gloriouscurse | If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share. [Thanksgiving Day in the City]

Never had Regina had an abundance to be thankful for. Henry, of course, she was glad every day for him. Under the curse they'd had this holiday together, though it had always been just them, and after it broke the holidays had fallen to the wayside as event after event happened in Storybrooke. Then there was the year spent back in the forest, and though everyone knew what it was, there hadn't been much to celebrate. Or if anyone had, Regina certainly hadn't taken part in the festivities. She'd had nothing but newfound vengeance. In her life before, there was no such thing as 'Thanksgiving' and the last large meal she'd had, the last grand gathering, had been the king's birthday and she couldn't have cared less if she tried.

This year is different. This year there's family and friends of the family and things to celebrate. There's Henry getting to have a holiday with all three of his parents, there's Robin and Roland and a happiness that has managed to settle into Regina's belly and slowly allow her to relax. She hasn't had a terrible dream in weeks, and maybe she's started to let herself believe that this could be how her life is. She finds herself wanting it, the warmth Cora's home never allowed for, the laughter she's denied herself, and so she works hard at it, cooking and baking. Henry's with her in the kitchen in the morning after spending the day before hunting wild turkey with Robin. There are appetizers out by eleven: parmesan and cream cheese pumpkin puffs, deviled eggs and veggies with homemade dip. The wine and drinks are flowing by noon, and at three, dinner is served with traditional fare: turkey and stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, real cranberry sauce and everything in between. She'd urged her guests to bring food they enjoyed too. Dessert is during mid-cleanup and includes Henry's no-bake pumpkin pie, an apple pie, pecan, and sweet potato.

The dull chatter in the room, the occasional laughter and the noise of whatever people watched on television during Thanksgiving all lended itself to make her step back and watch for a moment, eyes suspiciously damp. She's truly thankful, because she never thought she'd have this.

[ooc: Treat as gathering! Lots of mingling and tagging one another.]

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"Is there anything I can help with?" I feel a little guilty, seeing all of this and knowing I had nothing to do with it. And I know how much work this takes, because Dad and I did for years on our own. It was as big a deal as we could make it, in the beginning it was to keep some sense of normalcy after Mom left and after JJ, well, for a little while it was an act of desperation. Sometimes, Dad had to work, so we'd do it the day, the week before or after Thanksgiving, but we always did it and in time, it became our thing.

"I mean anything. Even dishes. I'm great at dishes."

Regina looks up and she has no idea who this person is, but her answer is immediate.

"If you help me with the kitchen, I think that technically you'll have to be nominated for sainthood," she huffs out with a laugh. And the thing is, she can easily use her magic, but she doesn't necessarily mind it all, and washing dishes while she sips wine is relaxing anyway, especially with people coming in and out for random chit-chat.

"And help yourself to tupperware and taking any leftovers home," she offers as well. All that she'll need for herself and Henry is already in the fridge.

"I'll see what Aggie wants, I bet I can grab enough here to have us in turkey casserole for a week." Meanwhile, I pull up my sleeves and start picking up dishes to take to the kitchen. I really don't mind, again, it's not like I did all the prep work so doing the clean-up's least I can do.

"You're Henry's mom, right? His other mom, I mean?" I hope she doesn't take it as prying, but I'm curious. Not about the two mom thing, that's whatever it is to them, but just about them in general. Aggie seems to like Henry a lot, they seem to be fast friends and that probably means I'll be spending more time with this group. So I might as well get to know them, right?

"There's so much pie, too. Like I said, please help yourselves." She starts making warm soapy water, then nods. "I am. The one who adopted him." Truthfully, she's used to the questions, is surprised when they don't come, usually.

"I feel sorry for any teenage boy dealing with two mothers at this stage in the hormone game," Regina smirks. "Emma and I are both trying to figure out that one." Really, she's so glad Neal has shown up. Maybe he can talk to Henry about all the girls he knows.

"I'm sure Aggie and I will be more than happy to take some pie off your hands." Mmmm, pie. It was good pie, too. I didn't know if Regina here had made absolutely everything, but whoever made that pie was magic with pastry.

"Well, whatever missteps you make, he'll forgive if you're honest about trying. I know I had to forgive my Dad for some REALLY awkward conversations in my teens, so you can trust me on that one." All of which reminded me that I should probably start having those conversations with Aggie. Oh, God, I'm going to have to have those conversations with Aggie.

"There are more than a couple men in his life. Not that I'd pawn off those conversations if he came to me about anything. But there might be someone else he feels more comfortable with. His father is here, and a grandfather. That gives him two other options right away.'

She hopes it's enough, though she'd do whatever needed to be done if he asked her any questions.

"Yeah, Aggie mentioned he has most of his family here. Must be a relief for all of you, having each other close by." I know I'd kill for a few friends from home. Especially Dad, especially today. But Alysia, Dick, Dinah, anyone would be great. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful as hell for the friends that I do have, but you can't replace the ones you lose. You just can't.

"Once upon a time it wouldn't have been. But now I'm glad. His father isn't exactly..." Regina glances over toward Neal who now seems to be sitting next to Emma. Interesting.

"Something happened back home, so this is the only chance Henry has to know him. For that I'm glad." And of course, she's glad he has so many people here that it can feel at least a little like home.

"Then I will be, too. It's nice to know this place can give people family. I keep hoping my Dad or even my Mom might show up. Or hell, I'll take anyone from my home, but no luck yet." I just keep getting close. People that I know that are different versions of the ones from my home. Like Jason.

Damn, I should check on him soon.

"I used to go to the train station every single day. I stopped when my son arrived. Maybe that was a little selfish," she admits out loud. "Especially considering others have come after him."

Yeah, maybe she should start again.

"Well, people show up other places than the train station. I did." And that's a night I'll not soon forget. Seeing another woman in my costume, calling herself Batgirl and being someone I've never met. I mean, I'd like ot think I"ll get some input on who takes the name after me, you know?

Although from what Cass says, I did in her world. It is enough to make someone go mad.

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share. [Thanksgiving Day in the City]

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