Breaking down walls
By Googlekins
Chapter 1
A/N: I can not express how helpful and inspiring your REVIEWS are.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Thought I wish I did.
Thank you to my Beta SwansAndQueens
Emma Swan swirled her whiskey absentmindedly, her fingertips clutching the frosted glass by its rim. The amber liquid churned smoothly as she stared at it, unseeing; her bright green eyes normally so full of sparkle and life were dulled by the growing ache inside her.
She first noticed a shift in dynamic at the mine collapse. It was in the smoldering expression on Regina Mills' face as she all but begged for help to save Henry. In the way Regina had fixed her with a gaze that would turn embers to a wild flame, the brunette's eyes flicking rapidly from Emma's eyes to her lips and back again. Stepping towards Emma, Regina had been impossibly close. Emma could feel her hot breath on her face. In the moment, Emma hadn't given it much thought. Regina was simply a mother, desperate for her child's safety. But for a brief moment, Regina had opened up. Emma saw a flash of what was inside Regina, though it was seemingly insignificant at the time; Emma had turned away, resigned to the belief that it was all her imagination.
The next time Emma saw Regina's eyes flicker with humanity, they reflected a burning fire. A fire blazing all around them, Regina's honey eyes pleaded with Emma not to leave her as she lay on the floor with the fire raging out of control. As Emma had yanked her arm out of Regina's hand and ran through the fire, she knew the brunette had believed she'd been abandoned. The look on Regina's face when Emma had returned reminded her once again, this carnivorous, powerful woman was indeed human. As Emma carried her out, she felt herself being watched by the woman slumped in her arms. Stumbling through the debris, into the street, Emma was only half surprised when that stone cold Mayoral attitude slammed back into place as Regina criticized the manor in which she was saved. Emma had walked away, feeling another small glimmer of something not yet known pulling at her heart.
Emma sighed, coming out of her trance, lifting the glass to her lips and snapping her head back as she sent its entire contents down her throat, taking comfort in the burning sensation spreading through her body. Slamming the glass down on the table in front of her, she grabbed her cell phone, her fingers flying over the numbers as if of their own volition. Setting the phone to her ear, she waited. After only two rings, she heard the sweet, familiar voice of Ruby.
"Hello?" Ruby waited but heard nothing. Turning her head to quickly check her caller ID, Ruby spoke again, cautiously.
"Emma? Is that you?" There was no reply. Ruby could hear Emma breathing in the open line.
"Emma, what's wrong?" Emma felt a lump form in her throat, and cursed herself for letting the alcohol haze her emotional control.
"I'm coming over!" was all Emma heard as the line went dead.
Laying her phone down on the table in front of her, Emma waited. She looked at her glass and decided against filling it again. She was already experiencing difficulty forming a thought, let alone analyzing a feeling that had been brewing inside her for months.
She could think of nothing else, her dreams haunted by Regina Mills, her thoughts consumed by the menacing brunette. Emma took a deep breath and closed her eyes, desperately trying to steady the whirlwind that threatened to devour her.
"Get a grip, Em." She whispered out loud to herself. "Get a goddamned grip!"
Emma heard the front door to her apartment open. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Mary Margaret shuffle elegantly through, flashing a contented smile at Emma when she noticed the blonde. Emma tried to return it, realizing she'd failed as she saw Mary Margaret's face take on a sympathetic expression.
"Emma," she said in her trademark soft tone. "What is it?"
Emma turned her gaze back to the table in front of her, tracing her index finger around the top of her empty glass. Mary Margaret came into view beside her as she took a seat next to Emma, waiting patiently.
"I don't understand." Emma finally spoke, peering through the corners of her eyes at Mary Margaret. "I don't know what…to do." she spoke quietly, turning her head to Mary Margaret fully. Confusion colored Mary Margaret's face as she minutely shook her head, trying to understand Emma.
"Do about what, exactly?" she asked, her brow furrowing. Kind eyes locked with Emma's, urging her to continue. With a sigh, Emma opened her mouth to speak just as the front door flew open violently.
Emma and Mary Margaret snapped their heads in the direction of the intrusion, gawking open-mouthed at a very frazzled looking Ruby, panting heavily. Mary Margaret raised a single eyebrow, taking in the slightly comical scene Ruby was providing. A glance to Emma indicated the blonde was unaffected. Emma's face remained passive while Ruby approached, coming to stand between the two seated woman.
"Em! You ok?" Ruby breathed heavily as she spoke, placing a hand on Emma's shoulder. Emma just looked up at her with dulled green eyes.
"Rubes, what are you doing here?" Mary Margaret grabbed her attention, Ruby looked over at her.
"Em, she called my cell phone," Ruby turned back to Emma. "Why didn't you say anything?" she asked.
The alcohol getting the better of her once more, Emma felt a single tear escape her eyelashes, falling quickly down her face and onto her red leather jacket. Ruby kneeled on the floor and pulled Emma around in her chair to face her completely.
"Em. What's going on? You're freakin' me out a little bit." Ruby watched Emma's face as the blonde anxiously searched for a way to explain something she didn't even understand herself.
"I can't explain it," Emma tried, opening and closing her mouth a few times as she searched for the right words. Any words.
"It can't be possible." Emma shook her head.
Mary Margaret slipped onto the floor next to Ruby, kneeling in front of Emma and taking one of her clammy hands, holding it firmly.
"What can't be possible?" The teacher's voice was calm. Calm enough to soothe Emma's warring emotions slightly.
"I…I'm supposed to hate her." Emma mumbled, looking down at her hand in Mary Margaret's, her knuckles turning white as she squeezed.
"Who?" Ruby asked, shaking her head puzzled.
Emma simply looked at Ruby, then back to Mary Margaret, seeing realization settling into her roommate's eyes.
"Regina," Mary Margaret sighed. Emma only nodded as she watched her friend's face for any sign of repugnance. She found none. Mary Margaret's face remained kind, even understanding.
"Wait, what?" Ruby asked, clearly having difficulty grasping the situation. Emma kept her eyes on Mary Margaret who looked over at Ruby, silently willing her to comprehend on her own. After a few beats, Mary Margaret watched as the situation hit Ruby like a punch in the face. Ruby's jaw fell open for an instant before she slammed it shut, biting her tongue.
"Holy Cumquat!" she exclaimed loudly as her eyebrows shot up.
Mary Margaret rolled her eyes as Emma continued her stoicism. Mary Margaret returned her attention to the blonde whose hand she was still holding.
"Em," she said, drawing the blonde's eyes to her own, "how long have.. I mean, when…how?" her tone was light, nonjudgmental.
Emma opened her mouth, pausing momentarily before speaking.
"I have no idea." she felt her eyes fill with tears, her bottom lip quivering slightly.
"Hey." Ruby took hold of Emma's other hand. "No worries, babe!" Ruby smiled, trying to restore some confidence back into her friend.
Emma knew these two women showering her with support were trying to help. She also knew nothing they could say or do would help until she herself understood exactly what was going on inside her. She didn't know the What, though something had definitely shifted deep within her. She didn't know the Why, or even the How, least of all the When.
It had been gradual. Steady, but gradual. Pinpointing the exact moment she'd fallen in love with Regina Mills was impossible.
Emma froze. In love? she thought. Like a blinding light exploding inside her, Emma realized with absolute conviction exactly what was happening. Or had happened.
"Em?" Mary Margaret questioned when Emma had been silent too long for her liking.
"Hmm?" the blonde absentmindedly replied.
"Are you…ok?" Mary Margaret asked cautiously. Emma blinked. Letting go of her friend's hands, she stood up abruptly. Shaking her head, trying to clear it, she walked briskly to the front door. Turning the knob, she opened the door with purpose. Before walking out, she turned to her friends who where scrambling to their feet.
"Wait here!" They paused awkwardly, watching Emma, bewildered. "I need to talk to Henry."
Mary Margaret and Ruby watched her leave, each of them lost in their own thoughts at what had just been revealed to them. Mary Margaret chewed on her lower lip and glanced at Ruby, still staring at the door Emma had just exited.
"Rubes?"
Ruby looked at her questioningly.
"Did that actually just happen?" Mary Margaret asked. Ruby's answer was a simple smile, which was returned with enthusiasm.
"Are you freaked?" she asked Ruby, who slowly shook her head firmly, indicating she was by no means freaked.
"Me neither." Mary Margaret stated confidently.
Emma swayed slightly as she walked down Main Street, still feeling some effects of the whiskey. She knew Henry would be getting out of his session with Dr. Hopper soon. She didn't know why she had to talk to Henry about whatever was happening, she only knew it as the simple truth it was. She had no plan of execution as she approached Dr. Hopper's office building. Henry emerged the moment she reached the door. Freezing in place, Emma tried to quell her sudden panic as the mousy-haired little boy spotted her.
"EMMA!" he greeted her excitedly as she walked closer, wrapping his little arms around her and burying his face in her stomach. She hugged him tightly until he pulled back and grinned happily up at her.
"Hey, kid, how was your session?" Emma asked, still trying to quiet her raging heartbeat. Henry laughed as she tousled his unkempt hair.
"Eh, it was ok," he shrugged. "What are you doing here? Did my mom ask you to pick me up?" he asked, unable to contain his hopeful exuberance.
Smiling apologetically, Emma shook her head. Henry looked slightly disappointed.
"She'll probably be here soon, then," he whispered. "You should go," he told her, trying not to sound defeated.
"I know," Emma bent down until they were eye to eye, "but I need to talk to you real quick." Henry nodded, watching her intently.
"Ok.."
Emma thought for a moment as Henry watched her patiently.
"Ok. Here's the thing.." Emma began, jumping slightly as her phone rang in her pocket.
Grumbling to herself, she pulled it out and flipped it open hastily as Henry looked on and giggled.
"Hello?" she said sounding a bit more annoyed than she intended.
"Ms. Swan. Am I interrupting something?" The sound of Regina's voice sent tremors down Emma's spine.
"Uhh.. Umm. No! Of course not." Emma lied, feeling more than a little self-conscious.
"Well, since you're free, I was hoping you wouldn't mind picking Henry up from his session this evening."
Emma listened, stunned that Regina was willingly asking her for help. There was a pause on the other end of the line, as Emma heard Regina clear her throat.
"I would really appreciate it. I'm stuck in this council meeting for at least another half hour." Emma smiled despite herself, still saying nothing.
"Please. Ms. Swan."
Emma bared her teeth in a full on grin.
"It would be my pleasure, Madam Mayor."
"Thank you," was Regina's curt reply before the line was cut off.
Closing her phone and placing it back in her pocket, she reached down and pulled Henry's hand into her own.
"Looks like I am taking you home, kid!" She smiled down at him. He yelped giddily as she pulled him onto the street and headed towards the Mayor's mansion.
"We can have a chat on the way!" Henry was almost bubbling over with joy. Emma nodded thoughtfully.
"So, what did you wanna talk about?" Henry began.
Emma glanced down at him as they walked, his bright eyes waiting expectantly.
"Well," Emma paused, her emotions suddenly whipping around inside her. She felt panic rising quickly, and closed her eyes to stomp it out.
Henry sensed her apprehension and stopped walking, yanking her arm when she didn't stop with him.
"Emma. Tell me," Henry begged, suddenly feeling worried and anxious. Seeing Emma like this was unsettling, and it scared him. Kneeling down on one knee in front of Henry, still holding onto his hand, Emma suddenly felt courage swelling inside her.
"Henry? Have you ever had a feeling you couldn't explain, or felt something that didn't make any sense to you?"
Henry eyed her carefully as he thought, his lips pursing together.
"I think so."
Emma smiled at him.
"What if I told you I was having feelings for someone?" Emma spoke softly, watching Henry's face.
"What sort of feelings?" Henry quirked an eyebrow.
"I'm not exactly sure of that myself." Emma stood up as they started walking again.
"Ok, well.. Are they good feelings or bad feelings?" Henry asked
"Good. I think it's good" Emma said, more to herself than to Henry. Henry glanced up at her sideways, smirking.
"Then I say tell me more!" he laughed.
Emma peered down at him, smiling. "What do you wanna know?"
"For starters, WHO do you have feelings for?"
This time it was Emma who stopped, Henry almost being yanked off his feet as he stumbled backwards.
"Emma?" he looked up at her when he found his footing again, "who?" Emma was looking at him with an expression he couldn't recognize.
"Your mom," Emma said so quietly Henry almost missed it.
His mouth fell open in utter shock as he stared at Emma as if she'd grown a second head. Shock turned to anger, which turned to sadness all within a single moment. Shaking his head in disbelief, he dropped Emma's hand from his own.
"How could you have feelings for HER?" He nearly spat his words at her. Emma felt a wrenching pain in her chest. The look of betrayal on Henry's face was breaking her heart.
"Henry, please. Try to understand." Emma tried to reach for him, but he took a step back, recoiling as a few tears escaped down his cheeks.
"No. She's evil, Emma. You can't. It's not right! You're supposed to defeat her!" Henry yelled, his tiny hands balled into fists by his sides.
Emma tried again to reach for him, this time catching him around his shoulders. Struggling violently against her embrace, Henry pushed and squirmed until his muscles were lax with exhaustion. Sinking to the cold asphalt, Emma kneeled as she rocked Henry, her hand running soothing lines up and down his back as he quietly sniffled. Placing her lips on top of his head, she kissed his hair.
"Henry, she isn't evil." She felt Henry tense, but he made no motion to pull away, so she continued.
"Think for a minute, Henry," Emma hoped she was getting through to him, "wasn't there a time when you were happy?" Emma felt the body she was holding against her relax further into her arms. "Wasn't there a time when you loved her?" Henry pulled away slowly, but stayed wrapped up in Emma. Looking up into her eyes, something clicked inside him.
He did remember his mom's smile. The way she laughed. He remembered Sunday pancakes and playing games in the snow. He remembered her telling him stories before bed and kissing his nose every night for as far back as his memory would go. He could even recall one Christmas morning when she had the flu; he was 7, and she had managed to make him a delicious breakfast of ice cream and cookies, helped him open presents, and played with him all day, all the while fighting a fever, body aches, nausea, and chills.
He had gotten so caught up in the idea of her being the so-called "Evil Queen," he'd lost everything else.
Emma watched the dejection fall away from his face as she locked his eyes with her own.
"Henry?" She reached a hand up to his head, smoothing his hair back. "What is it?"
Henry swallowed against the soreness of his throat.
"What are you going to do?" he asked her cautiously.
Letting go of Henry and standing up, Emma pulled Henry up with her, taking his hand in hers again. Henry kept his eyes on her as she started walking down the street again, her expression thoughtful and sad.
"I dunno, kid," she sighed, "I'm still.. I mean, I just ..It's something I don't understand myself," she paused, "At least, not yet, anyway."
Emma glanced down at Henry, who seemed to be processing the information more easily.
He looked straight ahead and set his jaw firmly, raising his chin and puffing out his chest, doing his best impression of a royal prince. Emma allowed herself a tiny smirk, watching him cautiously.
"You'll have to break them, you know," he spoke, his voice calm, and balanced.
Emma frowned at him as he glanced up at her for a moment before returning his gaze to the road in front of him.
"Her walls," he clarified. "I can help…if you like," and he squeezed her hand. Emma felt her insides flutter as she squeezed back.
"Thanks, kid," was all she could say, not trusting her voice to remain steady through the tears she felt once again prickling at her eyelashes.
Once Henry had been safely home, Emma walked slow and aimlessly, lost in the chaotic musings inside her head. He'd hugged her waist before walking through his front door. She'd told him to have a good night, and he looked at her with eyes that seemed to peer straight into her very being. His face no longer conveyed hurt or anger. His eyes had softened, and his expression was far from hurt. Henry smiled at her, small but genuinely, and, with a dip of his head, had closed the door gently.
Emma knew he was far from being able to fully accept what she was going through. She was having difficulty with the concept herself. However, she did know with absolute confidence, Henry would be by her side no matter the outcome. No matter how confused or lost she felt, that knowledge lifted a heavy weight off her consciousness.
Spotting a pair of headlights ahead, Emma shook her head, clearing her mind as she moved over to let the car pass by. The black Mercedes slowed as it approached in front of Emma, a slight squeak sounding, as it stopped next to her. Emma bent down as the passenger side window was lowered, revealing a very tired looking Regina Mills, watching her from the driver's seat. Dark circles under her eyes gave her the appearance of a woman ten years her senior. Her skin was slightly pale, and her usually perfect hair seemed lifeless and flat. Emma wondered briefly if Regina had slept at all in the past few nights. She's beautiful, Emma thought. Emma pursed her lips into a tight smile as she nodded her head once.
"Madam Mayor," she greeted. "Henry's safe and sound. I told him to start on his homework." She watched Regina watching her. "He is probably finished by now."
Regina just looked at her, dull eyes searching Emma's face.
"Regina?" Emma asked cautiously, "Are you alright?"
With a sharp intake of breath and a shake of her head, Regina cleared her throat.
"Yes, Sheriff," Regina's lackluster voice rasped, "Quite alright, thank you." Emma simply nodded skeptically.
"Would you like a ride home, Ms. Swan?" Regina asked nonchalantly. Emma's eyebrows shot up her forehead. Unable to answer right away, she licked her lips.
"Oh, umm.." Emma stalled briefly, "Nah, that's ok. It's in the opposite direction, and you'd probably like to be getting home." Emma stood back up, but before she could continue her walk home, the exasperated sound of Regina calling her name - her given name - stopped her. Bending back down slightly, Emma peered questioningly at the brunette inside the car.
"Emma," she whispered, "Just…get in."
Emma wanted to decline again. She knew being in close confines with the woman who was causing such an internal struggle would most likely be unwise. She was having enough difficulty just speaking with her. Nonetheless, one look into Regina's eyes and Emma gave in. Sighing inaudibly, Emma opened the door and climbed inside. Regina waited until Emma shut the door and buckled herself in before she spoke again. Half turned towards the blonde, Regina leaned on the steering wheel, studying her closely.
"It's the least I can do.." Regina's voice lacked all its typical venom. Emma turned her head towards Regina, worry lines etched between her eyebrows.
"Are you sure you're alright, Regina?" Emma questioned, again, hoping she hadn't overstepped her bounds. Regina blinked slowly. A small nod was her only response as she turned, facing forward and pressed on the gas.
The few minutes it took to reach Emma's apartment seemed to take hours as Emma's insides screamed at her. She was deeply bothered by the jaded behavior Regina was displaying. Quite frankly, Emma found herself wishing the brunette would pick a fight, just so Emma would be able to interact with her. Emma didn't know how to deal with the defeated form sitting a mere two feet to her left.
As Regina's Mercedes came to a halt just outside of the apartment Emma shared with Mary Margaret, Emma chanced a glimpse out of the corner of her eye, taking in the appearance of the worn down and fatigued woman next to her.
"Thanks," she said quickly as she opened the door, stepping out into the cold night air. "Sleep well, Madam Mayor." She tried to sound thoughtful and not sympathetic, which she knew Regina would not appreciate. She failed. Cringing inwardly, Emma braced herself for the inevitable rebuke, an attack which never came.
Regina simply nodded her head once and continued looking straight ahead, the street lights casting an eerie shade of yellow across the rigid features of her face. A chill snaked down Emma's spine. Emma glanced over her shoulder at the light shining out into the night from the apartment upstairs. Mary Margaret would worry, she knew for a fact. Ruby would most likely be hovering nearby, driving Mary Margaret to bite her nails.
Emma knew she should close the door to Regina's car and go inside. Yet she couldn't convince herself to walk away from the woman who had consumed her every thought for the past few weeks. The woman who, despite her acidic personality and heinous actions, was slowly breaking. Emma felt it like a force, drawing her to Regina, much like a moth to a flame. She couldn't fight it anymore. She didn't want to fight it anymore.
"Regina," Emma leaned into the car, hanging on the open door. The dark woman's only response was to peer sideways at the blonde through hooded eyelashes.
"Let me buy you coffee," Emma phrased her invitation carefully, "in the morning. As a thanks." Emma waited for a response; any sort of reaction. When none was forthcoming, she tried again, desperately hoping she sounded less needy than she felt.
"Please?" Emma declared tenderly. Regina eyed her closely, inhaling deeply and raising an elegant eyebrow.
"I have a better idea." Her voice was smooth and calm, almost reminiscent of her typical Mayoral confidence. The darkness masked the sudden flush of Emma's cheeks and her dilated pupils.
"What's that?" Emma rasped out through a suddenly dry throat.
"Get back in," Regina intoned cautiously, "I need a drink."
As the request sank into Emma's consciousness, Emma suddenly found it difficult to breathe. Swallowing against her sandpapered throat, she felt detached as she climbed back into Regina's car, smiling to herself as she closed the door and felt the car shift into motion. Emma had expected Regina to drive to Granny's or a nearby bar, possibly. It hadn't occurred to her that the place Regina would prefer to have her drinks would be her own home.
"Won't we bother Henry here?" Emma asked as Regina shut off the engine and climbed out of the car, the wind picking up and whipping her hair around face and neck. Wrapping her jacket around herself tighter as she climbed out, Emma tilted her head towards Regina, catching a glimpse of the tattered woman staggering through the hammering winds. Regina had no coat or jacket, her tiny frame visibly shivering as she almost stumbled around the front of the car.
"He'll stay in his room," her voice dreary and sullen, "as always." Emma caught the glimmer of sorrow flash in Regina's brown eyes.
"Let's get that drink," Emma said, sticking out her elbow, breathing a silent sigh as Regina hooked her hand around it, allowing Emma to lead her up the stairs to the front of the massive mansion. Regina held onto Emma's arm as she fumbled clumsily with her keys, almost dropping them twice before Emma gently took them from her, and smoothly slid the key into the lock. Regina let go of Emma's arm, nodding her thanks as she took her keys back, replacing them in her purse as she walked into her house. Emma followed closely behind, kicking the door shut with her boot.
"Would you like some apple cider?" Regina asked, not bothering to look behind her. "Or something stronger?" Emma snickered under breath at Regina's referencing the night they first met.
"Apple cider sounds good."
The blonde trailed closely behind as Regina made a beeline for her study. She felt anxiety bubbling inside her stomach. Breathe, Emma. Just breathe. Emma tried to calm her thoughts, freezing mid-step, as Regina spun around quickly before opening the study door. Not realizing how close Emma was, the brunette was nearly knocked off her feet. A strong hand reached out to steady her shoulder.
"Regina?" Emma's perplexed expression was almost amusing, and Regina felt a half smile grace her lips. What was even more amusing was the fact that Emma was mirroring her smile.
"Sorry," Regina tried to explain. "Ms. Swan, I guess I'm more tired than I thought." She shook her head slightly. "Good thing for Storybrooke, its Sheriff has swift reflexes."
Regina looked into Emma's eyes, their usual antagonistic front replaced by something Regina couldn't quite pinpoint. She stood there with Emma's hand on her shoulder, mesmerized by the green eyes staring back at her, seemingly in a new light. Regina had always felt nothing but hostility and animosity towards the tall blonde, never anything other than disdain. Now, on the other hand, she felt an actual fondness and a gravitational pull, almost as if she needed to be closer. And though slightly confused, Regina almost leaned in, regardless. Perhaps it was the exhaustion or the slight fuzziness of her perception. Whatever the reason, Regina found she actually didn't care what the reason. She felt it as absolute truth. Whatever "it" was.
Emma slid her hand down Regina's arms and squeezed her wrist before letting go. Immediately, both women missed the contact. Emma cleared her throat and reached passed Regina, turning the knob and pushing the door to the study open. Regina simply turned around and walked in, acutely aware of Emma's presence close by.
"So, I take it you had a long day?" Emma asked, taking a seat on the couch against the wall as Regina continued to the mini bar, taking two glasses from the cabinet and filling them with a generous helping of her prized apple cider.
"To be sure." Regina walked across the room, handing Emma one of the glasses before sinking into the couch next to her. Emma watched her closely, not bothering to worry if Regina found her attention annoying, which she normally would. Regina just sipped from her glass, feeling Emma's eyes on her.
"Feel better?" Emma smirked as she took a few sips from her own glass.
Regina simply hummed in affirmation. Her eyes closed as she felt her muscles ease and her psyche relax. Something seemed to have snapped inside her. The darkness was dimming. Eyes still closed, Regina sighed audibly and leaned her weight onto Emma's side. Emma froze, her entire body tensing. Regina's body lay nestled into her, a dark brunette head resting on her shoulder, the smell of spiced apples penetrating Emma's senses.
The blonde only relaxed when she felt Regina snuggle closer. She couldn't help the smile forming on her mouth. Setting her glass on the table in front of her, Emma took the glass from Regina's lax grip, placing it next to hers. Leaning her head on Regina's, she shifted just enough to reach an arm around, wrapping Regina even further into her. Emma leaned back against the large couch, pulling Regina with her. The petite brunette wrapped her arms around Emma's waist as she lay beside her, cuddled closely. Emma could feel Regina's breath on her neck, sending tingles over her skin. Teetering on the edge of consciousness, Regina whimpered slightly.
"Go to sleep, Madam Mayor," Emma whispered gently, daring to press her lips to Regina's soft hair and placing a sweet, chaste kiss onto her head.
"Regina," the exhausted brunette moaned, "Call me 'Regina.'" Emma closed her eyes as Regina's breathing evened out.
"Sweet dreams," Emma whispered, "Regina," a smile playing at her lips again as she felt herself also drifting into a calm sleep.