Christmas Spirit

Swan Queen

Dedicated to my Love

She stood frozen in the snow, though it was not due to the chill rising in the air as fluffy flakes fell from the sky. Emma's blonde hair whipped around her determined features as she watch Regina approaching. The pain now so evident in those dark eyes no longer masked from Emma's intuition.

"Can I help you?" Regina snapped as she tried to make her way around the blonde blocking access to her black Mercedes.

"I have something for you."

Regina froze, her eyes curious as she searched Emma's face, her lips slightly parting as she waited.

"For me?" she asked in a hushed voice. "What for?"

Emma's half smile was almost infection. Regina caught herself before before her own lips mirrored the ones she was watching.

"yes. Here"

Emma held out her hand. A tiny porcelain box nestled in the palm of her hand.

"What is it?" Regina asked cautiously, first eyeing the gorgeous box before raking her eyes up to meet Emma's.

"Merry Christmas, Regina."

Emma reached out, pulling a leather gloved hand closer as she placed the box in Regina's hand.

"You're giving the Evil Queen a Christmas Present.." She deadpanned. "This won't sit well with the town, Ms. Swan."

Emma squeezed the hand she was still holding before letting go. Regina closed her fingers around the box and held it to her chest.

"I'm not giving the Evil Queen a Christmas Gift." Emma stepped aside, turning on her heels she took a few steps away. She paused, turning her head back towards the baffled former Mayor. "I'm giving my sons Mother a Christmas gift."

Emma smiled before purposefully walking away, disappearing into the falling snow.

Regina opened her hand and stared down at the box. It was white and glossy. A delicately painted red and black feather adorned the top.

"I wonder.." she whispered to herself as she carefully lifted the lid of the fragile box.

Inside she found a small scrolled note:

Regina,

6:00. Christmas Eve. Bring a desert and plan to stay through Christmas Day.

-Emma and Henry

Regina did not fight the smile that lit her face up like a bright shooting star lighting a long darkened night sky.