Epilogue: Full Circle

Three Months Later: Storybrooke, Maine

It was difficult to see her around town, especially when she was with him. At first, Daniel wasn't sure he could handle the pain of losing her, but he imagined the pain she must have felt all those years and used that to motivate him. He had to try to move on and try he did.

He was hired immediately at the stables once the owner saw the man's connection with the horses. With the amount of money he'd been able to make he finally bought himself some new clothes, ones that were more appropriate in this realm. He didn't have to worry about rent. He lived at the stables free of charge in his own studio apartment-style house next to the horses. It was quaint and gave him enough privacy when he was off-duty to adjust to this new world.

Daniel made a friend in the stable owner, a tall, tan man with a black beard to match his wavy locks peppered with silver, who went by the name of Harvey. He wore denim overalls nearly everyday paired with worn work boots and a flannel, regardless of the season. Daniel found comfort in the jeans he wore and various t-shirts he bought at a local thrift store. It's what he could afford and he didn't mind it. He enjoyed thinking about the past lives of his wardrobe.

With time, he saved more money and treated himself to brand new clothes for the times he wanted to explore his new home of Storybrooke, Maine. He spent his days off walking through the library, taking guided tours down Main Street, or examining the various artifacts in Mr. Gold's Pawn Shop. Upon meeting the relatively tiny owner of the shop, Daniel soon came to realize he was anything, but tiny. Yes, in height he was below average, but his demeanor had a natural sense of mystery and power in it. The observation had Daniel wondering who this man with the cane was in the Enchanted Forest. He never asked, although the he got the eery sense that Mr. Gold knew exactly who he was.

The months came and went, the season quickly changing from Autumn to Winter with the disappearance of the colorful leaves from the trees and the terrible nip in the air each day. On the First of December, Daniel awoke like he would any other day, but felt a certain change in the atmosphere. Perhaps the idea of a new month, the last month of the year, filled him with excitement for a last chance to mend the downfall of his exceptionally terrible year before a new one began.

He got to work that morning with a skip in his step, whistling while he fed the horses and cleaned the stables. He groomed each horse, his face plastered with a smile the entire day.

"What's got you all chipper on this cold afternoon," Harvey asked, a piece of hay between his teeth and his arms crossed as he leaned against the barn door. Daniel believed this man may have actually been a horse in their land and each time he entertained the thought, he would chuckle to himself.

"I just have a really good feeling about today," he replied, finishing up with Goliath who stared him down, clear skepticism in his dark eyes. He was rather observant for an animal, but he was Regina's horse so he wouldn't expect anything less. Daniel would take Goliath's death stares over Rocinante's tail whipping his face any day.

"You got special plans or something?"

"I suppose you could say that," the stableboy hummed in delight, cleaning his workspace before his shift ended for the day.

Daniel returned to his humble abode for a shower. He became accustomed to showers rather quickly and quite enjoyed them. He also enjoyed that water was not a scarcity in this land so he could bathe as often as he pleased. He soon learned to shorten his time spent under the warm water, however, when he received his first water bill.

After he was dressed, Daniel sat on the edge of his bed reaching under it in search of something very important. When his hand finally came in contact with what he was looking for, he pulled it out and placed the shoebox on his lap. He stared down at it for a moment and took a deep breath, realizing how much this could change his life.

He opened the box and placed the lid to the side as he picked up the tiny bag of pixie dust. He pulled open the drawstring of the bag to peek at the glowing substance hidden inside. He smiled and sat up straighter, taking yet another deep breath. It took time, like Regina said it would, but he finally felt ready to find his happy ending.

Daniel made sure he wore his best clothes for the occasion, wanting to impress whomever the dust led him to. He reached into the bag and pinched his fingers to pick up a small amount of the dust. He held it there in his open palm for a brief moment, his nerves grabbing hold of his heart so tightly he thought it might burst.

"You can do this," he whispered to himself with a reassuring tone and a nod of his head. He took the pinch of dust and held it above him, sprinkling it over his long, brown hair and then out in front of him.

Before long, his feet magically lifted from the ground. A trail of yellowish, green dust appeared right before his eyes and he could feel his body flying along its path. Wherever it was taking him, he didn't know, but he couldn't wait to find out.

He flew above the stables, whistling down to the horses that neighed and huffed below him. His body soared above the dimly lit streetlights of Main Street as he observed the small citizens of Storybrooke below him. Families and couples strolled together, some were entertained by the carolers already singing in preparation for the approaching Christmas season.

Suddenly, he felt his body drift lower toward the ground until his feet were placed gently back to their habitual stance on the solid surface. He looked ahead of him where the trail continued to lead into a rather dark building. He only knew it was occupied by the sounds of laughter and loud conversations coming from just beyond the doors.

He looked up to see what this place was and came upon a sign that read, "The Rabbit Hole." He tilted his head in confusion as he read on, "Pub & Tavern." He nodded his head in understanding and approached the door where he was faced with another sign that read, "We're All Mad Here."

Daniel laughed to himself in appreciation of the parallel to Wonderland that this establishment had created for itself. He pulled open the heavy door as he followed the remnants of the pixie dust trail. He stopped dead in his tracks just beyond the strange table with the odd numbered balls scattered around above it, large men whacking them with long, wooden sticks. The only explanation Daniel had for what he saw was that he had been warned of the madness before entering and left it at that.

He turned his head toward the bar and found a petite woman, sitting alone at the end glowing in a yellowish, green aura. It was her. Regina was right; it didn't lead him back to her. It led him to a woman he'd never seen before, but couldn't wait to meet. His heart skipped a beat as he contemplated sitting beside her. He was unfamiliar with this land and hadn't found the need to flirt with a woman since he wooed his seemingly unattainable Princess in the stables. He was younger then, as was she. Young love was much more innocent than a chance meeting in a tavern where men whack balls with large sticks.

Daniel suddenly wasn't sure he could do this. He turned his back to his happy ending as he started to race toward the door. A familiar voice echoed in his ears, stopping him just as he placed his hand on the knob.

You will be happy, Daniel. Don't squander this second chance.

He shook his head, trying desperately to break free of her deep, sultry voice.

You owe it to yourself to find out.

Daniel knew in his heart that Regina was right. He sighed and straightened his back, the forced confidence returning to his form. He slowly approached the bar and cleared his throat just before he reached his destination.

"Excuse me," he began and was taken aback by the set of green eyes that turned to gaze into his as she looked at him over her shoulder. They were a shade of green he'd never seen before; a sea foam or perhaps the green of the leaves in Autumn just before they turn yellow. Whatever their color, it seemed they were created just for her. They sparkled, even in the dimly lit bar, just below her raised, slightly amused eyebrows as he continued, "Is this seat taken?"

"Only if you're the one to take it," she answered, her voice light and pleasant with a hint of an accent if you listened closely enough. Her tiny frame swiveled in the bar stool to face him revealing a tight forest green dress beneath a dark brown leather jacket, her beautiful blonde hair pulled back into a loose bun on the top of her head.

Daniel smiled when she provided him with a glimpse of her white teeth under a coy smirk as he took the seat beside her. The aura had disappeared from around her, but her face reflected a sense of light and innocence. He could tell there was a dark past hidden beneath those captivating eyes, but something overpowered that darkness. He was sure it was the same thing reflecting in his eyes: hope.

"You know, I'm a regular and I can't say I've ever seen you here before. You new in town or something," she asked, crossing her arms. Her body language seemed conflicted, but she leaned comfortably against the bar, her elbows supporting her chest, as she awaited his response.

"You could say that," he said. He held out his hand to her and she took it with a smile as he introduced himself, "I'm Daniel."

The blonde sat back slightly, removing her delicate hand from his gentle, welcoming grip. Her eyes widened in shock for a moment as she realized who he was, but she'd seen Regina around town looking happier than ever with Robin and their children. She relaxed and decided to at least get to know the man. He did just have his heart shattered and handed to him in a bag. The least she could do was be friendly.

"Well Daniel, I'd love to stay and chat, but it appears my drink is empty. Care to change that," she teased, the corner of her mouth lifting ever so slightly.

"How about I buy you a drink and you give me something in return," he offered, leaning closer so she could hear him over the sudden shouting from the other end of the pub.

"And what exactly do you want from me," she questioned, curiously.

"Your name," he stated, his smile not quite reaching the corner of his eyes, but they twinkled none the less. She hummed with interest at his proposition, but took a beat, clearly faking intense contemplation, causing Daniel to laugh.

"I suppose I could do that," she shrugged with a smile and continued, "The name's Tinkerbell. But everyone calls me Tink."

"Well, Tinkerbell. I'm not everyone," he glanced at her in a way that made her heart flutter. "And your name, like yourself, is much too beautiful to be reduced to something as simple as 'Tink.'"

Green eyes swam in a sea of Caribbean Blue as they stared at one another, in awe of the connection neither of them could ignore. A spark of electricity shot through her body as she finally registered that his hand was gently placed atop her own. The feeling sent her mind to a single word that flashed before her eyes. She tried to blink it away without any luck, but all she could think to herself was the terrifying yet exciting term: soulmate.

Christmas was undeniably exciting for small children: much wanted presents, a grand feast, and endless fun. The Mills-Locksley children were no exception. At the first sign of daylight, Roland was awake with an excited grin across his face. He rolled out of bed, his hair a wild mess from his restless sleep, and met Henry in the hallway. The boys smiled at one another, silently scheming as they often were, and darted to the master bedroom.

Henry lifted Roland onto the bed before jumping up himself, both boys shouting their praises that Christmas had finally arrived. Regina and Robin both groaned, rolling over in attempts to cover their heads from being stepped on by little boy feet.

"Come on, wake up," Henry whined.

"We have to see what Santa brought," Roland exclaimed, as the couple slowly sat up to stretch away their sleep.

"Why don't you guys go ahead downstairs? We'll be right behind you," Robin yawned and the boys jumped off the bed with a loud thud. They ran toward the door, but were stopped by a familiar yet always intimidating voice.

"If I hear one present being opened before we get there, you won't see another holiday as long as you live," Regina raised her eyebrow as she narrowed her gaze toward them and they nodded before running away. She softened her face with a laugh and turned her attention to the rugged thief as he rolled to sit on the edge of the bed. She crawled over and sat on her knees behind him, placing gentle kisses on his shoulders as she wrapped her arms around him.

"Merry Christmas," she whispered through her smile and was pleased to hear a satisfied hum from her lover. He placed a soft kiss on her hands as they rested on his chest.

"A Merry Christmas it is, indeed."

Regina released a sigh of contentment as Robin turned his head toward her. She leaned forward to meet his lips in a simple, loving kiss before sliding around him to freshen up in the bathroom. He quietly stood from the bed and pulled a small box from his nightstand just in time for her to return. She spotted the gift in his hands and raised her eyebrow with a grin spread across her face as he approached her.

"It isn't much, but it's from the heart," he whispered, kissing her cheek at the corner of her mouth before handing it to her. She felt herself blushing as she removed the wrapping to reveal and jewelry box, her heart pounding against her chest. She opened it slowly and gasped at the sight, covering her mouth as if that could keep the tears from falling.

"Robin, it's beautiful," she said softly and he removed it from the box. She pulled her hair away so he could clasp the necklace for her, running his fingers over her collarbone. She looked down at the forest green pendant in the shape of a heart with two arrows crossed in front of it.

"I saw it in the window on my way home from the station one day. The minute it caught my eye, I thought of you. The heart is me and the arrows are Henry and Roland; at least, that's how I saw it. Now we'll never be far from your heart."

Words couldn't begin to describe how much she loved the man standing before her. His hand rested over her heart and she covered it with her own, giving it a gentle squeeze as she leaned in and kissed him.

"I'll never take it off," she said against his lips. "But now I have something for you."

Regina walked over to her dresser and pulled a beautifully wrapped box out of her panty drawer. Robin's eyes lit up at the sight, hoping he'd get to see her in some sexy Santa lingerie as his gift. As if reading his mind, she rolled her eyes and said, "It's not what you think it is, but perhaps maybe later you'll have another surprise."

The outlaw let out a groan, anxious for what she had in store for him, but he quickly smiled and took the box from her hands. He opened it and laughed with delight as he took the gift and held it up for a better view.

"I know working in the Sheriff's station with Emma and David isn't the kind of 'hunting' you're used to and that holster they gave you is pathetic. So I went to Marco and asked him to make you a customized one. I think it came out better than I ever imagined. He even stitched a red apple with an arrow through it to the side. To give it some character, you know?"

"A piece of you to carry with me everyday? What could be better than actually strapping you to my waist?" His voice was deep, a slight rasp still lingering from sleep, but his intentions were clear when he wrapped his arms around his queen, his hands resting at the base of her lower back. Their lips met in a slow, passionate kiss of love and gratitude for their heartfelt presents.

"We should probably go downstairs before we find them in a pile of wrapping paper," she said, her breath hot against his face. Robin just nodded and the couple left their bedroom to find their very anxious boys.

Henry and Roland tore through gifts like every little kid was supposed to do on Christmas. Robin caught some of the bigger gifts on camera, their reactions priceless. Regina couldn't wait to embarrass them with the footage when they started bringing dates home. At around 10am, the boys kept themselves busy with their new toys while Robin had the important task of cooking breakfast.

Her phone beeped and she jumped up, smiling as she read the text. She ran to the door, unhindered by the fact that she was about to let someone see her outside of her mayoral attire. She looked back at Robin and caught his eye. He gave her a questioning glance and she nodded, a silent exchange of their excitement for what was about to happen. He wiped his hands and gathered the children, telling them to cover their eyes for their last gift while Regina stepped outside.

It had begun to snow, but it only made this moment all the more exciting. It was everything she dreamed about. Archie walked up to the door with Pongo on his leash and a smaller Dalmatian walking beside him. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a red bow and leaned down to attach it to the puppy's collar.

"Thank you again for holding onto her until today, Archie," she said with a laugh as the pup jumped up and licked her face.

"Oh it was my pleasure. She's an angel compared to how Pongo was at that age. The kids are gonna love her."

"I really hope so," she picked up the dog and opened the door to her foyer. Archie leaned forward to close the door for her as she looked back and mouthed 'Merry Christmas.' He tipped his hat with a smile and shut the door behind him.

"Are you ready?" Robin asked and the boys jumped up and down, both shouting with excitement. The noise took the puppy by surprise and she barked from Regina's arms. The couple laughed as the kids removed their hands from their eyes upon hearing the sound and ran toward their new dog.

"She's ours? Like, to keep," Henry asked, scratching her ears while Roland giggled as she licked his face.

"Our first family pet," Regina said, a sense of pride in her voice mixed with absolute happiness at the sound of the word 'family' rolling off her tongue.

"What's her name?" Roland asked.

"We have to think of one for her," Robin said stepping forward to meet the new addition to their clan.

"Mistletoe!" Roland shouted.

Regina glared at him with a reprimanding stare, the young boy covered his mouth apologetically. But her gaze softened and the boy smiled when Robin and Henry shrugged.

"That's not bad," Henry ruffled the boy's hair and Regina laughed. She bent down and removed the puppy's leash so she could explore her new home.

"Welcome home, Mistletoe."

Every step she took, the kids were one step behind her hugging each other and admiring their new pet. Robin approached Regina and wrapped one arm around her waist. She leaned her head on his shoulder as they watched their little ones.

"Was this everything you imagined?"

"Oh yes," she smiled. "Even better."

That evening, the Mills Mansion opened its doors for a beautiful potluck dinner. Regina prepared her infamous lasagna and apple turnovers for dessert while the rest of her invited guests provided enough side dishes and sweets for the entire state of Maine. In the past, she was content with the quiet Christmases spent with her son, but it was lonely the last few years. Since Emma came to town, Regina spent mornings with Henry so he could eat dinner with his other mother and the Charmings in their loft. She had never been asked to join, for obvious reasons.

Things were different now. The town looked at her with a new perspective, somewhat hesitantly, but optimistically none the less. The Charmings came over with baby Neal, Snow providing a fabulous homemade cranberry sauce that even Regina had to admit was spectacular. Emma, not much of a cook, was happy to bring Christmas cookies from the local bakery, mostly for her and the children although Killian stole a few thinking no one would notice.

Rumplestiltskin arrived with his new bride, Belle, on his arm. She was happy to be supplying mashed sweet potatoes with dried cranberries, a delicious addition to the feast that even Roland, quite the picky eater, seemed to enjoy. Granny and Red brought honey glazed ham which was a huge success amongst the guests.

Regina extended the invitation to Marco, a special thank you for Robin's gift, who brought his son, August, and Archie along as well. She told them it wasn't necessary to bring a dish since they had done so much for her already, but Marco insisted he at least provide a salad while Archie fulfilled his promise of a delicious chocolate cake.

A few of the Merry Men were happy to attend the festivities, providing various whiskey and wine. Little John thoughtfully picked up eggnog, one for the adults and a separate one for the children. She had hoped Tinkerbell would be attending, as she was one of Regina's only friends, but much to her disappointment the pixie was nowhere in sight.

"Tink won't be joining us tonight," Robin asked, a supportive hand placed on her lower back.

"Not tonight. But maybe someday," she shrugged, understanding that it would take time for her friend and former lover to make their way down Mifflin Street.

Gifts were exchanged amongst the large, dysfunctional family. Regina, being a respectable hostess, gave each guest a small gift as they parted to show her sincere gratitude for their generosity and more importantly, their forgiveness.

Once the house was mostly cleaned of the mess from their feast, the family gathered their coats for a walk down Main Street in the snow. Roland stood between Henry and Regina, holding each of their hands in his as he giggled at Henry being pulled along by their very curious new pup. Robin stood closest to the street, a protective instinct that she noticed he showed quite often, with his arm wrapped around Regina's waist, her hand resting on the pendant around her neck.

As they strolled through their quaint little town, she spotted a couple walking hand in hand on the other side of the street. She smiled, admiring how happy they looked. She remembered a time when she might have scoffed out of jealousy having believed she could never find that kind of love for herself. But here she stood, a changed woman, saved from the darkness thanks to her thief and their precious sons.

She tilted her head as the couple became more clear under the dimly lit streetlamp. It was her dear friend, Tinkerbell, nestled close to Daniel for warmth. Her heart ached slightly, not out of doubt or sadness, but out of relief. She heard his laugh in the distance and couldn't help, but release a soft one of her own as she embraced the idea of his happy ending.

The stableboy happened to look across the street and their eyes locked in an all too familiar gaze. It was too short to draw the attention of their partners, but it lasted long enough for them to smile at one another and share a mutual nod, both content with their lives and acknowledging the other with friendliness and respect.

Regina sighed as she returned her attention to her family, hopeful that one day Daniel could be a bigger part of her life than the occasional nod or wave. But for now, he needed time and she was happy to give him that. Most of all, she was proud to have given him that bag of pixie dust that ironically led him to the fairy that believed it was possible for everyone to find their soulmate, even the Evil Queen.

Her heart leaped in her chest and she was sure it was loud enough for Robin to hear. Regina was unable to resist the grin that formed on her face as she looked at the man holding her close. For she knew in that moment, as the subtle smell of forest entered her nostrils and the sight of deep blue eyes stared lovingly at her beyond the sounds of their giggling children, that she made the right choice.

THE END.

A few people were anxious to know what Daniel's happy ending would be so I thought I'd surprise everyone with this epilogue. I know it's rather lengthy, but I hope it was worth it and that it provides some closure for my readers. It made sense to me that our favorite pixie who always believed Regina would find love and happiness found some of that for herself in Daniel.

As always, I love to know your reactions to my work and the same goes for this epilogue. I hope you are pleased with my choice for Daniel's happy ending and Regina's reaction to it, but I always encourage discussion and constructive criticism for those who think maybe it should have gone in another direction. Share your thoughts in the comments and I sincerely hope the feels didn't hit you all too hard. (I know I certainly wasn't prepared for an OutlawQueen Christmas and I got emotional writing it.) Much love to you all.

Until the next adventure,

ReginasHappyEnding