Waiting for the last episode - tonight is too far for God's Sake - I wrote a short second chapter, with a chat among Emma, Regina and Snow White.
Warning: The last part could contain some spoiler from a 'sneak peek'.
Again, sorry if there are some grammar errors, english is not my first language.
I hope you enjoy it, even if is just a "little snack" before tonight! Thank you for reading!
- Ehi…- Emma left Regina's hand on the doorway of her house, moving a step inside and looking for her mother. She was kneeling near the table, lacing her boots. Seeing them in the entrance, Snow got up and gave a small smile.
- Emma! Where the hell were you?- She asked quickly, sounding maternal like usual. The blonde sighed, guilty.
- At the harbor. I'm sorry, I didn't want to worry you.-
- It's ok. Just don't do it again. Not by yourself, when there are dangers on the loose in the town.- She turned to look at the queen, as Emma muttered something like "that is, always". - You found her.-
Regina rolled her eyes, pretending to be offended. - Did you have any doubt?-
Emma watched at the two women surprised by that civil conversation, raising an eyebrow, but Snow White whispered: - This sounds as already heard.-
- What were you doing?- Emma inquired, watching on the stuff on the kitchen table.
- I was just getting ready for the battle. You know, weapons and other things.- She pointed to some bags with a sad look on her face. - You should do it too.-
Emma approached to the backpack of her son. - These are…you've done luggage. This is Henry's book…- And then she realized. She wavered before grabbing a chair to support herself.
- I thought…- Snow bit her lip, meeting her daughter's eyes. - If we fail, we need a fallback plan. You can pass the border without losing your memory. And so Henry. And…- She turned to face the other brunette.
-…Me too.- Regina concluded, shocked. - But you…you all would lose your memory.-
- Absolutely not.- Emma articulated quickly. - It's not a way.-
- Emma…I don't mind what could happen to us, you must promise me you will be safe. This is an order.- Emma looked at her mother's face, finding final resolution. She shook her head, taking a step back.
- No…I can't. I'm sorry.-
- Emma please. This is the only way. I can't fight like I should, with the fear to lose you again. You must promise.-
- She's right.- A third voice intruded. Emma looked at Regina with a betrayed expression. - Henry must be protected. And this can work.-
- But you need our help here.- Emma insisted. - I'm not going to leave you. Not again. Not you too.-
Snow closed her eyes, reaching her daughter and embracing her tight. - Oh, sweetheart.- Regina looked away, a little grimace on the face.
- I can promise you…- Emma started, burying her face in Snow's shoulder. -…that we will not fail. And that's final. I can assure you I'm going to find Tamara and…-
Snow sighed. She knew Emma would not take well her decision, but she also knew she should have protected her. With or without her consent. - I love you.- She whispered, tightening her grip.
- Ouch…- Emma groaned and shuddered, but she tried to cover up the thing.
- What is it?- Snow moved away, inspecting the face of the blonde. - Are you hurt?-
- It's nothing.- Emma said quickly, looking away. But the brunette put her hands on her hips, with a warning tone.
- Emma…-
- It's just…A small scuffle with Tamara. I mean, I'm surely better than her, but she…knows her stuff. It's just the effect of the blow. It will heal soon.-
- Emma…- The woman rebuked her. - You should have said immediately! Let me see…-
- Mary Margaret, please…it's not so important. We've definitely other things to think about.- She tried to reach the stairs, but Regina blocked her way.
- I'm sorry, dear.- The queen said with a smirk. - Call it habit.- Emma gasped. Was Regina worried about her? Really!?
- What!? Two against one is unfair!-
- Stop complaining and sit down, Miss Swan. Don't make me…-
- What!?- Emma provoked.
- Teaming up with your mother.-
Snow rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. - Oh thank you Regina, really!-
- You're welcome.-
Emma sighed, glaring at the queen. - Well, I will…if you go back to bed. You need to rest.-
- She has a point now. Sorry, Regina.- Snow coughed and then giggled, seeing Regina's face.
- Yeah, I'm sorry, your majesty, but law is equal for everyone.-
- I am the queen, I'm supposed to make laws!-
- Well…actually I should be a princess, right?- She looked at Snow, who nodded. - So…-
- Queen beats princess, dear. So just take your shirt off and shut up.- But, anyway, she sat on the bed crossing her legs.
- Fine.- With a sigh, Emma Swan obeyed, moaning when her shoulder hurt. She bit her lip, trying not to worry Snow, but - obviously - that was a vain hope.
- Oh my God, Emma!- Snow took her arm, looking at the wound on the forearm. - It has to be medicated.-
- Not necessary…-
- Do not even try, Emma, it will not work. I'm going to take some stuff.- She moved away to take bandages, disinfectant and an icepack.
- A little apprehensive, isn't she?- Regina chuckled.
- Of course. Almost like you about our son.- Emma smirked when the woman stood silent, mumbling just a "Low blow".
- Here we are, put this on your shoulder.- Emma raised her eyes but she didn't dare to contradict her.
- Have you even done this before?- The blonde asked. Surprisingly the answer came from Regina, who was pretending disinterest from the bed.
- Definitely yes.- Snow glanced at her before passing the cotton on the wound of Emma, who groaned.
- And how do you know that?-
- It's not your business, dear.-
- You can't say things by halves!-
- Of course I can.- She frowned while Emma winced in pain. - Oh, come on! Henry's braver than you. And he's eleven.-
- Evidently he took from you.- Regina weighed the answer, apparently looking for the trick. - You're really the strongest woman I've ever known. It was terrible what they did to you.-
- I can confirm.- Snow agreed, grateful that the conversation was distracting her daughter from her cares. And she still shuddered at the memory. Regina Mills seemed speechless. She was almost sure that Snow White would think she deserved what happened to her. But there wasn't accusation in her eyes. Charmings had explained her what Snow had done to find her. And, maybe, it was the truth. She could have asked her why, hearing the answer with her own ears, but...she wasn't sure she would enjoyed it. And then she had her own answer: Mary Margaret - Snow White - was still upset about the issue of blackened heart. She wanted to redeem herself. That was sure.
- Regina, are you ok?- Emma narrowed her eyes on the woman.
- Of course. I was just inattentive.-
- Can I ask you a question?-
- No.-
The blonde frowned. - It's pretty important.-
- This was the answer, Emma.-
- You don't even know what I was going to ask!-
- I know instead. I read that question in your eyes since we got back home. The answer is no. You have to let him go.-
Emma bowed her head in frustration. - There must be a way.- Her voice was a whisper.
- A way to do what?- Snow lifted her child's chin with a finger. - What's going on, Emma?-
- A way to bring him back.- Regina said with a sigh. - If there was…- She shook her head. - Just let him go. You'll hurt yourself. I've been there.-
- And if he were still alive? I mean…I'm not a child, I know the chance is minimum. But if…-
- Ok, now listen to me, sweetie.- Snow said firmly. - If he's still alive, we will find him. I promise.- She looked at the queen, who nodded reluctantly. She knew the price of that illusion. She could see it in the blonde's eyes and also in her little smile. Her heart tightened.
- Are we done here? It hurts.- Emma began again to protest, tearing a smile to the two women.
- Almost done. Be quiet for a sec.-
Five minutes after, while Emma was wearing her shirt again with the forearm bandaged, the door suddenly opened. There were three people on the doorway. The smallest one ran into Regina's arms. - Mom!-
Ruby entered behind him, followed by David. - We have a big problem.- The man said, a hand pressed to his mouth.
- Another one?- Emma breathed out.
- Rumpelstiltskin…He is…- But before he could finish, the earth trembled. Emma and Snow clung each other, Regina protected Henry with her body, David almost lost his balance.
- What the hell…!?- Ruby cried.
- It started.- Regina whispered.
- Oh shit.-
Good luck everyone.
