Emma walked into the diner and up to the bar and sat down. She was worn down and tired. Emma this, Emma that, Savior do this or that. She loved having her son in her possession, but she could she tug on his heart. She could see him thumb through his comics over and over knowing that he wished he could talk to Regina about the characters in those stories. She wanted more than anything to give her son what she wanted but there had to be trust.
"The regular Em?" asked Ruby with a bright and easy smile. Emma nodded and smile slightly in return. She listened to eh gossip about her and thanked the brunette when a mug of piping hot coffee slipped in between her hands. It was November, so yes it was supposed to be cold but that was not why her hands relished in the warmth of the mug. She was afraid to take the gloves off, afraid someone would notice the calluses and blisters on two of her fingers. She played and played and played for as long as she could trying to categorize her thoughts, organize them, weigh them with pros and cons. She never thought she would see Regina standing below her under a street lamp staring up at her listening. Simply listening.
Emma flashed back to Neverland and smirked into her mug as she thought of the volatile brunette. She was never one to listen, new one to hold her tongue and pause, or keep her damn mouth shut for that matter. She was antagonistic, and coldhearted. It was when everyone got to Storybrooke, stepped of Hook's ship, that she saw her. She saw Regine, clear as crystal, and straight through her. It has been weeks, and it nagged at her, the loss of Henry in Regina's life. She wanted her son happy, and gods be damned she actually liked the brunette spitfire. Her thoughts, and even her emotions where all a jumble so she resorted to playing. She went to the bug and dug out her old violin and caressed the wood beneath her fingertips and closed her eyes as she plucked a string. The single medium note made her smile. So, she waited when the town had gone to bed then stepped out on the fire escape and played. Hoping that she could keep it secret, hoping no one would find out her outlet.
The bell rang over the door indicating a new customer, but by the way the diner hushed, and tensed Emma didn't have to look behind her to know who walked into establishment. She didn't even turn, she simply waited because knew the woman next to her. She always sat in the stool next to hers, ordered a coffee, and then walked out to town hall. Today was no different. Emma closed her eyes as she felt the warmth of her mug penetrate her gloves and sooth her fingers. When her breakfast arrived, Regina had nodded her regular order. Emma ate, Regina waited. They didn't look at each other. Ruby gave Regina to go cup and smiled at Regina's tip. Regina leaned slightly and then whispered barely above a wisp on the wind.
"You play beautifully," Regina commented as she turned never looking at Emma or waiting for a reply. Emma blinked looking forward fork half way to her mouth. After a moment she put her fork down and looked down. She had eaten most of her breakfast, and suddenly she was not interested in her food. She dropped money on the counter and walked out the dinner on her way to the Sheriff's office. When she walked outside, she threw a hand over her eyes to shade them from the sun.
"I meant what I said," came a voice from behind her. Emma spun around to see the mayor in a thick pea coat, heavy scarf, and sunglasses. Emma simply looked at the brunette. Why did she have to be so… Regina? She could never pinpoint what it was she was, beautiful, of course, powerful, duh, enigmatic, yes, but to Emma she was so much more. She was deeper than a well, and a topic she really wanted to dive into, to understand. However, Emma could never find the right words around the woman.
"Uhm… thank you," Emma said and mentally kicked herself, then turned around embarrassed. When she began to walk the mayor walked with her. It made her nervous, and she looked over.
"I am not after anything, Miss Swan. But I would like to ask after Henry," Regina slowed as she lay a soft hand on Emma's elbow and indicated to the bench and Emma sat with the woman, "How is he?"
Emma sighed but as she did she saw Regina stiffen, "Never mind then Sheriff Swan," Regina gritted out as she began to stand then Emma's hand shot out to her elbow.
"No, it's," Emma pointed, and it was then that Regina growled as she let out a heavy sigh, "He is relentless."
"If you tell him to desist in harassing you, Hook should get the picture," Regina said, and it was a blooming happiness in Regina's chest that made her relax back on the bench as the pirate came toward them.
"Aye Swan, do you happen to know where a man can get a drink?" he asked dashingly.
"Its 8 in the morning Hook?" Emma stated eyes narrowing.
"Oh Aye, but I was asking for later this evening so that I could possibly make your acquaintance," He smiled. Emma tilted her head and Regina thought she was actually contemplating the offer. It made her shift, uncomfortable. Gods did she hate this rum doused smelly pirate.
"I regretfully decline," Emma said flatly, with no regret to color her tone. Regina smiled and looked up. It was turning into a beautiful day. Hook looked to the evil queen then to Emma. His smile faltered, but he plastered on that handsome, winning smile.
"Some other time then, Love?" he prompted. Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I don't think so, Hook. I have matters at hand that need my attention."
"Like what?" he argued childishly.
"For example, our son," Emma said indicating between Emma and Regina. Regina peeled her eyes from the sky and looked at Emma when she said those words. A flutter in her chest caught the air in her lungs, but she never let the pirate, or the savior know. She looked at the pirate from behind her shades and glared at the ruffian before her as if he was the scum of the earth. He relented and back off but with a devilish smile as if he was not finished with her. Regina looked over to Emma as she heard the woman let out a massive breath of air as if deflating.
"He is alright but," Emma bit her lip then turned to look at Regina. She couldn't see the woman, couldn't read her expression, so she slowly reached up and slipped the sunglasses from the queen's eyes. Regina squinted at the bright sunny day, but for once she let Emma do as she wished.
"I am sorry, but when I speak to you I need to read your eyes," Emma said softly looking down at the sunglasses.
"Your superpower, I presume?" Regina scoffed then slightly smiled when Emma chuckled.
"Something like that," then Emma looked back at the Mayor, "He is fine, but I think he misses you dearly," Emma brushed her hair out of eyes and looked up, "We need to find a better arrangement, Regina."
Regina nodded and looked out over her town and sighed.
"What are your thoughts?" she asked unsure of what she was asking Emma.
"I think he should come home with you," Emma whispered. Regina's head whipped to look at the blonde next her, her jaw dropped at the possibility of having her son back.
"Emma…" Regina whispered, and it was then that Emma looked at her, into her eyes, and saw her, "Are you sure?" Regina asked not believing her own ears. Emma looked back to the street, watched cars pass by and without looking slipped the sunglasses back into Regina's hands. She nodded and when Regina grasped her hand she winced and pulled her hand away and nodded with a small smile.
"How about we talk to Henry this afternoon, and he can choose no fairytale heroes to persuade him into anything, just you, me, and the kid," Emma offered. Regina nodded.
"How about you come by this evening and we have dinner. I believe Lasagna if both yours and Henry's favorite?" Regina offered trying to contain her excitement. Emma smiled and nodded once more.
"I'll bring him by, say 6 o'clock?" Emma asked as she stood. Regina nodded with a smile. And grasped Emma's hand once more in thanks. Regina saw her brow furrow, and maybe Emma didn't want to do this after all, but it was the way Emma shook out her fingers that made Regina think otherwise. Emma began to walk away when Regina called after her.
"Are there other instruments you play?" Regina smiled when she saw Emma stiffen, and look around. No one looked at her, no one even acknowledged the statement. Emma turned around, hands in her jacket pockets and a smile on her face.
"I guess you will have to figure that out," Emma smiled when Regine smirked back with a nod.
"I would really like to hear more," Regina said politely with a warmer smile than normal.
Emma smiled back and nodded then walked to Sheriff's Office.
OOOOoooOOOOooo
"KID! We Have to go!' Emma hollered up the metal staircase. She looked at her watch. She hatted being late to dinner at Regina's house. It was rude. She hated being rude. It was a pet peeve of hers. Do onto others, and that kind of stuff. She sighed as she saw Henry rundown the stairs with everything he owned here at the loft. She hoped Regina wouldn't killer that he already made his decision without talking to her.
Emma picked him up from school and as they were walking she told him that they were going to have dinner at his mom's. His eyes brightened like neon yellow lights, then darkened as he asked why. She told him that they were going there to talk about arrangements with him and his mom. Henry asked her if it would be ok to go home. Emma stopped him on the sidewalk, knelt before him and told him she only wishes for him to be happy, everything is only about his happiness. Then he hugged her and told her he didn't want to lose her. Emma shook her head and smiled down on her bright, beautiful son as she stood up and told him she was not going anywhere, and she will be right there for him, at any time of the day or night. Henry smiled, hugged her once more. When they got to the loft he spent the afternoon packing.
Emma smiled at Henry trying to juggle bags and boxes when the door opened.
"What's going on?" Snow asked as she saw Henry and Emma moving to the door with all of Henry's things.
"I'm going home," Henry said with a huge smile. Now looked from the boy to Emma and back again, and then blinked owlishly. Emma fished her keys out of her pocket, and then gave the keys, and a case to Henry and told him to be careful as she navigated the stairs and load the car. When the door closed she looked at her mother. It felt so weird calling Mary Margaret, her first friend, and roommate in Storybrooke her mother, hell she was older than she was.
"What are you thinking giving him back to Regina?" Ah, yes, there was the Snow White she was expecting to get. Emma sighed and planted her feet ready for the argument.
"Henry wants to go back home. To his mother," Emma said calmly.
"You are his mother!" Snow growled. She oozed hatred of the other woman, and with good reason if the tales in the story book where the truth. Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"She is his mother, for the past 10 years," Emma softened her voice because she knew what she was going to say next will devastate the woman, "For 10 years to loved him, fed, him, clothed him, and treated him like a prince. She didn't abandon him," she whispered the last statement. Emma watched as shoulders sagged defeated.
"You don't understand our actions," Snow began but was cut off.
"Yes… I … DO," gritted Emma, "I gave him up. I gave him up for his best chance in this world, in this life, and he ended up with the most beautiful, picture book life. Better than I ever got," Emma didn't yell, but her tone brokered no argument.
"But then she will win," Snow White whined, literally fucking whined like a petulant child.
"If I keep him from his home, then everyone loses, HENRY will lose," Emma stepped forward places a hand on Snows shoulder and then patted her mother's back and walked out the door. She sighed when she saw Henry in the car looking at something in his hands. It was her case. She sat in the driver's seat, and he looked up at her.
"I didn't look!" he said quickly, and Emma raised her brow.
"Then why do you look guilty?" she asked with a smile. He looked away from her with his head down.
"I accidentally dropped it and it sounds like I broke whatever is in there," he said quietly. Emma smiled and unzipped the case and his eyes widened. The instrument in front of him was polished, and beautiful. She took the bow that had come loose and pressed it back into the groove of the case.
"See, its ok," Emma looked to her son and noticed his eyes gleaming. She smiled but then her looked up at her with fear in his eyes.
"Are you sure?" he said softly. She nodded. She only brought the violin just in case Regina wanted to listen again, but seeing Henry's fear that he broke the instrument, she smiled warmly at him.
"Would you like me to see if it is broken when we get to your moms?" Emma offered, and Henry nodded quickly and then looked down at the instrument. He placed a finger on the strings and looked to Emma asking. She nodded, and he tentatively plucked. He smiled and so did she. He zipped up the case and held the package in his lap carefully.
When they arrived at Regina's Henry walked to the house with the violin leaving Emma to unload the car. She slammed the trunk as she moved two other cases to the side, and then sighed with a smile on her face. She never noticed the brunette already at curbside picking up a box with a smile on her face, leaving the bags for Emma.
"Where did he go?" Emma asked as she placed the bags by the front door and Regina closed the door behind her. Regina motioned for her to follow her to the kitchen. There on the kitchen table in a breakfast nook sat her violin. Emma turned from the case and then sat on one of the stools watching Regina.
"You seem different," Emma commented before her mind caught up with her mouth. Regina stiffened, and the smile slipped from her lips. Emma back peddled.
"No, I mean, you seem happier," Emma said and watched as Regina's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Well, of course, I get my son back where he belongs," Regina scoffed as she began layering the lasagna.
"No," Emma said and tilted her head, "You even seemed different that night."
Regina blinked as her hands stilled with the warm noodles in her hands. Then she took a deep breath and resumed her task. A Long moment passed, and she heard Emma sigh and turn on the stool.
"I am trying…" Regina spoke trying to keep the woman there before her. She didn't wasn't her gone, she wanted to keep her right there, sharing moments with her. Emma turned back around and waited, gloved hands clasped on the bar. Regina swallowed, and she kept her hands busy layering.
"I don't want to fight any more," Regina whispered.
"Neither do I," Emma said, and Regina's snapped up toward Emma's. a shy smile fluttered on Emma's lips. Brown on green, as if they both fell into the truth of the other through their own eyes. Henry's pounding on the stairs with his booted feet yanked Regina from Emma's gaze. She felt her cheeks heat and then she focused her hands to layer, almost finished. Then with the last layer of cheese she turned and placed the dish in the oven. She didn't turn around.
Emma looked to Henry and then the saw him looking at Regina and then her. He could feel the tension in the air, he knew he walked in on something. Emma shook her head and then he walked to the case and placed a hand on it. She took a deep breath and then smiled at Henry as she blew it out. He smiled in return. Henry unzipped the case and she let him carefully reach in and get the instrument. He sat down and waited.
Emma check her strings, and bow, took one last look to Regina and then pulled the bow across the strings. Her eyes closed, as she leaned into the music, swayed and smiled, then frown. The entire time she played her eyes were closed. She never saw the woman in the room slowly turn around, lean against the counter, and watch Emma avidly. She never saw the way Regina's eyes widened at the music resonating in her bones and shake something in her core.
But Henry did.
OOOOoooOOOOooo
Regina saw the fingers flit over the strings and felt the music deep in her rattle something within her soul, but then the music stopped. She watched as Emma opened her eyes and looked at Henry and watched her son look up at his mother in awe. She wondered, briefly, if she had the same look on her face.
"Play some more Emma," Henry urged but the blond chuckled and shook her head as she placed the violin back in the case.
"Maybe after dinner, cool?" Emma offered, and Henry's smile grew as she nodded. Regina watched their interaction. She felt like and interloper, and outsider looking in. That was until Emma looked over and smiled her way, and Henry turned her head and smiled a twin smile at her as well. She couldn't help it. She smiled in return.
When dinner was all over and done with, Regina sent Henry to wash up, get ready for bed. She was expecting a fight at the early time, but she smirked.
"I get my own bed back, heck yeah I'm going to bed early," Henry then dashed up the stairs loudly. Regina watched his retreating form and smiled. She didn't have the fight in her tonight to tell in to stop tromping in her house. When she turned around she found Emma reaching for her coat.
'Emma…" she gasped as she pulled her hand to her and looked at her fingertips, 'What happened?" Regina asked as she looked over the marred flesh of her fingers. Emma only shrugged but didn't pull her hand from Regina's. The queen sighed and pulled Emma back into the kitchen.
"Sit," she ordered as she rummaged in a high cabinet and reached for an unlabeled bottle and brought it to Emma, "This will help with the pain," she sat next to her and dabbed a lipped on her own fingertip and then lightly rubbed the oil on to Emma's blistered and raw fingertips. Emma sighed and closed her eyes.
It felt good. Warm, and tingly.
"I burn myself on that stove quite often when I am backing during the holidays, so I devised this ointment for that very purpose," Regina said as she pulled away and rubber her hands together as if she was rubbing in lotion. Emma opened her eyes and look at her fingers. The redness was turning pink and fading. She looked to Regina.
"Potions, thankfully we now have magic back, so it works faster than it did," Regina smirked at the dumbfounded Look on the savior's face.
"Thank you," Emma whispered looking back at her fingers.
"You played until your fingers blistered, didn't you?" Regina sighed. Emma nodded as she watched her fingertips.
"Why?" Regina asked softly. Emma still watching her fingers sighed.
"I had to think," Emma stated allusively. Regina narrowed her eyes. She hated half answers, half-truths, especially from Emma.
'I had to think about Henry, and what would be best for him. I had to weigh pros and cons," Then Emma looked straight at Regina, "I wanted to make him happy, and he is happiest when he is with you."
The closeness of Emma's body as they sat on the stools, and then words that she spoke to her warmed her chest and belly. She looked in to green eyes and shook her head.
"He is happiest when he is with US, both of us Emma," Regina whispered as she felt something pulling her forward, slowly, millimeter, by aching millimeter.
"MOM! Can Emma and you tuck me in before she leaves!"
Both women shook as if jolted from a daze and snapped away from the other. Emma stood up as did Regina and headed for the stairs. They didn't speak to the other, they didn't look at the other, but when they got the Henry's room he was in bed already and it was then that they smiled to the other as they both bid him good night. As the light turned off, and they walked down the stairs they risked it. They looked. They found the other eyes. There was something there, deep, and strong. Emma reached behind her for the doorknob and pulled the door open. She walked out, and to her car. Half way down the walk way she turned around and found Regina watching her from the door. She smiled back up to Regina.
"It's called the Queens Requiem," Emma called to the woman still smiling.
"Isn't a requiem a song to honor the dead, Miss Swan?" questioned the mayor with a grin.
"Yes, it is, for I believe she is dead," Emma smiled and waved as she turned from the mayor and jumped behind the driver's seat of her bug and sped off.
Regina watched the yellow deathtrap in wonderment. Emma thought the queen was dead. Regina smiled softly. The queen may not be dead, but dormant she hopes she will stay. When she closed the door behind her, she leaned against the barrier, and smiled wider, placed a hand on her beating heart and shook her head.
Damned charming idiot.