A/N: Hi! As usual thanks for the reviews, faves and follows. I really appreciate it. :)
This chapter is kinda long and I apologize for that. I started to divide it into two but I was like nah, it works like this. I hope its okay.
All mistakes are mine. I don't own ONCE or any of the characters.
Enjoy!
Chapter 12
Everyone just stood there completely motionless. Snow's jaw comically hanging open and David's eyes bulging out of his head at his daughter. Anger flitted across the pirate's features. Regina reached a whole new shade of white. Maleficent looked beyond mortified for her friend. Her hand was still planted on her lower back. Time appeared to have frozen, the birds were silent as if hiding from the impending blowout.
"Wait, wait." David said holding up a hand stopping his daughter. "You and Regina?" his daughter nodded with a proud smile. "That Regina?" he pointed at the queen and received another nod. "You're in love?"
"Yes! Geez Dad, no wonder Regina calls you an…"
"Regina?" Snow said looking over at her former step mother who was holding herself tightly, leaning forward, skin a sickly gray. She looked like she was going to be sick at any moment.
"I'm sorry, Snow." Regina said softly, avoiding the younger woman's eyes. "Especially that you had to find out like this."
Snow deflated and turned back to her daughter. "You're dating Regina? And you're in love with her?" She asked slowly.
Emma nodded with a slight giggle. "She's incredible. I mean, look at her! Her eyes are just…" Emma gestured with her hands. "and her hair is just... She's perfect." She added with a dreamy expression.
"Emma…." Snow tried.
"And she's super hot. I can't keep my hands off her, not that I would even try." She winked at the catatonic brunette. "We've been going at it like bunnies since we got together."
Snow gasped and her hand shot to her mouth. She turned a bright shade of red as she stared at her daughter, a look of disbelief in her eyes. She couldn't believe that... they were dating. More or less that they were having sex. She didn't want to dare think of her daughter having sex, especially with her once enemy turned friend. Her heart felt like it was going to stop all together if she didn't have a stroke first. This is it. This is how I die. She thought.
David's mouth hung wide open as he eyed his daughter as well. He had no words, his head was spinning. He couldn't even register her words properly.
Regina blanched and Maleficent winced, keeping her hand securely on the brunette's back, when she looked over at the brunette she could have sworn she saw her turn multiple shades of plaid before returning to a ghostly white.
"Emma, maybe you shouldn't…" Regina sighed.
"Chill out baby." Emma said with a wink.
Maleficent groaned. "Gina, this is getting out of hand… just say the word and I'll…"
"You are not putting her under a sleeping curse, Mal."
"It'll be temporary, like the one I put you under that time…"
Regina rolled her eyes. "I said no." She sighed. "I just want this to be over. "
"Looks like you're getting your wish." Maleficent said gesturing towards Emma.
When Regina looked back over she saw Emma rubbing her eyes, when Emma removed her hands her eyes widened like she had just woken up after falling asleep cooking. She scanned the group and saw the mixture of expressions before her eyes settled on the brunette. "What the hell? Why are all of you staring at me like this?"
"Well dear…" Mal answered for her worried friend. "You just spilled the magic beans."
"What?" Emma's eyes drifted back to the brunette who had her arms crossed protectively and was staring down at the ground. Looking slightly green.
"You've just revealed your relationship with the queen." Mal provided dryly.
Emma's eyes widened and her hand shot to her mouth and covered it as if that could undo the damage. She looked back at her parents who looked terrified. "Don't look at me like that." She snapped. "Like I've done something wrong. I've done nothing but fall in love with an incredible woman who loves me and our son with everything she has."
"We're not…" Snow tried but Hook cut her off.
"Is that why you broke up with me, Swan? Is that why we've never been intimate, because you've been lusting after the queen?" He growled, glaring between the two women.
"I love her!" she corrected. "And we would've broken up anyway."
"You don't know that!" he argued, determined to hold on to the slightest bit of hope.
"I don't love you, Killian." Emma screamed feeling her anger overpower her. "I'm in love with her. Not you. I keep trying to let you down gently but you're not fucking getting it. She makes me feel the way that you never could. My heart belongs to her, Killian. Don't you understand?" Her voice softening at the end.
He frowned, defeated, the realization of his happy ending evading him sinking in. Heartbreak quickly turned to anger. He growled when his eyes landed on Regina. He narrowed his eyes at her and began stalking towards her menacing. "So it was you…" He reached over and placed his hand on his sword. "Witch, you probably put a spell on her. Haven't you caused enough pain?"
"Haven't you?" Regina deadpanned. "You basically made Emma feel obligated to date you. To say she loved you. You don't think that hurt her? I know how it feels to be forced to be with someone. It kills you every single day. It takes everything from you."
Emma's heart broke at her girlfriend's confession. Regina rarely talks about her marriage and to hear that hit Emma hard in the chest with the force of a speeding train. "Baby..." She started but Hook cut her off.
"And yet you're doing the same thing to Emma. Forcing her to be with you, to touch you just like the king did to you." He said the last part slowly so the words would hurt. His lip curled into a snarl.
"Shut the fuck up, Hook." Emma screamed walking over towards Regina. "Seriously, if you want to keep your tongue shut the hell up." His statement made her blood boil. how dare he say something so insensitive. What was I thinking? "she's not forcing me to do shit. I initiated all of this. Our first kiss, all of it." She glared at the pirate. "You know something funny? she was concerned about your feelings and she didn't want you to get hurt but you're too much of a selfish asshole to even deserve her sympathy."
"I don't want or need her pity." He hissed. "I don't want anything from her."
"Good because you don't deserve her kindness or anyone's for that matter."
"She destroyed everything!" He screamed. Gripping his sword tighter.
"Let's all just calm down." David said slowly.
"I'll calm down when I take this witch's head. It's funny your majesty, for someone so adamant about having their Happy Ending you just stole mine." He drew his sword and pointed it at Regina.
"But I didn't steal anything. Emma wanted this." Regina reasoned. "Don't you want her to be happy?"
"Let me guess, you can do better?" He asked. "You think you can make her happy." When he didn't get a response he let a out a humorless laugh. "Not if you're dead." He raised his sword.
"Okay pirate. No more playing nice." Regina hissed while she cupped her hand and a fireball formed in it.
Maleficent did the same. Waiting for him to lunge for her friends so she could fry his ass.
"Put that fucking sword down." Emma screamed when she stepped in front of Regina protectively. She glared at Hook. She reached over and grabbed Regina's wrist and lowered her arm until the fire extinguished. "I'll handle this." She whispered to her.
"Step aside, Swan." He said not taking his eyes off Regina.
"No." she said before she raised her hand. "I said put the fucking sword down and get the hell away from her."
Snow just looked on. She's never felt so useless. Unable to find the words to get her daughter, the mayor or the pirate to calm down. The only one who seemed remotely calm was the dragon who had also extinguished her fireball and was watching the exchange with her arms crossed, ready to interfere if she had to.
"You… you're protecting her? After all of the terrible things she's done? Lives she's taken and destroyed? She cast the curse that separated you from you parents!" he was screaming at this point. "She's the reason you were an orphan. Why you were alone and all of those horrible things happened to you." He waved his sword again. "She's the reason you were bloody miserable all of your life."
Emma crossed her arms and started nodding along, lips pressed together in a thin line. "You're right, Hook." She raised her hand to stop her girlfriend's protests. "She is the reason I was separated from them. But if my parents hadn't put me in that wardrobe I wouldn't have ever met Neal and had Henry and he's one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I wouldn't have been this close to happy without him." She glared at him. "And when I gave him up to give him his best chance she gave it to him. Gave him the best life a child could have. The one I wanted for him but couldn't give him. So she's not as bad as you're making her out to be, not even back then."
"She. Is. The. Bloody. Evil. Queen." He spelled it out slowly. "She is just that terrible and then some."
"Watch it, pirate." Regina hissed, opening and closing her fist, feeling her magic crackling again. She tried to get past Emma but the blonde pushed her behind her again.
"Regina..." Emma warned.
"We've already been over this, in case you haven't noticed, you are a pirate." Maleficent explained as if she was talking to a toddler. "You pillage, exploit, murder and steal. You're just as much a villain as Regina and I. You're just not as good at it."
"I'm nothing like the two of you. I was hurt, it was different. You two are just cruel and spiteful." He said simply.
Maleficent nodded. A bored expression on her face. "Right. And so was Regina and so was I. Most villains are born from heartache. You are still no better than us."
"I've had enough." Emma sighed. "Hook, put the sword away before I do something I'll regret."
"Let's just go." Charming said gently.
"Sure." Hook said simply. "But not with her." He pointed the sword in the queen's direction. Both women bristled.
"Then I'm not going either." Emma said with a shrug. "I'm sure Regina and I could find Merlin. We don't need you."
"Emma…" Came Snow's pleading voice. Emma looked up and their eyes met. There were tears forming in her mother's eyes which only increased her anger.
She turned from her mother back to the pirate just as he tried to side step her. He raised his sword but before Regina could raise her hand to stop it Emma threw her hand forward and with a flick of her wrist his hand, well the one he had left fell to the ground. it was still wrapped around the sword.
He looked up at the blonde, terror in his eyes before his eyes wandered back to the stump where his only good hand once was. It wasn't bleeding, whatever Emma had done caused the stump to look already fully healed. A gasp came from both Snow and David.
"What have you done?" Emma's eyes drifted to her parents. Snow was holding onto David as they both watched their daughter take Hook's hand. "Emma, what have you done?" came Snow's voice again.
"He was going to hurt her." Replies Emma's emotionless voice.
Regina cautiously placed her hand on the blonde's shoulder being careful not to frighten her when she's like this. "Emma…" she said softly. "Listen to me… you have to…"
"She's done this to you." Hook's strained voice shrieked. "She turned you into this. She's made you a monster just like her. She's the darkness." Before he could say another word Emma's hand shot forward and an invisible force closed around his throat. He began gasping for air. As she lifted her arm his body rose from the ground. She stood there, holding him, keeping him magically suspended in the air.
"Emma, stop it. You'll kill him." David pleaded.
"Good." Emma muttered darkly. "Good riddance." She closed her hand choking him and he started coughing and gasping for breath.
"Emma!" Snow yelled. "This is not you. Stop it."
"The dagger!" David cried. "Regina, use the dagger."
Regina just watched it all go down. Her eyes wide, heart breaking, her love becoming this… a… she couldn't even bring herself to think it. Everything was moving in slow motion but it was still too fast for her brain to catch up. She looked at Maleficent beside her whose eyes were wide with shock as well. Regina shook herself out of her stupor knowing that she had to stop the mother of her son from destroying herself. She placed her hand on the woman's shoulder again and leaned forward, putting her lips to the younger woman's ear. "Emma, I need you to listen to me…" she whispered softly. "I need you to put him down, let him go."
"No, he tried to hurt you." Emma's voice sounded much deeper and darker, nothing like the blonde at all.
"Yes, but he didn't and I'm fine. No harm done." She let her hand slide down to the blonde's upper arm. She squeezed gently. "But what I need for you to do is, come back to me. I know you're a little lost right now and that's okay, it's not your fault. But I need you here with me."
"I can't." Emma said tightening her grip. "He has to pay for what he's done and the things he said."
Regina took a deep breath and stepped around so that she was facing Emma. She noticed Emma's eyes were dark, almost black like before. The darkness shadowing her features making her look almost evil, her lips were turned down into a frown but she remained emotionless. The brunette reached up and took the woman's face into her hands and brought it down so their eyes could meet. It took a few seconds but once they did she whispered again, "Emma, think of Henry, think of us. You have to fight this. Fight harder." She let her thumb stroke a fair cheek and she held her eyes.
She watched as the blonde's wheels turned, as her words reached her and the black started fading from her eyes, the green slowly returning. Emma looked from her girlfriend to the pirate still hanging in the air fighting for his life. Her eyes grew large when she realized what she was doing. She gasped and drew her hand back, releasing him. He fell to the ground with a pained grunt in a pile of leather. He wasn't moving. Snow and David instantly ran to his aid. Emma's eyes met the brunette's again and before she could bring herself to say anything she was pulled into a hug. The hug was meant to comfort and it did exactly that and then some. She quickly melted into the hug wrapping her arms around the woman's waist pulling her closer, feeling the warmth of her body soothing her and helping her to calm down. Her eyes slipped closed as the woman buried her face in the crook of her neck.
"I'm so sorry." Emma muttered softly. "I didn't mean to scare you."
The brunette hummed before placing a soft kiss to the blonde's neck. "I know. I love you." She whispered even though there really wasn't a point in doing so since everyone already knew of their feelings for one another courtesy of Emma's confession.
"He had it coming." Maleficent said coldly.
"Mal…" Regina warned.
"What? I was sick of him and his hero complex. He's not a hero." She crossed her arms. "He's actually quite useless."
Emma zoned out briefly from the conversation as she watched her parents taking care of Hook in his handless state. They helped him to a sitting position and Snow had just finished looking him over before their eyes met.
"Emma, we need to talk." Snow said standing to her feet.
"Actually we don't." Emma said separating herself from Regina.
"Actually we do." David said standing next to Snow. "You and Regina…"
"Okay. I'm just going to stop you right there." Emma said holding up a hand. "I'm not discussing my relationship with you. Neither of you."
"You had no problem discussing it a few moments ago." Snow shrugged.
"I was cursed." Emma said angrily.
"Actually…" Regina began.
"Not now, Regina." Emma said without looking at the woman but her hand went to her back when she felt her stiffen at her stern tone. As she gently stroked her girlfriend's back in apology Emma's attention remained on her parents. "Our relationship is none of your business."
"I think it is." David said.
"Well I disagree."
"But…" Snow tried.
"Enough!" Emma screamed silencing them both. "I'm done with both of you." She glared at them. She pointed to the pirate who had a pitiful look on his face. "And especially you." She grabbed Regina's hand and before the brunette realized what was happening they were engulfed in a cloud of smoke.
"Well, that was interesting." Mal drawled, after they disappeared.
"Okay…" Snow said detaching herself from Charming after taking about twenty minutes to gather herself. She wiped her watery eyes and took a deep breath realizing that she had to be strong. That's how she's always survived. Even when the feeling of weakness snuck up on her she always fought it off. Despite how much the fact that her daughter just revealed that she was dating her ex nemesis, mutilated her boyfriend, tried to murder him and vanished in a cloud of smoke after telling them off, made her want to collaspse to her knees and cry she couldn't do that. Just like Regina told Emma she had to fight. She had to fight for her daughter, for her family and for hope. She released the breath and turned back to David who was currently trying to calm the handless pirate down. They had to get themselves together and find Emma and Regina and bring them back. "That was really bad."
Maleficent snorted, "You think? Your daughter just tried to kill the captain and now he's left with no hands at all." She smirked. "Although you can't really blame her for trying to protect what's hers."
"Maleficent!" Snow cried from her position beside the whimpering pirate.
"Emma is in love with Regina." David said in a calm almost dazed tone. "The ex Evil Queen…" he pointed to his wife. "Your stepmother. Your once sworn enemy."
"Yes." Maleficent cut in, feeling the need to protect her friend in case the Charmings decided to accuse her of bewitching their daughter like the pirate had prior to losing his other hand. "And Regina loves her. I've known Regina for a very long time and in that time I've never seen her look at anyone that way. Her eyes wide with the wonder of a child with a hint of a smile. I've never truly seen her happy until she began falling for your daughter."
"Oh… no… I…" Snow tried but she couldn't find the words to explain to Maleficent what she was feeling. She noticed what Maleficent said about Regina looking happy then she remembered that she saw that herself. She noticed that her friend looks like the young woman she met when she was only ten years old before both of their innocence was snatched away from them. Before the world started to become far too real for the older girl and she grew cold to protect herself. "I wasn't…" she huffed. She then thought of how Emma looked different as well. A lot less stressed. Almost like the woman she met in Storybrooke, those years ago, free and vibrant. Both women looked at peace despite Emma's situation. She knew they cared for each other and she knew that their feelings were intense but she hadn't expected that it would go that far. She sighed when no words came to her.
David stayed completely still just looking between the two women as they stared each other down. He continued to try to comfort Hook. The man had his detached hand in his lap where David placed it and was rocking back and forth as he rambled about how was he supposed to sail his ship with no hands. Mal watched on as the man cried shaking his head. She rolled her eyes and headed over to the three idiots. She started to say something but a wail from Hook cut her off. She rolled her eyes again as she leaned down and snatched the hand from the man's lap and without a word she grabbed his arm and connected the hand back to the wrist, a green glow flowed down his arm and the hand reattached itself.
The man stared at his reattached hand. He wiggled his fingers and rolled his wrist a few times before looking up at Maleficent with wide eyes. He opened and closed his hand a few times. "Thank you."
"It is what it is. I don't particularly care about you or your hand…" she said with a shrug. "I actually find the idea of you trying to use the bathroom with two hooks quite amusing… but," she narrowed her eyes at him. "I couldn't hold an adult conversation with your wailing and carrying on."
He nodded. "Right…" He said as he looked away. He got to his feet slowly and just stood there.
"As I was saying…" she began turning back to Snow. "…they're happy. Your daughter is happy. Regina could very well be Emma's happy ending. And as a mother myself I know that parents only want what's best for their children and the queen is what's best for your child."
David and Snow just shared a look before nodding. Of course they wanted their daughter to find happiness. They didn't care who she found it with. Having been fortunate enough to find true love themselves they wanted nothing but that for their own children.
David sighed heavily. In his heart he really wasn't exactly thrilled that his only daughter found love with the once Evil Queen. But an even larger part of his heart was relieved that his daughter found happiness with someone. He noticed that his daughter wasnt completely in love with Hook. She definitely did not look at him the way Snow looks at Charming. His daughter dating the man was more of a chore than a desire. She shouldn't have felt obligated to spend time with the man and the few times they questioned her feelings towards the pirate she lashed out at them and told them that it was none of their business so they stopped trying and just assumed that everything was fine. Snow even went as far as to thinking they were in fact a true love pairing and it was just going to take a while for them to realize it. But his daughter being in love with Regina changes things and answers a lot of questions. Although he knew he should have been against it in all honesty he wasn't. He was surprisingly more than okay with it.
Now Snow was on the same page as David as far as accepting the relationship between the Sheriff and the Mayor. She actually found herself wanting to encourage it. After assisting in the loss of Regina's first love and practically ruining her life if her daughter was fated to be the woman's true love, who was she to try and take another happy ending from her? And she knew in her heart that Regina would do everything and anything to protect her daughter and truly cared for her. She also knew that Regina loved with everything she had and felt deeply. So she was going to put her heart and soul into loving her daughter, Snow sensed their bond and she knew it was powerful but now she finally knew what it was. The two women were in love and she was perfectly okay with it.
"Maleficent," Snow started. "You're right. I want nothing but the best for my daughter and if that happens to be Regina, who I've come to love and trust then so be it. Emma is an excellent judge of character and if she allowed herself to fall for her…" she shrugged. "Then she knows what she's doing and I trust them."
David nodded in agreement. "The only thing that matters is that Emma is safe and happy and Regina can provide that so I'm fine with it." He placed an arm around his wife's shoulder. "We're happy as long as she's happy."
"Well… that's good." Maleficent said with a nod. "They both deserve a sense of peace and if they find that in each other then…"
An indignant snort came from behind them and they all turned to see Hook pacing, a scowl on his face.
"Hook?" David asked stepping closer to the pirate.
"You just allow your daughter, the Savior to be with that witch?" Hook asked coldly.
"Well, that witch has more honor in her pinkie than you have in your entire body." Maleficent ground out. "The savior does not want you. I believe she made that very clear when she took your hand and tried to murder you…" she crossed her arms. "and Regina stopped her and saved your life. If that had been me I would have let you die. Then again if Emma's heart wasn't on the line…" she shrugged. "She probably would have let her."
"Mal…" Snow sighed.
"What? You and I both know it's the truth."
"I think we should just focus on the fact that no one was severely injured." Snow offered.
"Shouldn't we be out looking for them?" Hook asked still pacing, completely ignoring Mal's insult and Snow's comment.
"They'll come back when they're ready." David offered.
"But…" the pirate tried again.
"Do you want Emma to take your tongue next time?" Mal asked. She let her eyes wander down. "…or perhaps another very precious appendage?" he shook his head. "I thought not. That's what will happen when you ambush her and try to corner her right now."
The pirate just crossed his arms, for the first time ever feeling completely helpless. "Fine." Finally realizing he lost Emma. She was gone and was never his to begin with. He didn't know which hurt more. Having his happy ending taken from him or finding out that it was all in his head. He decided they both hurt just the same.
"Are you alright?" Snow asked softly, knowing the poor man just found out his true love wasn't really his true love very publicly and was almost killed. She could only imagine what he was going through.
"Yeah fine." He said brushing it off. "Don't worry, I'll still help." he said before walking off a few feet away from them.
The Charmings shared a look before turning back to the dragon. "Can you contact them and just find out if they're okay?" Maleficent nodded. "And tell Emma that we love her and that everything is going to be okay." the blonde nodded again.
"Of course." She said softly. "Maybe now that everything is out in the open we can push all of it aside and perhaps we can finally get back to the task at hand…"
"Right." Both Snow and Charming said in unison.
They reappeared at the lake. Both of their heads spinning from the events that took place moments prior. Regina wanted to just pull Emma into another hug. She wanted to comfort her. She needed to comfort her. The blonde just told her parents that they were together and also told them that they were sleeping together. Not to mention that she almost killed her ex boyfriend. Now in that moment Regina thought she lost Emma. She saw nothing but darkness. She had to fight to bring Emma back. It was a close call. Emma was barely responsive, this just meant that time was limited and in any moment she could really lose Emma.
They stood side by side as they looked out on to the water. They remained silent as they watched some ducklings swimming behind their mother. Regina just assumed that Emma brought them back here because she felt safe there so she didn't question it.
Regina let her eyes wander over to the blonde who was still holding her hand tight but kept her eyes focused on the crystal clear water. After a few moments passed the blonde finally got up the nerve to speak
"What have I done?" she whispered.
"Nothing," Regina replied. "The darkness did it. It wasn't you. But to be perfectly honest… those truth flowers are nasty little things."
"Shit." Emma said before she face palmed. "I told them…" she paused, unable to look at the woman standing beside her. "…about us."
"Yeah well…" Regina shrugged slightly. "It had to come out eventually."
"I told them… I told them that we had sex, Regina." Emma practically whined.
Regina started to roll her eyes and state that usually when people are in a serious relationship they have sex and tell the blonde to grow up but when her eyes met with the green anguished ones she deflated. Sure, this entire situation was horrible. Emma harmed hook. Mutilated him. The man was now walking around with no hands and was almost choked to death by the woman he loved. Regina felt something close to sympathy for him then the feeling faded when she thought of the fact that he tried to kill her. Take her head to be more exact, the villain still lurking inside of her thought it served him right. She didn't exactly care about him… she was concerned with whether if Emma's actions in an attempt to protect her from said moronic pirate put the woman in jeopardy and caused her heart to blacken. The only thing Regina was sure of at this point was that her love, Emma Swan was a ticking time bomb. In any moment something could send her over the edge and cause her to snap, like she did a few moments ago but this time she might not be able to stop her. Stop her from destroying herself. They had to find this sorcerer and they had to find him immediately. She will not lose Emma. Ever.
Regina just let out a long sigh. "Yes. You told them that 'we've been going at it like bunnies' you can't take it back, my love." She squeezed the hand still in hers. "But your parents are hardly virgins. They know about passion and desire and how those things are magnified when someone is deeply in love. They should understand better than anyone."
"Yeah but they don't want to know about their daughter having sex..."
Regina smirked. "You're right. They don't…. especially not with the Evil Queen."
Emma shook her head. "I don't care about that, I don't care that they know about us. I don't care what they think of our relationship… I just didn't want them to find out like that…" she paused and tore her eyes from her girlfriend's apologetic gaze. "Besides I know you wanted Henry to know first."
"Well… I did." Regina said simply, she stepped directly in front of the blonde, forcing her to look her in the eye. "But that was out of our hands. Now our relationship is out in the open…" she paused. "What do you want to do about that?" she asked seriously.
Emma furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
"Come on, Emma. You came out as dating their once nemesis." Regina cocked a brow. "Not to mention their reaction was less than ideal. They probably didn't even know you were attracted to women." She held up a hand to silence the blonde who looked like she wanted to protest. "Now my question is: how do you want to proceed?"
Emma stared at the brunette dumbly, not exactly sure what she meant. "I still don't understand just what the hell you're asking me."
Regina reached out and grabbed the blonde's other hand, not breaking eye contact. She squeezed her hand and gave her a small smile. "If this is too much, now that they know… I don't want you to be… I don't want this, us, to add to the pressure. You have enough on your plate. I can erase their memories and we can cool off. We could always pick this up after everything calms down. I can wait."
Emma's jaw dropped when she finally realized what the mother of her son was asking and instantly started shaking her head quickly. "Don't ask me that. Don't ever even think about us not being together ever again." She shot the woman a look when she tried to cut in. "What the hell? How could you even think that us not being together would make anything easier for me?"
Regina narrowed her eyes, feeling the shift in the blonde's mood. Hearing the slight growl in her tone. "Because, Emma." She said slowly. "If we are not together at least you will not have to worry about Mommy and Daddy being disappointed in you for falling in love with… a villain…"
"Ex villain." Emma corrected. "And honestly, Regina, I don't give two fucks what they think. They can either accept it or not. Either way I'm not going to ruin the best thing that's ever happened to me, besides our son for two people who've already found their true love. That's ridiculous." She tugged on the woman's hands and pulled her closer. "I won't let them take this from us."
Regina's smile brightened, she caught the 'true love' statement but decided to let it go for now. She was glad that Emma didn't want to take a break after this but she definitely would have given her the space if it would have taken some of the weight off of her shoulders. She didn't need the pressure of their relationship to be the trigger that set Emma's darkness off again. She saw what happens when Emma gets too riled. Today being the worse case she's ever seen and she intended to do everything in her power to make sure it doesn't happen again. She leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss to the blonde's lips. "Good." She smiled again before turning serious. "We have to discuss what happened with Hook."
The blonde's face fell. The guilt suffocating her of what she had just done to the pirate. She covered her face with her hands and screamed into them. Panic setting in. She knew her parents would definitely not want to have anything to do with her now. She hurt someone. Even if she tried to explain that it wasn't her, how the hell was she going to explain that she lost complete control of herself? It was like she was outside of her body helplessly watching herself harm Hook. For the first time in a while she began to think she was dangerous. Far too dangerous to be around the people she loved. The instinct to keep them safe was overpowering everything else.
"Don't even think about it…" Regina's voice cut through Emma's thoughts. "Don't you dare think about abandoning me, especially after how you reacted when I suggested we take a break." It was like the brunette was inside her head. It was scary how the woman could almost read her mind.
Emma internally cringed at the sound of the word 'abandon'. To think she's had it done so many times to her but it hurt so much hearing her girlfriend breathe the words with the pain in her eyes. Emma just simply shook her head. "That's not the same thing. I'm not abandoning you. I'm protecting you. I can't be around you, it's not safe."
"Emma, I already told you, you are not dangerous."
The blonde couldn't help but scoff. "I think Hook would disagree… oh yeah and Robin." She let out a long suffering sigh. "I'm turning into a monster."
Regina shook her head. "You are not." She said firmly.
Emma groaned. "I've hurt people. How many more terrible things are going to happen before we find Merlin, huh?"
"We'll keep fighting it. Together. I will not let you get lost in the darkness, Emma."
"What happens when I get angry and you get caught in the cross fire or my parents? I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I hurt any of you." Emma almost whispered.
"You won't." Regina said simply.
"How can you be so sure, hmm?"
Regina just offered her a small smile. "Because you care about us too much."
"Gold hurt Belle and she's his true love. He betrayed Neal, his only son. Love has nothing to do with it."
"Right." Regina said calmly. "Love has nothing to do with it but Rumple was also a very weak man, a coward before he became the Dark One and some of that mentality stuck with him. So that along with his thirst for power fueled those decisions." She stepped a little closer trying to catch the younger woman's eyes, which were bouncing around everywhere refusing to look at her. "And you, Emma, are the savior, you were born to be a hero, it's your destiny. So all of your decisions up until this point have been made solely out of love. In both of those instances you mentioned you were protecting me."
"But I hurt both of them."
Regina hummed in agreement. "You did. the darkness is feeding off of your emotions. When you get angry or scared it's going to take over because that's the only way it can get to you. You've been fighting it and it can't tempt you with power so it's feeding off the only thing it can…"
"Love…" Emma muttered.
"Yes." Regina said softly, finally catching those green eyes with her own. "It's going to take it and warp it into something dark and evil. Something twisted but you can't let it. We will not let it."
Emma could only manage to nod. "Okay."
"Promise you won't run off and leave me."
"Regina, I…"
"Promise."
"I promise." Emma said, defeated. Knowing in her heart that if she ever felt she was going to endanger Regina she would break that promise in a heart beat. She will not hurt the woman she loved even if it meant breaking a promise. She'd rather Regina be pissed at her and hate her than put her in danger.
The mayor pulled Emma into a tight hug and buried her face in the crook of her neck then a soft kiss was placed there. She relaxed into the hug allowing herself to be comforted by the warmth of the woman she loved. Her eyes slipped closed. She heard the woman whisper softly. "You are going to be just fine. That's my promise to you."
Emma just hummed tightening her grip on the woman's waist.
Maleficent appeared in front of Regina and Emma with a very annoyed expression. Not that she was exactly busy. She was just sitting round with the charmings and the now whole – well kind of whole - pirate waiting for the love birds to return, but she did not like being randomly summoned in such a way and she knew that Regina knew better.
She placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at her dark haired friend. "Is there a particular reason you decided to summon me instead of just using the mirror?"
Regina glared at her briefly before crossing her arms defiantly. "I need to know what's going on over there and I need the conversation to happen face to face."
"Well, what do you want to know?"
"Are my parents okay?" Emma asked quietly, avoiding Maleficent's eyes.
The older blonde softened at that, taking in the younger blonde's worried, nervous demeanor she nodded slowly. "Yes, Dear. They're fine."
Emma nodded. "And Hook?"
Maleficent shrugged. "He'll live." She caught Emma glance at Regina beside her. "I reattached his hand so technically the only thing hurting him right now is his pride."
"Thanks Mal." Regina said quietly.
Mal nodded slowly. "We should head back. Emma's parents are worried sick. Plus I just disappeared abruptly so they have no clue as to where I've gone. All of their magical protection is gone."
Emma looked down at the ground, kicking at a rock with her boot. "Are they mad?" She asked sounding like that unwanted orphan again. Regina's heart shattered at the fear and pain on Emma's face.
Maleficent's features softened. That was a look she started to see on Lily. Fear, insecurity, defeat. Years of being let down and rejected. The fear of losing someone you care for, losing the peace you finally found. "No, Sweetheart, but they are worried. They have no idea where you've run off to. They want to see you."
Emma nodded as the brunette reached over and started rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Okay let's go." The younger blonde said finally.
"Are you sure?" Regina asked stepplng closer to her. Her body pressing into the woman's side. "We can take a little more time if you need it."
"No. Regina, its fine." Emma gave her a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She needed to see her parents, apologize to them. Own up to her actions and get it over with, she promised herself a long time ago, No more running. The brunette leaned over and kissed her cheek softly. Emma wrapped her arm around the woman's waist and engulfed them in a cloud of smoke.
They reappeared right where they disappeared with Maleficent right behind them. They scanned their group. Snow and David were talking quietly leaning against a tree, Hook was laying on the grass, on his back with one arm behind his head. His eyes were closed. Of course he was exhausted after having his only hand removed and almost being strangled to death. Emma cringed when the memories of what she had done a little over an hour ago returned. A hand on her arm quickly pushed the thoughts away.
"Everything is going to be fine." Regina whispered. "They love you." Emma nodded.
Snow's eyes darted around at the sound of voices. Her eyes landed on the two women. Her eyes lingered on the queen's hand on her daughter's arm and regretted staring when she saw the woman retract her hand as if she'd been burned. She wanted to tell her it was okay. She didn't mind her being around her daughter and even being in love with her but she couldn't muster the words at the moment. All she could do was try to will Regina to look at her, catch her dark eyes but failed when the woman refused to look her way.
She looked between them and realized that they both were avoiding her gaze. She cleared her throat and all eyes fell on her as well as theirs. "Are... are the two of you okay?" she decided to play it safe. They both just nodded, Regina looked away. "Are you sure?" more nods. She sighed; disappointed that she wasn't receiving verbal replies.
"Look mom," Emma said stepping closer to her parents. She chanced a glance at Regina who nodded at her encouragingly. "I'm really sorry that you found out about our relationship that way… I really wanted that to play out differently. But I can't take it back and all I can ask is that you accept our relationship and respect Regina. I'm also sorry for losing my shit back there and attacking Hook, that was uncalled for."
Both Charmings nodded slowly. They looked at eachother, silently deciding who was going to speak first; clearly they decided on Snow because she spoke up. "I understand… we can't choose who we fall in love with, fate chose the two of you and brought you together. I had a feeling that the feelings that you shared for eachother were deep but I never expected this." She held up a hand when she saw her daughter open her mouth to interrupt. "I'm not saying I'm against it. Regina and I have a lot of history but she has come a long way. Both of us have." She smiled at the other brunette who was still avoiding her eyes before returning her attention to her daughter. "She loves with everything she has and that's the kind of person we wanted for you. Someone who loves you passionately, who'd take care of you and protect you. That's exactly what she's been doing. This whole situation is going to take some getting used to… but we can do it. I know love when I see it, I just cant believe that it took me so long to realize that that's what I saw between the two of you." With a long sigh she added. "I'm okay with it and I wish the two of you the best."
"Yeah." David added wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulders. "I honestly had no idea you were even attracted to women."
Emma heard twin snorts from behind her and turned to see Regina and Maleficent staring back at her with their arms crossed and matching raised brows. She smirked and turned back to her parents. "Well yeah, there have been a few… I don't know how you guys feel about…"
Snow held up a hand stopping her but David spoke. "We don't have a problem with that. Back in the Enchanted Forest that wasn't unheard of or uncommon. Love happened for all kinds of different people and no one questioned it."
Emma froze, eyes wide. Mildly surprised that they were taking this so well. "So you guys don't mind that I'm…"
"We don't use those labels where we're from, Emma." Snow said softly. "And no I don't mind. As long as you're happy, we're happy."
"So that's it?" Emma asked crossing her arms, brows raised.
"That's it." David replied.
"Even though you didn't ask for it or need it, you have our blessing." Snow said taking a cautious step towards her daughter, then another when she saw her take one towards her. When they were close enough Snow pulled Emma into a hug and squeezed her tight. Hoping to squeeze all of the darkness out of her and replace it with love and security. Snow opened her eyes and they finally met Regina's. She gave the other queen a quick nod and smile which the mayor returned.
Snow knew this wasn't going to be easy. Regina going from her stepmother to her enemy to her friend to her daughter's girlfriend. This complicated their relationship even more than when they were enemies. More was on the line this time. Emma's heart. Now Snow and David both trusted Regina. They trusted her with their daughter and apparently they trusted her with her heart. Which makes sense since they trusted her with their own once. But over all Regina and Emma understood each other and were best friends and that alone was a strong foundation for a healthy relationship. Snow found herself wanting this to work out for them. She couldn't help but wonder if they were a true love pairing. That would be more than amazing. Life changing. That would change everything. Regina finding a new love and Emma finding her first. Her heart swelled at the thought. Maybe this wasn't going to be so difficult to get used to after all.
Snow felt Emma shift in her arms uncomfortably so she released her. She took her face in her hands and just looked at her first born child. For a moment she saw the baby, the child she didn't get to raise. The child that needed her approval and needed her to be on board with this. Then she was brought to the present and remembered that her thirty year old daughter didn't need her approval but may have wanted it. The strong eyes watching her steadily told her exactly what she needed. With a nod she patted her daughter's cheek and removed her hands.
She stepped around her daughter and walked right up to her girlfriend. Just as Regina opened her mouth to apologize Snow pulled her into a hug. She couldn't help but reflect on the fact that she hasn't touched more or less hugged Regina since she was a child. The feeling was both familiar and strange. It was also surprisingly comforting.
Regina stiffened at the contact, her eyes wandered to Emma over Snow's shoulder and with a small, encouraging smile and nod from the blonde she responded to the hug, placing a hand on Snow's back awkwardly. Thinking of all of the hugs she was forced to give her when the woman was nothing but a girl. But this hug was different because they were different. It wasn't forced or expected. Regina didn't dread it as much but she didn't particularly care for hugs or any kind of physical contact at all really, but she made an exception for Henry and Emma. Although she and Snow both needed it. The embrace was healing in a way and all of the left over tension between them dissipated. Be that as it may Regina also had to admit that she was relieved when it ended. Snow just stepped back and smiled at her.
"I want this for you." Snow said softly. "I need you both to be happy. Try and be happy and please keep my daughter happy. I wish the two of you the best."
"I will." Regina practically whispered. Shocked by their reaction to the whole dating their daughter thing. "I promise."
"I know." Snow pulled her into another quick hug before giving her another quick smile then returning to her daughter who was currently wrapped in a Charming hug.
Regina watched the family moment unfold. Snow hugging and whispering to her and Emma nodding. Charming hugging them both. She smiled to herself, knowing as long as Emma had this she would be fine.
"Get that smug look off of your face, Maleficent." Regina said not even looking over at the blonde. She pursed her lips and rolled her eyes.
Mal snickered. "What look, Regina?" she asked feigning innocence.
"I'm not going soft." Regina said, knowing it to be the truth.
The dragon smirked. "I never said you were, dear."
"You're thinking it."
"I promise you, I am not. You have a soft spot for the swan and her parents. There's nothing wrong with that." Maleficent replied honestly. "If you recall I never thought love was weakness or showing emotions was… improper. That was you."
"It was my mother." Regina said defensively.
"Oh right, the devil incarnate Cora. Did I mention that I'm glad that old witch is gone?"
"A few times." Regina replied with an eye roll.
"Well I am." Mal said, grin in her voice. "Now you can have a normal life, a beautiful romance and enjoy your little family without your awful mother inferring." Her tone grew serious. "Being in love and showing it doesn't make you weak, Regina."
Regina nodded. "I know that now. Love makes you strong."
"Yes, yes it does."
Everyone decided that it was best to continue on their journey. The faster they completed this quest the sooner they can get the darkness out of Emma and everyone can breathe easy. So after waking Hook from his injury, heartbreak and rum induced slumber they were on their way. They continued walking through the field of flowers, hoping that nothing would happen causing the dust to get on anyone and reveal anymore secrets. For the most part they made it to the other side without anymore secrets being spilled. Regina released the breath she had been holding, she was nervous the entire time. She had prayed to whatever force that would listen for no more incidents to set Emma off.
Emma hadn't let go of her hand since she grabbed it and locked their fingers together back when they resumed their trek. It was nice being able to touch each other and not having to hide their affection. Although they kept it to a minimum for the sake of the Charmings and the heartbroken Pirate, they were just content that they could hold hands. Any contact was better than none.
"Hey baby?" Emma whispered to Regina. The brunette looked over at her. "I'm going to go talk to Hook, okay?" she sighed when her girlfriend just gave her a small nod. She squeezed the hand in hers. "Don't get mad, okay?" another nod. "You're not doing a very good job at not being mad."
Regina just shook her head. "I'm not mad. Go. I know you have to make this right."
Emma smiled. "Okay, I wont be gone long." She kissed the woman gently before releasing her hand and heading over to Hook.
Regina was too busy watching Emma walking away that she didn't even notice Snow watching them nor did she notice the woman heading back towards her and Maleficent until she fell into step with them.
"Let me ask you something." Snow began and at Regina's raised brow she continued. "Since your magic is so powerful and so is Emma's could the two of you…. I don't know... maybe create a child out of magic? I mean, if you wanted to, that is..."
Regina's eyes grew wide and so did Maleficent's.
"Um… Well, yeah." Regina answered honestly. She heard Maleficent snort.
"I'm sorry, I was just curious." Snow sighed.
"Is that something you would want?" Regina asked curiously. And Maleficent even found herself waiting for Snow's answer.
"Of course." The younger woman eventually answered. "I always wanted lots of grandchildren."
Regina nodded. Now this in itself created a whole new issue. Their relationship was still very new. Despite their strong feelings, deep love and powerful bond that doesn't mean that more children was in their future or even marriage for that matter. They could live the rest of their days with just the three of them and Regina would be perfectly fine with that. She wouldn't mind more children either but she doubted Emma would want that given the life she had and since the blonde would have to carry them because Regina was technically infertile both of them had to be on board for it. This was definitely a conversation they would have later down the line.
"I'll see what I can do, Snow." Regina said gently. "I must say I am quite surprised that you're taking this so well."
Snow furrowed her brows and looked at the other queen. "Well, Regina. The heart wants what it wants and my daughter's seems to want you. Who would I be to take that from her?"
"A villain." Regina replied.
"Exactly." Snow agreed. "I want nothing but for my daughter to be happy and safe and you can provide that for her so I'm okay with it. Now don't get me wrong I'm terrified, I don't want you two to end up hurting each other so do me a favor, be careful and I'll tell her to do the same."
Regina nodded. "I will."
"I know true love when I see it, Regina. The way you two look at each other with that little twinkle in your eyes, pupils dilated, eyes wide. The constant eyelash fluttering makes me laugh but I love to see that color in your cheeks again. Simply beautiful." She leaned closer to the older woman so only she could hear her. "Also, I really like the way you look at Emma like she's the only woman in the world."
Regina smirked. "You caught that, huh?"
Snow hummed with a slow nod. "I know you think I'm an idiot but I'm very observant and she looks at you the exact same way." She shrugged. "All this time you spent hating eachother when you could've just skipped ahead to the good stuff."
Regina snorted. "Right because I was thinking about falling in love with the meddlesome blonde while I was trying to hold on to my son, run her out of town and keep my curse a secret."
Snow chuckled. "And how'd that turn out for ya?"
"Surprisingly well." Regina grinned.
"I'd have to agree. Clearly fate had you in mind again."
"Perhaps it did and it was on my side this time."
"It was." Snow said thoughtfully. "It seems our fates were always intertwined."
Regina nodded. "Decades after meeting you I ended up falling in love with your daughter."
Snow nodded slowly. "Yes. You found true love again when you thought you wouldn't. I'm sorry for the role I played in that and then at the same time I'm not. My daughter and my friend found each other as a result."
"Thanks Snow, for ruining my life and causing me great pain for thirty years so I can find my happy ending." Regina said sarcastically.
"You're welcome." Snow said with the same amount of sarcasm. "By the way… welcome back to the family."
Regina rolled her eyes. "I can't seem to get away from it, now can I?"
Snow grinned. "Nope, and now you're here to stay."
Regina returned the smile. "I suppose I am."
Emma had been walking between her father and Hook for about twenty-minutes and neither her nor Hook have attempted to speak to each other. She wanted to get this conversation over with so that she could get back to Regina. She kept glancing back at the woman who was talking with Snow and Mal and every now and then one of them would laugh or smile. It was really nice seeing them like this. She had to admit that she was relieved that her parents accepted their relationship and Regina. Most importantly it didn't put a strain on the relationship that Regina and Snow were trying to rebuild. Emma would've hated to be the cause of them returning to enemies but as painful as it was she was prepared to take her girlfriend's side.
"Hook." Emma said gaining the pirate's attention. He glanced at her then turned straight ahead again. "I just wanted to apologize for… taking your hand and magically choking you…" she said awkwardly.
He shook his head. "Its okay, Swan. It's the darkness and I threatened… the queen. Your love." He couldn't keep the bitterness from his voice as he said the last part.
"Right but I could've handled it differently so I'm sorry for hurting you." She said meaning that in more ways than one.
"It's okay, Swan." He said again walking ahead of them before she could say anything else.
She just watched him walk away not feeling another ounce of guilt. She apologized for hurting him physically but she was not going to apologize for loving and being loved by someone else. She was not going to feel regret for the intense love she felt with Regina, especially when she couldn't feel that with him. All that time wasted with him, feeling nothing. She internally rolled her eyes at her own stupidity.
"Seems like they're having a party back there." David joked, after he glanced back at the women, successfully pulling Emma out of her thoughts. "Why aren't you hanging out with your girlfriend, your mom and their friend?"
Emma smirked at her father. "You're seriously okay with that?"
"Yep. Regina has more than redeemed herself. She's been taking care of you all of this time. It's obvious she loves you." He replied simply. "And you love her. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
"She's amazing." Emma confessed softly.
"Good luck though. I fell in love with a tough, feisty, beautiful, brunette myself and I'm going to let you know it's not easy." He said in a hushed tone. "The more you love them the more difficult they make it." he returned his daughter's smirk. "And yours is extremely sassy, sarcastic and too smart for her own good, plus she knows she's gorgeous and what it does to you. Trust me; she'll use it against you."
Emma shook her head as she laughed at her father, "Dad, relax, Regina is not going to manipulate me with her womanly curves and deep brown eyes and seductive smile."
"How do you know she hasn't already?" David had to suppress his laugh at his daughter's shocked expression. "Exactly."
She hit her father on his arm as they both laughed. "I can't believe you."
"You have no idea what you're in for." He wrapped an arm around his daughter's shoulder bringing her closer. "But I'm glad I'm getting the chance to watch my daughter fall in love…" he chuckled. "It's not the way I expected but it doesn't make it any less special." He gave her a squeeze. "I promise not to let you flounder around too much. If you need advice I'll give it to you."
She snorted at her father thinking he was an expert on women but she decided to throw him a bone. "Sure dad. Thanks. I'd also appreciate it if you'd lay off the sappy father/daughter stuff."
He laughed. "Fine, fine." He said releasing her. "I'm really glad that you found your true love though."
"How do you know she's my true love?"
"Um… I have eyes? I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I know a little about true love and what you two share is definitely that or pretty damn close."
Emma nodded. "So now what?"
He paused for a moment and thought. "Well, you tell her and offer her a happy ending and when she accepts you two spend your lives together... loving and taking care of each other." He shrugged. "It's simple, really."
"We'll see." Emma said with a small shrug. She wanted to give Regina a happy ending. There's nothing she wanted more.
"Your mom would love to plan a wedding, honestly."
Emma stared at her father. "As if Regina would let her."
"You got a point there but maybe she'll at least let her help since they're friends now."
"Maybe." Emma replied knowing there's no way in hell Regina would allow that.
Then it dawned on her that she was talking about a marriage and spending her life with this woman. She didn't know whether to be excited or terrified. Marriage has never crossed her mind, it just wasn't something she wanted. Maybe it was because family life wasn't something she saw for herself but obviously that changed. So maybe it was right. Maybe they should tie the knot. But Emma would keep that to herself at least for now when their relationship was so fresh. Plus Regina had a horrible experience with marriage and a conversation about it would probably bring back terrible memories. And the last thing she needed was to make the woman feel pressured and scare her off.
"Dad, we've been dating all of two minutes." She chuckled. "I know things work differently in your world but in my world we don't get married after only a few days of being together."
"She's just happy you found love so don't feel pressured into the marriage thing."
"I know but thanks Dad, for being so understanding with all of this."
David put his arm around her and hugged her again. "Of course. Anything for you."
It wasn't long before Emma found herself with Regina again. Emma smiled as she approached the brunette and her heart almost leaped out of her chest when the woman's smile turned predatory. Emma chuckled to herself when she was reminded of her conversation with her father. She reached for the queen's hand and when she took it she pulled her flush against her. Emma grabbed her chin gently and tilted her face upward. Snow excused herself with a quiet 'I'll give you two a moment' right before their lips met. The kiss was soft and quick but strong and meaningful. After pulling away they leaned in again but someone clearing their throat stopped them.
They both glared at Maleficent who was standing a few feet ahead of them. She shrugged. "We should get going."
"You know Maleficent…" Emma laced her fingers through Regina's and started pulling her along. "…if I didn't know any better I'd think you were…"
"Trying to find Merlin, to save you and as a result helping Regina?" Mal asked pointedly. "Then yes, I am." She grinned when that seemed to shut the younger blonde up. She winked at her. "So you do have an 'off button' after all."
Regina snorted. "Shocking."
"Oh, no. Not you too." Emma whined. "Is this what my life is going to be like now? The two of you teaming up on me?"
Regina leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Of course not, my love. More like us taking turns teasing you."
Mal snorted. "That's how we show we care."
Both sorceresses chuckled. Emma rolled her eyes. "Ugh. You guys aren't seriously cackling like the witches you are, right?"
Regina stopped mid laugh and glared at Emma. "Excuse you?"
"I said…"
"Emma, dear... You are just as much of a witch as Regina and myself. Light magic, dark magic either way it's magic. If you possess it you are a witch. Those are the rules." Mal noted in a light teasing tone.
"And light magic witches are just plain annoying. Always undoing our hard work." Regina added.
"And yet here you are with your very own light witch." Mal teased.
"Well, you know what they say… can't beat 'em... sleep with 'em." Regina drawled.
Mal laughed.
"I'm positive that no one says that." Emma said with an eye roll, setting off another wave of laughter from the sorceresses.
"And she's so easily offended, typical light witch." Mal chuckled.
Regina smirked.
"Hey, I'm right here." Emma said raising her free hand. "And last I checked, Regina has light magic as well." Regina just glared at her.
Maleficent's brows shot into her hairline. "Oh yes, why do I keep forgetting that?!"
"Shut up." Regina said rolling her eyes. She turned away, grumbling about annoying blondes.
"Love you too, baby." Emma chortled.
Mal smiled at them. Thinking about how much they behaved like a married couple that had been together for decades. Then in that moment she knew she wouldn't have ever been able to give Regina that. Emma gave her light and all Mal had was darkness. That wasn't healthy for anyone, especially someone like Regina who was surrounded by darkness their entire life. This kind of love was exactly what the brunette needed.
They heard a whistle and all three women looked ahead and saw David frozen and looking around the area. Snow did the same except she crouched down and was reaching for an arrow. They saw Hook reach for his sword.
Emma was immediately on high alert, her heart pounding in her chest. "Dad, what the hell is going on?!" she hissed.
"shhh." Was the response she got from Snow. "We're being watched."
Emma released Regina's hand and reached for her sword. Maleficent and Regina readied their magic. They crept closer to the Charmings, that's when an arrow flew passed them barely missing David's face. He sighed and let out a shaky breath. Going back to glancing around the area.
Another arrow flew past Emma. She heard it hit something and assumed it was just a tree until she heard the high pitched yelp and heard a low thud. She turned around and her heart stopped, her blood ran cold and the tears welled up in her eyes.
"Regina!"
Hey! So I couldn't imagine Snow and David being completely against Emma being with Regina given the fact that Regina and Snow are bonding and the Charmings trust her now. Also they wouldn't be so selfish as to not want their daughter to be with who she loves. I didn't want them to bombard Emma with questions either, well not at this point (but down the line they will lol) as far as the baby question Snow asked it just seemed like something Snow would be curious about... All in all I find it funny that Maleficent and Emma are developing a friendship (it kinda just happened). Oh and the Hook's hand situation lol - I have been planning that since Emma sent Robin flying across the lawn in Chapter 3. I didn't plan for it to be fixed but I did that for Emma's sake because the guilt would've been too much. I also had them kinda ignore the incident on purpose because no one cares about him lol.
What the hell happened to Regina?!
The next chapter will definitely be up soon. Thanks for reading! :) Reviews are GREATLY appreciated. See ya at the next update.
