A/N: Hello all! I am so happy with all of the feedback I got from this story, it seriously warms my heart. I originally wrote this story as a one shot which is why it took so long with this update but with all the good reviews and followers I decided to take it further. I'll try to not let so much time pass between updates from now on. As always I hope you enjoy!
A single tear slid down Regina's cheek but before she could swipe it away Emma's hand cupped her cheek and wiped away the stray tear with the pad of her thumb. Regina leaned into the touch, closing her eyes as she absorbed the reality of who was caressing her cheek and who had planted the little notes. She smiled as the irony of it all sank in, Emma truly was the savior; she was her savior.
"I didn't know you had it in you to be such a romantic."
"There's a lot up those old sleeves of my jackets you hate so much," Emma teased.
"Hmm, I might not hate them so much anymore." Regina locked eyes with emerald green and was greeted with warmth. After all the fighting the two women had done in the past she never realized how vibrant they were. Of course she knew the fire they could hold but she hadn't truly seen the warmth in them until now. Emma cocked her head to the side and smiled shyly.
"What's on your mind?"
"I never realized how beautiful your eyes are until now," Regina answered honestly.
A flush crept up Emma's neck and blossomed on her cheeks, she looked away instinctively and said, "Aren't I supposed to be doing the wooing here?"
"Oh you have," Regina said flashing a toothy grin, "but I have some catching up to do."
"Can I ask you something," Emma asked as she gave Regina's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Of course," Regina answered returning the squeeze.
"What made you decide to show?" Regina took a moment to consider her answer, she had so many options; she felt loved, she felt beautiful, she was happy, she felt like darkness from her heart had disappeared, and lastly, flat out curiosity had made her show up.
"At first I thought it was a fluke, the little note was a mistake and meant for someone else to find. But then they kept coming," a beautiful smile spread across her face, reaching her eyes, "and I realized they really were meant for me. A piece of it was curiosity I suppose but there was an even bigger piece that wanted to know who make me feel all of these things I didn't think I deserved anymore." She paused to look at the blonde and she was surprised to see Emma's eyes filled with tears threatening to spill over. "Can I ask you something?"
Emma didn't trust her voice to not crack so instead she just nodded her head.
"Why me?" Regina asked barely above a whisper.
The tears did spill over then at the unwavering disbelief in the brunette's voice that she was worthy of any kind of affection. Emma took a deep steadying breath before answering. "Do you remember the day at the mine? Where Henry and Archie got stuck?" Regina simply nodded her head, of course she remembered that day, her entire world had almost come crashing down around her. "When I pulled Henry out of the mine and we both stood over him checking on him, I saw this look in your eyes and I saw you make a move towards me like you wanted to hug me or something. But then you didn't and my heart clenched a bit when you pulled away. I had a glimpse that day of what I could have with you if I could just knock down those castle walls you built around your heart. And I knew that day there wasn't anything I wanted more." Both women had tears streaming down their faces by the time Emma was done telling her story.
By the time Regina made it home she was mentally exhausted. She had discovered more about Emma tonight than in the year and a half they had known each other. And Regina had opened herself up more than she thought was possible. She felt like the girl in her past, the one who wasn't yet queen who enjoyed riding horses. She plugged her phone in next to her nightstand finally laying down to rest for the night when her phone beeped and buzzed against the wood.
Did you finish your book by the way?
Almost. I'm a little over half way. Why?
She picked up her book and started flipping through the pages to the back. A new text had come in but her mind was elsewhere at the moment. Her heart almost leapt out of her chest at the sight of the little sticky not waiting for her.
Dinner tomorrow? I'll cook. 7:30.
She bit her lip and smiled, then picked up her phone.
Just curious.
I'm smiling from ear to ear at how adorable and self-assured you are. I'll see you tomorrow for dinner.
Really?! Awesome. I can't wait. Goodnight Regina xoxo
Goodnight Emma.
Regina set her phone back down and retrieved the sticky note from her book, placing it in the drawer with the others. As she laid her head down to sleep she let herself imagine all the things she did earlier, except this time it was no mystery who was with her, it was Emma.
