What could Regina possibly say to the woman in a moment like this? She knew all too well the sting of a child’s rejection – perhaps in the opposite way, yes, but the hurt was just the same. Having the son she had raised turn on her and claim she wasn’t his mother was no different than the child Maleficent must have dreamt of for decades have so little to offer the woman who had given her life. With a deeply furrowing brow, and an ache in her chest, Regina stepped out fully to help lead Maleficent into her home. This was a personal matter for the woman, and not something that needed to be witnessed by the whole of Mifflin street.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Regina was pulling Maleficent into a hug. The gesture was still, in a way, foreign to her. Henry and Robin being obvious exceptions, but there were no words that would do justice to what Maleficent must be feeling, and Regina saw no reason to pretend as though there were. She only hoped the gesture would translate. After all, affection hadn’t ever been either of their strong suits.
Her arms wound securely around Maleficent, one hand gently rubbing the other woman’s back as the stood, her eyes closing as she exhaled softly and surrendered herself fully to the embrace. She didn’t quite understand why Maleficent had chosen to come to her, especially considering the state of affairs between them since the night spent in her vault, but she was not going to let her leave believing Regina did not care.
❝ It’s going to be alright. ❞
She found herself saying in a soft voice, surprised by her own delicacy, then pulling Maleficent even tighter as she spoke. ❝ Lily is — confused, I’m sure. Not only has she gained a mother, she’s gained an entirely new heritage. I can’t imagine what effects the magic of Storybrooke may be having on her, especially if she’s anything like you. But I am certain that once she sees the love you hold, and comes to know the woman you are, that a week will quickly prove to be anything but enough time. ❞
The whole thing was foreign to her. The way Regina seemed to snap into some mode of care, of protection, and all for Maleficent’s sake. And even more foreign was the way that she simply let her do so. She followed as she was guided into the house, even when she was pulled into an embrace, a hug, something she hadn’t experienced in longer than she could remember really, nearly long enough to forget what she was meant to do in return. But after a moment it slowly came back, and despite her reservations, soon she was returning the gesture.
It was awkward, in a way, but at the same time, comforting. Not having been touched at all in years it was difficult at first to give herself over to it, like it somehow might sting if she allowed it to be anything more. And yet after a long beat, and Regina’s only hugging tighter, she found herself nearly melting into it. Touch was one thing, embrace was decidedly another. It dawned on her suddenly that the last person to hug her had likely been Regina herself. But that was a lifetime ago now.
Hearing her speak she let the words sink in. She heard no lie in them, no sign of some old obligation bringing them forth. They sounded genuine and like they too were meant to comfort her, and that made her stay in Regina’s embrace just a moment longer; before she was slowly pulling herself free.
“You sound very certain of that. But for once I can’t say I share your confidence. I’m not as terrifying as I once was. Even Lily seemed – unimpressed.” There was no humor in the laugh that followed, an empty, hollow sound that almost hurt to emit. “She…said things. That no one has ever had the gall to say to me, but I can’t say she was wrong. She wasn’t wrong. Maybe that’s what makes this so hard.” Her gaze dropped down toward her hands, her brow wrinkling pitifully as she fought more tears. Despite their talk in the forest she still wondered if she even had a chance at proving to her daughter that she was still needed, that she had anything to offer her at all.
Her brow wrinkled once again, even more painfully as she fought the swell of emotion in her chest. She wasn’t used to being so open, despite what Lily had said. And now it was as if she’d broken open a damn that just refused to quit flowing. It threatened to drown her with its might, swallow her within a wave and drag her into unknown depths. Where she might never be heard from again.
Keeping her gaze averted she wiped quickly at her cheek to banish some of the tears there, though they were replaced just as fast as she could swipe them away. “And, she’s already turned.” She added, a tearful smile showing itself for a moment, but then just as quickly it was only tears.