We Can Love Again

Everybody Loves Regina

I think the title says it all here.

She had to quit staring at him- she probably looked like a complete idiot. Casting her eyes down, Regina tried to concentrate on her hands that were placed nervously in her lap. And when she did, she caught sight of her silver wristwatch that immediately put worry on her face.

"It's late," Regina said, rushing her words, "everyone is probably wondering were I am."

Robin eyed her sadly, knowing she was right. "When can I see you again?"

"Soon, hopefully," she smiled back at him, standing up from the couch and smoothing her hands over the fabric of her pants. "Tell Roland I'm glad we're friends again."

Robin chuckled lightly as he followed her towards the door. "Definitely. Hope you have good rest of the day."

He opened the door, allowing Regina to walk through. "I'll sure try," she replied, though she knew it probably wasn't going to happen. Things with the Charmigs and the friends they picked up along the way was uneventful most of the time- unless Emma was yelling at her boyfriends again.

Once the door closed behind her, Regina was engulfed by the peaceful afternoon air. She wondered where Emma and Tinkerbell ran off to; her suspicions were resolved when she heard the sound of running footsteps behind her.

She spun around with her hands on her hips, immediately sending the both of them a glare filled with suspicion.

"Oh hey Regina... Didn't see you there."

"Were you two... Spying on me through the window?"

"No no, of course not." Tinkerbell said, though it wasn't very convincing.

Emma was great at hiding things. Tinkerbell on the other hand, was not.

"You're both pathetic," Regina rolled her eyes, honestly not surprised.

"But he kissed you! Regina, holy shit he totally kissed you!" Emma exclaimed in a high pitched voice.

"It's not that big of a deal," Regina said defensively. Inside she had a feeling this was payback for bugging her about Hook back in Neverland.

"Of course it's a big deal!" Tinkerbell said, the smile on her face resembling someone who was seeing a puppy for the first time. "Regina's got herself a hot new boyfriend," Emma teased.

"He's not my boyfriend!"

"Dear, your face is so red," Tinkerbell giggled, "you're so adorable Regina."

Regina scowled. Never before had anyone called her adorable.

Emma hooked her arm around her neck as they began walking. "You know we're just messing with you. I never thought I would see the day Regina Mills actually got a boyfriend! And, no, Graham doesn't count."

"What's that supposed to mean?" She shot back, "it's not like I'm a bad girlfriend."

Emma gave her a look. "Honey, you murdered the poor guy because he wouldn't sleep with you anymore. But don't worry, I won't tell Robin that."

Tinkerbell looked at her with surprise. "You killed someone for that reason?"

Regina raised her hands up defensively. "Look, I regret what I did! You don't think I miss Graham?"

"I miss him too." Emma said, her voice saddening. "You know, we should probably head back to everyone else- Henry's probably wondering where we are."

Regina was grateful for the subject change. "I'm sure he is. But you two should keep your mouths shut about the whole kiss thing, okay? If anyone's going to tell him it's going to be me. And Miss Swan-" Regina gently shrugged away from the hold she had around her shoulders- "revenge is a two way street, don't forget."

Emma narrowed her eyes playfully towards her. "Glad you're back to your usual self."

Regina gave her a trademark smile before they all disappeared in purple smoke.

—

Henry was the first one to come bounding over to them. He had quite a concerned look on his face.

"Mom, are you okay?" He asked Regina, wrapping his arms around her middle.

"Everything's fine, Henry," Regina told him reassuringly, slightly surprised he was showing so much affection towards her.

"You were crying!" Henry shot back, "you never cry."

Regina gave him a squeeze, her face softening. "We worked everything out, promise."

He really hoped that was true. He knew his mom messed up sometimes, but she didn't deserve to be so sad.

"Are you still feeling sick?" Emma asked her, "sometimes hangovers last for a while."

Regina shook her head. "I think it passed. It'll be a while before I'll drink again."

Emma chuckled. "It's now a personal goal of mine to get you trashed Regina."

She would like to see her try. It certainly didn't feel like just the night before she went out to the pub with Robin- it felt like an eternity ago.

"You two sound like you've been best friends for years," Snow teased, walking over towards them.

Regina and Emma exchanged glances. "There's no way we're friends!" They almost said in unison, making Snow laugh louder.

"Man, I never thought I would see the day when my stepmother and my daughter actually get along!"

Regina rolled her eyes. She was almost as irritating as Emma was.

"Where's Charming?" Regina shot her a sarcastic smile, "he's always trailing behind you like your little puppy."

"He's meeting with some old friends," Snow replied, "but don't change the subject- how'd things with you know who go?"

"He kissed her, that's what!" Emma said energetically, causing Snow to gasp with surprise.

"Regina that's great!" She loved seeing her so flustered; she knew she would get it for teasing her so much, but she couldn't resist. Snow stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, causing Regina to instantly try and pull back. But her stepdaughter had an iron grip around her, she could only groan irritably as she resisted using magic on her.

"He kissed you?!" Henry almost shouted, looking completely dumbstruck.

Regina didn't want Henry to find out this way, she was nervous to see how he would react. She finally wrenched her way out of Snow's hug, sending her an awful glare as she did so.

"I am a queen, not a play toy." She growled towards her before turning to Henry.

"Is he your boyfriend now?" Her son asked, his eyebrows knit in a scowl.

"No, he isn't my boyfriend," Regina said, leaning down so she was at we level with him. "I honestly don't know what we are."

Henry didn't know what to think. Graham was her boyfriend once, but for some reason she never wanted much to do with him. She always tried to hide Graham from him, though it was obvious they were together. Henry saw them kiss a couple times, but that was about it. But he was twelve now, he knew more about what dating was.

"Okay..." He started hesitantly, "I guess you can be his girlfriend, if you want to. But I need to get to know him better first- I need to know he won't do anything to hurt you."

Regina smiled warmly towards her son. How did he get to be so old? "That sounds like a plan. I'm just glad I have you looking after me."

She didn't realize until now just now lucky she was.

Annnd Henry plays the role of the protective son :) I just love writing everyone teasing Regina about her relationship.