Chapter 7 is up :)
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The second Regina stepped into the room she felt all eyes turn and lock onto her. She was barely aware that she still held Emma's hand in her own, or that she was squeezing the poor thing like a puppy with a chew toy.
A hiss of pain brought her back to reality and she loosened her grip, willing the throbbing sensation Emma had to be feeling, to leave. A soft thank you caused her mouth to twitch in a smile.
"She's still our Mayor?" The Blue Fairy asked haughtily standing up.
"Is that a problem?" Regina said with a sneer, making Emma give a tug on her arm and casting a disapproving look at Regina.
"You need to show them you've changed, don't fall back on old habits." Emma whispered, rubbing soothing circles over Regina's hand.
"Regina is more than capable of handling the position." Snow spoke up, pushing past Emma and Regina to stand behind her. A gasp of surprise resounded in the room and Regina's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"I know you all have your qualms with her. But the fact of the matter is that even though she was, and I stress was, the Evil Queen, Regina has changed. I forgave her, she forgave me, if the two people who hated each other the most were able to forgive and move past it. Don't you think you should to?" Snow implored, she turned to face Regina and Emma.
Emma couldn't help the small tear that escaped her eyes at her mother's words. She glanced at Regina, seeing the unshed tears glistening her brown pools.
Snow turned back to face the crowd.
"We all have to agree that Regina is quite capable of the position, she did hold it for 28 years and she did an excellent job. Now we will probably make the position more democratic than it was before, later, but right now we need to put some faith in Regina and listen to what she has to say." Snow finished, gesturing Regina to move up to the front of the room and take her usual seat.
Regina walked up the aisle, head held high in a very much, queenly pose. Emma never tired of seeing the woman walk, so much grace in her steps, and confidence... Even though Emma knew that Regina was indeed quite nervous. They followed behind her, taking seats in the front row while Regina went to take her spot at her usual table, she grasped her large leather chair and pulled it away from the table. Pushing the table next, out of the way, she then moved the chair into the center of the stage, sitting down, and looking out into the faces of the citizens of Storybrooke. She sat in the chair much in the same way she had sat on her throne. She knew she needed to speak to these people, and get through to them, what better way than through something she was good at.
"As you may or may not know, Sheriff Swan and I were sucked into a portal that we conjured up to get rid of a formidable enemy. The portal transported us back to the Enchanted Forest." Regina said before pausing, allowing the whispers and murmurs to fill the room as the people who were unaware chatted quickly.
"It still exists?" One citizen spoke up.
"Yes. Indeed it does." Regina confirmed, straightening up in her chair. "Once Emma and I were through the portal and arrived in Fairytale land we needed to journey to my palace to find information on how to return home. Not only does the Enchanted Forest exist but it seems that there are survivors of the curse, still living there."
Another wave of chatter, normally Regina would have silenced them all, but instead she sat and waited. Her eyes glancing to Emma's, finding them staring intently back with love and devotion. The sight made Regina's heart melt.
"There are not a lot of survivors, but there are some. They survived by an enchantment being placed over their section of land. Now... I know all of you are aware of how powerful I am." Regina started, her eyes roaming the room with a commanding force. She stood. "and you all know how powerful my curse was."
The room eyed her wearily, Emma especially. Regina merely looked to her and gave her a reassuring smile, it not going unnoticed by the room.
"If you know this, then you must realize that the fact that one person was able to place an enchantment over a large section of land, preventing anyone there from being whisked away by a curse I gave up everything for-." Regina's eyes softened, her voice cracking slightly, she winced at the sound of her own weakness.
"-is a serious problem." Regina stated, her eyes roaming the room once again.
"How does this affect us your majesty." Dr. Whale sneered, standing up.
Regina's eyes flashed dangerously.
"No Regina." Emma said sternly, Regina's eyes flickered to Emma's.
Regina ignored Emma's plea for the moment.
"How does this affect all of you, you ask?" Regina said in a cold voice, "Let me tell you dears, the woman that enchanted that piece of land is the most powerful witch you will ever have the displeasure to meet." Regina said coldly, no one in the room doubting her if she was claiming this woman was that bad.
"If you think I am bad, that I am evil wicked and cruel, well dears you're in for a surprise." Regina paused, "This woman makes Rumplestiltskin and I look like fluffy bunny rabbits."
Everyone in the room whispered worriedly to each other.
"She also happens to be my mother." Regina said loudly, her voice soft though.
Silence engulfed the room, everyone in shock.
"Your mother?" one citizen spoke up after moments of silence.
"Yes." Regina said simply, her eyes softening, "No matter what you all may think of me, no matter how much you hate me..." Regina trailed off, feeling vulnerable, "I need every last one of you, to help stop her."
"Why should we help you?" Someone piped up.
At this point Emma had enough, she stood abruptly and marched up to Regina, placing a loving hand on her cheek before moving away and facing the room.
"Listen. I saw Regina's mom, and she is bat shit crazy. Regina is right, Cora makes her look like a fluffy bunny at the end of the day. If Cora comes to Storybrooke, and believe when I say she will, it is going to be bad for everyone."
"Regina and I faced Cora in the Enchanted Forest, we barely escaped with our lives before getting back here. And if Regina knows anyone, she knows her mother, and she knows that she will be here soon."
"And you believe her?" Someone else asked.
"Yes. I do." Emma stated firmly.
"Why? Everyone knows you two hate each other." Dr. Whale spoke again.
Regina's mouth twitched in amusement.
"Not anymore, to be honest I don't think we ever really did." Emma admitted to the room truthfully. "That's why I'm going to put this out there now-." Emma started before looking at Regina, confusion evident on her face.
"She's my true love." Emma declared to the room, making everyone gasp. Regina felt a blush creep up her neck.
"You can't be serious!" A citizen cried out.
"She's Evil!" Another.
"She's a witch!" Another. Emma looked at Regina and watched as the emotions flickered across her face, all of them registering one thing.
Hurt.
"She may have been once but not anymore!" Emma yelled out, "All of you see the Evil Queen, but none of you seem to see the fact that she is just Regina. She's changed for the better, she is trying so hard. If she wasn't trying to change she never would have called this meeting or told you of Cora. She could've cared less what happens to everyone." Emma pleaded out.
The room fell silent, as if digesting what she said.
"I love her. And if any of you try to lay a finger on her, I will personally kick each and everyone of your asses." Emma said coldly, Regina's eyes widened in surprise, never having heard that voice before.
The room grew silent, acceptance on all of their faces.
"So what do you propose we do?" One of the dwarves spoke up.
Emma went to move back to her seat but Regina's hand on her wrist stopped her, her eyes asking her to stay put.
"We need to take precautions. My mother is extremely powerful and we are going to need fairy dust to entrap her. Much like you and Charming had done to me Snow." Regina said looking at the dark haired woman.
"We're producing another batch right now." Grumpy spoke up.
"Excellent. When the batch is complete please let the Blue Fairy know, as well as myself and Charming. I believe that the town should keep functioning the way it has been, so nothing seems amiss. Keep a close watch on your children and loved ones... If you posses magic, set up an enchantment around your home to protect it from unwanted intruders. These barriers may not keep her out but they will give her pause, hopefully enough time for you to flee. If you don't have magic speak to myself, Emma, Snow, or the Blue Fairy and we can direct you to someone to set up one for you." Regina stated firmly.
"I honestly want nothing bad to happen to any of you." Regina said sincerely, everyone in the room listening intently, "I know that I have caused you all so much pain and anguish by taking you away from your homes and loved ones. I don't expect any of you to forgive me, not by any means. But I do wish to sincerely apologize to all of you for my actions... If any of you have any questions about setting up protective enchantments on your houses you can come and speak to me. I know Gold, myself, and the Blue Fairy can do protective enchantments for your homes, just ask and we will take care of it for you. Another thing, my mother is a subtle woman, keep an eye out for anything that seems suspicious or out of the norm."
Seeing a woman raise her hand Regina let out an exasperated sigh.
"No Ms. Gregory this does not give you reason to begin blaming the pixies for missing objects." Regina rolled her eyes slightly.
"Thank you all for you time, again if there are any questions please do not hesitate to ask." She finished, stepping down from the stage hand in hand with Emma, coming to a halt in front of Emma's parents.
"Well that went well." Regina breathed out.
"Hey, you got people to listen, you were great." Emma reassured with a smile, planting a kiss to Regina's cheek.
"I thought you did great mom." Henry spoke up with a bright smile, hugging his mother tightly. Regina smiled and squeezed him back.
"Mayor Mills?" Regina turned around to see a family waiting.
"Yes?"
"We were wondering if you would be able to set up a barrier for us." The man of the family said, causing Regina to smile and begin planning when she could do it for them.
While Regina spoke to a few citizens about the barriers Emma turned her attention to her mother.
"How long do you think we have before Cora shows up?" Emma asked worriedly.
"I'm not sure..." Snow said, her voice equally worried, "Maybe a day, maybe an hour, she could be here right now for all we know. Cora is a sneaky woman."
Emma nodded in agreement, feeling anxious all of a sudden.
"What's wrong?" Regina said softly noticing the blonde tense, her hand lightly resting on the small of Emma's back.
"Your mother could already be here and we just don't know it." Emma stated.
Regina nodded in agreement before pulling the blonde to her.
"You need to be careful Emma." Regina said firmly, her grip tightening on the blonde, "I can't be with you every second of the day."
Snow looked back and forth between the two women, watching Emma stare lovingly at Regina in reassurance, and Regina in sadness and fear at Emma.
"I can't lose you." Regina admitted, her breath shaky.
"Well lucky for you, you won't have to." Emma confirmed, giving a soft smile, "So, when are you setting up barriers?"
"Tomorrow morning, I'm taking care of five homes, Gold is taking care of seven, and the blue fairy is taking care of... I don't even know, I guess people are more comfortable having her protect their homes." Regina said scoffing.
"Their loss." Emma replied.
"It's fine, I need to continue with work and make sure you and Henry are safe. I'm putting a protection enchantment over the school, and one over the sheriff station." Regina said firmly.
"Shh it's okay." Emma soothed, and for a minute Regina wondered why, until she realized she was trembling.
Emma wrapped her arms around her and held her close, Regina sinking into the embrace.
"Uh, Emma, Regina." Snow whispered, causing Emma to look to her mother, Regina's head buried in the crook of Emma's neck.
"People are staring." Snow said with a smile, gesturing her head to the room.
Emma looked around and saw that people were indeed staring, surprisingly the majority of them were smiling. Never having witnessed Regina to seem so vulnerable, and human.
Emma just smiled and held her.
They had just parted from Snow and James' apartment, driving home in relative silence. Emma had gathered a few articles of clothing and necessities, she'd worry about getting the rest of her things later.
Regina had allowed Emma to drive the mercedes back to the mansion, surprisingly enough. Regina looked exhausted from the days events and Emma knew if Regina attempted to drive they'd all wind up on the side of the road.
She parked the mercedes in the driveway and Henry hopped out of the car and began to run to the house when Regina yelled at him to stop.
"Mom?" He asked confused, Regina getting out of the car finally and walking towards him.
"Stay put." She said firmly patting him on the shoulder before entering the house.
Emma walked to Henry, confused, but stood by his side, unsure what Regina was doing but felt it better to wait.
Regina appeared at the door five minutes later, allowing Henry to go up to his room.
"What was that about?" Emma asked as Regina stepped outside, walking down the sidewalk to the gate.
"I had to make sure it was safe." Regina said wearily. She turned and looked to the mansion before shutting her eyes and raising her arms, muttering some words Emma couldn't understand.
A light blue film encased the house, shimmering like ripples in water before disappearing. Regina muttered something else under her breath and another ripple went across the house.
Regina opened her eyes and lowered her arms, feeling too weak to walk forward at the moment, instead opting to stand there.
"Protection enchantment?" Emma inquired, walking up to Regina and holding her.
Regina merely nodded.
"Why two ripples?"
"One for Cora, the other for Hook. I'll be doing similar ones on the houses tomorrow." Regina said weakly.
"That's it, time for bed." Emma said firmly before taking one arm behind Regina's back, the other going to her legs and swooping her up bridal style.
Regina nodded, too tired to argue with being carried into the house like a child.
Emma walked them inside, kicking the door behind her, she watched Regina's hand lift and flick to the door, locking it. She carried the woman up the stairs and into their bedroom, gently sitting her on the bed before taking Regina's boots off of her feet, followed by her slacks and then her jacket and blouse.
Emma walked to the dresser and pulled out a pair of silk pajamas and dressed Regina quickly, lightly pressing her back on the bed and pulling the covers up over her. Emma stripped quickly, sleeping in her usual attire, tank top and boy shorts, before crawling in next to Regina.
She took her in her arms, being the big spoon, whispering soothing words and I love you's over and over until she heard Regina breathing even out.
Cora watched from a roof top as a young boy ran from the car, Regina calling out for him before she disappeared into the house. She had returned shortly after and the boy ran into the house, leaving Regina and the blonde outside alone.
So she has a son? Cora thought in confusion as she distinctly remembered the blonde mentioning a son, she heard the boy refer to Regina as mom and assumed that her and the blonde had had a child together. I have a grandson.
She watched her daughter put up protective enchantments over the house and let out a growl.
She figured Regina would take precautions, and even though Cora was powerful, her daughter was as well and it wouldn't be easy to get through the barrier.
So much for surprising her at home. Cora thought with amusement. She could see how tired Regina's form was, and watched as the blonde picked her up and carried her into the house, watching the door shut behind them.
"Done spying yet?" A male voice asked from behind. Cora rolled her eyes before turning and facing him.
"For now." Cora replied cooly.
"So what's the plan?" Hook asked, sharpening his hook with a file.
"Regina has much to lose. I say we have some fun with that." Cora said vaguely, already concocting a plan in her mind.
"So you're going to toy with her?" Hook asked in confusion.
"You'll just have to wait and see." Cora let an evil grin show before brushing by Hook.
"That should do it." Regina affirmed, taking in a deep breath after putting the finishing touches on a protective enchantment for the last family of the day.
"Thank you... Regina." The woman said in thanks, Regina gave a warm smile, taking the woman by surprise.
"You're quite welcome. If you need anything else please let me know." She said sincerely before smiling once more and heading down the street. She did the school first thing this morning, then the homes, now she had to take care of the Sheriff's station.
She smiled to herself as she walked towards the station. Even if her mother was here right now, she was still happy and wouldn't let her ruin that. She walked quickly, a few people even nodding their heads in greeting, which surprised her, but she returned the gesture nonetheless. A few others quickly got out of her way, in fear of course.
Regina ignored the small sting of hurt that flitted through her, keeping her focus and heading to the station, she figured she'd get Emma and grab some lunch and then tend to the protective enchantment. She was getting hungry and had to keep her energy up, and she was sure Emma was having a busy day as well.
She entered the station, walking briskly towards the doors that granted passage from the hallway to the office and cells. When Regina opened the door there were chairs knocked over, papers strewn across the floor, the place was a mess.
Regina's heart leapt in her throat.
"Emma!" Regina yelled out, rushing through the room and over chairs towards Emma's office. She gasped as she saw the state. Half of the items on Emma's desk were broken and all over the place, chairs knocked over. It looked as if a struggle took place.
Regina looked around the room frantically, fear dictating her actions, she couldn't stop the tears from falling as she spun around and began rushing to the entrance.
She had to find Emma.
With an oomph she hit the ground, her eyes shut in pain before sitting up quickly, her eyes seeing a mess of blonde hair in front of her.
"Sonofabitch." Emma muttered as she held her head.
"Emma!" Regina cried, flinging herself onto the blonde, knocking her backwards and planting frantic kisses over her face.
"Gina?" Emma giggled out, her bad mood dissipating as she received the kisses, she grabbed Regina's face and kissed her softly, pulling back in concern when she felt tears hit her face. "Baby what's wrong?"
"You- I - office- a mess- cora." Regina stuttered out, her breathing erratic and tears on her cheeks.
"Shh I'm okay I'm here." Emma soothed, holding the woman to her tightly. She realized her office must look like Cora had attacked her. Regina began to calm down from her panic attack as Emma rubbed her back lightly.
"What happened?" Regina finally asked, her voice steady and her eyes free of tears as she looked to Emma's green ones.
"I ah.." Emma started sheepishly, "I sort of got into a fight with someone and instead of punching them I came back here and took out my frustration on the room."
"Who? And why?" Regina asked confused, the room looked like a tornado had hit it.
"Actually Ruby. And she was giving me shit about protecting and loving you. I had a long morning and the last thing I needed was a lecture from someone I considered a friend. I got pissed." Emma finished, her hand still rubbing soothing circles on Regina's back.
Regina nodded in understanding, happy that Emma had stood up for her and their love.
"Please try to no destroy the place again. You had me extremely worried." Regina said seriously.
Emma nodded in agreement, "I promise I won't." She leaned in and gave Regina a soft kiss, pulling her closer and continuing it for a moment.
"We should get up." Regina suggested, realizing that they were still on the floor. Emma nodded and stood, pulling Regina up with her.
"What're you doing here by the way?" Emma asked as they walked back into the disheveled room.
"I came to see if you wanted to grab lunch before I do the enchantment over the station."
Emma's eyebrows rose in surprise as her stomach let out a hungry growl, startling Regina as well.
Regina chuckled and waved her hand, magically making the room clean itself up, chairs returned to their positions, papers re stacked themselves, broken objects healed, leaving the room spotless.
"Come on Princess, let's get you some lunch." Regina said, holding her hand out. Emma took the hand gratefully and walked out of the station with Regina.
They decided to walk to Granny's, Regina sensing Emma's agitation as they got closer, undoubtedly thinking about her earlier trifle with Ruby.
Regina just shook her head in amusement as they approached the diner, pulling Emma in through the door and towards a booth.
Emma slid into the booth and looked at Regina in confusion when Regina sat down next to her instead of across.
"Gina?" Emma asked, a smile on her face despite her confusion.
"I want to be close to you." Regina said softly. She wanted to keep Emma separated from Ruby, not wanting a fight to break out in Granny's and cause the older woman to pull out her crossbow, she was also a little shaken from the station, even though Emma was in no danger she still couldn't completely calm down.
"Regina." Ruby greeted with a tight smile, her face falling a little as she saw Emma, "and Emma." Ruby tried to smile but couldn't muster it.
"Miss Lucas." Regina greeted sweetly, trying to diffuse the tension.
"What can I get you?" Ruby asked.
Emma was sitting in the booth looking anywhere but at Ruby, Regina turned to look at the woman before rolling her eyes and looking back to Ruby.
"Two cheeseburgers with fries, two waters, and two hot chocolates. Extra whipped cream and cinnamon." Regina ordered for them, making Ruby smirk and Emma look in shock at Regina.
"You mean you aren't going to chastise me for my bad eating habits, but actually join me?" Emma asked with surprise, a full smile encasing her face.
Regina smiled happily back, "Of course, you look so damn irritated and I can't stand it. I figured your favorites would cheer you up."
"I'll go put that in for you." Ruby said with a smile. For the first time thinking Regina wasn't so bad after all.
I mean, she did just join in on Emma's eating habits, and genuinely looks happy. Ruby thought to herself.
"I love you." Emma said suddenly, causing Regina to look at her, a small smile on her face.
"Well, you are quite lucky that I feel that way too." Regina said playfully, leaning over and giving Emma a sweet kiss on the cheek.
The two talked about their mornings as they waited for their food, shortly after Regina finished her story about placing an enchantment on one of the houses, their orders arrived.
"Here you two go, two cheeseburgers with fries, two waters, and two hot chocolates, extra whip and cinnamon." Ruby said, setting the orders down in front of the women. Ruby sat her tray on an empty table and plopped down in the booth across from the two women.
Regina looked back and forth between Emma and Ruby, the two staring at each other, not speaking.
"Emma. I believe you owe Miss Lucas an apology." Regina said finally, before taking a sip of her cocoa. Her statement made Ruby and Emma look at her in shock.
"This is actually very good." Regina muttered gesturing to the cocoa.
"I'm sorry what?" Emma said, still staring at Regina in disbelief.
"The hot chocolate-" Regina started before Emma cut her off.
"No not the cocoa, apologizing to Ruby." Emma corrected.
"I believe you heard me Princess." Regina said plainly.
"Princess?" Ruby asked with a smirk.
"It's my pet name for her." Regina said simply.
"Cute." Ruby agreed.
"Woah, why do I owe her an apology? She came at me about you! I defended you and you're asking me to apologize?" Emma asked incredulously.
"Yes." Regina stated simply again.
"But wha-." Emma started but Regina held up a finger, gently placing it against Emma's lips, ignoring the tingling sensation that flew through her body.
"Sweetheart I know how you can be. Perhaps you took whatever Miss Lucas said the wrong way and overreacted, perhaps not. The point is that I love you and that you are trying to defend me dear but we have bigger problems to worry about than people not reacting well to us being in a relationship." Regina said seriously, her finger trailed from Emma's lips to her cheek and then down along her chin, coming to rest under her jaw.
"Now, please apologize to Miss Lucas about whatever hurtful thing you said, and don't try to tell me differently. I know how fiery you can be when you're protecting something." Regina finished before returning her attention to adding ketchup and mustard to the cheeseburger, taking a bite and watching the two women.
Emma let out a sigh and turned to look at Ruby.
"Rubes... I'm sorry I snapped at you and I'm sorry I said some hurtful things to you. I didn't mean them." Emma said sincerely.
"They did hurt. Especially the tramp thing." Ruby said.
Regina just about choked on her sip of water.
"You called her a tramp?" Regina asked surprised.
"Don't act so surprised." Emma replied. "I'm sorry I called you a tramp Ruby. You just really got under my skin saying that shit about Regina and not being able to commit to a relationship and I just snapped." Emma explained.
"Thanks Em." Ruby said with a small smile before looking to Regina. "Regina I'm sorry for saying some mean things about you... I can tell you really love Emma and would go to hell and back for her."
Regina seemed surprised but smiled and nodded nonetheless.
"Apology accepted Ruby." Regina said, making Emma and Ruby look in surprise at the use of her name.
"You guys need anything else just let me know." Ruby said before sliding out of the booth and attending to other customers.
"Things in this town are getting weird." Emma said as she finally started inhaling her burger.
"Just wait dear." Regina chided, taking another swig of her hot chocolate.
"So... you're really digging that hot chocolate." Emma teased before a fry fell from her mouth...again.
"What is it dear?" Regina asked seriously at Emma's expression.
Emma looked at Regina's lips, and the white film that rested about her top lip, right over top of that delicious scar.
Without even thinking about the fact they were in public, Emma quickly grabbed Regina and pulled her to her, locking her lips in a fierce kiss. Regina was surprised at first but soon forgot that they were in public as well, and responded to the kiss enthusiastically.
Emma's tongue swiped over the top of Regina's lip, into the slight dip of the scar and back again, effectively getting rid of the whipped cream. Emma pulled back and rested their foreheads together, coming out of her daze when she heard some hooting and hollering.
Apparently everyone in the diner saw their interaction.
"Damn Em's." Ruby cheered.
Realization hit Regina and she blushed furiously. If this had been a month ago she would have been thoroughly embarrassed, but now... She glanced at Emma, who wore an equally deep color of red, and realized that she really didn't give a shit. She was in love and she would have her happy ending.
Regina smiled and let out a warm laugh.
"Perhaps I should drink hot chocolate more often?" Regina inquired with an arched eyebrow.
"I can't wait to tell Henry that you like the stuff." Emma smiled happily.
Regina glanced at the clock in the diner and then back to Emma.
"We need to get going. I still have to enchant the station and I need to speak with that blasted Blue Fairy." Regina let out an exasperated sigh.
"Come on your majesty, let's go take care of business." Emma said as Regina scooted out of the booth, the blonde following. Regina paid the bill for them after some arguing with Emma, both saying goodbye to Ruby before heading out of the diner.
