Emma had never really celebrated Christmas, being moved from home to home throughout her childhood and often dropped in a group home, she had never had the opportunity to celebrate with family. This year was different, she was going to make this year count. She had a wonderful son, great parents and a younger energetic brother, what more could she possibly need?

She arrived at Regina's at the agreed time of 10am to watch Henry open his presents. They had started to get along better, ever since they both lost their loves in the underworld. Regina opened the door to an overly excited sheriff. "Come in dear" she said with a smile on her face "we were just having some pancakes, would you like some?"

"Sounds great" Emma responded with a grin.

Henry was bouncing off the walls ready to open his presents. Despite being older it didn't stop his excitement on Christmas morning. "Go on then Henry" Regina said sitting down on the sofa next to Emma. Henry raced his way through his presents shouting out his thanks and glee at every gift he opened. "This one is from your aunt Zelena" Regina said with trepidation. Ever since the underworld Regina and Zelena had put the past behind them as they raised Robin's two children, Roland and Emily. "Brilliant" Henry shouted after opening it "I knew if I kept hinting she would buy the game". Emma rolled her eyes at Henry's childishness.

"Hey Regina, this ones for you from me" Emma said with a smile. Regina opened her gift to reveal a necklace. "Oh Emma this is beautiful, help me put it on" Regina said holding the necklace up to Emma and twisting in her seat to give Emma better access. Emma carefully placed the necklace around Regina's neck allowed her hands to rest on her shoulders for longer than necessary. Emma had been crushing on Regina for the last few months and hoped that today she would gain the courage she needed to tell her.

"Ma, this ones from me and mum" Henry said jolting Emma from her thoughts.

Emma caught the parcel and carefully unwrapped it to reveal a photo album. Emma flicked through the album of photos from Henry's childhood. "I can't believe you guys did this" she whispered "it's perfect". Regina leaned in a hugged Emma holding her allowing Emma to cry slightly.

"Ma, you ok?" Henry asked concerned "we thought you would like it".

"She does Henry, she's just overwhelmed" Regina explained holding Emma against her.

Emma smiled at Henry to show that she was ok and allowed herself to melt into Regina's embrace.

"What time is everyone arriving for Christmas dinner?" Henry asked.

"Zelena, Roland and Emily are arriving at 3, and then Snow, David and Neal will be here just after that alongside Belle and Gold" Regina answered "which means we have to get the food ready". Emma groaned.

"Come on Miss Swan, you promised you would help peel the potatoes and chop the vegetables" Regina teased.

"Fine" Emma huffed getting up and following Regina to the kitchen.

"Henry, door" Regina shouted.

"No need to shout mum I'm coming" Henry answered from upstairs.

"Hello sis" Zelena said as Roland followed her and Emily in.

"How's our little Emily doing?" Regina said reaching forward as Zelena placed her in Regina's arms.

"She is doing really well" Zelena answered smiling softly.

"Thank you for my Christmas presents" Roland said.

"No problem dear" Regina said with a sad smile, it was hard at times like these not to think about how they lost Robin.

Regina felt Emma squeeze her arm from behind in silent support as Roland ran past her to play with Henry.

"The dinner was delicious Regina" Belle said once they had all finished eating.

"Thank you for cooking Regina, I doubt any of us could have done as good a job" Gold added with a smile.

Snow stood to clear the table and waved off Regina's protests insisting it was no difficulty. Henry and Roland helped carry the dishes to the kitchen and David began to wash up. They made quite the little team with Henry directing everything back into the correct place.

Later that night Emma and Regina had cleaned up after everyone had gone and were curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate watching a movie. "I had a lovely Christmas, thank you Regina" Emma said sincerely. Regina smiled and turned to face Emma.

"I had a lovely Christmas too Emma, and I'm really glad I spent it with you" Regina responded.

Emma knew that this was the perfect moment to tell Regina how she felt but before she could say anything Regina leaned in and pressed her lips against Emma's. "Me too" she said simply. Emma smiled and kissed the brunette back happily as they sank into each other's embrace.