I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
6: Trouble
Duckling had her GED exam tomorrow and Regina wanted to make sure everything was perfect for her. She needed to relax and not worry. So, first things first was dinner and dessert. Roasted chicken and rice and peas with carrots and cornbread. Duckling loved cornbread and would eat it with every meal if Regina made it that often.
"I'm gonna eat like half this cornbread out of nervousness," Duckling said as she sat down on the couch, the bell on her collar chiming. Their plates were on the coffee table. The cornbread was in a small basket.
Regina rubbed her bare knee. "You'll be fine. You've studied so hard." She kissed Duckling's cheek.
"I'm still gonna eat a lot of cornbread." Duckling grinned. She grabbed a square and shoved the whole thing in her mouth. Crumbs dropped onto her tank top.
Regina sighed and cleaned up the crumbs. "As long as you eat your food as well."
"Duh. Gonna be so delicious." And then Duckling dived into her dinner, eating as if Regina starved her.
Regina picked up her plate to eat as well. "Duckling, chew your food."
Duckling winced. "Sorry. 'S so good," she said around a lump of food in her cheek.
"You say that about everything. Make a habit of savoring your food."
Duckling blinked, like that never occurred to her. Her eyes drifted down to her plate. She stared for a long moment and then grabbed another piece of cornbread. She nibbled it.
"It's a habit to eat like this, ya know? When I was little, I had to fight for food everywhere. Didn't get any better when I got older. Food was always hard to come by and I ate it fast to make sure I got as much as I could or as much as I needed when it was possible," Duckling said, her voice low and her cheeks tinted pink.
Regina rubbed her knee again. "You have to know it's safe to break some habits now. You can enjoy the meal without inhaling it."
Duckling nodded and took a small forkful this time. While she might enjoy the taste of things, she might find savoring the food helped her relax and enjoy it more. It might help take away her nerves… and, no. She was already back to eating as if the food would dash off the plate. Regina did not try again. The encouragement would hold for another meal.
"So, I was thinking, for tonight, if you wanted to, you could sleep in my bed again," Regina said, as if it was no big deal. Yet, her heart skipped a beat.
Duckling gasped and then coughed. She had to put her plate down. Regina moved, raising Duckling's arms. Duckling's face turned red. It took a few seconds, but Duckling stopped choking and she drank a huge gulp of her fruit punch.
"I got too excited," Duckling said with an embarrassed chuckle.
Regina smiled. "It's fine as long as you're fine. Are you fine?"
Duckling nodded. "Yeah. Like I said, I got too excited. I'd love to sleep in your bed! I mean, don't get me wrong, I love my nest, but there's something about sleeping in the same bed with you. It's nice, you know?" She ducked her head.
Regina patted Duckling's thigh now. "It is nice."
One of the best things about it was that Duckling had simply slept at the foot of the bed. She had not tried anything, curled up at the foot of the bed, and slept there the whole night. She was so honest.
Duckling grinned and bounced in her seat. "I'm gonna ace this thing. All well fed and a good night's sleep. Being with you really is the best." Her eyes sparkled.
That would never hurt to hear. "I'm glad you think so."
Dinner was eaten, two of Duckling's favorite movies were watched, and Regina went through a thorough nighttime grooming care for Duckling. Her hair was brushed, her nails clipped and polished, her favorite scented lotion, and a rubdown as the lotion was applied. She included some nighttime facial serum, which Duckling wiggled her nose at, but sighed contently when it was all said and done. Regina turned down the bed while Duckling settled at the foot of the bed.
"No, no, Duckling. Up here." Regina patted the side of the bed she did not sleep on.
With a gasp, Duckling sat up. "There?" Her eyes were wide. "You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. So, move it."
Duckling scrambled up to the right part of the bed and lay where Regina instructed her. She settled on her back and Regina turned out the light before laying next to her. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but not in the same way as it did when she first suggested this idea. Emma glanced at her and then focused on the ceiling. Neither said anything for long seconds. Light breathing filled the air. Even though they were right next to each other, it was like an ocean between them. That was unexpected.
"Is this odd?" Regina asked, voice louder than it needed to be, but she needed to force the words through the tension between them.
"Um… a little weird. I don't wanna do anything that might make you uncomfortable," Duckling replied.
"I also don't want to make you uncomfortable." Regina never wanted to abuse this power or trust. She was all too aware of how devastating it was to have someone do that.
Duckling turned onto her side. "You could never make me uncomfortable. I don't know what it'll take for you to believe this is the happiest I've ever been and you're the best person I've ever met, but it's true as hell. I'm so damn happy to be here, Regina."
Regina smiled. "I'm happy you're here and you're going to do so well on that test tomorrow. Could I… could I hold you?" Her brain had not been able to imagine what it might be like to hold Duckling while in bed.
"You sure? Cuz I'd love that."
"I would also love that." Regina sighed, melting at the idea. What has Duckling done to me? These emotions made no sense. She did not try or care to figure them out either. As long as she had Duckling, everything was fine.
"So, how do we do this? Like a big spoon, little spoon thing?" Duckling asked.
"Is that how you like to do it? For some reason, I'm usually the little spoon." There were times it felt demeaning, like her partner wanted to assert dominance over her. Duckling would never.
Duckling chuckled. "Because you're tiny."
Regina gasped. "You're barely taller than I am."
"But, I am taller." Duckling wiggled her eyebrows, as if boasting. "Can we do like we do on the couch? You hold me and I can rest my head on your chest. I like that."
"That is nice," Regina said.
Regina opened her arms and Duckling came right in, head on Regina's shoulder and arm around Regina's waist. Regina put her arms around Duckling's shoulders. Duckling sighed and in less than a minute, she was asleep. Regina was near incredulous.
She had come to understand she was Duckling's safe space. She even accepted it, but still seeing the complete trust and comfort Duckling had with her was a little off-putting. No one was like this with her, not for long periods of time. Maleficent had been when she helped her kick a drug habit, but not too long after that faded as Maleficent became herself more and more as time went by. Duckling had given herself to Regina completely with the belief that Regina would take care of her, would let nothing happen to her, and would treat her like the precious person she was. I won't let you down, Duckling.
Regina kissed the top of Duckling's head. To an extent, was Duckling not also her safe space? She was able to be herself around Duckling, this person she only had vague ideas trapped inside of her. Someone who cared for someone else and was content with that. Someone who did things that made her happy without her having to cause pain and suffering to others. This was who she wanted to be, who she would have been if Daniel had eloped with her instead of dying, and who she would have been if she had not allowed outside forces to control and manipulate her. Well, no more.
Regina stroked Duckling's hair. Once Duckling finished with this GED test, they would have to take some time to figure out what Duckling wanted to do with her life. "I'm so happy to be part of this exciting moment of your life. I want to support you and love you for as long as you'll let me." She meant that.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma's stomach bubbled. She feared she might not be able to keep down her breakfast of French Toast and a cheese omelet as she took the GED. She shivered at her desk. Don't throw up, don't throw up, don't throw up.
As much as she loved French Toast, she did not want it to make a second trip in her throat, especially as she tried to answer questions that seemed so much harder than her practice tests. Hold on, stomach. Lemme finish this, please.
She had been confident when she showed up for the test. The crazy thing was Maleficent greeted her right outside the building and her presence somehow helped boost Emma even more. Maleficent wished her luck and gave her a hug. Somehow, this was better than the gift card Maleficent gave her a week ago, allotting her ten free large sundaes at Any Given Sundae as thanks for helping at Two Witches. The support meant more than Maleficent would ever know.
When she was done with the test, Emma was surprised she did not throw up right away. Instead, her stomach settled and she was able to leave on slightly wobbly legs without falling over. Ruby was outside, waiting for her. Ruby slapped her a high five and hugged her to the point of crumbling them both to the cement sidewalk.
"Damn it, why are you so strong?" Emma laughed as Ruby kept her down on the ground.
Ruby laughed. "You know I lift all kinds of shit helping Granny with the diner and the B&B. You need to get your muscles up." She playfully squeezed Emma's bicep, pinching Emma.
Emma swatted her away. "You know I could take you down if I wanted."
With a scoff, Ruby rolled her eyes. "You clearly can't." They were still on the sidewalk, after all. "How do you think you did?" She finally let them both up.
Shaking her head, Emma rubbed her palms on her jean-clad thighs. "I dunno. I was so damn nervous. And it was so long!"
"You're okay." Ruby clapped her on the shoulder. "Thanks for letting me come pick you up."
"Dude, I couldn't drive right now if I wanted to. I'm such a damn mess!" Emma shook with nervous energy. Her legs still felt like jelly.
"You wanna grab a burger? Granny's dying to congratulate you about this. M&M is already there and waiting."
"I can't wait!" Emma grinned. She wanted to celebrate with Regina and Regina had wanted to be there when she got out of the test, but Emma's friends also wanted to be there for her, and Regina understood that. Maybe one day, Regina would be open to sharing a space with her friends and she would be able to have everyone who mattered to her in one place.
They made their way to Granny's. As soon as they walked in, they were greeted by a huge banner celebrating Emma's test. It read "Congratulations Emma," which was more than enough. But, there were multicolored streamers and balloons. Emma's eyes stung with unshed tears and her heart swelled. How did I end up with such awesome people in my life?
Granny rushed Emma, way faster than a seventy-year-old woman should be able to, and wrapped Emma into a tight hug. Emma hugged her back. The embrace took away the rush of emotions, bunching them into a ball in Granny's arms.
"I'm so proud of you," Granny said and she gave Emma an extra squeeze, just enough to hurt.
Emma groaned. "Why are you and your grandchild like this?"
Granny laughed. "Because we love you."
There was one more squeeze and Emma was surprised Granny did not snap her spine in half. She patted Emma on the back, once again, just enough to hurt. Then, she let Emma go. Emma blew out a breath as her shoulders slumped forward. Women would be the death of her somehow.
"Now, I made your favorite burger, but your fancy girlfriend dropped off a couple of cakes. Apparently, she knows what you like."
Emma chuckled. "She's not my fancy girlfriend, but okay." She had not expected Regina to add to this in any way, so her baking two cakes was enough to make Emma's heart swell.
Before Emma could taste her burger, Mary Margaret came in for a hug of her own. It was more under control and gentle. David popped up, grabbing her around the shoulders.
"Congrats." David then punched her in the arm. She laughed.
Then, they got to food. Regina had left two giant sheet cakes, one strawberry shortcake, which looked so damn delicious oozing with plump strawberries, and the other was a triple chocolate cake. Emma would jump on those after she got to her Everything Burger.
"I love these," Emma said as she sat down at a booth Ruby led her to. She inhaled, smelling every bit of her burger and she almost drooled.
"It's how you usually take it, when you can afford it anyway." Ruby winked.
Mary Margaret sat across from Emma. "Now, you can find a great job!" She gushed as Ruby slid a basket of steak-cut, seasoned fries in front of both of them.
Emma paused right before taking a bite of her burger. She could find a job, right? That should be the next step to being enough for Regina. Yeah, she would never be on par with Maleficent and herself-made fortune, but she should be able to do something worthwhile. She could take care of Regina. I will.
"Come on, eat the burger. See if you can figure out the extra bit I added," Ruby said.
Emma sank her teeth into the burger and moaned. "Oh, wow. You added hot sauce? My mouth's gonna burn off!" It was damn delicious, though. She chewed it slower than usual, trying to savor it like Regina told her. It was not helpful to the heat situation on her tongue, but letting the flavor spread all over her mouth was an experience. Definitely gotta start eating more under control to enjoy it like this.
"I knew you'd appreciate that!" Ruby clapped.
"Ketchup with hot sauce is always a party in my mouth," Emma said around the bit of burger she chewed. So much cheese, peppers, tomatoes, and the onion rings always brought it together. Perfection.
Granny put on some music, even though there were regular customers in the diner. Emma enjoyed her burger and fries. Mary Margaret ate her fries and went on and on about how Emma was improving herself. Even when David slid into the booth next to Mary Margaret, she did not relent.
Ashley, one of the other diner employees and a pretty good friend to Emma, made her way over. She hugged Emma around the shoulders. Emma hugged her back, careful not to get any crumbs or sauces on Ashley.
"This is so great, Emma. It's inspiring," Ashley said.
Emma scoffed. "Not really, but thanks for saying so. I mean, you're about to graduate college, right?" Emma might never be at that point in her life.
"Yeah, but it's not about that." Ashley waved her question off. "It's about you not giving up. You made a goal and you achieved it. That's worth celebrating." Ashley smiled.
Emma nodded. "Thanks."
"No problem. You're awesome for this." Ashley squeezed her shoulder and then stepped away. She was still working.
Emma was able to finish her burger and had some of both cakes. Regina would scold her about this meal, but it was a party, so what the hell? Ruby sat down next to her, on her third piece of strawberry shortcake.
"This is a lot when we don't even know if I passed," Emma said, her stomach rolling at the thought of failure. She was pretty confident in her success, but there was always a chance. Life liked to screw her over, after all. Maybe she missed a part, maybe she marked the wrong answers, or maybe her test would end up lost and she would have to do it all over again.
Ruby snorted. "Of course, you passed." She jabbed her whipped cream-covered fork in Emma's direction. "You've studied your ass off for weeks. You got this."
Emma sighed. "I hope so. I was so nervous." She took a bite of her cake, trying to recapture the happiness she felt before she brought this up. I might have to go grab one of those free sundaes to get back to that happy place. Ice cream made everything better.
"You'll be fine." Ruby knocked her with her shoulder. "Remember, this is you trying to be an adult. Adulthood is hard. But, also being an adult for your hot girlfriend makes a lot of sense cuz, man, she is hot." Ruby grinned and had another bite of cake. "And she bakes her ass off." She moaned.
Emma nodded. "She does do that. But, she's not my girlfriend, as I keep saying. I kinda need to nail this adult thing to work up the courage to ask her out. I mean, I can't ask her out as her puppy."
"I dunno. She likes you as her puppy." Ruby chuckled.
"You think so?" Emma's face scrunched up.
Ruby scoffed. "When she came in here to drop off the cakes, me and Granny expected her to be the savage mayor, just ready to tear us apart, especially since the decorations are kinda cheesy. She looked around and it was clear she wanted to say something, but she held it in. She said you'd appreciate this and then handed over the cakes. That woman held her tongue for you. I haven't heard of her doing that to or for anyone. Damn, I wish I could vote for her again."
Mary Margaret laughed. "I'd like to vote for her again, but because of that. I'm so happy she's doing right by you, Emma. That's not a side of Regina most people get to see. She's lifting you up and it's wonderful."
Emma looked between her best friends. "You're both such fan girls."
Ruby did not miss a beat, even with cake in her mouth. "And you are such a puppy."
Emma laughed and she leaned in. "Between you and me, I really like being her puppy, but she can't take me seriously like that."
"I dunno, Emma. I mean, she's keeping you around and taking care of you, so that might be enough for her."
Emma rolled her eyes. "It's not enough for me. She deserves a lot, the best."
Ruby's expression fell and concern laced her eyes. "That's a lot of pressure to put on yourself."
Emma shook her head. "I don't think so. I'm gonna get responsible and show her I can take care of her."
"If that's what you wanna do. For now, just enjoy this little celebration. We're all happy for you and we're gonna keep being happy for you, no matter what you do. As long as you don't end up in jail again." With a wink, Ruby laughed.
"No plans to do that. In fact, if I do, kick my ass before they take me away," Emma replied. She would do everything in her power to live a normal life with Regina, her friends, and in this town. Her life was close to perfect right now. She would not jeopardize any of this.
"Oh, I planned on it. I like the path you're on right now, so the second you seem like you're going the wrong way, I'm cursing you out." Ruby grinned.
"And I'm physically fighting you," David added with a smile of his own. He was probably serious, though. He seemed to like having her around, pulling her into going on outings to the junkyard, and other things Mary Margaret would never do.
"I'll just give you a stern talking to," Mary Margaret promised.
"I'll deserve all of that and more. You can all do your worst if I mess up that bad. I'm definitely moving forward." Emma would become the person Regina deserved.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina needed to take her mind off Duckling and her GED, so she went to Two Witches Out of the Fire to see how things were going. Tinker Bell and Nova had things working well in the front. Regina joined Maleficent in the back.
"How did Duckling do on her test?" Maleficent asked, adding spices to several pots.
"We don't have the results yet and I haven't spoken to her to find out how she felt about it," Regina replied.
Maleficent arched an eyebrow. "You haven't talked to her. I assumed you'd have picked her up as soon as it was done and interrogated her."
Regina chuckled. "I would've liked to do that, but she wanted to hang out with her friends afterward. I baked her some cakes for a celebration her friends threw, but I guess I'll talk to her tonight."
"You didn't want to intrude on her with her friends?"
"They deserve their time with her and Duckling needs to be reminded people beyond me care about this moment in her life."
Maleficent gave her a small smile. "I have to say I'm truly surprised at how everything is going with you and Duckling. I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you."
"You deserve happiness, not just in this business, but in your personal life. I mean, you actually come up rather well in business," Maleficent said.
Regina shrugged. "I think it's more about I'm willing to take risks and listen to myself with business."
Maleficent nodded and then there was a commotion from the front. They both stepped out and it was not a surprise to see Robin. Regina pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Why can I not be rid of this man?" Regina sighed. "Didn't his wife take him back? Why won't he leave me the hell alone?"
"Better throw him out. Our customers might start to expect this sort of drama," Maleficent said dryly.
Regina shook her head and went to aid Tinker Bell and Nova in getting rid of a belligerent Robin. As soon as she stood before him, Tinker Bell and Nova fell back. Regina glared at Robin with all the hatred and fire she could muster. He met her expression with as much loathing, which was insane. He was the one who sought her out.
"What the hell does it take to rid myself of you? You're worse than a bad cold," Regina pointed out.
Robin's nostrils flared. "Is this how you treat all your customers?"
"You're not a customer and you never will be," Regina replied.
"I told him he's been banned for life," Tinker Bell said. Regina had not even thought to do that. Tinker Bell must have taken the initiative on her own.
Regina kept her eyes locked on Robin. "What part of that do you not understand? I'll break it down for you in smaller words."
"I've merely come to speak with you," Robin said.
Regina scowled. "And yet, you wait for me to be here once again. How did you even know I was here? Are you stalking me?" It was a valid concern now as she was seldom at the cafe, but both times she was here, here he was. How did he know?
"I just want to talk to you." He had the nerve to grab her by the elbow.
She yanked her arm back. "I didn't give you permission to touch me. Who the hell do you think you are?" He was more insufferable as an ex.
He had the nerve to step into her space, glaring down at her. "Just come outside and talk to me."
"I have no desire to talk with you. I don't know what you don't understand about that. I'm done with you. So, be on your way." She waved him off.
"Just…" He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the door.
"What the hell?" Regina jerked back, but he held her with a firm grip. Tinker Bell and Nova fell to her side, grabbing at his wrist.
"Let the lady go," Tinker Bell ordered in a dangerous tone.
Robin growled. "You can't tell me what to do with my girlfriend."
"I am not your girlfriend!" Regina was unable to repress the shriek that escaped her. Who the hell did this man think he was?
"You have a whole wife!" Tinker Bell pointed out.
Regina blinked. "Oh." Weakness exposed. She took her hand back with ease now, as Tinker Bell hit a raw nerve. Regina got right in Robin's face now. "You think you can just come and scoop me up when you have marital problems? I'm not so desperate to try you a second time." She curled her lip at him.
Robin made a noise like a frightened moose as his face turned a deep maroon. "I am not having marital problems!"
"Then why are you here, in my face, trying to force me outside my will? You are embarrassing yourself more now than you did before," Regina pointed out.
"I am just trying to talk to you!" His voice boomed, like he could force her to talk to him through sheer volume.
"And she doesn't want to talk to you," Tinker Bell said.
Regina squared her shoulders. "It's not just that I don't want to talk to you. You're revealing your true colors here as to how you treat women in general. I have repeatedly asked you to leave and you refuse. Then, you put your hands on me. And, finally, you refuse to hear me out. This is beyond disrespectful, beyond dishonorable."
The final word was such a trigger for Robin. For as long as she had known him, he always swore he was an honorable man. She was not sure why the fixation, but she also was not sure why he thought he was honorable. She no longer cared to find out.
Robin snorted through his nose like an angry bull and Regina did not hold back, laughing in his face. Of course, this did not make things better. His face got a deeper maroon, bordering on purple now. She did not back down. She had faced scarier men than this. She had reduced larger, more important men than him to tears. He would have to learn one day.
He exploded. "You don't know anything about honor!" Spit flew from his mouth. "I can't believe I thought you were worthy of my time!"
Regina pointed to the door. "Okay, you can leave. You don't have to be here. You never had to be here."
"No, I don't!" He turned and marched to the door, trying to yank it open, but the door was put in where it could not be pulled open like that. It also seemed like he wanted to slam it, but it did not slam. It closed slowly. He stormed off, as if he had not wasted their time.
Regina sucked her teeth. "The nerve of him."
Tinker Bell shook her head. "Don't think about him."
"I won't. Hell, I don't." Since their breakup, Regina had many other things on her mind, none of them Robin. Yes, she occasionally thought of Roland, but not his father.
Regina went back to Maleficent, whose face was too smug to not have heard that. Regina frowned at her and she chuckled. She knew something.
"Is he separated from Marian again?" Regina asked.
"I don't think it's come to that yet, but it looks like it's on its way," Maleficent replied.
Regina arched an eyebrow. "And he thinks I'll come crawling back to him?"
"Well, he already had one woman he didn't deserve come back to him, so why not two?"
Regina scoffed. "I didn't have a child with him."
"We'll count ourselves lucky for that. But, yes, the word is that he and Marian aren't doing well. I'm honestly surprised she tried with him a second time, but never went back to their business together. That should've been a red flag for him."
"He's a red flag. He can't spot himself."
Maleficent snickered. "I suppose so, but it was very clear she wasn't all the way in when she came back. She had one foot out the door already, waiting for an excuse to leave again. I have to assume it's his 'my way or the highway' attitude."
"Well, it's good to know Marian's coming to her senses."
Maleficent blew out a breath. "I'm more happy about you. You haven't considered this man for a second and you weren't at all happy to see him. You were full of anger and rage. Loved it for you." She winked.
"I have no desire to take a step back. I'm quite content with my life at the moment, not something I'd have thought with Robin." She had never felt this satisfied in her life. Robin never would have been able to bring her such peace.
"Excellent. Now, shut up and help me. You need to be for at least parts of the day soon or I'm going to drop dead." Maleficent pressed a dramatic hand to her forehead. Regina laughed, but wasted no time joining in.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma was so happy to be home. Regina made a light dinner, fully aware Emma gorged herself on burgers and cake at Granny's. Emma fell out into Regina's lap as soon as she was done eating. Regina's hands immediately went to her hair, rubbing her scalp, and gentle purrs escaped Emma. This was so relaxing.
"How do you think you did on the test?" Regina asked.
Emma took a deep breath. "Having time to reflect on it now, I think I did okay. I was so nervous when I was done and scared I screwed up, but I think I was okay. It was nice to spend time with my friends and celebrate. Did you meet Granny when you dropped off the cakes? She's been so good to me throughout my time here."
"I've met Granny before. The diner is popular enough and close enough to Town Hall where I've been there before. Your friend Ruby helped me bring in the cakes. But, I look forward to meeting any and all important people in your life through you rather than already knowing them, like with Mary Margaret." Regina looked ready to vomit just from saying that.
Emma smiled. "You love me enough to spend time with M&M. I must be a good pet." She rubbed her cheek against Regina's thigh.
Regina stroked her scalp. "You're decent, I suppose. Enough to calm me down after dealing with Robin yet again."
Emma's expression dropped into a scowl. "What did he want now?"
"Mal thinks it might have been a desperate attempt to entice me back to him. He's having marital problems according to her."
"Nope, you're mine! He can't have you." Emma wrapped her arms around Regina's waist and held on tight.
Regina chuckled. "I promise you I'm not at risk of going back to him. I'm shocked his wife went back to him, but he has Roland. I guess she was trying to make things work for the sake of him."
"And now that it didn't work, he thinks he can just pick you back up like that?"
"He clearly doesn't respect my intelligence."
Emma would not argue that, but things were worrisome. What if Robin managed to work his shit together and did something to make Regina reconsider dating him? No, no, no, I gotta get my shit together. I gotta be an actual adult for her.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma makes a decision that rocks Regina's world.