Over the next few weeks, Regina and Angel spent quite a bit of time together, getting to know each other, lounging together in the trailer or going on walks through the farm. Offscreen, her relationship was wonderful, but onscreen, things weren't going as well. The writers were determined to prolong Lana and Stephaun's love hate relationship. She didn't mind, but there was a lot of fans blowing up her social media about it, begging for that first kiss. She had yet to actually kiss Angel at all, but she often thought about it. What it would be like to take that extra step in a relationship. Emma and Henry backed off of her, but Robin was even more insistent, even more angry that she was constantly ignoring him in favor of Angel. He really seemed to still believe that they were soulmates. Over time, Regina started to fill Angel in on her life story, bits and pieces, each one seemingly more depressing than the last. Of course everything was modified since she couldn't tell him about the magic and the real Evil Queen. He couldn't even begin to fathom the depth of all she'd gone through, but he was clearly willing to try, and that was all she wanted. It was more than what she could ask for.
She was brushing down Spirit after an afternoon ride when Angel walked into the stables and a bright smile quickly found its way across her lips, but it started to fade when she noticed how troubled he looked. "Angel? You alright?"
"No." He said with sigh. "Hey Spirit." He greeted the horse as though he were greeting an old friend or something. Spirit let out a soft sputter in acknowledgement.
"What's wrong?"
"You said you married this Leopold guy when you were 18. And he was 3 times your age right?"
"Maybe more like 4 or 5 times, but yes. Why?" She asked, arching an eyebrow in confusion.
"I need to know...did he…"
She didn't even need for him to specify to know what he was referring to. "Force himself on me?" She sighed and turned back to brushing Spirit, blinking away the tears that immediately rose to the surface.
"I don't mean to upset, you know that. But I was just thinking about some of the stuff you told me and...You don't have to tell me."
"He did. I was his wife after all. It was…" She took a deep breath, feeling the desire to ignite a fireball and set something on fire. She heard those words again and again as Leopold lay over her, as he pushed her into the bed. She had been powerless and weak at the time. "His right." Her hatred for that man would never leave her soul. All those nights spent at his mercy. Everyone thought of him as the nice king, the good king, the generous king. They didn't know the monster that invaded her room at night, only to haunt her dreams long after he'd left.
Angel took a deep breath himself and looked ready to punch something. "You didn't tell anyone, did you? No one did anything?"
"Angel." She stopped brushing Spirit and turned to look at him. "Believe me when I say that I was alone in the world. You are the first person who's heard any of this. I never told anyone because...no one cared. No one cared about happened to me, what made me into that 'Evil Queen'. I was painted a villain for a very long time. People only cared about Snow's side. And they had every right to hate me, I told you that I've done very bad things in my life. But everything I've done was to take vengeance on her. Anyone who decided to help her was fair game to be destroyed. There was no limit. I went as far as I needed to to get revenge. I wasted my entire life on hatred, and the only thing I had to show for it was Henry, and he left me when he found out who I was and what I did. I just wanted to be happy, and now I am."
"I wish I'd have been there." He said, pulling her into his arms. "I would've killed him. I would've protected you."
"And then we'd both be dead. His men would've killed you and I probably would've killed myself. After knowing you, I don't think I could bear losing you."
He kissed the top of her head and sighed. "I'm sorry if I upset you."
"It's alright. Talking about it is helping a lot more than I thought it would."
He nodded as he stepped back and held her at arm's length. "I'm glad you trust me then. I know it can't be easy for you."
"It's not, but I didn't expect it to be." She said, before frowning. "Isn't today Sunday? AJ's mother is supposed to be coming right?"
"Yeah, but she's never on time." He scoffed.
"You shouldn't underestimate people." She smiled through the dark shadow trying to descend upon her, giving him a shove towards the door. She closed Spirit's stall and walked with him back to the trailers. "Do you think about the things I tell you often?" She asked, digging her hands into her back pockets as she walked at his side.
"Yeah, I guess I do. I don't mean to, but you pop in...rather frequently." She smirked at his apparent embarrassment as he scratched the back of his head. "Do you ever see us, um, being a real couple. Like, I mean together together, like-"
"You're nervousness is unfounded, although rather amusing." Regina cut in with a smile. "And I have considered it. It's...difficult to wrap my head around. Anyone who's ever been with me has always wanted something in return, and sex has always been meaningless and simply a means to an end. I've never experienced real love. I've never made love before."
"I'm not saying we have to do anything." He said quickly, clearly fearing he'd overstepped. "Because I know what you've been through, but I was just wondering if you'd ever…" He sighed. "I just wanted you to know I'm kinda honored that you're giving me the time to get to know you like this. I can tell it's a rare occurrence."
Regina laughed. "You couldn't be more correct. But you are a good man, Angel. A great man. If you're willing to give me the time, then maybe...we could be more. Do more. I'm not averse to it. Just...it's not as easy as I would like it to be."
"I completely understand. A woman like you is worth waiting for."
"Well thank you." Regina smiled. He held out his hand and she took it. It was small compared to his, practically dwarfing her own, but she trusted him. Truly trusted him. It was a first for her, and strange, but a good strange. Except that damn smile he flashed at her. She was going to do something about that fucking smile. If they were going to be in a relationship she could not fall weak kneed every time he smiled at her, which was almost all the time.
They made it back to the trailers and Regina could see AJ sitting on the doorstep of Angel's trailer with an open notebook in his hands. A woman was sitting next to him, obviously trying to get his attention. She was pretty with olive brown skin and slightly messy black hair with dark brown eyes. She was clearly AJ's mother.
"Wouldn't you like to come over and stay with your mom for a while?"
"No thank you." AJ said, trying his best to be polite but it was clear he did not want to speak to his mother.
"But AJ, I'm your mom. And I don't know anything about you. I want to know my son."
"My Mom died 3 years ago. As for you, you've been here for 10 minutes already, you could've asked me any question you wanted. I don't need to stay with you for you to get to know me." He paused."I'm sorry if that was rude." He turned back to his notebook, hastily writing away. His mother, clearly upset by his rebuttal, rose to her feet and walked towards Angel.
"What have you told him about me?" She hissed. "He won't even talk to me."
"I told him you were sick and you were getting help, but I'm sure he saw through that lie straight away." Angel said. "For once, you're on time."
"I had to see my baby."
"Sure." Angel rolled his eyes.
She glanced down at their joined hands and back up at Regina. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Nicole."
"I'm Regina." Regina said, shaking her hand.
"Gina, huh?"
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, AJ was just telling me about you. How awesome Gina is."
"Sorry about that." Regina shrugged meekly.
"That's...alright. Angel, can we speak privately?" She spoke nicely, but her eyes were anything but.
Regina released Angel's hand and winked at him as she walked towards AJ. He looked up and smiled but hurriedly closed his book. "You okay?" She asked, sitting on the steps next to him.
He shrugged. "I don't like when she comes. She just makes Dad angry."
Regina glanced up at Nicole and Angel already arguing. "What are you writing?"
"I had to write a paper about a great woman for school."
"Oh yeah? You wrote it about your stepmom?" Angel had spoken to her about his ex wife and Regina had seen her picture once when she put AJ to bed. Her name was Angelina. Regina had made a joke about them being a family of Angels, but in the eyes of AJ and Angel, Angelina had truly been an angel. She was nice and beautiful, always willing to help others, no matter what. Regina had not known her, but from their words, Angelina was a woman to be admired.
"One of them." He said softly.
Interested now more than ever she held out her hand, silently asking for permission and he relented. She opened the notebook and turned to the page he'd marked. "There are many great women in history, and there will be many more throughout. Many have saved lives, changed nations, touched hearts. Well, there are two who have done that for me. My stepmom, my angel, Angelina O'Connor. She was a real representation of the word good, of the word generous and special. She was lost to cancer a few years ago, but her spirit drives me everyday to do good, to try and be good, and to help others wherever I can." Regina smiled as he detailed times of his stepmother's good heart and beauty. But it surprised her when she came down to the second to last paragraph. "The other great woman I know, probably doesn't even how she's touched my life. How she's changed me and my dad's life. She and my stepmom are so alike, yet at the same time they're completely different. Regina Mills, is a warrior and a queen who has been through battles and survived wars. She's strong and brave and the smartest person I know. She's beautiful too and she knows just how to brighten my day. Sometimes I see her cry and there's a darkness hiding behind her eyes. I know she's had a rough life. But she always tries to stay happy, to take happiness whenever she can, because she's knows what's it's like not to be happy. I want her to always be happy. Because she really is the queen of my life."
"Gina? Don't cry please. Is it that bad?" AJ asked, looking up at her as she quickly wiped her eyes, not even realizing that she'd been crying.
"No, it's beautiful." She said.
"I'm that good at talking, so I thought I'd write it."
Regina smiled at him and pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you, AJ. You've touched my life too." He held onto her like a lifeline and she kissed the top of his head. She leaned back and wiped at his eyes. "Look at us, crying like babies." He smiled and sniffed.
"You guys alright?" Angel came back over looking concerned.
"Yeah, we're fine." Regina said, ruffling AJ's hair. He grinned. She looked up at an irate Nicole, silently fuming and glaring at her, but she hardly let the woman get under her skin. She wasn't worth it. "I guess I'll see you guys tonight for dinner."
"Sure." Angel looked like he wanted to ask her about it, but he simply nodded as she stood up and wiped off the back of her jeans. "You sure you're okay?"
She nodded and he lowered himself to accept a kiss on his forehead. "I'll see you guys tonight. Salsa night. Bring your appetites."
"Yes ma'am." AJ smiled.
Regina walked back to her own trailer. Her smile refused to leave her lips. Even as Emma walked towards her with Henry at her side. "Miss Swan, do you and the Little Prince have plans for dinner tonight?"
Emma looked surprised by the offer. "Um, no. Why?"
"We're having salsa night tonight and there'll be more than enough. I realize that you're going to be here for a while, and there is no reason why we can't act civil towards each other. I want my boys to learn forgiveness and become good people. Me holding a grudge isn't helping that lesson along. I've have enough of grudges. If you see Robin, pass on the message please."
"Oh. Okay." Emma said as though she were stunned.
Regina nodded and continued on her way. Zelena and the boys were just arriving at the trailer with all the ingredients she'd asked for. Tonight was going to be fun.
Xxxxxxxx
Everyone was gathered beneath a trio of trees, at a long picnic table. Regina was laying out the food when Angel and AJ walked up, grinning from ear to ear as they were welcomed by the rest of the cast. Angel picked his seat to the left of Regina and kissed her forehead. She smiled as they dug into the mountain of food and joked around with each other. She loved being among her friends and new family and it warmed her heart that they accepted her as well. But she wondered if that would still be the same if they knew who she really was. That she was a mass murder, the ruiner of lives, the real Evil Queen. It made her physically sick to think about losing any of them. Except Jill. Jill made her want to drift back to Evil Queen mode for only a second to snap her neck. Angel interrupted her thoughts when he smiled brightly at her, and all those dark thoughts disappeared at once. They enjoyed an evening of merriment before they started cleaning up to head to bed.
"So, there's talk about us getting a few extra months off for half season. Is this a joke? Because if it is, it's really cruel." Adam said.
"Hopefully so." Ronan murmured.
"It is." Taj affirmed. "That's why next week, John is gonna work us overtime."
"Glad of it. I could use a long break." Regina added, feeding Angel her last chip dipped in salsa.
"No kidding. I never imagined all of this was this exhausting." Zelena added.
"You should've seen it during the first season." Regina scoffed. "You think this is exhausting...ha."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure to annoy you as often as possible." Angel grinned.
"Jackass." Regina muttered with a smirk.
She was approached by Emma and raised an eyebrow in question. "So, Regina." Emma said. "Do you think you might come back and visit Storybrooke?"
"I highly doubt that." She answered, noting how the blonde's face fell at once.
"It's not because of any of you, Miss Swan. It's just I have a new home waiting for me in Brazil and the boys are behind in their schoolwork. I'd much prefer them to be in an actual classroom than taking online classes and tutors every other day."
"Right." Emma sighed. "Well, Ruby and Tink called. They said they'd really appreciate it if you came to see them."
"I'll remember that." Regina replied. She and Angel had to guide the sleepy boys back to the trailer and she went into her bedroom and sat on the bed while Angel went into the bathroom to shower and change. She wasn't sure when they started sleeping together. It seemed so natural that she didn't even notice it. Angel returned wearing a sleeveless shirt and some sweatpants. She took her turn in the shower and came back out wearing a short night dress and climbed into bed, laying her head on Angel's chest. He put his arm around her and sighed contently.
"Regina."
"Hmm?"
"Why haven't you ever had children of your own?"
"My mother." He actually growled once she said that and she smirked. "Were you expecting something else?"
"Hoping for something else, yes. Will you tell me what happened?"
"I made myself barren because I didn't want her to murder me or something and take over the empire that I basically stole from Leopold. She had come back into my life, claiming to want to help me find love and this and that, but I didn't believe it. A child was simply a means to an end to her. I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of that. I regret it now, but back then...I just wanted her out of my Life."
"I'm really sorry, Regina."
"Don't even worry about it." Regina sighed. "But something she told me that day has stayed with me ever since."
"The love is a weakness motto?" Angel asked.
"No." She chuckled. "She said I was standing in the way of my own happiness. And she was right. A little twisted in the delivery, but she was still right."
"Twisted indeed." He said softly. "Well...I don't know if I count as your happy ending, but I'm willing to give it a try."
Regina smiled. "Happy endings are overrated, dear. Don't you know that?"
He let out a short laugh. "I suppose you're right. But Regina, if you truly loved me...would it really matter if we were true loves or whatever you like to say?"
Regina thought that over for a moment. "I suppose you're right."
"I'm pretty sure I'm falling in love with you, Miss Mills." Regina immediately sat up and looked down at him. "Did I ruin the mood?"
"No, I just…"
"I wasn't expecting you to say it back, Regina. I just wanted to tell you and let you know. That's all."
"We both know that's not it."
"It is."
"It's not."
"Regina."
"Angel." she glared at him for a moment before she softened. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course." he said without hesitation, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. She could feel that love, but it was so strange to feel such a genuine love overflowing off of another human being, directing it towards her. She'd never felt love like this before, so natural and so free.
"I don't...I don't know how to do any of this. To love without there being an ulterior motive. Well, romantically. I don't think I'm worth it."
"And I do, so I have to convince you that you are." He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. She touched his and he paused. "You okay?"
"Yes." Regina smiled. He kissed her nose and her cheeks and she laughed as he pulled her back down, covering her face with kisses, but always avoiding her lips. She growled at him as he started kissing her neck. "No, no, no. Enough." She pushed him flat on the bed and leaped on top of him. "Not yet."
"Fine. If I must be tortured by sleeping with you, and not the fun sleeping, then I suppose I wouldn't have it be any other woman."
Regina smirked. "You sure?" She leaned down and kissed the corner of his lip before lying down on her side of the bed.
"You are evil, woman." Angel said, pulling her close, wrapping his powerful arms protectively around her. She was soon asleep in those arms, but her dreams were anything but sweet and pleasant. It was like bile rising in her throat, those wrinkled and rough hands grabbing her and holding her to the bed.
"You'll like it, Regina. Stop struggling." That disgusting voice whispered into her ear. "As the king, you are my right. Now be still!"
"No!" Regina lashed out, trying to get the hands away from her, to get free.
"Regina. Regina! It's alright." she heard Angel's voice and she wanted to relax, but she was still being held, being crushed to a man's chest and the only thing she could think, was to get away. Regina punched Angel hard and got off the bed, hugging herself tightly. "It's alright, Regina. It was just a nightmare." He said, holding the side of his face.
"Do not ever hold me against my will again." She hissed, remembering the king's hands upon her, touching her everywhere, disgusting her. She shuddered.
Angel's face changed as he realized the cause of her anger. "I'm sorry, Regina. I just wanted you to know that you were okay. I didn't even think. I'm so sorry."
"No, this is why this will never work. I told you I was damaged, that I could never be what you wanted, what you deserved."
"Regina, I just want you-"
"Get out." Regina stormed to the bathroom and slammed the door.
"I'm not going anywhere." Angel said from the other side. "I am sorry. I really am. But if you think that I'm just going to walk away because you tell me to, then you obviously have learned nothing about me in the time we've been together. I'm gonna wait right here, I don't care how long it takes, Regina, because I care about you. I want to make sure you're alright."
"I'm fine." Regina snapped, feeling her magic start to surge with her raging emotions. She dug her hands into her hair and tried to forget the old king that had violated her, that haunted her dreams and turned them into nightmares that wouldn't let her escape.
"Mom." Taj called softly. "Let me in."
"No, Taj. I'm fine."
"We both know that you're not. I just want to talk to you but I can do it better if we weren't on opposite sides of a door. I want your permission."
Regina sighed and waved her hand, sitting down on the toilet seat as the lock magically turned. Taj stepped in and closed the door. He didn't say anything as he ran to hug her and she could do nothing but burst into tears and hold her son close.
"Taj, I can't do this."
"Do what?"
"I'm too...broken." She sighed.
"You're not broken, Mom. You're the strongest person I've ever known. You're just afraid. Afraid of letting yourself be loved. Insecurities have been ingrained in you since you were born, but you aren't anyone's little pet anymore. Mom, you're free. Do you know that?" He smiled and kissed her cheek. "Don't try and go back to being alone because that's all you've ever known. You deserve happiness. It's okay to be afraid to take a risk. Something bad could happen or something good could happen. But if you don't do anything, Mom, nothing happens."
"I know. You're right." Regina sighed. "I want to just fall in love. It's supposed to be easy, but it's not."
Taj Smirked. "Just ignore everything else and look at you and Angel, how far the two of you have come and how far you'll go. You two are great together, Mom."
Regina took a deep breath, allowing her magic to settle. She looked at her youngest child in wonder. "You never cease to amaze me."
Taj grinned. "Well then, we're both doing something right. Just talk to him. He's still out there." He held out his hand and Regina took it and rose to her feet.
Jason was pressing an ice pack against Angel's face where a dark bruise was already forming under his right eye. Both looked up as Regina and Taj emerged from the bathroom. Jason immediately went to hug his mother and she assured them that she was fine. She sent them both to bed and turned to Angel.
"Regina. " Angel stood up and took one of her hands. "You know I would never hurt you. I didn't think it through. If I'd thought about it, I might've-"
"Angel, stop. Just...stop. Please. You have apologized more to me than anyone else I've known and you did nothing wrong. You've never done wrong. It's just not as easy as I want it to be. I'm sorry...for hitting you."
"it's okay." He smiled.
Regina scratched the side of her neck and looked down at her feet. "You can hold me now, if you want." She gasped when he quickly pulled her into his arms, gently, but firmly. "I was serious about what I said before, Angel. I can't be what you want."
"You are more than I could ever want. I said I was falling in love with you, Regina. I'm gonna be right beside you and help you fight your demons. I won't let anyone or anything hurt you." He chuckled. "Not that you can't defend yourself, considering you punched the hell out of me not too long ago."
She smiled and tilted his head down so she could finally capture his lips. He went stick still for a moment before melting against her, lifting her into the air and sat down on the bed, placing her in his lap. Regina couldn't help but moan. His lips were soft and skilled, and his tongue easily managed to slip into her mouth and caress her own. His hands slid into her hair, gently massaging her scalp while his hips ground against hers. She couldn't help but think of the differences between Angel and her former lovers. Her kisses with Daniel were tender and loving, but few and far between as they kept their love affair a secret. Those with Emma, were passionate, but not as intense as this. Robin's unnecessary moaning made her want to slap him half the time, but he wasn't bad at it. Angel suddenly picked her up again and moved them back further on the bed, laying her head on the pillow. She looked up into black eyes that no doubt mirrored her own. She really didn't want to fight this undeniable attraction to the man. She couldn't. There was just something about him that she couldn't resist, that soothed any fears, any insecurities she might've had. For now that is.
Angel's tongue dragged along her neck before she felt his sharp teeth graze her pulse point. She gasped at the sudden contact and he quickly leaned back, panting hard. "I'm sorry. I lost myself in the moment."
"No." She said. "I'm the one who's lost. But your touch...guides home. I want this, Angel. I want to be with you. But…"
"No. No buts." He said firmly. "You want this. Let's do this. Give me a chance. Don't analyze it. Just...feel...for now." He captured her lips again and she couldn't remember why she'd been apprehensive before.
"We're not having sex, just so you know."
"I am aware. Just try to be a little less unbelievably sexy and maybe I'll make It through the night." He grinned before kissing her again and she wrapped her arms around his head, claiming his mouth for her own.
Xxxxxxxx
The next morning, she awoke in Angel's arms to feel warm sunlight shining on her face. Jason was standing next to the window, smiling. "Taj and AJ made breakfast, Mom. We eat in 20."
"We'll be up in a second." Regina smiled and sat up, sliding out of Angel's grip when he tried to tighten it. She stood up and stretched before shoving Angel until he sat up suddenly.
"What? Is it another nightmare?" He looked around wildly with his fist raised as though he were going to literally fight it off.
"No, it's morning. The boys made breakfast. We eat in 20." she went into the bathroom and took a quick shower and got dressed in a white tanktop and black shorts and put on one of her Housecoats that she liked to wear around the house. She waited for Angel to return in gray sweats and a long sleeved white shirt. They walked into the dining area and were greeted by delicious smells and three grinning faces.
"What is this?" Regina asked with a smile.
"Well, we know you had a rough night last night. And we haven't cooked for you in a while so we decided to do something nice for you, Mom." Taj said.
"Well thank you." She sat down and her sons presented her with a large slice of breakfast casserole. They cut themselves a piece and Angel, but watched her until she took the first bite. "I am never cooking again. This is amazing."
"We found your recipe box." AJ said.
"And we added in a dash of red pepper flakes." Jason added.
Taj grinned. "Gives it some kick."
"Whatever it is, it's delicious." Angel said, digging in.
Xxxxxxxx
Lana sighed, sitting on the hood of her car. She'd reinforced the armor and was going over the plan again in her head, waiting impatiently for Stephaun. They'd drawn straws to see who had to go for today's raid on the nearby town and she and Stephaun had drawn the shortest. Lucky her.
Stephaun approached, now sporting gray sweats and a tight white long sleeved black shirt. He carried an axe leaning on one shoulder and wore a holster with two guns. "Ready to go, your Majesty?"
"I'm waiting for you." She had switched out her black shorts for black jeans and her shirt had been exchanged for a black tank top.
"Waiting for me? I like the sound of that." He grinned.
She curled her lip. "Let's just go so we can get back and I won't have to look at you anymore."
He chuckled as he climbed into the car. "You like looking at me."
"I assure you, I do not." Lana replied, getting into the driver's seat. She was silent as she drove them out of the gate. Ronan closed it behind them and she turned towards the road. Today they would finish cleaning out the town of food and supplies and any weapons they could find. They'd already spent a week working on it and were almost ready to head out.
"So, are you still going to ignore me and try to pretend that I'm not here?" Stephaun asked after barely a minute of driving. Lana said nothing. "You had sex with that blonde girl and the dark haired guy, didn't you?"
Lana slammed her foot on the brakes, throwing him forward and causing him to hit his head on the dashboard. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"We've all seen the doey eyes and little talks." Stephaun said, holding his forehead. "Damn, that hurt."
"That is none of your damn business."
"No it's not, but it got you talking, didn't it?"
Lana sighed as she started driving again. "Just shut up please."
"For now, I will. Only because you asked so nicely."
Xxxxxxxx
Angel walked down to the stables for their midday break but he could not find Regina. Spirit wasn't in his stall, so he assumed she was out riding. He walked out to the field and found Regina sitting in the grass, leaning against Spirit, who was laying in the grass behind her. The woman was almost luminous, glowing with the sun as she smiled and stroked Spirit's neck. He didn't want to interrupt, didn't want to forget the breathtaking image she created.
"You know, Angel, it is impolite to stare." Regina turned her head and beckoned him closer.
He smiled as he quickly closed the distance between them and sat next to her. "You okay?"
She nodded. "Why?"
"I was just worried about you. You know, after last night."
She shrugged. "To be perfectly honest, Angel, I am terrified of falling in love with you."
"Why?" He asked.
"Because. In many ways, my mother was right. In many ways, she was wrong. Love isn't necessarily a weakness, but it does change you. It allows a person to get inside you, make you feel different things, do things you normally wouldn't. I have lived for as long as I can remember, virtually in solitude. I hurt a lot of people to try and make myself happy. I lost my father, gained Henry, lost him and gained Taj and Jason. I just needed some time to process everything."
"You know I'm here, Regina. I'm not going anywhere. You can talk to me."
"I know."
"Good." He smiled, laying his head across her lap. "So, what's next? I got my first kiss, after what, 6 months?"
"It would appear so." She said, stroking his head. He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, her soft skin. He wondered how she could be so hard at times, but to the touch, she was soft and smooth and warm, like his own personal sun, his little flame. "What are you thinking about?"
"You." He replied, kissing her palm. "You are a complex woman, but oh so beautiful." He opened his eyes, looking up at her. "Where are you going for half season break?"
"Home hopefully, but…"
"You're thinking about revisiting Storybrooke?"
"Maybe." She shrugged. "I had considered it, but my boys come first, and I want to get then situated first. We have to pack and move." Then again, she could just do all that with magic and be done in two seconds. "I don't know if I want see all my old haunts."
"Maybe me and AJ could go with you-"
"No." Regina said immediately, shaking her head. "Absolutely not."
"Why not?"
"Because." It's a town I created using magic that essentially tore families apart and devastated half a world. "Because, they're just going to treat me like the Evil Queen, a real Evil Queen. I don't want the boys to see me that way. Or you."
"It's not like they'll think any less of you." He pointed out.
"That may change once they see me kill someone by ripping out their heart or snapping their necks. Something I would very much like to do to half the people of that wretched town."
He grinned. "Sounds hot."
She rolled her eyes and shoved him off. "You're ridiculous."
"Not really." Angel stood up and offered his hand. "Come on, we should be heading back for our next scene. I heard I might get to kiss you on screen, so let's go and make the world happy." She took his hand and he yanked her off the ground and into his arms, planting a heart stopping kiss on her lips. "New favorite thing: making out with Regina Mills. We're doing that tonight, right?"
"We'll see." Regina smirked. She looked over her shoulder as Spirit rose to his feet. "You can stay in the paddock, Spirit. See you later."
xxxxxxxxxxx
Emma watched Robin toss a table across the room and angrily run his hands through his hair. "How are you not angry?! She is supposed to be with me! We are soulmates!" The man hissed, kicking a chair out of his way.
"Are you drunk?"
"No." He snapped. "I am furious because the woman I love, the woman I am fated to be with is in the arms of some other man. Pixie dust doesn't lie."
Emma sighed and glanced around to make sure no one else was in the vicinity. No one was. They were in a simple sitting room that some of the cast used to watch the other actors as they were being recorded and doing their scenes. She got up and closed the door. "Has it ever occurred to you that Regina isn't that same woman you knew?"
"No one can change who they are completely. And Regina loves me."
"She did love you. Look, I don't care about your little obsession with Regina, but you need to back off if you want any kind of relationship with her. Especially with Angel around. He's gonna kick your ass."
Robin glared at her as he sat down. "Regina is my soulmate. I love her."
Emma sighed. "Whatever. If that's what you're going to do, then fine, but leave me out of it. Please." The screens on the wall caught her attention and she tilted her head. Robin frowned and turned around to look at them as well. Regina and Angel had been filming their raid all day and it had mostly been banter and action as they were attacked by a horde of zombies and forced to make a hasty retreat. Now though...they were kissing. Regina was clearly enjoying herself and Emma felt a stab of jealousy as she thought about how she'd missed the opportunity to be in Angel's place. Robin was livid. He immediately stormed out. She sighed as she rose to follow him. The thief just refused to take the hint. Regina was obviously happy with her new life and Emma could see now just why she'd wanted to leave in the first place. They didn't deserve a place at Regina's side. Although she wanted to be the one Regina was with, just as badly as Robin did, forcing that woman to follow a certain path, a predetermined fate, was not the way to do it. Robin disappeared ahead the corner and she sighed again as she heard immediate screaming and arguing. Robin and Angel were nose to nose, angrily shouting at one another. Regina just looked extremely annoyed. The usual.
"Robin!" She grabbed him and tried to pull him back, but he shook her off. "I'm sorry about this, Regina."
"Why? He's the one acting like an idiot." Regina said, stepping between the bristling males. She grabbed Robin's jaw and forced him to look at her. With their eyes locked together, she started to back away until they were out of earshot and spoke to him. Emma looked at Angel, watching them closely, fingers twitching.
"What the fuck is his problem?"
"He thinks he and Regina are still-"
"Soulmates?! Are you fucking kidding me?" Angel hissed, fuming. He immediately started to calm down as Regina turned to walk back towards them. But Robin grabbed her arm and spun her around, kissing her on the lips. Angel took off towards them like an enraged animal, spearing Robin to the ground with brute force. Regina managed to stay on her feet and get out of the way and Emma quickly went to make sure she was okay. Ronan walked calmly over and grabbed Angel, yanking him off Robin and sending him flying sideways like a ragdoll. He roughly pulled Robin to his feet and pushed him away.
"Enough. You both are acting like animals, like fools." He said, looking between Robin and Angel.
"If he puts his hands on Regina again, I'll show him what an animal I can be. I will rip him apart." Angel growled as he picked himself back up.
"Why are you fighting?" Ronan asked. "Regina is already yours. This fight has no purpose. What will it prove?"
"That he shouldn't put his hands on-"
"She should be with me." Robin snapped.
"She doesn't want you, dumbass!"
"Enough!" Regina roared. Emma fell her magic swirling angrily and for a moment feared that the Evil Queen was going to fully emerge. She stepped forward and looked at Robin, pointing back in the direction he'd come. "Go."
"But Regina-"
"I said go! Go away! I don't want to see you and you better stay as far as hell away from me for the next week or you will meet an old friend of ours, and I know you don't want her to come out." She didn't need to tell them who she Evil Queen was not to be trifled with. Regina then turned to Ronan and thanked him for his assistance, before pushing Angel away towards the trailers.
Emma returned to her own trailer and threw off her jacket with a sigh. Henry was sitting in the chair, playing on a handheld game. "You just missed a good show."
"What happened?"
"Robin happened. He's lost his mind and Angel kicked his ass." She sat down next to him. "What's wrong?"
He put down the game and put it in the seat next to him. She could always tell her son was upset and lately, he seemed to be upset a lot. "I think we should leave. Go back home. There's nothing for us here."
"Regina's here."
"She doesn't want us, Mom. She has a new family and a new life, and apparently we can't be a part of that."
"She still loves you, Henry."
"I know. But everything's changed. This isn't the way it's supposed to be." He said. "We should just go home."
"We have a job to do, Henry. Leaving now would probably hurt the show."
"So? It's her show, not ours."
"I'll tell you what. Why don't you come watch us film the scenes tomorrow? You might find something interesting." She suggested, hoping against hope that he'd agree so he could get out of this mood he'd been in lately.
"Fine. One time, but that's it."
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"Sit down." Regina said, pulling Angel down so she could clean a small cut just above his eyebrow and the skint marks on his arms where he'd slammed into Robin and hit the ground. "You didn't have to do that."
"I know, and I'm sorry." Angel sighed. "I just saw him kiss you and I wanted to rip his head off. I lost it for a second."
"It's okay. I could've kicked his ass myself though. Really wanted to."
"Sorry again." He smirked slightly, wincing as she cleaned his small battle wound.
She smiled. "It was a bit of a turn on."
"Really?"
"You're usually a nice guy, every so often a jackass. It was almost surreal to see you go crazy like that. Pretty hot." She grinned at his smug look. "Now go take a shower, dear. You'll not be getting in my bed with all that dirt on you."
"Yes ma'am." He went into the back and she cleaned up until the boys and Zelena burst into the trailer.
"There was a fight, and I missed it?" The redhead exclaimed. "Did someone at least record it?"
"What happened?" Jason asked. "You alright, Mom?"
"You didn't punch Jill again, did you?" Taj sighed. "We talked about that."
Regina blew heavily through her nose. "She deserved it. And I'm fine, the fight was between Robin and Angel."
"Did pretty boy kick the thief's face in?" Zelena asked.
"No. Ronan broke it up before things got out of hand. Angel's in the shower and he's okay too."
"Yeah, thanks for asking." Angel said, walking back in wearing black basketball shorts and a white t-shirt.
"Are you alright, Dad? Are you sure?" AJ asked with worry. Angel hugged his son and nodded.
"Yeah kid, I'm good. Princess took care of me."
"If I have to correct you one time-" Regina started.
Zelena interrupted with a loud sigh. "Who won then? What was the fight about?"
"Thank you, Aunt Z, for sticking in with the important stuff." Jason added, both of them looking at Angel expectantly.
"He's still on that bull that he and Regina are soulmates. He kissed Regina so I tackled him." Angel shrugged as he sat down. "Nothing big."
"By the way, I saw the kiss on the monitor. Clearly, that wasn't the first time." Zelena smirked at her younger sister. Regina blushed and turned her head. "Oh dear sister, you must tell me all about it."
"Not in front of the kids." Regina said.
"They're not listening."
"We definitely are." said Jason.
"Then go to bed." The redhead snapped. She grinned when Jason glared at her.
"They don't have to go just yet." Regina intervened. "Have you eaten yet?"
"No, let's order a pizza." AJ suggested.
"I like it." Angel added.
Regina nodded to Taj and he went off to make the call. Jason went to change out of his costume and AJ sat back on the couch with Angel. She took Zelena outside so they could talk without being overheard.
"What's wrong, Regina?" Zelena asked.
"Do you think that this is a good path? That I should pursue this with Angel?"
Zelena laughed. "I am the last person you should be talking to about dating advice, dear. I've never even had a boyfriend before."
"Wait." Regina did a double take. "You mean, you've never…"
"Had sex? No. I'm told it's fun though."
Regina raised both her eyebrows. "That...is unexpected."
"As for the whole Angel thing, I know everyone is telling you take this chance and just be happy, but if you're having second thoughts, if you need a little more time, then tell him that. He'll understand."
Regina nodded. "You're right, I'll talk to him."
"Good." Zelena hit her on the back. "Now, let's go eat some pizza. It's gonna take them forever to bring it."
"I'm sure of that." Regina said, following her back inside. Jason and Taj were both in regular clothing, playing a video game on the TV. Angel and AJ had their own set of controllers and all four were yelling excitedly as they played football onscreen. Regina sat down on the couch, pulling her knees up to her chin to watch Angel. The man was truly something else. He was great with the kids, had a wonderful personality and really seemed to care about her. For any woman, he would be the perfect guy. Then why was she so hesitant?
After they ate, Zelena went back to her own trailer and the boys went to bed. Angel was stretched out on her bed when she walked in, but she ignored him and went into the bathroom to look at herself in the mirror. She hated that she was afraid of a relationship, afraid of this one man. She was the Evil Queen for crying out loud. Portal jumper, life ruiner, destroyer. She'd fought in wars and lead armies into battles. Faced dragons and countless monsters, all without a hint of fear. And yet, she was wary of a single man. She sighed and got changed into her nightdress and went back into the room. Angel was laying on his back on his phone, displaying every inch of his mouthwatering torso. It'd been over 3 years since she had sex and the man was not helping in keeping her thoughts on more appropriate matters at all. She smirked and leaped on top of him, taking his phone and laid it on the table nearby before kissing him hard.
"Oh, okay." He grinned, kissing her back with just as much passion. He tried to roll them over, but Regina effectively stopped that and sat back.
"I have not been with anyone in over 3 years. You know this?"
"I do now, and we should rectify that as soon as possible." He smirked, looking almost giddy as he held onto her hips. "What's going on with you?"
"Nothing. I'm just...happy."
"Is it because of little old me?"
"Partially." She shrugged. "Are you really serious about this thing with me?"
"Yes, woman. How many times must I tell you that?" He snapped, giving her ass a squeeze. "You have a really nice ass. I mean, really nice. For real."
"Oh yeah? So do you." She grinned, kissing him again, feeling his hands run up her sides to her back to pull her even closer. In Angel's arms, she could feel the darkness of her past giving away to the bright light of the future ahead. Nothing was promised and she and Angel might not even stay together. But right now, everything…. was perfect.
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Read and Review please!
A/N: By the way I am not Portugese, I know there was some confusion. I am American, although I wish I was Portugese. Sorry for any mistakes. So anyway, thoughts and suggestions?