Chapter 4
Regina watched Emma pacing the sidewalk down below her, while she herself walked the length of the tree branch in which she was stuck on. How'd her life come to this? She still wasn't quite sure but she assumed it had something to do with a night in late october when her son brought his birth mother back to Storybrooke...
Emma kept looking down the street in search of her father's cop car and would sigh in frustration when she didn't see any sign of it. She cast a worried glance up at the tree. Regina stopped her pacing and looked down at Emma, meeting her eyes as best as she could at that particular angle.
"I'm really sorry." Emma called up. "But I promise, my dad'll be here soon and we'll figure out what to do..."
The cat nodded. I know, Emma...
Emma blew out a breath then started pacing again, her hands shoved in her pockets and a tense look on her face. She looked so worried and... guilty? Why would she feel guilty? She couldn't have possibly known that any of that would have happened. That was completely out of her hands but knowing Emma Swan, she was finding a way to blame herself.
Heroes... Regina scoffed internally.
Regina just wished she could tell her that she was fine. Well.. She was alive. That no harm had been done and that Pongo would be hearing from her once she was back to her human self...
So focused on her Emma, she hadn't heard the rustling of something settling beside her on the branch. It made a small animals-like 'chittering' sound, finally catching her attention and out of the corner of her eye, she saw pointy ears and light brown fur. She instantly panicked. She slowly turned her head and looked over. A small squirrel stared up at her with those beady black eyes. She let out a small shriek and jumped a few feet into the air, she had no idea what she was even afraid of. It was just a squirrel. She saw them all the time but she still reacted.
On her way down, she almost missed the branch but caught herself with her front paws. Her small legs dangling in the air as they struggled to catch onto the branch as well. She heard Emma gasp and call out to her. She rolled her eyes and held on for dear life.
Shut up, you idiot. I need to focus on not dying and I cannot do that with all of your panicking.
Regina's heart was in her throat at this point and her tiny chest was heaving frantically. She quickly calmed herself and focused all of her attention on using her surprisingly abundant upper body strength to pull herself back up. She took a deep breath and pulled, lifting herself up until she was safely back onto the branch. Settling down with as much poise as possible, she looked over at the squirrel which was still standing there, watching her with curious eyes.
Get away from me, you disgusting rat. Isn't it bad enough that you almost caused my death?
It continued to just stare at her.
She sighed as she stood up, she knew that she was going to have to do this the hard way. She turned to face the critter full on. It looked startled slightly at her sudden attention. She crouched low and pulled her ears back then hissed sharply. It was the other animal's turn to jump high into the air. It landed back onto the branch and it's eyes were wide and it's entire body was shaking.
Not so fun when it's you, now is it?
In response, the squirrel leapt up again, landing on top of her head then jumped up onto the branch above her. She growled and looked up but the animal had already scurried away.
She heard Emma calling up to her, asking if she was okay. She simply looked at the blonde with an expression that said 'what the hell do you think?'
Emma sighed. "Just hang in there."
It seems like 'hanging around' is all I will be doing today...
They heard a little 'bloop, bloop'. They both looked over to see the patrol car pull up. As soon as it came to a stop Emma ran over to it. David stepped out and before he could do or say anything, his daughter ambushed him, talking animatedly as she explained what had happened. He nodded as his daughter led him over to the tree, rubbing his chin in thought as he listened. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and she seemed to have relaxed instantly. He whispered something that Regina couldn't hear exactly and Emma nodded, much calmer now.
David looked up at the tree and shook his head when he saw the cat.
Oh great, the calvary has arrived, I'm saved... Regina thought sarcastically.
Philip jogged up to them and looked up as well. "Should we call the fire department?" He asked.
Sure, make this even more humiliating for me. That seems to be the norm of my life for the past few days.
David shook his head. "Nah. I got this..." He turned to the younger man. "Go grab me a ladder."
Regina sighed. Oh no. He's going to climb up here and end up killing us both.
Philip nodded and ran back towards the station. Charming turned back to his daughter. "I'll grab her and everything will be okay." Emma nodded. She still looked stressed but a little better.
'Grab' me and see what happens.
A moment later, Philip reappeared with the ladder. He and Emma placed it up against the tree. Without hesitation, Charming went over to it and began to climb. The old metal squeaked and clanked under David's weight.
Oh god, it's going to collapse under his weight and kill all of us!
"I used to climb trees as a boy." David explained as he continued his way up the ladder. Regina rolled her eyes but Emma seemed sincerely interested.
"Yeah?"
"Oh yeah." The man said. "I grew up on a farm but you knew that."
"I did."
"I didn't." Philip cut in.
David chuckled. "Yeah well, I worked on a farm."
"Then how did you become a prince?" The other Prince asked.
"It's a long story. I'll tell you later." David said. "But during my very limited free time as a boy. I used to climb trees. We had this huge one on our land... I used to climb it and stay up there as long as I could. I used to believe I could see the whole world from there."
Emma smiled at her father. She enjoyed when her parents told her little tidbits from their lives that didn't include their battles with villains and heroic efforts. But little things like stories of when they were children were nice. It made them seem like normal parents and made her feel like a regular person... not the savior or the daughter of two famous fairytale characters, or a light witch that managed to turn her best friend and baby mama (who happens to also be an infamous fairytale character) into a cat but instead she felt... well... normal.
David easily reached the branch that the cat was perched on before running out of ladder. He looked at her and she looked at him. "Hey girl." He said with a smile. "Remember me? Your ole pal, David?"
'Pal'? Reaching kinda high there, aren't you?
"I'm just going to get you and take you back to Emma, okay?"
Emma?
"Just stay still and let me get a hold of you. I don't want to drop you."
You better not drop me.
David reached over for her but he froze and looked down. "Tell her not to scratch me, Emma."
Okay, Charming make this quick. I'd like to get down from here. I haven't gone to the bathroom all day.
"It's okay." She heard Emma call up to her. She looked down at her. The blonde offered a sweet smile. With a bored expression, Regina turned back to Charming.
"Just let me..." His large hand reached over and Regina eyed it warily. It disappeared behind her head.
What on earth are you- Oh...
She felt his hand gather up the fur and skin on the back of her neck then lift her. Her legs instantly curled up and she made herself into a ball. For some odd reason she couldn't move.
Careful, you big oaf.
It didn't hurt necessarily. It wasn't pleasant either. It was a strange feeling, one that she couldn't describe. She knows that she didn't like it though but she really hated the fact that she couldn't control her own body. She was curled up into a tiny black ball and she was stuck that way for the time being.
Which wasn't for very long because he brought her to his chest and held her there, releasing her scruff. He began to climb down with her secured tightly against his body. It didn't feel the same as it did when Emma held her like that. She wasn't sure if it was the lack of cushion that Emma's chest usually provided or his scent was different or if it was simply because he was wasn't her. Either way she wanted him to hurry up so that she could get to Emma.
The trip down appeared to be faster than it was up. When they finally reached the ground without any accidents, she let out the breath she hadn't even realize she'd been holding.
David walked over to a very antsy Emma and handed the cat over with a smile.
"Come here." Emma muttered as she quickly gathered the small fluffball into her arms and held her tight. A little too tight.
Emma, you're crushing me...
The blonde continued to squeeze as she stroked her head. Philip stepped a little closer to examine her. "Is she okay?" He asked.
"Think so..." Emma replied.
Not for long because you're squishing the life out of me...
Emma!
The cat started squirming in her arms and Emma got the message. "Sorry." She muttered and loosened her grip. Regina sighed.
That's better.
She snuggled closer to Emma's chest. That felt so much better.
"How's she doing?" Charming asked as he walked back over to them.
"Good." Emma said with a shrug. "I guess. She doesn't look injured and she's not behaving like she is. Just a little scared."
I don't get 'scared' okay. I was simply... worried...
"I'm glad she didn't get hurt." He said as he scratched the cat's head. Regina was too tired to even fight off the contact.
Emma nodded. "Me too." She sighed. She held the cat closer. "Thank you again for all of your help, Dad." She turned to Philip too. "And yours. I really appreciate it."
"No problem." Both men said.
She smiled tiredly. "I think I'm going to get her home. It's been a... trying day for her." Emma wasn't going to admit that she was a bit on edge herself. Regina had way too many close calls for one day.
"Yeah that might be best." David said squeezing her shoulder. He offered her a reassuring smile. "We can take it from here."
"Thank you." She said. David nodded. She turned to leave but Philip scratched the cat's head and mumbled something about 'sorry and tomorrow will be better'. Emma smiled at him and patted him on the shoulder before heading back towards the station.
They walked to the parking space where Emma left her bug. Emma was quiet and Regina was trying desperately to get ahold of her own emotions. They were all over the place. She was antsy and nervous and she usually lashed out when she was scared but being in Emma's arms kept her calm. It was as if she was meant to be there. Not while she in the body of a cat but...
No! Don't be ridiculous. You've had a near death experience. You aren't thinking straight. Get it together!
"I'm really sorry about all this." Emma said as they got closer to the bug. "I wasn't thinking... and you almost got hurt. I'm supposed to be keeping you safe and you almost got eaten by a Dalmatian." She sighed. "I would totally understand if you hated me right now."
Regina lifted her head from Emma's chest. Her heart was beating so quickly that it was practically vibrating in her sensitive ears. She stared into Emma's eyes. Those kind green orbs were staring straight ahead. She was nibbling on her bottom lip. Regina could tell that she was beating herself up over what had just happened. Regina couldn't let that go on.
She placed a paw on Emma's hand and Emma looked down at her with a look of confusion. Regina just continued to gaze into her eyes, trying to convey her message though body language alone. Emma seemed to get it because she relaxed slightly and smiled. "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time. I'm just really glad you're okay."
Regina nodded and rested her furry cheek back against Emma's chest. They continued to the car in silence.
Emma opened the car one handedly, placed Regina inside and strapped her in then shut the door and jogged around to the driver's side and got in herself. She was relieved that they had a few hours before Snow and Henry got home. Neal was home but he was with Granny so they would have a few moments to themselves. They could both really use the peace and quiet.
Starting the car, they headed back towards the loft. Hopefully where they could get just that.
Emma poked her head inside the apartment and frowned when she saw Granny sitting on the couch with Neal. The woman was humming a song to him and rocking him in her arms as she watched some court show. The cat was still secure in Emma's arms and when Emma looked down at her, she noticed her watching her with curious eyes.
"Granny's in there with Neal." Emma explained. The cat rolled her eyes. "Exactly..." She sighed. "Let's just be pleasant. That'll allow us to get upstairs quicker."
Without hearing or seeing any protests from the cat, Emma pushed the door open the rest of the way. Granny looked over in their direction and Emma smiled. The older woman smiled back but the smile fell away and was replaced with a look of worry.
"Emma." She said worriedly. "What are you doing home so early? Everything okay?"
Emma nodded quickly. "Yeah. Sure. Just feeling a little under the weather so my dad told me he'll take it from there."
The older woman nodded. Neal had drifted off for his nap and Granny stood up. "Do you need anything?"
Emma shook her head immediately. "No. Thanks though."
Granny walked towards Emma and gently placed a hand on her forehead. After a moment, she pulled her hand away and patted Emma's cheek. "At least you aren't running a fever."
"I just think I'm tired." Emma concluded.
Regina made a soft snorting sound. Right. I bet thats it.
The sound drew Granny's attention and she looked dowm at that cat. She leaned in a little closer. She looked into the cat's eyes and Regina could have sworn that she saw something akin to recognition in the older woman's eyes.
"This kitty has some very familiar eyes." She noted. "They're very... there's so much emotion in them." She tilted her head. "Almost human."
Emma laughed nervously and it took everything inside of Regina not to scratch her. She was making this suspicious. Cut it out, Emma. Keep calm.
"That's crazy.. " Emma said awkwardly. "It's just a cat."
"I know... but those eyes." The older woman shrugged. "You're right." She tickled under the cat's chin. The cat's eyes closed. "She's such a cutie."
Emma smiled. "She is."
The cat's eyes popped open at that. What was that she heard in Emma's voice... was it adoration? Admiration? No, that's crazy. Everyone thinks cats are cute.
Granny chuckled. "I'm going to put your brother down for his nap." Emma nodded. "You go on upstairs and take one yourself."
"Okay." Emma smiled. Granny patted her cheek again before turning and continuing on to the crib. Emma immediately darted up the stairs to her room.
Once inside, she locked the door and sat Regina down onto the bed and sat down beside her. They stared at each other for a moment. Emma not knowing what to say and Regina not being able to say anything.
The silence wasn't awkward. It was actually quite comforting. Deciding to take Granny's advice about a nap, Emma stood up silently and started undressing but only stripped down to her tank top and underwear. By the time Regina opened her eyes again, Emma was sliding into the bed, under the blankets.
"I was serious about us just relaxing." Emma said opening her arms and making a grabby motion with her hands. "Come here." Regina just gave her a look and Emma raised brow. "Don't make me come get you." She said in a teasing tone.
Regina tilted her head. Emma made a quick movement like she was coming to get her and Regina jumped back. Emma snorted. "Come on."
Regina shook her head and started walking over to Emma. It was a battle trying to keep her excitement hidden. Just the thought of cuddling with Emma made her almost forget that she had a hell of a day. Once she leapt into Emma's lap. It was all washed away. None of it mattered anymore.
She both loved and hated how Emma could take away all of the horrible things in both her human and cat life and replace it with nothing but good.
Emma laid back with a heavy sigh. "God, today was just... I thought I was going to..." She groaned. "I'm glad you're okay."
Regina could hear the pain in Emma's voice. And we're back to this... She thought. She walked up Emma's body and settled onto her chest. She looked up into her face. There was worry and pain all across it. She placed a paw on her chin. Their eyes met and Regina tilted her head.
Stop beating yourself up. Things happen and I'm in one piece.. for now...
Emma reached up and started petting the cat absently. She tilted her head, guiding Emma to the place behind her ear. Emma chuckled and obliged. "There." She said. Regina sighed in contentment. Sure she was going to hate herself later but she almost died barely even an hour ago, she deserved to enjoy this.
"You should get some rest " Emma said gently. Regina purred in response.
She wasn't quite sure but she did feel a little tired. Dead tired at that. Getting chased by dogs, running up trees, getting stuck in said trees, and almost falling out of it was quite exhausting.
Emma continued to stroke her furry back. Combing her fingers through the fluffy fur as she spoke quietly. "Henry should be home soon."
Henry? Regina's ears shot straight up and her tail started moving up and down excitedly.
"Wow. I wish you got this excited when you see me..." Emma muttered. Her brows shot up and her hand flew up to her mouth. "Oh my god. Did I say that out loud." Regina nodded. "Oh god." Emma sounded like she was in agony. She laid back onto the bed. "Did I really... ugh." She groaned. She covered her eyes with her arm. "Just pretend I never said that."
For now... Regina thought as she rested her chin back down on her front paws and continued to watch Emma. But once I'm back in my body, you and I are going to discuss all of this. Don't think you're getting away with any of those statements.
And move your arm so I can see you...
As if she was reading her mind, Emma removed her arm and glanced down at the cat that was watching her quietly.
There. That's better.
She looked up into Emma's eyes and hated that she could no longer see color because she missed that beautiful shade green.
She sighed. Fine.
She yawned and stretched a little. Her eyelids started drooping. She could feel herself being pulled into sleep.
With Emma's fingers gently running through her fur, her own gentle purring, and overall tiredness, she drifted off to sleep in a matter of seconds.
She awoke to the sound of hushed voices whispering. It took her a moment to realize that she could no longer feel or hear Emma's heartbeat and she now laying on a pillow instead of the woman's chest. Slightly put out by this, she peeked one eye open. Then turned her ear to listen into the conversation.
"...Grandpa had to get her down?" She heard what sounded like Henry's voice ask.
"Yep, she's been through a lot so I think we should take it easy on her tonight..."
"Right." Henry agreed. "Can I play with her?"
"If she wants to..." Emma said and Regina could hear the shrug in her voice. "Dont push her, okay?"
"Awesome." Henry said excitedly.
Regina stretched and yawned, ready for some attention from her son. She stood up then stretched her front legs again.
"She's awake." She heard Henry whisper.
"I see, kid." Emma chuckled.
Henry and Emma were standing at the foot of the bed, watching her. Regina headed straight for Henry. His hand instantly shot out and he started petting her.
I've missed you.
She rubbed her head against his hand and he chuckled. "She is pretty cute."
"I know, right?" Emma chuckled. "She's beautiful."
Henry smiled at her and Regina's heart swelled. Those smiles were special and so rare and she absolutely adored them. "Okay." He said to the cat. "I got a few things for you here."
He began pulling things out of his pocket. She noticed some items already lying on the bed. One of which was a red stick with a string attached to it and at the end of the string was a blue feather. The other was a small container with a picture of a cat on it, Regina deduced that it was cat treats. There was no way she was eating those but she appreciated the thought. There was also a stuffed mouse.
Henry sat down three small fluffy balls. A small silver mouse shaped thing that Regina wasn't quite sure what it was and another ball, that he gave a little shake and it gave off a tinkling sound. She tilted her head.
Okay that one sounds fun. She headed for that but Henry picked up the small, silver colored mouse thing. She looked up at him and he grinned wide.
Sweetie, I know you might want to play with me because I look like a cat but I'm not actually a cat so don't be disappointed when I-
Her eyes widened and she froze when a glowing (black in her eyes) red dot appeared on the wall by the bedroom door. What the hell is that?
She leapt down from the bed and walked over to it without taking her eyes off of it. She got closer to it and leaned in to sniff it, it didn't smell like much but when she went to touch it, it moved. She looked around for it confused. What kind of magic is this?
She looked back at Emma with an expression that said, 'can you believe this?' The blonde was simply smirking. Regina rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the wall. The dot reappeared a few inches from where she was standing. She went over to but before she get close enough it moved back to where she was before.
She huffed and turned back to the two humans. They were both just sitting there, watching her with amused expressions and she just tilted her head in confusion. What was happening? Why am I so impressed by this thing? What's wrong with me?!
She saw Henry lift the little silver thing in his hand and direct it at the wall. She turned back and saw the dot had returned. That's when it clicked. She looked back at Henry then over at Emma who just crossed her arms and raised her brows.
Oh...
No, nope. I'm not doing this. I am a queen and bit more refined. I refuse to-
The light reappeared in front of her and started moving back and forth. She lunged for it. Covering it with her tiny paws.
Ha! caught you!
She leaned in closer and lifted one paw and then the other. She huffed when she revealed nothing. It was gone. Where'd it go? She looked up at Henry.
He stage gasped. "It got away? Where'd it go?"
I don't know. That's why I'm looking at you.
Now the human in her knew that it was just a laser pointer but the cat in her which was overpowering everything else at the moment did not.
The light reappeared but started moving quickly around the room in quick circles and squiggles. She continued to run after it until it shot up the wall.
Oh no you don't.
She tried to jump up the wall but slid down. It wiggled up there before coming down close enough to catch but darted away.
Oh just wait until I catch you.
It came down lower and she jumped up and covered it with her paws again.
Gotcha!
She opened her paws and it was gone again. She growled in frustration.
She heard the sound of laughter behind her and turned to see Henry doubled over laughing until his face turned red.
Oh yeah, just stand over there and laugh. Don't help me... I'm fine.
She looked over at Emma who just shook her head and nodded towards Henry. He was still trying to catch his breath.
Oh... I'm on to you, Mister. She thought as she went over and hopped onto the bed. She tilted her head at Henry. And you better have finished your homework.
After dinner Henry sat on the floor in the middle of the living room as everyone else crowded on the couch in front of the tv. Regina stood before him waiting patiently. She and Henry had played with about every toy he had purchased for her. Her favorite so far was the fluffy balls. They were just so soft and she wanted to eat them but every time she would try, Emma would stop her. She would roll her eyes and continue playing.
This toy was different and she was excited. Mostly because she was spending time with Henry. She had all of his attention and she was reveling in it.
She partially hated how her inner cat was overpowering her human mind but she couldn't care at that moment. All that mattered in that moment was Henry. He made it worth it.
"This..." Henry said dramatically as he held up the stick with the string and the feather. "Is an awesome cat toy. The guy in the pet shop said you'd love it."
But did you tell him that I was actually your mother cursed by your other mother?
He held up the stick and let the feather dangle in front of Regina's face for a moment. The cat's eyes blew wide and she froze in place as she watched the feather swing from side to side as if Henry was trying to hypnotize her.
I have no idea why this is so fascinating but it is.
She reached up and hit it and Henry chuckled. Then he started wriggling it all around. She reached her small paw up and slapped it again. He moved it over to one side, she reached for it and missed. He moved it to the other side and she missed again. He let it circle around and she tried to catch it but it disappeared.
Where'd it go? She looked up at Henry and he shrugged. She looked back behind herself and all over the place. And nothing. She looked off to the side and sighed in happy excitement.
There you are. She said to the feather wriggling beside her thigh. She moved so that she could catch it but it moved behind her, she walked around in a circle but it still stayed behind her. Not one to be defeated so easily, she chased it around and around in a circle. It just felt like the more she chased it, the further out of reach it became.
Will you come here! She let out a tiny grunt as her little paws continued to miss the feather. You're quick. I'll give you that but I'm smarter.
She chased it around and around and around until she felt the room spinning. She almost fell over but Henry caught her.
Thank you, dear.
The dizziness finally faded away. Using her kitty-like stealth, she pounced on it. Caught ya! She held it down with her paws. Now I'm going to-
Wait, who is on my tail?
She turned around and she didn't even see her tail. She shot up but didn't get far because the pressure on the tip of her tail was keeping her down.
Damnit!
What the hell is going on? She released the feather and stood up. That's when she realized it wasn't a feather at all. The small bushy thingy wiggled.
Oh god. It was my tail. I was chasing my own tail. Oh my god!
She looked back at Henry who was grinning at her. He dangled the toy in front of her. She shook her head. You are so grounded when I'm back to normal, young man.
"Mom, can't this wait til tomorrow?" Emma whined as she sat on the couch with her little brother in her lap. Henry sat between her and David with the cat in his lap.
"Mema sleepy, mama." Neal added matter of factly. Emma found it so cute how he called her 'Mema'.
"Thanks Kid." Emma said tickling his sides. He giggled pushing her hands away.
Snow smiled at her children. "No. It's just a cat naming. It should take five minutes tops."
Emma scoffed. "'A cat naming'? Mom, do you even hear yourself? You're making it into a big thing as if we're naming the royal cat."
"She is the royal cat, Emma." Snow pointed out.
"For now." David added.
"Yes, for now." Snow agreed. "Anyway, come on," she said enthusiastically as she handed everyone a small piece of paper. "Write down the name you want to call her."
Emma rolled her eyes and accepted the slip of paper. She took the pen that her father offered her as he muttered, "things have been kind of quiet around here and she's bored. Just let her have this."
Emma sighed and quickly jotted down her idea for a name. She asked Neal for his and he whispered it to her. She chuckled as she jotted it down on the other piece. She tried to peek over Henry's shoulder to see what he was choosing but when he caught her peeking, he used the cat as a shield and covered the paper with his hand.
Emma snorted. "Fine, be that way.' She simply rolled his eyes.
David was the last to finish writing. He gave Snow a nod and she came around with a bowl. Everyone dropped their pieces of paper in, Snow did so last.
Emma still found it amusing how her parents made everything so dramatic. Everything somehow always became a big theatrical production with them. She never knew that naming a cat could be such a big deal.
Snow smiled as she shook up the bowl, shuffling the slips of paper. When she felt they were mixed up enough, she pushed the bowl towards Neal. "Okay sweetie. Choose a piece of paper."
Neal grinned wide and dug his tiny hand in. It came back out with a slip of paper. He handed it to mother. Snow smiled. "Thank you, honey." The baby looked very pleased with himself. Emma patted him on the back.
Snow cleared her throat. "Okay." She said reading the slip of paper. She smiled at the name. Oh boy, Emma thought. "The name that was chosen was 'Bella'. Who submitted that name?"
"Me." Henry said with a huge grin.
"Excellent. I like it. It fits her." Snow said with a huge smile. She placed it back into the bowl. "Bella it is."
"Nice job, kid." Emma said placing a hand on Henry's shoulder. "Your grandma, probably wanted to call her something like Daffodil..."
"Daisy.. actually." Snow cut in.
Emma snorted. "Okay, well I was close."
Snow rolled her eyes. "The other submissions were..." She said going through the papers. "Pancakes," she looked up, "Really David?" She asked. The man simply shrugged. She shook her head. "Kit Kat." She smiled at Neal. "And Baby girl." She sighed. "Really Emma? You couldn't have been more creative?"
Emma shrugged. "It fits her." She found it hilarious that everyone in this family was going completely insane over a cat's name when the cat who isn't even really a cat already had a name. Then again she found it funny thinking of how Snow White would react if she discovered that the cat was actually Regina the entire time... She chuckled to herself.
Snow sighed and shook her head. "I like Bella and she seems to as well." She motioned to the cat who was rubbing her cheek on Henry's hand. Emma laughed. Even in this form she wants all of Henry's attention.
"I like Bella. It suits her." David spoke up.
"I agree." Emma said with a firm nod.
Snow returned it. "Great." She clapped her hands together. "The cat has a lovely name, we have to get up early and it's late. What do you say we all turn in?"
"I couldn't agree more." Emma said getting to her feet. Henry handed her the cat. "Time for bed." She told him as she tucked the cat under her arm.
He nodded and stood to his feet, stretching. "Okay." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. He did the same to the cat and Regina and Emma both thought it was adorable. "Good night, everyone." He said heading off to bed.
"Night, Heny." They all said. Regina just watched him go.
"Well." Emma said, "I'm heading off to bed. Night." She said before jogging towards the stairs.
"Night." She heard them all call back as she headed upstairs.
She didn't even bother to look up from where she was lying in the center of Emma's bed, at the sound of the door opening and closing. She was too immersed in the soft, stuffed, catnip bear Henry had given her. She was rubbing her little furry cheeks on it and cuddling it close to her little chest.
"Honestly, I'm a little jealous." Emma teased as she crossed her room. "You used to cuddle me like that." Her hair was still wet from her shower and she was wrapped in a towel. She looked over at the cat that still hadn't acknowledged her presence. "Sheesh, maybe I should just stuff myself with catnip."
The cat's ears perked up at that and she looked up from her teddy bear. The blonde had her back to her as she was pulling out clothes to wear to bed.
"I mean, have I been replaced?" She asked as she dropped her towel. Regina instantly hid her face in the bear's stuffed tummy as Emma stood before her in the nude unabashedly. It took everything in her not to peek. She just stayed focused on her bear. She shamelessly nuzzled its tummy with her nose. It smelled so good. She wanted to just eat it. "You can look now." The blonde announced.
Regina looked up at Emma then returned to nuzzling the stuffed animal. Emma sighed and flopped on to the bed, causing Regina to bounce a little bit. She looked over at Emma and found her laying on her back with her hand behind her head, staring up at the ceiling.
With a heavy sigh and an eye roll, Regina took a good long look at her stuffed animal, trying to figure out a way to move it so that she could keep it and snuggle with Emma. She thought it over and started to channel the cat inside of her. That's how she figured it out. She stood up and hovered over the bear, she leaned down and opened her jaws then closed them around the bear's arm, picking it up in her mouth. She looked up at Emma then jumped up on to her stomach.
She walked up to her chest and laid down. Emma's hand instantly went to her back and started stroking. This was getting way too familiar to them but for some reason she didn't ever want it to stop.
"Oh you remembered me?" Emma teased.
Regina rolled her eyes. Idiot.
Emma chuckled sleepily and stuffed the bear under the cat's paw. "There."
The cat just snuggled more against her. "Good. Tomorrow will be a better day. I promise."
She sat up and looked Emma in the face. They just stared at each other then Regina nodded.
I know, Emma. I know.
Thanks for reading and please review.
Someone asked if Regina could chase her tail and there you have it. I hope it was as fun to read as it was for me to write.
The cat inside of Regina is overpowering her, especially with her irrational fears of things sneaking up on her and how irresistible she finds those cat toys.
Lol. Anyway. Thanks again for following, faving and reviewing. It means a lot.
See ya at the next update.