OMG, your reviews cracked me up. Seriously, they made my day. Thank you. Andddd that's all I have for you right now in the way of author's notes because…well… I intend to mess with you some more (;
"Henry, what did you do?!" Regina's mouth fell open in annoyance, looking at Henry at her bedside when she saw David and Emma running past the windows of her hospital room. She'd been there for a couple hours, long enough to see Dr. Whale, have blood-work done and an IV put in. It had turned out to be nothing but dehydration and stress that had made her pass out earlier, but they'd still sent her blood to the lab to make sure there were no underlying issues. Since then she'd been impatiently waiting for that stupid doctor to come back and let her go, and now, as if wasting her time wasn't enough to irritate her, here came Storybrooke's police department.
"I had to tell them, Mom," Henry shrugged innocently, biting back the smile that plagued his lips when David and Emma bounded in the door.
"We got here as fast as we could," David says breathlessly, with an equally huffing Emma behind him pressing her hands on her knees as she bent over slightly. "What's wrong? Are you alright?" He asked, demanding answers as he came to Regina's bedside.
"I'm fine," She spat at him, frowning up in defiance, "I didn't ask you two to come here. I didn't even know Henry told you, just so you know."
"Well you did pass out Regina," Emma frowned, worry replacing any awkwardness between them as she piped in, standing back where Henry was.
"Has Dr. Whale seen you? What is this for?" David pointed to the IV drip before glancing her down in appraisal, looking for injuries, "Are you in pain? Why did you pass out?" He rambled, causing Regina to roll her eyes.
"I'm fine," Regina drawled out in annoyance, letting her head fall back in the pillows, "Dr. Whale said I was dehydrated," She muttered, crossing her arms.
"You haven't been taking care of yourself, have you?" Emma raised an eyebrow at Regina, knowing how she'd been earlier in the year when she and Robin broke up. The sentiment, however, went unappreciated by the brunette in the bed.
"And just what does it matter to you, Ms. Swan?" Regina addressed her formally, her tone dripping with venom, "Last time I checked we weren't friends, remember?"
David bit his lip, knowing he'd get nowhere as long as Regina had Emma's presence to distract her. "Why don't you take Henry down to the cafeteria and get him a bite to eat? They've been here all morning he has to be hungry." He gave Emma a look to let her know it wasn't merely a suggestion and she seemed to catch on rather quickly.
"I'm fine-" Henry started before Emma elbowed him, "Come on, kid," She gave him a glance that he caught before they both turned to go out.
"You can go back to work now, deputy," Regina eyed him when he turned back around, her chin stuck out in defiance, "I don't know why you came."
"You know why," David frowned, reaching down and taking one of Regina's hands despite her attempt to cross them in avoidance, ""Regina, I've wanted to talk to you for a while now, I just didn't know how." He could still feel his heart pounding from residual panic that he'd had since Henry had called. Even though she claimed it wasn't serious, seeing her in the bed pale and tired did nothing but reaffirm to him how stupid he'd been for letting things go this long. What if it had been serious? He wouldn't of been able to live with himself if something had happened and she didn't know how he truly felt.
"What's there to talk about, Nolan?" She avoided his gaze, looking out the window instead and pretending to focus on the happenings in the hallway. Anything to avoid those damn blue eyes.
"How stupid I was to agree with you," He watched her, holding her hand gently. He knew he'd have to say a lot more to even put a dent in her stubbornness, but he loved that trait in her all the same. "I don't want to let it go. I was angry and hurt that you'd actually think that I'd agree with Emma and what she said. I was trying to prove a point and I took it too far. And I agreed to end things when what I should've done was told you to shutup and kissed you until you let those insecurities go."
He watched her eyes shift towards him though her head stayed turned away. She was troubling her lip, a telltale sign that she was fighting her emotions. "Yes well, it's done now, there's no point in rehashing it. Emma was right about some things, it's too soon for you to be moving on from your wife, you can't be over that already, she was your true love. Besides, the people of the town would never approve and neither would Emma. It was doomed from the start."
"Well, is the Evil Queen done talking now? Because I'd like to know how Regina feels," He teased gently after seeing her wall come up, knowing she was channeling her regal armor to deflect from her true feelings. "I should've defended you and I'm sorry. I just thought you knew how I felt, I thought I'd proved to you that I understood you and that I'd never believe any of those ridiculous things Emma claimed out of anger. It's been hard building a relationship with my daughter, and after everything that happened this past year I didn't want to chance losing another person. I knew being with you could cause issues between her and I, but it was a chance I was willing to take because you're worth it."
He paused for a moment, watching Regina take it in, her expression unchanging, "I didn't argue with her that day because I was hoping she'd understand once she calmed down, and I thought you knew better than to think I'd ever agree with anything she said. When you started accusing me of it I just got angry that you'd disregard all of those moments we shared, when I got to know you and earned your trust…"
"Regardless of that, David, you need to fix your relationship with your daughter," She looked at him then, trying her best to steel her emotions and hide the hope that was creeping up inside of her at his words. "It's best that we ended it before it went any further, you even said so."
"Because I was angry, you stubborn woman," David let out a laugh in mock frustration, seeing Regina draw her brows down, utterly unamused by it. "Because I was an idiot and when you said those things I thought that maybe you really would've rather let it go than fight for us. I was hurt."
"You Charmings and your feelings," Regina muttered, giving him another one of her trademark eyerolls, even though her hand was relaxing in his. "Like I said, everyone will have an opinion and even our own family doesn't fully accept it. Besides, you're too sensitive to be with me David. I don't have time to console you at every moment."
He let out a chuckle at her stings, seeing right through her façade. She was trying to irk him, to get under his skin and have him lash out again so she wouldn't have to give in to what she was feeling. "I think I've got thick enough skin to handle you, and even if I don't, I'll learn. I know you better than you think – you hurl insults when you're angry or hurt. You push people away that you want close to you," He raised an eyebrow, silently referencing them, "I can ignore that tough front you put up because I know you're a big softy on the inside," He smiled warmly despite her throwing him a glare at the mention of her being sensitive.
"Assuming you did know me, Charming, what about everyone else? What about the town of people who looked at you and Snow like the golden couple and don't particularly like me? What about your hero reputation? What about your daughter who will never accept this?" Regina remained headstrong, arguing him with any logical angle she could think of.
"I loved Snow, but she's gone, just like Daniel. They'll always be a part of our lives, but I'm ready to move on," He looked at her seriously, knowing she understood when it came to past loves, "Emma will come around, and even if she doesn't, I'll never let her disrespect you again," He said honestly, "And my hero reputation? You've saved everyone's asses in this town more than I have. I'm like a B list hero compared to you," He grinned, his hope rising with the small smile that threatened to turn the corners of her mouth despite her fighting it. "As far as the people in this town? I couldn't give a damn less about them, or any other reason you throw at me about why this wouldn't work. Because I love you, Regina."
He watched her eyes grow wide at his words, looking fully at him now as she processed what he'd said. Her lips parted as if she might reply, her throat working once but no sound coming out of it. "I don't trust easily, David," She began after a few moments, her voice wavering with emotion, "I don't fully trust you when you say you're ready to move on. I don't trust that you know what you're getting into by being with me. People close to me always get hurt or they leave. Emma finding out was just the first of many obstacles we face and you didn't fight for me then. I don't trust that you will now."
"Then let me prove it to you," David looked at her determinedly, taking her hand into both of his own, "Let me be there for you, in front of everyone. I don't want to hide how I feel about you, the whole town can watch me make a fool of myself over you for all I care."
She eyed him and he could see the wheels turning behind pretty dark eyes as she contemplated his sincerity. "What do you say, Regina Mills?"
"How could I resist an offer to see Prince Charming make a fool of himself for the Evil Queen?" She quipped after a long silence, "But I'm not making any promises." She added with a haughty, stubborn tone that only made him smile once again.
"Damn it, this game is harder than real life heroes versus villains," Emma frowned when she lost the level of the game, handing Henry back his phone later that evening in the waiting room. They'd came back up to sit after grabbing a bite to eat in the cafeteria, giving Regina time to rest as David sat by her bedside as she slept.
Henry laughed, shaking his head, "I told you! I've been on it for days," He sighed frustrated, seeing his low battery percentage before putting his phone in his pocket. "So you still mad about Grandpa and Mom?" He decided to ask, glancing at his mother unsurely.
"Kid this really isn't an appropriate conversation to be having with you," Emma raised an eyebrow, her lips pursing.
"Why not? They're my family, too," He shrugged, "He's been in there with her all afternoon, I bet they made up."
"It seems like it," Emma let out a breath, propping her feet up on the chairs opposite them.
"Does it bother you?" Henry prodded. He could tell his biological mother was still struggling with the idea, but he knew she was giving in. Neither one of his mother's dealt with change very easily.
"Well it's not exactly the most normal family dynamic, but since when is anything normal with us?" She retorted, giving an eye roll, "I'm not mad about it, kid. I've talked to your grandpa and apologized for what I said and did. I'm just not sure Regina and I are ready to have that talk yet."
"You'll get there," Henry nodded optimistically, a smile on his face.
"How can you be so sure? I was an ass," Emma's eyes widened, "I mean, big time. You know your mom isn't the type to forgive and forget."
"She does with the people she cares about," He replied with a shrug, "Don't be scared of her, she's not the Evil Queen anymore," He teased, knowing she'd hate the insinuation that she was intimidated by his brunette mother.
"I'm not scared-" Her mouth dropped, hitting his shoulder playfully before they both looked up when David came out to the waiting room with a smile on his face.
"Everything good?" Henry asked quickly, straightening up in his chair.
"Everything's fine. They've got her hydrated, Dr. Whale is just in there going over her blood-work with her, but he assured me all was well before I left," David nodded, placing a hand on his grandson's shoulder, "I couldn't stay in there though, doctor-patient confidentiality and all that stuff." He added with a wave of his hand.
"You probably don't wanna be in there to witness Mom's abuse of Dr. Whale anyways," Henry grinned before bursting out into laughter, "She was threatening him with magic when we first got here." He added, making them all chuckle.
"I know you both wanted to stay but they're releasing her later, so I thought I'd go ahead and give you two a ride home," David nodded, seeing Henry frown, "Don't worry Henry, I'll get her home and make sure she's alright."
"I'll pick up Neal from Belle's, wanna help me watch him tonight kid?" Emma glanced at Henry, David appreciating her attempt to give him the chance to be there for Regina.
"Yeah sure…Wait, I should stay with mom," Henry said, his brow creasing in worry as he glanced up at his grandfather before feeling his mother elbow him gently, "Or do you want to take care of her?" Henry gave David an approving grin at the proof that he was trying to reconcile the relationship with his mother.
"I am trying to get back in her good graces," David admitted to both of them with a weak smile, "I'll keep an eye on her."
"This isn't necessary," Regina put her hands on her hips, looking up at David and hating the fact that he was so much taller than her. Without her heels on she was even less intimidating to the six foot man in front of her. "You don't have to stay over, I don't need to be babysat. Dr. Whale said I'm fine, I'm fine!" She crossed her arms, standing in front of her stairwell after they'd come in. He'd helped her check out of the hospital and drove her home in which she'd occupied her troubled mind with berating him about his driving once more.
"I don't care what Dr. Frankenstein says, I'm not leaving you alone yet," David shrugged stubbornly, crossing his own arms to mock her.
"You think just because you give me some cheesy romantic speech when I was in a hospital bed that it's going to be this easy for you to get back in my bed?" Regina huffed, rolling her eyes, "Think again, Charming. Because I'm not that sold on you yet."
"You thought it was romantic?" David grinned in satisfaction, her eyes narrowing in response before he continued, "I never said I wanted to sleep in your bed, your majesty," He smirked down at her bullheadedness, "I'll take the couch."
She almost laughed at the thought of the big man sleeping on a small, stylish sofa, "Well, good luck with that." She gritted in satisfaction, "I'm going to bed." She spun on her heels, starting up the stairs before he could respond.
"Goodnight, Regina," He called up, watching her from the bottom of the staircase with a satisfied smile.
She gave him a glance once she'd reached the top, seeing him still standing there, "Night," She mumbled before making her way down the hall, annoyed that he was there at all. She'd just needed some time alone to think about everything that had happened in such a short amount of time.
Making her way into her bedroom, she grabbed a set of silk pajamas from her dresser before sitting down on the edge of her bed tiredly to change. She was exhausted, even after a day of rest in the hospital and hydration. Physically and mentally exhausted. Her eyes prickled with tears as she became overwhelmed with the emotions she'd been suppressing for hours. She'd only wanted to come home and be alone where she could let it out.
It had simply been too much to handle, too much to process in one day. She couldn't think everything through in the presence of anyone else. So instead of breaking down like she'd wanted to earlier, she compartmentalized and steeled her emotions, saving them for the privacy of her own home. Pulling up in her driveway had been such a relief, that was until Prince Charming insisted on making camp in her living room.
She sighed as a tear rolled down her cheek before chuckling once, not even knowing if she was happy or sad or what she was. Her relationship with her son was strong, he'd never been upset with her to begin with and she knew he was there for her. It comforted her to know there was at least one stability in her life. Maybe they were happy tears, after all?
Then there was Charming, who'd come bounding into her room with an equally worried sheriff by his side. She couldn't help but notice the worry in her former friend's eyes and the way she chided her for not taking care of herself. It was typical Emma, and it proved that she still cared. But to be honest, Swan was the least of her worries right now.
David had apologized and explained why he'd acted the way he did. As much as Regina hated to admit it, she understood his point of view. He'd been open and honest…and even told her he loved her. Did he really know what he was getting into? She couldn't be sure. Was he capable of handling someone like her? Regina knew she wasn't an easy person to deal with at times. Still, he claimed he was up for the challenge, though she knew he'd have to do more than simply say the words before she'd believe him.
He'd said he loved her and he seemed sincere, but she had to trust him in order to admit to herself that the feeling was mutual. She had to know that he was in it for the long haul before she could give herself to him fully. Regina Mills had never been one to love recklessly and now she felt she had to be even more careful. Not just because she'd had her heart broken countless times. Not only because she feared it happening again. She had to be careful, especially now, because it wasn't just her she had to worry about. There was a third party involved.
A fresh tear rolled down her face as she finished buttoning her nightshirt and fell back on her bed. A baby? A baby. It didn't seem real. There was no way this should've happened, she'd went so far as to curse herself to prevent it. For so many years she'd yearned to know what it felt like, had dreamed of someday experiencing it with Robin when their relationship was new and she thought she'd found her happy ending. She even questioned whether or not the bloodwork had been accurate when Dr. Whale gave her the results. Luckily David had been gone taking Emma and Henry home and had not witnessed her tirade on the incompetent doctor. She supposed she did appreciate the fact that Whale had asked David to leave the room for confidentiality purposes before he gave her the news, but it still didn't mean she liked him. Or his stupid dye job.
She ran a hand over her flat stomach, biting her lip at the combination of joy and worry that made her tears flow profusely. It was real. She was carrying a child. Whale had told her she was only in the beginning of the first trimester, barely four weeks along. By her calculations the baby was conceived the night she told David the most about her past, before everything had come crashing down around them.
Her mind swirled with doubt, wondering why it had happened now after all of these years. What broke the curse? She'd had unprotected sex with Robin, her soulmate, plenty of times. If she'd ever thought it would be possible, shouldn't it have been then? She swallowed hard as her tears calmed, staring at the ceiling and wondering what David was doing downstairs. How would he react?
She was sure of nothing. Of the timing, of her relationship, of how anyone would react to her being pregnant. There'd barely been time for the knowledge of David and Regina's relationship to sink in for Emma and Henry, so she could only imagine what this would do. Besides, she needed David to prove himself to her before she could be secure in it. She couldn't tell anyone yet, not even him. If she did then she'd constantly wonder if his love for her was true or if it was loyalty to their child. For now she'd keep this to herself, as selfish as that may be, and desperately hope that David was telling her the truth. Hope that he loved her, that he could prove it, that they could make it work, that their children would be accepting, and that this miracle that she had always wanted would have a real family by the time she announced it's presence.
I had to leave the baby thing till last just to mess with y'all because you smart cookies caught on. (; Side note: I went back and forth on whether to bring a baby into the picture yet, or at all. Regina's infertility doesn't make her any less of a woman or mother. But just like women in real life who want children and are unable to conceive, Regina deserves to be able to have a child. And because this is fiction and I can make that happen for her, I'm giving her a damn baby. (: I also chose to do it sooner rather than later to give greater potential for some angst on down the road. Don't worry, there'll be love and fluff in between before I make y'all hate me again.