Hi guys! Here is chapter 17 and I hope you like. Many people asked me for more Regina and Archie cute moments and I can't, I have to hear my lovely followers and do this for them. So, I hope you like this chapter as much as I liked writing and reading. I loved this and I loved the end of this chapter.
To Marina Masterson; My friend, you was the first to review my last chapter... thank you! You said that you missed Snow, so, here you'll see her. I also think Regina and Ruby could be amazing friends. See you, I'm missing you and I'm taking care of your little fishes. Sometimes I just want to kill them, but no. sorry!
To Ailec-12; Hey, in this chapter you'll get more of the two relationships, Snow and Archie. I have to say, I LOVED THIS CHAPTER AND I LOVED REGINA AND ARCHIE IN THIS END. Seriously. I need your help. Can you say some music that remind you about Regina and Archie? I neeed a beatiful music to them...
To Beforethedawnbreaks; I hope so! I'm glad you liked. Thank you!
To Mirella Vieira; Thank you, I hope this is going to be more and more nice and beautiful *-*
To Itspb1; Oh, Thank you so much! Here is more of Archie and Regina, please enjoy!
To JolieQueen5; Thank you for your amazing reviews. I love the way that you review me, seriously! Thank you! They having cute moments isn't really too much! I need more!
To Ana Paula; I hope you liked this chapter... I think you'll love this. Ana, I can't make a story where only Regina and Archie appear, seriously!
To Gotapenname; Me too! Regina and Archie being a couple would be amazing! Thank you for your review. Thank you for your support on tumblr too! See you.
To Annie, Thank you, really!
So, go read it. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 17 – THE PARTY
A few days had passed since the night that Ruby found Regina in the rain. Their relationship had been improving considerably and Ruby occasionally defended the woman from some city residents.
Emma and David spent almost all the mornings with Regina. She taught various spells to Emma and with the magic sword protected, David was helping a lot in Emma's training.
After some time, watching, Emma realized that Regina's magic was changing. Emma didn't know if she was getting really good on doing this or if Regina was "taking it easy" with her, but every passing day, it was getting easier to challenge Regina using magic.
David developed an unexpected friendship with Regina. He even dared to make jokes with her and often he even received jokes in exchange. Who could imagine that Regina had a sense of humor? Besides training Emma, he was learning many moves to defend himself against magic, Regina was teaching them. Over time, David became a strong ally and Regina knew she could count on his help, even though she knew most of the heavy lifting would be Emma.
Regina was feeling a lot of changes in her body, but she also noticed some changes in her magic. She couldn't tell what it was, but seemed to weaken every day and she was afraid of it. Without her magic she couldn't defend herself from her mother, although she thought no need to do that anymore. Without her magic, she cannot defend herself against some citizens who are still mad at her and she cannot protect her babies. That was terrorizing her, but she never told this to anyone.
Mary Margaret and Regina's relationship had no great progress, but at least they could support themselves in the same room without saying something unnecessary. Mary Margaret even ventured to ask Regina how she was or how the girls were doing and Regina answered calmly. Mary Margaret never fully forgave her for the things that Regina did, but she can try to support the woman. Mary looks at Regina and can see the woman she met many years ago. The woman who Snow wanted as a mother. The woman who she once wanted to be like.
Regina was completing the 20th week of pregnancy. The movements of the twins were now more perceptive, although they still like to stay awake at night, they were much more active during the day.
This week was Snow's birthday, the first one which would actually be celebrated in Storybrooke, since they didn't celebrate their birthdays before. Everyone was preparing a big party, like a ball.
On the morning of the too much expected event, Regina, David and Emma were training and talking about the party. Regina was determined not to go, but had to accept after Henry, Emma, Archie, Ruby and David almost begged for her to go. They wanted her there because they perceived that Regina was really changing. It would be good to have her there with everyone. The townspeople had to see the change they were seeing.
Even Snow wanted her to be there. Not to upset her, but somehow Regina was part of the family now, she had always been. In a few months, they would have two more of her running around town and she didn't want anyone doing justice with their own hands, not against Regina and much less against the girls who were coming into the world. Regina was the only option they had to save the city against a real monster. Cora.
Regina and Henry were getting ready to go to the party. In fact, Henry was ready for more than one hour, but not Regina. He was getting tired of waiting. His mother used to take long getting ready, but now that she was pregnant, she was a little slower and took even more time. Archie insisted that he would get them at home, if it depended on him, Regina wouldn't be driving anymore, but she was very stubborn.
Archie arrived a few minutes earlier than the agreed time and was greeted at the door by Henry.
"Hi Archie, Hi Pongo!" Henry greeted.
"Hi, Henry, why such a face?" Archie asked noting the bored face that Henry was doing.
"Mom takes too long to get ready, I've been ready for more than an hour and she is up there, still getting ready, we'll be late if she doesn't hurry."
Archie laughed at the boy as he entered and sat on the couch. "Henry, you need to have a little more patience, Regina will not come down until she is flawless and you know it." he said smiling "And she's pregnant and huge." he said whispering the last word "She cannot do things as fast as before."
"I know, but still, we'll be late!"
"We will not, we're still within the agreed time." Archie said observing the interaction between Pongo and Perdita.
"They'll be here?" Henry asked pointing to the dogs.
"We cannot take them to the party, Henry. They will be too much work. Do you think they can stay here without destroying the house?" Archie asked jokingly.
"Of course, Perdita is very quiet and so is Pongo, they can stay here until we get back, I think." The boy said looking at the stairs.
A few minutes later, Archie decided it was time for Henry to go call his mother. Henry went upstairs and a few minutes later the two appeared on top of it.
Regina was stunning. She was wearing a navy blue dress that went to her feet. A red band, passing just above her belly, was enhancing her swollen breasts. Her hair had some soft curls and her lips generally as red as blood, were with a more softer color. Regina was holding Henry's arms and leaning on the stairs as she descended slowly.
Archie was speechless. Regina definitely would be the most beautiful woman at the party and he was taking her.
"Regina, you are... are so beautiful!" Archie said stammering a bit as he got up from the couch and went upstairs to help her.
"Thank you, Archie!" Regina said with a beautiful smile leaving Henry's arms and taking Archie's. "You're also beautiful." she said smiling at him, who blushed at her words.
Henry was just watching. He didn't understand why the two of them were not "dating" or something like that. They were going to have children and it was obvious that both of them liked each other.
"Come on, Mom, we'll be late!" Henry said.
"Henry, I cannot go running around." Regina said to the boy, walking as fast as a pregnant woman could walk toward the door. "Henry?" Regina called when she reached the door.
"Yes, mom?" The boy asked when he was almost getting in the car.
"I left the gift up there, could you get it for me? It's on top of my dresser." Regina asked when she saw the boy nod and run to the stairs.
"A gift?" Archie asked curiously.
"Of course, I couldn't go to a birthday party and not bring a gift, right?" Regina said smiling at him.
"Yes, you're right. What is it?"
"What's what?"
"The gift that you'll give to Snow."
"Secret!" Regina said smiling when she saw the disappointed face that Archie did. Henry soon came running down the stairs with a small package in his hands.
"Now can we go?" The boy asked eagerly.
"We can!" Regina said stroking Pongo and Perdita who sat swinging their tails at the entrance of Regina's mansion. "See you soon, dogs!" She said and locked the door.
Archie led Regina to the car and opened the door for her to enter. Henry was sitting behind.
When they arrived at the party, Henry went running and greeting a few people who were outside the party site. Archie helped Regina out of the car and Regina could see that everyone was looking at her suspiciously. Many people in the city were beginning to accept Regina as a person who wanted to change, but there were still many people who didn't believe in her change.
Archie noticed Regina had some slight discomfort and shook her hand gently supporting her and giving her a big smile. He pulled her into the ballroom.
The place was gorgeous. The decor was full of flowers and birds and resembled a garden. It was packed with people and it was almost possible to believe that the whole town was there. Snow was dancing with Charming in the middle of the hall and there were a few other couples dancing too. Henry had gone to talk to Emma, who was wearing a red dress. It was strange to Regina and to any other to see Emma dressed like that, but Emma was beautiful and everyone realized that.
When Archie and Regina walked a little more toward some chairs, Regina realized that a hush fell over the place and everyone was looking at her. Some curious, others scared and fearful, others wondering what the Evil Queen had planned to do at Snow White's birthday party.
"I shouldn't have come, Archie!" Regina whispered to Archie as she stepped forward and involuntarily stayed behind him. She was holding his arms more tightly and hadn't noticed it. What was she doing here? She shouldn't have come.
"Don't worry about them, Regina." Archie said shaking her hand.
"Let's go, Archie? Please, they don't want me here, they're scared." she whispered again with a pleading look.
"No! We're not going away. They will learn not to be afraid of you." Archie said firmly pulling Regina to a table over in the back of the hall.
Emma witnessed when Archie and Regina entered the hall and noticed that everyone was staring at her. Emma also realized that Regina was pleading with Archie to leave, so she went over to talk to them.
"Regina!" Emma said approaching the table where she was. "I think I just won a bet, you came!" She said smiling at the woman.
Regina looked puzzled to Emma and then to Archie. "Why do people love betting about me and I don't even know about it?"
"I think that's because it's fun to see your face!" Emma joked.
Granny, Ruby and Dr. Whale were also greeting Regina. The party was not as boring as Regina thought it would be. Regina wanted to give her gift to Snow, but she didn't know what would be the right time.
After many dances, some jokes, after singing congratulations to Snow and then opening some of her gifts, the guests returned to their individual amusement. Charming went to Regina.
"You came! I'm very happy!" He said cheerfully. Regina had to admit that 'Charming' well fit this man, he had developed a friendship and respect for Regina and she was grateful to him for that.
"Charming." Regina greeted.
After a few minutes, Regina noted that Snow was talking with Emma alone in a corner of the party. She didn't want to derail the conversation, plus this was the first time that Regina saw the opportunity to deliver her gift to Snow.
Regina approached the women and could feel the change in Snow's face when she saw her. It wasn't a bad change, just an insecurity that Regina was sure, would never leave.
"Snow, can I... can I talk to you for a minute?" Regina asked.
"Of course, Regina." Snow nodded and turned away from Emma, who watched the women from afar.
Everyone present noticed that Regina approached Snow. Not only was it Emma who stopped to watch. Henry, Charming, Archie and Ruby were also watching the scene.
"I just... I just wanted to congratulate you and to give you this gift." Regina said a little shaky, handing the delicate and small package that was in her hands.
"Thank you, Regina. What is it?" Snow asked curiously, containing a willingness to embrace Regina.
"Open it." It was all that Regina said.
Snow nodded looking into Regina's eyes and then turned her attention to the package. She opened it and could not control the tears that began to fill hers eyes. Inside the package was a beautiful gold necklace with a pendant in the shape of a snowflake, made with pieces of gold and diamonds.
"You know what it is?" Regina said watching Snow's reaction. Regina did not know that answer. Snow looked into her eyes and wrapped her in a tight hug. Everyone watched astonished. No one could see what Regina's gift was, but without doubt, it had been the best gift that Snow had received. Regina was not moving. She didn't move one millimeter because of fear of losing that contact that she never knew, but had missed.
"Thank you, Regina!" Snow whispered in her ear, still crying and hugging. Regina didn't answer, she was very focused trying not to cry in front of everyone.
After almost a minute, Snow finally released her and looked at Regina into her eyes.
"It was the best gift anyone could have given me, Regina! I can never thank you enough for that." she said.
"It was always yours. I should have given you this before, I'm sorry!"
"Thanks for having kept it, I thought I would never see it again."
The necklace once belonged to Snow's mother. Snow always knew it was a family heirloom, a gift that her mother would give her when she became an adult, but her mother died and when the King married Regina, he gave the necklace to Regina.
"Thank you, Regina." Snow emphasized once more.
"You're welcome!" Regina smiled at Snow.
The women were interrupted by Henry who came wanting to see the gift that his mother had given to his grandmother. It was not long until many people were already circling Snow again and Regina decided to return to her seat.
The night passed quickly. Soon many people were dancing.
Regina was watching Emma and Henry dance. Emma was much taller than Henry, but the boy looked like a true knight, Regina thought.
"Do you want to dance?" Archie took Regina from her thoughts.
"No, Archie." Regina said with a shy smile.
"What? Don't tell me that the Queen is embarrassed."
"I'm not embarrassed, Archie. I just... I... I'm just too tired."
"You're lying. I can't wait to tell everyone that the Queen is embarrassed to dance at a ball." Archie said, laughing.
"I'm not embarrassed."
"So what? You don't know how to dance?"
"What? I was a Queen, of course I know how to dance. I dance very well." Regina was ready to defend herself.
"Then show me. C'mon, Regina! You can't dance so badly, can you?"
"Absolutely not!" Regina said, narrowing her eyes and staring at Archie as she stood up and walked with him to the dance floor.
Archie placed one of his arms gently around Regina's waist and the other was holding one of her hands. He pulled her close to him, as close as a pregnant woman's belly of five months with twins could allow. Regina put one of her hands on Archie's shoulder.
They danced a few songs in this way. Regina was getting tired. They were so busy dancing that neither realized that a romantic song began to play. Regina leaned her head on Archie's chest and Archie could smell the scent that came from Regina. Both had their eyes closed.
Few people remained on the dance floor, a few couples like David and Snow, Kathryn and Frederick and Thomas and Cinderella.
Everyone who was sitting was looking at Regina and Archie dancing. They were so distracted dancing with each other that they did not notice the changes around them, like music and people leaving the dance floor. People could see Regina resting against Archie's chest, the two dancing slowly with a small smile gracing their lips and the tranquility and complicity that only true love can bring.
"Mom likes him!" Henry whispered to Emma.
"Yeah, she likes him, she is just too stubborn to admit it!"
After thinking a while, Henry turned to Emma and she could see the excitement in the boy's eyes.
"I have an idea. We have to join the two of them" Henry said taking care that no one heard.
"Kid, we shouldn't get in it."
"But they love each other, just look. You don't think Archie loves mom?" Henry frowned.
"Of course he loves her." Emma said quickly.
"So? We should start an operation. We need a name."
"How about Operation Cupid?" Emma asked amused by the idea of her son.
"No! That is very obvious. We need a different name." Henry said and suddenly the two were thinking about names, as they watched the couple dancing.
"How about Operation Amor?" Emma said.
"Amor? What is 'Amor'?" Henry asked confused.
"Amor means love in Portuguese." Emma explained.
"That's wonderful, no one will ever know." Henry said smiling.
"So it will be called 'Operation Amor'" Emma said and both continued watching the couples on the dance floor. Henry was already getting sleepy and occasionally Emma found him yawning.
Archie and Regina were still dancing when one of the babies kicked. Regina opened her eyes and met Archie's, who was smiling happily at her.
"She's awake." Archie commented removing one of the hands that were on the back of Regina and placing it where the girl had just kicked.
"It's Isabella. She is very stirred up today." Regina said rubbing her belly.
The place was a bit dark and they hadn't realized that they were one of the only couples still dancing. They continued dancing a while longer. Regina was still resting her head on Archie's chest along with her hands and Archie was holding her closer to him. For some time, Archie's heartbeat was all Regina could hear and was somehow reassuring. She could almost feel like falling asleep sometimes.
They were still dancing, when Archie felt that Regina's body suddenly became heavier on him. He opened his eyes frightened and looked at her with her eyes still closed.
"Regina?" He said, tightening his arms around her to keep her upright. "Are you okay?" He said as soon as he saw her open her eyes.
"I'm fine." she said quickly, recovering from the momentary feeling of tiredness.
"You seemed like you were about to faint." He said looking at her still worried.
"No. I almost fell asleep, I think." She said quietly, smiling at him as he smiled back. "I'm tired. Can we sit down?" She asked softly.
Both walked toward the table when Emma ran toward them.
"Regina, are you okay?" Emma asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I'm just a little tired." She replied, sitting up.
Regina spent some time sitting while watching Henry chatting happily with everyone at the party. Archie and Emma were also talking and Snow and David were still dancing.
Regina was rubbing her belly, as the two girls seemed to be awake and wouldn't stop kicking.
"They are awake?" Henry said as he approached his mother.
"They always are awake at night" Regina rolled her eyes and smiled at Henry.
Both spent a few minutes enjoying the babies' movements. Regina could already tell that they were much more active when Henry was around or when he touched his lips on her belly and when he was playing with his sisters.
Seeing that Regina was really tired and sleepy, Archie approached and suggested to go home. Henry would go along with them and if not for a special occasion, Henry would never be awake so late.
Regina, Archie and Henry said goodbye and went to the car.
Henry was telling them about all the excitement of the party and Snow's gifts. After some time, Archie and Henry were so distracted that neither realized that Regina had fallen asleep.
Both lowered their voice so as not to wake her. Arriving at the house, they spent some time deciding if they would wake her or not. First step for Operation Amor, Henry thought and convinced Archie not to wake her, saying she must be very tired, which was not a lie.
Archie asked for Henry's help to go open the doors while carrying Regina carefully in his arms. He entered her room and Henry pulled the covers of the bed so he could put her there.
"Henry, get ready to go to sleep, you can let me finish here ok!" Archie whispered to the boy and watched as he nodded and closed the door, leaving the two alone.
He put Regina on the bed and removed her shoes. He felt as if he could stay the whole night just staring at her. She was so calm in her sleep. He pulled the blanket and covered her and held his breath when he saw her moving in an attempt to snuggle herself better. When he saw that she didn't wake up, he returned to cover her. A smile escaped his lips as he ran his hands on her belly and felt the movement.
"My girls, you should be sleeping. Mommy is really tired" he whispered.
After a while, the girls calmed down. He got up to leave. He looked at Regina and pulled some hair back that was in her face.
"Good Night, Regina!" He whispered in her ears. Then he kissed her forehead softly "I love you." He said and turned off the light in the room, closing the door behind him.
Unfortunately, Archie wasn't in the room long enough to hear Regina talking in her sleep "I love you too, Archie."
I'm dying to know your opinion... what you think?
A tense moment and a little scare is coming in the next chapter, but don't worry.
Guys, I need your help, I'm mean, seriously! Can you help me to choice a music for Regina and Archie? I need one... HELP ME!
See you soon, I hope.
Bárbara