A/N: So sorry for the delay and the length!
"Regina, darling," Cora burst into the room, interrupting her third attempt to read the page she had just been staring at for the past half hour. "Shouldn't you be getting ready? Won't the Whale boy be here soon?"
Regina barely stifled a sigh. She had been putting it off all evening, dreading it all day, but if her mother had noticed, no good would come of delaying any longer.
"I was just about to, Mama," she replied, closing her book and getting up. "He won't be here for another hour."
"Only an hour?" Cora puffed, looking her over. "Regina, that's hardly enough—"
The doorbell interrupted Cora's chiding (which would've only served to keep Regina from starting), but it increased her fervor.
"That couldn't possibly be him, could it? What would he be thinking?"
"I don't think it's him, Mother—"
"Regina, dear," Her father called out from the door, having already answered in Cora's distraction. "It's for you."
The surprise in his voice registered, doing nothing to soothe Regina's worries at whoever it could be. Who would come to see her—and an hour before prom? She prayed it wasn't Emma. She couldn't deal with that. Not in front of her parents.
She made her way to the front as steadily as she could, her mother hovering behind her, only to find Kathryn fully dressed for the dance in a satiny teal gown, her hair in curls.
"Kathryn!" Her mother gushed in surprise. "What a treat. It has been too long."
"It has, Ms. Mills," Kathryn responded effortlessly, always knowing just how to answer Cora. "I'm so sorry I didn't call ahead. I'm sure you're all very busy, but I was wondering if I could just have a moment of Regina's time."
"Of course, dear, no need to apologize," Cora allowed, intent on watching this interaction play out.
"None at all," Henry added, catching his daughter's silence. "It was lovely to see you, Kathryn. We'll leave you girls to it."
In the face of Henry's departure, Cora had nothing to do but reluctantly retreat herself, scheming for how she could find out what had brought Kathryn around after all this time.
Alone in the foyer, Regina looked Kathryn over. She looked the perfect princess, of course. As usual. At least it wasn't Emma. She crossed her arms.
"I already have a date," she intoned dryly.
Kathryn let out a little laugh. She wasn't going to touch who that date was, but Regina's sarcasm brought her unusual comfort. "So do I. That's not why I'm here."
"Then why are you?" Regina questioned, unswayed.
"I'm helping you get ready."
"You are."
"Yep." Kathryn nodded decisively. "Getting dressed for these things alone isn't nearly as fun. I should know," she added, indicating her getup.
"What if I would prefer it? Getting ready alone."
Kathryn's energy broke a moment as she paused in sincere consideration.
"If you would, truly, of course I'll leave, and I'll see you at the dance," Kathryn allowed, her genuine nature allowing her on occasion great warmth. But as Regina found herself reflecting on her one-time friend's positive qualities, Kathryn continued frankly.
"But I don't think you would. I think you'd like to have me here to pamper you only to then tell me that no amount of even professional-level styling can make up for things. Because it can't. But I hope you'd like to see me try as much as I'd like the chance to."
Regina considered Kathryn in front of her. One of the most popular girls in school, always so self-assured, standing somewhat awkwardly in her front hall in full prom attire, waiting for her approval.
Her mother certainly wouldn't mind Kathryn being there to help.
And neither would she.
"Okay."
"Why, Emma Swan—" Ruby gasped dramatically as Emma stepped out from the bathroom.
"Nope," Emma stopped her, "No ugly duckling jokes."
"Aw," Ruby pouted good-naturedly, "But it's the perfect time!"
Emma stepped in front of her closet to take in the full look. She did look nice, she supposed, her makeup better, if a little more than usual thanks to Ruby's insistence, her hair tumbling around her shoulders in smooth curls, bright against the shimmering light gold of her dress that Tink had wheedled her into getting. But she wasn't sure she wanted to look this good. In fact, she knew she didn't. She should go in a potato sack and be shamed for it.
"You look great, Ems," Ruby appraised. "Even if you have a lame sense of humor."
"Thanks, Rubes. You look killer."
Ruby struck a pose at the compliment, the full skirt of her short, red dress swinging up with the movement of her hips.
"Damn, if we aren't going to be the hottest couple there." She smirked, her bright red lips exaggerating the movement.
"No, no, no! No peeking!"
"Kathryn—"
"I promise Regina, it's worth it, just one more…"
Regina settled a moment, allowing Kathryn to adjust her shadow just so. She didn't trust her, not really, but it couldn't be too bad. Besides, she used a little bit on occasion to look professional, but her familiarity with makeup was essentially limited to mascara and liner. If she was going to play the part, she ought to look the part.
"Oh, Regina."
In her zoning out, she just barely caught Kathryn's sigh.
"Turn around."
She did as told, nerves tempered by Kathryn's odd sort of awe.
"You look so beautiful."
Regina processed the words as she considered her reflection. Her hair was perfectly styled for once, her brows groomed, her skin glowing and rosy. Her dress was form fitting and flattering—black did work well on her.
She looked—like she belonged. That she could be amongst the elite.
She could do this.
"Thank you, Kathryn."
"My pleasure, Regina. Truly."
They fell silent for a moment, regarding each other in the mirror, Regina strangely moved by her former friend's presence, so much going unsaid. She wondered if she ought to say something more, address what had happened between them.
But the doorbell was ringing.
"You ready?" Kathryn smiled supportively.
"I suppose so," Regina muttered, leading the way out the door.
At the top of the stairs she saw Whale waiting below, corsage in hand, flanked by her parents.
Oh, how she wished it were Emma instead.
Still, she made her way gracefully down the stairs, trailed by Kathryn as almost her lady-in-waiting.
"Regina, you look incredible," Whale praised to her parents delight. Cora in particular looked unpredictably proud.
"Good to see you, Kathryn," he greeted, their subtext passing through under the notice of the adults in the room.
"Whale," she acknowledged. "I'll leave you to it. Thank you for letting me come over, Mr. and Ms. Mills," she thanked her parents graciously before moving closer to her side.
"Thank you, Regina," she murmured, her blue eyes bright with warmth, before adding louder for the benefit of everyone else, "See you both at the dance!"
Kathryn made her exit, and Regina tracked her departure as Whale offered her a corsage. She managed to focus to pin his on his jacket, regaining her sense of character. She was ready for this. She wouldn't be having a fun time, but in the short term, it would at least be worthwhile. Her one shining moment of high school popularity.
"You look quite handsome, Victor. Doesn't he, Regina?"
Regina ignored her mother's prodding and spoke directly to her date. She typically wasn't much for his looks one way or another, but he had styled his hair for once, and his tall and muscular frame was perfectly filling an expertly tailored 3-piece suit, a vibrant blue tie bringing out his eyes. "You look very nice."
Whale smiled so brightly, she almost forgot he had done this with many girls before her.
"No, Regina, I'm unworthy to have you on my arm."
His line landed perfectly as Cora sighed in delight and Henry pulled out the camera to catch them in a photo, Whale expertly wrapping his arm around her.
They posed for a moment, Regina feeling the warmth from Victor's arm, the surprisingly pleasant smell of his cologne. If anything, Victor had his act down pat, and she could certainly learn from his experience.
Her father smiled, finally releasing her from his paparazzo moment, and Whale dropped his hand down to hers, assuming his role as comforter, expert handler of parents.
"I hope you won't mind, Mr. and Mrs. Mills, but we really ought to get going."
"Of course!" Cora replied airily, "Don't let us keep you." With a final once over of Regina, Cora took her leave, moving on to much more important matters.
Henry placed a kiss on his daughter's cheek. "Have fun," he directed, his focus returning to Victor. "Don't keep her out too late, young man."
Victor gave Henry an easy smile and a firm handshake. "I promise I won't, Mr. Mills."
Whale held out his arm for her as her father went to open the door. "Regina?"
Regina took it with a smile as they walked out into the night.
Mary Margaret had absolutely outdone herself.
Emma had expected streamers and tablecloths and maybe some balloons to do up the gym, but Emma and Ruby were currently agape at the hall they were walking through, butcher and tissue paper making it an elaborate forest, with fake vines hanging from the ceiling and some art student's calligraphy marking it as "The Enchanted Forest".
"Damn, I am glad MM did not force me into helping with this."
Emma could only nod as they passed through the double doors, the forest giving way to sleek and metallic decorations, perhaps more conventional in terms of prom, but still with a distinct sense of fairy tale with bright flowers and fake candles, the top 40 DJ's choices and high school students contrasting dramatically with the idea of castles and romance.
They sidestepped the photo booth to head out towards where the dancing was already in full swing. It seemed like most people were already there, eager to celebrate after a week of testing and with the end of high school finally in sight.
"Hey, you two get lost on the way to Neverland?" Ruby called out, spotting Tink and Hook approaching from the crowd.
Tink rolled her eyes but pulled Killian along faster by his good hand until she reached her friends, taking in their appearances.
Emma did the same, wondering just how it was that Tink could pull off that bright green just like her namesake, and how well the silver in Killian's tie coordinated with his cast.
"You guys look great," she complimented sincerely, hoping Hook had gotten his womanizing ways under control for at least the night.
"You as well, Swan. I've never put much stock in your name—"
"Stop while you're ahead, Hook."
"She's not allowing any ugly duckling commentary," Ruby explained exaggeratedly for their friends' benefit.
Tink chuckled good-naturedly. "Well, I don't need it. You look wonderful, Emma. And Ruby, wherever you're going to after this, you better be wearing that dress."
"I plan on it," Ruby returned with a smile. "Thanks, Tink. You look downright magical."
"Yeah, yeah," she sniped. "It's all the fairy dust I keep around."
"Shh, love, wouldn't want the narcs to overhear."
Tink slapped Hook's good arm. And Emma was content in the knowledge that they were just the same as always, even on a date to prom.
"Speaking of fairies, you guys seen MM? This place is incredible."
"I know, isn't it?" Tink gushed. "I helped a little on Friday, but I didn't guess it'd be anything like this."
"Her fairy tale obsessions definitely paid off," Ruby agreed.
"I've only caught David for a moment," Hook answered Emma. "Apparently she's still a little worked up about everything being perfect. Something about checking the crowns for the royalty announcements. He's gone to talk her down."
"Sounds about right," Emma acknowledged, knowing how frazzled Mary Margaret could be in stressful situations.
"Speak of the devil," Ruby added as she caught sight of David headed their way.
"Hey, guys," he greeted. "You ladies are looking lovely this evening."
"Can it, Charming," Ruby sassed back. "How's MM holding up?"
"She's a little…well…we're working on it," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I promise I'll get her to come say hi—at some point."
"We'll take it," Tink grinned.
"I'll get right on it, but actually, I came over because I was wondering if I could steal Hook for a second."
"Ooh, male bonding," Ruby teased, noticing the gathering group of athletes on the other side of the gym.
"Steal away," Tink gave her blessing. laughing.
David smiled and took his leave, Killian following right after with a half bow and a "ladies."
With the boys gone, Tink launched into a more thorough appreciation of their looks, praising the way they had styled their hair and offering her opinions on who could've used perhaps a bit more styling before they came out tonight, somehow managing to gossip in a way that only made her seem concerned for everyone's wellbeing. Still, she wasn't talking about the one person Emma hoped she'd bring up, the only other person she cared about who might be at this dance.
"Tink, have you—"
"Sorry, Emma," Tink replied sympathetically knowing instinctually what she was thinking, "I haven't seen her."
Emma took the news as best she could, not really knowing what she wanted to happen one way or another, but Tink wasn't done trying to console her.
"It's still early, though! I haven't seen Whale either. He's probably planning on making an entrance," she theorized.
Ruby shook her head, just as intrigued by Regina's eventual appearance. "I wouldn't think she'd want that kind of attention—and he wouldn't want to make her uncomfortable—"
"Right," Tink agreed. "Maybe he's coming in later then to let them slip in unnoticed? Do you think he took her out beforehand?"
"Oh, I don't know, probably wouldn't want to risk it with all that conversation…"
Emma would've protested the direction the conversation was taking, but she didn't even notice it.
Regina had just walked in.
And she was brain-stoppingly, breath-takingly stunning.