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On the way home Emma and Henry sat in silence. Henry could see the look of confusion written on Emma's face and he thought it would be best to try and let her work it out on her own. Chances were he'd be told that he was too young and wouldn't understand anyway.
Emma was grateful for the quiet ride home. 'What just happened back there?' Emma had no idea what came over either of them. First, what had caused Regina to feel the need to drink herself into a stupor? And second, they almost kissed?! She'd never had feelings for women before, and certainly up until that moment, she'd never looked at Regina that way. Sure, they'd been getting closer and yes, Regina made her nervous, but Emma had just chalked that up to not wanting to screw up and ruin anything. Was her nervousness really butterflies; subconscious romantic feelings? Emma felt herself flush, and thanks to the darkening sky, Henry couldn't see it. She shook her head as they pulled up outside of her place and turned to Henry.
"You okay, kid?" she asked. She was sure he'd never seen that side of his mother before.
Henry nodded. "Is she going to be okay, Emma?" he asked, and Emma saw the worry that lurked in his eyes.
"Of course," Emma said with a reassuring smile. "Your mom is just going through some stuff right now and once she works through it, she'll be back to her normal self."
"Okay," Henry said and looked down at his hands for a moment before looking back at her. "Do you mind if I stay with you until that happens?"
Emma's heart broke for her son, and she gently ran her hand through his hair. "Of course. I'll talk to your mom and let her know. We'll stop by your house tomorrow after school and grab somethings, okay?"
"Thanks, Emma." He visibly relaxed and gave her a small smile.
"C'mon, let's go get something to eat and I'll help you with your homework." Emma said, ready for a distraction from the thoughts running rampant through her mind.
The next day after Emma picked Henry up from school, they headed to the mansion to grab some clothes and for Emma to talk to Regina. She hadn't bothered calling or texting the mayor, knowing she would be met with no response like the days prior to all of this happening.
When they arrived, Henry ran into the house and immediately went up to his room to pack without even trying to look for his mother. Emma walked through the house, room by room, until she stood outside of Regina's study and she braced herself. She took a steadying breath and raised her hand to knock, but jumped in surprise when the door opened before she got to, and she couldn't believe her eyes.
Regina stood before her looking the complete polar opposite of the woman she saw last night. She wore a three quarter sleeved, red blouse that showed off her neck and a modest amount of cleavage, and a black pencil skirt that hugged her curves in all of the right places and showed off her long, toned legs. Her hair was styled flawlessly, not a strand out of place, and her make-up was dark and accentuated her plump lips and striking eyes.
"Hello, Miss Swan. I thought I heard Henry running upstairs." Regina said with a small smile.
Emma audibly gulped, trying to find words. "H-hi," was all she could come up with.
Regina smirked and crossed her arms over her chest. She saw Emma shift uncomfortably from foot to foot in front of her and the mirth in her eyes changed to concern. "Is something bothering you?" she asked.
Emma cleared her throat. "Um…about last night, Regina-"
Regina held a hand up and silenced her. "Yes, about that. I sincerely apologize for my behavior last night, Emma. I know it's not an excuse, but I don't normally get that…intoxicated and I am very sorry for my actions. I crossed the line, and it won't happen again."
Emma shook her head slightly and smiled awkwardly. "No, no…it's okay. You don't have to apologize. We all go through stuff… I've had my fair share of mistakes…" Emma replied, trying to hide her disappointment. Regina still picked up on it, but she chose to ignore it.
"No hard feelings?" Regina asked hopefully.
"Nah, none. Um, Henry asked to stay with me for a few days until you know…you worked out whatever you were going through, but if you are okay…"
Regina sighed and leaned against the door frame while she rubbed her forehead. "I feel terrible. He's never seen me like that before…"
Emma reached out a hand a grabbed her wrist gently. "Just talk to him, Regina. Honesty goes a long way." Her words were soft and kind but after seeing Regina stiffen at her touch, she pulled her hand back, shoved both of them in her pockets, and stood there awkwardly.
"Emma are you-" Henry stopped when he saw Regina. "Mom?" he asked hopefully.
"Henry," Regina said and knelt down and smiled as he all but ran into her arms. "I'm so sorry, Henry."
"It's okay, Mom. Are you feeling better?" he asked and leaned away from the embrace to look at her.
Regina forced the best smile she could muster and nodded. "Yes, I am."
Henry's smile beamed and he looked up at Emma from his spot in Regina's arms. "Emma, do you mind if I stay home with Mom?"
Emma gave Henry a smile and ruffled his hair. "Not at all, kid. You two need some time together anyway. I'll pick you up one day this weekend for a playdate, okay?"
Henry nodded and hugged Regina tightly again. Regina hugged him back and looked up at Emma, her smile faltering.
"Glad you're feeling better, Regina. I'll text you later about plans for this weekend." Emma said walking backwards, finding it hard to meet Regina's eyes. Her tone and posture were awkward, and with a final nod she turned around and left.
Regina's heart hammered in her chest, but when Henry leaned out of her embrace again, she forced a smile for him. "Want a snack?" she asked, trying not to think of the disappointment in Emma's eyes. Henry nodded and they set about their normal after school routine.
Regina laid in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Today was hard. After seeing the hurt, confusion, and disappointment in Emma's eyes, guilt ate away at her. Making Emma feel that way was the last thing she wanted to do, but it was necessary. If she let them continue on the path they were on, she had no doubts in her mind the curse would break and that was something that couldn't happen. They could be friends, but no more.
She chuckled as the thought crossed her mind. When had more even become an option? Sure, she was drunk last night, but not to the point where she wasn't in control of her feelings. If anything, when she drank her true feelings always became more prominent and surfaced more freely. When had she started to feel this way towards the Savior? And better yet, when had Emma started to feel the same?
"It doesn't matter," she whispered into the darkness of her room. She gave into the fact that true love was out of the question. This was it for her. A lump formed in her throat and she didn't bother trying to hold back the silent tears of frustration that fell. No, her feelings for Emma were not strong right now, but how was she supposed to continue to be friends with her knowing they were meant to be? How was she supposed to keep her word to Henry, but keep her feelings from becoming more powerful each day?
There was no guarantee that if the curse broke and Emma found out the truth that she'd stay, regardless if they were each other's true love. Emma might even take Henry away… The thought of losing them caused a small whimper to escape her lips. No… This way was safer.
Hope you guys enjoyed. Sorry, no fluffiness. :( But please review! I'd like to know what you're thinking! Xo.