A/N: So, I wanted to let you guys know...I'm really a guy... LOL just kidding but now that I have your attention with the author notes, let's start with this. This chapter is almost all in Regina's POV. This has been her journey all along. Second, this story is not cannon except for the curse; how the curse ended; how Emma defended Emma blah blah. Third, we are near the end. There is only one more chapter after this one. I'm a little nervous about this chapter as well. I hope I did her journey justice and made it as real a possible for you all.

Also..there is a rather long flashback in italics.

Regina basked in the heat and softness that seemed to surround her. Long legs slithered against her own and arms tightened around her torso. Emma held on to her as if she were afraid of letting go. Regina relaxed into the embrace as her eyes opened slowly. A beam of light filtered in through the curtains of the master bedroom. Minute dust particles were held captive in the singularity. It was a fitting analogy because she was definitely captivated by the woman holding her, and Regina was a willing prisoner. They fit perfectly. They always have. Two distinguishing book ends one light and the other dark. Perfect foils that have somehow found their paths crossed and intermingled.

Emma's breathing was slow and deep, flittering over Regina's neck and leaving pleasant shivers in its wake. It reminded her that she was alive. It reminded her that she was loved. It reminded her that she was wanted. Regina stilled herself not willing to destroy the moment and the perfection it brought with it. So much had changed in her life. There was a time when moments like these would petrify her so she simply prevented them from happening with anyone. Vulnerability had always been a precursor to her downfall, and now being totally exposed to this woman made her feel ten feet tall.

Correction twenty feet.

The first ten feet were her own doing. The pieces of her life were firmly coming together, and Regina was in awe of herself for having the patience and wherewithal to put them together properly without cutting corners. The Evil Queen was dead indeed, but Regina knew now that her ghost would always linger, mingled with the woman she had become: a woman who had always loved fiercely and protected who and what she loved. The difference was that she was open enough to show it and be loved in return. With each second that ticked by, Regina was becoming more and more settled with who she was becoming. She was not evil personified nor was she teeming with righteousness. Then, there was the icing on this proverbial cake, and it was the sweetest of all. Emma was settling with it as well.

Emma mumbled in her sleep and moist lips brushed against the back of Regina's neck.

Regina closed her eyes as her breathing hitched. There was always something about this woman in the past and even now. Each touch ripped Regina open, exposing her core. It had been empty before, but now it was overrun with so much that at times Regina felt it seeping through still remaining cracks. It should have frightened her to no end, but all she felt was relief. She felt safe. She felt like this was home.

Emma was her home.

There was nothing in her former life that Regina did to deserve this, but whatever angel or fairy godmother that had been lacking before was certainly present nowadays in attempt to make amends.

Emma's arms tightened around her even more, and Regina could do nothing to hold back the sound of contentment that exited her throat.

It was not enough to stir Emma. It was as if she knew that this was making Regina happy. Then again, Emma always seemed to know what to do or to say even if it meant leaving. Emma's moving out had been one of the worst things, but Regina also realized it was one of the best as well because last night never would have happened. A smile tugged at Regina's lips as she made the acknowledgement. It needed to happen.

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Regina sprinkled feta on the finished dish as the kitchen door swished open.

"Hey, I let myself in."

"You're just in time then." Regina said as she turned.

Emma sat the bottle of wine on the counter and stared.

There was a pang of self-consciousness, but Regina pushed it away. Emma's eyes were wide and she could see her throat bob on a swallow. Those were her obvious tells. Emma liked what she saw. A frisson of heat inched down Regina's spine.

"Is something wrong Miss Swan?"

Emma smirked. "You know there's not. How do you do that?"

Regina quirked a brow. "What?"

"Don't what me Regina. The slacks and vest…it should butch you up, but damn." Emma ambled forward and fingered the lapel of the crisp white shirt. "I like this a lot," she whispered before bringing their lips together. The caress was soft with an edge of restraint. Regina wrapped her hands around Emma's neck and clung to her.

They parted reluctantly. Foreheads met.

"You feel good," Emma muttered.

"So do you."

Emma eyes were alight with banked fire. She cleared her throat and stepped away, giving them some distance. "So what smells so good?"

Regina smiled and let the awareness between them fall to the background. It was always there anyway right underneath the surface. "A derivation of your favorite meal, lamb burgers and sweet potato fries."

Emma beamed. "You're kidding?"

Shrugging, Regina answered. "We've had burgers before."

"Yeah, turkey burgers."

"I decided to dress things up a little bit."

"You always do. So, tell me. Is there anything you can't do?"

Regina bit her bottom lip and smiled around it. "I have many skills, Miss Swan."

Emma threw her head back and laughed. "Okay, Xena."

"Who?" Regina asked.

Emma rolled her eyes and sighed. "Never mind just something to put in the Netflix queue."

"Mmm." Regina picked up their plates. "Shall we retire to the dining area?"

Emma nodded and followed with the bottle of wine and opener in tow.

Regina watched as Emma tore into her food. She ate just like she did everything with childlike abandon. It made her grin. At first she had been disgusted but now there was only amusement.

Emma groaned and wiped her mouth with a napkin. "God that's good." She smirked in Regina's direction. "What no candles?"

Regina scoffed. "That's not us, dear."

Chuckling, Emma nodded her head. "No, it's not. Just wanted to make sure I had your attention."

It was a statement that brokered no response. Emma had her attention since the first day she ventured into town.

"So, I'm trying to be patient, but I'm vibrating here. What did you want to talk to me about and what happened with Gold?"

Warmth bubbled inside Regina, and it felt like belief. It felt like confidence. "You lasted a lot longer than I thought you would."

"Regina." Emma's tone was a warning.

"I've returned almost all of the hearts." The words fell from her lips as if it were the easiest thing in the word. In truth, it had been.

Emma's mouth fell open. "What? How?"

"The same way I took them. Magic."

Emma's gaze went from shock to awe. "There's no stopping you once you set your mind to something is there?"

Regina grinned. "No, there isn't." She paused. "Glad I'm using that power for good now are you?"

As if studying her, Emma was quiet for a few seconds. "I know we talked about it before, but you didn't do this to please me did you?"

Shaking her head, Regina answered. "It wasn't about you, no."

"Good. I'd hate you to think I wanted you to turn into June Cleaver or anything."

"No, but I'm not The Evil Queen anymore either, Emma."

"I'm well aware of that." Emma took a sip from her wine glass. "But, you know what? I love her too."

Breath left Regina in a mighty whoosh. "I—what?"

"Before the curse was broken…before I even knew it existed I was falling in love with you. I'm surprised you didn't know that."

She did somewhat, but to hear it as an actual reality was another thing entirely. "I knew you wanted-"

"To get under your pencil skirt?"

"Crudely put, but yes."

"Oh, I did."

Their gazes met.

Regina was floored. Conflicting emotions fought within her.

"You thought no one could love The Evil Queen," Emma whispered. "I wasn't kidding before. I love you no matter who you are. It was hard reconciling what you did with who you are…were, but I understand it."

Regina looked down into her plate. She had barely touched her food, but she did notice the wet sheen that began to cover it. Regina wiped at her eyes and realized that there were tears dripping down her face. The sudden feel of Emma's touch was no surprise. Fingertips ghosted over her cheek, lifting her head toward Emma's gaze. In green eyes, Regina saw understanding and acceptance, but still she had to ask. "How can you love her?"

"She's a part of you Regina. How can I not love her?"

Regina sobbed. "He was right. He's the last person I wanted to believe…the last person to give advice, but he's right."

"Who?" Emma asked softly as she wrapped her arms around Regina.

"Rumple." Regina mumbled into Emma's neck.

"About what? I don't understand."

Regina was reluctant to leave the warmth, but she pulled away regardless. "I'm not a nice person, Emma. Not all the time. I can't be, but-"

"I know that." Emma brushed at errant tears.

Releasing a shuddering breath, Regina continued. "But you know how I feel about you…about Henry."

"Yes. You're nice to us. Well, most of the time." Emma smiled contritely.

It was not the time to make a joke, but somehow, Emma succeeded in doing so. Regina sighed. "He said that I could be that person touched by darkness and love simultaneously."

Emma's forehead scrunched. She looked surprised. "Really? Rumplestiltskin said that? Belle must really know how to-"

"Emma!"

"What?! I'm just saying."

"This is serious."

"I know that. What's his hook?" Emma asked.

"I contemplated that as well, but there was nothing ominous. He was…content."

"Yeah, I picked up on that too."

They peered at each other in a moment of wonder.

"It's good advice."

"Sage." Regina added.

The longer Emma stared the more green eyes twinkled. "Feel better?" She reached for Regina's hand, intertwining their fingers.

"I feel…I feel as if I've worked hard to get where I am." Regina felt relieved. She felt as if she were on top of the world. Everything was coming together.

"You have. I knew there was something there. I could feel it."

Regretfully, Regina added. "I'm not done. There's something still-" Despite it all, things still felt incomplete. She had the feeling that it was right there in front of her, waiting for her to grasp it.

Emma squeezed her hand. "No rush. We've got time. I'm not going anywhere."

Regina eyed Emma. "I know you want our life back, and you're not the most patient-"

"Hey, hey I'm working on it. It will pay off in the end. You always have." She brought Regina's hand to her lips. "It will be even better this time." Emma believed it. The truth lay in her gaze.

"Thank you." Regina's words were simple, but she made sure her gaze told a deeper story of devotion.

Emma beamed and blushed. Then, she changed the subject. "Now, I'm guessing that food isn't on your mind right now. I'll clear the table and wrap things up for you for later."

With a raised brow, Regina watched as Emma fluttered around the table. She did not take offense at the change of subject. It was overwhelming all of this, and as Emma disappeared behind the kitchen door, Regina knew just how to relax the atmosphere and give them a much needed emotional reprieve.

Regina stood; removed her shoes; and unbuttoned her vest on her way to the family room. She had barely entered before her name was called. "Regina?"

"In the family room."

The clop of booted feet heralded Emma's arrival. "What are you doing in here?"

Regina picked up a bag from the sectional. "I have something for you."

Green eyes lit up. "Is that a-"

"Game store bag, yes."

Emma's expression was joyful then hesitant. "You're going to let me play Xbox? That's no fun for you."

"I don't think there's anything you do that doesn't amuse me in one form or another, dear."

Emma smirked. "I'm going to take that as a compliment even though I know there's a dig in there somewhere." She paused. "So, what's in the bag?"

Regina rolled her eyes. "The clerk said you would enjoy this based on your usual selection."

Moving closer, Emma's eyes widened as the contents were revealed. She gasped. "Holy shit! You got me the Mass Effect Trilogy?!"

Smirking, Regina answered, "Should I assume that this is a good thing?"

"You bet your sweet ass it is!" Emma snatched the video game collection and looked at it in awe. Then, as if Regina had given her a pony for Christmas, Emma threw her arms around her. Her enthusiasm was infectious.

Regina chuckled. "Should I get the lights and the popcorn?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind. You're going to love this one. It's even better than the one I was playing before."

"So this one has sex?"

Emma snorted. "Oh yeah."

Regina shook her head in mock exasperation as she made her way out the door. A few minutes later she returned with a bowl filled with popcorn and a beer. Emma had made herself comfortable. Shoes were off and her feet were up as she watched the flashing screen.

It almost seemed like an ordinary day in their life before all of this happened. Regina decided that this was a good thing. Bumping, Emma's legs playfully, Regina sat everything on the table.

Emma peered up at her with a wide smile that seemed to flicker in the muted light. Slowly the smile fell as her hand lifted. Regina leaned toward it and closed her eyes as the callused palm brushed her cheek. When she opened them again, Regina sank inside the burning intensity of Emma's gaze.

Green eyes were fathomless and in them, Regina saw her past; her present; and her future. In them, she saw hunger. She saw need, and she saw love.

"You're worth waiting for…you know that?" Emma's voice was soft, husky. "You're so goddamned beautiful. It hurts to look at you sometimes."

Regina's breathing hitched as her stomach knotted. No one had ever seen her the way Emma did, and she knew that no one ever would. This was her beginning and her end. "So many people wanted to bring me to my knees, but you do it just by looking at me."

Fingertips trailed over her lips, and Emma's thumb rested there tracing the path of moist flesh. Heavy sparks arced up Regina's spine, leaving her virtually breathless. Renewed awareness crackled around them, reminding her of the overwhelming need they had for each other. It had been dormant, but it had awakened.

It needed to be fed.

"Emma," Regina whispered.

Emma's arms snaked around her waist, pulling her forward onto Emma's lap.

Regina's breathing went decidedly ragged, and for a moment they breathed the same heated air. With a groan, Emma brought them together. The kiss was soft at first. Lips brushed, lifted, and clung. Regina knew she was loved. She knew she was cherished, but right now, she needed more. She nipped at Emma's bottom lip, hard enough to leave her gasping…hard enough to make her growl.

Then, Regina knew what it was to be devoured; to be conquered; and to be loved with such hunger. She gave herself over to it willingly. When Emma's a tongue flicked her bottom lip, she trembled. When it teased the roof of her mouth, Regina cried out. When it finally slid against her own, she was irrevocably lost.

A powerful surge of arousal slithered through her body, heating her from the inside out. Wetness pooled, leaving her throbbing and needy. Regina's fingers dug harshly into Emma's shoulders before tangling in blond tresses. She pulled, begging Emma to open wider to take her in deeper.

Hands slithered down Regina's back, mapping each clothed muscle before sliding over firm more pliant flesh. Her hips rolled in direct response, causing a simultaneous moan. Once the motion started, Regina found that she could not stop it.

Emma's hands squeezed, spurring her on, but when she felt a return thrust, the warm gush became a rampant wave. The friction was erotic and did nothing to relieve swollen throbbing flesh. It only served to make her hungrier.

"Jesus Regina!" Emma wrenched away and cried out after a particularly viscous roll of hips.

A shrill sound interceded from seemingly far away.

Regina brushed a fingertip over kiss swollen lips before covering them with her mouth once more.

The sound continued and seemed to get louder.

Whimpering in protest, Regina mumbled, "Ignore it."

"I can't. I'm the sheriff, remember?" Emma groaned.

The ringing stopped and then, almost immediately, it started up again.

It was painful to stop and almost impossible. Harsh breathing provided the baseline for the chirping cell phone. Regina leaned in for one more kiss before bringing their foreheads together.

Emma's hands dug into her hips. "Stop it." She pleaded.

"I'm trying." Regina murmured helplessly.

Emma fished her phone from her pocket. "Yeah?" She said breathlessly. After a few seconds of silence on her end, Emma sighed. "I'll be there in a few minutes."

They looked at each other.

It sobered Regina even more because she knew what was coming.

Emma's smirk was lascivious. "Saved by the bell? I have to go. Domestic disturbance."

"Mmm. Saved from what?"

"It's been a long dry spell for both of us. It was probably not the best thing to do."

Regina bore down with her hips and sneered. "Did it feel like it?" She asked into Emma's open mouth.

"Hell no," Emma gasped.

Regina smiled at her well- earned confession, but she acknowledged grudgingly that Emma was right. It probably was not the best idea to rush this. "You're right, however. We have all the time in the world."

She shivered as Emma's hands sifted through her hair. "Can I come back? I promise I won't touch you…at least not that way."

"You mean sleep here?"

Emma nodded. "Do you know how long it's been-"

"Yes." Just the thought of it settled something in her, and at the same time melted something in her as well. "I'll leave a light on in case you're late."

"What about Henry? I could bring him—"

"No, I made arrangements he's staying with his grandparents tonight."

"Good, I think we need this."

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Regina bit her bottom lip around a smile and could barely contain the flurry of happy that soared through her.

"If you don't stop wiggling that ass of yours…" Emma muttered sleepily.

The flurry became a storm, and Regina reveled in it. "I wasn't aware that I was."

"Uh huh, plus you were thinking so loud I could almost hear you."

Regina turned over until they were facing each other almost nose to nose. "Good things, Miss Swan."

"Oh really? Anything you want to share?"

Regina wiped stray blond tresses from Emma's forehead so she could see green eyes unfettered. "I love you."

Emma shuddered and a bright flush covered her face. Her eyes held wonder and such joy it was almost blinding. She opened her mouth to speak, but Regina quieted her with a finger to her lips.

"I know I don't say it enough, but it's there. I'm starting not to remember when it wasn't."

Emma's answering smile was priceless. "I like waking up like this."

"As do I."

"I didn't know we could be this mushy…I like it."

Regina chuckled. "No one could be quite as eloquent as you, dear."

Emma's eyes narrowed. "I'm not that blond you know."

Smirking, Regina countered. "And that's in reference to…"

"The sarcasm that seems to flow from you like a river at times."

"That river flows with love."

Emma laughed. "Oh, I know, but that sass of yours makes me either want to kill you or fuck you."

Regina made a sound of amusement. "The latter is a lot less messy." She ran her hands underneath Emma's tank top to warm skin and toned muscle.

Arching into the touch, Emma hissed, "I don't know. I like having you all over me." She nipped at Regina's chin before flicking her tongue over full lips.

The air burned between them.

"I thought we said we…wouldn't do this," Regina gasped as her stomach clenched.

Their lips brushed.

"Then stop."

"I didn't start this!" Somehow Regina managed to sound aroused, outraged and amused at the same time.

"It feels good doesn't it?" Emma asked as she brought their bodies flush…breast to hip.

"Mmm, you always do."

Emma released a bark of laughter. "Thanks for that, but I wasn't talking about that. I meant this…us…this thing between us where we can't be near each other and not touch or want to. It makes me feel like a teenage boy."

Regina's grin was slow, crooked and dirty. "There are so many comments I could make to that, but yes, it is nice having this again."

Lips met again.

"Maybe we should have more of these sleep overs."

"I think I'd like that."

Emma peered at her and waited with raised brows.

"What?"

"I'm waiting for you to give me a schedule."

Regina rolled her eyes and scowled.

Emma laughed. "Fine. How about this? It's early yet." She yawned in reflex. "There's sleep to be had and then there's pancakes to make."

"You've learned to cook?"

"Hell no."

Regina snorted. "Maybe I'm in an omelet mood."

Emma grinned. "That'll work too." She captured Regina's lips and tweaked her left side.

Regina yelped and glared. "Don't you dare."

After a quick flash of teeth, Emma repeated the caress.

Laughter filled the room.

Regina inched away from the touch and swatted at the air, hoping to catch flesh.

"Mom?"

They both jumped apart at the sound of Henry's voice, covering themselves.

"Henry! What are you doing here?" Regina asked breathlessly.

"Uh, I live here?" His eyes sparkled as he stood in the open doorway.

"We know that, kid, but aren't you supposed to be at your grandparents?"

"Grandpa dropped me off on his way to the station." He looked from one parent to the other before a smile lifted his lips. "You stayed the night." Henry's expression turned thoughtful. "But you're not naked."

Emma groaned.

This was a strange situation to say the least. "Henry. Let me explain." Regina added.

He brushed the explanations away with a wave of his hand. "I know. It's complicated."

"I know where he gets his sass from," Emma mumbled.

Regina glared, and before she could utter another word, Henry came flying toward the bed, landing near the middle but mostly on top of Emma.

"So does this mean you're coming home?"

Regina peered at Emma over Henry's head. "Soon, but it's-

"Complicated?" Henry finished, and it was immediately followed by a squeal as Emma pounced.

Emma chuckled as the room was filled again with peals of laughter.

Regina watched the display with her heart in her throat. She melted in the presence of a warmth so strong in nearly left her speechless. Family. She had a family who accepted her for who she was and who she used to be. It made all the heartache; all the pain; all the years of emptiness disappear. There was only this.

"Mom! Save me!" Henry cried between giggles. He reached out.

Something slid home, and a sense of rightness stole over her. Regina wrapped her hand around Henry's smaller one. Mother and son gazed back at her, and they looked so happy…with her...because of her. This was the missing piece. She had to see it, feel it, and it filled her with so much pride and love she was overwhelmed by it.

She was a person without it, but this is what made her complete. Regina pulled Henry toward her. He clutched at her and continued laughing. Regina caught Emma's gaze. With her eyes, she hoped that she was communicating what was bubbling inside.

Emma's chest heaved and her face shined with such hope. "Regina?" Even her voice was teeming with it. The message had been received.

Taking a cue from the adults around him, Henry sobered and looked up at his mother. "Mom? You okay?"

Regina covered trembling lips with her hand and willed herself to speak of the emotion that bombarded her. "I-it's not complicated. It shouldn't be. I want this. I've always wanted this."

Emma reached for her. "Are you-"

"Please, come home."

Suddenly, Regina was crushed by two warm bodies. She had never felt so loved.

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