Will you still?
A/N: I'm sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out. School bested me and I had to catch up with that. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read, favorite, and review. Your thoughts really make this even more worthwhile. So we are Time jumping with a few vignettes till I get to where I want to be. Just so you guys are not confused Lucas is like 7 months in the beginning and by the end he is almost three years old. Special thanks to my beta, Gemilh.
Part x
The baby monitor roars into life with the sounds of crying. Emma groans and struggles to move her aching body. The crying gets louder and Emma snaps up and rushes out the room. "Hey little kid. Mama's here." Regina smiles to what she hears on the monitor. "Oh, looks like someone is wet." When Regina was all alone with Henry, she was so paranoid that every whimper, every cry, any fuss she was running to aid him. Having Emma there was a godsend her body was recuperating from child birth so while she rested, Emma ran around. It was nice. The feeling of not being alone was nice, she got to relinquish some responsibilities and it was a comfort to rely on a partner.
"Look you're all nice and dry." She hears Lucas giggle then start to cry again. Something happens when you become a mother that is instinctual something that she didn't really register with Henry. It took her a while to notice it but each cry means for something. And this loud and boisterous cry meant He was hungry and Emma quickly understood these cries too. "I think it's time to wake momma huh buddy?"
Regina rubs her eyes and sits up on the bed. Emma comes in with Lucas nestled in to her arm trying to sooth him. Regina slips the strap to her night gown and takes Lucas in to her arms. She directs his mouth to her nipple and he sucks greedily. Regina hisses in discomfort as her son feeds. Emma lays back into bed. She sits closely next to Regina and caresses Lucas' blonde hair.
"Is it hurting more love?" the blonde asks as she rests her chin on the brunette's shoulder watching her son feed. It really is a beautiful sight. Something that she missed out on with Henry. Lucas and Regina stare at each other with love, they connect on a level that is deeper than anything Emma has ever experienced, it's bittersweet but beautiful. She is happy that Regina has this because this woman deserves all the love in the world.
Regina hums in acknowledgement.
"Maybe it's time to switch to the bottle?" the blonde suggests.
"Emma I am perfectly fine providing nourishment to our son." She wraps her arms a little tighter around their son.
"At this rate you won't have any nipples left. He's 7 months baby. I think it's ok. Look at Henry and you used formula."
"Not yet. I'm not ready." She looks down and her heart melts. The hard sucks dwindle as Lucas nulls back to sleep. Suckling small moments at a time. She pulls her sons lips from her breast and hands him over to Emma. The blonde cups his head and carefully rests him on her shoulder as she gently pats his back.
"But it's hurting you." She continues to pat the little blonde till he burps. Satisfied she moves him to lay down in between them. She brings the pacifier to her son's lips. He unconsciously opens his mouth and takes it in to his mouth.
Regina leans down and kisses his head. "When he teethes more. I'll stop"
Emma sighs and lays on her side watching Lucas smile in his sleep. "We can do both. Maybe give him the bottle at lunch. Give your body a rest." His little hands hold each of his mother's fingers.
"ok." The brunette sighs in defeat "We can start tomorrow."
"hey luk can you say Hen-ry." The brunette stands his brother on his belly.
"babababa geewah whoo" Lucas babbles happily as his feet wobble on Henry's belly.
"Close! Hen- reee" Henry encourages as he lifts his brother up in the air.
Lucas laughs in delight "babeeebee gur". He wiggles his arms and legs.
"Come on luk I want to win the bet. Help your brother out!" he brings him back down and lays him on his bent legs. They are betting whose name Lucas would say first and whoever wins gets to have a month off of diaper duty.
"Seriously kid? Trust me bribery will not work with him." Emma walks in to the living room with a bottle and hand it over to Lucas, his tiny cubby fingers cup the bottle and drink happily.
"I thought Mom said no more bottles." He looks over to Emma
"Shit. I forgot." She says abruptly. "The Sippy-cups are in the dishwasher. Don't tell her, please?" she gives him her puppy eyes.
Henry thinks about it for a minute then asks. "Can I come home an hour later Friday night?"
"Seriously? Black mailing a cop?" she lifts a brow
"Seriously ma? coercing the son of the Evil Queen to cover up for your crimes?" he fires back.
"Shit" she says as she knows her son is too smart for intimidation "Call it draw?" she shrugs
"I guess but maybe you can talk to mom about Friday?"
"What's so important about this Friday?"
"Well I ask him out and he said yes." His cheeks deepen in a shade of red.
"Aww" the blonde's brow lifts in astonishment. It took her a moment to wrap around the idea of her son's sexuality. She thinks that it is hard for any parent to feel comfortable when their child wants to start dating because no matter what they will always be your baby. Emma and Regina talked for a great deal of time after he decided to come out to her. Like any parent she fears his news. The world is an unforgiving place filled with ignorant people and one can only do so much to protect them from the world but she will never turn him away. She'll just threaten them with her magic and if this guy doesn't know about magic then she'll threaten him with a shotgun. "Henry's first date!" she teases.
"Ma seriously stop."
"Will we get to meet him?"
"I don't know if that's too much aren't you suppose to wait to meet the parents?"
"Yeah but that's like later on when you are planning on asking to marry them. You're almost 16 and you are a little too young for that headache. How about he comes over for dinner then you guys can go out. That way your mom knows who you are going out with." She suggests
"I'll ask him."
"Cool."
The door opens and Emma's eyes widen as Regina walks to the living room. Her smile falters when she notices Lucas with the bottle. "Emma what did I tell you?"
Lucas smiles happily as he pulls the bottle from his mouth looking at Regina "ooo sit!" and giggles louder.
"MS. SWAN!"
After a year of being a stay at home mom Regina was called back to work as the temporary mayor since Belle and Rumple decided to take an extended honeymoon to Europe. Rumple did a good job maintaining the town but things slipped through the cracks. Something that Regina picked up on quickly and threw herself into working on fixing. This new found energy initiated the mayor coming home later and working early on weekends and after 2 months of being in office things started to feel less hectic less chaotic, budgets were reset and money was reallocated to where it was needed, schools got proper funding, parks reopened and maintenance on roads were under way. She missed her family. She missed the little bundle of golden hair and brown soul full eyes. She missed the lingering mornings with her sheriff. They discussed greatly on Regina going back to work. They listed the pros and cons and Emma being the ever understanding wonderful person she is supported her on anything she decided on.
She feared leaving her son, when Henry was weeks old Regina didn't have anyone she trusted to care for him so she brought him to work with her. Her secretary would watch him in the other room while she had her meetings that wouldn't go over 30 minutes. It was very difficult being a mother and mayor without any help at all but things are different now. Fifteen years have passed since her son came to town. Four years since Emma was dragged to Storybrooke and broke the curse. Everything is so different.
She finally allowed love in to her life, she trusted and laughed. She saw the beauty in things that was once lost. She has friends and people she greets in passing. No longer does she see the murderous gazes of the citizens she cursed, now these people smile and acknowledge her. Smile and greet her family. Ever since the events with their beloved Queen Snow and the Mayor the lines between good and evil blurred. Ever since her kidnapping and attempted murder, everyone one got a good slap of reality. No one objected when Regina took office and finally that unthinkable notion of peace settled upon the town. Things were ok and that is something really unfamiliar.
Emma was an amazing partner before Lucas's birth. She shared her insight on being pregnant the little things to help the pains. She understood the instant love for the being nestled inside but she missed out after the birth, missed out on the cries and sleepless nights. Missed out on the fevers and earaches, the tantrums and messes. She missed out on the hugs and kisses and overwhelming joy a child could bring. The instant need to do everything in your power to make them smile. Emma missed out but Lucas was their second chance to do it right. It was hard to do-over with Henry because he was already older. He thrived on independence and was coming in to his own. He loved his mothers but really didn't need them at the moment.
From conception to birth she was there. She jumped and over worried for any noise. She fumbled with diaper changings and trembled fingers cautiously touched her son's precious skin during bath time. She nibbled on small toes and inhaled deeply her son's baby smell. She held him close and spoke soft words. She wore the throw up and baby spit on her shirt as a badge of honor. She grew more confident as a mother. She learned quickly to manage her infant son and teenager. She learned to cook breakfast and simple dinners. She became everything she didn't think possible. Emma and Regina became a great team in parenting their children and maintaining the town.
It's amazing how stability can empower a person. How the simple fact that love can make you do the impossible. Henry was the catalyst for change and Lucas was the remedy and everything else was a great story to tell and reflect on.
Regina decides to call it a day at noon. She was tired and missed her pair of blondes at home. Henry was at Football practice and wouldn't be home till later. Picking up some lunch from Granny's Regina heads home. "My love? I'm home." Regina calls from the foyer. Her words are met with silence. She hears muffled noises upstairs. Kicking off her heels and dropping off the bag of food on the counter in the kitchen the Mayor heads up stairs. The second floor is filled with the sounds of laughter. Bare feet softly pads towards the master bedroom. She pushes the door open and the sight melts her heart.
Emma was attacking her son's belly. Growling playfully as Lucas screamed and laughed in delight. His cubby fingers latched on to her lion hair of curls. "Mama!" the baby boy squealed. "rawwr I'm a monstarr" she growls as she tickles him lips kissing his skin. "God I love your laugh." Emma whispers as they calm down, Emma rests her head on her son's chest listening to his heart. She closes her eyes and sighs. This is what true happiness is.
Lucas pulls Emma's face and brown and golden green stare into one another. His angelic voice breaks the silence. "Wuv yu Mama." Emma breaks in to tears. "I love you too my little kid." She pulls him in to her arms and rolls them as they settle with him lying on her chest. Pale fingers twirl the thin golden hair. Golden green eyes finally look over to the door noticing the brunette leaning against the door.
"Regina" Emma breathes.
Regina pulls off her blazer and slips out of her skirt and crawls in to bed. "Emma." She whispers right before lips meet. The spark that ignites when their lips meet tingles and sends waves of comfort throughout their skin. "I fall even deeper in love with you every day. It's really impossible to feel this intense. You're amazing Emma." She kisses the blonde again even deeper. She pulls back and kisses her son's head and rolls on to the side resting her head on the blonde's shoulder.
"I can't really believe this is my reality." Emma whispers wrapping an arm around her lover and pulling her closer. Regina hums in acknowledgement.
"How was work today?"
Happiness is such an abstract concept.
David I can't thank you enough for this." Regina says as she hands over Lucas' diaper bag.
"It's not a problem Regina, we're going to have some fun aren't we little prince?" he smiles at the boy resting on his hip "Poppa we play." Little chubby fingers hold on to David's nose.
"The baby sitter was sick and Henry has practice till 6 and Emma is out on a call and if I could cancel my meeting I would but this is an important budget meeting, I've been putting off." She continues her rant
"Regina. Calm down I really don't mind watching my grandson. I love having him around." He tries to pull the kid's fingers from his face.
"I know. I just don't like throwing him around like this." She looks down at her heels.
"It's fine. We'll be fine. Tell Henry to come over after practice. I'll cook dinner and you and Emma can come later?" he suggests.
"David I really don't think you should go through all this trouble."
"Regina. Seriously it's no trouble at all. We're family and this is what family does. This is what grandpa's do."
Regina smiles "Thank you. I'll let Emma know. We'll see you later tonight." She moves closer to her son and kisses his head "I love you." Lucas smiles and turns his body towards his mother he wraps his arms around her neck "luv yu momma" he whispers and releases her. The brunette walks towards the door and looks back at her son. Blowing one last kiss she walks out.
"Ok buddy. What do you want to do?"
"Play!"
He puts Lucas down to stand. The toddler wraps his arms and legs around David's leg. "ride!" the toddler yells happily and squeals when David starts to walk to the backyard laughing along the way.
Henry knocks on the door as he opens it. "Grandpa?"
"In the kitchen." David calls from the other room
Henry drops his gear in the hallway and kick off his sneakers. Padding his way to the kitchen. He walks over to his brother who is happily eating cheerios in his high chair. "Hey lukastic" he pounds his fist with his little brother who looks so much like his Mothers. "I really think it's time Moms cut your hair." He pulls on the strand almost touching the boys shoulder. "owe Henwee" he pulls on Henry's shirt to get a hug. He scrunches his nose "bad smell henwee" and pushes the older boy away.
"Dude I just got out of Football practice. Cut me some slack."
"Maybe you should take a shower before your mothers get here for dinner. You do smell extra sweaty today." He crinkles his nose.
"Ugh fine gramps. Seriously you guys can't handle my man smell." He shoves his brother as he walks out.
"I'll get it." Henry says as he walks towards the front door. "Hey Moms." He greets his mothers as he takes Regina's coat.
"I see your man smell was over powering again?" Emma says as she ruffles his wet dripping hair.
"Whatever. I seriously don't smell that bad." Henry rolls his eyes.
"Not that you can tell dear." Regina scrunches her nose at the thought. "How was practice love?"
"Really good. Coach had me practicing my throws today he wants me to be the second string quarter back."
"That's really awesome kid. I'm so proud of you."
"Who would have thought my sensitive son who only wanted to read books would turn out to be this big tough quarterback." Regina looks at her son lovingly.
"Mom, I'm still me. Nothing's changed expect these guns here." he flexes his biceps.
"Easy there tiger." Emma laughs as she hugs her son who is now a good foot taller than her. "I can still kick your ass."
"Yeah yeah ma." Rolling his eye again.
"Emma can you refrain from threatening our son but my dear she does have a point. Where's Lucas?" she looks around the room.
"In the kitchen with gramps." He wraps his arms over both Emma and Regina ushering them to the kitchen.
Lucas's eyes widen in delight as he sees his mothers "Momma! Mama!" Emma approaches her son first and lifts him up in the arm spinning him around. He laughs loudly holding on to her face which is currently blowing raspberries on his belly. Regina approaches him and kisses his nose as he kisses her forehead. "I hope he wasn't any trouble today." She turns towards David who was stirring the sauce on the stove.
"Not at all. Me and the little guy played in the back. Took a nap. I woke up to mud on my face. We watched some T.V then relaxed till you guys came."
"I'm sorry about his behavior. His current fascination is dirt and touching everything with his hands." Regina approaches him and wipes the dirt on his cheek.
David laughs "Its ok. I think I look younger now. I hear mud facials are in." he winks at the little blonde looking guilty in the sheriff's arms.
"Smells good Dad what are you cooking?"
"Spaghetti. It's the only thing I know how to cook that doesn't involve the microwave."
"That's more than your daughter knows." She laughs softly
"Hey!" Emma looks over to her lover in playful annoyance.
"Sorry Ma even I know more." Henry adds as he laughs.
"Whatever.." the sheriff mumbles.
Emma shuffles in the bed restlessly. Staying silent for a few moments she huffs loudly then turns towards the brunette. "Baby are you awake?"
"Mmm." Brown eyes blink to focus with the darkness in the room. She turns her face and smiles as Emma's green eyes shine in the moonlight "I am now." Her voice is throaty and thick with sleep.
"Sorry. I just can't sleep."
Regina notices the stress in her face "What's troubling you." She cups the blonde's cheek.
"Snow." Emma whispers as she leans in to Regina's hand.
"What about her?"
"I was talking to David and it's been over two years and she finally feels she's ready to come back to town."
Holding back her emotions she asks "And how does that make you feel?"
"Well you know we started writing to each other and even though I'm still so angry about what happen and I know that you forgave her and healed her heart and all that but then you banished her from seeing the kids again. I was wondering maybe… could we… be there at the welcome home party at grannys?" the blonde asks in a small voice.
Regina stays silent for a moment. She knew this day would come. She knew that one day Emma would ask to have Snow back into their lives but she wasn't so sure she was comfortable with the woman who almost killed their son. "Darling. I don't know." The brunette starts. Because really she doesn't know. Snow lost Emma because of her. She forced Snow and Charming to make an impossible choice, they had to abandon their daughter to keep her safe from the Evil Queen's rage. She forced Snow along with the citizens of Storybrooke to an empty existence. Snow lost 28 years of her daughter's life. Snow was just as human as Regina is and fell in the seduction of anger. She was so focused on her selfish feelings of pain. Regina completely understood that. That's way she healed Snow's heart. She's angry for almost losing her son but she understands.
"No of course it's too soon but I'm going to go there and the thought of you guys not with me makes me feel uneasy. But I can go and see how she's doing. Rebuild our relationship before we bring the kids in to it." Emma says quickly between nervous lips.
"Whatever you feel is best my love. I did forgive her and I was maybe a bit unreasonable with her not ever seeing the kids. I mean the boys love David so much that I would hate to not take them over his place because she's there. I will feel more comfortable if she meets Lucas and Henry at the house. A safe place." She finally suggests
Emma releases a breath and smiles "Thank you. For reconsidering it." She leans in and kisses the mayor's lips.
"Of course my love."
Nervous doesn't even begin to describe the emotions plaguing the blonde. She stands in the closet in a matching pair of red lace bra and panties. She can't decide what to wear. Does this sweater scream 'I know you tried to kill my pregnant girlfriend but I think I forgive you' or do these jeans say 'hey I know you were trying to save me but I was an orphan for my whole life and I had commitment issues' or the boots that say 'two years have passed and I still want to punch you in the face…Welcome home?'. Emma huffs she bends over to pick up the sweater she tossed over about twenty minutes ago.
"Mmm. This is a sight I never get tired of." Regina's liquid voice says as she scratches up the blonde's bare thighs. "A fantasy I have yet to fulfill." Emma stands back up and takes a sharp breath in as the brunette slides her fingers up Emma's tone stomach, Regina feels the muscles twitch as they continue to slide and cup the blonde's breasts. Olive skin hands palm the fatty tissue with a hard squeeze.
"And what fantasy is that…?" Emma pants as her heart pounds wildly against the pulse point the brunette is currently assaulting with her teeth. Plump lips lean closer to Emma's ear. Regina's voice deepens "I have yet to bend you over my desk and fuck you unconscious." She runs her tongue on the shell of Emma's ear as hints her intent by thrusting her sex into the blonde's ass. Emma moans loudly as she turns her head and pulls Regina into a deep and hungry kiss. Emma pushes the Mayor into the wall. Her thigh slips in between Regina's pant suit legs. Finger tangle into blonde locks as lips crash. When the need for air becomes too great Regina reluctantly pulls back. "As much as I would like to continue this you have a Welcome Home Party to attend." Emma looks at her for a moment then slips her eyes shut and rests her forehead against the mayors.
"I'm scared." The blonde admits in a whisper. Hating to admit her fears.
Regina cups her face and pulls her lover back to look into her nervous eyes. "I know you are darling but you want this. It's the next step into letting go. The next step into bringing our family back together… you get to see your mom again. Trust me no matter what that is a blessing." Regina thinks about her mother and how even in her misguided way to prove to Regina she wanted them to be happy was cut short.
Emma notices the sadness and anger that fills her lover for a moment. "It still hurts me that Cora never got to meet the kids. I think Lucas would have been the one to really make her laugh. His can make anyone happy."
Regina smiles at the thought. "I think you may be right dear. Our son is filled to the brim with love it's a bit overwhelming."
"Well that's what happens when you are the product of true love." Emma shrugs.
"Come on." She pulls the blonde over to her side of the closet. She wraps her arms around her waist resting her chin on the blonde's shoulder. "Let's find you something to wear."
Two years…
It's insane that two years passed from Snow's fall from grace. To watch her daughter …hell to watch her husband look at her with such disappointment and betrayal would make anyone want to run away from themselves. She couldn't look at her husband anymore. Her soul ached with pain. Regina cured her heart. She cleansed her soul from the afflictions of resentment. She felt Regina's love radiate throughout her body. It was pure and sincere. She couldn't look in the mirror. She was so obsessed with destroying "evil" she couldn't see her own slip. She let the anger fill her and did it feel so good.
She felt invincible. She felt finally in control. She understood why Regina became 'Evil' the power one feels when someone else's life hangs in the balance. She betrayed her daughter. She almost killed her grandson. Thinking about the rage she saw in Emma's eyes was frightening. Her actions almost lead her daughter, the purest thing she knew into the same path.
She couldn't stand the looks of disappointment among her friends who stood at her side when fighting the war with the Evil Queen. The shame she felt for letting everyone down was too much, she needed to go for her own sanity. After talking to David and breaking his heart in the process. He understood. Because he knew that they would always find each other, that was the power of their love. Snow was broken and needed some time to fix herself.
Days turned to weeks then to months and regrettably to years. David came to visit her stayed with her when he had time off but he had a responsibility to the town to their daughter and their grandchildren. She was happy when he told her about Emma and Regina asking him and Belle to be Lucas' godparents. She could only imagine what he looked like. For the descriptions her husband tells her the little boy is the opposite of Henry, blonde hair like Emma and brown eyes like Regina, he has the charming nose and the most beautiful laugh. David tells her that Henry is his height and growing in to a handsome young man. He's strong and brave and really a wonderful soul.
David tells her how Henry grew closer to Regina and that made her smile because really all Regina wanted was for someone to love her back. Henry lost his way but just like Emma was able to see beyond Regina's past. Now Snow's ex arch nemesis not only had the love of her son but the love of her daughter and the son they created.
She wanted redemption. She wanted forgiveness. She wanted her place next to her family but things needed time. We are human and we need to go through the process of thinking and feeling and grieving before you can pick up the pieces and live again. So she took a step back and let her family live and be happy.
The letter she received from Emma a year after she left was a surprise. It was a mixture of emotions Emma needed to vent and the least she could do was listen.
Snow,
It's hard writing this because I'm still so angry and Regina thinks that holding on to this anger is making me a nuisance. I'm so angry all the time, I seem to look like I want to punch everyone who gets near my family and partially that is because of you. I can't trust these people. These people who when they look at Regina they see the Evil Queen. They don't see the mother of my children, my true love, my reason for living. She was the first person to give me a home, a place of belonging, a purpose and understanding. When Henry brought me here it was the first time things had meaning again.
Then I met you and we became friends. I loved her you know. The cursed you. The woman you use to be. The one who wanted me happy. Sure you were scared when I told you about Regina but you never denied me having happiness. Then falling in love broke the curse and my best friend was replaced by my mother. Regina's enemy. You have to admit that was a very hard pill to swallow. Henry was right and I was a princess and my parents were the Charmings and I fell in love with the Evil Queen who separated us. I swear if it weren't true we would all be in the Looney bin for this.
I know that the war with Regina started long before I was even born but the woman you called evil was just Regina Mills, the mayor and single mother to Henry. You weren't able to see that even though she cursed everyone just to find her own happiness she never harmed anyone here. You could see that she was lonely and in pain. Sure we can excuse some things because you betrayed her when you were just a kid but everything that happened after could have been avoided. You could have listened to me when I told you that she changed. You could have tried to side with me and what hurts the most is that you betrayed me. Lied to me. Poisoned me to forget her and my son.
I am sorry I lost it and hurt you but I was protecting them from the only evil at the moment. I still can't believe Regina healed you because I wouldn't have. I would have crushed your heart or left you to slowly bleed to death But that's not me and that's not Regina. She reminded me even love can overcome anger. My love for my family overcame my anger and that was something you let slip. I want it to be over. I want to truly be happy and I think that time will allow us to find each other again. After all we are Charmings.
I want to forgive you but this will take work that's why I am writing you this letter. I want us to have our real second chance. No more pain. No more anger just moving forward. Moving past because I want you to meet our son. He is everything good and pure in this world. He looks likes me and Regina. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that we… Two women created life. True love is pretty amazing huh? I want to know what is going on with you. Do you like where you're staying? How's the weather? I want to know how you feel. I really want you to be ok because you were my best friend and you are also my Mother. I hope you write back. I hope you take care of yourself.
Love, Emma.
Coming back to Storybrooke was strange. The streets were quiet and the chaos that once riddled the town calmed down to a time before the curse broke. People liked Storybrooke, loved its close community and small town charm. She missed it here more than she missed Fairytale land. This is where her family build new roots.
The welcome home party was at granny's, it was a small gathering of people. Snow knew that some will look at her differently but enough time had passed for them to move on and welcome her back. She missed the smells of the small diner the smiles on the familiar faces. She received hugs from Ruby and Granny and Whale. Grumpy and Nova said hello and she congratulated them on their wedding and baby announcement. These people moved on with their lives and were happy. Storybrooke was a place of second chances.
The bell to the diner jingled and the little chatter ceased. Emma walked in her golden long hair was bouncing in curls. There was lightness in her eyes. She looked older and mature. She grew confidante and was happy. That's what it was. She was in love and finally happy.
Golden eyes sparkled as she gazed at her mother. They slowly walked towards one another. The pain they felt, the anger that was buried deep slowly shredded away. Trembling tentative fingers ease into an embrace. "Mom" Emma whispers as she releases a nervous breath and Snow crumbles.
She cries for lost time. She cries for her daughter. She cries for the pain that she caused. "It's ok. It's over now." Her daughter whispers and holds her tighter as her body trembles. The people in the party leave them alone because this is the only reunion that truly mattered. Mother and daughter finally finding each other. The sadness slipped away as they shared stories. They laughed and giggled like old friends. Emma told her about what she missed from her last letter.
"I can't believe that Henry had his first date. I hope you and Regina didn't embarrass him too much."
"Nah. Well not that much at least. I do have to get my kicks someplace." Emma jokes "But Michel is a nice boy. I really wasn't expecting him to be on Henry's football team. I was scared at first cause you know two boys dating in a masculine sport but I guess helps when your moms are the Mayor and Sheriff of the town."
"I'm so proud of Henry, he's so brave. I am really happy that he is open about this with you guys."
"Well the thing that Henry hated the most when he was younger was being lied to so we just made it a family rule. No lies. Honesty and no judgments." She take a sip of her coffee.
Snow smiles "That's a good rule to live by."
Emma looks at her watch "It's getting late. I should be getting home. Lucas likes when I read him a story before bed."
"Of course. We can always catch up another time maybe lunch?" Snow suggests with hopeful eyes.
"Yeah. I really would like that." Emma sincerely says as she stands up and pulls her mother in to a hug. "We're going to be ok."
"Yes I believe we are." She hugs tighter around her daughter not wanting to forget what this feels like.
Emma pulls back and looks at her shyly. "Hey…would you like to walk me home?"
Snow nods enthusiastically "Yes. I would love that."
Emma grabs Snow's sweater and helps her put it on. Snow tells David that she is going to walk with Emma and she'll call him when she's done. He smiles and kisses her and he watches his wife and daughter walk out.
They walk slowly admiring the town. "The town looks good."
"Yeah Gold did a good job until Regina took over again." Emma digs her hand deeper into her pockets.
"How was she going back to work?"
"Honestly, I really think Regina just likes to work" the blonde laughs softly shaking her head. "What was hard on her was leaving Lucas."
"I could only imagine." Snow says in a small whisper.
Emma smiles sadly because she understands. Snow had to give her up and it still hurts. "I want you to see the kids." Emma says in a rush.
"Now?" Snows eyes widen "but Regina…"she looks around with a bit of fear.
Emma laughs "Not yet." Her voice turns serious "but very soon. We spoke and Regina wants you to see them too. Lucas loves Dad and it's only fair that he loves you too."
"Emma. I don't know what to say."
"It's just time Snow." the blonde smiles at the brunette.
"I would love that…"
"Good. Well this is me…" they stop in front of the mansion, not noticing they got there already.
Snow looks down at her feet. She really wanted to smother Emma with hugs. Emma really was trying to let this go and the fact that Regina agreed to even let her see the kids was a big deal. Emma notices her hesitance and pulls her mom into another hug. Snow releases a breath. "You know I like your hair like this." She runs her fingers through her Snow's hair that now passes her shoulder. "I like it too. I get to do more this it."
"But nothing beats just rolling out of bed and not needing to worry about it." They both laugh.
Emma pulls away and they say good night. Snow watches her daughter open the door, she turn to give her a small wave then enters inside.
Her feet move but her mind races. She didn't think Emma would be this receptive. She expected hesitance and resistance to her coming back. Emma was willing to give her a second chance and Snow will be smart enough not to waste that. She walks happily back to the diner. She pulls out her phone and texts David. Her phone chimes when a new message comes in.
Emma: I love you.
Snow stops walk and stare at her phone. 'I love you' it's weird how those three words could resonate so deeply. Emma in spite of everything still loves her, she is willing to forgive and move past this. And if they were willing to move forward, then so was she. She takes a step forward staring at her phone not noticing she walked off the curve. Not looking both ways. She doesn't see the beam of lights heading right towards her as she thinks…
I love you too.
A/N: We are getting close to the end of this Fic. I say about two more chapters. Thank you for reading and please review.