"I know it can't be easy talking about what happened." Regina hears her son say as she takes a step into the bar.
"You know it's weird. I just…" Drizella's voice is softer, almost melancholic, "I feel safe with you. I mean, I know I can trust you with my story."
"Wow. Well... um…" he's stumbling over his words and, as she watches hidden behind the partition wall, Regina thinks that this Henry has never had anyone put so much trust in him. It is killing her that she can't make him see it's fake, "I'm flattered."
Drizella chuckles fondly at his coyness, "It's not just because we're friends. You're a fantastic writer."
The whole situation reminds Regina of her attempt to kiss David. She had been nearing desperation at that point and thought it a good idea. In retrospect, she knew even then it would never work. Even cursed, only Snow existed for David. But Henry's not David. Regina really wanted him to be when it came to Jacinda. But his inclinations towards Ivy had her thinking otherwise. Her pretend interest in his writing and the music he liked were pulling him in her direction. She noticed it first when she was Roni. Now, it's only become painfully obvious by the way his face would light up whenever her name would appear on screen. Drizella is cunning, Regina will give her that. She's not intrusive, yet somehow is always there for Henry.
"I'm a huge H-town fan. Have you ever considered making your blog into a podcast? Maybe Belfrey Industries can be your sponsor now?"
Regina's not sure what podcast is but she will have none of it. This hearty one-to-one needs to end, "How altruistic of you, Ivy." she makes herself known, "Hey, Henry. I hate to ask this of my most loyal customer but the keg room door is jammed again. Would you mind?"
"Not a problem. And it will only cost you two beers." he glances at Ivy before he leaves.
Regina knows she smiled at him because there appears proud, playful glint in his eyes.
"You stay away from Henry." she growls as soon as he is out of earshot.
"Oh, what a threat. Very Evil Queen." that position of power arouses glee in her, "Tell me, is that how you convinced Jacinda to blow off Henry the other night? That must have been really hard for you to look into his sad, puppy dog eyes and know it was all your doing."
Regina hates how right Drizella is. She hates to admit it but perhaps she has found her match. The feeling of helplessness doesn't mean she's backing down, "Careful, Drizella. I may not have magic here but I have a handy baseball bat that would get the job done just as well as the fireball."
"Swing away." she says all innocent like. The whole act is near perfect, "You don't want the curse broken any more than I do. Now with dear Eloise free, you're outnumbered."
"Oh, so you and Gothel are working together now? Why?"
"Oh, that's cute. You think I'm going to villain-monologue for you? Please." she hops off the bar stool. Oh, tell Henry I'll call him later, "So we can, you know… finish the interview."
Her words are full of veiled suggestions and Regina is a moment away from getting that bat. She saved her son from all sorts of despicable creatures; one vile girl in over her head will not change that. And though Drizella might have many reasons to be confident, she hasn't been through the things Regina has. And what better way to rile her up than to tell her exactly how caught up in the own web she is getting., "I tried the similar thing." she calls after her, "But my ill-conceived attempt was about hurting Snow. I was never foolish enough to think that it would ever be something real."
It takes a moment for Drizella to pick up on the message, "Oh, I was only messing with you, Regina. Your precious son's virtue will remain intact." she cackles, "You have my word, however worthless you find it."
"You are so blinded by all this. Tell me, when you look in the mirror, do you see it all clearly or are you deceived believing that waking me up, being friendly with Henry is still only about the curse?"
"I think you have your villains confused. Mirror is you prop. Mine is making curses unbreakable."
"You know what I think? I think it's becoming a real problem. It's gnawing at you that you can't keep that line visible. The mistake of forgetting what's real could cost you greatly. I wouldn't blame you, Henry is a great guy. And you, after all, are only human."
Drizella is staring at her. Her chest is heaving. The words stung, clearly. Maybe Regina hit the mark closer than she expected.
"I won't lie to you, Drizella. When we win, and we will win, don't think of begging for forgiveness. You'll only have yourself to blame."
"Make sure you do your job." Drizella responds coldly before flinging the entrance door open, "Or I will."
Writing fics based on songs is both inspiring and restricting. I am not sure I linked the two as I hoped since I flipped the POV but this is all good fun and I hope you like it. This was based on that scene from 7x08. And Henry really is a sad puppy who needs hugs and love and someone to show interest in the things he likes.