Chapter 9
Rolling over in her sleep, Regina grips onto her pillow as the memories of the night before take over. Blinking her eyes open, Emma frowns at the light then notices the woman fidgeting on the other side of Henry who appears to be dead to the world. Throwing her arm across her sleeping son, the blonde grips onto the brunette's arm who visably relaxes by her touch. Giving a small smile to herself, Emma closes her eyes again until Henry pokes her in the arm. Peering over again, the blonde looks towards the boy who points at Regina. Raising an eyebrow, she watches as her son holds his arm out towards the sleeping brunette but waits for permission. Smiling in awe, Emma nods a little then keeps an eye on him as he carefully places his small arm over Regina and below his mothers. At the extra weight felt on her, the brunette stirs and rolls over, facing their direction before sleepily opening her eyes. Henry smiles and leans up to place a small kiss to her bandage then snuggles into her. "Morning Gina"
Smiling back, the brunette holds him close then locks eyes with the woman who still has an arm around her. "Morning..
"Hey..how you feeling?" Emma looks concerned and rubs her hand over the woman's arm.
"Sore and stiff but I'll live.." Regina responds with another small smile.
Glancing down at her son, the blonde trails a finger down his back causing him to wiggle as it tickles. "Bud why don't you go and watch cartoons..I'll make you breakfast in a minute"
Henry nods and untangles himself from Regina before hopping off the bed and out to the living room. The brunette watches him go fearfully then looks at Emma. "You fixed the lock didn't you?...no one can get in.."
Seeing the fear in her eyes, the blonde nods then shuffles close into her son's spot and brings the woman into a protective hug. "Yes, I even added another bolt..you're safe"
Resting her head against Emma's shoulder, Regina closes her eyes briefly while taking a deep calming breath. "What happens now..with him.."
"It will go to court but as there is a lot of evidence, it is safe to say he will be locked up for a long time. I just need a written statement from you, you won't need to go to court yourself" the blonde explains while giving her a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you.."
"Mommy..what's this?"
Both women look towards Henry who is stood in the doorway holding a newspaper up. The boy frowns confused as he points to the photo of Regina with Hank and the article. "Was in door.."
Removing herself from Emma, the brunette goes up to the boy and takes the paper reading it. Looking down, she places the paper on the side and heads to the bathroom quietly. Climbing out of bed quickly, the blonde follows her out. "Henry wait here..don't look at it" getting to the bathroom door, she knocks lightly. "Regina? Open the door.."
"Just give me a minute.."
Sighing, Emma sits down against the wall by the side of the door and waits. Hearing the door click, she glances up to see Regina standing there and hugging her arms. Rising to her feet, the blonde looks at her as the brunette looks away. "Its bad Emma..the article.."
"Its just a ridiculous story..we know its not true. I know its going to be hard but..you're not facing it alone okay?"
Looking back at her, Regina looks guilty. "But Henry.."
"Will be fine..he's tough like his mom.." Emma smiles trying to make light of the situation.
Jumping slightly at her phone going, the brunette heads back into the bedroom to see the caller ID, showing its her agent.
"Don't answer it...Henry bud I'm sorry you can watch your cartoons now"
"I have to.." Sighing, Regina waits until Henry is gone then answers as she sits down on the bed. "Hello.."
"Regina. I'm sorry to bring you bad news but..this story..the response is..really bad. I've been told that you can go back to filming but only to finish the season..then your done.."
Biting her lip, the brunette rubs her head. "But I haven't...done anything..wrong"
Sitting beside her, Emma tries to listen in while wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"I'm sorry its not personal on my part its just what I've been told..I will try and get you something else but right now..no one wants to know. This..is it Regina. This will probably be the end of your career..scandals like this they stick no matter if they are true or not.."
Hanging her head, Regina remains quiet and prompting an angry Emma to take the phone. "Hi its Emma, listen you need to do your job and take care of your client. She didn't do anything wrong, that idiot did! He was the one who took the photo without permission, he was the one who then stalked her and he was the one who came to my apartment last night, smashed my front door down and attacked her!" Taking a shaky breath, the blonde looks apologetic to Regina as she continues. "You need to get rid of this story right now because believe me there will be a completely different one tomorrow when I go to the press and inform them how he has now been arrested and will be going to jail for a long time.."
"Erm..I..well..I wasn't aware..of..that. I will see what I can do and tell Regina, I will push the promotions back until next week"
"Okay then" Emma grins in triumph and ends the call before turning towards the awaiting brunette. "He is going to see what he can do and he is pushing all your promoting stuff until next week"
Practically throwing herself at the blonde, Regina hugs her and kisses the side of her face. "How the hell did I not know you before..."
Shrugging, Emma pulls back and kisses her forehead. "Lets go to the diner for breakfast? I know people will probably stare and like I said they will talk but you're-"
"Let them. I don't care." Grabbing at both the blonde's hands, the brunette links their fingers with a genuine smile, the first since yesterday.
"Good" Grinning, Emma then looks towards the doorway. "Henry! Go get dressed we are going out for breakfast! And you can have a millshake!" Seeing the boy fly across the open door to his room, the blonde laughs. Watching the woman intently, Regina looks in awe at her laughing and tugs on her hands, pulling her into a kiss. Caught off guard, the blonde gives a yelp but kisses back.
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Standing outside the small diner, Emma crouches down to her son's level with a smile. "Henry, I need you to know something but don't be scared okay?"
Henry looks up at Regina for a moment receiving a small smile before turning back to his mother with a nod. The blonde takes hold of his arms ready to explain. "What you saw earlier with the paper..a lot of people by now have probably read it and what it said wasn't very nice but it also wasn't true. Now, when we go into the diner, some people may stare or comment on it but I need you to know that we are both there and we want you to not listen okay?"
Nodding again, Henry holds his hand out to Regina then follows the two women inside. Entering the diner, Regina looks wary as a few people look over. Trying not to get paronoid, the brunette puts it down to the bruised cut on her forehead and not the paper. Swinging her hand lightly, Henry also notices and hugs into her arm. Emma raises an eyebrow giving the people a 'you don't want to mess with me' look then guides the pair towards a booth. Sitting down opposite, the two women smile at one another as Henry grabs a menu.
"Its not as bad as I expected..." Regina states as she peers down at Henry's menu.
Emma smiles more then glances up as a town resident approaches. "..erm.."
Looking towards the blonde, the brunette follows her gaze then looks nervous. Standing by their table the old woman looks back at her. "I just wanted to say..good for you"
Frowning, wondering if she heard correctly, Regina bites her lip. "I'm sorry?"
"I know a lot of people are quick to judge but after what that man did to you, its terrible..I am glad you haven't let it affect you too much..as for the story, well its certainly clear how much you care for our Sheriff and her son"
Getting embarrassed, the brunette gives a coy smile then watches the woman walk away. "I...don't get it.."
Emma frowns also not getting it then smiles as she spots Belle at the diner counter. Slipping off her stool, the brunette walks over. "Hey guys...I heard about last night, I was going to call but thought you could do with some space"
"Belle how did you hear about it?" The blonde looks curious as her friend looks stumped, thinking that they knew.
"The..news..about a half hour ago..it was on the TV, a statement to ignore what was said in the papers in light of recent events that have been told..I'm sorry Regina, I thought you guys knew..everyone knows about last night..your...attack.."
"Oh..." Regina looks uncertain then glances towards Emma who takes her hand. "I guess its better than the alternative and its the truth.."
"Yes it is..and like I said, you have people around you Regina. Now I think I better order before this little munchkin decides to eat the menu.." Chuckling over at the boy who has his face so buried into the menu. all you can see is his hands holding onto the sides.
Sniggering, the brunette lifts the menu up to show the boy with his head down on the table sleepily. "Oh pumpkin wake up.."
Belle smiles at the trio and gestures to the counter. "I'm going to get you some coffee and juice.."
Henry, despite his confused state, yawns and holds his hand up mumbling. "Milkshake..please..."
As Regina runs a hand through his hair as the boy begins to sit back up again, Emma calls out to her friend. "Get yourself one and join us!"
Returning with the drinks, Belle hands them out as the blonde tugs at Regina's hand to get her to sit with her, prompting her brunette friend to sit beside her son. Wrapping an arm around the woman's shoulders, Emma kisses Regina's temple then has some of her drink while the woman smiles lovingly at her and Henry and Belle talk about his new toy.
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Settling down in front of the TV, Regina opens up the wine bottle for herself as Emma emerges from the corridor having put Henry to bed. It had ended up being a long day as the boy decided he wanted him and his mommy to take Regina on a tour of the town which included all of his favourite places. Sitting down beside the brunette who is sat in her robe, the blonde grins as soon as the woman curls up next to her. "Enjoy your bath?"
"It was very refreshing, maybe next time you could join me" the brunette smirks then realizes how it sounds. "I am so sorry that...that was extremely forward and..."
Laughing, Emma runs a hand up her back. "Its fine.."
Regina pouts and looks up at her rather shy. "No..its not..we haven't talked about anything like that..its too soon and you know we both don't know about the other person regarding...that area.."
"You're right but its still okay. There is no rush..but now we are on the subject..have you..." The blonde bites her lip feeling embarrassed herself at how to put it.
Trying to hide a small teasing smile but failing, the brunette finishes for her. "..with a woman?..no. Have..you?"
Emma shakes her head. "No..I haven't...no"
"I guess we have just learnt something new" Regina kisses her quick then rests her head down again, reaching for the woman's spare hand as the other is currently rubbing her back.
A/N: they will have to say bye soon :( but it won't be for long and I promise to make it super cute and happy :)
