Chapter Text
Honestly, I have no idea what happened. One minute I was watching Once Upon a Time, and the next, I was in it! This is definitely a dream come true of mine, aside from the fact that I have no idea how to get back to my world. Oh well, might as well enjoy it while I can, right?
I knew I was in Storybrooke when I saw the signature clock tower and Granny’s diner. I had to control myself to not fangirl at the sight, but I might have managed a squeal or two, turning a few heads in the process.
Walking into the diner was surreal, hearing the bell chime at my entrance. Instantly, I spotted an empty booth, one I usually see Emma frequent, and took a seat. My mind replayed scenes from episodes past that happened in that very same booth. I smiled to myself at the thought as Ruby approached me. Oh. My. God. It’s Ruby!
“What can I get for ya, sweet cheeks,” she grinned. I practically melted on the spot but then schooled my features in a very Regina-esque way and responded, “I’ll have a hot cocoa with cinnamon, a bacon burger with fries, and apple pancakes, hold the syrup.” The response rolled off my tongue fluently as the tall brunette gaped.
“No offense, but that’s a lot of food for such a little thing,” she joked, jotting down the order on her notepad. I simply nodded at her statement then she went on her way to fill my order. Thankfully, I was still wearing my street clothes, so I had enough money in my pockets to cover the bill.
I glanced down at the table in front of me and noticed the day’s newspaper on the surface. How convenient, I thought. So, I picked it up and read the headline: Sheriff Saves All 101 Dalmatians. After chuckling at the title, I scanned the front page’s contents. Boring. Boring. Boring. Aha!
My finger was now placed on a picture of Madame Mayor herself at a ribbon cutting for a new movie theatre. Regina! I really really want to meet her. She’s my favorite! At that moment, Ruby had returned to give me my hot cocoa, and said, “I haven’t had time to visit the theatre yet. Do you know if anything good is playing?” The brunette waitress had taken a seat across from me and leaned over hear elbows, flirtation written all over her face. Wait, she’s flirting with me. Sorry, babe. My heart’s forever Regina’s.
“I’m not sure,” I respond casually, taking a spoonful of whip cream and licking it off the metal utensil. “I’m kinda new around here, so-“ Before I could finish my sentence, the woman spoke up again, this time way more enthusiastically.
“That’s okay! Maybe I could show you around? I know this place like the back of my hand, not that I don’t know the front, of course…I, um…maybe we could check out the theatre together.” I stifled a giggle at her attempt to ask me out, remembering her character to be much smoother on screen than off. Then I nodded at her request and offered her a smile, “That sounds like fun.”
Ruby returned my smile then her head snapped up at the sound of Emma’s bug outside the diner. Instantly, she blanched. Interesting, I wonder what that’s all about. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I suddenly feel anxious that my time is limited in this world. I should really go see Regina. I want her to know she’s loved.
Abruptly I stood from my booth, tossing down some bills on the table. “Wait, where are you going? Your food hasn’t even arrived,” the waitress questioned. I was torn between staying and experiencing Granny’s first hand and going to see the former Evil Queen. Wait, no I wasn’t. Former Evil Queen all the way, let’s go. “Sorry, I just realized that I had to do something. See you later,” I offered, not waiting for a response before bolting out the door, right as the blonde savior came strutting out of her car. That red leather jacket and those skinny jeans. Damn. Just Damn.
Being the nerd fan I am, I had no trouble tracking down 108 Mifflin Street, and thankfully, Regina’s black Mercedes was parked outside. I let out a squeal of excitement, much like one of Rumpelstiltskin’s, then made my way to the front door.
Approaching the mansion I felt unworthy of being there. All of the memories that house and plot of land possessed overwhelmed me to the point where I could not hear the soft tapping of heels coming from the opposite side of the door until it was too late.
There she was, standing clad in one of her iconic pantsuits and killer heels, Regina Mills in the flesh. I willed myself not to pull a Snow White and faint before the woman. No, I couldn’t let Regina Freakin Mills see that! I had to act normal, like I belonged.
I could tell I was already failing, if her worried and confused expression was anything to go by. I was just staring at her. Gawking, really. Tell me, what is one to do when in the presence of a queen? Without thinking, I curtsied at the woman, who seemed taken aback by the action.
“Sorry, sorry,” I apologized awkwardly, averting my gaze to the ground. She stepped forward, off the base of the doorway, and brought her hand to my chin, forcing me to look her in the eyes.
“Tell me, dear,” she began questioningly. “What is your name?”