Regina's been mourning the loss of Robin for six years. Emma's been mourning Killian for four. Isn't it time to move on?
An unexpected figure seems to think so.
Storybrooke
Six years had passed, almost to the day, since Regina lost her true love and soulmate. The day Robin was murdered shielding her from Hades' crystal and certain death. The worst day of her life.
Two years after his loss, after coping with numerous villains and threats, when peace was finally restored to the hidden magical town, depression finally took hold, leading her down a dark spiral. Henry had tried so hard to help her, god bless him. He'd even planned to decline the Harvard scholarship he'd won, just so he stay and could care for his older mother. Even the Charmings and Archie Hopper had stepped in to take over the burdens of her mayoral duties when she could no longer face them, while Archie focused on her mental health with counselling. She'd battled through and, with Emma's agreement and encouragement, insisted Henry take up the valuable scholarship. He started the following September. But it was a month after he started his first year, that the depression returned, now driven in part by her loneliness.
Four years after Robin's death, Emma's own husband, Killian Jones, the former pirate Captain Hook, also lost his life, as he bravely fought to save the citizens of the magical town. Killed by a demon, one of Hades' former acolytes, come to avenge his master's destruction. Widowed, and with a two-year-old daughter, it was Emma's turn to spiral into depression. But at least young Hope gave her a reason to carry on, unlike Regina who, in a moment of madness and lonely despair, took an overdose of sleeping tablets to try and end her nightmare.
That had been the ultimate low. And she'd been saved only by the good fortune of Emma having called in at the mansion that very morning, sensing something was wrong after she'd failed to show up for an earlier meeting about Henry's expenses, or return her calls. When she didn't answer the door, concerned, Emma apparated inside, only to find her lying unconscious on the kitchen floor with a pill bottle beside her. Alarmed, she'd teleported them straight to Storybrooke Hospital where, after emergency treatment including having her stomach pumped, she finally came out of the coma two days later.
It was during her convalescence that, seeing the former proud queen as broken as she was, Emma insisted she come live with her, so they could somehow start to recover from their mutual depressions by working together, while Emma could keep a closer eye on her to prevent a recurrence. Too weak to argue, Regina finally acquiesced and moved in. It ultimately saved her life.
Then there was Hope Jones. The deceased former pirate's young daughter had been instrumental in Regina finding more reasons to live. She'd always adored children and Hope had taken to her like she was a second mother. So much so, that Emma asked her to stay with them permanently. Or at least until she felt fit enough to cope on her own again.
But it was only when, six months later, she finally returned to Mifflin Street, that she released she couldn't bear to be alone during the long months between Henry's breaks from Harvard. Emma, seeing her now best friend start to decline once again, suggested she move back in with her. She needed adult company too. But Regina, having thought about it, suggested that Emma and Hope should instead move into Mifflin Street. After all, there was a lot more space for all of them, including Henry when he came back. Henry himself thought it a brilliant idea, knowing how much they'd grown to rely on each other.
Once Emma and Hope had settled in, life finally started to return to some semblance of normality. The women slowly began to adapt to each other's ways, especially when it came to the routine domesticity of daily life, giving them both the security and companionship they both desperately missed and craved since the loss of their partners. And as she recovered, Regina grew to relish Hope's love and attention, treating her like her own daughter. In fact, once she'd started speaking and calling Emma 'mum', she also started calling Regina, 'mamma'. And the older woman didn't mind in the slightest, hugging and kissing her like she was her own child.
The women often spent their evenings together, just sat on the sofa watching TV or movies, maybe sharing a bottle of wine, or two. They grew closer, often talking openly about their pasts, and revealing things to each other they hadn't told a living soul. And as they opened up about their innermost thoughts and past relationships, they'd even shed tears together. In the months ahead they grew to care for, even love one another, having become an indispensable part of each other's lives.
Then two days ago, everything changed.
Hope was staying the night at her grandparents' farm, ready for a day out together the next morning. Emma and Regina decided, after much deliberation, that rather than taking the opportunity to go out to a nightclub, to instead just have dinner at home and enjoy a movie, knowing they could relax and drink a little more than usual, without needing to worry about taking care of Hope in the morning. And later that evening, after two bottles of excellent red, chased down by two large whiskies, they started to talk about recent events and how things had been since Emma moved in just over a year ago.
And that's when a tipsy Emma confessed to having developed deeper feelings for the former mayor. Feelings over and above mere friendship. Although she said nothing in response, after her admission,something inside Regina made her silently lean over and kiss her on the lips. Admittedly, it'd been a nervous, tentative kiss, which he'd pulled back from almost as soon as it'd happened. Avoiding the blonde's eyes, she half-expected her to be repulsed. But far from rejecting her, Emma had kissed her back, but with far more enthusiasm. And for the next minute or so they'd shared a passion that felt wonderful, and long overdue. But it was then Regina felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, knowing that her impulsive act had probably screwed up the only true friendship she'd ever had. As for Emma, seeing the sudden about-change in the brunette, she deeply regretted her frank confession, realizing her feelings weren't shared.
Feeling hurt, embarrassed and awkward, she'd gone to bed shortly after. And after a difficult night, when Regina woke up the next morning and went downstairs, Emma was nowhere to be seen. Nor Hope. Later that same afternoon, Emma texted her, saying she'd be staying at her parents, with Hope, for the next few days.
Regina, now feeling guilty for not saying something, tried calling her to at least try to explain. But Emma wouldn't answer, the calls going straight to voicemail.
Storybrooke Cemetery
With the awkward situation now dominating her thoughts, that same afternoonRegina decided to take an exceptionally long walk across to the other side of town. To head for the one place she always went to when stressed. The place she's visited at least once a month for the last six years. Robin's grave.
As she lay the fresh cut lilies, some of his favourites, in front of the headstone she'd only scrubbed clean last month, the memories of their brief time together came flooding back as she felt the tears well up once more.
"God, I wish you were still here Robin. I can't believe it's been six years? Six years since that awful day you-"She stopped, unable to continue and taking out a hankie to wipe away her tears, as she had so was then she felt a warm breeze directly behind her.
"Why do you still come to grieve after all this time, Regina?"
Certain she was alone, the sound of a familiar English voice close by made the hairs on the back of her neck stand as she instantly froze, turning to face their source. Then she saw the impossible.
"ROBIN?"
She found herself looking into the warm, soulful blue eyes of the man she'd adored.
"Hello again, milady!" The smirk was just as she remembered it. And he seemed calm, the complete opposite to herself."It's lovely to see you in the flesh again. You're as beautiful as the day I left you."
"I -I - Is this some sort of joke? Am I dreaming?"
"No joke, my love. But in a way, I suppose you are."
"Robin," she repeated, still frozen to the spot. He looked the same as he did on the day he'd died, though his beard looked neatly trimmed, waxed even, and his hair tidy and a little shorter. But the eyes and smile were everything she remembered.
"If I'm dreaming this, it all seems too real."
"It is real. At least it is while I'm here."
She shook her head in sheer disbelief." Can I...may I touch you?"
"I'd be a little hurt if you didn't." He opened his arms. "Though personally, I'd much prefer a hug?"
That's all she needed, covering the distance between them in a heartbeat, walking straight into his arms. Although half-expecting him to disappear in mist the moment she touched him, she was overwhelmed when she felt a solid, warm body. And as his arms wrapped around her, pulling her in tighter, she could even detect that long-missed woodland smell she used to adore.
"Robin..."Then the tears came; lots of them as she clung to him. She felt a warm hand on the her cheek as he held her head to his chest, just as he had on the morning he'd died. She sobbed, unable to find the words, moving her hands up to cup his own cheeks, and grazing her fingers through the scruff."If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up. I must've gone mad. There's no other explanation."
"You're as sane as you ever were milady, despite everything I put you through with that damn crystal. I'm sorry for causing you so much pain."
She finally managed to pull her head back, taking his hands.
"I'm the one who's sorry. You never should've saved me in the first place! You had Roland, and-"
"I did it for you my love. And I'd do it again, if I had to."
"Then you're a bloody fool! What about Roland and Robyn? They'll grow up without their father!"
"Regina, not a day goes by when I'm not watching over them. But it'll all work out in the end, trust me."
"Trust - how can you be so, so damn calm about it?"
"Because I'm in paradise now, not the Underworld. I'm in a better place, where we can see everything so very differently, and in proportion. What seems like years to you feels like hours and days to us. We see you all when we want to, and I'm calm because I know that one day you and I will be reunited, just as I'm reunited with Marian, my mother, sister and many friends. As you'll be with Daniel, your father, and everyone else you loved or cared for who winds up here."
"Daniel?"
"Yes, we talk regularly. Lovely young man. He's so very proud of what you've become. I know your father, too. He's so pleased you've been able to overcome your old demons. When I last saw Henry, he was reunited with his first love, Isabella, a former Spanish princess, who he was prevented from marrying when he was alive. They're together now, and make a lovely couple."
"Papa?" Tears welled in her eyes. Hadn't she cried enough?" And my mother?"
He shook his head. "Sadly, Cora never atoned for her past. The Celestial Court showed no mercy, just as she'd shown none to others when she was alive."
She swallowed, now knowing for sure her mother's final destination.
"So you're with Marian now?" She gave him a sad smile. "I remember how much you missed her. I'm pleased for you, truly. She deserves you far more than I do. If this is real, please tell her I'm so very sorry for ruining her life the way I did? And for what Zelena"-"
"She already knows, and it's all water under the bridge now," he interrupted her. "And you were a very different woman then. Besides, you'll be able to tell her yourself one day! And just so you know, she's pleased by what you've managed to become after everything life threw at you? I suspect the you two of you will get on like a house on fire and be the best of friends when you finally meet."
She rolled her eyes. "Hardly! She's your wife Robin, and wives, like most f us, don't tend to want to share."
"No Regina, you don't understand! When you finally get here, as I'm sure you will, you'll discover we're all divisible. Imagine being able to turn yourself into many different 'Reginas'? Imagine being able to spend all the time with me, Daniel, your father and anyone else who mattered to you, separately or all together? It's not sharing exactly, it's - something else. Something wonderful. It's what you can look forward to if you live a good life. After serving time in Purgatory, of course."
"It sounds too good to be true. How do I know any of this is real? That I'm not imaging all this?"
"Ask me anything you want about our short time together? Anything at all." Then came that cocky smile you used to adore. "But first, would you let me kiss you?"
Instead of answering, she launched herself straight back into him, latching her lips to his. If she was dreaming, she was going to enjoy it before she woke up! His lips felt just like they did six years ago, his stubble lightly scraping the sides of her face. And the years seemed to fade away as she felt him force her jaw a little wider, his tongue entering and he reamed the inside of her cheeks. It was everything she stayed like that, kissing passionately, for what felt like minutes until he finally pulled back to smile at her. "Real enough?"
"Very. I don't want to wake up."
"Sadly, you must. You need to get on with your life, and stop mourning me. We'll have our time together, for eternity. I promise."
"Well let me dream for as long as possible. Will I ever get to see you again? Like this, before I die?"
"Possibly, though that's not in my hands. However, I do have a small favour to ask?"
"A favour for the man who saved my life and stole my heart? I'd do anything for you. Anything."
"I'd like you to seek out Roland and bring him back to Storybrooke, where he'll be safer? He's current in Neverholm, in the Dark Realm, with John and the boys. A couple of my men have been killed recently and they're all in danger, so bring back whoever you can? He's only just turned thirteen, so he could do with a mother now I'm not there. And you're as perfect a mother as I can imagine."
"I hardly think Henry would see it that way!" She sniffled, wiping an eye and hugging him tighter. "But of course I will. Neverholm? I vaguely remember it. I'm sorry I never got to stop Zelena sending them off. It was a terrible mistake, as I was not only depressed but occupied elsewhere. How will I find him?"
"I'll help by leaving you signs and messages where I can. Maybe you should take Emma with you? As I said, it could be dangerous"
"Emma?"
"Yes. I know she's moved in with you, and I'm pleased you've become close. You were always good for one another, and she needs all the help she can get raising her daughter."
"I'm not so sure she'll come. We've had a bit of a falling out only recently."
"Oh, you mean because of the kiss?"
"You know about that?" She pulled back from him, mortified. What the hell's going on?
"I'm not in the Underworld, Gina." He smiled that smug smile again . "We get to see what we want to see. But yes, I always thought there was a strong likelihood you two would get together if I wasn't there. I suspect Emma's had feelings for you for a long time. It's probably why she was always so cool toward me when I was there. She was jealous, and who can blame her?" Regina looked genuinely shocked. "But she's good for you."
"You sound like you want us to be together? Coming from you, of all people."
"Well if I can't be with you myself right now, I'd rather it be Emma than anyone else! You need each other and frankly, although you don't want to admit it, you've fallen in love with her over the last few years too." He even chuckled when he saw the look of disbelief on her face. "Regina, I want you to be happy! We'll have our time. For eternity, in fact."
"I can't believe I'm hearing this?"
"Trust me. Emma brings out the best in you, as you do, her. She's gone through just as hard a time as you, well almost, after Killian's passing. We've spoken about it, and he approves of the two of you being together too. Plus, you get to raise his little girl with her, and I know how much you've always adored children! She has a great future ahead of her, as do you and Emma. Killian watches over them too, and he approves. I even saw him with Milah recently and he says he wants Emma settled for Hope's sake. "
"Well if I'm not imagining all this, and even if everything you say is true, I may have messed things up with her. What would you have me do?"
"Sit her down and tell her the absolute truth. Tell her how you really feel about her? Trust me, she already has the same feelings for you." He opened her right hand, before putting what felt like a feather into her palm, along with what looked like tiny white pebbles.
"Take these? They'll help you with your melancholy and grieving, and clear your thoughts. They'll give you a new lease of life. Give one to Emma, if you want." He then looked up into the sky, like something, or someone, had appeared in the clouds. "Now sadly that's all the time I have, and I need to go. Regina, just know that I'm in love with you just as much as I ever was, and we'll meet again." He lifted her face to kiss her lips once again. "Farewell, milady."
"NO - Don't go! Robin, please?"
Almost as soon as he released her, stepping back, he started to fade, becoming almost translucent as she pulled out a hankie to dab her eyes. But the moment she opened them, he was gone.
"REGINA?"
She felt someone nudging her shoulder. "Regina?"
"She's waking up! You think I should call an ambulance, Archie?" Said another voice as she opened her eyes, rolling her head to look for the voice.
"No, just hold on a minute Marco. Give her a moment. Regina?" He saw her confused eyes turn to face him. "Are you hurt? Do you need me to call an ambulance?"
As they came into focus, she saw the worried face of the town's only psychiatrist as he stared down at her, kneeling close. Marco, the retired former carpenter, stood behind him, his phone in hand.
"No, it's…"She grumbled, familiarizing herself with her surroundings. She was still in the graveyard, but lying on the grass, next to Robin's grave. "It's okay." She tried to sit up. "I think I must've fainted?" She looked around her at the headstones, and the grey sky above. It was starting to get dark ."What time is it?"
"Just after seven. Don't get up too quick now, you may feel dizzy. May I help?" He offered her a hand. "Did you walk here or drive, Regina? Can I call someone?"
"No need." Taking it, she slowly rose to stand with him, brushing herself down. Fortunately the grass she'd been lying on was dry. "Thank you, Mr. Hopper. I walked here. Erm, the last thing I remember is standing by the grave here, at around five thirty?" No point telling them about the dream. "But I'll be okay in a minute. Thank you for your concern, but I'm okay now."
"Regina, if you walked here, that means you won't get back for another hour and a half I brought my car so Marco could bring all the tools and peat to tidy up Eugenia's grave while there's still enough light. Maybe I could drive you back myself?"
"That's kind of you Mr. Hopper, though you seem to forget I do have magic?" She was about to wiggle her fingers and teleport from them when she a sudden dizziness, and knew better than to use magic when her head wasn't clear. "Although, on second thoughts, I am feeling a little giddy, so perhaps a lift would be helpful? Thank you. Granny's grave you say?"
"Yes, the topsoil over there needs turning and weeding. Ruby just doesn't have the time these days, since everything with poor Dorothy last year, and running the café nearly single handed. Since Marco can't drive anymore, I offered to run him over here." He looked at the headstone next to her. "I see you came to see Robin's? It's probably the tidiest one here." He gave her a sad smile. "Your work, I presume? I know you come quite often..." He saw from the tired glare that it wasn't something she wanted to discuss. "Anyway, if you're ready, I'll take you home and come back to pick him up again in an hour, before it starts to get dark."
Mifflin Street
During the drive back, Archie had asked her questions about the family, and how Henry was doing at Harvard. She answered politely and when necessary, but didn't go into any detail, more than anxious to just get back and figure out what'd happened. But he still seemed concerned about her fainting, which she'd blamed on not having had anything to eat since breakfast. Something he'd picked up on in the past. He gently suggested she should go for a health check to be sure everything was in order, and she agreed she should, and would. And wanting to avoid any further interrogation or awkward questions, assured him she'll get something to eat as soon as she got home, and not to worry. He looked unconvinced.
After taking off her shoes in the now silent house, and walking into the kitchen, as she went to the coffee percolator she spotted a little white note on the worktop.
'I'm sorry Regina.
I didn't mean to embarrass you.
Or me.
I picked up a few things earlier and I'll come for the rest in the morning.
Em'
x
For the rest? She sighed. She'd only been back five minutes, but she was already feeling the emptiness of the place, which had always felt so different when Henry stayed. Emma had gone to bed yesterday and she was already starting to miss her. And her darling little girl.
She folded the note and slipped it into her jacket pocket to dispose of later. But that's when she felt something in the pocket already. Two things, one solid. Never one to keep things in her jackets, especially the Chanel lest she spoil the line, she pulled them out. And her jaw dropped when she saw what she was holding.
A feather, curled around two little white stones.
The same feather and stones she dreamt Robin had put in her palm just as he left. How the hell did they get there? Was she still dreaming?
Her hand now shaking, she put them on the worktop to look closer. Picking up the feather, she could see the mix of pale grey, cream and brown running through it, with a tinge of dull pink on the very edge. The dream told her she was probably looking at a robin feather. She brought it to her nose to sniff, but couldn't detect anything. Was there any trace of magic on it? Not as far as she could tell. She put it back down again, then carefully picked up one of the pebbles, bringing it closer and sniffing it in turn. Drawing down her magic, a large magnifying glass from her desk drawer appeared in her left hand. Using it to look closer, the pebble seemed exceptionally smooth, with one single ivory white colour throughout. She then rubbed it between her fingers. Although it looked like marble, it wasn't anything like as hard, and it felt almost like leather? But as she held it she could definitely feel…something. Like a low-level burr of magic?What'd Robin told her when he placed it in her palm?
"Take these. They'll help you with your melancholy and grieving, and clear your thoughts. Give one to Emma, if you want."
Then her mind went back to all the other things he'd told her.
She needed to speak to Emma.
The Nolan Farm
"Coffee, love?"
Emma stood at the large bay window overlooking the fields, watching as her mother walked around the nearby hen coup yard with Hope, collecting the day's eggs from the layers and distributing seed for the chickens. Snow loved to spend any time she could with her only granddaughter, and as they'd stayed the night, she had all manner of things planned for the cute little blonde today.
"Thanks dad," She took the mug from him. "Are you on shift tonight?"
"No, thankfully. Young Michael stepped in and offered to do it, as he wants Tuesday off." David came alongside her, watching the pair outside. "Changing fast isn't she? Hard to believe she'll be four next week! It's gone way too quickly."
"Yeah," she seemed wistful. "And getting more like her dad every day." She took a sip, flinching from the heat. "I caught her in his study again yesterday, holding his old rum flask. Empty, obviously. I know she still misses him, even if she was only two when-"she stopped, still feeling emotional, as she did so often when she thought about him. She wiped at her eyes. "Sorry."
"Don't be silly, there's nothing to be sorry for," David wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her against his side. "We all all miss him. Not as much as you, obviously. You've coped amazingly, Emma. I know he'd be very proud of you."
"Thanks," not wanting him to see her cry, yet again, she turned into him, resting her head on his chest. "And thanks for letting us stay over."
"Emma, we're your family! This'll always be a home here for you whenever you want, and you never need to ask. The same goes for Henry." He put his mug down, folding her into his arms as she sniffled.
Emma had turned up at the farmhouse yesterday morning, with Hope, clearly looking upset. Snow had tried to ask her, several times, what was wrong. But she wouldn't say, only that she's had a bit of a falling out with Regina. David had come home later that day, but decided not to ask, knowing she'd only tell him when, or if, she was good and ready. Earlier today she'd gone back to Mifflin Street, to pick up another case of clothes.
"Thanks. I would've gone back to our old place, if it wasn't being rented out."
"I know. Still, it's a shame you and Regina have fallen out. I don't know what she's said or done, but you both seemed a lot happier over the last few months."
"She hasn't done anything wrong, dad! It was all me, this time."
"Well I won't ask, as I know you'll tell me when you're good and ready. But after everything you've both been through, I was hoping you'd finally turned a corner, after…well, everything. Still, just know we're here for you." He pecked her brow, giving her a smile as he held her. Ever since that first curse broke and she'd moved in with her parents, Emma began to realise that she was probably a bit of a daddy's girl. He was the strong, silent type; a father figure she'd probably always craved without knowing it. A man who'd never an opinion about you unless you asked for it. And unlike her mother, someone who always kept a confidence.
"Well whatever's happened, I'm sure you'll both get over it. These things have a way of working out. Mum said you went back over to Mifflin this morning? Did you see her?"
"No, she wasn't there. Her car was, so I guess she must've gone somewhere on foot. Or her magic. Why do you ask?"
"No reason, although Hope was asking after her earlier, wondering when she was going back home to see 'mamma'? I thought it was rather sweet. She's grown incredibly fond of Regina, and it reminded me of Henry and his mums when he was younger? I knew you two had become much closer recently, so I kinda hoped…well, it's not important."
"What?" She pulled back, looking him in the face, curious. "You hoped - what?"
"Nothing. It's just, well, I noticed how good you were for each other, that's all. Hope's been a lot happier recently too, and I think part of it's partly down to Regina. Plus, you seemed to be getting back to your old self. I just thought, knowing you had feelings for her, that-"
"WHAT?" She was mortified. Was she so obvious? "You think I've got feelings for Regina? Where's this coming from? Does mum think that?"
"I don't know, we've never really discussed it. I just thought, well, the way you've been acting and looking at each other recently, there might have been something more between you? I'm pretty sure she has feelings for you."
"I, I -" Now wide-eyed in shock, her jaw dropping, Emma wanted to deny it. Deny there was absolutely anything more than friendship between her and Henry's other mother. But the look on his face showed nothing but sympathy. And she didn't have the heart to lie to him, so instead of denying it, she just pulled herself back into him, resting her head again but looking away, all but confirming he may have been on the right track.
"Emma, personally, I have no issue either way. Whoever you eventually wind up with, whether it's her or anyone else, I just want my girl and my little granddaughter, happy."
"Dad," although she always hated talking about anything personal, especially her feelings, she needed to confide in someone? And he was as private as her. "Can you keep a secret?" He nodded. "I made a stupid mistake. I told her I'd fallen in love with her."
"Oh." He held her a little tighter. "And what did she say to that?"
"She didn't." When she'd told her, Regina had kissed her. And she'd kissed her back. Then they'd spent the next minute or so kissing and it all felt wonderful. Until they'd suddenly stopped, and Emma saw the regret in her eyes. But she wasn't going to tell him that! "She didn't say anything, just looked at me, shocked. So I kinda flipped and got out of there."
David stayed silent, but carried on holding her, until finally: "So, she never actually told you that she doesn't have feelings for you?"
"Well, no. But it's pretty clear she doesn't."
"How do you know, unless she said it! Emma, that woman's as much a closed book as you are! She's been through even more than you, and that's saying something! You really need to talk."
"I can't believe this. You sound like you almost want me to be with her!"
"I just told you. I want you to be happy, and loved."
She was just about to answer when she felt a warm breeze pass over her. It was a familiar sensation to anyone with the gift. Someone with magic had disapparated nearby. Then they heard the knocker on the door.
"I'll get it."
David pulled back from her and started heading for the front door. "I'm expecting Mark with his truck for the bales, though I never heard him pull-"he stopped as he opened it, realizing it wasn't the old farmhand.
"Hello David. Is Emma here?"
"Regina!"