Regina often develops from a more guarded and controlling character to a more nurturing one. As she raises Emma, she starts to let down her walls. For instance, she may begin to show more vulnerability around Emma, sharing her own past traumas.
Snow White might be initially suspicious, given their past history. But she could also show a more empathetic side and try to help Regina. Hook might be amused and make some snarky comments at first, but then offer his protection. Rumpelstiltskin could see it as an opportunity to manipulate Regina further, perhaps by offering her magic to ensure a safe pregnancy in exchange for favors.
Perhaps in a battle against a long - lost enemy from her past. This enemy could be someone she wronged deeply before her redemption arc, and they come back seeking revenge. In the heat of the battle, she gets fatally wounded. For example, if it was a powerful sorcerer she once betrayed, they might use a spell that drains her life energy.
Emma would be devastated. She and Regina had come a long way from being enemies to friends. Regina's death could make Emma question her own abilities as a savior. She might become more withdrawn at first, but then use her pain to fuel her determination to protect the town even more fiercely, knowing that Regina would have wanted it that way.
Well, a plot twist might be that Regina's pregnancy is a false one, created by an illusion spell. This could be part of a larger scheme to make her look vulnerable and draw out her enemies. Or perhaps the baby she's carrying has some sort of special power that she has to protect it from other magical beings who want to use that power for their own gain. Also, it could turn out that the pregnancy is a result of time - travel shenanigans, where she got pregnant in a different time period and now has to deal with the consequences in her current time.
In the fanfiction, their relationship could develop in a complex way. Maybe Roland gets into trouble at school, and Regina steps in to help him. She uses her wisdom and power to solve the problem, and Roland becomes in awe of her. But it's not just about Roland idolizing Regina. Regina also learns from Roland's pure heart. He might teach her how to see the good in simple things again. This back - and - forth exchange of learning and helping each other would make their relationship grow in a very unique and heartwarming way.
One idea could be that Regina, trying to redeem herself, takes Roland under her wing to teach him magic in a secret way. This could lead to a series of adventures as they have to hide their lessons from the rest of the town. Another plot could involve Roland getting lost in a magical realm and Regina being the only one who can sense his presence and rescue him, leading to a journey of self - discovery for both of them. And perhaps they could team up to stop an evil force that is threatening Storybrooke, with Roland's innocence and Regina's power being a perfect combination.
Redemption is also a theme. Given that both characters have had their share of dark deeds in the show, fanfictions sometimes focus on their journey towards redemption. This could involve them making amends for their past actions, especially in relation to each other. For instance, Regina might help Zelena find a way to atone for her wrongdoings, and in the process, they strengthen their relationship.
The relationship could become stronger. Regina, who has had a difficult past, might find new hope and softness in the idea of having a family with the OC. They could start to rely on each other more, sharing fears and hopes about the future. For example, Regina could open up more about her own past traumas related to family, and the OC could comfort her, creating a deeper bond.
You can start by looking on fanfiction websites like Archive of Our Own (AO3). It has a large collection of 'Once Upon a Time' fanfictions, specifically those about Regina and Zelena. There are filters you can use to sort by popularity, rating, etc.