Emma looked at Regina with shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Yes they were getting along for once in their lives, but spending the holidays together...well that was a big step-a step that Emma was willing to take for her family.
"Oh,uh...really? I figured that you wouldn't...uh never mind."
"I wouldn't what dear?"
"Nothing. I'd be happy to stay with you guys. I've never really had a real Chrsitmas."
"Very well then, it's settled."
They finished up their dinner and moved to the living room to start a round of Monopoly. Emma and Regina couldn't help but smile at each other throughout the night. Although they weren't quite use to the warm feelings that now occupied their hearts, they wouldn't dare try to resist.
"Regina? Regina?"
"What?!" Regina snapped her head up to meet Emma's gaze.
"Are you alright Mom?"
"Yes. Of course. Henry, why don't you run up and get a bath. It's getting late."
"Okay Mom. But hey uh...is Emma staying, because I would love chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. It's one of the only things that she can cook."
Emma rolled her eyes at the comment, but it was true. She couldn't cook if her life depended on it, but somehow she managed to make her son chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast anytime he asked her to.
"Look kid, after the day I had at the office, I don't think I can handle a night on the couch."
"Oh come on. I'm sure you could sleep with mom if you asked nicely." He then leaned in as he whispered, "she secretly likes to cuddle, but don't tell her I said that." Regina raised a brow at her son who was now inching away from the blonde with a guilty smile on his face.
"Emma you are more than welcome to stay. Now go Henry, leave the sleeping arrangements to us please." She leaned forward, squeezing the boy in a tight embrace. "I'll be up soon to tuck you in. That means lights out Henry." They boy sprinted up the stairs as he yelled "good night moms!" It was obvious that he was happier than ever, and neither could deny why. Cleaning up game board pieces, Regina returned everything to its place.
"Miss Swan, why exactly would you be sleeping on my couch?"
"I don't know. I wasn't sure you wanted Henry knowing we were sleeping in the same bed."
"He is my-our son, not our parents Emma. And as you can see, he's more than okay with this. In fact, I'm not sure that I've ever had the pleasure of seeing him so happy. Shortly before you arrived here tonight, he told me that he wanted us to be a family. He said that he just wanted us to be together for Christmas because he loves you."
"He loves you too ya know. It's not that I'm afraid, I mean I know I can be quite the runner but Regina?"
"Yes dear?"
"I don't have any clothes. I wasn't planning on staying tonight."
"Hmm... you know if you'd learn to control your magic and listen to me- you wouldn't have this problem darling. But alas, you're just too stubborn."
"Oh really? How so?"
"You could be home with simple flick of the wrist. All you have to do is concentrate and feel exactly where you want to be."
"Well that's easier said than done!"
"Yes, well- magic is emotion as you well know. You must feel it in order to make it happen." And with that, Regina turned and headed for the stairs as she laughed. Leaving the blonde dumbfounded. Emma brought her fist to her forehead as she paced back and forth with a concentrated stare. "Right. Okay here goes nothing." Just as the brunette reached the top of the stairs, she leaned against the railing as she faced the blonde below, "Don't concentrate too hard dear. Your brain can't withstand all the thinking. It's not use to it."
