A/N- So I am not a huge fan of social media, but I bit the bullet and got a Tumbler account and posted some Fan Art from this story. I am new to photo editing, so be gentle, but it's been fun to play with. :-)
littleswanlover on Tumber
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Previously...
Emma silently conversed and beamed up brightly. "She says thank you for everything and that we deserve ice-cream after lunch."
"She does?"
"Mmhhhmm!" A knowing nod and more wiggles as she was set down. "And she says hang on to your broomstick 'cause she's bbaaaaaccckkkk!"
'And I wouldn't have it any other way.' Regina thought as she chased the giggling girl with tickle hands out of the kitchen.
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Emma having her memories back had a profound effect on the both halfs. They shared present space more fluidly, each with the ease of a child's mind. The Savior was relishing the experience from both sets of eyes, enjoying the freedom in just being a kid. Her little side was still dominant and in control of the shifts, but willingly allowed the adult half to have time with the Queen.
She stopped thinking so hard about everything and their relationship, now knowing she wanted this experience, was richer. Where the adult half had taken for granted the time spent at the pond, on a warm lap, reading together, or even getting help with homework now seemed precious. The little side enjoyed her big half's playful nature and they were often in cahoots in a prank or mischief of a kind. Their most recent a game of hide and seek they didn't tell the Queen they were all playing. A frantic hour of searching the house and yard turned up a giggling girl in the tool shed. Emma learned to make sure her Keeper knew when that particular game was being played and Regina remembered what life had been like with the blonde before the spell.
Life was easier until it wasn't.
The first week of May brought turbulence as big Emma began to wonder about what was never answered about the spell; her Keeper's full price. She knew two things, one was the price of the Queen's reservoir of power and the other was something deeply personal Regina had promised she'd share when ready. The second chance they were living had a heavy fee and Emma was determined to figure out what it was and somehow repay the cost.
It was a Thursday evening and they had just gotten home from swimming. Emma was fresh out of bath and finishing her homework at the kitchen counter as Regina cooked, a stuffed chicken breast vegetable combo that smelled of sweet spices. The little half had gladly allowed her adult side to take over when it came time to do homework.
"Gina, what's this word?" An eraser tapped the page of math problems.
"Let's see…disaggregate. It means to separate or take apart." The regal silently read the directions, shaking her head at the new math children were expected to navigate. "You have to take the numbers apart and create an addition number sentence. Here you have the number 23. You could create many different math problems from that number, like 20 + 3 = 23, or 10 + 10 + 3 = 23."
"Why don't they just say that? Big words suck."
She rolled her eyes and finished the last set of problems with ease. As she closed her folder, she watched Regina taste test the red sauce for the chicken and smiled when she was offered the spoon after. Lips smacked and she gave two thumbs up.
"That good, really?"
"Mmmhhhmm. Hey Gina? I wanna know something."
"What is that, dear heart?" Turning back to the stove to stir the sauce.
"What was the other price you paid?"
Dark eyes misted at the casual slap of a curve ball and refocused on the red simmering liquid. "I'm not ready to discuss that right now. Wash your hands please."
Emma shifted over to the sink. "But I tell you stuff." She ran warm water over her hands and sighed when she was reminded to use soap.
"Yes you do and we share a lot of things between us. This is one that I will share with you when I am ready."
"What would make you ready?" Emma couldn't help pushing as she accepted the offered silverware bundle.
"Time and your respect that this is my decision." The Queen sent the girl into the dining room with a pat and returned to the stove to remove the entrée.
Small feet returned a minute later and stood watching as her food was plated and cut up. "For the record, I do respect your decision, and you Gina." Following heels into the dining room, she took her place and put the napkin on her lap as she'd been taught in both lives. "I just reaaallllly wanna know."
Eyebrow raised, Regina began to delicately slice the meat on her plate, a silent signal the child knew well.
A full minute of chewing, Emma counted to be sure, before trying again. "Please?"
"Emma, enough. How is your food?"
"Balls to the wall amazing, like always." Cheeky as she dared to be.
"Careful, dear." Gentle chiding between sips of wine. "Though, my cooking has never had the honor of that distinction, thank you."
A fork scraped as the girl scooped sauce onto the chicken. "Soooo… was it something big or small?"
"Emma."
"Animal, vegetable, or mineral?"
"No." The Queen sighed.
Big eyes blinked. "Nooooo, like it's not one of those?"
"Just no Emma. Do you remember what I told you about people sometimes not wanting to answer personal questions and that when that is the case, you need to be respectful of their choices?"
"Yeah."
"And why did I say that?"
"Cause they are people too, but you're not a person."
Brows arched in surprise.
Emma quickly pulled her foot from her mouth. "I mean you're more than just a person. You're Gina…like Wonder Woman on steroids, but with way more class and you do it in Fu…F—me heels." She took a proud bite of chicken and chewed with a smirk.
Though amused at the comparison, Regina was not at the modified 'f' word. "Language Emma."
"What? I couldn't do half what you do and certainly not in your heels."
"You have worn my heels before, a few times I might add and willingly."
Teasing edged her tone as she took another sip of wine, enjoying the rich banter she'd missed the last several months as Emma sputtered, milk nearly spraying across the table.
"Correction." A finger shot up to save her pride. "Mini-me has worn your heels and dress up doesn't count."
"You were adorable none the less and I have photo evidence."
"So not fair!" Emma grumbled and stabbed a piece of meat refocusing on her main point. "Just give me a hint, pretty please, about the price."
Dark locks shook. "I already gave you my answer and any more discussion about it will result with your nose in a corner."
Pink pouting lips wrapped around a fork. She kept eating, trying to shift her mind to another topic, but it ate at her like ants on an apple core.
"Can I at least tell you why I wanna know?"
A patient red mouth parted and seeing the sincere plea in green eyes, relented. "Go ahead."
"I wanna know so I can thank you. Whatever you gave up had to of been bigger than just your magic, which was like a shi—a ton by itself. You said it was personal and I just wanna make sure you are okay." Biting her lip in wait as the eyes she loved moved far away for a moment before returning.
"Come here, baby." Regina scooted back and accepted the girl up onto her lap. "I don't mean to be evasive with you and I appreciate your concern—"
"But…" Emma crossed her arms.
"But nothing." Two fingers lifted a chin. "And I understand your curiosity. I will tell you I gave up this price over two years ago when I first began to craft the spell and I've learned to adapt."
"But something. You shouldn't have had to adapt, not for me." Emma pulled her chin away and thought. 'I'm not worth it.'
"Look at me… There will be no negative self talk." The brunette easily saw through the mask of a pout into that little head. "The rule we have in place for that still applies here. You are worth everything that was paid and more."
"Every what Gina?" Their eyes locked. "Just tell me."
Hesitancy and want rested between them.
"It's me Gina, all of me is here right now. I can handle it." Emma begged; ready to try to return whatever was given or die trying.
A pause from the Queen teetered on a wire, balancing on the need coming from her girl to know.
"This was my choice. You need to accept that here and now. I knew the price before we even started this process and if we were to go back and start over I'd do it all again. Will you accept that?"
"Yeah, I get it. It was your choice; no one made you do it." The blonde nodded.
Teeth nicked an inner cheek. "My memories of Daniel."
Static air.
"Which one?"
A metallic taste flooded Regina's mouth. "All of them."
Panic. "But-but-but you still know who he is, right, like you're talking about him now?"
"Yes, but… his face... all details of those memories are gone." Pain framed her mouth.
Emma sagged as the space between them grew. "That's too much. You paid too much." The rug pulled clean from under her feet. There was no replacing that significance in her Keeper's heart… and it had been done with her happiness in mind. "He was everything to you."
"He was at a time long ago." Regina reached to tuck a curl behind the curve of an ear. "I've grown and changed much since then. I had Henry to help me begin again and now you helping me heal this piece."
Emerald clouds darkened threatening rain. "You shouldn't have done that Gina." Fists clenched and another biting thought came. 'Not for me.'
"It was my decision to make Emma. The price was freely given. You asked me and I am being honest with you as I always have been."
Now frustrated that she had said anything before she was ready. She owned that decision and would not blame the Savior for it. Though, the blonde's anger about it, strummed a red cord.
Emma wiggled off that lap needing space and crossed the room.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm done eating."
She felt sick with disbelief over what the Queen assured she was worth. Old coping mechanisms pulled her mind and body away from the brunette. In her gut she knew Regina had exposed a wound only at her insistence and she wanted nothing more than to press a hand over the blood flow, but her own self doubt prevented that motion. Feet stilled automatically at her Keeper's voice.
"You have not been excused." Expected words that kept the tie between them, reminding the girl of their rules, and the underlying meaning of why they had them.
Out of respect and habits that had become deeply ingrained Emma returned to her seat and picked up the fork, finishing her dinner over the next few minutes. The fork hit the table with a thud when she was done. Pushing back as she always did when upset, needing the Queen to show her where the line was again. One firm, but loving look from the across the table was all it took for the anxiety she felt to ease up.
"May I be excused, please?" Still defensive, but trying.
"Emma… We should—"
"Please Gina?"
Resigned for the moment. "Clear your place, then." Eyes found the clock as small hands gathered dishes to leave. "It's getting late. Brush your teeth. I'll be up to tuck you in shortly."
The girl hurried upstairs, scrubbed her teeth with half a heart, and dove under the covers as liquid dripped down cheeks like running wax when a candle burns too bright. Salt mixed with peppermint in her mouth and after a few minutes sobs rang in the room. In a bright blur the weight of the blankets lifted and a new weight settled along her front. Emma buried her wet little face into clean red cotton and a heart beat steadily near her ear. They laid together in the quiet of their own thoughts.
One ached to accept the truth from one who never lied.
The other pondered how to cross the space stuck between them.
A green bridge appeared.
"Are y-you really okay Gina?"
Dark eyes welled. "I'm getting there." Regina eased down under the covers. "Every day is a bit better than the one before."
"Baby steps." A soothing echo learned from her Keeper.
"For both of us."
"I'm sorry I forced you to tell me. I should have quit when you told me too."
"It was my choice to tell you. I didn't have to right then."
"But you did… Why?"
"You seemed in need of knowing."
Emma propped up on an elbow, wiping her eyes. "You always put me first and I reacted like an ass when you told me what you sacrificed for me."
"Language." A hand found a bottom to pat under the duvet.
Rubbing and a small watery smirk at the gentle correction followed. "Really Gina? I'm trying to own up here." Serious eyes took over. "I'm sorry."
"Thank you for your apology." Whispering as little lips pecked her cheek.
Emma was still upset over the price paid on her behalf, but content in the arms that held her. As she snuggled down vowing to find a way to repay the gift, their lullaby sang by the Queen reached the ache inside their hearts enough that dreams soon came for both of them.
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The taste of summer filled Emma's mouth and the promise of freedom soon to come dripped down a pointed chin, caught by napkin. She fussed at having her sticky face wiped and slid back in the booth at Granny's where she'd been allowed a small chocolate ice-cream cone after lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The red vinyl stuck to her thighs as the heat of May rushed in the diner door with new customers.
There were only a few weeks of school left and Emma was excited for the stretch of time free from homework, books, and routine. In her little mind she saw lazy days of sleeping in until noon, swimming at the Rec Center, playing video games, picnics, riding her bike, and maybe a trip somewhere fun. She forgot one important detail; her Mama was the Mayor and a Queen. She was also Regina who did not have an unplanned bone in her body.
"How do you feel about the day camps I mentioned?" Regina cast a side glance at her chocolate faced girl as she finished a salad. "There is an art one I think you would really enjoy."
A shrug and a lick to catch a drip. "I don't know."
"Well, you have plenty of choices and some time to think about them." Smiling at the wide eyes looking up at her.
"I wanna play a lot. Big me says we want un-struct-ured time… What's that mean?"
"It means without a schedule or a plan."
"Oh… That doesn't sound good."
Emma finished her cone as her big half internally shared the benefits of said unstructured time, but the little half was done entertaining the idea.
"Mama, tell her to stop. She keeps poking my brain." The girl whispered and accepted the wet wipe to clean her hands.
"Let me speak with her for a moment."
"She says no cause she'll make you get your scrunchy face on."
"She is not allowed to tell me no and neither are you, sweet one."
At the reminder the adult half was allowed to step forward. "I don't want to go to camp. I want to have fun and not be in a routine."
"I understand that and tell me, how has that worked out for you in the past?"
A twitch. "Perfect cause I could do what I wanted."
"And?"
Rolling green eyes. "And that's not the point of being here or how we work." She slumped in the booth. Her eyes found the brochures for camps on the table, catching the price of the one she actually wanted to go to. A hot wave of guilt washed through.
Regina caught Emma's chin for one last wipe with a napkin, noting the clouds in green eyes. "You need a routine and there will be plenty of fun and freedom woven in, I promise."
Little shoulders relaxed at the last two words. "But they are really expensive."
"That is nothing you need to be concerned with."
"But I am concerned. You spend a ton on me as it is."
Regina took a small hand and massaged the white knuckles. "What is our rule on that?"
"What's yours is mine and mine is yours." An echo from another life.
A manicured finger tapped a colorful paint splashed cover. "The art camp is three days a week, same as school hours. You would still have swimming in the evenings and time with me at Town Hall on days in between, or Ruby could sit for you if—"
"No, I want to be with you."
"Then you will be. I have more flexibility in my schedule during the summer and I plan on taking a few long weekends so we may travel or just hang out, as you like to put it."
"What about bedtime? Can I stay up later?"
"We shall see."
A huff. "That always means no."
A familiar voice interrupted them. "Will there be anything else Regina?"
"No thank you Ruby, just the check please."
The she wolf tilted her head at a sour faced Emma. "Hey, how was the ice cream little swan?"
"Fine." A gentle nudge corrected her. "Fine, thank you. Wait, Ruby…" Mischief took over.
"What's up?" The red head began to stack the empty plates.
"Hypothetically articulating, don't you believe someone who is technically mature enough should be able maintain their autonomy to stay up as belatedly as they fancy?"
Ruby's jaw dropped as her eyes found the Mayor's.
"New vocabulary words. She's a sponge at this age." The Mayor covered efficiently, raising a brow at the giggling girl next to her when the waitress left.
"What?" Emma shrugged innocently as she dared. "I'm a sponge."
"A naughty one with an early bedtime tonight." Teasing as she opened her purse.
"Awwwww, come on. It was funny!"
They slid out of the booth as money was left on the table when the check dropped. Emma took her Keeper's hand as they walked home, thoughts of the fun summer ahead dancing through her mind.
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Next time - Emma celebrates Mama's Day and learns what her Keeper means by follow through.
After that four chapters left, then the epilogue... If you have enjoyed this story and have not had a chance to review, please consider doing so, no matter what your thoughts. Authors live for feedback and we invest a lot of time into crafting tales to share. This journey had been amazing and I'm grateful to have been able to share this with you all.
:-) Cheers!