Another few weeks had passed and Ezra's birthday had arrived, much to Regina's chagrin. She was glad and happy for the boy's birthday as she would organize a big pool party for him since it was almost summer, with all his friends and family joining them for this special day. However the fact that the boy was now five and next year would be joining primary school made Regina wish for a magic spell that would keep him at this age forever.
Over the last few weeks the boy was talking more and more, learning and saying new words, making Regina teary every time she'd hear his voice. He also visited his therapist twice a week as his speech was a bit slow and some words were very difficult for him to pronounce, but Regina was sure that by the time he would start school, he would be ready both mentally and verbally.
His time with Ashley had also made him more open with other people too. He had met new kids his age at the park, so she was optimistic that he would make a lot of friends.
They had started as any other day on the Swan-Mills household. This year's Ezra's birthday was on a Saturday so it was the perfect excuse for snuggling late in bed and of course, the big party in the evening. Mary Margaret, Cora and Zelena had offered to stop by after lunch to help with the preparations. Emma had offered too, but since the wedding, Regina had reduced their encounters to every Thursday for Hopper's appointment and Sunday evening when Emma would drop Colin and Ezra at home after the weekend with her.
She couldn't exactly tell Emma not to come to their son's birthday but she only gave her the arrival time and nothing else. She also hoped that this year Emma would be there and not on the other side of the country; last year Emma had a business trip in Portland, and she'd missed Ezra's birthday.
Stretching herself on the bed, Regina felt something pressing her stomach and hot air tickling her face. Opening her eyes she was met with a grin that had stolen her heart five years ago. Ezra was pressing his face to his mother with a megawatt smile, also playing with Regina's loose curls. Regina reciprocated this smile with an equal one, lifting Ezra as higher as she could ,peppering him with kisses, making the boy giggle.
''Happy Birthday Bubbah!'' Regina exclaimed, giving the boy a tight hug.
''I'm five!'' The boy yelled, full of joy, making Regina laugh.
''Yes you are, my little prince. How about making a birthday breakfast for the birthday boy hmm?'' The boy nodded enthusiastically. Regina thought that in this moment, her heart couldn't melt any more.
''Okay then, go wake up Henry and Colin and I'll join you downstairs in a few.'' Regina said as gave her son a last kiss, helping him untangle himself from her bear hug. She herself got and up entered the bathroom for her morning routine.
Once showered and dressed in casual attire Regina joined the three men of her life in the kitchen. The scene that unfolded in front of her made her heart melt. Henry and Colin had saved some of their pocket money in order to buy a gift for their little brother, and from her son's face she could tell that they hadn't spent it in vain.
Approaching the three boys, she noticed that the two boys had gone in great lengths for Ezra's present; they had bought him an authentic replica of Captain America's shield fitted for a five year old boy. The boy was jumping up and down from joy, throwing himself at Henry and Colin who caught him easily kissing both his cheeks before letting him on the floor again. She also noticed a Captain America's costume spread on the kitchen counter, and she was sure that from now on putting it in the laundry would be a difficult task as the boy would definitely want to wear it all the time.
''Do you like it Bubbah?'' Henry asked his younger brother as he helped him sit on the chair.
''Yes,thank you Henry!'' Ezra said but at his other brother's cough he quickly added, ''and Colin!''
''You're most welcome buddy!'' Henry replied as he ruffled the boy's hair and joined his mother in the kitchen to prepare the breakfast.
''That was very thoughtful of you Hen.'' Regina commented as she kissed the boy's cheek, earning a blush from him.
''Ah you know he always said how he wanted to be a Captain America so we saved some money, Colin also asked some money from Emma and with a bit of a search on ebay we were able to find the shield. The costume was much easier.'' The boy shrugged.
''You know that he won't stop wearing it now, don't you?'' Regina said making Henry chuckle.
''It was worth it though!'' Henry gave her a grin, eliciting an eye roll from his mother.
''And on that note, will you stop calling your mother by her first name?'' Regina lightly asked.
''Do you really want to discuss this now?'' Henry asked back, in the same tone.
''Henry'' Regina sighed turning her attention to him. ''She's your mother, she's hurting when you call her like that or when you refuse to stay with her on the weekends.''
''She should have thought that before cheating on you.'' Henry countered.
''Let me worry about that Hen. Will you at least consider it, staying with her I mean?''
''I dunno'' Henry simply replied, ending the discussion.
Regina watched Henry join his brothers at the kitchen table before continuing with the breakfast preparation.
The rest of their morning, Regina had sent the boys to spent some time with her father as she and her mother were cleaning up the house. Even though the house was always pristine, a little more dusting and cleaning wouldn't hurt. So here Regina was, cleaning the living room while Cora was in the kitchen washing the plates and glasses that might be needed for the evening. When Regina finished with it, she joined her mother in the kitchen,sitting on one of the stools as she took on apple from the bowl to eat.
''Thanks for helping'' Regina casually said as she bit the red flesh of the fruit, savoring its sweet taste. Oh how she loved apples.
''You know I wouldn't let you do all these by yourself. And by the way, Zelena will be here a little after one. I sent her to the supermarket to buy whatever we might need for the evening. You know beverages, some snacks, some banners for decoration etc etc. Graham will also be early to help with the barbeque'' Cora said happily.
''Ezra is so excited about this. He wouldn't stop talking once I told him the plans I had for his birthday. Ashley told me, he invited every single person he had met at the park that day. Thankfully Ashley stepped in and she narrowed the list down a bit as we would have to feed an army today!'.' Regina said making Cora laugh.
''So are you expecting a lot of people?'' Cora asked, not averting her eyes from the task at hand.
''Oh you know, my in-laws,Kathryn and Fred, Mal,some of Colin and Henry's friends, some of Bubbah's, Ashley with her family and some of Emma's colleagues. I wish Belle and Ruby were here too but well Australia is a bit far from here.''
''They are on the honeymoon dear, I'm sure once they get back they will ask for a repeat of the party'' Cora joked.
''Anyway what about Emma? Will she come to help too?'' Cora asked curiously.
''No. She offered but I told her that we have it covered and she should come at the same time as the other guests. I don't want to see her more than it's necessary.''
''Regina-'' her mother started but Regina cut her off.
''Don't Regina me. I'm trying, but sometimes I just want to give up. I'm tired mom. I'm tired of being conflicted.''
''Conflicted?'' Cora questioned as she turned to face her daughter, abandoning the dishes' washing and approaching her daughter.
''There are these days when I want to forgive her and take her back home, kiss her and never letting her go. But there are also these days that I want to hurt her so bad, I want her to feel my pain.''
''What happened at the wedding?'' Cora asked without missing a beat. You seemed pretty well, but after your dance with Emma your mood changed completely.
''We...we had a moment in the janitor's closet.'' She stopped to gauge her mother's reaction, but her mother wasn't giving anything away. Of course, her mother had the perfect poker face, that's why she was one of the best in her field. ''And then she talked about a future, with us being together. I felt trapped and I left her.''
''How did you feel when you were ..in the closet?'' Cora smirked at the last one, making Regina groan.
''Are you trying to psychoanalyze me?''
''Νο, Ι'm just curious.'' Cora shrugged and Regina roll her eyes.
''I felt...wanted. I haven't felt like that in a while. She made me feel all these things that I have felt when we have first met. It was exhilarating. Making out in the closet like some teenagers. And then my mind made images of Emma doing exactly the same thing to her, I panicked, I slapped her and then I left.''
''I see. You're still afraid, Regina.''
''Is it wrong feeling like that?''
''No, of course not sweetheart. This..fear might never leave. Even if you forgive Emma you'll still feel threatened and scared of her cheating on you again. But you can't let that fear dictate your relationship with Emma. Yes, you had a lot of downs lately but you have a ten year marriage with plenty of good memories. I'm not saying that you should forgive her just like that. Just don't let the fear decide for you.'' Her mother said as she patted her knee.
''Now enough of this. We have a party to organize!.'' Cora exclaimed making Regina laugh.
After their lunch with their grandfather,the boys had returned home where they found the rest of the Mills family along with Mary Margaret baking, cooking and decorating the house. Ezra and Colin had gone for a nap, so as to be ready for the night, while Henry helped Graham to set the barbeque. The rest of the evening had gone like that and a few minutes before the first guests arrive Henry and Regina had retreated to their rooms to wear their bathsuits. Regina had opted for a white one, that she had bought a few days ago, especially for today, throwing a simple summer dress atop it.
Fifteen minutes after four, the first guests had started to arrive, all wearing simple dresses or shorts as the day didn't require something heavier. Regina contemplated for a while if she should remove her dress and just stay with her bikini. The youngers had already started swimming and playing in the pool and she couldn't wait to do the same. For now she would greet the guests that were coming, guide them in the backyard and offer them some drinks. David and Nate along with her father and brother were also outside grilling and drinking beers with such speed that she would have to go and buy some more cans in order to accommodate the other guests. She also shot Graham a death glare indicating him to slow down with the beers as her father shouldn't drink that much but he only shrugged before taking one more, opening and drinking it ostentatiously, making Regina roll her eyes.
As the time was passing, more and more guests were arriving, until everyone was there except for Emma. Regina had called her twice but to no avail. She thanked god that Ezra was to preoccupied, playing with his friends, that he hadn't noticed Emma's absence. Henry, however, had noticed and had given his mother a judgemental look, saying that this was Emma and she always had a way to fuck it up. At this Regina didn't argue.
Finally after an hour of the agreed time, Emma dressed in tight white shorts, a black tank top and her white converse, thank every god she knew, that Emma hadn't forgotten and approached her.
''Hey!'' Emma greeted happily as she removed her sunglasses.
''You're late.'' Regina simply said.
''Yeah sorry about that, but the kid's present wasn't quite ready so I had to wait.'' Emma explained and Regina couldn't tell if she was telling the truth or not.
''I don't see you having any present.'' Regina commented flatly, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
''Yeah, because the present is outside. Bring the kids at the front door.'' Emma said to which Regina complied. A few minutes later, Regina along with the three boys were by the front door, as Emma had asked.
''Bubbah!Happy Birthday buddy!.'' Emma exclaimed, as she lifted the boy to her arms, kissing his cheeks.
''Thanks mama!.'' The boy giggled, making Emma's heart melt. She wasn't used to hearing her son's voice.
''Okay'' Emma said as she left the boy to the floor. ''What about opening the door to see what's behind it, shall we?'' Emma said encouragingly, nudging the boy towards the door. The boy stared at the door for a while, then at Emma who simply nodded at him and then back to the door, taking the knob to its hand and twisting it a bit in order to open it. The door opened to reveal a jack russell, his leash tied to the door, preventing it from escaping, staring back at Ezra whose eyes were wide open.
''A puppy!'' The boy shrieked excitedly launching himself at the puppy and started petting its head. The other two boys, who had the same expression as Ezra, rushed to the door and next to their brother.
''Do you like it Bubbah?'' The blonde asked but the boy was so engrossed at his new friend that ignored Emma's question. Emma turned her head to meet with Regina who was simply staring at the dog, her face not giving any emotion. Emma couldn't tell if she had screwed up or not. She prayed for the latter as she approached the three boys.
''So how are we gonna name him?'' Emma asked the three boys, but mostly Ezra.
''How about Simba?'' Ezra asked back.
''Like from the Lion King?'' At which the boy nodded.
''Well in that case, Simba it is!.'' Emma declared and petted the pup's head, before standing up to face Regina once more time. By this time, the boy had left the front door and had moved back to the backyard.
''A dog Emma, really?'' Regina asked irritated.
''Come on Gina the boys have been asking for one, since forever.'' Εmma defended.
''You should have told me first!.'' Regina hissed.
''You would have said no!.'' Emma hissed back.
''Emma a dog has its own needs, it's like raising a baby!.''
''Yeah well, not a few months ago you wanted a baby. So here's your chance!'' Emma spat.
''Babies are not that messy Emma! How am I supposed to raise three boys and a dog alone?This dog, until it gets used to this change, is gonna poop our whole house!''
''Our boys are old enough to help him adjust and responsible to take him out for a walk, feed him and clean him. Trust them a little, it won't hurt.'' Emma said, choosing to ignore the jab that Regina threw by saying that she's raising the boys alone.
''I trust them Emma. Anyway there's no point in fighting right now over this, is it?Next time though, give me a heads up.'' Regina said before turning to leave.
''Regina.'' Emma said grabbing Regina's wrist and spinning her around so as to face her.
''What Emma?'' Regina growled.
''I...uh..'' Regina found this loss at Emma's words as an opportunity to yank her wrist free from Emma's hold and leave.
Once in the backyard, Emma scanned the place for a familiar face. She saw Nate and Graham at the barbeque drinking beers but with a better look she also noticed her father sitting on a chair, nearby , talking to Henry Sr., so she dismissed her plan on tagging along with them. Next, her eyes fell on a familiar blonde who was talking to her wife. Of course Mal would be here Emma thought bitterly. Finally, her eyes landed on August, one of her colleagues, and there was where she headed.
As she was talking with August though, her eyes never left Regina and Mal. The two women, along with Kathryn, thankfully, were in their bikinis,sitting on the edge of the pool, as they were drinking their cocktails. Emma scowled at the scene and attempted to focus on August but she couldn't. Excusing herself, she went in kitchen to grab another beer.
Retuning in the backyard, the scene was the same, but this time Regina was leaned on the other blonde and giggling at whatever Mal was saying to her. Ok that was it. Emma said to herself and was ready to intervene when a grab on her wrist stopped her from doing so. Turning her head she was met with Cora.
''I think it's time for the cake.'' Cora simply said,dragging Emma along in the kitchen.
''But-'' Emma tried to protest but Cora cut her off.
''Do you really want to make a scene at your son's birthday party?'' Cora asked once they were inside the kitchen, Cora preparing the cake while Emma was staring at her.
''No, but have you seen how they were acting?"
''Emma dear, Regina unlike you, would never cheat on you. You two are still married. Should you two divorce she will think about her other options.''
''So, does she like this Mal?'' Emma asked as she fidgeted with her hands.
''You mean romantically?'' At which Emma nodded.
''As far as I know she's still in love with you.'' Cora admitted making Emma feel relief but also pain.
''I messed it up didn't I?''
''Big time.'' Cora agreed but continued. ''This doesn't mean that you can't fix it. You should give her some time. Keep your distance but without looking aloof at the same ,she needs time but she also wants to know that you will be here no matter what. Can you do that Emma?''
''I'll do anything for Regina.'' Emma replied without missing a beat.
''That's what I wanted to hear.'' Cora smiled,making Emma to do the same.
It was a little after 9 when the last guest had left. Cora and Mary Margaret as well as Mal had offered to stay in order to help but Regina said she'll clean up tomorrow so she simply saw them off. Ezra had already gone to bed,t he excitement of the day clearly wore him off and after a while Henry and Colin had followed suit. Emma, despite Regina's protests, had stayed as Regina was a bit tipsy and was struggling with simply tasks such as throwing the plastic cups and plates or putting the porcelain ones in the washing machine. She had also moved from her car some dog food she had bought, along with some toys and a dog bed, which Regina placed in the living room. For the first, and last time though, Regina agreed to let Ezra take the puppy to his bed and sleep with him.
Emma was at the couch, nursing a beer and waiting for Regina to dismiss her or ask her for some help. She had closed her eyes, the day starting to catch up with her, when she felt someone straddling her thighs. Opening her eyes she was met with brown ones staring back at her.
''Regina are you alright?'' Emma asked warily.
''Just a little tipsy.'' Regina replied then added ''And horny.'' The last admission made Emma's eyes open widely trying to sit up but found it difficult as Regina was pinning her on the couch.
''I think you should go to sleep.'' Emma suggested but Regina didn't pay her much attention as she now had moved her lips to Emma's earlobe swirling her tongue around it, sending jolts to Emma's core.
''Regina, you're drunk'' Emma whispered but the words died in her lips as Regina untied the top of her bikini and let it fall on the floor.
''You were saying?'' Regina asked before crushing her lips with Emma's.
''Regina we should stop'' Emma managed to say between kisses but instead, Regina moved her hands to Emma's shorts, trying to open it. She succeeded, but a hand on her wrist stopped her from putting hers to where Emma needed her most. Raising her eyes she met Emma's who was looking at her apologetically.
''Regina as much as I want this to happen, I think we should stop. I want this to happen when you're not that drunk or emotional.'' Emma reasoned but Regina still felt like the blonde denied her. Pain was written across her face as she removed herself quickly from Emma's lap, putting a pillow in front of her naked breasts.
''Leave.'' Regina simply said, not wanting to show her dissappointment at Emma.
''Regina believe me I want this but not like that.'' Emma implored.
''I doesn't matter.'' Regina said in an authoritative tone. ''It's getting late anyway. I think you should go. Good night Mrs. Swan.''
''Regina-''Emma sighed but stopped at the sight of Regina's death glare.
Reaching the front door and opening it she turned to look once more at Regina who had her back turned to Emma.
''Goodnight Regina.'' Emma whispered before closing her door behind her.