers the faceless tyrant had stormed the castle and a battle had broken out and then all of a sudden they were being swept up in a cloud of smoke and they had landed in Storybrooke, four weeks ago.
The curse had also given them new memories as well as their old ones, which was confusing because while they felt that they had already lived here before, their old memories contradicted that. They had been given jobs and homes to live in, as well as new wardrobes. It had taken a lot of adjusting and some people still weren't happy, but unless they could find a magic bean or a portal home, then they were stuck here.
Regina had been shocked but not unhappy to find out that she had been selected by the curse to be mayor. She had memories of having done it before, which whilemystifying,also helped a ton. She had expected some kind of protest to her basically being ruler of this little town so she was slightly shocked when only a few people had opposed, however she had been even more shocked when Snow and had told them to shut up and deal with it.
People had adjusted well, and the majority were happy with their new lives, they could live in peace and without any of the inconveniences of the old world and Regina had to agree this world was much more advanced, and she liked the thought of raising her daughter here.
'Regina,' yelled Robin as he snapped his fingers in front of his fiancée's face. He had been trying to get her attention for a few minutes now, and she had just ignored him.
Regina jumped a little at Robin's voice. 'What?' She snapped, more out of annoyance than fright. Robin looked at her, irritation clear in his eyes. 'You startled me. I was just thinking about what I could make for dinner,' she lied as she watched his face soften.
'Sorry,' he apologised before he bent down and kissed her cheek. She cringed as his stubble rubbed against her face roughly. She had asked him multiple times to shave it off, but he said it made him look more 'manly.' Whatever that meant.
'I have to go and pick up Roland, so you'll have to take Zaynah to work with you or take the day off,' he informed her as she turned back to face him with his breakfast in her hands. He took the plate from her and sat down at the table.
'Robin, you know I can't do either of those things,' she gritted out through clenched teeth. 'I'm holding interviews for a new sheriff today. I can't watch Zaynah at the same time. It would be unprofessional; can't you take her with you? Roland hasn't spent any time at all with her since we came here.'
Robin finished chewing the sausage that was in his mouth. 'No, you know how he gets, and I promised him that it would just be the two of us-'.
'She's your daughter. He's going to have to get over his jealousy at some point. It's not like she's going anywhere,' she interrupted with a hint of irritation.
Robin slammed his fist on the table. 'And he is my son. He will come round when he's ready, but I won't force her on him,' he barked back at her.
As much as things had gotten better for everyone else in this world, it had only gotten worse for her and Robin. It seemed like the more she tried to slow things down, the more he wanted to speed them up. He had proposed again a week after they had gotten here and she had turned him down again. She was happy with the way things were, he however, was not.
He wanted tomoveforward, andhe didn't understand why she didn't want that too. He had accused her ofsabotagingher own happy ending because she didn't think she deserved it after all the evil she had done in the past. Maybehe was right but that didn't make her feel any different about him.
She had even suggested that if he was thatunhappy,then maybe they should have some time apart, but he refused, saying that he wouldn't give up on his soulmate or his happy ending. He was confident she wouldsoon changeher mind and love him the way he loved her.
Though two weeks later and he was hardly ever around. He spent most of his time in the woods with his merry men and he drank a lot more. He was short with her too and he hardly ever spent time with his daughter, and then there was the incident yesterday.
He had never acted like that before, though she thought that it was probably due to the way Miss Swan had been looking at her and the blatant flirting between them that he had witnessed. She could understand he was probably feeling a bit jealous, but she could still do with him acting like a child.
'Baba no,' shouted Zaynah from where she was still sitting in her high chair before she threw her rattle at him. It hit him in the back of the head, and Regina had to turn her back to keep herself from laughing.
Robin stood up from his seat and picked up the rattle before he walked over to the trash and dropped it in. 'I will be back for dinner,' he growled before he left the kitchen without so much as a glance at his daughter.
Regina walked over and picked her up. 'Guess it's just me and you today, princess,' she said as she kissed her daughter on the head.
'Momma,' she squealed as the rattle once again appeared in her hands and Regina couldn't help but smile proudly at her.
Over at the bed-and-breakfast. Emma was still in bed. She had been going overherand Regina's interaction repeatedly since she had woken up. She and Henry had talked for hours last night and had come to the conclusion that Storybrooke was under another curse.
Emma had been worried that not having his mom remember him would set Henry back again but after a bit of a cry and some supportive words from her and his brother, he seemed to be back to his normal self and he was determined to make his mom remember.
Emma herself wasn't so sure if that was a good idea. Regina had a whole other family now and no matter how much of a dick her fiancée seemed, she had obviously loved him enough to agree to marry him, and it was probably that bit that hurt the most. She and Regina had briefly talked about marriage one night after some really hot sex and the brunette had said that she wasn't sure if she would ever get married again after what she had been put through with the king and Emma had understood of course she had but now it like maybe she just hadn't wanted to marry her probably because she was literally the man's granddaughter, and as much as Regina had tried to reassure her that she was nothing like him the blonde still had her doubts.
Henry had pointed out that Regina probably only felt like that way about Robin because she didn't remember who Emma was or that she was in love withher. He had even suggested that maybe it was just the curse that had put them together just like it had done with David and Kathryn and, as much as Emma wanted to believe that,a part ofher knew it wasn't the truth.
Henry, though point blank, refused to believe that his mom was happy with Robin, especially not after what he witnessed yesterday, and he had made Emma promise that she would keep an eye on her, which she instantly agreed to.
Emma had wanted to rip Robins head off the minute he put his hands on Regina, seeing someone else touch what was hers had stirred up feelings of possessiveness that the blonde had never felt before, but luckily for Robin Henry had gotten there first and then Kingsley had also had a go, though now Regina thought she had raised two aggressive delinquents.
She sighed as she pulled herself out of bed. If they were going to stay here, then they needed to find somewhere tolive,and Emma would need a job. She smirked as she remembered Regina saying they didn't have a Sherriff yet. 'it's worth a try,' she murmured to herself as she walked into the bathroom to take a shower.
In the room next door to Emma's, Henry and Kingsley were sitting on Henry's bed. 'So, how was the last curse broken?' Asked Kingsley curiously.
He was aware that he should probably be more freaked out about the whole thing, since he had grown up in the realworld,but he wasn't, noteven a little. He just thought the whole thing was really cool.
'I'm not sure, but I think it had something to do with my mom and ma,' replied Henry as he tried to think back. 'We didn't really have time for questions because Emma's mom flipped out and then Mom's knights turned up and after that, things were just a bit all over the place. The curse hadn't been broken that long before we had to leave,' he explained with a hint of sadness.
'Right,' Smiled Kingsley mischievously, desperate to put a smile back on his brother's face. 'All we have to do is make them fall in love again.'
Henry gave him a puzzled look. 'But mom has a fiancée and a baby, how would that work?'
Kingsley waved him off. 'Let just forget about Russell for a second, he's doesn't deserve someone like your mom, anyway. All we have to do is make sure they spend a lot of time together so they can get to know each other again. How did it happen last time?'
Henry shrugged his shoulders, and he tried to think back. 'No idea they hid it from me right up until the cursebroke,but I think it started when ma moved in with us. She used to cook for mom a lot and she was always very protective of her. She punched the Sheriff because he said some horrible things about her and she always defended her even against me. She never believed she was evil, not even when she found out the truth about the curse. she could always make mom laugh, but they never really got a chance to be a proper couple,' he remembered with a sad smile.
Kingsley thought about everything his brother had said and tried to think of a way they could get them back together again. He remembered something he had seen in the diner yesterday. 'Ma used to be a deputy here, right?' He asked, and when his brother nodded, he continued.'Well, obviously them moving in together again is out of the question, but I saw an advert in the diner saying the mayor was looking for a sheriff. Interviews are at one thirty today at town hall-'.
'If Ma becomes Sheriff, then they'll have to spend a lot of time together, Mom is notorious for making sure her employees are doing there job properly and she always took a special interest in the sheriff department,' Interrupted Henry excitedly as he felt hope bloom in his chest. 'That could work except... how are we going to make sure Ma gets the job?'
Kingsley smirked at him slyly. 'Easy, we're going to make sure she's the only one that turns up for the interview.'
Henry could see the mischievous glint in his eyes and it was exciting but also terrifying because Kingsley could be very unpredictable at times and he was a known troublemaker, though he had promised to be on his best behaviour, so Henry decided to trust him
'How?' he asked curiously.
'Well, my brilliant twin brother,' said Kingsley as he clapped him on the back. 'That's where that big brain of yours comes into it. You need to think of a way to distract whoever turns up, while I keep tabs on Ma and my mom.'
The boys jumped a second later as the door to their room flew open and Lily came walking in, followed by Emma, who Henry noticed looked happier than he had seen her in months.
'What were you two plotting?' Asked Lily suspiciously as she came to stand in front of them and noticed Henry's guilty expression.
Henry laughed awkwardly; he never was very good at lying. 'Nothing, we were just talking about stuff,' he stammered, while Kingsley rolled his eyes.
'Amateur,' muttered Kingsley before he looked up and smiled innocently at his parents. 'We were just talking about the advert we seen in the diner yesterday. The mayor is looking for a deputy sheriff,' he hinted with a pointed look towards Emma.
Lily snorted as she turned to face her blonde son. 'You're a bit young to get a job and I'm almost sure that the mayor now thinks that you're some kind of juvenile delinquents. You know, after you both assaulted her boyfriend yesterday,' she reminded them with a raised eyebrow.
'I've already decided I'm going to go for the job,' said Emma, picking up straight away on her son's not-so-subtle hint.
Kingsley and Henry grinned. 'Awesome. We're so happy that you came to that conclusion all on your own,' quipped Kingsley as the rest of them laughed.
'We're also going to need a house,' pointed out Henry. 'I refuse to sleep in that bed any longer.' He scrunched up his nose in disgust. 'I think it might have bed bugs.'
Emma snorted. 'You sound so much like Regina, kid,' she teased, but Henry could see the pride in her eyes.
'Right, well I guess me and the boys are house hunting today,' decided Lily as she looked towards Emma.
Emma nodded. 'Henry knows where everything is in town, so he can-'.
'Um, actually, I was going to ask if I could go to the library. I want to do some research,' cut in Henry, trying to keep a straight face so his ma couldn't tell he was lying.
Emma looked towards her son curiously, he was acting a bit strange but she decided not to say anything, after all he had a lot going on at the moment with his mom not knowing he exists and her having a whole other child and a fiancée.
'Okay, Hen, but you take your phone and you get in touch if anything happens. We still don't know for definite how they got back here,' reminded Emma. She thought it was even stranger that Kingsley hadn't asked to go with him because normally they're inseparable, but again she let it go, choosing to trust that her sons weren't up to anything wayward.
'Diner for breakfast?' suggested Lily a few seconds later. She was hoping that maybe she could find out some information about where her mom was.
'Will the hot waitress be there?' Asked Kingsley, with a wink at his twin.
Henry rolled his eyes. Kingsley had first started noticing girls a few monthsagoand now he was obsessed. It was sometimes annoying. 'You know she's a wolf right, and she accidentally ate her last boyfriend,' he smirked.
Kingsley chuckled. 'I would willingly let her eat me. Have you seen her a- Ow!' he yelped as Emma punched him in the arm. It hadn't hurt, of course, but he'd gotten a fright.
'Watch your mouth kid, Ruby is my friend. I don't want to hear you talk about her or any other woman or man like that again or your games console will be going in the bin,' warned Emma sternly.
Kingsley scowled at her, but nodded. Emma very rarely used that tone withhimbut when she did, he knew she was being serious and he was smart enough to not push his luck.
'Plus,' said Lily as she grinned slyly at Emma. 'I'm pretty sure your Ma has already been there.'
Emma's cheeks pinked instantly, giving heraway,though she didn't even bother to deny it as she shot Lily a glare.
'Omg, ma seriously? What about mom?' said Henry indignantly as he crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow. 'You better not have cheated on her.'
'Of course, not kid. I would never. You should know that,' repliedEmma,with a hint of hurt. 'I loved your mom; I still love her. I haven't even looked at another woman since we got together and I don't plan to either. Ruby was when I first came here and it was just a few dates. It meant nothing to either of us.'
Henry let out a sigh of relief. He had known that obviously, and he vaguely remembered his ma and Ruby going on a date when she first got to town. 'I'm sorry,' he apologised as he wrapped his arms around her. 'My emotions are just, you know?'
Emma hugged him back. 'I know, kid, we'll figure out a way to make her remember you, I promise,' she vowed once she pulled back.
Kingsley squeezed his brother's shoulder. 'Your mom is much prettier than the waitress and Ma would be a fool if she ever looked twice at another woman,' he consoled, though it was probably not the best thing to say, but at least he tried.
Henry's face turned to one of disgust. 'You don't have a crush on her too, do you? Because that would just be weird.'
Kingsley cringed. 'Jesus Christ, don't be gross, Hen. That's your mom and probably my future step mom, what do you take me for?' he replied scandalised as Lily and Emma hid their giggles.
'So, breakfast?' chimed in Emma before she ushered them out of the door and into the car.
On the other side of town, Regina had just buckled Zaynah into her car seat and was also on her way to the diner to get her morning coffee before she headed to work. She really hoped she didn't bump into Robin and his son. She didn't want to see his face today, and she couldn't be bothered with Roland's consistent whining.
He was a nice child, don't get her wrong, and they were close at one point, but ever since Zaynah came along, he had turned into a jealous little brat. He hated his sister and one time Regina had even caught him nipping her. She had scolded him and put him in time out and she had told Robin when he had come in, but he had just brushed it off as sibling rivalry and told her not to worry about it.
Roland had never done it again since, but that was probably because Regina had mentioned it to his mother Marian when she had picked him up. She had been full of apologies and said she would have a talk with him, which she had.
That was back in the Enchanted Forest. He had only seen his sister twice since then, and he hadn't seen her at all since they had gotten toStorybrooke. He had told Robin that he didn't want to and apparently; he was fine with that.
She and Marian had both tried to tell Robin that he needed to be firmer with him, but he had said that they couldn't force him to want to be around her, and that he would come around when he was ready.
Regina actually liked Marian much, to Robin's dismay. He didn't like them spending time together, probably because he thought they were talking about him, which they weren't.
They had agreed when they first started interacting that they wouldn't share any details of their relationships they had with the man and they had stuck to it, which worked well for the both of them.
Regina had been worried that she wouldn't be a good mother but Marian had reassured her she would do great and had also given her a lot of useful advice that Regina had been grateful for, since Robin hadn't actually been that much help, considering he had already been a parent, though, Marian and Robin had split when Roland was only two.
Robin told her they had just grown apart and fell out of love. He had also said that it made sense now that he had found Regina because, obviously; he was always supposed to be with her, and because she was his happy ending, and one day soon they would get married and have a house full of children before they grew old together.
The particular speech had only caused Regina to feel an abundance of dread, because what if she never felt for him the way he felt for her? And what if she got tired of pretending? It would break his heart and he would probably be miserable for the rest of his life, and it would be all her fault.
It was fine when she thought the only reasonshe didn't feel that way about him was because she was broken somehow but now she knew differently because now there was the enigma that was Emma swan, swaggering around town, making Regina feel things that she could even begin to explain.
She really needed someone to talk to, and while she and Snow got on better these days, she still didn't trust her not to blabber her secrets. She supposed she could go to Marian, but that could be classed as breaking their no talking about Robin agreement, therefore Marian's wife was probably her best option.
Marian was married to Mal now, a woman she had met through Regina, and Mal was pregnant with their child. The couple had only been together for just over a year, but everyone could tell how in love they were.
Maleficent was a dragon and probably Regina's oldest friend. They had actually known each other since before she married the king but had lost touch up right up until Regina entered her Evil Queen days. The dragon had always supported her need for revenge on Snow White since she had gotten her own revenge on Briar Rose by putting her daughter under a sleeping curse.
Regina had obviously also tried that method on Snow as well at one point when Mal had suggested it, but then David came along like an idiot in tinfoil and woke her up. She had blamed Mal for that and they had fallen out, but they reconnected again after Regina met Robin and they'd stayed friends ever since.
She looked over her shoulder after pulling up outside of the diner to see Zaynah sleeping soundly in her car seat.
Her daughter had always been a good sleeper. Even a tornado wouldn't wake her up, though Regina had no idea where she had gotten it from since she and Robin were very light sleepers. Her eating habits were amazing as well. She was always such a hungry baby and now, at nine months old, she would eat basically anything. Regina was yet to find something she didn't like. Apart from pickle, she hated pickle.
She had just taken the stroller out of the trunk when she heard her daughter let out a high-pitched scream. Thinking there was something seriously wrong with her, she let go of the stroller and rushed around to where her daughter was in the car. Pulling the door open, she quickly unbuckled her and picked her up.
'Hey, little princess, what's wrong?' She questioned as she stroked her back soothingly while bouncing her up and down gently. It did nothing to calm Zaynah though as she continued to scream bloody murder. Regina was kind of at a loss for what to do and was starting to panic a little as she looked her daughter over for any signs of injury.
She looked perfectly fine physically apart from the big fat tears that were making her way down her cheeks. 'Let's get you into the diner so I can have a look at you properly,' she said softly to Zaynah, whose crying hadn't quietened at all.
She moved towards the trunk of the car where she had left the stroller, only for a gust of windto suddenly blowit down the street. She sighed as she watched it roll quickly away from her grasp. She couldn't chase it, not with how upset her daughter was, and she was wearing heels and if she tried to run in them, she would break her neck.
She slammed the trunk of the car shut in frustration before she made her way towards the diner door, her daughter still screaming loudly in her arms. This so was not her day, and she already wanted it to be over with.
She was just about to push open the door open when she felt a hand on her arm. 'Hey lady, I think you lost this,' said Kingsley breathlessly.
He had seen the stroller blowing down the street and had jumped out of his Ma's car to chase it, it had taken him a while but he had finally managed to catch it.
Regina spun around and looked at the sweaty boy, who was holding her daughter's stroller. and let out a sigh of relief. 'Thank you,' she replied gratefully, as she gave him a small smile.
'You're the boy from yesterday? The one that stomped on my fiancée's foot... twice.'
Kingsley smirked. 'Yes,ma'amand I would totally do it again,' he said proudly as he puffed out his chest. 'No man should ever lay his hands on a woman, or a woman on a man, or a man on a man, or a woman on a woman... well you get my point, domestic violence isn't cool,' he finished sheepishly.
Regina let out a chuckle. This child was actually quite adorable, despite what she had seen of him yesterday. 'Domestic violence isn't cool, no,' she agreed before she added. 'But neither is any type of violence and just so we're clear, Robin has never hurt me physically.'
She was aware that she was being hypocritical, especially after her past, but she had changed and she wanted to make sure her daughter was brought up the right way. She wanted her daughter to be a hero, though she would love her, regardless. There was no need for Zaynah to be subjected to the horrors that came with being a villain.
'I think you get a pass if you're using violence as self defence or to protect someone you love,' replied Kingsley, pointedly ignoring what she had said about Robin because he wasn't sure if he believed her.
Regina nodded. 'I agree, so long as that is your last resort.' She looked towards the stroller and then back to the screaming baby in her arms. 'Could you fold that up for me? She isn't going to go in it now.'
'Of course,' said Kingsley as he tried to figure out how exactly he was supposed to do that. He might have a sister, but he knew nothing about strollers.
Regina watched in amusement as he slowly became frustrated with it. He was pulling the right lever, but it kept jamming. 'Hold her,' she said as she held out her daughter. It would be easier if she just done it herself, so she didn't have to buy a new one when he inevitably broke it.
Kingsley eyed the crying baby wearily before he let out a sigh and took a hold of her. 'Hey,' he said as he stroked her cheek. 'You have hair just like I did when I was a baby. I bet you're going to be just as good looking as me too.'
Zaynah instantly stopped crying as soon as she entered the boy's arms. 'Baba,' she giggled as Kingsley continued to talk to her.
Regina watched in amazement as the teenager soothed her daughter. The only sign that she had been screaming a minute ago were the dried tear tracks on her chubby little cheeks. 'How did you do that?' She asked with a hint of awe as she watched her daughter babble happily in the boy's arms.
Kingsley grinned as Zaynah played with the Swan necklace around his neck. 'I have a little sister,' he shrugged. 'That's a Swan,' he said to Zaynah as he pointed to his necklace. 'My mama got me it for my birthday and she got Henry a crown because his mommy called him her little prince.'
'Wan,' repeated Zaynah happily. 'Mama wan.'
Regina smiled at her daughter proudly. Zaynah was rather advanced for a nine-month-old but that was probably due to her having magic, though she had only ever said Momma, baba and no and she refused to say Dada, However, it seemed like she had just added a few more words to her list.
'Yes princess, it's a swan. Clever girl,' praised Regina before she held out her arms for her daughter.
'No, Momma,' said Zaynah as she pushed Regina's hands away. 'Wan,' she repeated as she pointed at Kingsley, who was grinning at her.
'Hey,' said Emma as she walked up to them. 'He's not giving you any trouble, is he?'
Regina turned her head and her breath instantly caught in her throat as her eyes locked with bright green ones that were sparkling with something she couldn't quite name. 'No, in fact, I think he might be a baby whisperer,' she chuckled breathlessly.
Emma's face split into a wide smile. She always loved to hear Regina laugh. It was one of her favourite sounds. 'Yeah? I guess he can be pretty useful sometimes,' she joked as she looked over at her son and the baby.
'Mama, wan,' shouted Zaynah as she pointed at Emma before reaching out her hands, wanting the woman to take hold of her.
Emma looked at Regina with a raised eyebrow. 'Did she just say what I think she did?' She questioned with a smirk.
Regina rolled her eyes. 'Your son just taught her those words; she's never said them before today.'
'Ma, I think she wants you to hold her,' said Kingsley as Zaynah tried to dive out of his arms towards Emma.
Emma looked at Regina, who nodded encouragingly. Regina knew that Zaynah would probably scream once the blonde did take a hold of her. She disliked strangers. In fact, she wasn't that much of a fan of the people that weren't strangers either. She was a momma's girl and Regina loved it.
Emma moved closer to her son and took the baby from his arms. She was cute. She had a mop of blonde hair, big brown eyes that were identical to Regina's. She had Regina's olive skin and full lips, and Emma felt her heart ache painfully in her chest. This could have been their baby, hers and Regina's, and she would have loved her so much. She felt a lump form in her throat and tears sting at her eyes as she willed herself not to cry.
'Hey, pretty girl. You look just like your mommy,' she breathed out shakily as she stroked the baby's face gently. 'My name's Emma, and that,' she pointed to her son, 'is Kingsley.'
Zaynah giggled and grabbed Emma's face in her hands, much to Regina's astonishment, who was looking at them with wide eyes. 'Mama Wan,' she squealed before she planted a sloppy kiss on Emma's face.
Emma let out a bark of laughter. 'Yes, you're such a clever girl. Can you say it againforme?'
Regina moved forwards as she studied her daughter curiously. 'She never goes to strangers; she even screams when Mal picks her up, and she's known her since she was born. How odd,' she muttered, but Emma and Kingsley both heard her and the latter felt the feeling of warmth bloom in her chest.
Regina's daughter liked her and while the whole thing was bitter sweet, it also made her happy. She continued to talk to the baby while Regina watched on with a soft smile on her face.
Henry was sitting in Emma's car, watching the whole scene with a heavy heart. He had debated about going over and joining them, but he just couldn't. It hurt too much to have his mom look at him like a stranger, and he was embarrassed about the way he had acted yesterday. It also hurt to see his mom with another kid, though he knew it wasn't the baby's fault. He couldn't help but feel a tiny bit jealous.
'Your mom will remember you one day, Henry. Emma won't allow her to forget you forever,' said Lily from where she was sat in the passenger seat. She hated seeing Henry so distraught, they might not have that mother-son bond that he had with Emma, but she stilled loved and cared about him.
Henry let out a sigh. 'I know. It's hard to watch her with another family. When the first curse broke and they told me they were together. I was ecstatic that we were going to be a family, and I even wished to have another brother or sister one day, but then we had to leave.'
He smiled sadly as he looked at Regina once more. She had the baby back now, and she was kissing her on the head while the baby giggled. He focused back on Lily, who was smiling at him softly.
'And now I have a twin, a little sister and a new mom but I've lost my actual mom, the one who raised me and made who I am, and now she has a whole new family and a biological kid and I'm scared she won't need me anymore.' His voice broke on the last sentence as tears filled his eyes. 'If we break the curse and she chooses to stay with Robin, Ma won't want to be here anymore, which will be understandable, but I'll have to choose between them, and you, ma and King and I can't do that.'
Lily turned to face him and grabbed his hand while she reassured him. 'Hen, Emma would never make you choose. She will always put you first and if you said that you wanted to stay here, then she would stay too, no matter how much it hurt her to do so. I also would never make you choose. I'm aware that you don't see me as your mother and that's okay. You have a mom who me and Emma are extremely grateful to for raising you. She loved you so much more than we could have ever imagined and she will again. You just have to have hope, and wasn't it you that told me that love was the most powerful magic of all?'
Henry nodded; it was the truth. In all the fairy-tales he had read, it was always love that helped the heroes beat the villains and broke the curses.
'Well,' continued Lily as she watched the spark return to Henry's eyes. 'Maybe it isn't your mom's and Emma's love that's needed to break the curse. Maybe it's yours and your mom's love. True love doesn't have to be romantic, right?'
'No it doesn't but I still think mom and Emma will be a big part of it, but maybe you're onto something. Maybe I need to get mom to see how well we all fit together as a family. Me, her, Ma, the baby...' he hesitated as he looked at Lily with sadness in his eyes.
Lily smiled at him softly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. 'And king,' she finished for him. 'I know he's not going to come back with me. I've already spoken to Neal about it, and we've agreed that if Kingsley wants to stay here with you and Emma, then we won't stop him. I love you both enough just to want you to be happy and as much as it hurts, I know that isn't with me.'
Henry squeezed her hand. He loved her too, just not as a parent. 'You'll come and visit, though, right? And you'll bring Bella? For a little sister, she's pretty cool,' he grinned.
Lily let out a wet laugh as she wiped her eyes. 'You just try to stop me. Plus, I plan on finding my mom when I'm here, and if everything goes well, then maybe I could have a relationship with her. Looks like I might be here a bit longer, though, depending on how long it takes to break the curse. Neal and Bella might have to join us at some point.'
'The first curse started to weaken when Ma got her last time, so maybe that will happen again, though it doesn't seem like time is frozen here this time round. We need to figure out exactly how much of their old lives they remember and I think I know how.'
He finally had a bit of a plan, but first he needed to apologise to his mom. 'Let's go and get Ma and Kingsley and have some breakfast. I'm starving,' he said as his stomach rumbled, as if to prove his point.
Lily nodded, and they both got out of the car and made their way towards the little group stood outside of the diner.
'Hey, kid, are you okay?'Asked Emma as she noticed her son walking towards them with Lily. She had asked him if he wanted to come with her earlier, but he had said no, and she had assumed he just hadn't wanted to see Regina, which she didn't blame him for.
Henry gave her a smile. 'Yeah, I'm fine.' He looked at Regina and took a deep breath. 'I want to apologise for my behaviour yesterday. I shouldn't have lashed out like that; it wasn't my place. I just didn't like the way that man grabbed you and it brought up some bad memories, but that's no excuse and I'm sorry,' he apologised sincerely.
Regina studied him for a moment. He really did seem familiar to her. She felt like she had already met him somehow, but she knew that was impossible. They had only come here yesterday, which meant they weren't from her world. 'I accept your apology, though it isn't really me you need to apologise to. It was my fiancée that you assaulted. However, Robin wasn't entirely innocent, so I'm going to let it go this time. But please try not to resort to violence in the future.'
Henry smiled at her. That sounded exactly like something his mom would have said to him. 'So, she's still in there somewhere,' he thought to himself. 'I will, I promise.' He moved his gaze to the little girl in his mom's arms. 'How old is she?' He asked curiously.
Regina smiled softly down at Zaynah. 'she's nine months.'
'Nine months,' he repeated internally. 'That means she got pregnant almost straight after she went back to the Enchanted Forest.' He looked towards his ma, whose eyebrows were knitted together, obviously also trying to work it out. 'she's beautiful,' he said as he looked her over. 'Hi, my name's Henry.'
Zaynah clapped her hands as she wiggled in Regina's arms. 'Hen Wan,' she said happily as she reached for him.
Regina rolled her eyes. 'Seriously, what is it with this family and my daughter? She's never been like this,' she muttered as she handed her daughter over to another yet another Swan.
Emma let out a chuckle. She had figured out that Regina had fallen pregnant within a month of leaving them and it broke her heart, but she couldn't really blame the brunette, since she had no memories of their time together.
'We're just those sorts of people that you can't help but love.' she winked with a playful smile.
Regina let out a scoff. 'Arrogance is very unattractive, Miss Swan,' she said haughtily. Though she actually found it very attractive, but only on Emma and that wink had made her knees weak. 'God,' she thought. 'I can not be developing a crush on this cocky, brutish, commoner. I have a fiancée for fuck's sake.'
Emma smirked at her. 'Lying is also unattractive Madam Mayor,' she teased. Regina had used those exact same words before and she was lying then and she was lying now. Regina was attracted to her and it made the blonde heart soar while hope bloomed in her chest.
Lily could see what was happening and while she was happy that it seemed like Regina still had some sort of attraction to Emma, the woman was engaged and also the mayor and it wouldn't do for people to pick up on their flirting and for it to get back to Regina's fiancée.
'Hey, it's me again. You know that woman everyone forgets about?' She interrupted with a pointed look towards Emma. 'You promised me breakfast and I'm starving, so let's get a move on.'
Regina and Emma both rolled their eyes. Regina because the jealousy was just pouring off that woman in waves and Emma because she actually had forgotten about her annoying ex. 'You know, if you wanted someone to boss around, you should have brought your husband,' she quipped with a smirk.
Kingsley let out a bark of laughter. 'Yeah, Neal is so whipped,' he commented.
'King,'said Emma softly, noticing the hint of hurt in Lily's eyes. 'We've talked about this. Neal is still your dad. He raised you for almost eleven years.'
Kingsley scowled at her. 'Yeah, and it's his fault I didn't grow up with you and Henry. He ruined my family just like his dad ruined yours,' he spat as he felt anger rush through his veins.
'It wasn't just his fault. It was my fault too. It was me who didn't tell Emma about you,' defended Lily. She wouldn't let Neal take all the blame, though it was mostly his fault.
Kingsley's fists clenched at his sides as his eyes darkened in anger. 'You're right, it is your fault too, and I wish Emma had raised me instead. I've never fitted in with you and Neal, or Bella. I was always too difficult for you to handle. I was the problem child, the aggressive weirdo, and I don't even look like any of you either,' he growled as he gestured to himself. 'I have Ma's blonde hair and her green eyes. I was always the outcast.'
Regina's eyes flitted from Lily to Kingsley as she tried to keep up with what they were saying. She had never really been one for gossip, but she found that she really wanted to know more about this family, and she secretly hoped that she would find out more about who exactly Emma Swan was.
Her gaze flicked to said who sent her an apologetic smile and then to Henry, who just looked embarrassed about the whole thing before she focused back on the heated argument that was unfolding right in front of her.
'In case you're forgetting, Emma didn't raise Henry, either. At least your were kept with your family. I could have given you up too, but I didn't. You should be grateful for that,' snapped Lily before she realised what she had said and looked at Emma. 'I'm sorry, Em. You know I didn't mean it like that,' she sighed.
Kingsley always knew how to push her buttons and she knew she should be the adult and not retaliate, but he always managed to say something that he knew would tip her over the edge.
Emma waved her off. She didn't feel guilty for giving Henry up anymore. It was the best thing for both of them and they wouldn't be where they were now if she hadn't of. 'It's fine, I know what you meant, and I've made peace with it and so has Henry.'
'I'm glad Emma gave me up, I ended up with the best mom and I wouldn't want to change that,' grinned Henry, and Regina could have sworn his eyes flicked to her for a beat but it was so quick that she couldn't be positive.
'Your mom done her best by you King, she loved you, cared for you, fed and clothed you and she was never neglectful or mean to you. Thereare a lot of kids out there that don't have parents and we have four between us, well almost.' his eyes flicked to Regina again, but this time she missed it, before they focused back on his brother. 'What I'm trying to say is that you should be thankful that you had parents that loved you,' he finished, remembering the big speech Emma had given him when he had called Regina evil.
Kingsley rolled his eyes. 'Whatever,' he muttered moodily. Why did his brother always have to make him feel guilty?
'Kingsley Emmett Swan,' said Emma, warningly as she glared at him disapprovingly.
'Fine!' he huffed as he turned back to Lily. 'I'm sorry, mom, I do love you. I'm just really angry at you for lying to me, and I guess Neal wasn't the worst dad, but we've just never bonded. He doesn't get me,' he finished quietly.
Lily's face softened. 'It's okay that you're angry King, I get it, I love you too, and I hope one day you can forgive me.' She noticed her son starting to look uncomfortable, and she chuckled. 'Don't worry, I'm not going to hug you. I know you hate that,' she teased, hoping to lighten the mood.
'Emma,' said Zaynah clearly as she pointed to herself from where she was still being held in Henry's arms.
The Swans and Lily shot Regina a puzzled look as the little girl continued to point at herself and repeat the word 'Emma.'
Regina looked back at them with a light blush, though she had no idea why she was blushing. 'Her middle name is Emma,' she revealed as she avoided eye contact by focusing on her daughter.
Lily, Emma, Henry and Kingsley all shot each other knowing looks, but no one said anything, all too caught up in their own theories as to why Regina had given her daughter that particular name.
'People just love to name their kids after you, huh, ma?' teased Kingsley after the silence had become a bit awkward.
Regina rolled her eyes. 'I hardly named my child after her. I didn't even know she existed until yesterday,' she denied with a scoff. Those for some reason, the words tasted bitter in her mouth.
Why would she name her child after someone she had never met before? Emma had actually been a suggestion from someone else and it just so happened that she'd fallen in love with the name but didn't feel it fit as a first name, so she had used it as a middle name instead.
'That's what you think,' muttered Henry, whose brain was working a mile a minute. His mom had subconsciously named her daughter after his Ma, which could mean that whatever memory curse Rumple had incorporated into the curse that took them back to the Enchanted Forest wasn't as strong as he thought.
'If you say so,Madam Mayor,'smirked Emma with a wink. Regina had named her daughter after her which meant that a part of her still subconsciously remembered her, and right now all she wanted to do was grab Regina and kiss the life out of her but she knew she couldn't do that so she settled on just subtly flirting with her instead.
Regina groaned internally. Emma really needed to stop winking at her because it was taking all of her self control not to kiss the woman senseless. Jesus, she was such a shitty person. 'You have a soulmate,' she reminded herself for the fiftieth time that morning.
'I should really go. I only came for some coffee and I have interviews all day,' she said as she reached out to take Zaynah from Henry. 'Thank you for saving my stroller. Is there anything I can do to thank you? Maybe a new comic or whatever teenage boys are into?' She asked, as she looked at Kingsley.
Kingsley went to open his mouth, but Emma jumped in. 'He doesn't need thanked, it's the least he can do, especially after yesterday.'
'Actually,' cut in Kingsley as he winked at Henry.'There is something you can do for me-'.
'Kingsley,' Interrupted Lily with a hiss.
Regina chuckled. 'It's okay, let him finish,' she said, curious about what the boy would ask for.
'Ma's looking for a job and I know you have a spot open for Sheriff so if you really want to thank me for saving your very expensive stroller, that you totally would have lost if it wasn't for me and my super fast legs.' He heard three snorts, and he knew they were from his family. 'Then you can give ma the job, you know, so we have enough money to eat. You wouldn't want us to starve, would you?' He finished with his best puppy dog eyes that always worked on his own parents.
Regina looked at him in amusement. She was actually impressed most teenagers would have asked for something for themselves, but this child just wanted to get his mother a job. She turned to Emma. 'Do you have any experience?' She asked professionally.
Emma smiled at her. 'I do, I was a deputy sheriff for a little while a few years back for a little town just like this one, I had just been offered the sheriffs position when I had to leave, and before that I was a bail bonds person.'
Regina took a few minutes to think about it. She had experience, and she was definitely fit enough. Plus, it would save her a lot of trouble with interviews that she really didn't have time for, especially when she had Zaynah to look after. 'Very well, come to my office at lunchtime today and we'll talk more about it.'
A/N: Thank you for the reviews, they mean a lot. I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.