Conjugations.

Connections

Maleficent didn't know what had come over her. She wasn't in control of herself. She literally couldn't remove herself from the vision that had just played out in her mind. It felt so familiar, that she could almost swear it was a memory. Regina stared at her blankly, clutching the portrait. "Maleficent. Are you alright? You completely zoned out on me. You don't look well, Dear. Perhaps we should get you checked out." Maleficent couldn't look her in the eyes, not after what she had just imagined. "I'm fine, Regina, really. Just a little light headed is all. I haven't eaten much today. Maybe we should get out of here, and grab some dinner." Regina walked over, and placed a delicate hand on her shoulder. "Mal. Are you certain you're alright?" Maleficent placed her hand over Regina's and smiled sheepishly, "I'm certain. Let's get some dinner." Regina sighed, as she followed Maleficent to the door. Something didn't feel right, but she didn't push it. She would be the one driving though.
By the time they arrived at the diner, Maleficent was sure she was going to be sick. Regina had never driven a five speed before, and the drive was less than smooth. Though, it was hilarious trying to teach the brunette how to drive it. Maleficent jumped out of the door as soon as the car was stopped. "Land!" Regina rolled her eyes, "It wasn't that bad!" Maleficent shot her a shocked look, "Regina! You stalled the engine 4 times, BEFORE we left the ally!" Regina scoffed, dramatically slamming the door. "It isn't as if I have much experience in this area. Honestly, why would anyone want this? I much prefer just slipping the damn shifter, that's clearly marked, into whatever position I need. D- Drive. R- Reverse. P-Park." Regina was waving her arms around, using her hands to emphasize her words. Maleficent was cackling. Regina was fired up, and adorable when she was. "Okay. Okay. It wasn't the worst ride of my life, and you did get us here. Let me buy you some dinner to show my appreciation." Regina placed her hands on her hips haughtily, smoothing down her dress. She exhaled, and said, "Alright, Miss. Jones, I'll allow it."
Maleficent watched in amusement as Regina skimmed the Menu. She was certain Regina has never been to a place like this in her life. It was a Diner ran by a precious little couple from a small town in South Carolina. Everything was fried, and had close to no nutritional value, but it was delicious. Maleficent tapped her hand on the table, "Not what you're used to, I presume?" Regina looked at her, and rolled her eyes. "This is fine, Mal. Just trying to decide what I would like." Maleficent knew Regina was trying to make her feel assured they were on equal playing fields. Maleficent smiled at the kindness in that. Quickly, her mind drifted back to the Studio. She knew she needed to place herself far from that memory. "The waffles are pretty great. If you're in the mood for of sandwich, I recommend the BLT." Regina nodded, as she turned the menu over. "I think I'll try the waffles. What are you having?" Maleficent winked, "It isn't on the Menu. Franny will know though. Local special." Regina scoffed, "Oh. I'm sorry, Madam. I forgot I'm in the presence of Royalty." Regina was dramatically bowing down to Maleficent as Franny approached.
"Well, I'll be. We haven't seen you in here in a Coon's age, Mally!" Franny leaned down to hug Maleficent. "Where have you been, Darlin?" Franny was holding Mal's hand between hers. Mal smiled, "I've been in Seattle for a bit now. I actually have an exhibition coming up at a Museum there, thanks to Miss. Mills." Regina smiled, giving a small wave. "Well, my heavens, honey. Why didn't you introduce me to your friend?" Franny reached over, and leaned down to hug Regina. Regina's eyes were wide, as the stranger came in close. Maleficent had to choke back a laugh. "It's so nice to meet you, Honey. You're a real pretty thing. Mal did well." Regina's eyes popped open, her face twisted into an exasperated, and amused smile. "I don't know, Miss. Maleficent is a pretty great Catch, if I say so myself." Franny smiled, patting both of their hands. "Well, it seems you're in good company. Congrats on your show, Honey. What can we get ya?"
The Women ordered their food, and began to laugh the moment Franny walked away from earshot. "Okay. She was the most precious Lady I've ever met." "She was a huge help when I moved here. One of those "odd jobs" I told you about." Regina smiled. "It's beautiful the lengths you've gone to, to get here. To have that much faith in yourself, that much passion for something. It's inspiring." Maleficent blushed a little. "Thank you, Regina. Thank you for the chance you're taking on me, your belief in my abilities, and most of all- your friendship." Regina grinned at her, "Likewise, Dear. Likewise."
After they finished dinner, Mal took Regina to one of her favorite places. They wound up at a small park, tucked neatly, under a bridge. It was a cool night, but it was a beautiful one. They were far enough from the City, they could actually see the stars. Regina was taking it all in. The way the wind blew off the river, the smell of Cherrywood trees in bloom. The way the Moon reflected on the water. Mal broke the silence. "When I was short on inspiration, or feeling a little too in my head, I would come here. It calmed me somehow. One evening I decided to delve a little further, and wound up under the bridge. I couldn't see much, so I shined the light from my phone in front of me, and I knew I would never look anywhere for inspiration again." "What was it?" "Oh. I can't tell you. You need to see it for yourself." Regina could feel Mal's arm around her waist, as she turned the brunette toward the bridge, and flicked her light on. Regina gasped.
The skyline before her in the park was intricately sketched onto the concrete under the bridge. It was stunning. Regina allowed herself to be lost in the art. Every ripple on the water, ever twinkle on the moon, every blossom on the trees. She had never seen anything like it. Maleficent watched Regina experience all she had, the moment she first saw it. Regina turned around to study the skyline, then looked back at the sketch. "Where is this purple smoke coming from? Or has it always been here?" Regina asked, perplexed. Maleficent took a few steps closer to see what Regina was talking about. It looked as if a deep purple smoke had surrounded the sketch. Maleficent peered at it inquisitively. "I've never seen that before. Perhaps, it's the light from the water reflecting on it. Maybe someone added it? I'm unsure. It's haunting though, isn't it? Beautiful." Regina started in wonderment. "It looks as though it's somehow connecting the sketch to the actual landscape. It's mesmerizing." Both Women stood next to one another, taking in something in front of them, they could only describe, as magic.