Note: This chapter has been modified. I made a mistake and now I've changed some of how this date went. Sorry! I had to take the whole DQ dinner out. *throws a forgetting potion at you* lol If you're reading it for the first time then you're fine. ;)
Dancing in the Air
The cool breeze on her face made Regina feel like she could let go of her worries, and as she looked from high up in the sky, to the small town, she wondered why she put so much effort into her work as Mayor of this God forsaken town.
This was freedom: flying through the clouds, sky diving and spreading her wings just before hitting the ground, only to pick up again and do some quick swirls in the air. Oh! Such was the freedom of a dragon and she really felt like one of them—she was, at least for this moment. This fleeting moment.
Part of Regina wanted to stay this shape for the rest of her days, but knew she couldn't. At least she would be enjoying thisdate in the airand hope for it to repeat some time soon. Maybe on regular basis? She pondered. It wasn't like she had to hide anymore. Not in this world. Not in this new life. Her love life was nobody's business but her own, but what even was all of this? She'd always had feelings for Maleficent, but there was also Emma now; it was all so confusing.
How could you like two people so different, so much? So strongly?
Maleficent came and twirled together with her, making acrobatic spirals in perfect synch with hers in the air, like they did once, long ago, especially enjoying this flight with her younger friend. But what Maleficent was enjoying the most this moment, was watching Regina let go. Break free, truly, and enjoy herself in a more primal way, free of fear of judgment.
Regina was just as beautiful as a dragon as she was a human; Maleficent had a hard time trying to tear her eyes from her flying companion.
To think they had wasted so much time…They'd lostso much and Regina was oblivious of it all. What could have been.
After a couple of hours, they finally came to land so they could drink water from the river, thirsty and agitated after dancing in the air.
Maleficent lie by the shadow of a rowan tree, Regina joining her a moment later, nuzzling up to the bigger dragon—almost twice her size—and rested her head on the grass, joining Maleficent in a much needed nap, seeking her warmth. Granted, moving a dragon's body required colossal energy.
The dragon duo snoozed for a while. A big nap, as they lost track of time in their slumber, sleeping through the evening, well until the moon was high in the sky.
It was when Regina inhaled too deeply and got some dandelions into her nostrils that caused her to sneeze loudly and awaken both of them.
*ARRchoo!* The black-scaled dragon's body quivered and Maleficent smiled warmly; both creatures yawning as they lazily woke up.
"Bless you," purred Maleficent sweetly (as sweet as groans and growls can sound when speaking in Dragon tongue).
"Thank you," Regina purred back.
Regina still looked magnificent in Mal's eyes; the resemblance with Lily was uncanny. Dark-scaled, amber-eyed, red-tinted wings; she'd said her daughter looked like her, but she looked much more like Regina, only bigger, and slightly lighter—mixed—and she knew it wouldn't take too long before the mayor noticed their parentage. Even Maleficent was surprised because it had been decades since she last saw her little Queen in the shape of a dragon.
Up until now, Regina hadn't seen Lily in her reptile form. But it would happen one day, as Lily loved giving Merida rides on her scaly back. Those two girls really liked recklessness and Maleficent was nervous they might be extra naughty one day and go around the streets of Storybrooke, flaunting their badassery. She could imagine it: Merida holding a leash to her dragon daughter as Lily walked behind her like a ferocious creature, growling—maybe even spitting fire—at pedestrians just to get a kick out of it. Not that as a Dragon mother she would mind it, but she didn't want to cause trouble to Regina. Especially not with Lily.
"I had forgotten how good this felt," Regina commented, but Maleficent was so lost in thought, she didn't respond.
Regina lightly smacked her side with a flap of her wing to gain her attention.
"What are you thinking?" Bright amber eyes bore into gleaming green with curiosity.
"The past… Present," Maleficent responded, her gaze lost in the landscape.
"But not about the future?" Regina pressed.
"Lately, I'm always thinking about the future, Regina. Feels like a curse."
Regina squinted at her, trying to read her expression, but it was even harder to do so while in a dragon form.
Suddenly, magic wore off for Regina and, in a swirl of black smoke and red sparks of fire, she went back to human. Maleficent's spell burned out.
"Well, that was fast. I remember it used to last for twenty-four hours," Regina said as she looked at her transformed body and then at her dragon friend, who was still agitated even though they'd rested for a couple of hours now.
That was also strange.
"My spark is no longer what it used to be," Maleficent said to her, "I suppose that happens when you're resurrected from the ashes," she groaned lightly.
Luckily, Regina could still understand Dragon tongue. "Do you feel ill?" She became worried, got closer to Maleficent and put a hand on her forehead.
She was cold, which was really unusual from a dragon.
"This might help," she used some of her light magic to help Mal, if just a little, making herself a little tired again, but pretended to be fine. Healing a dragon was very taxing on one's energy. Only those with a strong bond with a dragon, could help them heal. Thankfully Regina was that person for Mal.
Maleficent closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the warmth of Regina's palm and the gentle prickle of that magic on her forehead. She opened her eyes slowly again when she felt soothed.
"Thank you. And don't worry, my little Queen," she growled gently, transformed back into a human and sat on the slightly humid grass, leaning her back against the trunk, ignoring that her tailored navy-blue suit was certainly going to get soiled.
Regina looked at her; Mal didn't look completely well, and moved closer. She eyed the place where Maleficent had chosen to sit down and, with a grumble, joined her. Her elegant grey dress would be ruined, but she could work her magic to make it new once home.
"What are you not telling me, Mal?" Regina asked, concern in her eyes, strain in her voice.
"So many things…" Maleficent inhaled deeply and let the air out, "Like how beautiful I've always found you," the dragon lady said to her, locking gazes with a slightly bashful Regina. "You shine light, despite de darkness that once constricted you," she told her sweetly.
"That snake," she hissed, thinking about the Dark One- Rumplestiltskin. "And that foolish liar of an entitled princess," she spat. Snow White.
But there was also guilt. Maleficent had, after all, taken part in darkening Regina.
Regina had met her in her worst, she'd had nothing good to offer that poor, young soul that knocked on the door of her fortress, seeking hope. Only revenge. Hope for revenge was the only thing they ever fed each other. And half-truths.
"I should've done something to stop him. I should've protected you and our f—" Maleficent backtracked, "friendship."
"Mal…," Regina looked deep into blue eyes, feeling slightly unsettled by Maleficent's guilt and affliction. "If it hadn't been for Rumplestiltskin, I wouldn't have met you. You were the only one there for me whenever Leopold-" said the name with disdain, "took pieces from my soul for his pleasure. Him, Cora, they're the ones who snuffed the light out of me and made me hopeless. Not you. Not even Snow White. I also did it to myself."
Maleficent's jaw tightened at the name- Snow White. That child abductor.
"As much as Rumple's to blame for darkening my heart, it was my hand the one that caused so much pain... Ripped so many hearts out." Regina made a long pause, inhaled deeply, remorse on her features, and exhaled. "I do regret the lives taken, but I also know thanks to that I got my son. My little prince." Regina's face lit with a warm smile and hope, and it made Maleficent feel a blow to her stomach.
"Emma's," Maleficent growled.
"Hmm?" Regina wasn't sure she heard right, and was taken slightly aback.
And I lost mine. Ours! Maleficent would have responded, but she couldn't.
"You're right. It doesn't matter now. We both have our children back," she offered a small, forced smile. If only she could bring herself to tell her.
"Oh my- speaking of which. Henry. I should've picked him up. I lost track of time," Regina remembered.
"Go. I do also wish to see Lily. She may not let me tuck her in but seeing her before she goes to sleep is quite fulfilling."
Maleficent leaned down and kissed Regina's lips softly. "Sleep well."
"You do too. And thank you for today," Regina smiled warmly.
Maleficent smiled as Black smoke engulfed her body and she vanished from sight.
Regina's smile faded then. She was sure she'd heard Maleficent right, just a moment ago, and wasn't completely happy about it.
Had Maleficent implied Henry wasn't hers, or was she jealous of Emma suddenly?
What was her problem now? Regina had always hated the secrecy around Maleficent. Sure, in the beginning it had been what had drawn her to the dragoness, but the appeal of *mystery* soon worn out. Mal never told her anything substantial about her, whereas she knew everything about Regina. She would always listen, encourage and soothe her even. But share, she didn't. Regina needed someone who could do that: open up and trust her.
But first things first: Henry.
She checked her phone to see the hour and it was too late to be picking him up from the charmings.
Regina appeared in her foyer, walked a few steps and leaned her weight against the staircase's railing, thinking about her date. It had started wonderfully, they had had a lot of fun together, but it all turned weird in the last second. It didn't make sense. Something just didn't click.
Regina was in reverie when someone suddenly cleared their throat, startling her, the sound of steps coming closer.
"Henry?" Regina turned to the living room, from where the noise came, but saw Emma walking up to her instead.
"Emma? What are you doing here so late?" Regina asked confusedly, but she was actually a little bit relieved to see her.
"You weren't answering your phone. I left you three— five messages," Emma responded sharply.
"I… I turned it off, sorry," Regina apologized. She had wanted no interruptions in her date because she expected there would be more… fun, and blushed lightly.
"You still haven't answered my question, dear," Regina regained her stoic composure.
"Henry insisted I let him stay here. He didn't want to stay with me at my parents' because of my little brother. He still cries a lot through the night and Henry can't sleep well with the wailing, and tomorrow he has a test," Emma answered with an accusing tone, "I couldn't just leave him alone without knowing if you would even be back to sleep," the blonde emphasized, looking her up and down, as if searching for signs of only God knows what.
"A test?" Regina didn't remember him mention. "Hmm... You're right. Thank you, and I'm sorry. I will be more responsible next time."
Emma's ears perked up on that. Next time. Did this mean she would be having frequent dates with Maleficent? Of course it meant that. It made her stomach twist. Were they official now? The question killed her, but it wasn't the moment or place to ask. Fuck, her mind was torturing her.
"I expect you to be. You should at least wait until it's weekend; like any other civil person with a son does," Emma scolded her, folding her arms over her chest.
"I beg your pardon?"
Regina had been expecting it, but it still surprised her.
"What are you, my mother?"
"No. I'm your son's mother and I have the right to know where you are, or at least when will you be back home," Emma thundered.
Regina sighed. Emma was right, and even if she felt a little embarrassed at being scolded like she was some sneaky teenager, she couldn't help finding Emma's anger a little charming, because the blonde looked somewhat jealous, and her stern voice couldn't fully mask those green, sad puppy eyes that got to her. Wait. No, they didn't.
"If I didn't know better," the mayor took a step closer, "I might even suggest you're jealous, Em-ma," Regina said her name with deliberate sensuality.
Emma blinked eyes in surprise, completely dumbfounded.
"Ha-ha," Emma chuckled with mixed sarcasm and nervousness. "I'm just looking after ourson," she emphasized, felt her lips become suddenly dry as she glanced down at dark red lips for a brief moment.
So kissable… Wait. What?! Emma averted her eyes.
"To be fair, he's almost fourteen. I bet he's not even asleep yet," Regina told her.
"He said he would study late," Emma responded.
"Did he?" Regina raised an eyebrow. "Come with me," she beckoned Emma to follow her to one of the mirrors on the wall, waved her hand on the reflection and they saw Henry. On the computer. Chatting.
"Procrastinating sounds more fitting," Regina scrunched her nose.
Emma's brow furrowed. "He lied to me. I don't get it. How come my superpower didn't alert me?" She was upset.
"He does have a book beside the keyboard. My guess; he was studying, but then his friend came online. He's been staying up late and I figured it could be a girl, or a boy, who was encouraging that," Regina said to Emma.
"I believe you don't have Internet at Mary Margaret's, correct me if I'm wrong."
"That brat," Emma shook her head.
"Dear, I know I should've sent you a text, but this isn't the end of the world. So, if you excuse me, I would like to go to bed. I'm very tired." Regina suppressed a yawn.
"Yeah. Just… Let me know next time," Emma put her hands in her pockets and looked downcast.
She didn't want to know about a "next time," but they shared a son, so she had to.
She wondered if Regina had felt this way about her relationship with Hook at some point. But now that Maleficent was here, it seemed like Regina had only eyes for the dragon, and had never cared about her—not this way. Okay, maybe she was overthinking, because they'd had a lovely week together, and if she was honest, she actually spent more time in Regina's office than she did at the station— everyone kept pointing out. There was always a 'work' excuse or magical conundrum to visit the woman.
Emma began walking to the door, Regina coming behind her to open, and turned around to look one last time at Regina before leaving.
"You really looked pretty today. Well, always— I mean you're gorgeous, so… yeah. Have a good night," Emma blurted nervously and walked hurriedly to her bug, like she was barefooted on burning coals, leaving a very shocked Regina behind her, smiling as she bit her lip.
The two women who meant most in her current romantic life, had called her beautiful today and Regina felt a special boost in her confidence. It had been a good day, even if she still had to figure out what was wrong with Mal's sudden change of mood. It had to be related to Emma's darkness in Lily, which they hadn't fixed yet, Regina pondered. They had to find a way— Regina would make of this her priority, but for now she just wanted to take to bed the good experience in their date before that odd comment happened.