MOMENTS OF THE HEART
CHAPTER ONE.
"Perhaps we should have gone for a smaller tree?" Emma frowned as she called out over her shoulder.
Standing back from the tree, the blonde's gaze fell upon the sheer size of it. She gave a low whistle as she perched herself on the edge of the coffee table and picked up her bottle of beer. Taking a swig, her eyes drifted to the top of the tree. How the hell was she supposed to place the golden star decoration on top? Glancing at the small step ladder as she took another swig of her beer, she realized she would need a bigger ladder for this job.
At that moment Regina padded into the lounge area and stopped suddenly. "Oh my!" She sized up the enormity of the tree.
The blonde emerged from behind the tree looking flummoxed. "I have no idea how we're going to get the star on?" She showed her girlfriend the gold star and looked to the top of the tree again.
Regina's gaze left the blonde and fell back to the tree. "You'll think of something, Em." She winked as she turned on her heel and walked back to the kitchen area.
The blonde's mouth fell open as she watched Regina standing by the stove stirring whatever was in the huge stock pot.
Oh hell no! Regina Mills was not getting away with this. It had been the brunette's idea to buy the biggest and bushiest tree from the Christmas tree farm. Emma was quite content with buying a normal six foot artificial tree, but no, Regina had insisted on buying a real one. They had spent several hours last weekend in the cold, traipsing around the farm looking for the "Perfect Tree". The day previously, Regina had badgered Emma into buying a real tree citing how the smell of a real tree was intoxicating and more 'Christmassy' than the generic artificial trees that all looked cheap and nasty. And don't even get Regina started on the fiber optic trees with the little twinkling lights. Poor Emma had made that mistake and it was any wonder that she was still alive.
Emma narrowed her eyes, tossed the golden star on the sofa and stalked over to the brunette.
"You are not getting out of this one, Mills!" Emma said, crossing her arms over her chest. "If I remember correctly, it was your idea to get the eight foot Norwegian spruce."
With a sheepish smirk, Regina looked up from the stock pot to her girlfriend.
"I was quite happy for a six foot artificial..." Emma said smugly but was cut off by the brunette.
"Emma if you value your life; you will never utter those words in this house ever again." Regina placed her hands on her hips and glared back at the blonde.
The blonde cocked an eyebrow as a defiant smirk etched over her face. She was silently daring the brunette to do her worst. "SIX. FOOT. ARTIFICIAL. TREE" Emma taunted.
The brunette's eyes widen in mock horror. Oh yes, the blonde had pushed her luck and gone there. As she narrowed her eyes slightly, Regina weighed up the blonde. She would make Emma pay for defying her. The only successful way was to play the waiting game. Which she had no problem in storing this act of defiance in the back of her mind only to use it against the blonde at a later date. See Regina was very good at punishing the blonde and unfortunately Emma knew this.
Gulp rapidly, Emma knew exactly what the brunette was thinking and concocting up in that brain of hers. Instantly regretting her bold act of defiance, she knew her punishment could and most certainly come in many different forms. She would have to be on her guard from now on. Knowing that Regina wouldn't let her get away with this.
With a playful huff and a roll of the eyes, Regina turned from the blonde and carried on cooking their dinner.
Oh shit! The silent treatment, Emma thought.
This was the worst kind of punishment Regina could bestow upon the blonde and they both knew this. Tracing her finger over the counter top, Emma watched the brunette for a few moments.
"Baby..." Emma sing-songed.
The brunette continued to ignore the blonde.
"Baby…" Emma tried again, stepping closer until she was in touching distance of the brunette. Regina was a tough nut to crack but she knew the only way to redeem herself would be to step up and sweet talk her girlfriend.
Nervously licking her lips and running her tongue across her teeth, Emma practiced her award winning smile. She leant closer and closed her eyes, allowing her lips to ghost over the brunette's right ear before placing a soft feathery kiss on the brunette's nape. Regina's head twitched as the touch took her by surprise. Emma repeated her action and the brunette relaxed under the attention. Emma then slowly embraced the brunette around her waist and continued her assault on her girlfriend. Trailing the kisses back to the brunette's ear and finally whispering something which caused the brunette to drop the wooden spoon into the large stock pot and turn off the gas.
A mischievous grin appeared on the blonde's face as the brunette turned to face her. Taking Regina by surprise, Emma cupped her backside and lifted her off the floor causing Regina to wrap her legs around the blonde's waist. Regina playfully nipped and tugged at Emma's lower lip as she was carried out of the kitchen and into their bedroom.
In the end, Emma always won, she knew exactly how to get around Regina.
~()~
Regina's eyes slowly fluttered open and focused on the red glowing digits of her alarm clock.
Seven o'clock.
Turning over in the bed toward her sleeping fiancée, her eyes drifted and focused on the blonde. With her head buried into the pillow, Emma's blonde mane was splayed across her naked shoulders. A subtle reminder of last night's activities. The rhythmic chorus of soft muffled snoring filled the air around them. Emma was sound asleep beside her.
Smiling to herself, Regina's hand surfaced from under the duvet and began to gently trace against the blonde's naked back. Emma twitched in her sleep and let out a muffled moan or snore, Regina wasn't quite sure. Retracting her fingers quickly, Regina waited until the blonde settled back into a rhythmic sleep before continuing. Tentatively at first, she slowly raked her fingernails up and down Emma's spine, listening to the blonde sigh contently at the soft touch. After a few moments, Regina's fingers retracted from the blonde's spine as she turned onto her back and focused on the ceiling above them. Glancing back at the clock, she realised that she really needed to get up. It was Christmas day after all and they had a busy day ahead of them. Pushing back the covers and sliding out of the bed, she retrieved her grey satin dressing gown from the floor. As she tightened the belt around her waist, she glanced over her shoulder to Emma and smiled once more. How had she got so lucky in life? Emma Swan was everything and more she could want in a partner. They really had come a long way over the last two years.
Padding softly around the bed, she gathered up their discarded clothes from the floor and dropped them in the laundry hamper on the way to the kitchen.
With two mugs sitting side by side on the countertop, Regina busily prepared the coffee machine for their first morning brew. With the machine going through its motions, she absent-mindedly stared at their Christmas tree and thought back to last night. Dressing the tree, chatting through dinner and making love long into the night and early morning. Then a twinge of excitement and perhaps anxiousness flooded her thoughts, Emma was meeting her parents for the first time today and she knew that it could go one of two ways. Her parents were either going to love Emma or loathe her.
Having lived here in the 'White House' now for just over a year, she finally felt at ease to host Christmas day. Last year she had travelled to Maine alone because Emma had been rotated to work all over Christmas.
It was also around the same time when Emma had moved in with the brunette. The blonde's apartment had been condemned after the apartment building had been badly damaged in a tragic fire incident, where three of her neighbours were killed. Luckily, Emma hadn't been at home at the time and was out on patrol on the other side of Boston. Hearing the call-out over the cruiser scanner, she immediately turned her cruiser around and drove with sirens blaring to her address.
Upon arriving at the scene, the street had been cordoned off with police cruisers and fire engines. Ducking under the yellow tape, she saw the extent of damage to the building first hand. The scene around her was chaotic as fire crews, fellow police officers and paramedics worked tiresomely to contain the situation. Emma slumped against the side of a cruiser as she watched a fire ladder being extended up to her third floor apartment and a fire crew scrabble up the ladder blasting the building with the high pressure hose. Believing that she had lost all her possessions, Emma hung her head in despair and only lifted it when a zipped up black body bag trolleyed past her and disappeared into the back of the paramedic vehicle. Tears streamed down her face as she watched one of her neighbours being consoled by one of her colleagues who gave her a sorrowful look before they both followed the paramedics away from the scene. Emma left soon after not knowing where to go or what to do. It was the next day when she found out that her apartment had been condemned and she had indeed lost some of her possessions. Only being left with a handful of trinkets and miraculously the enlarged photograph that Regina had given her when they first met.
It now hung on the wall of their bedroom area.
With the coffee machine clicking loudly it signalled the brewing process had finished. Regina came out of her reverie as the aroma wafted throughout the building. She knew once Emma smelt the brewed coffee; she'd be awake and join her in the kitchen. As always, they would sit at the breakfast bar, wake up fully together and chat lightly about the upcoming day.
And on cue, Emma appeared by her side. Regina smiled as she drank in the blonde's appearance. It was typical of Emma to choose her loose fitting boxer shorts and very tight white vest top. Her hair quickly styled into a messy bun on the top of her head.
"Good morning, my love. Merry Christmas." Regina said, pouring coffee into their mugs.
"Merry Christmas, Sweetheart." Emma lightly kissed the brunette on the cheek. Shuffling over to the breakfast bar, Emma settled on the wooden stool and pulled the other one out for the brunette.
Sitting together, the couple drank their coffees in silence until they finally woke up fully, the conversation turned to events of the day. Regina's parents would be here for dinner in the afternoon, which meant the two had the place to themselves this morning.
Silently Emma slipped off the stool and stood before her fiancée, holding her hand out for the brunette to take. With a tilt of her head and quirk of her brow, Regina took the blondes hand. Their fingers naturally entwined as Emma led them to the couch where Regina sat and watched Emma continue to the Christmas tree. Bending down, the blonde picked up a small neatly wrapped box and turned it over in her hands a couple of times as she looked to Regina with a smile. Dropping to her knees before the brunette, Emma took a hold of Regina's hands and gently squeezed them before she spoke.
"I know I have already asked you … and…you said yes, but will you marry me, again?" Letting go of Regina, Emma produced the small box in her cupped hands.
Regina looked at the wrapped present and then to Emma. With a wide smile, she answered. "Yes, of course."
Taking the box from Emma, Regina slowly un-wrapped the shiny gold wrapping paper and traced her fingers over the top of the velvet box before lifting the lid to reveal a diamond ring. Her eyes widened as she marvelled at it. It was absolutely beautiful and truth be told it was the same ring she'd been looking at a month ago when they had been out shopping one day. At the time Regina had expressed her fondness for the ring but never expected Emma to purchase it. In fact, if she remembered rightly, Emma seemed nonchalant about it. Which left Regina feeling slightly disappointed.
"When did you buy it?"
"The same day after you left for that job in New York." She chuckled.
"Sneaky." Regina grinned.
"I've been told that before." Emma winked, taking the box off the brunette and picking up the ring.
Regina extended her left hand for Emma to replace the plastic toy ring which she had used to propose with six months earlier. Slowly Emma slipped it over the brunette's finger before placing a soft kiss over the brunette's knuckles. "I love you so much, sweetheart. I can't wait to marry you." She blushed slightly.
Regina blushed. "I can't wait either, Em." Leaning forward, she embraced her fiancée. "You are the best thing to happen to me."
A moment later, Regina stood and moved over to the Christmas tree, retrieving Emma's present. Handing it to the blonde, Regina sat down next to her fiancée and took a sip of her coffee as she watched Emma turn the small box in her hands. Had Regina bought her a ring as well? Emma rattled the box and curiously looked to the brunette.
Regina rolled her eyes. "Just open it, Emma."
The blonde didn't need telling twice. Quickly unwrapping it, Emma opened the small box, revealing a gold necklace with a circular Swan pendant hanging from it.
"Gina, I love it. It's so beautiful. Thank you."
Regina took a hold of the necklace and then picked up the plastic ring that had been her engagement ring and threaded it through. Holding it up for Emma to see, she spoke. "I know you can't wear rings for work, so you can wear this on your necklace until we can get you a ring."
The blonde dipped her head allowing Regina to clasp the necklace around her neck before they sunk back into the sofa and snuggled together.
This was a perfect Christmas morning. Just the two of them. Together and very much in love.
~{}~
Slowly Emma opened the door to Regina's parents. With a warm smile, Emma welcomed them inside. Regina was finishing of the trimmings that would accompany the turkey for their dinner in the kitchen area.
"Daddy, Mother." Regina said, dropping the wooden spoon into the mixing bowl. Walking around the kitchen island to greet her parents, she gave them both a hug before standing next to Emma and wrapping her arm passively around the blonde's waist.
"This is Emma!"
Cora smiled tightly as she subtly inspected her daughter's fiancée. This was in contrary to her husband's warm and wide smile.
"It's so nice to finally meet you, Emma." Henry Mills replied.
"And you, Sir."
"Pah!" Henry waved his hand dismissively. "We're practically family, Emma. Call me Henry." He chuckled.
Emma nodded and smiled. "Henry.
Cora stepped away from her husband and glanced around the apartment. "So you work here as well, Regina?"
"Yes, Mother."
"And you find this building acceptable?"
Regina nodded and looked to Emma. "This is our home, Mother."
Clearing her throat subtly, Cora walked around the area and headed up the stairs to Regina's studio space. Regina excused herself and followed her mother up the stairs. As Cora stood in the middle of Regina's studio, she looked around the space. It certainly was bigger than she expected. Regina stood momentarily on the top stair and watched her mother inspecting the area. She knew exactly what the older woman was thinking.
Approaching the woman, Regina spoke. "So, does it meet your approval?"
Glancing over her shoulder, Cora pursed her lips together tightly before she spoke. "Certainly not what I was expecting..."
"My home or Emma, Mother?"
"Both..." Cora said, picking up a print from the work bench. Giving it a dismissive look, she placed it back where she found it.
Sighing heavily, Regina knew she would never win against her mother. Although Cora Mills may appear supportive of her daughter's occupation, it was no secret that Cora Mills had wanted her daughter to follow in her footsteps and enter into politics. She may have accepted Regina's choice but that didn't stop the constant disapproving remarks and little reminders of the life Regina could have had.
Cora had been less than thrilled initially when her daughter had come out when she was twenty and at the time had put it down as a phase in her daughter's life. She would remind Regina at every given opportunity that she would grow out of this phase and would eventually marry into an "old money" family, produce children and live a 'normal' life. Like she, Cora Mills had done.
A young Cora had diligently perused Henry Mills who was the only son of an old money Maine family. Henry may have been reluctant at first but eventually accepted the attention he was receiving. Courting for some time, Cora cemented her intention of marriage when she announced that she was pregnant and somewhat forced Henry Mills hand. They married quickly, moved into their martial home and welcomed their baby daughter into the world. Cora Mills had achieved her objection.
Her mother's obsession with money, influence and power dominated their families every waking hour. Although it had provided Regina with a financially stable upbringing, she couldn't help but wonder over the years if love actually came into the equation for her parents.
Because if it did, her parents had a funny way of showing it toward each other.
Emma appeared at the top of stairs, neither of the Mills women had seen the blonde.
"The thing is Mother; I'm marrying for love not money and power. Unlike you." Regina felt the presence of someone behind her. Turning slowing, she saw her fiancée. She wondered how much the blonde had heard. "Emma?"
Cora glanced to the blonde before turning away and making her way to the window. Peering outside, she welcomed this interruption.
"Um, I think the turkey is burnt. Your Dad is trying his best but...It doesn't look good." Emma smiled apologetically.
Sighing deeply, Regina shook her head as she walked to Emma who stopped her.
"Everything alright?" Emma whispered, glancing over to Cora who was pretending not to listen.
Nodding softly, Regina rubbed her hand up the blonde's forearm. "It's fine." She said, brushing past her fiancée and hurrying down the stairs to help her father rescue the turkey.
Once Regina was out of sight, Emma's gaze fell back to Cora Mills who was still standing at the window.
"Mrs Mills..." Emma prompted as she let go of the banister and walked to the centre of the room.
Cora glanced at the blonde. "Cora...As Henry said, we're practically family."
Emma nodded and smiled awkwardly. "Okay, Cora. Can I ask what just happened?"
"Nothing to concern yourself with, dear. We should join the others." She moved from the window and went to walk past the blonde but Emma stood firmly in place.
"It is when it concerns my fiancée." Emma countered.
Taken aback by Emma's behaviour, Cora hadn't expected the directness of her future daughter in law. She eyed the blonde in a silent battle of wits. "How much did you hear?"
"All of it, Cora. And can I just say I know I'm not what you were expecting; I saw it in your eyes when I opened the door to you and in the false smile when Regina introduced me. But Regina loves me and I her. I may not come from the background you were hoping for and frankly I don't care but I will guarantee that Regina will want for nothing for the rest of her life."
"Hmmm, how optimistic of you." Cora replied sarcastically. "All these promises on a policeman's wage."
"There's more to life than money, Mrs Mills. Regina has already shown me that. I'm talking about happiness, commitment, love and respect. She's truly special and I plan on showing her all those things every day of our lives."
Raising her eyebrows to her future daughter in law. "I can see why she likes you, Miss Swan. I must say how honourable of you." Cora brushed past the blonde and disappeared down the stairs without a word.
And that was the moment; Emma Swan met the real Cora Mills. It was also the moment, Emma realised that this would probably be the last Christmas they would spend with Regina's parents.
A/N - This story picks up about 2 years after the first story, Impressions of the Heart and is set over a number of years, regaling the moments that shaped Regina and Emma's relationship. Be it a big or little moment, every one had significance in their relationship. If you're expecting a happy ending, I'm sorry this story may not be for you but it does lead us to the third story, Admissions of the Heart.
Before each chapter I will note if there is a 'Trigger Warning' that you need to know about.
With this all being said, I hope you enjoy the ride. ~ RamblingtowardsEcstasy