Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV) Pairing: Evil Queen | Regina Mills/Emma Swan Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Words: 106,268
After Regina and Emma spend a night together, Emma is left to deal with the fall out, and a life-altering event, all alone as Regina changes her mind and decides Emma is not what she wants, after all. Will Regina realize what she's done before it's too late? Angst and Swan Queen.
I found my SwanQueen equivalent of Truth & Measure!
Yeah, you read that right. This along with A Dark Ocean by chilly_flame will be my go to SwanQueen fic from now on until I find a better one... if at all possible.
So many times I read a story and get frustrated by how over the top a character's actions are. This story has quite a dose of both drama and angst but not once did I get the feeling that the characters were overacting or that the situation was too over the top. Even at 1 or 2 points when I felt like rolling my eyes at their behavior, the author gave an explanation that made perfect sense as to why that person reacted the way they did.
I was honestly shocked at how many times I teared up and full on cried when reading this. Because even though there is magic involved and you need to suspend your disbelief, the emotions described felt 100% real and so very relatable. Everything from longing, heartache, anger, despair and happiness was included in this story and all of it felt necessary to the plot.
A lot of times I get frustrated because one character lets the other off the hook to easily and fights are not resolved because the author just wants to get to the next plot point. None of that happens here because Emma and Regina actually communicate. Ok maybe not immediately but they do eventually talk about everything that you as a reader are wondering about.
So why read this? Well I can't force you but there is a reason why I compare this to Truth & Measure and it made it onto my all time favorites list. Of course I know other readers will disagree which is fine but for me there is a realness to this story that only reminds me of T&M. I guess you'll just have to read it (or not) and see for yourself.
Summary: Emma and Regina spend a drunken night together on thanksgiving. Regina regrets it instantly and kicks Emma out because she's with Robin and Emma is with Hook. She tells Emma it was a mistake even thought that night was quite... magical. Poor Emma is heartbroken and is sick to her stomach with grief. Or is there another reason why she's throwing up all the time and has a sudden craving for pickles?
*This is best suited for those who have at least a basic knowledge of the show and its characters. **Also note the rating my fellow sisters in smut, you will not find any hot or steamy scenes here.
5 Stars for this well written Once Upon a Time fanfic. The author said she got the title from Blink 182.
On and on, reckless abandon Something's wrong This is gonna shock them Nothing to hold on to We'll use this song To lead you on And break the truth - Blink 182
It probably helps to have some knowledge of OUAT. I myself only watched a few episodes and truth be told, most of knowledge comes from fanfic and OUAT Wiki fandom page. Although many times the later just leaves me more confused. However, the author, RowArk explains enough for me that I only looked up one character, Lily as she was unfamiliar to me. I was surprised that Regina's sister, Zelana was the Wicked Witch of the West and the actress that plays Maleficent on OUAT does not resemble Angelina Jolie. I’m glad I looked Mal up after I finished the story.
What I loved about this story is the characterization of each of the characters, Emma, Regina and especially Maleficent and her daughter, Lily (even though at times she isn’t that likable) and Emma’s mother, Mary Margaret (Snow White) isn’t as annoying and unsupportive as she is portrayed in some fanfics.
When we meet Regina and Emma – Emma although not officially broken up, hasn’t been in a relationship with Hook (aka Killian) for at least 3 months. Regina and Robin are living together at Regina’s mansion with son Henry and Robin’s children, Roland and baby Ryleigh (whose mother is Zelana). Regina is taking care of the kids. She is still Mayor of Storybrook but not as a workaholic as portrayed in most fanfiction and I assume the show. The story opens the morning after Thanksgiving and Regina throwing Emma out of her bedroom after a one night stand. For Regina it was a mistake, for Emma not so much and she is devastated.
Favorite Quotes: “No. No decent person wanted Emma, not long term. No one had and no one would. Not Regina. Not anyone." –Emma
“Safe isn’t nice, Regina. It’s boring. And you’ve never been boring." Mal discussing Emma with Regina, who thinks she and Emma would never work.
If my TBR pile wasn't toppling over, I'd re-read this today.
P.S. If you want to read an excellent Maleficent story (non OUAT)- check out Creme Brulee's Maleficent Beauty
This was actually better than some of the published books I've been reading recently. I'm a big fanfiction fan so getting to read something well written in one of my favorite ships was awesome. It kinda dragged at the end, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This is the comment I left for the author on FanFic:
This is not only the first time I have read one of your works...but also the first fanfic I have read for this pairing.
That being said, all I can say is...”why the heck have I not done so before now?”
In answer to that...I have only ever seen a few episodes of the first season...and prior to this, had really only read about two pairings: Mirandy and Clexa.
So, how did I come upon you and this story? One of my friends on GoodReads posted a review...and I was intrigued.
I enjoyed this story and, specifically, your writing. I love your written voice. The pacing rang true to reality, as it relates to the development of a meaningful and lasting relationship (all magic, etc aside).
The fact I knew very little about the show from which this fandom sprung did not hamper my enjoyment at all...which to me is a sign of a good (great, even) author.
Thank you for sharing your talent and this fandom. I will definitely be checking out your other works.
I ADORED this. I wanted to punch Regina sometimes and I definitely wanted Robin to disappear into a volcano. Smh, Robin was horrible in this story. This was a great read and if you are in the fandom then you'll love it! It's rare that I like a story that has no smut but this one was really good. The emotions were captured beautifully.