A/N: Have I mentioned this story is light on plot? 'Cause it is. This is mostly fluff, but I really liked writing this chapter. Hope you like it too. So. Much. Fluff. Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to me. It looks like there's going to be 5-6 more chapters (I don't want it to end though so I'm sad!).
Also, check out the song "What I Wouldn't Do" by Serena Ryder if you aren't familiar with it :)
"And how long do we have to wait for this?"
"Ten more days, until the next full moon," Belle explained. "That's when the spell is at its most powerful."
"Why don't we just try it now and see if it works?"
Regina sighed slowly, and Emma could tell that she was irritated with her. Emma smiled sheepishly.
"As we have discussed, one cannot simply cast this spell at one's fancy. This is not Harry Potter. There are rules to be obeyed."
"But the spells we cast in your vault, there weren't really any rules other than to just do them."
"Every spell is different, Emma. Really. You must be aware of this."
Emma looked down. She decided she'd keep quiet from now on, not liking the fact that she was being treated like an idiot, especially in front of Belle.
Regina immediately noticed Emma's wounded expression and forced herself to swallow her sigh of irritation. It was not Emma's fault that she did not know such things. Regina was responsible for her magical education and if Emma did not know something, it was because Regina was failing to properly educate her.
"Each spell is unique," Regina explained, her tone much gentler. "Some will demand nothing more than your focus, others will require a costly sacrifice, and I am not referring to a monetary one. This spell in particular must be cast on the night of a full moon in order for it to be effective."
Emma nodded to show she understood. Belle turned momentarily and grabbed the book they'd been looking at, giving Regina a moment to reach for Emma's hand and mouth the words I'm sorry. Emma smiled to indicate she was forgiven just as Belle turned back around and placed the book on the table before them.
"I believe this may work," Belle said. "I'm optimistic. I've done quite a bit of research and read the books I could find that that refer to magic-binding elements, like the cuff on your wrist, in order to learn more about it.
"There're only vague descriptions in the books, but from what I've understood, the cuff neutralises your magic and makes it inaccessible to you. However, your magic in still inside you, it's just … dormant. At the same time, it absorbs any and all magic you try on it, almost like a black hole for magic and spells. The reason I believe this spell will work is that it is meant to be absorbed by neutralising agents, like this cuff, and upset its magical balance. In theory, it will be absorbed into the cuff and shatter its hold on you, allowing you to slip it off."
"Am I gonna be casting the spell or are you gonna get Gold or Blue to do it?" Emma asked.
"I think you'll be fine, Emma," Regina said. "I will be there with you. The spell itself is not complicated."
"So why didn't we try this before? How come it took so long?"
"I've been reading through dozens and dozens of books. It took this long because I can't read at a super human rate," Belle teased. "It took me this long to find it."
"Sorry," Emma said, offering her friend an apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to sound rude."
"It's alright. I'm confident this will work, but I believe we should continue to look for other spells just in case. Regina, have you thought of contacting your sister in case it's necessary? Is it possible?"
"I believe it is possible," Regina said, "but I'm only considering it if we get utterly desperate. For now, I don't believe we are."
"Nor I," Belle agreed.
"So, I guess we'll just continue reading?" Emma questioned.
"I must return to the office this week. I have been absent far too often lately. You, Sheriff Swan, must return to the station. I am not paying you to read books. We will continue our research in the evenings."
"Because it's such a leisurely activity. I can't wait."
"You're welcome to return to the loft," Regina offered with a grin. "I'm sure your mother would thoroughly enjoy bonding with you."
"Ugh, you fight dirty. Fine! I'll meet you tonight. Do you want me to drop you off at your office or are you gonna fly your broom there?"
Regina ignored the comment, instead turning to Belle and thanking her sincerely for all of her help.
"It was my pleasure. I've enjoyed going through these old spell books. They're fascinating."
"Keep them as long as you like," Regina responded, flashing her a smile before following Emma out the door.
"So you really think this'll work?" Emma said, once they were outside.
"I believe so, as does Belle. It is our only hope right now."
Emma reached out and squeezed her hand in reassurance.
"I think it'll work too."
She approached the passenger door of her cruiser and opened it, helping Regina in.
"It isn't necessary for you to open every door for me, Emma. I am quite capable of doing so on my own."
"Oh, but her royal highness should never ever have to exert such energy," Emma said haughtily, dipping into a low bow before standing up and grinning widely. "Not when there are lowly peasants around."
Regina rolled her eyes.
"Bring me to work, lowly peasant, before I decide to turn you into a toad when I remove this wretched cuff."
Emma gave another overdramatic bow.
"Right away, Your Majesty," she said before straightening and closing the passenger door.
Emma hopped into the driver's side, giggling when she noticed Regina glaring at her.
"You're not funny."
"Um, not true. I'm really funny."
"The peasants in the Enchanted Forest were far less insolent."
"They probably bowed way more often too. They just don't make peasants like they used to," Emma said somberly, shaking her head.
Regina looked out the window, biting hard on her cheek so as not to give into the laugh that was trying to escape. Emma drove to the Mayor's office, trying not to dwell on the disappointed feeling that she wasn't going to see Regina until tonight. She walked her inside, hovering in the doorway.
"I'll pick you up on my way home."
"That won't be necessary, Emma. I am perfectly capable of walking."
"Why would you walk if I can drive you? It's safer that way anyway, in case something happens."
"I enjoy exercising. I'll call you should I encounter a problem."
"Alright," Emma said reluctantly. "What time will you be off?"
"I don't believe I will be more than a few hours. Will you turn off the slow cooker when you arrive at home?"
Emma nodded. She took a step away from the door, hesitated, then reached out and grabbed Regina, pulling her close. She buried her nose in the brunette's hair, smiling when she got a strong whiff of the woman's shampoo.
"You smell so good, almost as good as supper's gonna smell tonight."
Regina couldn't stop it this time, she laughed loudly. Emma smiled against her cheek, leaving a soft kiss against her skin, lips grazing there for a moment. Regina smiled warmly when Emma finally pulled back, heading out the door.
"I'll see you tonight, alright?"
"Yes you will," Regina said confidently, waving Emma off.
"She's still not back, ma?"
"She'll be home any minute. Just be patient. She hasn't been at work as much as she probably should've been so she's gonna be behind on her paperwork. You know how much she likes that stuff."
"Yeah, but I'm starving. I wanna eat now."
"You're not starving, kid. How's the rice?"
Henry looked at the clock.
"Needs about five more minutes and then it'll be ready. When was she supposed to get here?"
"Any time."
Henry sighed. He really wanted to eat. He had played football with the kids in his class after school and came home incredibly hungry. It didn't help that when he opened the door, the overwhelming smells of his mom's supper hit him hard, only aggravating his hunger. He eagerly jumped off the kitchen stool when he finally heard the front door a couple of minutes later.
"She's home!"
Regina looked up and smiled when she spotted her son, then frowned when she saw he was running. He quickly stopped, looking sheepish.
"I'm just really happy you're home!" he said, flashing his best smile. "How was work?"
"It went well," she answered, rubbing her hands together.
"Cold?"
Regina shivered in response.
"It was a rather chilly walk home. I hadn't anticipated such a drop in temperature and I didn't have my jacket."
She smiled warmly when Emma joined them, happy to see the other woman was already home. She'd never admit it, but she'd missed her in her absence.
"Hey kid. I think the rice is ready. Why don't you put everything on the table and we can start eating?"
Henry didn't argue, eagerly leaving the entrance at the promise of food. Emma turned back to Regina, taking the few steps forward needed to bring them close together. She pulled the woman in her arms, holding her close. Regina shivered again, but sighed happily at the warmth Emma offered her.
"You should have called me."
"I'm fine, Emma."
"You're cold," Emma protested, rubbing Regina's back in an effort to warm her up.
"Yes, but in a few moments, I'll be warm once again."
"What if you'd have frozen to death on your walk home? What would Henry and I have done? We'd have starved here waiting for you!"
Regina rolled her eyes, pulling away just enough to look into the other woman's eyes. Emma's arms stayed wrapped around her securely, and her gentle hold warmed Regina more than the heat radiating from her body.
"I highly doubt that would have occurred."
"But it's possible."
"Have you quite finished your idiotic rambling?"
"One more thing," Emma said with a grin before leaning in for a kiss.
Regina melted against her the second their lips touched, warmth bursting through her veins as soft fingers stroked her sides. She brought her own hands up and weaved her fingers through Emma's hair. They were cold, but Emma barely noticed when they started gently massaging her scalp. Emma moaned at the attention, and Regina eagerly took advantage by slipping her tongue in Emma's mouth. It was the first time their kissing had taken this step, and both women pressed closer as their tongues met. Emma's stomach dropped when Regina growled and took control, her heart thudding loudly in her chest as her senses were overloaded by the woman in her arms. She was dizzy with lack of oxygen, but she didn't care so long as Regina didn't stop touching her.
Regina could feel her desire pooling between her legs as Emma whimpered and gave in, allowing her to control their kiss. She backed her into the door, pressing their breasts together as she massaged her tongue against Emma's. She could feel her nipples tightened as Emma's hands rubbed up and down her sides, moaning against her lips. Emma's wandering hands settled on her hips, gripping them tight and pulling her close. Regina ripped away from Emma's lips with a loud gasp when her centre made contact with Emma's thigh, a bolt of pleasure shooting through her body. She quickly took a step back, eyes widening when she realised just how dishevelled they both looked.
"I'm sorry," Emma said guiltily, still breathing heavily. "I didn't mean to do that. I just- my body overrode my brain and I stopped thinking."
"It's quite alright," Regina responded, straightening her clothes. "I also lost control for a moment. Fix your clothing before Henry sees us."
Emma quickly righted her shirt, running her fingers through her hair as she followed Regina to the table. Her eyes were glued to the woman's delicious ass, her thoughts incredibly carnal now that she was feeling overwhelmingly aroused. She wanted nothing more than to pin Regina against a wall, hoist her up against it, and massage that incredible behind while they made out like teenagers. She loved feeling Regina against her, and she loved even more that the woman had purposefully pressed their breasts together when they kissed.
Emma took her seat at the table, all lustful thoughts disappearing the moment she saw her son.
"Took you guys long enough," he said, sitting impatiently at the table.
"Sorry. Your mom was freezing. She needed a minute to warm up."
"Eating will warm you up, mom," Henry said, serving a heaping spoonful of rice into her plate, followed by the beef and mushrooms in cream sauce. He then served his other mother before serving himself.
"That was pretty gentlemanly of you, serving your mom and I first even though you were starving. You'll make a good husband."
Henry made a face.
"I don't want to be a husband."
"Oh okay. Then you'll make a good wife, I'm sure."
"Ma!"
Emma snorted as she took her first bite, moaning as she chewed. God, it was just as delicious as it smelled. She finished her bite slowly, swallowing only because she knew there was more to come.
"This is amazing, Regina. Holy crap. Can we have this every night?"
"No, darling, we may not. However, I will make it for you again if you wish."
Emma smiled widely when Regina called her 'darling'. Regina, who had noted previously that the pet name pleased Emma so much, used it intentionally now to make the other woman smile. She reached out with her foot and stroked it against Emma's ankle, leaving it to rest there as they continued eating.
"So how did it go at Belle's?" Henry asked.
"It went well. She has found a new spell she believes will work."
"Do you think it'll work?"
"I believe that there's hope."
"Good," Henry said finishing his bowl and serving himself another. "When are you gonna try it?"
"We must wait another week and a half before we're able to perform the spell, but when the time comes, we will tell you."
"Okay. Thanks."
"So how'd the football game go, kid? Did you tackle anyone?"
"Henry, did you not expressly promise me that there would be no such aggression?" Regina cut in immediately, worried.
"Yeah, mom. There's none. There's a no contact rule at the school. If you tackle anyone or anything like that, you get benched."
"What? Then what the hell do you do? Sit in a circle and roll a ball to each other?"
"Emma, you will not swear in front of our son."
"No, we still play," Henry continued, smirking as his ma smiled sheepishly at his mom. "We just don't hit each other."
Emma shrugged, knowing that if she said anything more she'd just get in trouble, so she opted to stay quiet. It wasn't worth arguing about something that wouldn't change, since now apparently football was being turned into a game for wimps. Instead, she took second helpings of the incredible meal, thanking Regina profusely as she ate until she was ready to burst.
Emma and Henry cleared the table while Regina made her way to the living room, turning on the television and pressing the Netflix app. She went to their most recently viewed and clicked on Bones, their newest obsession. She did not allow Henry to watch more than two episodes before she turned it off, but her son did not argue. Not only because he knew there was no use, but also because he was only able to finish two episodes before it was time for bed anyway. She and Emma would then switch to Narcos. Regina liked that it was based on a true story, as well as the fact that it was in Spanish. Emma liked the fact that it was about Pablo Escobar, one of her favourite criminals. For a woman of the law, she sure enjoyed viewing programs about notorious crime lords.
"Hey, mom. We're done. Is the show ready?"
"It is."
"Awesome. I'm gonna go get my bean bag chair."
Henry raced out of the room, Emma moving to the couch and joining Regina. She pulled the woman into her arms, smiling when she felt the small body press into her side. Emma sighed contently, her arm coming to wrap around Regina's waist.
"I love when we cuddle like this on the couch. I could sit here forever with you."
Regina simply looked up at her, smiling. Emma leaned forward, pressing their lips together in a chaste kiss.
"Aw, gross, moms. I said not while I'm in the house!"
Emma grinned against Regina's lips, giving her one last kiss before pulling away. She rubbed the woman's side before rolling her eyes at their son, pushing her toes against his bean bag chair when he sat.
"Ma!" Henry chastised, arm flailing blindly behind his head as he attempted to hit her foot.
She chuckled as she grabbed the remote, pressing play. She sat the remote on the coffee table next to her before shifting so that more of her body faced Regina, who took the hint and was now all but sitting in her lap. Emma sighed contently, lips pressed against Regina's temple as one arm stayed wrapped securely around her middle and the other rubbed her back slowly. She felt Regina go boneless in her arms, and Emma grinned in satisfaction. She loved it when Regina relaxed against her.
They cuddled during both episodes of Bones, and when it was time for Henry to head to bed, Emma shifted so that Regina could get up and follow him upstairs. She then lay on the couch and closed her eyes, waiting patiently until she heard familiar footsteps re-enter the living room.
"Tired already?"
Emma grinned, slowly opening her eyes.
"No, not yet. I was just waiting for you."
Emma shifted, opening her arms.
"Cuddle with me."
Regina walked over, pausing at the edge of the couch.
"How shall I…?"
"Wanna lay on me?" Emma asked, smiling sheepishly. "I won't try anything. I just… wanna feel you on me."
"I- very well."
Regina moved awkwardly, accidentally elbowing Emma in the boob (she apologised profusely for that one) before she finally found a position that was pleasant for both of them. She lay with her head on Emma's chest, a soft breast resting just beneath her chin. Regina buried her hands under Emma's back, their lower bodies pressed comfortably together, legs intertwined.
Emma's hands immediately came up when Regina settled, one settling against her lower back and the other burying itself in her hair. Regina untucked one hand long enough to turn on their show, sighing contently when she felt nimble fingers massage her scalp. She closed her eyes and buried her hand beneath Emma's body once again, thoroughly enjoying the attention to her head. It lulled her into a soft, safe place, and she smiled when she felt a soft kiss against her hair.
"You feel amazing. We should cuddle like this every night."
Regina nodded, swallowing hard when she felt Emma's breast against her chin. All she'd have to do is shift a few inches and it'd be right at her mouth. Emma's nipples would likely harden instantly, allowing her to graze her teeth over the tip. She wondered if Emma enjoyed rough treatment of her breasts or if she'd prefer soft and gentle touches. She hoped she enjoyed a bit of both, as Regina loved to alternate between gentle caresses and aggressive grasps, especially if her lover's breasts were sensitive.
"Regina? You okay? You're breathing a little heavy."
"Yes," she responded, clearing her throat. "I apologise. I am somewhat distracted."
"You thinking about what happened with Belle today?"
Emma took her lack of a response as a yes, and Regina did not contradict her.
"It's gonna turn out, babe, one way or another. If this idea doesn't work, we'll find another one."
"I'm concerned, Emma," Regina responded, latching gladly onto the distraction to calm her libido. "If this spell is unsuccessful…"
"We'll find another," Emma said confidently. "We always figure it out, and you're not alone. You've got me and Belle helping you out, and if it gets to that point, we'll turn to others too. There's always going to be someone with a new idea."
"I would prefer we keep this quiet. I loathe to think of how many people those damn dwarves have already told."
"Not one. They've taken an oath of secrecy. They literally can't tell anyone."
Regina tilted her head, looking up at Emma with surprise.
"What? I'm not a total moron. I fought to put it as one of their bail conditions. They all agreed."
"Thank you," Regina responded, incredibly relieved that the men who had threatened her could not endanger her further by announcing she was without magic.
"You're welcome," Emma said, kissing her head affectionately.
"Perhaps my sheriff is not as dim-witted as I once thought."
Emma laughed.
"She'll surprise you every once in a while."
Regina smiled against Emma's chest.
"Yes, she does."
Emma tapped her fingers against Regina's back, her heart speeding up as she thought of revealing the surprise she'd been working on for the last few weeks. It was part surprise, part revealing a piece of herself she'd hidden from the world for nearly her entire life. Emma was incredibly protective of certain parts of herself, and some of those parts included her talents. She preferred to come off as aloof, clumsy, lacking any and all grace. She had built a wall around herself long ago, and part of that wall included showing the world one Emma, while keeping bits of secret Emma tucked away. Some things she kept hidden because it just felt too personal to reveal them. Telling people she liked crushing Oreos on her ice cream, totally fine. Revealing this thing, this thing that she was considering for Regina… that was something entirely different. It was something very near to Emma, something very important to her. And she wanted to share with Regina, but… it also scared her to let her that close, to let that wall crumble and allow Regina to see what lay behind it. She had never done that for anyone, never allowed anyone that close to her. But for Regina… she felt like she could. She felt like she wanted to.
"Emma?"
Emma flattened her hand, ceasing the tapping.
"Are you alright? Your heart is racing."
Emma stayed quiet, now making soft eights with her fingertips against Regina's back. Regina could practically feel the woman vibrating with anxiety, so she rubbed her arm and spoke in a soothing voice.
"Whatever it is, Emma, I promise you it is safe to tell me."
Emma stopped the movement of her hand, taking a deep breath before she made a move to sit up. Regina pulled away, her expression drawn tight with concern. Emma got up from the couch, biting her lip as she looked at Regina, telling herself she could trust this woman. She had trusted her with so much already and Regina had done nothing to hurt her. Regina was safe.
"I… there's something I want to tell you. Or, show you, I guess. But it's really- it's really important to me. And I haven't told anyone else, because it's a secret. I don't like other people knowing this about me, but I trust you. I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I've come close a couple times… but I always chicken out. 'Cause it's really… close to me," Emma repeated, looking at Regina, "and I need you to promise to never tell anyone about it."
Regina was taken aback by Emma's serious tone, her grave look.
"Emma, if it's something dangerous-"
Emma smiled softly.
"It's nothing like that. It's just- it's emotionally important to me."
"Oh," Regina said, relieved. "Alright. Will you tell me?"
"I'd rather show you," Emma said, holding out her hand. "Do you trust me?"
Regina took Emma's hand without hesitation.
"Yes."
Emma's heart fluttered as she pulled her close, wrapping Regina's arms around her neck and settling her own at the woman's waist. She swayed gently, slowly, working up the courage to start.
"Are we dancing?" Regina teased, her tone soft.
"Shh," Emma chided.
Regina followed Emma's lead, moving slowly. Several minutes ticked by with nothing further happening, so she prodded her again.
"Emma?"
"Okay, sorry. I'm just nervous. Promise you won't interrupt, okay? Not 'til I'm done."
"Alright."
"I've uh- I've been working on this for a while. Ever since I saw you that day. I wanted it to be perfect," Emma started, her heart speeding up once again as she spoke. She was incredibly nervous. "Remember, you promised not to interrupt."
Emma ducked her head down, so that her cheek was pressed to the side of Regina's head, her lips near her ear. She loosened one hand from the woman's lower back, her fingers tapping gently against Regina's sweater to set a beat, working up her courage as she finally revealed her secret.
If you should fall to pieces
You know I'll pick them up
There are so many reasons
I'm never going to get enough
If you should leave this country
You know I'll come to you
Because you always love me
Oh what I wouldn't do
Oh what I wouldn't do
Regina's breath caught in her throat as Emma began singing, tears instantly springing to her eyes. It was her song, her favourite song as of late, and Emma was singing it in a voice she had never, ever heard before. Emma's voice was incredibly soft, clear, soothing. Emma had could sing, she could sing. Gone was the raspy, off-key, broken voice that Regina was used to. This voice was incredibly light and fluid, crystal clear, melodic. Perfect. She'd never heard anything so beautiful, and Regina had to bite hard on her lower lip as Emma continued, sending shivers down her spine.
I'll carry the weight
I'll do anything for you
My bones may break
But I'll never be untrue
Whoa-oh-oh whoa
Whoa-oh-oh whoa
Whoa-oh-oh whoa
Oh what I wouldn't do
Oh what I wouldn't do
Regina could hear the soul, the heaviness, behind Emma's words, and tears raced down her cheeks as Emma continued singing softly in her ear. She tilted her head to hear her better, her heart clenching as the flawless, gentle melody fell from Emma's lips. This was the song Emma had caught her dancing to in her office. Regina knew every word, and as Emma sang, she realised the blonde had learnt the entire thing just for her. She had even adapted the beat, slowing it down, so that they could dance more easily to it. The knowledge that Emma had learnt this song just for her, that she was singing this only to her, that she was trusting her with what was clearly an extremely well-guarded secret caused a sob to hitch in Regina's throat. She'd had no idea… no idea Emma had hidden such a magnificent talent.
Your love is like an ocean
That always takes me home
Whispering wind is blowing
Telling me I'm not alone
Tellin' me I'm not aloooone
Regina shivered down to the bone, a fresh wave of tears spilling down her cheek as she heard Emma's voice thicken with emotion. She closed her eyes, Emma's voice wrapping around her like a warm blanket, soothing her from the outside in. The sob in her chest slowly eased as Regina got a better handle on her emotions, but the tears did not stop as every fibre of her being was enraptured by Emma's voice. Emma continued singing flawlessly, despite the fact that Regina knew she was now crying too.
Your love is like a river
That I am floating down
I've never been a swimmer
But I know that I'll never drown
I know that I'll never drown
Regina clung to Emma as she followed her lead, swaying in a gentle circle. The tears refused to stop, and a knot formed in her throat as she tried desperately not to make a sound. She was fighting her sob once again, overcome with the emotions that Emma's voice was provoking. How in the world this woman was able to hide such an incredible talent, Regina did not know. She had hidden it so incredibly well. Regina had had no clue. All those times she had mocked Emma for her horrendously off-key renditions of countless songs… and the whole time, she'd been hiding the truth. All this time, Emma had this incredibly beautiful voice, one that had instantly brought Regina to tears. Oh, my beautiful Emma. What other talents are you hiding? What other secrets are you protecting deep within yourself?
To keep the sob from escaping, Regina bit harder on her lip and squeezed her eyes shut tighter, listening to the woman who was slowly stealing her heart.
Oh the things I never noticed
Opened my ears to the chorus
You have made me listen careful
And you gave me the light
Whoa-oh-oh whoa
Whoa-oh-oh whoa
Whoa-oh-oh whoa
Whoa-oh-oh whoa
Regina's tears slowed, and she buried her face in Emma's neck as the end of the song approached. Her stomach was clenched tight, her heart heavy from the emotion she could hear in Emma's voice.
I'll carry the weight
I'll do anything for you, baby
My bones may break
But I'll never be untrue
The current grows stronger
Hundred different shades of blue
I've fallen in your water
Oh what I wouldn't do
Oh what I wouldn't do
Emma whispered her final line, Oh what I wouldn't do, finishing it off with a soft kiss to Regina cheek.
Silence.
Silence filled the room as Regina's brain ceased to function, her heart swollen in her chest. She stayed wrapped in Emma's arms, clinging to her neck as the tears finally stopped, but the emotions brought on by the woman's beautiful singing stuck to her long after. She could not stop listening to Emma's voice in her mind, the song stuck on repeat in her brain. Regina couldn't say a word, because she knew that the minute she opened her mouth, she'd burst into tears all over again. Never before had she been so moved by someone's voice. Never in her life had she been so surprised, so awestruck, by something so beautiful. Regina had been blind-sided countless times in her life, but never had she been given such a precious gift by someone she loved.
That single thought broke the dam, and Regina burst into tears. She loved Emma, and that knowledge was both exhilarating and terrifying. She hadn't allowed herself to admit it before, not even in her mind, but she was powerless to stop the thought now. She loved Emma, adored her even. And the knowledge that Emma trusted her enough to reveal such a carefully guarded secret was nearly too much to bear.
"Shh, baby, don't cry," Emma soothed, tears spilling down her own cheeks.
"Emma, thank you," Regina choked out, swallowed against the lump in her throat. "I've never heard anything so beautiful. I had no idea- no idea you could sing so beautifully."
Emma smiled softly, pressing another soft kiss to Regina's temple.
"Nobody does," she confessed. "I've never told anyone."
Regina finally pulled away, knowing that her make-up was now smeared, her cheeks were flushed, and her hair was likely disheveled. But she didn't care. She immediately pressed her lips to Emma's, kissing her fiercely. She pulled away soon after, laughing gently when they both gasped for air.
"I know. It's not sexy when you're gross from crying and you can't breathe 'cause your nose is plugged."
Regina gave a small nod, but then smiled warmly.
"And yet, my dear Emma, you still take my breath away."
Emma blushed, looking down in embarrassment.
"I am stunned, Emma. I cannot… I cannot believe that I was unaware of such a magnificent talent. You have an incredible voice."
Emma grinned, enjoying her praise.
"Yeah," she said, giving a small shrug. "I'm alright."
"You are wonderful. Although I believe, in light of this new information, that you owe me for that horrendous trip to New York."
Emma laughed, kissing her cheek in response.
"Does this song make up for it?"
"Yes," Regina sighed softly, happily. "I don't believe I have ever enjoyed a song quite so much. Will you sing it again for me some time?"
"Any time you want. And I could… I could always record it for you too, if you want."
"That is a far better offer. I accept."
Emma buried her nose in Regina's hair, feeling incredibly light despite having shared such a treasured secret. She thought she would feel upset, scared even, maybe even sad, but she didn't. She felt… she felt even more connected to Regina. She felt happy. Excited. Euphoric even. She'd never told anyone about this talent, and yet it felt so good to share her secret with Regina.
"You've truly been practising this song for weeks, Emma?"
Emma nodded.
"I knew as soon as I saw you in your office, I was gonna sing for you. And when you said that was your favourite song, at least right now, I decided I'd do that one. The lyrics and how perfect they were, you know, to kind of say how I feel about you were just an added bonus. I was really nervous that I'd ruin it for you, but-"
Regina shook her head vehemently.
"You improved it far beyond what it was, and it is already a lovely song."
"Thank you," Emma said, warmed by the compliment.
Regina reached up and cupped Emma's cheek, stroking it gently with her thumb.
"What other talents are you hiding from me, my love? Are there any other secrets you are keeping from me?" she asked with a tilted smile.
Emma, who usually blurted out jokes when conversations became too serious, simply smiled back. It didn't even cross her mind, not when Regina had just called her 'love'. Instead, she leaned down and kissed her gently, pouring all of her emotions into that one, single kiss. She pressed her lips along Regina's jaw when she finally broke away, gently stroking the other cheek with her fingers before finally stopping back at the ear she had sung into earlier.
"Only one secret that you should know… I love you, Regina Mills. More than you can ever possibly imagine. I'm so in love with you."
Regina's breath caught as Emma whispered confession. She tightened her hold on Emma, arms holding her securely as she trembled against the whispered words. They terrified her, and she had no idea how to respond.
"You don't have to say anything back. I just wanted to say it, to tell you. I love you, Regina."
Regina knew how she felt. She knew she should say the words back, especially to someone who craved love as much as Emma did. But Regina was terrified. The last person she'd confessed her love to had been murdered because he loved her and because she loved him in return. What terrible fate would Emma meet if she confessed her true feelings? She wasn't ready to say the words aloud, so Regina opted to speak her own secret, one she'd been keeping to herself for far too long.
"You have become my world, Emma Swan, a development I never would have predicted. I have been imagining… I have had a fantasy, if you will, one which has been occupying my thoughts for quite some time. If you accept, I would very much like-," Regina breath caught in her throat as she forced herself to say the words she'd been wanting to for so long, "I would very much like you to stay here permanently, with Henry and I. I would like this to become ourhome. Yours, mine, and Henry's."
"Like a family?" Emma whispered hopefully.
"Oh, Emma," Regina said softly, pulling back and cupping the woman's cheek. She looked into her eyes as she spoke. "No matter where you are, no matter how far away you find yourself, Henry and I will always be your family. But I would very much like this house to be your home, Emma. Our home."
Emma's muffled cries became audible as Regina spoke those final words against her cheek, pressing soft kisses to her skin. She'd been searching her entire life, over thirty years, for a family, for a home. The mansion had felt like her home for so long now, the two people residing within it having become the single most important people in her life. Right here in Regina's arms, their son sleeping safely upstairs, this is where Emma knew she belonged.
"I have never wanted anything more in my life," she finally whispered, holding Regina tight.