Archive of Our Own ^beta

— Swan, is the supermarket fish counter broken down or did I miss the part where I agree to fish our dinner.

The savior chuckles softly.

Without taking her eyes off the road, she opens the glove compartment and fumbles until she finds a bar of white chocolate. Smiling with satisfaction, she gives it to her girlfriend.

For a few minutes, only the crunch of the chocolate can be heard and the little tension that had been in the air evaporates.

— Darling, ​​it's almost seven o'clock. What are we doing at the beach?

The brunette can see nervousness in those bright green eyes, tinged with worry.

"Oh Dear" She knows that look. There are only to roads when her blonde uses that particular expression. Either the brunette will ruin Emma's decision, or everything has already gone to hell and it's time to fix the mess.

— Do you trust me, Regina?

The brunette rolls her eyes in exasperation, but a faint smile plays at the corner of her lips, unable and unwilling to hide the trust and love she feels for the Sheriff.

— You know I do, darling.

Emma draws Regina's hand to her mouth, kissing her knuckles.

— Patience then, Your Majesty.

The blonde smiles from ear to ear at Regina's wrinkled nose. Every time she does that, the savior imagines a little bunny, black and chubby. If the mayor ever finds out why she calls her bunny, is gonna be hell to pay.

— Just drive, peasant —the blonde laughs.

"Yep, my little grumpy bunny. My future bunny fiancée," she thinks with a knowing glint in her eyes.

If only the Queen knew that Emma is going to propose to her in a few hours.

The blonde never thought about getting married, not even during the few stable periods she had in some (one) of her relationships.

After that  wonderful  trip to Neverland, Henry experienced violent and terrifying nightmares day after day. His mothers, worried about the little boy, put aside their differences and the blonde moved temporarily to the Mills residence. Together, they fought the nightmares, giving their son security and stability to start the healing journey.

While Emma noticed Regina's rarely seen human side during the trip, it wasn't until that first night holding Henry in her arms that she saw with her own eyes how affectionate, attentive and loving the brunette was with their son. No matter how sweaty and runny Henry was, Regina never flinched when he soiled her silk pajamas, which, between you and me, must have cost more than Emma's bug at its prime.

Amazed, on a peculiar night when their son's nightmare was terrifying, she watched the mayor carry Henry as if he were a small child, smothering and singing him lullabies until the next morning. Emma honestly couldn't understand how that woman, who held her son until dawn, was once the fearsome Evil Queen; in her mind it simply wasn't possible. The blonde knew several of her adoptive mothers who truly deserved to be called evil. Regina next to them is the sweetest  Bombóm  (lady) for Christ's sake.

Like the blonde, Regina's perspective on her son's biological mother changed. She appreciated how funny, tender and affectionate the savior could be. No matter the hour, if Henry couldn't sleep, the blonde would tell him stories or anecdotes about herself, each one more ridiculous than the last, but they achieved their purpose: calming the younger Mills. Even when they were bored or the weather prevented them from going out to the bow of the ship, Regina (amused) would have to scold them both because one of them had decided to start a pillow fight or a tickle fight; usually, Emma was the one who started it, confirming her suspicions that the savior was a child in an adult's body.

Ultimately, those months transformed their perceptions of each other, bringing all of them closer like one family. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and unfortunately for them, a Yogi Bear arrived in town with his arrows.

When Robin Hood, with his soulmate speech and his adorable son, began to win over the mayor, the insecure blonde distanced herself, ending her stay at the Mills Manor. It wasn't until she was consumed by jealousy over a lie her mother told her (yes, her mother lied to her. Mom of the year, Yupi) that the two idiots finally confessed their love for each other. So, Snow White, fed up with hearing Lana Del Rey constantly and seeing Emma sobbing uncontrollably with her twins brothers, told her daughter a  tiny little  lie about seeing Regina and Robin kissing.  Well,  it wasn't exactly a lie, per se, but in the mayor's defense, she turned her face away before the pine-cone touched her lips; so, the enraged, jealous and possessive blonde in her pijamas banged on the Mills' door like a maniac at midnight, not giving a damn if Regina was asleep. The furious mayor opened the door, demanding to know if Emma's last neuron had finally died, to which the sheriff, ​​saying nothing, grabbed the front of her (sexy) nightgown and pressed her lips to pink ones in a passionate and furious kiss.

After a heavy make up session and more calmer but still heavily breathing Emma confessed to Regina that she loved her, asking why look elsewhere, in a man who smelled like shit horse, for what she and her son were.

A family.

When their relationship became public, no one in town was surprised. On the contrary, they thought they had been together since the blonde moved into the Mills mansion. What the powerful couple of Storybrooke didn't know was that the residents had made a communal bet and the winner was none other than Snow White, who won five thousand dollars on cash.

The Charmings welcomed their once upon a time enemy with open arms as they have witness Regina's transformation every day. From a serious, reclusive and annoying woman, she became kind, tolerant and friendly, even with them. Emma wouldn't be in better hands than the brunette, because they knew firsthand that when Regina loves, she does it with her whole being and God help anyone who tries to take her blonde away, cause they won't live to tell the tale. Hook still has the scar on his ass from various jealous fireballs.

Almost five years have passed since then.

Their relationship is going stronger, Henry has grown up, leaving his nightmares behind. The Charmings moved to a farm with their toddlers twins, Zelena start a new life with Maleficent as her lover and the Charming-Swan-Mills clan became one.

Live is good in their not so sleepy town.

There's no better time than the present, so one afternoon, Emma told her parents about her upcoming marriage proposal to her queen. As expected, they congratulated with tears (Snow), pats in her back (David) and request to be their boys rings (her little brothers). Snow always knew Regina belonged to her family but never imagined she would become her daughter-in-law. Even so, she and Charming gave their blessing to their firstborn.

That same evening, Emma even went to the grave of her brunette's father to ask for his blessing. The blonde doesn't know if it was her imagination, but she swears she felt a chubby hand on her shoulder squeezing it; if that wasn't a sign, then God knows what is.

She also visited Zelena that night, since, according to the tradition of the enchanted forest, is needed the matriarch's approval, but over her dead body, she would ask Cora, so Zelena must be. ​​Since Zee was Regina's older sister and the most "elder" of the Mills dynasty, she fulfilled the tradition. The British woman rolled her eyes and unable to hide the tears in them, pulled the savior into a hug. Between sobs, she warned her to never hurt her little sister or not a single hair would be left for her burial. Emma, ​​swallowing her laughter, not wanting to provoke the fury of a pregnant woman (yes, the redhead had found true love with Maleficent) closed her mouth and simply hugged her, promising to love her sister beyond eternity.

The sound of the waves and the smell of salt water pull the savior from her thoughts. Skillfully, she parks the Beetle at the entrance to the beach, conveniently empty. Her request (threat) to the inhabitants not to appear had worked.

— Come on, my love —she says, offering her hand.

They enter the beach without haste, walking slowly, contemplating the scene before them.

Long, flat, bluish-gray clouds stand out against the orange sky. The sea is serene and calm, the waves gently lapping the shore. There is barely a light breeze; the air feels warm and peaceful.

At first glance, the beach appears deserted, however, a few meters away where the waves break, two horses can be seen, one completely white and one brown.

Regina stops abruptly, putting her hand to her mouth, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a loud sob.

Disbelieving and with heavy breathing, she stares at the brown horse and his distinctive white patch from his forehead to the beginning of his nose.

— Is it him? —her voice says in a whisper, without blinking, fearing it's an illusion.

Emma squeezes her hand, admiring the horses.

— Someone has been waiting impatiently for you, Bunny —she assure her, tears welling in her green eyes. Thanks to her magic, she senses Regina's melancholy, denial, and hope.

The blonde clicks her tongue, attracting the animals' attention.

Regina stands like a statue, anxiously and astonished, watches the horse approach, until Rocinante is standing before her.

—  Little One  —the brunette says with tears streaming down her face.

Rocinante examines her and brings his nose close, inhaling her familiar scent. Memories of a little brunette brushing him comes first, next of a young woman screaming with euphoria while riding him and their last encounter, a woman kneeling and weeping, placing her hand on his chest, pulling a red circle.

"My Mistress" resonates in his mind.

The horse delicately lowers his front legs with his head bowed, creating their special greeting.

A sharp, painful wail escapes the brunette. Regina fly toward her horse. Her arms wrap around the horse, tightly, trying to merge them into one.

Rocinante cradles her against his chest with his neck, letting out joyful whinnies, causing Regina to sob even harder against his coat. It's not a woman apologizing, it's a child begging forgiveness from her only childhood friend.

Emma clenches her jaw, swallowing her sobs. She's never heard such agonizing cry.

Mia, the white worse, feeling the whirlwind of emotions from her rider, rests her head on her shoulder, comforting her.

— They are finally together, my Mia — she says, stroking her horse, her eyes fixed on the reunion of her future wife with the love of her life in that magnificent animal.

Emma, ​​with the help of Maleficent, Zelena and a forced Rumple, accomplished the impossible and sent the blonde back in time. Exactly minutes after Regina removed Rocinante's heart, putting him to sleep for eternity. After the Queen left, the hidden savior altered the memories of the servants tasked with burying the animal. As far as they were concerned, they buried a horse when in reality they had only buried a wooden pole with a stuffed horse's head.

The Savior, having privately practiced levitation and body preservation spells with her sisters-in-law, stole Rocinante's body and brought it back to Storybrooke. Luckily for the blonde, Regina had to leave town for two days with Henry and his twin brothers, Niall and Niko, for a comic con. The five-year-old twins were easy to convince; all it took was a grilled cheese sandwich, a milkshake and the assurance that their godmother would be with them.

God knows what it is about Regina that attracts all of Snow White's children like a moth to a flame. Before, the thought of that attraction gave Snow ulcers; now she thinks about it with humor and amusing smile on her face. Charming keeps saying its the crush her wife once had on the queen. Snow still hasn't confirmed or denied anything, but her blushing cheeks speak volumes.

So, once the brunette was out of town, the Savior and the three wonderful,  cooperative  wizards combined their magic and, using strands of Emma's hair, shaped a heart, bringing the little giant back to life.

For months, after work the blonde played, brushed and learn to ride the horses, forming a bond with Rocinante and Mia, who the latter was also rescued from the past. She belonged to Snow's mother, but the King (she wouldn't call him grandfather even under torture) had her put to sleep because it was too difficult to see her alive. The old man never ever set a foot in the stables; God knows why "seeing her" brought him so much "sadness".

Fuck you Leopold!

But anyway, the three reformed villains weren't too happy when the blonde returned with the horses, but  oh well, the mare was already in the present with them, and there was no way they could send her back to be killed; so, Emma got her way and adopted her. With the support of Sneeze, the very (surprisingly) capable foreman, she nurtured, trained and cared for both animals, restoring them to their former glory.

You know what they say. Happy horses, Happy Wife… or something like that.

Regina's laughter encourages Emma to approach along with Mia.

Rocinante, upon seeing the blonde, neighs happily, placing his muzzle on her cheek.

— Hello, little one —Emma rest her forehead unto his.

Regina, still with a lump in her throat from the overwhelming melancholy and joy, can't help but cry at the scene. She never imagined she would experience this moment, her horse and the love of her life interacting in real life.

Emma stretches out her arm, patiently waiting for the mayor. Regina is cautious with her body and emotions; the therapy sessions with Archie have worked, but even so, the blonde always checks with her girlfriend.

She'd rather die than risk her touch causing discomfort to her Queen.

The brunette ignores her hand and instead puts her own into Emma's face.

— I love you, Emma Swan —Regina says solemnly.

— I love you forever, Regina Mills.

Regina kisses Emma's lips with intensity, offering her gratitude and a whirlwind of emotions, certain that her partner won't be frightened by her effusive outburst.

Short of breath, they press their foreheads together, savoring the moment, without haste or time.

The neighing of their horses makes them separate.

“It's time, Swan."

— Would you grant me this ride with you, baby? —she asks, bowing slightly with a mischievous look.

— Do you know how to ride? —Regina asks, perplexed.

Emma lets out a chuckle as she walks toward Mia. She glances at her mare as if to say, "let's teach her." Mia pulls back her knee, forming a "step" with her heel for her rider; with ease, the savior climbs aboard, settling onto her back, ready for adventure.

— Why don't you find out, Mills? —smiling playfully. Rider and horse moves forward to stand beside Rocinante.

Regina laughs heartily, her eyes sparkling like Emma has never seen them before.

— Little One, as we practice.

Rocinante, hearing the magic words, trots toward the dark-haired woman, passing by without stopping. As if no years had passed, Regina takes the reins and leaps into the air, landing atop her horse.

After more than twenty-five years, Rocinante and Regina ride together.

— Show off —Emma says, unable to hide the admiration in her voice.

Regina, flashing her teeth, regards her with an air of superiority.

— Keep up, Princess —she says with arrogance. Pressing gently her boots against Rocinante's flanks, they start to trot.

— Game on. GO MIA!

The mare quickly joins the stallion's trot at the water's edge.

Regina, with her eyes sparkling, smiles at Emma.

— With me?

— Always.

They both press their horses' flanks, urging them on.

The past and present merge.

— Let it go, Little One —The horse squeals in understanding. Regina, with practicality, removes the bridle, loosening the reins.

The horse, neighing, gallops swiftly.

Regina, shouting with euphoria, raise her arms toward the sky, caressing the air. Her body moving as one with her horse, her heart in rhythm with Rocinante.

"How I missed you, Little One" Regina thinks. Deep in the core of her soul, feels that harmony, joy and sense of freedom that she hadn't experienced since she last rode.

The wind, the sea water and their bodies unite as one, forming a new bright future.

— — — — —

Rocinante slows down, stopping where the path of white petals begins. The brunette notices that at the end of it, a circle of floating fire forms an oval.

Emma gets off Mia, standing next to Regina.

— Bunny — she says, extending her arms.

Regina complies, holding onto Emma's shoulders for a few seconds, feeling her legs weak and trembling. She's not used to the burn in her muscles, but soon she will be.

Rocinante nudges Regina's body with his head, encouraging her.

Regina smiles, intertwining her fingers with Emma's walking down the path until they are in the center of the circle. Standing face to face, the blonde removes the barriers from her eyes, baring her soul.

— Regina, I grew up without knowing what to be love means, without knowing what a home is. When I spent nights in the park and saw a couple in love, it was weird to me. I didn't understand that sparkle in their eyes or why they were kissing. Frankly, I found it disgusting —she smiles, a blush rising to her cheeks— the only thing I was sure of was that I would never experience it. But then you came into my life, like a damned tornado, without warning or instruction, breaking down the walls and defenses I have built over the years. You have no idea how grateful I am, because I had already lost the key to the door.

Loving you is the most terrifying and magnificent adventure I have ever willingly undertaken.

You taught me what it is to be loved unconditionally, without reason. You showed me that love isn't just black and white; it's more complex than that. Thanks to you, I have decided not to want a fairytale love, not one where everything is perfect. I want a real one, with darkness, light, rain, storms, calm and sunsets.

I want one like ours.

Destiny was not mistaken. You were destined to belong to this family, but you weren't ready yet. I know marriage has been painful for you, and you can imagine how much I would give to change the past, even if it meant not having you, because to love is also to know how to lose, and even if Daniel were alive, I would step aside. My love for you will never be selfish —she caresses her cheeks, feeling her own equally wet— But the deities have granted me this privilege of loving you, and I yearn, desire, wish that you join me as a whole person. Not as a half, not as my soulmate, because you are so much more than that. Join me as Regina Mills, with all your darkness and light, with your moods and rules. I want Regina the Queen, the Mayor, the Mom, the Woman, cause to me she is more than enough —Regina sobs, lost in those endless green sockets— I promise to love you in the difficult days, in the tribulations, in the happiness and the ecstasy.

I swear I will never let go of your hand, even if we are crucified for it.

So Bunny —she knelt— I want to be completely yours. You don't know how much I long for the day I become Emma Swan-Mills, wife of the one who was once a misunderstood Queen. Wife of a Queen who has battled her darkness and emerged victorious. Wife and First Lady of the Town of Storybrooke.

Regina Maria Mills, would you grant me the honor of loving you for eternity and beyond? Because, my love, even eternity isn't enough time to finish loving you.

Will you marry me?

Emma opens the box, revealing the ring she designed herself. A diamond that at first glance appears half purple and half green, but when the light hits it, it turns a hazel hue, the same eye color as their son.

Kneeling Regina cries into Emma's neck, nodding steadily. Her heart pounds in her chest, her magic surges euphorically through her veins and she can already feel her eyes turning a phosphorescent purple from the whirlwind of emotions that only her blonde can evoke, transforming the former evil queen into a pudding of love.

— Yes, Emma Swan-Mills —her voice, emotional and sincere, confirms— I will marry you, knowing that not even eternity will separate us.

With tears streaming down her face, she kisses her future wife. Deepens the kiss, savoring her essence, surrendering her soul completely.

A powerful, brilliant white light sweeps across every corner of the town. The fallen trees stand now upright, lush and strong. Trampled plants regenerate, blooming. People, animals and all living beings inexplicably feel a surge of peace and love for a few seconds.

Rosinante and Mia neigh joyfully, rearing up on their hind legs, celebrating.

Their uncontrollable magic thunders in the sky. Fireworks mingle with the stars, shining brighter than ever.

Nature, time and the earth stand still for a moment.

Few couples are more than soulmates, more than true love.

They are one.

The people, knowing their savior would propose and the queen would accept, emerge from the undergrowth dressed in white, carrying pots, flowers, speakers and instruments.

They are more than ready for the celebration. After all, their princess and queen have just become engaged.

— MOMS —Henry comes running, throwing himself into their arms. Emma picks up the 13-year-old boy like a small child— I knew it! You are true love!

— WE ARE, KID! Your mother couldn't resist my charms —s​​he teases her fiancée.

"Holy shit. MY fiancée!" the savior screams in her mind.

Regina laughs heartily, shaking her head.

— Keep lying to yourself, darling —she jokes, admiring her with Henry in her arms, melting with love.

— BUG! EMMA! —the Charmings shout joyfully.

Emma puts Henry down and instead picks up her brothers, hugging them and their parents squeeze them together, forming a Charming perfect sandwich.

— REGINA! —Zelena hugs her sister, under some incredulous eyes. The Mills sisters had never hugged in public before— You have no idea how happy I am for you, little sister.

The sisters hide their arms around each other's necks, tears streaming down their faces. They are grateful that despite all the horror they each endured, they are finally together on this path to their happy ending.

— We did it, huh? —Zelena whispers, gazing at Mal, her eyes filled with love.

— We did. —the brunette replies, watching her son on Emma's shoulders, playing.

— Regina —Snow calls.

Maleficent hugs and kisses Regina, congratulating her. They both go to the newest member of the Mills clan, their new sister.

Snow hugs Regina tightly, holding her close.

— Welcome to the family, as it always should have been —she says affectionately, wiping away Regina’s tears.

— Snow… —she begins, unsure what to say.

"Her mother-in-law. Damn, who would have thought?" she shakes her head, lost in thought.

— The past doesn't exist anymore. I have forgiven you and I know you have too. It doesn't matter now; you're my new daughter —She laughs, amused by the brunette's expression— Remember what your mother said? Always listen to your mother-in-law.

They both examine each other and, unable to stop themselves, burst into laughter, shocking everyone present. They laugh even harder at the residents' expressions, who look at them as if they've lost their damn minds, which is possible; it runs in the family after all.

— Congratulations, Madam Mayor —Ruby arrives in a bikini, at the damn hour of nine o'clock at night— Snow, where do you want the grill?

— The grill?

Snow smiles mischievously, her green eyes flashing with the same glint as Emma's.

— Being part of the charming clan means campfires, barbecues and spontaneous meals or in this case, dinner parties. Get used to it, dear daughter —Snow says. She and Ruby laughing like hyenas as they walk away from a bewildered Regina.

The brunette feels arms wrap around her waist, pulling her close to a defined body. Her magic lets her know in microseconds that is her woman, her fiancée.

“My fiancée!" she thinks with a flutter in her stomach. Inevitably, her eyes focus on her new ring; in all her years as reign she has never seen or known a more precious one.

She spins, devouring Emma’s lips.

Claps, shouts of jubilation and suggestive comments (from Leroy and Ruby) ricochet in the beach.

A flash of light make them separate.

— Congratulations Godmother, Bug! —The twins have stolen Sidney's camera and taken the photo that, unbeknownst to them, the future marriage will use on their profiles until the day of their wedding.

— Come here, you little devils! — Each one takes a twin, showering him with kisses.

Henry, from his spot with his friends around the campfire, admires them. He imagines his little brothers and sisters instead of his uncles in the not-too-distant future, because let's face it, their mothers are like rabbits, and God knows why he doesn't have ducklings running around him yet, but he's sure that very soon he will.

— True love —Violet whispers in his ear. Henry, his cheeks flushed, nods, kissing her cheek.

— GOOD NIGHT FOLKS ! —God knows where Leroy got a microphone from and how they managed to set up a small stage so quickly— Lets raise our glasses and best wishes for the future bride and bride!

Shouts, applause, and fireworks fill the air.

— One, two, three, hit me, brothers!

— Well, at least I know they're already on Shrek.

Leroy squats down with his knees pointing outwards and advances with short kicks forward while playing his guitar, embodying Chuck Berry and his Duck Walk move

Henry makes eye contact with Emma, ​​and they both burst into uproarious laughter, clutching their stomachs.

Regina, speechless and stunned, watches with horror and fascination as her people sing at the top of their lungs, dancing and reveling.

— God, I love this crazy town — Emma confesses, her eyes shining, wiping away tears of laughter. Her fiancée shakes her head, her shoulders trembling, laughing loudly.

The town is utter madness, but that's to be expected when there are fairy tales involve, traumas for generation and a damn psychiatric ward hidden in the hospital.

— With me, Bunny?

— Always, darling.

They intertwine their hands, walking towards the eccentric, loving and fearless people of their kingdom.

You only have one life, surround yourself with eccentrics, wise people, and madmen; there will always be someone who will uplift you or wound you, but it's necessary to grow.

Seek her. Seek him. Seek them.

Somewhere in the world, the love of your life awaits you and when you find them, promise me to love them from their darkness, light and peace.

Love without fear, for one day you will find yourself on your deathbed, and it's better to say, "I loved fiercely and wasn't loved in return," than to say, "If only I had tried."

Remember, a life without love is a life wasted.

Be a believer in love.