Rose was feeling out of place during the celebration party at Granny's. She stayed alone in a corner until Henry showed up with Emma and the Charmings. Just a little bit later, Regina entered the diner too and with food. The people stopped in silence, not expecting to see her at all. Their smiles were now frowns.
Rose rolled her eyes. People just love to judge.
Regina was also feeling awkward after the receiving their "welcome" like that. Rose had waved her hand for her to see. Immediately, Regina went to be with the girl. She was relieved to have someone else, besides Henry, be happy to see her.
Not wasting another second, Rose embraced Henry and Regina in a hug. Regina was definitely surprised by the teens actions.
"Not that I'm complaining. But what's this about?" Regina asked her.
"You have no idea how weird it is to be around these people." Rose said.
"Weird?" Henry asked, sounding confused. "I thought people were good now." Rose patted his head.
"Things take time, kid." She smiled down to him. Then brought her attention back to her 'aunt' and the dish she was still holding in her hands.
"So whatcha got there? I smell lasagna!"
"You guessed right." Regina confirmed and removed the cover. Out came the delicious smell of Lasagna. Rose's stomach growled out loud. Causing the other two to laugh.
Regian gave the two children a piece of it. Cherishing the moment of being with them again. She honestly loved them both and wanted to take this second chance to make things right again.
It didn't escape her eye when Leroy watched them and took an interest at what she brought.
"I made Lasagna. Would you like to try some?" She wanted to try to be nice.
"What's the secret ingredient? Poison?" He more said than asked. Henry felt bad that Leroy had said that. As for Rose and Regina, they stared at him in disbelief. Offended of his comment.
"Red pepper flakes." Rose answered instead. Clearly catching him off guard. "Gives it some kick." Rose grinned. Regina didn't hide her smirk while handing him a plate with a piece for him. Leroy was still hesitating him to eat it.
"How do you know?" He didn't believe her.
"Well, I did live with Regina for 28 years. I had to learn how to cook somehow." Rose reminded him in an obvious tone. People do seem to forget the obvious things.
"Did she teach you magic too." He accused. What was with this guy? Did he just want them to feel hurt somehow? Apparently he did. And Rose was getting tired of his attitude. So maybe she'll scare him.
"No. But my papa did give me this wand." Rose pulled her wand out of her boot. Making him jump back a bit. He left with his plate.
"Thank you." Regina thanked the teen. She knew she didn't have to help her. But it felt good to see that Rose wanted to.
"Did Gold really give you that? Can you do magic too?" Henry excitedly asked Rose. Rose couldn't hide a laugh.
"Whaoh! Calm down kid. Yes, my papa really did give me this wand. But to be honest, I don't know much. I am only allowed to use it for emergency or protection."
"Or revenge." A voice was heard from across the counter. Jim was cleaning up the area and overheard their conversation.
"Didn't I use my wand to heal your leg the other day? You'd be in crutches if it weren't for me. Still waiting for that thank you" Realizing that he was eavesdropping and then muttering mean comments of her, really ticked her off.
"He scoffed. Returning a glare at her.
"Why should I? Your just going to end up using that thing to force me to!"
"And why would I do that?" She crossed her arms.
"Because your the Dark One's Daughter!"
"So just because I am related to him, that makes me just like him? Way to judge me so soon."
"You can't be trusted."
"And you're annoying! And to think that I thought you wanted to start over."
"Hey! I just wanted to make things clear that this is the real me" He pointed to himself. "That person, Norman, was a fake. Our friendship," He pointed back and forth at him and her. "Was fake!" Rose felt a pain inside her. Hurt after hearing him say that, shout that to her. But she wasn't going to let him see her pain.
"Then why do you even bother to talk to me?" She asked. Her question didn't get an answer. Jim wanted to say something, nut he had nothing to else to say. No words would come out. Instead he gave one last hard look at her, and turned away. Getting back to picking up the dishes lying around. Walking away from them.
Rose turned back to the other's. Regina and Henry were still there, speechless after watching the two teenagers arguing.
"And you wanted me to be friends with that guy?" Rose asked Regina while pointing at the spot where Jim once stood. Regina put her hands up in defense.
"In my defense. He was not like that when you were cursed."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The party continued that night. Rose was forced by Henry to say hi to people. They stopped once they reached Archie. The (once upon a time ago) cricket was the only person that actually got along with them. Especially with Henry.
Which was why Rose left the two to catch up. She gazed around the room, everyone but Regina were enjoying themselves. Talking, eating, laughing with someone. The Queen was alone and still sitting at the same counter table. So Rose decided to join her company.
One look at the girl made Regina have a big smile. Ready to give the young girl her full attention.
"It's getting late." Rose stated.
"Is it?" Regina asked and looked at her felt slow. "Oh, wow! It is."
"Walk me home?" Rose asked politely. Rose really wanted to get out of there. She really needed a break after what just happened with Jim. But she knew Regina felt unwelcome and could use that chance to escape too.
Regina smiled. Grateful to see that the girl was thinking of her. Nodding yes, the two grabbed their things and left the diner.
They were just outside when Emma's voice stopped them.
"You guys don't want to stay for cake? Archie made it." She asked them. The two looked at each other. Not wanting to stay, but also not wanting to be rude.
"I'm getting really tired." Rose tried as an excuse.
"But thank you!" Regina added quickly.
"Oh, okay." Emma responded and turned to go back in. But this time, it was Regina who stopped her.
"Thank you."
"You just said that."
"F-For inviting me." Regina explained.
"It made Henry and Rose happy" Emma pointed at Rose who proudly smiled back to her. "I'm glad you and Henry got to spend some time together." Hearing Emma say that, helped Regina feel at ease.
"Me too. And I'd like to see him more. Maybe you'd consider letting him stay over some time. I-I have his room just- just waiting for him." Rose could tell Regina was being too hopeful and, judging by Emma's face. She didn't look too fond of the idea. Things were going south.
"I'm not sure that's the best." And that one sentence took away Regina's good mood.
After Emma and Regina "talked" about Henry, and Dr Hopper informing Emma about Regina trying to do better, Emma went back in the diner. Regina was clearly unhappy by how Emma was acting around her and what Archie was saying. Rose could tell she shouldn't be alone. Worried what Regina might do.
"You know what?" Rose said out loud to gain back the woman's attention. "I'm free. I can totally stay over tonight." Rose offered. Regina chuckled.
"Oh. I doubt your father would let you stay with me."
"Actually, you would be doing me a favor." Regina gave her a questioned look.
"And why is that?" Rose looked embarrassed.
"Let's just say that I have walked into some awkward, traumatizing moments of my papa and Belle doing "stuff". Please let me stay with you!" Rose begged. This caused Regina to laugh out loud and wrapping an arm around the girl's shoulders. Starting their walk.
"Misery does love company." They both laughed. From the window in the diner, the diner boy was watching the two smiling together.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was morning and Regina surprised Rose to have lunch out by showing the teenager a picnic basket. She drove them towards the docks and picked a table with a perfect view of the sea and the people taking their morning walk or jog.
Rose didn't mind eating out, but did find it odd to pick such a place.
"So why breakfast outside? In the cold, with the smell of fish?" Rose finally asked her after taking a few bites of her breakfast burrito. The witch shrugged her shoulders with a tight smile.
"A change of scenery." She answered. Rose narrowed her eyes. Knowing she had a different reason. And saw someone from afar.
"Or a motive." Rose said and nodded her head forwards. Regina turned and saw Archie Hopper taking a walk with his dog Pongo. Regina looked back at Rose. Knowing she had to explain herself.
"I just wanted to talk to him."
"Hey! I'm not judging. I've seen papa give his warnings to other's all the time. Just don't go too extreme. Don't do something that'll get people thinking-"
"That I'm evil again"
"Yeah, that." After taking in Rose's words, Regina realized something in the teenager.
"You sure have a lot of trust in me." Regina told her. She was happy and relieved to know that the girl didn't assume the worse in her. And that she was even looking out for her.
"You will hate this. But you and papa are similar when it comes to having an unpleasant confrontation." Regina scoffed.
"I think comparing me to your father is horrible enough."
"Look. I told you before that my papa was able to set things right with me. And I know you can too. And you have! Now go before he leaves." Rose reminded her. Regina looked back and saw that Hopper was coming towards their direction. She gave her thanks to Rose. Rose waved her off and watched the woman talk with Archie. Hoping nothing bad will come of ot.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jim was checking out the cashier box when Ruby suddenly froze from what she was doing. Jim looked at her odd.
"What are you doing?" He asked her. She looked out the window and heard barks getting closer. Jim tried to connect the dots.
"Is it a wolf thing?"
"It is. And something happened." That was all she said and ran out of the diner.
"Hey! Wait!" He shouted, closed the register, and went after her.
He saw Emma and Ruby with Pongo. But Archie wasn't with the dog. He remembered last seeing him the night before, going into his office to finish up with some work. He and Ruby were taking out the trash. Ruby still felt guilty for hurting Jim and wanted to help him out. He remembered seeing Regina going into the building where Archie worked, but thought little of it.
Pongo moved away and lead them back to where Archie worked. Jim, being faster, made it to Archie's door first. He was about to enter, but notice the door was left slightly open. Alarmed, he looked at Emma.
"It's open and quiet." He told the sheriff. Emma nodded and gestured him to get back. Concerned of the worse happening. Pongo tried to go in, but Jim managed to hold him back while Emma investigated.
"Archie?" She called out. No answer. She knocked and entered Quickly stopping once she saw a body. "Oh no!"
She rushed in. Jim followed and they both looked down at the lifeless body that once was Archie's.
"Oh god no." He sadly said and heard Pongo whimpering.
"What is it?" Ruby asked as she entered the room. She no longer needed an answer once she saw. "No. no!" She cried out as here eyes began to water. The two watched Emma check a pulse. Emma shared a sad look.
"He's gone. Who would do this?"
Ruby and Jim glanced at each other. Remembering the events of last night. Not sure how to tell the Sheriff.
"We think… we know who." Jim responded. Emma got up and looked at him. Focusing on what he would say next.
"Regina." Ruby said instead.
"Why her?"
"Last night we were working late. Taking out the trash and saw her walking down the street. She entered this building." Jim explained.
"And earlier yesterday, I saw her having a pretty strong conversation on the docks with him." Ruby added. "Maybe things didn't end well and she decided to-"
"To kill him? I'll see about that. But thanks for the info. Do you two think you can take care of Pongo for the moment?" Emma asked as she and the others looked at the depressed dog laying by Archie's dead body. The dog was still whimpering for it's owner to look at him. Jim petted the dog's head to comfort.
"Sure we can. Let us know what happens." Ruby decided.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rose felt warm but also uncomfortable. Her neck and back were aching from the position she was in, which was her sitting and laying her head on her arms on the table. She opened her eyes and stretched her arms out. Standing up and noticing she was still in Regina's living room. Her laptop and books were on the table while she was sitting on the ground from last night. Coming to the conclusion that she stayed up doing school work and accidentally fell asleep.
"Did I sleepover again?" She asked herself.
"Yes, you did." She heard Regina's voice say. Coming from the kitchen. The woman came out, dressed for the new day with a cup of coffee in her hand. Smiling brightly to the girl.
"You're not cursed, and yet your still a nerd-alcoholic." She teased.
"Well, it keeps my mind off of things. Sorry I stayed over." Setting the blanket that was once on her on a nearby chair. Her aunt must've put it on her so she wouldn't get cold.
"It's no problem. I did however let your father know and asked for you to stay over." Rose looked at her odd.
"You asked?" Regina shook her head.
"Alright, I more insisted on it." Rose laughed. Knowing Regina wouldn't ask anything so politely to the Dark One.
"I take it he wasn't fond of the idea."
"He is your father. But lucky for you, the bookworm was there. Who knew that the maid could easily tame the beast." Rose joined laughed along with her. She remembered that that was how Queen Regina knew Belle as. And had to agree that it was funny to see Belle calm him down. Besides her of course.
Regina put her cup down and sat on the sofa to get closer and looked nervous.
"Listen. I love that you have been spending time with me. And- and I hope that doesn't stop. I-I want you to know that I am always here for you. True, I first took you as revenge against your father. But during those years together….. I did learn to love you as my own. I had fun cooking with you and teaching you things around the office. If you ever need me, I will be there for you." Regina handed Rose a gold ring with a rose flower in the center. Rose examined it and put it on her right ring finger. Thinking it was pretty.
"I'm guessing it's enchanted." Nothing gets past her.
"Rub it back and forth three times, and I will come to you. No matter what." Regina explained. Rose thanked her and looked back at her new ring chuckling to herself.
"What is it?" Regina asked confused.
"Your's is a lot more better than papa's."
"Oh yeah? What did he give you?" She took a sip of her coffee.
"A horn" Regina choked on her drink and couldn't stop laughing with Rose. Men are truly funny creatures.