Villains Don't Get Happy Endings

[Killian Jones]

Tag: Regina
Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Things had taken a rather . . . dramatic turn. But then again it was Storybrooke after all so what else could one expect? At least this time it wasn't something related to impending doom or an evil curse that threatened the town and all those within it. No. This had more to do with the person that he and Emma had brought back to Storybrooke. For it just so happened to be Robin's wife. Regina disappeared after the confrontation and he knew that Emma felt guilty for it. Just when the two seemed to be getting along . . . tensions were high. Despite all this, Hook's mind was also on the intimate moment and and Swan had shared but he supposed one thing at a time.

As the crowd slowly re-entered Granny's, Killian decided to go and try to find Regina. The two of them weren't exactly best mates, but he felt they had a great deal in common. He wasn't going to her to offer sympathy but merely . . . offer a hand. Well, so to speak. He, like her, was striving to prove himself as reformed to the townspeople. He could completely relate to the difficulty and the time and effort it took to finally be accepted by them. He had a lot more in common with the former queen than most may assume.

Guessing that she would want to avoid main roads, he took a hunch and ventured through the woods to try and find her. It was dark but that hardly phazed the pirate. He had after all spent a significant amount of time in Neverland and nothing was more treacherous than that accursed island. This was a walk in the park compared to that. As he moved through the heavily wooded area, it didn't take a great deal too long before he came across her. He was fully prepared to turn back around if she was completely rejecting of his company. But, he felt the need to at least try. Besides, he was one of the people who had brought Marian back.

"I came to ask if I could buy you a drink," he offered with a slight smile as he took a few steps toward her, while respecting her personal space. "Might be the pirate in me, but something tells me tonight is a night for rum." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out his flask, pulling the top off and passing it to her. "Or perhaps, something stronger hence the offer to buy you one," he added on, trying to keep things on a light note though knew it could be difficult considering the circumstances.

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[regina2]

Why?! Why did things always end up like this?! Every time she thought she was about to get her happy ending, something got in the way. Even before she’d been labeled a villain, things had never turned out well. She’d watched Mother rip out her true love’s heart and crush it right before the two of them ran away together. He’d proposed to Regina, given her a ring and everything! She’d made him see that she would choose him over a king any day! He was the one she loved, he was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with! He was her happy ending! But Mother saw to that! There was to be no family with him, no joy, just confinement.

Regina had made a mistake choosing to marry Leopold. Even with Mother gone..She just hadn’t known what else to do. Then when she thought with Jefferson she could be happy at least...Well...Things hadn’t gone so well there either. But now that the two of them had repaired their relationship, made it stronger than ever.  So she didn’t wish for her thoughts to linger there.

Then there was the curse. That was supposed to make her happy as it made Snow and everyone else who had ever wronged her suffer! But it wasn’t at all what she thought! It left a hole in her heart; and, she realized it for what it was when Owen came into her life. That little boy, the one who had sat in her seat and given her the gift..The one she still had even to this day even though he’d tortured her, strapped her to that awful table and electrocuted her...She still had it. She hated what he’d grown into. But she’d be forever grateful to that little boy who saved her, showed her just what she was missing. After he’d left...She hadn’t been ready to try adoption. She was too afraid of rejection. She wasn’t emotionally ready. But he’d planted the seed, telling her she’d have made a great mother. And when she was ready, she’d gotten Henry.

Owen couldn’t be her happy ending. And whatever she’d had at the time with Jefferson...That wasn’t really healthy for either of them. But at least she’d been under no delusion that that was her happy ending. So Henry...He was supposed to be that. But then Emma came to town; and, Regina panicked, terrified the woman was there to steal away her son. Yes...That had been her own fault. But...She’d just been scared!

And now here...People were finally starting to accept her, acknowledge that she’d changed. And when everything was going well, Emma had to bring back Marion, someone Regina had supposedly planned on executing, not like she could remember. She’d...lost herself for a while. Her heart had hardened, turned black and bitter, consumed with hate for all that had been stolen. Back then...She’d done a lot of things she regretted. And now Marion was there to remind everyone of them all! Why?! She wasn’t that person anymore, wasn’t a villain! And how quickly everyone turned on her, assuming the worst. Hadn’t she earned a little good will by now?!

She’d saved Storybrooke from detonating, willing to sacrifice herself to save her son. She’d helped protect everyone when it came to Neverland and Peter Pan. And when Pan cast the curse, she was the one who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up her son so that everyone could be safe. She’d even erased all of his memories of her. Nothing had ever hurt so much! But she never thought she’d see him again. And she wanted him to be happy! And then Regina had stopped Zelena with what...Oh that’s right...LIGHT MAGIC! And still all because Emma had been an idiot, traveled back in time and brought someone back with her, everyone was questioning Regina’s loyalty! Had Mother been right all along?! Would they never trust her?! Would even Jefferson be like that?!

No! She wouldn’t accept that! She was going to believe in Jefferson! Surely at least he would accept that she’d changed for good.

She knew that the smart thing to do would be to seek him out, run to him now. But she was too upset. Deep down, she was scared he would stare at her the same way everyone else did. Monster...That’s what Marion had called her. And no one was willing to jump to her defense. Maybe if Jefferson had been there...But he wasn’t one for social events. Really...She wasn’t either. But she got to see so little of her son these days. He was there so, she’d wanted to be there too for him.

Incredibly upset, she’d wandered into the woods. The woods spoke of freedom and had always been a great source of comfort to her. There was a forest just outside Mother’s estate. But Regina was hardly ever allowed to leave. And then later...Barriers were put up so she couldn’t. Leopold barely let her step foot outside the castle. But when he traveled and she could slip away, she just loved the sense of secrecy about the woods. There she felt she could do anything, be herself. She could hide away and just pretend she didn’t have to go back to either Mother’s estate or the castle. She could delude herself into thinking she was free for a short time. The forest had always been something of a safe haven to her. So she came to it now, hoping it would clam her down. Because clearly some dumb blond didn’t get when a woman needed space! “Not now, Swan,” apparently didn’t register! Hook at least told everyone to give her space after things blew up! He was the only one there who seemed willing to consider her feelings! Space was definitely good!

Well...Apparently he didn’t think she needed all that much space. Soon he was approaching her, offering to buy her a drink. But as he hadn’t assumed the worst or called her a monster, she was more willing to talk to him. And it felt less like he’d come to babysit her, make sure she didn’t do something evil and more like...She didn’t even know. Was he worried about her? Was that what this was?

He offered to buy her a drink; and, she was honestly tempted. Some alcohol might do her good about now.

She actually chuckled when he mentioned the pirate within him and rum. The two of them had a bit of history; and, yes she remembered his fondness for rum very well. She never saw him without his flask. But now she was grateful for it.

Regina accepted the flask. “Rum sounds really nice about now.” She took a sip, her lips curling up into a smile. “You have good taste.” Or maybe she was feeling so lousy anything would taste wonderful. But she wasn’t complaining. She needed something to take the edge off this evening.

She chuckled again. “Something stronger might not be a bad idea. It’s been one hell of an evening!” She just wanted to forget all about it!

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

It was good to hear her chuckle, and at least she wasn't completely rejecting his company. She even accepted the flask and spoke of how rum sounded good, complimenting his taste. "I know," he said arrogantly with a playful smirk on his face. He knew what it felt like . . . to some extent. He'd had quite a lot to prove to these hero types and still knew that he didn't have an official spot in the category. He'd lost some of Emma's trust when he'd tried to protect Henry on his own . . . and then of course being accused of lying in regards to who sent him the memory potion.

Neverland had been a rather . . . interesting experience. He'd done all he could to earn everyone's trust, but he knew it was not a simple path. For every several good deeds they attempted to do, the blame would always be back on them for a single suspicious thought. So yes. To a certain extent he knew very well what Regina was going through. He was not here to give judgment or even advice. He was here to be whatever she needed him to be . . . as a friend. A distraction, a pair of ears to listen to, or a way to just ease her mind and help her laugh -- or drink -- or off. Most likely the latter.

"I couldn't agree more," he said with the same expression. It had indeed been a hell of a night . . . especially since they just recently returned from the past. An odd thing to say indeed. "Come on then. The Rabbit Hole offers fairly decent beverage selection. It should be free from most those I assume you are wanting to currently avoid." They were all still at Granny's. And well, who would think to look for Regina and him at the Rabbit Hole.

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[regina2]

Regina just rolled her eyes at his cocky, “I know”. But honestly, she felt relieved. It was good to know that some things just never changed. Villain or...something resembling a hero like her, Hook still loved his rum (really alcoholic beverages in general) and was still arrogant as anything.

Had the two of them made the transition from villains to heroes? She still wasn’t sure. Back in Neverland, Regina had certainly been the most sketchy of the heroes. She needed to get her son back. So she was willing to get her hands dirty, do the tough but necessary work the others couldn’t stomach. She supposed being an ex-Evil Queen had its perks. Although she’d always detested the title, never viewing herself as such. But yes, she’d ripped out a boy’s heart to send a message to Henry. Snow had been less than pleased with that development. Emma actually had to restrain her mother so Regina could take care of things. But it had been for a good cause! And yes, she’d returned the heart! As always, Regina had a soft spot for children, even the lost boys. Thankfully Pan himself was no child but some demon spawn who was actually older than Rumplestiltskin. He’d been an adult apparently before he’d ever come to Neverland. So her sympathy was nowhere he could get at it, certainly not after he’d had her son abducted!

With Zelena, Regina supposed things had been a bit clearer. She’d come to a witch fight she’d been convinced she would lose, twice. But she did it so Zelena wouldn’t destroy the town Regina had built herself. As much as everyone loathed her, as mayor as well as magical creator, she was still responsible for Storybrooke’s well being. She wouldn’t let her half-sister dismantle the town, her one true home. Here she had Henry and Jefferson and Grace as well given things with Jefferson. (Grace was really so sweet, kind and caring! Jefferson had done a good job raising her.) She didn’t want to lose that, their trust and affection. Would Marion ruin everything?!

At least Hook was still on speaking terms with her. And he wasn’t staring at Regina like she was one gigantic walking, talking time bomb. She was sick of those suspicious glances! A few angry words and how quick everyone was to doubt her! She wasn’t that person anymore, hadn’t been for some time! She was no longer the Evil Queen! Could she never escape that reputation?! If she was good for a thousand years would people still find reason to question her intentions?!

Yes, Regina bet it had been one hell of a night for him too. No one was throwing the word monster in his direction; but, he’d traveled back in time. That couldn’t be easy. If Regina had been sucked into that mess of a portal, she’d have been terrified of tampering with the time space continuum or whatnot. Time travel was..Well no one knew all that much about it. If she had been there, every second she’d worry about distorting the time stream. No...Reading the butterfly short story would not have helped her nerves. As it was...Besides Marion ruining her life right now, she was concerned about what effect her presence had on things. Was she supposed to have done something back in the Enchanted Forest? Did Emma and Hook change something crucial? There was no point in vocalizing these questions as Hook wouldn’t know any better than her. And she had enough on her plate already. Really...She didn’t want to spare another thought for Marion. Although she very much doubted her mind would cooperate.

She somewhat sullenly nodded her head at Hook’s offer. The Rabbit Hole was hardly a place she frequented. Regina preferred drinking in the privacy of her own home. But she was too stressed to return home now. She was too scared to meet Jefferson or Grace. And Hook was right. Everyone she was trying to avoid was fortunately at Granny’s. If she went to the Rabbit Hole they wouldn’t trouble her. However if she immediately went home...She could just see one of the Charmings banging on her door, either demanding to know if she was okay or what she was up to. And she didn’t want to talk to any of them now! They didn’t get it, didn’t understand! And they all suspected her! She hadn’t done anything wrong! She wasn’t the idiot who’d jumped in a time portal and then dragged someone back!

Regina sighed. “Is it nice, having someone like me around, Hook?” she asked softly. “Your past is mostly a mystery. You were gone in Neverland for a while. But me...Everyone knows all about what I did as the Evil Queen. It must be so much easier to be forgiven, to be trusted when you’re standing next to me.” Regina was working hard to earn people’s trust. But for Hook, people always seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt. That was because of her wasn’t it? They’d look at Regina and then back to him and then think..Hey, at least he’s no Evil Queen.

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

She asked him if it was nice having someone like her around and he paused before giving any answer, having a distinct feeling that there was more to the question. And this theory was quickly proven right. She spoke of how his past was a mystery, how others had forgiven him . . . and how everyone knew of her own actions as the Evil Queen. Was it easy to be forgiven? Did everyone trust him just by default because they felt they had someone else to trust less?

"Not everyone has forgiven me," he began to say. He knew that Snow and Charming still had their doubts about him. But he was here for Emma, and with the intimate moment they had shared tonight . . . well, he knew he had finally earned her trust for otherwise, she never would have opened herself up to him in such a way. "Perhaps I have not forgiven myself," he continued in a low voice. To admit such a thing, was indeed difficult. He had a past, known or not to others, he was aware of it. There were things he was not proud of, things he was unsure he could ever forgive himself for. That was part of the burden. It wasn't only about acceptance from others, but the ability to forgive oneself for a past.

"You and I have sordid pasts, ones where we have done things we are not proud of." That was certainly a given. As she was queen, her deeds were more known. Hook . . . well, those here didn't exactly know everything about him. "Those years of the people we were, will not be erased in a matter of days, or weeks even." It was never that easy. "Redemption is not an easy path to take, but it is an attainable one." Hook believed that entirely, after what had happened tonight. "And it is moments such as these, that test the strength of our resolve and reveal whether we have truly changed for the better." Because it was easy to revert back to being a villain; the challenge was staying as who they truly were now . . . that, was the ultimate test.

template by isabella

[regina2]

Hook didn’t answer right away, giving Regina time to explain what she truly meant. Even after that he was quiet for a minute. She wondered if he was going to try and dodge the question or if he was just considering it seriously.

Not everyone had forgiven him? She supposed that was true. Snow and Charming still regarded him with suspicion although she would assume with less than they threw her way. But then...That was fair. Hook hadn’t personally wronged either of those Chramings. Regina, on the other hand, had quite the record of making them suffer. She’d lost track of just how many times she’d tried to murder or otherwise traumatize Snow White. Charming had never been concerned. He only got hurt to get to Snow either because he was in the way, trying to protect her or because he was Snow’s heart. Just as Hook had Once told Emma, he hurt Rumple’s heart, Belle was just where he kept it, the same logic applied to Snow and Charming.

Although for the most part, Regina had tried to leave Charming out of it. She’d only abducted him once to goad Snow into eating a cursed apple. It wasn’t that she had any love for Charming, far from it. She found him simple minded and tiresome. She’d been sincere when she asked Snow if she was really going to marry that. Besides, the pretty face, she really didn’t see the appeal. Guy was about as charming as a brick as far as she was concerned. He was tactless and dim-witted, a bad mix. The only real skill he had was with a blade. But why bother with that? Snow could fight well enough with her bow and arrow.

No, she'd tried to leave Charming out of it because well...She knew how it felt to have a lover harmed.  And...Even at her worst, she supposed she hadn't been entirely willing to put Snow through that.  It probably reminded her too much of Daniel.

But yes, for the most part, people seemed to give Hook the benefit of the doubt. They let him wander off on his own even in Neverland. When Regina broke off from the party, they’d been much more concerned. And when Emma suspected there was an issue with her and Tinkerbell...Well let’s just say she’d been less than understanding. Even now, everyone was so quick to jump on her past sins. Did they love rubbing salt in her wounds so much?! She was trying to redeem herself! She wanted that more than anything! She couldn’t take back her mistakes! All she could do was move forward!

She stared at Hook stunned, startled by his honestly when he admitted that he might not have forgiven himself. Regina nodded her head slowly. “I get that.” She wasn’t sure she’d ever forgive herself. Sometimes she wondered if she even deserved a happy ending after all the suffering she’d caused. But, she didn’t have all that much time to contemplate her own sense of forgiveness because she was constantly confronted by others’ lack of acceptance and understanding. Even if she didn’t entirely believe she deserved happiness, she’d defend herself! She’d be damned if anyone tried to tell her who she was or what she could get! Now she had the power to make choices for herself! And she wouldn’t let anyone else control what she was!

At her weaker moments, she’d wonder what Daniel would think. He’d loved Regina for her kind heart. He’d hate what she'd become, how she’d grown obsessed with vengeance. He never would have wanted her to hurt Snow White. Would even he be able to forgive her?

Storybrooke was a small town; and, news traveled fast. Given the outburst between Belle, Hook, and Rumple, she’d learned about Milah. “Do you ever worry you disappointed your first love?” she asked softly. Regina knew nothing about Milah. Maybe Milah loved the whole pirate package. But having someone rip your true love’s heart out right in front of you, crushing it before your very eyes...Regina knew better than anyone else how that traumatized a person, tainted them, ripping away whatever innocence they’d once had. Well...Not all at once. Afterwards...Regina had still been innocent. She’d lost it bit by bit, as the world continued to rain cruelty down upon her. Evil wasn’t born. It was made.

Regina nodded her head in firm agreement when he spoke of their sordid pasts. Yes...There was regret, so much she could drown in it.

“Do you really believe that? Is someone like me redeemable?” She’d really been working towards redemption. She’d been better!

It was easy for him to talk about strength of resolve! He wasn’t the one being tested right now! No, he was the one who’d proven himself a hero. And you know what...Regina had too! She’d defeated Zelena with light magic! But that was all forgotten the moment Marion set foot in Storybrooke!

“I’m not a villain anymore,” she said bitterly. The question was, would anyone believe that?

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Regina spoke of how she understood that; self forgiveness. Hook wasn't sure he ever could, but he knew he wanted to be a better man . . . for Emma. She had already changed him for the better and he never wanted to do anything to betray the faith she had placed in him. She then asked if he worried that he had disappointed his first love. Milah. He slightly raised his chin at the mention of her, swallowing back the emotions that tended to arise whenever his mind went to her . . . or a topic was broached that involved her. He loved Milah and had never believed he would love another after her death.

He wished that Rumple had killed him in th e alley that night, that Milah had never intercepted for then . . . The Dark One would have believed that she was dead. She could have lived. But instead, she was taken from him as he helplessly watched her die. The emotions were too painful as there were wounds that would never heal, but Emma . . . she was certainly helping him feel again. No, she had already helped him. "Right now, my concern is not disappointing my current love," he answered sincerely. His love for Emma was of course no secret. And he had no problem admitting that he loved her. Only he knew he couldn't exactly say the words to her right now. It was far too soon and the last thing he wanted to do was scare her off. She then asked if he really believed that someone like her was redeemable.

"I have to," he answered. "Otherwise, what hope do I have to believe in my own redemption." Wasn't that the general belief: that everyone was redeemable? She stated that she wasn't a villain anymore, and he gave a slight smile. "I know," he stated. But saying it, was never enough. Actions spoke louder than words. "And if you believe that, then don't let others do or say anything to waver your belief." It was easy for these hero types to believe they were superior . . . they just couldn't let it get to them.

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[regina2]

Sharp amber orbs didn’t miss the way he lifted his chin and swallowed at the mention of his first love. Your first love...Was that someone anyone ever got over? Regina had a new love, a true love, someone who understood her better than Daniel ever had even before her heart grew dark and her soul twisted. And now, certainly no one could read her better than him. But Daniel wasn’t someone she’d ever forget. She tried not to think of him too much. It wasn’t healthy. And she was pretty good for the most part at playing the avoidance game. But now...When everything was falling apart, of course her thoughts would turn there, to that darkness and despair.

When she’d stood there over Daniel’s corpse, pressing her lips against his, praying, hoping against hope that somehow true love’s kiss could work its magic and bring him back to her, she’d thought for sure she could never love anyone else but him. But Daniel hadn’t been cursed. So true love’s kiss had no power. It couldn’t restore a crushed heart. That night, it felt like the world had ended, like she’d lost absolutely everything.

But here she was now with a life for herself. She had a son she loved dearly. And she had someone truly special, someone who understood her tortured heart. She wanted to believe in him. She wanted to feel that even with Marion here, after everything, he’d trust her, know that she’d truly changed. She didn’t want to lose everything not again! How many times did the world wish to reset the playing field?! She’d had Daniel and then Mother coldly and callously killed him. She’d had Jefferson then he’d chosen Snow. No...That was wrong! She’d finally come to understand it. He hadn’t chosen Snow. He’d chosen her! He’d been trying to save her kind heart, stop her from making a foolish mistake, letting vengeance drive her. But she’d been too lost in her quest for revenge to see it. She felt betrayed; but, he’d tried to be her savior, her redemption before she needed redemption. She wasn’t a villain anymore. She could see that clearly.

“I have a new love too,” Regina said with a soft smile that crumpled so quickly had Hook not been paying apt attention he would have missed the expression entirely. “I hope..He can trust me.” Please..Please believe in her! If she had his support, she could handle anything! She could be strong!

She chuckled when he said he had to believe in her. So the belief was selfish? Well she could take that. The two of them...They weren’t villains anymore. But she still wasn’t sure if they qualified as heroes. And well...Maybe it was okay to be a little selfish.

“Do you honestly think you’ve screwed up as badly as I have?” she asked curiously. What chance did someone like him have at redemption? She felt his odds certainly had to be better than hers. She’d never fallen to Mother’s depths; but, she’d become a monster herself, letting her wrath, frustration, and deep seeded despair fuel her actions. She closed off her heart and gave into rage and desperation.

His slight smile coupled with the “I know” set her nerves somewhat at ease. So, at least she had one person on her side, one person who didn’t assume the absolute worst because of Marion.

She offered Hook a small smile. “Thanks,” she said softly. He was right. She shouldn’t let everyone rattle her so. What did the heroes know about redemption anyways?! They’d never needed it! She did; but, she could make it! She’d changed!

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

He noticed that she didn't comment on his words. Was that because she was still angry at Swan, blaming her for the return of Marian? Or was it simply because Regina didn't care? Instead, she countered with her own words, speaking of how she too had a new love. Robin Hood . . . wasn't that obvious? Wasn't that why she had become so angry upon discovering that his wife had been saved. But her next words, speaking of how he could trust her, were not quite consistent with who she had seemed to develop this new relationship with. Hook didn't ask though. It wasn't his business. Just as she did not inquire more about his own personal feelings.

She then asked if he believed that he'd done equally horrible things as her. "It's not about comparing. It's not a matter of who did worse things and therefore, who's redemption is more easily found." He had indeed done horrible things. He had made poor decisions, ruined lives, killed people . . . he was hardly one who was proud of his past. But he did not dwell and lament in it now. All he could do was work toward a bright future, rather than dwell in a darkened past. "You've done things. I've done things. Lamenting about it will not help anything." Hell, even he had tried to kill Emma and her mother at a time -- when they had first met. He had stolen the bean and left everyone in Storybrooke to die. And those were just a few of the many things that could be held against him by this particular group of people.

But it was get better. Emma trusted him and she was seeing him for the man he truly was; the man who wanted to loved and be loved. It had taken time, sacrifice, and a hell of a lot of patience, but every second of it was well worth the wait. "Your own doubt in yourself will only make others doubt you as well." It was about showing strength in times like these; staying confident in ones belief that they had changed. Never wavering. Not giving them more to hold against them. Staying strong in the face of uncertainty. That, would be what showed that they were different. It was easy to regress back to who they were, and more difficult to maintain who they had become. But that, will only make their hearts stronger.

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[regina2]

Maybe Hook would find this to be a stupid question but...All the same she had to ask. “It worked right? You actually managed to go back in time, right? So...That means...” She took a breath. “Zelena took my heart. She didn’t want to kill me or otherwise manipulate me with it. We looked it up and...She needed it for the spell. It was...an emblem, a token, something that took on its own weight. My heart...It represented the strongest heart. And...if you actually did go back...” And they had to have gone back! How else could Marion be here, Robin Hood’s wife who’d died so long ago?!

“That proves it, right that I’m the one with the strongest heart?” Her voice was surprisingly fragile. She hated it. And the evidence was all there. It wasn’t even a matter of believing her untrustworthy half-sister. Because Zelena had never mentioned what she’d needed the heart for. They’d researched the magic themselves, both Belle and Regina. And if she was able to work with Belle after everything they’d been through, imprisoning the princess in her castle and then keeping her trapped in the psyche ward in Storybrooke for the duration of the curse...That had to mean something right?! Didn’t that show that she’d changed that Belle believed in her at least a little bit, enough to trust her with her boyfriend’s shop and his books?! She’d like to think so!

“If that’s true...That has to mean something like this won’t break me!” Her heart had shattered so many times she’d lost count. And yet each and every time she’d manage to piece it back together. It was never the same. She couldn’t possibly reconstruct what had once been. Pieces were lost forever. Some new ones took their place. Her heart was...rough and worn. Sometimes it grew much blacker, more twisted. And sometimes, she helped brush of the asphalt that coated her heart, making it slightly brighter. But always...Always she could build something from the ashes! And there were still pieces that lingered from the very beginning. Even when she felt as though she’d lost everything, there was some connectedness, some semblance of what had come before. There were still bits and pieces of that lonely little girl who’d loved the stable boy just as there were still pieces of that naive queen who’d loved Jefferson. As much as she’d denied it, tried to harden her heart and push herself away from such an intense feeling that made her vulnerable, there’d always been love.

“It won’t break me!” she repeated more firmly. If she lost things...Then she’d only have to get them back! She didn’t have to take them by force! She wasn’t that person anymore! She just...Had to get people to believe in her again, show them that she had changed for the better, for good this time! They might doubt but so long as her will was resolute, they’d see her for what she truly was in time, wouldn’t they?! Mother was wrong! The town would come to trust her! And if they couldn’t after everything, wasn’t that their problem, their sin?! She was redeemable! She had to believe that!

“I’m sorry. You’re right. There’s no point in comparing.” Hook had his own path to walk just as she did. She’d struggle to reclaim her goodness. All the sins she’d committed, they weren’t so easily laid to rest. But it was possible! She would believe that!

He was right. Lamentation wouldn’t help either of them. “I’m sorry,” she repeated. “I don’t mean to drown in a self pity party. It’s just...It’s been one hell of a night.” She thought she was entitled to at least a moment or two of gloom and doom. But she found herself really glad that Hook had come to find her. If anyone could understand what she was going through now, it was him. And having someone beside her who wasn’t quite the hero type, who also needed to redeem himself was soothing.

“I don’t doubt myself! I’m never going back to the person I was! The Evil Queen is dead!”

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Hook remained silent, giving a bit of a smile as she began to piece things together. Despite Zelena's disappearance, she had indeed been successful with her spell. One that he and Emma had stumbled across and . . . well, that had been quite the adventure. If nothing else, at least it brought them closer together and for that, Hook was grateful. As Regina reached the end of her deduction, she confirmed that she had a strong heart, and that this would not break her. He gave a small nod of approval.

"That sounds like the more resilient lass that I know you to be," he said a bit teasingly, but also with truth. Resilience. A quality that their reformed selves had to possess. He was glad that she finally found this clarity on her own, as it was often easier to accept rather than simply listening to another person say the words: they had to be understood, not just heard.

She then apologized for comparing, and then gave another apology for engaging in a self pity party. "You need not apologize, love," he assured. "Everyone is entitled to feel whatever the circumstances force them to." And Hook knew all too well what she was going through. If nothing else, he had also dealt with Neal's return. He loved Bae, which was why he had agreed to back off so that he would have a chance with Emma. But

alas, Neal was not meant for this world and it would forever sadden Hook that he was gone. At least he would be reunited with his mother in the afterlife. "Just know that I understand what you are going through right now. I am not sure how much of a comfort that brings you, but you're certainly not alone." She had once asked him aboard his ship whether he believed that villains would get happy endings and he told her he had to believe in it. He had to believe that they had a chance to be happy.

She then confirmed that the evil queen was dead, and Hook gave a bit of a smirk. "Well in that case, long live, Regina," he said, playing on the chanted words of the other world 'Long Live the Queen'. Only here, she was not the evil queen: she was Regina Mills. "Now why don't we drink to that, for I believe I still owe you a drink," he told her smiling, unsure whether she was still up for a beverage or whether her mood had altered enough that she did not feel the need for a drink. Either way, he wanted to keep the offer standing. Even if it was just for his company.

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[regina2]

Hook’s smile gave her courage to continue along the lines of her conclusion. As impossible as it sounded, Hook and Emma had traveled back in time. The spell had worked; and, one of the crucial ingredients was the strongest heart. And Zelena hadn’t taken just any heart. She’d been hell bent on Regina’s. No other heart would do! Regina wasn’t wrong! She was the type of person who could always piece the broken shards of her heart back together after it shattered. No, it was never the same. Cruel experiences left scars and burns. But she was still an emotional creature, someone who felt things very deeply. She wasn’t as gentle or kind as she’d once been. But she wasn’t a monster either! She was no longer a villain!

Regina smiled slightly as his nod of approval, taking heart from his resilient comment. Yes, people like them were resilient and adaptable because they had to be. They understood the world was merciless and vicious. To survive both physically and emotionally they needed that very special quality in abundance. She couldn’t help but wonder if Hook was more resilient than even her. He did have centuries on her. He’d know Rumple when he was human. So he was only slightly younger than Rumple. Based on physical appearances, she’d guess he was 20 years younger tops. And according to Peter Pan, Rumple was around three centuries old! And she’d trust that Peter Pan knew what he was talking about as he was Rumple’s father or rather...had been before his son had killed him. Talk about screwed up family dynamics. Not like she was one to talk. She’d sent Hook to murder her mother. And then Mother had turned the tables and convinced Hook to side with her. The only reason Regina was still alive was because she’d chosen the rights words to say over what she assumed was Mother’s corpse. Apparently, even heartless, Mother had felt something for her. Although that didn’t change the fact that Mother had been a monster, someone who’d never loved or appreciated what Regina was and made her childhood and early adult life miserable.  And then she'd come back to set the whole town against Regina when she was trying so hard to change...

Yeah...She was not getting into the who had a more screwed up family line of thought. That would not make this night any easier to swallow.

She chuckled. “True,” she replied when he insisted that everyone was entitled to their feelings. “But I’m sure you don’t need to hear me whine. Your night couldn’t have been easy either, traveling back in time and all,” she teased. She was making light of the situation; but, her words were never-the-less sincere. She could only imagine how frightening it must have been for Hook to have suddenly found himself back before Emma was born with no idea of how to return home. And then there was all the stress about wrecking the time stream. Yes..It certainly wasn’t wise to bring Marion back. But she was sure Hook had tried his best. She wasn’t quite willing to give Emma the benefit of the doubt. The wounds were too fresh. But Regina was more willing to forgive Hook because of their shared history and because Marion had been Emma’s idiotic idea even if Hook had gone along with it.

“Sometimes understanding is enough,” she said softly. Comprehension alone couldn’t change anything. She knew that. But in a world where most assumed the absolute worst of her, it was nice to feel that there was at least one person who understood her pain and so was at least more sympathetic towards her than the rest.

A small smile graced her lips at Hook’s “long live Regina”. Now that’s what she wanted more than anything, for people to see her as Regina not the Evil Queen. When she’d been planning to sacrifice herself to save Storybrooke, the town she’d crafted with her magic and ruled over as mayor, she’d told Emma to let her die as Regina. At her core..Regina was a good person, wasn’t she? She’d been that way once upon a time. And that lonely girl..she still existed inside Regina’s heart! She knew it! She just..had to try harder to hear her. But balance her! Now she had experience and could temper the naivety and optimism with healthy doses of reality and skepticism! As loathe as Regina was to admit it, once she’d been almost as naive and optimistic as Snow.

“A drink sounds fantastic!” she answered, giving more a wry than happy smile. She was doing better; but, she could definitely use something to help take the edge off this hellish night. Upset feelings didn’t evaporate at the drop of a hat.  Well then...She supposed that depended on which hat.  There'd been a certain one that could always brighten her day with its special skill.  But now that hat was gone.  Damn Charming.  That was his fault.  Well technically George had burned it; but, as Regina liked George, she'd rather blame Charming.  And Geroge had only done it to get at Charming. And as Regina was having one horrific night...She'd damn well blame whoever pleased her in her head!

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Hook gave a small smile as she told him that he didn't need to hear her whine. "I don't see it like that at all, love," he assured her, not wanting her to feel like she couldn't speak her mind. "Aye, it was quite the adventure I must say," he said, thinking of all that had happened. He had seen his former self -- as had Emma, they had gone to a ball, seen Rumple, her parents, hell even Regina had been there . . . it was indeed a rather chaotic adventure, but one that he would never forget. Especially since all had ended . . . excluding Marian's return that is.

"You made quite the entrance at the ball we attended," he said teasingly toward her, in attempt to keep the mood light. She then told him that at times, understanding was enough. He continued to smile and give a small nod at that. He quite agreed with that indeed. Her next words were acceptance of a drink and Killian began to turn in the direction of their destination. He supposed it would be good to give Emma some time with her family. He wasn't overly fond of immersing himself with everyone right now . . . which was why he had been seated outside of Granny's rather than inside with the rest of the lot.

He would speak to her tomorrow, and hoped she didn't regret the moment they shared. He had a strong feeling she wouldn't . . . it was different than the Neverland kiss which had been a spur of the moment. This one was more sincere, built up . . . more real, and promising toward a future. "We'll ensure this night ends on a better note," he began to say. "Drinks often help do that," he added on with a bit of a wink.

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[regina2]

Regina echoed Hook’s small smile when he assured her he didn’t see it that way. That was good at least. Regina knew she had every right to complain, given the night she’d been through. But all the same...Hook had had an equally rough one; and, she didn’t wish to annoy him. It was thoughtful of him to come and check on her like this. She did want to show him she appreciated the gesture. And really...What good would moaning do? Would it throw Marian back where she belonged? No. Regina was stuck with her. She’d just have to cope, find some way to get others to believe in her and trust her again. She wasn’t a monster! That woman who’d imprisoned Marion and apparently sentenced her to death, that wasn’t Regina anymore! Maybe in time even Marion would come to see that. But she wasn’t holding her breath. Marion pretty clearly hated her. And...Regina had to admit that if what everyone was saying was true...She had good reason. (Regina didn't actually remember the maiden herself.) Regina didn’t want to demonize the woman. That wasn’t her anymore.

Honestly, it was slightly easier to sympathize with Marion than Emma. She’d had no say in the matter. She’d been dragged here against her will. Emma was the idiot who went..Hey! Fantastic Idea! Let’s bring back someone who’s supposed to die! There’s no way that could negatively influence the time stream!

Of course Marion would freak out. She had no idea what was going on. She’d been suddenly ripped not only from her world but her time. And she had no cursed memories to help with the adjustment. The only constant was Robing, Roland, and Regina. (The three R’s. Go figure.) And well...Regina was hardly a comforting constant. Of course she would be scared. And her son was involved...Regina could hardly blame Marion for wanting to keep her son away from the ‘Evil Queen’. She hadn’t seen the changes. All she knew was Regina’s worst self.

“So are you actually going to tell me what happened?” she asked curiously with just a hint of impatience. She’d didn’t care for explanation foreplay. She wanted a story not a description of how epic and glorious said story would be.

Regina knew almost nothing about Emma’s and Hook’s little adventure. She only saw the end result. And no, she didn’t appreciate it.

“Always nice to make an impression!” she teased back. People could say what they would about the Evil Queen. But she was always memorable.

She followed Hook’s lead not because she didn’t know where the Rabbit Hole was. (She knew every inch of this town. She’d made it herself after all. And 28 years was more than enough time to grow overly familiar with it.) But because she was a bit hesitant to leave the forest that brought her such comfort. She’d linger as long as possible. But still...Drinks would be good.

“You said you’re buying! And I promise you, I’m no light weight!” Tonight...She felt like she just might get drunk. Typically she didn’t have more than a glass. But well...Tonight had been hell. She thought she was entitled to an extra drink or two!

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Regina asked him if he was going to tell her what had happened and . . . well, truth be told he hadn't really thought about it. Emma had explained the changed in the book, telling her parents that she was Princess Leia and he was Prince Charles. But he knew Regina deserved to know, considering the person they brought back. He gave bit of a smirk as he responded. "Now that is a story better told over a few drinks," he told her. As it was one that he could either give in a lot of detail, or briefly explain.

Something told him that the former would be better suited to the question Regina asked. She then said the words that he had once said to Rumpelstiltskin the first time he had boarded his ship. When he was a coward . . . well, then again, he always was a coward. He may no longer be trying to kill him, but that didn't mean he had to like him either. "Fear not, love. I am hardly one who gets easily inebriated." He had constantly drank rum for quite some time . . . especially following Milah's dead, and in Neverland.

"I imagine we will be spending a significant time there in order for us to feel any affects of the alcohol," he said with playful teasing, continuing to try and keep the mood light. "Aye, and of course I'm buying. What kind of gentleman would I be if i allowed a lady to pay for her own drinks?" He said once again with the same teasing tone, though with truth. He was after all, a bit traditional in that sense.

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