A/N: I gotta say... You guys are so lovely, thank you so much for the flattering words and support, I am always left in awe by you. The story continues and well this is how I say thank you. I will take this small note to ask; please check out the books! I gave them my all and they are a labor of passion and love. If you already have, thank you so much, this is incredibly meaningful to me as your support allows me to focus more on my writing and deliver more content to you faster. Please consider leaving a review on Amzon since without them the book has become invisible and overlooked even though it carries such a beautiful story and meaningful theme. This would help me endlessly! Most sincere gratefulness to every single one of you. For those asking, the link is pinned to my twtter krprince_ and Instgrm: krprince_ (- this last one with a dot between the k and r) I post there regularly, so if you'd like to stay in touch or simply check out the book art, welcome!

Stakes (Vancouver Sleep Clinic)

The ride to the doctor's office was most definitely quite the trip. When Regina had entered her mother's sleek Mercedes, she could have sworn she was still blushing from the new-found knowledge of her recently active sex life washed upon her mother. It was embarrassing.

She felt exposed. Not ashamed, but incredibly exposed. This was hers and Emma's only. Now it was Cora's, too.

After a few provoking comments from Cora, Regina began to speak her mind, her words. This was her life.

But it didn't end there. By the time they had arrived at the glass-covered, tall building in the middle of downtown Boston, Cora Mills had mentioned Emma's penis twelve times. Regina counted. Regina's patience was wearing thin.

The elevator ride up was quiet as there were other people joining mother and daughter.

It was quiet aside from the soft sound of the moving box. The sensations in Regina's stomach each time she rode an elevator made her sick. She hated elevators, they made her feel claustrophobic, and after the debacle she'd had with her mother for the past forty minutes, this just didn't help.

The sound and matching bold number told them they had arrived at Dr. Rossi's office.

Regina took a deep breath, trying to push the last hour to the back of her mind; it would be rude of her to enter her cardiologist's office in such a mood, which was rare for the usually sweet girl.

She was lucky, and she reminded herself of that fact every chance she got. If it weren't for this man, she'd be dead, and in all honesty, not many had the opportunities she did.

Doctor Rossi was a close family friend who flew across the world once a month to meet with her and check her progress. Regina knew he had other patients in the U.S but still, the least he deserved was her full and collected focus.

Regina and Cora walked into the man's office after being greeted by his tall and beautiful assistant. When in Zurich Regina had the biggest crush on the woman. Now? She didn't look twice.

A handsome man in his mid-forties smiled as he stood from his desk. He hugged Cora.

"Michael, dear. How was your flight?" she asked, smiling.

"It was great, Cora, thank you. Working through the jet lag; nothing a good glass of wine can't cure." He smiled casually at his colleague and friend. "How's Henry?"

While the pair spoke, Regina thought of Emma. She missed her; these intense feelings roaming inside her system only seemed to grow now that they had shared such intimacy. It was beautiful; —Regina slightly bounced on her heels as her brown eyes focused on the fantastic view of Boston through the huge glass windows of the contemporary office.

"Regina?"

She snapped out of her trance and judging by Dr. Rossi's face; she had been lost in thoughts as he called her name.

She smiled. "Hello Doctor, it is lovely to see you... Thank you for coming, of course."

He had to admit; Regina was his favorite patient. She was sweet, polite, considerate, kind smart and she was definitely Cora Mills' daughter. Regina had her mother's confidence and charisma.

"Well thank you, Regina, it is good to see you too," He smiled brightly. "You look fantastic."

She blushed. "Thank you."

Cora cleared her throat; she had a very good idea as to why her daughter was glowing this morning.

Regina looked at her mother from the corner of her eye but tried her best to ignore her silent taunt.

Cora was playful and incredibly open, but Regina was not five anymore. There were parts of her life she'd like respected.

"Let's check you up and see if everything is working as wonderfully inside as it seems to be on the outside," he said, and Regina pushed a smile.

They sat across Dr. Rossi while the man examined several sheets of paper in his hands. "Regina, your EKG is beautiful... whatever it is that you have been doing, please continue to do so," the man praised, unable to take his eyes off the test results.

Cora raised a brow and Regina blushed.

Certainly, her mother thought of sex, but the truth was that Emma entering her life had been the most amazing thing ever to happen. Sex or not.

Regina glared at her mother.

"Your blood work was taken how long ago?" the doctor asked.

"Two days ago, Michael. I did it myself at the hospital." Cora said. "I sent it to my most trusted lab technician."

"This is stunning, simply perfect; everything is exactly where and how it should be." The man looked at Regina. "Have you been adhering to the meal plans I gave you last month?"

She smiled and nodded. "I have, doctor Rossi."

Regina was organized, a rare quality in a teenager. However, she was almost like the perfect patient for a cardiologist, aside from the fact that he wished she wasn't a patient at all. It was unfortunate, but they had to deal.

"You are doing very well; your heart is the strongest it's been since I saw you in Zurich. I am very pleased."

Regina felt her heart fill with a calming sensation of relief and joy. This meant more time alive, more time with Emma.

"However, I need you to continue with our strict regimen; please continue taking the medications, diet, and exercise." He didn't say it, though Regina knew that was code for 'you're still sick, there is no cure for you'.

Regina never allowed herself to have hope, at least she always tried, but ever since she'd met Emma, it was the only thing she was unwilling to let go of. Dr. Rossi's heart cracked it a little.

Something inside Regina moved as he reminded her that she was still on her merry way to death sooner or later. —Emma... she thought as her beautiful and profound eyes reddened slightly. She pushed a smile and nodded.

"Oh, dear," Cora said, feeling her daughter's pain, she held Regina's hand. "You heard Michael, honey, you are doing great, and he is still working hard on developing a cure, my love... you're healthy, and the now is all that matters, my beautiful girl. —I know how great she has been to you and for you. —Regina, darling, think of the now... You. Are. Ok," Cora's eyes pierced her daughter's emotionally. She smiled and turned to her friend. "Regina met someone in school, Michael..."

He smiled. "That's just fantastic, Regina, who is the lucky fella?"

"It's a girl, Dr. Rossi... Her name is Emma." She smiled.

"Oh, well, that's just as great! I see now why the sudden change, it makes sense. —Teenage love," He finished and looked at Cora. "Just like puppy love, it seems to have magical, healing properties." he added casually.

"Well, This is not puppy love, Michael, this is full-blown, Wuthering Heights, ranging and hormonal... teenage love," she admitted.

Regina widened her eyes and turned to her mother blushing deeply. Oh, she didn't.

"Oh... well, okay," he said evenly.

"And that is exactly what I would like to talk to you about next..." Cora added coolly.

Regina's eyes could not possibly grow wider. Oh, but they could. "Mother!"

"Oh, no, no, Regina... we must have this conversation with him; it affects your condition."

Regina buried her face in her hands. "Please, Mother, this is not necessary," A muffled voice filtered through delicate hands.

"On the contrary, dear, it is." Cora smiled. "Michael, it has recently come to my attention that my daughter's girlfriend is a transgender girl."

Dr. Rossi felt uncomfortable not because of the admission, but for the poor girl and the embarrassment radiating from her. It was certainly unusual and unexpected, but he nodded and listened to Cora attentively.

Regina's hands still on her beautifully blushed face.

"She is this... tall, gorgeous girl, I mean, you should see her, simply stunning." Cora mused and sighed. "I saw it coming..."

"You saw what coming?" he asked.

"Oh, my God." Another muffled sentence from Regina.

"They are having sex..." Cora informed.

"Oh..." the doctor said. This was none of his business really, not as a friend, but as a doctor, yes.

"They are having unprotected sex."

The man opened and closed his mouth a few times as Regina removed her hands from her flustered face. "Mother! Are you really doing this to me?! I already told you what happened!"

"Regina, I need for Michael to explain to you just how risky... what you two are doing can be," Cora seemed sterner now.

"I am not pregnant! She can't get me pregnant; she is on blockers right now!" Regina defended passionately.

Michael tried to speak "I-"

"It doesn't matter!" Cora bit right back. "Your girlfriend has a penis! A penis and you have a vagina! You must use protection, Regina! I know you are smarter than that, dear—not only a pregnancy could kill you, but sexually transmitted diseases are a very real thing." Her speech was passionate at the beginning and softened at the end.

The man's mouth opened and closed some more. The situation was highly uncomfortable as this was a girl he had held in his arms when she was a baby.

Regina stood from her chair visibly upset, and quite frankly, tired of hearing the word penis fall from her mother's mouth so seamlessly. More now that it was her girlfriend's penis she spoke about.

She felt exposed and tired.

Regina's eternal patience had run low. "Yes! Mother, my girlfriend, is gorgeous and she has a gorgeous penis!"

Cora's eyes widened while Michael blushed and cleared his throat.

"Yes! It is beautiful, and I love it, I enjoy it and not just because it's a penis mother... but because it is part of the woman I love!— Yes! I know we were irresponsible those two times..."

"Two times?!" Cora interrupted, shocked.

"Yes! Mother. Two. Times. We technically had unprotected sex twice, and I know the risks, I am not stupid, but the chances of Emma getting me pregnant are incredibly slim to almost none!" Regina defended strongly.

"That is not necessarily true, Regina. No, no, dear, science is very advanced. However... since you seem to know so much about this... Tell me what drugs is she currently on? You said she was on trial medications while we were in the car... Besides the blockers, what is her doctor trying to achieve with such medication?" Cora questioned.

Regina was quiet, still very flushed, though her face softened. "I am... not sure." she admitted.

"Exactly, dear... For all you know she has already impregnated you." she taunted.

"Cora... Calm down, would you two like some water? Something to drink?" the poor man offered.

Cora shook her head and pushed a polite smile. "No, thank you, Michael... I am sorry about this."

Regina sat back on her chair visibly upset and crossed her arms, staring at the wall behind her doctor.

She turned to Cora, slightly calmer "And for your information, I had never had sexual intercourse before, neither had Emma; she doesn't have sexually transmitted diseases, and we are committed to each other. She wouldn't do that to me." Regina finished with glazed eyes.

Cora softened, realizing she might have hurt her daughter's feelings and probably bruised her pride. "Sweetheart, I didn't say she had, I am simply stating the facts of life, Regina; these things are a reality... and if you plan to carry on with maintaining an active sex life with your girlfriend, I need you two to be a little more responsible... and careful."

"Your mother is right..." Doctor Rossi said.

Regina's knitting brows softened more and more as she took a deep breath and nodded. "I know... we will."

He sighed, looking at his lovely teenage patient with different eyes; he regarded her as an adult.

"Now that you will have an active sex life, you must, Regina, please... you must be very careful, you would not be able to carry a pregnancy to term... you could but..."

Cora widened her eyes and glared at him. He raised his hand slightly at her and continued to look at Regina.

"I will be honest with her... If she wants to be an adult, then this is now an adult conversation." he added.

Cora nodded and crossed her legs elegantly.

"I could carry a child to term with my condition?" Regina asked confusedly. Surely her mother hadn't lied. She eyed Cora defensively.

"You would have to get off your medications... for the child's sake and that would slowly kill you."

Regina swallowed hard.

"I can't say if you could survive a delivery, though the risk of you dying is very high. It would ill-advised for you to conceive."

"But the baby could live..." Regina tried.

Cora took a deep breath and gracefully scratched an eyebrow. She looked elsewhere as her eyes reddened with silent tears.

Dr. Michael felt torn but continued to choose honesty "There is absolutely no way for me to know as we are not speaking of a real pregnancy... I have no solid facts in my hands, but it could be a possibility... as could be the death of this hypothetical child, and yours." This conversation wasn't a game.

The sadness in Regina's eyes was heart-shattering. She wasn't planning on becoming pregnant, but she would love nothing more than to have the chance to be a mother someday. This was very important to her... if she were to live, of course.

The man's heart fractured at the deep sadness in the young woman's eyes. Regina was on the verge of tears she held back like a pro.

"Regina, dear, I promise you... I am working so, so very hard to find a way around your condition. Nothing is set in stone... nothing. Please remember that." he said with care.

Regina swallowed back her tears and nodded.

"Before you go, Cora... Please run new blood tests on her, and we will meet again before I go back to Switzerland, I will stay in Boston for another week waiting for Regina's results."

Cora nodded.

Regina interjected. "You don't have to do that, Dr. Rossi... I am not pregnant; I'd hate for you to delay your trip because of me."

He smiled. "It is no trouble at all, Regina... I am doing this gladly, and because it is very necessary, I'd rather be safe and leave everything running smoothly until next month."

Regina took a deep breath and nodded. "All right."

Doctor Rossi began to write on a piece of paper with his shiny pen. "Regina, when was your last period?"

Regina shifted a little in her seat. "Three weeks ago."

"Very well. Then the timing is perfect. Cora, please execute these tests for me, and we will remain in touch," He signed the paper and handed it to Cora with a smile.

Back at the Mills mansion, Regina sat on her bed staring at the cornucopia of condom packets next to her, seemingly downcast. The door to her room was usually closed, though this time, it was completely open.

Zelena walked by and caught sight of her little sister's mood. brows furrowed. She stopped by the door and observed her for a few seconds.

An unaware Regina sighed.

Zelena walked in and sat on the other side of the bed, making Regina look up at her instantly.

She remained cheerless. "I am not in the mood, Zelena," Her voice soft. The blue-eyed girl noticed her sister appeared to be sad.

"I come in peace," she said honestly.

Brown eyes found familiar blue and studied this unusual behavior.

"What is it, Regina? Why do you look so down? Did Emma do—"

"No... She didn't do anything." Regina shook her head and sighed. "I saw doctor Rossi today..."

Blue eyes grew worried. "Is something wrong?"

Regina was surprised by her sister's reaction; she moved her head to the side gently. The movement almost as soft as the gleam in her brown eyes. Regina smiled. She hadn't felt this close to her sister since they were probably ten years old.

"No. Actually, everything seems to be surprisingly well."

"Ok... Good. Then what is it?"

"We... we touched a subject that has just... it made me a little sad, that's all," Regina finished softly, pushing a small smile.

"Oh... Would you like to talk about it?" Zelena offered.

Regina shook her head still smiling.

This very conversation made her heart warm up with happiness and confusion. She instantly thought of Emma and the obviously beautiful consequences of her action that day she'd shown her sister kindness and compassion. What a stunning ripple-effect it was. Zelena hadn't spoken to her this way in many years. "Thank you."

Zelena nodded. This wasn't her forte and a very strange place for her to be at emotionally, but here she sat. Blue eyes immediately noticed the small mountain of condoms all over Regina's bed; they widened as she let out a chuckle "What?" Zelena said, looking at her sister.

Regina rolled her eyes and blushed. "Please don't, ok? I've heard enough about these today."

"She bought you condoms? Oh, Mother..." Zelena said, inspecting the brightly colored packets. Blue eyes almost jumped out of her face when she looked closely at them. "Bloody hell!" She gawked.

Regina looked up at her confused. "What is it?"

Zelena's gaping mouth cradled a grin "Is she really this size?"

Regina rolled her eyes yet again and sighed; her cheeks turned a brighter shade or red. This was far too much awkwardness in one day, with her family so openly discussing her girlfriend's privates as if they spoke of the weather. Regina rubbed her temples and bit back a smile. "That is none of your business, Zel," she finished honestly.

Zelena chuckled. "Oh, my God... You always get the longer end of the stick don't you, little sister?" she joked genuinely "Pun of course... so intended."

Regina laughed a little, too. She simply couldn't help it.

Their moment died down softly, gently and effortlessly.

Their beautiful smiles transforming into content expressions. After brief silence fell upon them, Zelena spoke up.

"Well, I should go." she tried, feeling a bit awkward. Regina nodded.

Zelena stood from the bed and walked to the door.

"Zelena..." Regina voiced, and her sister turned to find honest brown eyes gleaming warmly at her.

"Thank you," Regina said, smiling softly. Sincerely.

Zelena nodded and bit her lip. The smile that broke from her lips was just as authentic as Regina's; she looked down and gently patted the door frame.

She left.

Emma had certainly done a very wonderful thing; she seemed to have set something very precious and once seemingly unreachable into motion.


Evening had arrived, and had came entwined with rain. It had brought upon the untamable Boston vibe. The most peaceful and gray of all wet evenings. The lights reflecting on the cold, black pavement promised the night would turn out to be just as uniquely worthy.

The day had exhausted Regina, and she was more than ready to hold her Emma again. In truth, all she wanted was to kiss her and enfold herself in those perfect, safe arms she loved.

Regina asked Cora if she could stay over at Emma's, and much to her surprise, after such a tedious day, the doctor agreed.

A soft knock on the door and Emma's stomach filled with that familiar feeling of full emptiness. She knew it was Regina.

Emma opened the door and smiled. —Finally...

Ever since she had to leave her girlfriend that morning, she'd only been able to curse herself for not insisting on staying, to face Cora with her. Regret ate at her all day and having her right there, was everything.

Regina looked tired and happy; she pushed an honest smile and closed the door behind her, closing the distance between her and her girlfriend with ease.

Dazzling lips claimed ready and expecting ones with ardent ambition; the kiss was slow, and even though completely uninvited, it was welcomed. It was encouraged inside by Emma's sweet wet tongue and her longing hands on Regina's small waist.

They gently broke apart, and an exhausted Regina pressed her forehead against Emma's, she sighed softly. "Em..." Regina whispered, basking in everything Emma; feeling irrevocably addicted to her girlfriend's scent. Her warmth and her love.

Her kisses and more.

Emma moved her lips to Regina's forehead and continued to hold her. "I'm so sorry I left you... I should have stayed with you." Emma said, resting her cheek on Regina's. However, Regina pulled back gently.

"You don't have to apologize, it wasn't a big deal. I just..." She sighed and looked at the comfortable looking bed.

Brows furrowed as she almost begged, "Can we just...?"

Emma smiled and saw just how exhausted Regina was, she nodded softly. "Of course we can," their hands entwined as they walked towards soft sheets.

Regina sat on the mattress and Emma stood right in front of her looking down. Completely lost in lust and love, but her lust would have to wait; there was no way she'd even attempt to make a move Regina while she felt this tired. Emma suddenly wished she could talk to her penis and make a pact with it. We must be gentle with her. Tonight, you're staying in.

Regina looked up with those gripping eyes and placed both hands on Emma's hips. Emma ran the back of her fingers on her smooth cheek; tucking a couple of dark locks away.

Hypnotizing fascination and love.

So much love.

Darkly manicured fingers hooked on the loops of Emma's jeans. Regina pulled her in gently and rested her forehead right between Emma's alluring hip bones. Green eyes squeezed shut as a soft hand caressed Regina's head.

Emma could have sworn this was the ultimate test to her strength.

Regina slowly ran her hand up; it traveled underneath the fabric of Emma's top. Nails softly brushed warm skin as brown eyes looked up again and found darkening green ones. "Kiss me, please..." Regina begged in whispers.

Emma caressed the side of her girlfriend's face and laid her down on the bed. She slowly lowered herself on Regina's body and claimed her lips with sweet infatuation.

Soft, loving lips moved to Regina's tanned neck, the warmth and lingering scent of Regina's perfume were enslaving. "I love you so much..." Emma whispered in her haze, hands running up her girlfriend's sides slowly.

Regina cradled her hands on Emma's cheeks, locking their gleaming eyes.

—God, she looks so tired and so beautiful. Emma thought, realizing she'd never seen this much conviction in Regina's eyes.

Regina's thumb caressed her jawline. "I adore you, Emma Swan."

They both smiled softly.

Emma would never get tired of admiring every single inch of Regina's face. —How could you want so badly to live and die for the same thing all at once?

Regina yawned lightly, and Emma was endeared. "Let's rest, beautiful..."

Regina's lashes fluttered as she tried to shake slumber off. "It's only seven..."

Emma rolled off of her and laid next to that familiar warm body; she kept a protective, gentle hand on Regina's stomach. "You look exhausted, Regina..."

Regina smiled pleased and shifted to face her lover, all while feeling something on her back.

Emma smiled softly, and Regina raised a brow. She shifted and reached for the object she could feel under her.

"What is it?" Emma asked, caressing Regina's abdomen.

Regina pulled out what looked like a book, —no, no. A journal.

Green eyes didn't know where to look at first but quickly relaxed. This was Regina. It was ok.

"You write?" she asked with a sweet smile.

Emma shrugged. "It's just a journal my therapist makes me keep."

"Makes you?"

"Well... I'm not obligated, but... I guess it does help." she confessed with open and exposed green eyes.

Regina brushed her fingers on the thick leather that enveloped it. It felt like time and raw confessions, even though this was only the surface of a deeper part of Emma Swan. She then realized that she didn't know it all, but she knew she loved her.

It was so easy to get lost in those endless green eyes; everything existed in them.

Emma had been patiently waiting, desiring and expecting for Regina to invite her into the side she kept sheltered.

To the weakness and the pain, the unrehearsed, absolute and vivid emotions surrounding the thing that hovered above her. Regina was always so private and particular about her illness being displayed to others, but just now, looking into those sweet eyes, Emma realized that there were so many unlit places inside her own self. Small corners where the light was dim, and how in some of them, it was simply nonexistent.

There were things she had never shared with Regina, so how could she ask for what she hadn't offered? Emma took the journal from her girlfriend and opened it.

"What are you doing?" Regina asked with less slumber in her eyes.

"There is something I'd like to show you," Emma spoke with gentle eyes.

"You don't have to do that, Emma... Those are private, so intimate. I didn't mean to make you think I expected—"

"I know you didn't... But I want you to..." The corner on Emma's lip curled up. "Your name found a home in this thing since I met you so..." She shrugged.

"Are you sure?" Regina asked.

Emma nodded. "I am, yeah..."

Regina sighed and sat up slightly, leaning against the headboard of Emma's bed, feeling the warmth of the tea lights entwined on it touch her back.

Emma grinned and bit her lip shyly, focusing her eyes on the fabric of Regina's designer jeans, on the clarity of her expanding warmth as her fingers caressed Regina's hips.

Emma shifted and intimately laid her head on Regina's thighs.

Green eyes looked up as Regina began to read the page Emma had guided her to. Watching her breathe, and then watching her smile.

Emma wondered what she'd read as she brushed the back of her fingers on that sweet olive-toned skin.

She then saw warm, brown eyes fill with tears that had to be blinding. Emma's heart broke; it broke a thousand times, but she knew those weren't sad tears.

A smile broke free from those sweet lips... she was smiling, and her tears were falling.

And so Regina continued to read while Emma carried on caressing her like they had no time to repeat it all. Regina would later make a confession. She gave her more and Emma held her close all night long. In this moment and this light, this was them, and it was so much more than enough.

A/N: Thank you again! Please consider a review on Amzon if you have enjoyed my work! :)