I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
4: Unleashed
Two Witches Out of the Fire opened, even though Regina was still mayor. It was fine. Regina would have the dual roles for a little over three months, but she was ready for it. She had mentally prepared for this since she and Maleficent decided to go through with their cafe. At times she rehearsed it. Emma was not ready for it.
"It's so early!" Emma groaned from her spot on the sofa. She wanted to go back to bed right now, but she also wanted to go with Regina to keep Regina company. Plus, if she wanted to see Regina more than a couple of hours a day now, she had to be up at the butt-crack of dawn and out with Regina to the cafe.
"You don't have to go with me," Regina replied before she yawned. She covered her mouth with a delicate hand, like the absolute lady she was.
"Look, you're tired, too!" Emma yawned as well, not bothering to cover her mouth at all. Damn contagious yawns. She fought to keep her burning eyes open. "The sun isn't even up yet!" She motioned to the window, even though the blinds were drawn.
Regina gave her a sleepy smile. "Again, you don't have to go. I have to do a lot of baking, especially since I won't be able to go back in until my lunch break, and maybe not then depending on how the day goes. I'll be focused on that, not you."
"I'm going. I'm not letting you be up at the butt crack of dawn and out by yourself. Besides, I don't want to miss out on mornings with you. I already don't see enough of you." Emma meant those words. She liked spending time with Regina, no matter what they did together.
"That's sweet, but it also means you're going to have to pick yourself up off of the couch."
Emma groaned from deep in her soul. This was crazy. How were they up at this hour? Emma did not remember putting pants on. Do I have pants on?
"Am I even dressed?" Emma looked down at herself. Yeah, these looked like proper clothes.
"Yes, Duckling. I helped you put pants on and it was a trial. I don't understand why your jeans are that tight," Regina replied.
Another groan from the dark reaches of inner turmoil escaped Emma. "I don't remember that!" She would love to remember Regina yanking her jeans up for her. It was probably sexy. What? No way you were sexy if you're this tired. "It's too early."
Regina sighed and shook her head. She grabbed Emma by the hand and yanked her with surprising power for such a small person. Emma climbed to her feet with a loud, long whine. I'm tempted to ask her to carry me. Regina would figure out how to make it happen if she only requested it.
"Duckling, I'm going out the door. You're either following me or going back to your nest," Regina said.
With a yawn, Emma stretched, t-shirt riding up, rubbing against her abdomen. "No, I'm up. I'm up. Let's go."
Emma had no idea how they ended up in the car, but she banged her head against the window, and that woke her up enough to realize they were on the move. She was in the front seat of Regina's Benz, seat belt secure and everything. She blinked and yawned once again.
"Did we bring my book bag?" Emma asked, rubbing her eyes. She looked down, needing to check if she had shoes on for some reason. Boots on. Her brain was not functioning properly at this early hour. Why am I so damn dead on my feet?
"Yes, we have everything. Go back to sleep," Regina replied.
Emma would have argued, but her eyes refused to remain open. What was this about? Not too long ago, she could stay awake for two days with no problem. Survival mode: deactivated was her last thought before waking up in front of the cafe.
Maleficent was already at the shop and Regina helped Emma into a booth, leaving her with her book bag. Emma rubbed her eyes once more, hoping it would wake her up, and opened her knapsack. She pulled out her books and tried to focus on reading, but it was impossible. Then, a coffee mug appeared in front of her.
"That'll help if you want to stay awake, Duckling," Regina said and then she kissed the top of Emma's head.
"Thank you." The attention made Emma smile. She sipped the coffee and the letters on the page began to make sense. After drinking half the cup, she was able to take some notes.
After the whole cup of coffee, Emma was coherent enough to take in the cafe. The back wall had a counter with the cash register and a currently empty display case. Up top, a black chalkboard-style menu with dozens of goodies listed. Large windows with a view of the street were met with four booths, one of which Emma occupied. The chairs for the booth were comfortable, well cushioned, and off-white with the light wood of the booths and tables.
Stools stood against the other wall against a countertop with outlets on the wall. There were six, small tables. It was a quaint place. Several green plants to brighten up the place. I hope this place is a hit like Regina thinks it'll be. Of course, all someone had to do was try the food and they had to come back. Regina and Maleficent cooked their asses off. Emma was addicted.
The door opening caught Emma's attention. The little bell chimed and Emma's eyes went up as she watched a blonde woman walk into the shop. Their eyes locked, deep, twinkling green eyes on hazel eyes, and the blonde gasped.
"Am I late? Are you a customer? How'd you get in?" The questions were asked in rapid succession while shock painted a cherubic face.
Maleficent stepped out before Emma managed an answer. "Tink don't worry about Duckling. She's not a customer. She's Regina's."
The blonde — Tink? Weird name — made a surprised noise and tugged on the strap of a dark brown satchel on her side. "Oh, that makes sense." Really? How? She smiled, face bright and friendly, as she turned to Emma. "Well, hello, Duckling was it? I'm Tinker Bell, but everyone calls me Tink." She stepped over and extended her hand to Emma.
Emma shook the hand in a daze. "Um… name's actually Emma. Only Regina calls me Duckling really."
Maleficent scoffed. "Untrue. I also call you Duckling."
Emma could not argue that one. "Okay, you do, but my name's Emma."
Tinker Bell nodded. "Well, nice to meet you, Emma. Are you working here, too?"
"She is not, although she does have the time," Maleficent said before going back into the kitchen, continuing her cooking.
Tinker Bell shrugged and kept her attention on Emma. "Are you going to be here all day or are you leaving with Regina?" she asked as she started moving about the place, turning on the front lights.
"Oh." Emma blinked. "I hadn't thought about it. I just wanted to come in with her, so she wouldn't be alone on the drive in. I mean, I knew she and Maleficent would be working once we got here and I didn't want to bother them." She also felt like they were safer if she was there. Yeah, they were badasses in their own right, but she could not imagine them beating up a robber if one dared to try them. They would definitely ruin the robber after the fact, though.
Tink nodded, as if any of that made sense to her. She moved behind the counter, putting her bag down. She glanced around, as if looking for something, but did not find it.
"That's cool. You want to stick around for opening day? You can see how it all comes together," Tink said.
Emma gasped. "I'd love that!" How did she not think of that? She wanted nothing more than to witness this place on the first day doing as awesome as it should. It would be like living through history.
"Cool, cuz we open in thirty minutes. You can move all your stuff behind the counter and pull up a stool there." Tink jabbed her thumbs behind her to motion where Emma should relocate.
Emma acted quickly, doing exactly as she was told. "So, how'd you end up this gig?"
"Mal's my cousin." Tinker Bell said it like it was common knowledge. She went into her bag and pulled out a name tag, clipping it to her lime green, frilly, sleeveless shirt.
Emma gasped from her spot on the stool. "Dragon woman, you have family?" She said it loud enough for Maleficent to hear, but Regina responded.
"Of course she does." Regina rushed out of the back, now dressed in one of her suits rather than the plain white shirt and black slacks she had on before. She kissed Emma on the forehead.
Emma puffed up from the little kiss. It was better than usual, and filled her with joy. All tiredness abandoned her. Regina smiled at her, as if she was all too aware of her power over Emma.
"Try not to get in the way if you're staying and help them set out the trays. Also, don't eat anything you didn't pay for," Regina said.
"So many damn rules, woman!" Emma whined and threw her arms up in the air.
Regina laughed and left. Tink smirked at Emma, who was not embarrassed. Why would she be? Regina kissed her in front of someone like it was nothing. She might be walking on clouds for the rest of the day.
"You're cute together," Tink said.
"Well, we're not really together. It's a funny story," Emma replied. One she was not ashamed of, even though she should be. She was someone's pet, after all. But, that someone was Regina and Regina made everything wonderful and right.
"Oh, we should trade funny Regina stories sometimes. Mine's also funny." Tink grinned.
Well, now Emma was intrigued. "I wanna hear it." Yeah, Regina had been opening up to her so much more recently, but it made her hungry for more.
"Duckling, are you helping or gabbing?" Maleficent barked and that got Emma off her ass. Now, all of a sudden she was working. Maleficent handed her some goods to put out.
Of course, the first tray she put out was the apple turnovers. And she had no money at all. She groaned in her mind. Damn it. Life was so unfair. She managed to get everything out and saw a crowd outside waiting to come inside. Holy crap.
"Should I open the door?" Tink asked as she donned an apron that read Two Witches Out of the Fire with the logo — two brooms crossed over a campfire-like flame. She put her name tag on the apron.
"One moment." Maleficent stepped next to Emma and held up a five-dollar bill. "Consider it payment for helping out."
Tink laughed. "Not even minimum wage, which is just like you." She pointed to Maleficent with both index fingers.
Maleficent sucked her teeth. "Yet someone's marketing genius is the reason we have a crowd outside right now."
Emma took the five dollars and gasped. "This is money I earned and I can buy the first apple turnover!" She was ready to burst.
Maleficent leaned close to Tinker Bell. "This is her lame dream. She thinks it'll help Regina."
"It's being supportive, Mal!" Emma handed her money to Tink and grabbed an apple turnover. She bit it and had to drop to her stool, ignoring the fact that it was still hot. "Oh, my god. It's so damn tasty."
Maleficent scoffed. "Of course it is." She then turned to Tink. "Okay, let them in."
Tinker Bell squealed and went to open the door. People flooded in. Emma was impressed. If this was Maleficent's doing, Emma finally understood what Maleficent brought to the table beyond her amazing cooking. It was so busy it was a good thing she was there.
-8-8-8-8-
Before going to work, Regina made a stop at the Sheriff's department. Most of the deputies were not fans of hers, as Sheriff Graham Humbert despised her. The feeling was mutual.
Regina only cared about one person at the Sheriff's station, so she ignored the dozen or so glares and made her way right to Deputy Hua's desk. Thankfully, the station was orderly enough that it was easy to find the desk, not that it was Regina's first time there. She had been to Mulan's desk several times to settle the burglary case.
"Mayor Mills?" Mulan climbed to her feet, standing at attention. She was in her tan deputy uniform, which was pressed with sharp edges. It was so obvious she once served in the military.
Regina held up a hand. "No need to rise. I wanted to inform you my cafe opened today and you may eat there for free."
Mulan blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Consider it thanks for actually caring about my case and bringing me some peace." It was rare for people to look out for her, but Mulan had done just that. She had to reward this behavior.
"This is too much, Mayor Mills."
Regina shook her head. "It'll never be too much. You don't know what that meant to me." No one would ever guess how infrequent people went out of their way to take care of Regina or make sure she was comfortable. People would also be surprised by the fact that Regina would take care of those who properly took care of her.
Mulan's brow furrowed. "Are you sure about this, Mayor Mills?" She sounded like someone unused to kindnesses being thrown her way, which was depressing. How could people not treat Mulan with the best care? She seemed to be an extraordinary person.
"As sure as I would also like you to call me Regina." They had gone through this often, but Mulan was quite resistant to the informality. Regina understood that.
Mulan shook her head. "I'm not sure I can do that, but I appreciate the offer. I'll consider both."
"That's all I ask, then. Thank you." Regina smiled at her and then made her way out of the Sheriff's station, only to have her way blocked by Sheriff Humbert.
"Reason you're here, Madam Mayor?" Graham asked, folding his hands across his chest, and pushing his badge up as if it meant something to her.
"I've already conducted my business, Sheriff. If you remove yourself from my path, I'll be out of your sight," she replied with a shrug. He had been this receptive to her when she showed up about the burglary as well. At least he had not accused her of setting it up like many of his deputies whispered about.
"Your presence bothers the deputies. It makes them nervous," he said that as if she was meant to care.
"And I'll leave the moment you move." She had little desire to stick around. She could receive glowers at her job and then make those bastards pay for daring to try her. Of course, she could make these bastards pay, too, if she desired to waste her time.
Graham scowled at her. "You can't just barge in here either."
"I didn't barge. I'm pretty sure this is a public space." It took all of her restraint to not call him an ass.
His face hardened. "You're a distraction to my deputies who are trying to help people."
She was sick of this nonsense. "You're trying to start something. Look, in three months, you won't have to deal with me. Now, if you'd move out of my way before I move you." She let loose a low growl. This bastard needed to understand she was not to be played with.
Graham tilted his head to literally look down his nose at her. "Three months can't come fast enough."
"Really? So, you want Albert Spencer to be the next mayor? I'm sure he'll give you the budget you want."
The idea was so ridiculous Graham snorted. "He couldn't even get on the ballot to try to be nominated. I'm sure I don't have to worry about him."
Graham was right about that and it was a little funny. Albert Spencer, the district attorney, thought he might replace Regina as mayor. He tried to have Rumple take him on. Rumple rejected him outright and no party would put him on the ballot. He probably would not be reelected as DA next year either. The town was fed up with corruption.
"So, Baron Samdi will have your vote, hmm?" Regina asked with a smirk. Baron was the option for people who thought they knew what Regina was about and wanted that to continue. They were quite surprised when she endorsed his opponent, Kathryn Midas.
Graham's face did not change. "Anything is better than you."
Regina rolled her eyes, but Graham stepped out of her way. Why the hell can't he just let it go? There was no reason for him to carry their personal lives into their professional world. At least he was not like that all of the time. Home court advantage tended to bring out his inner asshole.
Regina made her way across the street to Town Hall. Work was the usual nonsense. Three more months of this, but it grated on her nerves more than usual. Her bite was more a tear that day and people rightly avoided her unless they had something worth showing her or speaking with her.
At lunch, Regina resisted the urge to leave and check on Two Witches Out of the Fire. She had so many fires to put out. Maleficent sent plenty of texts and pictures. Apparently, Duckling was being helpful. It was both surprising and not surprising. Duckling was as excited for the cafe as Regina was. It was a little hard to wrap her mind around.
This is cute. Seeing Duckling wipe down tables in a Two Witches Out of the Fire apron made Regina's heart swell. Duckling did not have to do that, just like she did not have to wake up with Regina, but she did. She does such sweet things for me.
Once work was done, instead of going to the cafe, Regina went home. Duckling was not there, which was what she wanted. It gave her time to prepare a preferred meal. She was mostly done when keys jingled in the door. Duckling did not have keys. Regina stepped into the hall to find Maleficent with Duckling.
"Regina, your girl was a great help today," Maleficent said.
"Hard to believe, but she had to be marvelous for you to compliment her so openly," Regina replied.
Duckling dropped her bag. "What's that smell? You cooking? I got the first apple turnover!" Her face was flushed and she buzzed with energy, almost vibrating.
Maleficent laughed and motioned to Duckling with both hands. "This is your problem now."
"Did you give her coffee?" Regina asked, as she had never seen Duckling this animated. Duckling paced between them, swinging her arms with her eyes scanning the house, but it was like she did not spot anything worthy of her time.
Maleficent scoffed. "I paid her five dollars for working for us the whole day and nothing more. Let her fill you in on what's been going on."
Regina nodded and resisted the urge to invite Maleficent for dinner. Maleficent had done her a favor by dropping off Duckling. Maleficent left on her own. As soon as the door closed, Duckling charged her and hugged her as if she would never let Regina go. Before Regina was able to say anything, Duckling kissed her on the mouth.
Regina returned the kiss and moaned as Duckling ran her tongue along Regina's bottom lip. She wasted no time opening her mouth and accepting everything Duckling wanted to give her. The caress of Duckling's tongue made Regina's body quiver. Duckling held her tighter, pressing them close together. Duckling's hard body was so magnificent against hers. The kiss went on forever and ended way too quickly.
"Sorry, got carried away," Duckling said, eyes down and a blush on her cheeks. There was a shine to her face, a glow from working up a sweat at the cafe. But, she lit up from her energy pouring off her in heavy waves.
Regina's face hurt from how broad her smile was. "You hear me complaining?" She would not mind kissing Duckling like that more often.
"Wow. So, are we tongue-kissing now?" Duckling's eyes sparkled, like precious stones hid in hazel pools. It was almost like she was high.
"I suppose when the moment calls for it," Regina said.
"How about now?" Duckling asked and went in for another kiss before Regina could answer. And, yes, they were tongue-kissing now and it was glorious. Regina never wanted it to end, but there were other things to do.
Regina pulled away. "Duckling, as much as I'm enjoying this, I made you a more endearing dinner than usual."
Duckling squealed. "I got a special dinner! Of course, I like anything you make, but knowing extra care went into this is awesome. C'mon, let's eat! Can I have wine today?"
Regina smiled softly. "Anything you want at the moment."
Duckling wiggled her eyebrows. "You gonna get on the table then? I would happily eat you."
I walked right into that one. Regina sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes, even though the thought was intriguing. She was not in the proper head space for that, though. She was happy with what she had with their relationship.
"Go wash up." Regina shooed Duckling away.
Duckling rushed to the downstairs bathroom. A light laugh escaped Regina. Her heart fluttered as the sound of the running water reached her ears. Duckling was back in front of her in less than a minute, bell singing out as she moved. She had on the bell collar.
They went to the table for once, where the food was laid out. Duckling practically fell into her seat, knowing her plate had more food. Regina smiled and poured them both some wine. Duckling eyes stayed on her.
"This is different," Duckling said as Regina sat down across from her.
"The food?" Regina arched an eyebrow. She had made steak, twice-baked potatoes, and seasoned broccoli before.
Duckling shook her head. "No, us sitting at the table, across from each other. I like it. I mean, I don't want to do it all the time because I like our meal time and cuddling on the couch, but this'd be cool occasionally."
Regina nodded. "It would be pleasant. Maybe on days you don't feel like being Duckling."
Green eyes rolled. "I always want to be Duckling. You notice I put my collar on immediately. Put the collar on before I take a shower." This was true. "Plus, I love cuddling on the couch. Just every now and then, for special stuff, we can eat at the table. Talk about our days and whatnot."
A small smile settled on Regina's face. It was adorable how unsubtle Duckling was. "Oh, you want to tell me about your day working in the cafe?"
"I'm so tired!" Duckling howled as she ate a bite of her already-cut steak. "I know I gotta do it again tomorrow, but I don't know how I'm gonna be able to do it tomorrow."
Regina arched an eyebrow. "You don't have to do it tomorrow. You didn't have to do it today."
Duckling grinned. "I know. I want to. I want to help you out with your dream. It makes me feel good. Besides, it's not forever. And, I think Maleficent is willing to pay me in leftover pastries." She giggled.
Regina could only laugh and did not stop laughing as Duckling filled her in on her day. It certainly sounded exhausting, but Duckling was so excited. I'll have to see her work sometime soon.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma rubbed her eyes from her stool right behind Tinker Bell. Tinker Bell was a machine. She worked the register, took the orders, and never left anyone waiting for longer than necessary. She also had some weird magic power for guessing what customers might enjoy from the menu. They hit a lull, but the place had quite a few people in it.
"What made you take this gig?" Emma asked Tinker Bell. She was tired from watching Tink, but she would have to suck it up and clean some tables once customers decided to leave.
Tinker Bell shrugged, brushing off crumbs from the edge of her emerald green blouse. Green was her color. "I need a job and they're willing to pay me above minimum wage."
Emma arched an eyebrow. Tink was holding back. "You need a job? I thought Mal was your cousin."
"She is."
"Isn't she loaded?" She was not sure if Maleficent was as rich as Regina, but she seemed like she was up there. And she liked Tink well enough. Why not throw her cousin some coins?
"Yeah, but I'm not. She's freaking awesome at business and built up her own money."
Emma's eyes went wide. "Oh, I didn't know that." She had assumed Maleficent inherited her money like Regina did.
"I get the feeling you don't know much about her. You know I'm the reason she ended up dating Regina?" Tinker Bell asked, brushing her long, blonde hair over her shoulder.
Emma gasped and stepped closer. "Tell me more. I thought they already knew each other from when Regina was like a teenager."
"They were aware of each other, but I was trying to take Regina out when she started law school. I met her while I was up here visiting Mal and family friends. We just ran into each other in a bar and she was kinda down about something, but she was so beautiful."
A dopey smile worked its way onto Emma's face. "She's always beautiful, no matter the emotion."
"Yeah, you're right about that. Anyway, I went to chat her up. Regina didn't get it… I think." Tinker Bell paused, a thoughtful glint in her eyes as she tapped her chin. "Regina's kinda weird like that, like she didn't get when people liked her, girls and boys."
"Oh, you didn't have an in as a blonde? Mal makes it seem that's all you need."
Tinker Bell chuckled. "Mal likes to tease her about it. Regina went on one date with me and then we ran into Mal. I think Mal realized Regina was on the cusp of realizing she's bi and took her over the edge. The rest is scary history."
Emma laughed. "I can only imagine them as a couple. They scare me as friends."
A nod. "They're scary. I couldn't even be mad Mal stole her. They were clearly a couple made in Hell."
Emma did not argue that. She was distracted from the conversation as the bell on the door chimed. She tilted her head as a woman walked in. How did she know this woman? Oh! The cop from when stupid Hook robbed Regina.
"Welcome to Two Witches Out of the Fire, Deputy Hua," Tinker Bell said.
The deputy blinked. "You know me?"
"Regina said we should look out for you. She also made sure I knew what you look like because she was certain you'd try to pay for your meal," Tinker Bell replied.
"I will pay for my meal," Deputy Hua said with force.
Tinker Bell held her hand, palm facing the deputy. "Yeah, your money is totally no good here. But, I will say, if you haven't had breakfast yet, you should have the oatmeal with cinnamon."
Deputy Hua scanned the menu. "I suppose I could try that since you're not going to let me pay."
"Oh, and an apple turnover! They're delicious." Emma rushed to grab one for Deputy Hua. She wrapped it and waited for Tinker Bell.
Tinker Bell stepped away from the counter to pour the oatmeal from a deep pot behind them. Three of pots, each holding a different type of hot cereal — oatmeal, farina, and grits. Emma waited for Tink to grab a bowl and then she grabbed a bag for the items.
Deputy Hua arched an eyebrow. "You're the one who helped me with Mayor Mills' case. How have you been?"
Emma smiled as she left the bag for Tink to finish up the order. "I'm back home and everything's cool. And, thank you for the help. You gave Regina peace of mind. So, don't leave a tip." She put her hand over the tip jar. The deputy seemed like the type to try to pay for her meal through tipping since they were not charging her. She was cool.
"You have to let me do something," Deputy Hua insisted, brow wrinkled with frustration.
"Regular tip and we have to see it first," Emma replied.
Deputy Hua went into her pocket. Of course, she carried cash. She held up a five and Emma moved her hand to let her put the money in.
"Thank you, not just for the tip, but for what you did for Regina," Emma said.
"I was doing my job."
"But, you did a great thing in doing that."
Deputy Hua nodded. "And what about you? Has he bothered you again?"
Emma shook her head. "Nah. I think he's smartened up and he's kinda scared of Regina now that he knows who she is."
Deputy Hua gave another nod. Tinker Bell came back with the oatmeal. "I put some cinnamon and bananas in it."
"Oh, thank you. Sounds delicious."
"And some tea." Tinker Bell put the bag on the counter.
With that, the deputy was gone. Emma hoped she came back, though. She was truly grateful for Deputy Hua. And, of course, she was grateful for Regina.
"You gonna tell me your story with Regina?" Tink asked.
Emma stared at Tink for a long time. "She's the best person I ever met. I almost died in a snow storm and she saved my life."
Tinker Bell nodded, as if that made sense. "I'm not surprised, but I am. I always knew Regina had that in her, but the Regina I met when she was in law school…" She whistled. "I saw her make a professor cry once. It was crazy."
"That I believe."
"Yeah, but he deserved it. Still, there was always something about Regina that I knew was sweet, especially when she talked about her father. She always melted when she brought him up."
Emma nodded. "I gotta ask her more about him." It would be a good way to have Regina open up to her more. She wanted to know everything possible about Regina.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina rubbed her eyes and took her glasses off. She turned away from her computer and her phone rang. It was Maleficent.
Regina answered the call. "Yes?"
"I just wanted to tell you Tink is quite fond of Duckling. They're laughing together while no one is at the counter," Maleficent reported.
"Tink needs friends around here."
"Yes, she does." Maleficent was quiet for a moment. "Duckling is being very helpful while we're in a bind."
"Indeed she has." Beyond that, Duckling had been adamant about getting up early with Regina and riding with her to the cafe in the morning for Regina to bake her portions of the menu.
Maleficent sighed, like she was burdened. "We should do something special for her."
Regina chuckled. "That hurt to admit, hmm?"
"It's only thanks to her help this place is running smoothly. I know we thought Tink would be able to handle things on her own until we got her sister up here, but I see that would've been impossible. Duckling has made it possible."
"While Duckling hasn't mentioned it, her birthday is next month."
"She hasn't mentioned her birthday?"
"No. I think sometimes she worries about asking for too much. I happen to know because she leaves her wallet in her pants often enough for me to have to fish it out before I do laundry. I'm sure getting a gift on her birthday would be more than enough to send her over the moon."
"This is true. Anytime I let her take a pastry for free, she acts like I'm giving her gold."
How rough was Duckling's life for these little things to mean so much to her? "We can brainstorm over it in the morning."
"Yes. Sounds good."
The call ended and it hit Regina that she wanted nothing more than to give Duckling a magical birthday. She had almost a month and a half to figure something out. Duckling deserved it considering how much she was trying to turn her life around and how much she had turned Regina's life around. Duckling was incredible and deserved something incredible to celebrate her.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma's friends pop in to support Two Witches Out of the Fire. And then, Robin pops up as well.