I started writing this right after the finale, because it just seemed so improbable to me that with the United Realms, dark OQ *wouldn't* have been at the coronation.
So here's a ficlet set just after the series finale. Rated G. The fic is gen with a Dark OQ established relationship, Mayor Queen overtones, Formerly Evil Queen(tm) shenanigans, and hints toward an especially "happy ending" to come for the Good Queen.
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“Sorry we’re late,” a very familiar voice drawled from behind Regina, bringing an instant smile to her face. Before she could open her mouth to respond, however, Emma beat her to it.
“You’re too late for that line,” she said, wearing a smirk as they both turned toward the queen and Robin, “I already used it.”
“Well, as it was mine in the first place…”
“Now, now, Ladies,” Robin, smooth as always, stepped between the two of them, “this is hardly the time to bicker over whose line it is.” His Regina let out a huff that they all knew was good-natured, and he took the other’s hand, giving it a gallant kiss. “Congratulations are in order, Your Majesty. We’re sorry we missed the ceremony. This one,” he tipped his head at the queen, “has a bad habit of pouncing on me right before we have to leave for places.”
“I didn’t pounce on you,” she smacked him in the arm.
“You bloody well did.”
“Queens never pounce, Robin,” Regina smiled, “you should know that.”
“I stand corrected,” he laughed after a glance between the two women. “She forcibly seduced me. There. Happy?”
“How do you forcibly seduce someone?” Emma asked, laughing along with him.
“Would you like me to show you, Dear?” the queen turned a wicked grin on her, trailing her fingers along Emma’s back and leaving her visibly flustered.
“Queenie, leave Miss Swan alone.”
“Must I? Oh, well then. The invitation is open whenever.” The grin was still in place as she took Robin’s arm once more. “To you too, Regina.”
“I’ll bear that in mind,” Regina said dryly. “Why don’t you go visit with the Henrys? They always enjoy getting to see their other, other mother.”
Her counterpart chuckled and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek before leaving. “All right, I’ll let you get rid of me. For now.” She looked up at Robin, “Coming, Dear?”
“I’ll be along in a minute. I’d like to chat with your other half first.”
“Suit yourself.”
They watched her cross the room to say hello to the elder Henry and Ella, and dip down to give Lucy a big hug. Emma, clearly feeling like a third wheel, made her excuses and went to see how her husband and little Hope were doing. “The two of you are still getting on famously, I see,” Regina said to Robin once they were alone. “I’m glad.”
“She keeps me on my toes,” was his mild reply.
She smiled at him. They hadn’t seen one another much since the realms had become united, mostly because she’d been so busy. “Married life suits you.” There was a touch of sadness at that, for herself, but also happiness for the both of them. Her eyes tracked across the room, “Though she is still a horrible flirt.”
“And I wouldn’t have her any other way.”
“Sometimes I don’t know how you put up with it.”
“I put up with it because I know she’ll be going home with me at the end of the night.” He was looking at his wife fondly. “And just sometimes, her flirting leads us to having new adventures.”
“I’ll bet it does.”
There was a beat where they just watched her. The formerly evil queen was bold and vibrant, audacious in a way that was endearing. Regina watched as she accidentally flirted with one of the dwarfs, and she couldn’t tell which one of them looked more mortified in the first few moments afterward. Half the room laughed, including Robin and Regina.
“We have a lot of fun together, and she doesn’t expect anything more from me than just being who I am.” His gaze returned to Regina, and she felt the weight of those words.
“She’s a wiser woman than I am. Or, was.”
“I think you got there in the end, Your Majesty.” He was smiling at her, and she squeezed his arm. They both looked back toward the other Regina and found her now flirting with Queen Eudora. “We should probably go and rescue Tiana’s mother.”
“Oh, don’t worry. That’s one woman who can hold her own with Regina’s flirting,” she grinned and took his arm, strolling off toward them. The truth of her words became more apparent as they got closer because Eudora was definitely flirting back. “I think you two might have found your adventure for the evening.”
“We just may have.” He didn’t look at all displeased with that notion. She didn’t blame him. “There’s always room for one more,” Robin said as he gave her a sly sideways glance.
“You’re just as bad as she is.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Take what as a compliment?” her other half asked as they came to a stop next to her and Eudora.
“That I’m just as bad as you are,” Robin answered with a wink.
“Oh, you definitely should,” was her saucy reply.
“So,” his gaze slid back to Regina, “what does the Good Queen say to my offer?”
Three pairs of eyes settled on her then, two curious, the other filled with wicked promise. “She’ll have to give it due consideration.”
“Excellent. Hopefully she’ll come to a conclusion that is mutually beneficial for all.”
Who knew? She just might. There were certainly worse ways to celebrate becoming the queen of everything.
