Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Once Upon a Time

Trouble at Ten

Throughout the year Regina found herself longing to dip into her magic reserve and visit the beautiful blonde who had captured her heart. Instead she hardened the ice wall around it, knowing there was nothing that could distract her from the pain of being alone or that could dampen the ache between her thighs.

What's more, was Henry's newfound outlook on life, no longer meant their home was a safe haven. She stormed through the town by day, and tiptoed through the mansion by night.

In the darkness, she cried.

When the time came, she drove the four hours to Boston, using the time to collect herself.

But when the door opened and she caught sight of the puzzled blonde, she crumpled. The wall fell away and what was left of her strength disappeared. Regina fell into her arms and sank into a kiss like a woman who was drowning.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, leaving their lips salty.

"Regina, Regina what's wrong."

She shook her head, brushing back the tears, "Just love me, please Emma." Regina stood on tiptoes, throwing her arms around her neck, her hands tangling in blonde curls as if to anchor herself in reality.

"I love you," Emma whispered.

She led her to the bedroom, laying her gently on the pillow and brushing dark waves back from her pale face. Their lips met with a soft sigh, and she intuitively knew what the brunette so desperately needed.

Emma unbuttoned her blouse slowly, dropping tender kisses across smooth skin. The blonde's caresses were slow, her breath warm against her skin, melting away the icy storm that plagued her heart.

She removed her pants swiftly, carelessly dropping them to the floor, her hands coming to rest on her thighs and move in a smooth unhurried caress to her hips.

Emma dipped beneath the silk material of her panties, her fingers moving in languid circles. She stroked with just enough pressure to relax her body on waves of sweet pleasure, but not take her to the edge.

Her eyes opened, dark chocolate orbs locking on Emma's, silently pleading. The blonde raised her hips and began moving in smaller, tighter circles, until the knot of pleasure exploded beneath her touch.

Regina's breathing was ragged, with tears sliding down her cheeks in silver tracks before the peaceful look of utter bliss could disappear. Emma pulled her up, settling her against her chest, and pulling the blankets over them for a safe cocoon. They didn't speak for the longest time, -Emma kissing her forehead and caressing her shaking sides. She'd wipe away the tears with the corner of the soft sheets, never breaking her steady hold on the other woman.

"It's all falling apart." She spoke in a voice so quiet that Emma nearly missed it.

"What?"

"Everything is falling apart," She repeated, voice cracking.

"How do you mean?" Emma asked patiently.

"Henry hates me." There was no emotion in the words, no connection, simply facts.

The blonde gasped, "Regina, you know that's not true."

"He tells me every day," She sobbed.

Tears sprung to her eyes at the depth of the pain entrenched in the trembling woman in her arms, "Regina no... What brought this on?"

"A book." Again, through the tears, there was no emotion, simply stating the facts as she would at a town council meeting.

"A book?"

"His teacher gave him a book of Fairytales and he is convinced that I'm the Evil Queen."

"The Evil Queen..." She kept up the careful reassuring caressing, twirling a lock of dark brown curls around her finger. "Regina talk to me, please."

"I can't, you won't understand."

"Try me."

"No, you'll think I'm crazy."

"Regina after ten years, I could never accuse you of such a thing."

"I don't want to live this lie anymore," She brushed her arm across her cheek, an angry red from the crying.

"What lie babe?"

"I can't," She pressed her lips together and snuggled into her chest.

Emma ran a hand over her tangled hair, "When you can, I'm here ok?"

"Alright," Regina replied sharply, abruptly putting an end to her tears and to the conversation.

Emma sighed, "Do you think you can try sleeping?"

"Will you stay with me?" She asked, frenzied.

"Of course." The younger woman moved slowly, carefully laying Regina beside her and kissing her forehead. In the pale light from the skyline beyond the window, Emma slipped into comfortable sweats and a baggy t-shirt. She rummaged in Regina's small suitcase for her own nightclothes, helping her into them when her fingers trembled too much to manage the buttons. Before climbing into bed Emma flicked on the nightlight, it's pale yellow glow spilling out into the room.

The brunette broke into a soft smile, and poured her thanks into a giving kiss.

Something was different about her this year, she was harder. The soft curves of her body shimmered with sharp edged energy.

Emma was startled by the drastic change in the woman. She'd been quiet over breakfast, though she'd eaten with the same gusto for Emma's cooking. She'd planted sweet kisses on her neck, wrapping her arms around her waist when she stepped up behind her doing the dishes. She was still the loving and happy woman that Emma had always known, but those qualities struggled to shine through the fear and evident pain that overwhelmed her.

Wiping her wet hands on her jean's, the blonde turned in her lover's arms, and asked tentatively, "Any requests for today babe?"

"Well..." The older woman hummed, rolling her hips.

"Besides that," Emma rolled her eyes, though she was glad that some things, especially some things, hadn't changed. "We can do anything you want, but we have to be back early."

"Why?" Her eyes narrowed with curiosity.

"No reason."

"You're planning something, I can tell." She wrapped her knuckles against Emma's chin, and something like happiness twinkled in her eyes for the first time since she'd arrived.

Emma giggled and dodged away from her piercing stare. "Don't ask me anymore because I'm excited and you'll ruin the surprise."

Regina followed her with a lightness in her step, "So there is a surprise..."

"Stop, stop!" She shook her head, grinning widely and clapping her hands over her mouth, "Wphg ghdo freou wahh grou vrou?"

"Pardon me?"

The blonde carefully moved her hands away from her mouth, "What do you want to do?"

"Perhaps we could go for a walk?" The laughter in her voice died out to be replaced by the serious look that crossed her features, threatening to wash away the brightness.

"Sounds perfect," Emma agreed softly, so as not to startle the fragile woman before her.

During their walk, Regina clung to Emma's hand like her life depended on it. She was quiet, commenting only occasionally on the rich Boston architecture and the warmth evident in the city's culture.

They stumbled across a French bakery near the waterfront, and stood just outside its doors devouring warm buttery croissants and smooth cappuccinos. The pastry melted in their mouths and left golden flakes down the front of their coats. They giggled as they brushed themselves clean and licked their fingers, shiny with butter. They drank their coffee so fast it burned the roof of their mouths and seared their esophagi, but the delicious foam and the rich full bodied espresso burst in flavourful fireworks over their taste buds.

Her joy and lively persona bubbled up and out, and to Emma, it was a rare sunbeam on an otherwise cloudy day.

It couldn't last, it would seem.

The two began to stroll along the boardwalk, their hands swinging between them, when a bird let out a lively croak as it dove in front of them. The brunette startled, nearly jumping out of her skin, and it was several moments before she could continue their journey. The brittle woman's control was hanging on by a thread, the tiniest disruption sending her flinging off into space.

She led them to the point, where she stood staring out over the stormy water. Her features showed the same turmoil in her thoughts as the ocean did in their white capped waves. Emma held tightly to her hand, a small gesture she could only hope would provide a semblance of comfort to the other woman. When the wind chilled them, she slipped their clasped hands into her coat pocket to keep warm.

In that quiet, with nothing but the lapping of the harbour water and the occasional squawk of a seagull, Emma had a rare moment of introspection. This had been the year that she'd thought she would finally get her life together. She'd bought this new place on her hefty new salary, all furnished and fancy, thinking that she'd have friends or a special someone to entertain. But still she felt that she was still just Emma Swan, alone in a bigger, fancier apartment. Now, she realized that being just Emma Swan, was who she had been striving for all this time. She didn't need the high paying job or the fancy apartment, she needed to be strong-willed and strong-minded woman she'd always had been, she needed to love and support the woman beside her, she needed to be there for her family.

She was ready.

In that moment she knew her destiny was also her reality.

She no longer believed that to break the cycle she had to live a life like countless other people in their twenties. They were sheep, following aimlessly through life. She had found flock, her little flock of three to cherish and nurture. She'd deluded herself for far too long that she'd be better off alone, that no one would ever love her, that a family wouldn't make her happy,

It would.

It did.

If there was ever a moment to come to accept she was ready to be a mother and a partner, it was now. She hated that Regina's pain had come as such a deciding nudge in the right direction, but she couldn't help but be eternally grateful.

She squeezed the other woman's hand in a moment of reassurance and Regina turned with a soft smile playing across her bright red lips.

"Thank you Emma." Then she returned her gaze to the grey ocean, her features relaxing at last.

"Of course." She wasn't quite sure what she meant by it, but she was grateful the ocean had such an effect.

On them both apparently.

When the skies threatened to open up, they caught a cab home.

Both women were visibly calmer when they stepped into the shower together, save for the wicked grins and wandering hands.

Later, they lay on Emma's bed, their hair frizzing as it dried naturally, listening to the afternoon spring shower that whispered across the window pane. Emma rolled lazily, propping herself on one elbow, "Hey babe, I hope you brought something nice to wear."

The brunette raised an eyebrow, her eyes widening with incredulous mirth.

"I mean of course you did," Emma chuckled, "I mean... uh... I'd like to take you to dinner...If you're up for it."

"I'd love to dear." She smiled in agreement, sealing the deal with a tender kiss.

"Awesome." The blonde hummed, then rolled to over to rummage in her bedside drawer and pulled out a silver box. "I was gonna give this to you at the restaurant, but I thought now was a better..." She chuckled to herself, fiddling with the curled ribbon that decorated the box, "I'm never one to play by the rules ..."

Regina gasped, hesitating for a moment before she reached for the gift, "Emma what's all this."

She smirked, "It's our tenth anniversary today, I wanted to do something special for you."

"Thank you," She breathed, her long fingers tugging gently at the ribbon. Regina lifted the lid off the box followed by the soft cotton. Inside was a gold necklace, a simple circle on a delicate chain.

Emma eagerly lifted it from the cotton and raised herself to clasp it around Regina's neck, the pendent swinging slightly, just above the curve of her breasts. "There," she pronounced proudly. "I have one just like it, it's called an eternity circle." She pointed to the matching silver pendant around her own neck, "I've loved you for nearly many years now, and I will love you for eternity."

"Oh Emma." Tears glistened in her brown eyes, threatening to spill down her cheeks. She swiped furiously at them with her index finger before tugging Emma down to meet her lips. They sighed into the kiss, lips parting, tongues sliding against one another to taste the sweet emotion that fueled them.

"We should probably get dressed," Emma whispered, patting her naked ass affectionately.

"Do we have to," Regina grinned wickedly, glancing down at the glittering gold between her breasts, "I rather like what I'm wearing now."

Emma pouted, giving her best impression of a puppy, "You don't want to ruin the surprise do you?"

"I suppose not."

"Good!" Emma dropped a quick kiss on her nose and rolled out of bed, her naked form disappearing into the walk-in closet.

It didn't take long for the women to get ready, not after they gave up on the disaster that was their hair, that had dried during their afternoon roll in the hay. Emma threw her hair up in a stylishly messy bun that comfortably complemented her chique black jeans and a soft sweater while Regina went for a teasing updo to go with her midnight blue dress.

The younger woman drove them carefully across town in Regina's Mercedes, to a quaint family owned restaurant. It's decor was simple, but warm and welcoming, their menu was modest, but the food was gourmet, the service consisted of the chef's wife and their two teenage sons, but it was exquisite.

Emma happily ordered a five star burger, her only consolation was that she used a knife and fork to eat it. Regina's maple glazed salmon and steamed vegetables had her humming with pleasure, and requesting to compliment the chef personally.

She did.

There were moments where Emma saw the fear cloud her eyes, when she saw her nibble her lip with worry, when her hand shook as she lifted the wineglass to her mouth. Whether she was truly enjoying herself, or holding herself together for Emma's sake, she'd never know. With what came next, Emma was only infinitely appreciative that they'd had a couple of hours in relative peace, sharing laughs and memories of their time together over a bottle of wine and a delicious meal.

Regina awoke in the middle of the night, the familiar nightmare clawing at her insides. The warm body beside hers did little to thaw the icy terror inside her. She couldn't keep running from her past, it was catching up to her. It's sharp fingernails dug deeper into her skin with every passing moment and it was time to be free or turn herself over to its mercy entirely. Her body quivered with sobs, shaking the bed and the woman beside her with their violence.

Emma shot straight up in bed, eyes wide and darting, her hands immediately closing on Regina's bare arms and pulling her into a tight embrace. The palms of her hands were rough, the friction warming her and the strength calming the violent shivers. "Shhh, babe you're alright."

"No I'm not. No I'm not. No I'm not," Regina continued to mutter, her gaze unfocused her hands unsteady. Her body jumped, spasming from the tortured images that plagued her.

"It was just a bad dream," With practiced movements Emma tugged the blankets over them, cocooning them in their warmth.

"No, no, no," She repeated, her voice hollow and haunted.

Emma cupped her face in both hands, forcing their gaze to meet, "Regina, look at me."

"No, no, no." She shook her head, trying to free herself from Emma's grasp.

"Sweetheart, please talk to me, tell me what's wrong." Emma focused her energy on staying calm, hoping to push away the rising terror that she felt at seeing Regina this way.

The brunette's gaze darkened, her dark eyes focused then and she moved quickly, crashing their lips together. Their teeth clacked together painfully, her tongue thrust selfishly, her nails sank into Emma's shoulders as she pushed them down on the bed. Her hips bucked in a frantic attempt to find passion.

The blonde tensed, using her strength to overcome Regina's crazed movements, flipping them and pinning her lover. "Regina stop, we're not solving this with sex. We have to talk about what's wrong."

She stopped resisting immediately, her head lolling to the side in defeat. "I don't know how."

"That's ok too." Emma murmured, "We'll figure it out."

She relinquished her hold on her and brushed damp curls out of her eyes, "Can you tell me about your dream? Was it..."

Regina nodded, "It was." Her lips continued to move, but no sound came out.

Emma hummed, letting Regina's roiling thoughts push to the surface.

At last Regina managed to croak, "But lately it's been worse, I can't escape from the past anymore. It's caught up with me."

"Your mother?"

Regina shook her head, "It's so much more than that."

"You can tell me." Emma's voice remained calm, her eyes pleading.

"You won't believe me."

"Try me."

"I'm evil." Her words came out sharp, her demeanor defeated.

"That's not true, try again."

"You don't know me."

"Bullshit, I've known you for ten years."

"You don't know the real me."

"Then who is that."

"Someone evil, someone fueled by vengeance."

"That's not you."

"That was me."

"Exactly."

Regina sighed, Emma's logic seeped through the cuts in her skin, soothing the pain. There was so much sense in those words, and yet, she still felt the need to reconcile the person she was with the person she is today. "I can't live this lie anymore."

"Then Regina, try to explain, please." Emma begged with dark circles beneath her eyes, desperation in her voice.

"I can't explain."

"Try damnit," She couldn't help herself, her voice rose with irritation.

The outburst had a spark of hope bursting in her mind and she rose on her knees, kneeling before Emma to plead. "I can't explain, but maybe I can show you. Come home with me Emma."

"Ok."

"That's it. This is the pivotal moment in our relationship and you say ok?" Her hands dropped to her lap, her features clouding over in bewilderment.

"Yes, because it's time. Regina, I'm ready."

"You really are?"

"Yes." Emma's words are sure and her gaze steady.

"I'm ready too, or I was before Henry..." Before Henry reminded her of the past she'd been running from for twenty-eight years. She couldn't keep running.

"We'll tackle Henry together."

"Together?"

"If that's what you want."

She took a deep breath, "I do."

Emma shrieked and kissed her, her open mouthed joy making for a sloppy meeting of lips and tongue. "I'm sorry, I know I'm supposed to be serious and mature right now, and that's the point that we're ready, but I'm just so excited I want to pack now and oh Regina I love you."

Regina held her at arm's length, "What I have to show you, what I'll try and explain..."

"Whatever you say Regina, I know you and I trust you, it will not change how I feel about you. Whoever you were then is not who you are now, we're all allowed a second chance. I got mine when I gave birth to Henry."

She smiled a watery smile, "And I got mine when Henry came to me."

Emma squeezed her again, "You see, we're meant to be. You saved me, you've been here all these years waiting for me to be ready. Now I am ready Regina, I will be here for you for anything you need. If showing me your past is important to you and if making peace with your past is essential to your well being, then I'm there. I love you Regina."

"I love you too Emma." A slow smile began to creep across her features as the reality sunk in. The family she'd been dreaming of was about to become a reality. She paused halfway to her lips, "But Emma, you have to listen really listen to what I have to tell you or..."

"I will, I promise." She held up her right hand, baby finger crooked, "Pinky swear."

Regina copied the move, locking their fingers together as she met her for a sweet kiss. "Pinky swear."

She settled in against Emma's chest, her ravaged body still shivering with the ghosts of sobs. Emma's hand moved in steady, reassuring circles in her back, and the shaking slowly petered out to be replaced with excitement. She felt safe in Emma's arms, the warm circle bringing her home like nothing else ever had. Her past no longer loomed before her, instead it was an obstacle for them to overcome together. She imagined Emma standing tall and strong, protecting her from the demons of her past and helping her face the trials of the future they would inevitably face together.

Emma began to chat aimlessly of their plans, keeping her voice steady and soothing, "I'm going to cook you and Henry breakfast every weekend, I've learned a bunch of new recipes over the past year, and I promise I'll help you clean the house even if I complain."

"Housekeeper," Regina mumbled, her eyes closing for just a moment.

Emma chuckled, jostling them both with the low rumble. "Alright then, score one for me. I promise Henry and I will let you watch your movies sometimes."

"He'll be so happy," Regina sighed, tightening her grip on Emma's hip.

Emma continued to talk, relaying scenarios that Regina herself had spent hours daydreaming of over the past ten years. Her words begin to flow into one another and meld into the thoughts that occupied her own mind. They were fluid and melodic and infinitely calming so that she slipped seamlessly into dream world.

The blonde noticed the second Regina had drifted off, her entire body relaxing for the first time in hours, and her breathing evening out to a perfect rhythm. Emma continued spouting her fantasies, much to her own enjoyment, until her own eye lids grew heavy and her head lolled back against the headboard.

Slowly and carefully, with as much grace as her sluggish body could manage, she moved the pillow that propped them up. Still Regina started awake, her eyes opening but not seeing. As Emma lay them down, her eyes fluttered shut and she curled into her chest, her fingers grasping the front of Emma's t-shirt. Confident that Regina was going to be alright, at least for the time being, Emma finally closed her eyes and fell asleep on a wave of frenzied wonderful images of the future.

Regina woke up with a start the next morning, memories of the nightmare coming flooding back. Her muscles ached and her eyes were heavy and scratchy, physical remnants of the emotional pain.

Then a slow smile ghosted across her features as she remembered.

Emma was ready.

Emma awoke with an exuberant burst of energy in a moment of uncanny connection. Her eyes weren't even yet open and she ended up facing towards the opposite side of the bed that Regina was on. "Reginaaaaa, it's trueeeee! Tell me it's true!"

"Yes dear, it's true." The brunette responded with a chuckle. Then she tapped on her shoulder, "I'm over here dear."

Emma groaned and turned towards her, slowly attempting to open her eyes. "Hey 'Gina," She mumbled, managing to rise halfway off the bed to meet Regina's lips, before collapsing again, her eyes staunchly refusing to open any more.

After a few minutes, she greeted the smiling brunette with emerald eyes sparkling with happiness, "Hey..."

"Hello again." She reached over, lacing their fingers together.

Emma grinned widely, squeezing her hand, "I'm really happy Regina, this feels so right, finally."

"To me as well."

Emma sobered, "I want you to know we can talk about what's bothering you at any time, night or day, tomorrow or next week, sunshine or cloudy days."

"Soon Emma, I want to do it right..." She trailed off, mumbling to herself, "Though I'm not sure there's a right way to..."

"Shhh," The blonde interrupted, her thumb moving in slow circles where Regina's pulse throbbed at her wrist.

Regina relaxed almost immediately, sighing into the gentle touch.

It wasn't long before the sunny grin returned to Emma's expression and she disentangled herself to bounce on her knees. "I'm excited Regina! Have I mentioned I'm excited! I get to finally meet Henry! I get to sleep beside you every night!"

The older woman clutched at the sheet to keep from bouncing off the bed, but she didn't have the heart to scold her lover. Emma's blonde hair flew about her head, catching in the sun and glistening the colour of pale gold. Her cheeks flushed and her voice rose as she cheered and leapt about.

Eventually she flopped down beside Regina, breathless and holding her side, "Nowww, I'm hungry."

"Then let's go eat my love," She nudged her teasingly, now that she'd relinquished her hold on the sheet.

The other woman threw a hand over her eyes with as much dramatic flair as her son, "I'm too tireeeed."

"Emma." Regina intoned, much in the same way as she would scold her son.

"Whaaaat," She cracked her eyes open and giggled nervously, "Oops, you mean business, don't you?"

In a heartbeat, she'd rolled out of bed, taking the blankets with her, and was coming around to lead Regina from the room. Emma swung her around and they tangoed into the kitchen, releasing Regina with a clumsy spin.

Emma stood on tiptoes and took down a box of coco puffs from the cupboard and presented the brunette with her own box of frosted flakes. She shook them maraca style, "This calls for celebration!"

The blonde's excitement was catching and Regina giggled girlishly, "Those are my favourite."

"Oh I remember," The younger woman teased, holding them over head as Regina reached for them, "You have to pay the toll."

Regina kissed her quickly, standing on tiptoes, and snagging the box as Emma lowed her arms on instinct to embrace the other woman. "Ha!" She danced away, victorious.

She hummed as she grabbed two bowls and set them on the counter, adding a pirouette for good measure on her way to get chocolate milk for Emma and skim for herself.

They dug in to their celebratory meal, smiling goofily at each other across the breakfast bar.

Regina finished first and pulled her day planner from her purse, tapping the pen on the page as she began to think aloud. "So I'll find out about moving companies when I get back, we have to find the best one. You know I've heard these horror stories about the men stealing peoples things. How horrible," She clucked disapprovingly. "Oh Emma dear, how long is the lease on your apartment? Can you get out of it? I'm assuming that you need to give at least two weeks notice at your job. And don't worry dear, I can give you a job in Storybrooke..."

"You can?" Emma looked up from slurping the dregs of her milk, a chocolate milk mustache gracing her upper lip, exactly like her son, "Doing what?"

"Deputy in the Sherriff station." She replied precisely while she made a few quick jot notes in her planner, "Thirty five hours a week with a salary of..."

Emma wiped hand across her mouth and hand placed on her arm to interrupt her incessant flow or thoughts. She chuckled, "Woah babe, I'll take the job, thank you, but I think we're getting ahead of ourselves."

Regina's her face fell, closing off instantly. She shrunk in on herself, her shoulders hunching. She disappeared before Emma, a ghost of the strong woman she knew. Her statement came in a whisper, "You're changing your mind."

"No!" Emma pleaded, "Don't think like that!" She took their bowls to the sink and led them to the couch, wrenching the day planner from her grasp and pulling Regina into her arms. She hoped that by some sort of simple comfort she could reassure the scarred and broken woman she loved so completely. "I was simply thinking about Henry."

"You are?" She brightened again, looking up into Emma's eyes, "You're really ready?"

Emma nodded, "I just think you should talk to him first so that he's not blindsided by all this."

"Oh of course, I should try and explain..." The frenzied look returned to her eyes, this one of panic instead of excitement. She rang her hands absentmindedly, her eyes clouding with fear, "I'm a horrible mother, I didn't think of my own son..."

Emma's heart broke at the sight of her confident and loving Regina reduced to such doubt and terror. "You're not Regina, you love Henry. We both just got excited, and we should be."

"So what do I tell him?" She asked, hope of a thousand suns swimming in her eyes, from all the years of dreaming for someone to share moments like these with someone she loved.

"What if you tell him the truth?"

She shook her head, her hair rising in static as it brushed against the back of the couch, "He's only ten, how can he understand?" From one moment to the next hope was replaced with worry, "And what if he hates me more?"

Emma froze, "Regina, he doesn't hate you."

"Every day...Every day he tells me," She replied tiredly, the very thought wearing on her soul.

"He doesn't mean it, he's going through some stuff." She sighed, taking Regina's hand in her own and playing absentmindedly with her pinky finger, "He's facing something every adopted child faces, he's asking why would anyone give me away. He's taking it out on you, because he doesn't feel like he belongs anywhere. I did the same to several of my foster parents when I grew older. It's a question of self identity not a personal affront."

"It hurts," Her voice was strained, her fist pressed to her chest.

"I know that, and I'm sorry. It's not an excuse for him to act that way, but it's an explanation as to why..."

The brunette nodded, "You really think we should tell him the truth?"

"I really do. I think it would be worse to lie to him."

"He's only ten," She repeated.

"Ten is older than you think."

"He's my baby boy, my little price," Regina sniffled. "Emma," She implored, "How do I tell him I fell in love with his birth mother and that I've been hiding it for ten years."

"Let's start slow, it's been ten years for us remember, but it's a surprise to him." She dropped a quick kiss on her forehead.

Her breathing quickened and she leaned further into the embrace, clutching at the front of her sweatshirt, "I don't know how Emma, I don't know how to tell him."

"Ummm, ask him how he feels about meeting his birth mother." Emma replied with as much confidence as she could muster. In truth she felt as unsure as the other woman but she stood strong, supporting their family.

"You think he will want to?" Hurt washing over her words.

Emma nodded.

"P-perhaps we can drive up next weekend to meet you?"

Emma straightened, nearly dumping Regina off her lap, "Yes! Uhh, we can talk to him together if everything works out," She added calmly, "We'll play it by ear ok?"

The older woman looked over at the day planner beside them.

"I know you like a plan babe, but we gotta think about our son," Emma chuckled.

"We'll play it by ear," Regina agreed, relaxing at last.

Together they packed Regina's' suitcase and made quiet comments about the future. Christmases and birthdays and years of firsts dangled tantalizingly in front of them.

They collected her toiletries, teasing each other over who would have the most clutter in the bathroom.

They stood at the front door, saying nothing at all.

Regina whispered into her chest, "I'm terrified."

The blonde kissed the top of her head, "I'm scared too."

"I want us to be a family so badly." Her teeth chattered with fear as she remembered what had happened the last time her dreams were ripped from her prematurely. She didn't think she or anyone else would survive if it happened a second time.

"I do too," Emma held her tighter, "I don't want to let you go. I want it to start right now even though I know that's not what I said."

The strength that Regina held within her returned to vow, "Emma. I will come back for you, Henry and I, we'll come in a week."

"I know, it just feels like a long time."

They spoke over each other, reassuring one another and interrupting with words of wisdom and promises of love, until they erupted in smiles and giggles.

"See you next week Regina," Emma stepped back, holding her hands tightly in her own.

"See you next week."

"With Henry," She reminded her with a cheeky grin, "Should I buy him a present, or his favourite foods?"

"If you like," Regina kissed her cheek with a sounding smack.

Emma pulled her back for a searing kiss, a melding of lips and dance of tongues. "Now get out of here woman," She teased, though her eyes begged her to stay.

The brunette winked and whisked out the door.

Cool night air hit her with a new blast of doubt and she froze at the top of the stairs, looking back at the apartment. The numbers 202 shone brightly on the door, white with delicate cursive words of wisdom. Emma was from this world, she stayed in this world.

Trusting Emma was easy, trusting herself was another issue in its own. In the end, old habits died hard. For as much as she knew she could trust Emma, the end loomed, the downfall was right there and so, she took the memories with a familiar stab of guilt.

She told herself that it wouldn't matter, she'd kiss her in a week and she'd remember, none the wiser. She could keep her town safe until Emma was there in actuality, then they'd be alright.

All the way home she pushed the doubt from her mind with simple fantasies, about how Henry would see how she'd changed, how Emma would fit into their lives, how Henry could have two mothers who loved him and how Regina's past could be put to rest for her happy ending.

As she crossed the town line there was a moment filled with the purest pleasure and happiness, millions of memories flooding through her mind and swirling around her heart. Just as quickly that warmth was replaced with cold, there was a tearing in her head, the worst pain she could ever imagine, worse than she'd ever felt no matter the abuse she'd lived. Her soul was torn away, her heart, her mind. She had a split second to realize that the magic was gone, that her memories from there were being ripped away. For that moment she struggled to hold on, to bind them to herself.

Then she was simply driving to her mansion form the town line like any other day.

Reset.

A/N: Chun chunnn! This took forever, because I wrote seriously a million different versions of every single scene of this chapter until I finally settled on ones that felt right. This is the one I decided to go with *hides* but there will be an epilogue because I'm a sucker for a happy ending especially between a blonde and brunette ;) Thanks all! I'd love to hear what you have to think thus far :) xx