I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.

A/N: some sexy times ahead.

16: A Throe

Emma was not sure how long she and Regina sat on the floor of the destroyed living room, kissing and crying, but it seemed like all eternity and that was still not long enough. She only realized how tilted the world was and how tense she had been after they paused and she took a breath. She could really breathe. There was no tightness in her chest or sense of doom creeping across every nerve like before. She felt normal for the first time in a long time.

"I'm sorry," Emma apologized again and again. Each apology was accompanied with a kiss to the head, cheek, or lips. "I'm sorry." She almost lost Regina. She almost lost her family. "I'm sorry."

Regina kissed the corner of her mouth. "As am I."

"We always make it so hard. We can't get out of our own way or each other's way." Emma rubbed her head. It did not help that she had been so out of her mind lately.

Regina nodded. "We fear each other because we've never felt this way. At least I haven't."

Emma shook her head. "Believe me, I haven't either, but this is everything I ever wanted for me and for Henry. This is perfect."

Regina seemed to reward her with that description with a kiss. "Which is why it had to be a lie. Nothing is ever perfect."

"Yeah and we proved that, but…" Emma paused to stroke Regina's thigh. It caused Regina to nuzzle her shoulder and Emma shuddered. How was she so stupid to almost toss this away? "We can make it our own. It doesn't have to be perfect."

Regina nuzzled Emma's neck and that was even better than her shoulder. The skin on skin contact was electric. "It just has to be ours. We'll build up something for ourselves. You've turned me to a teen again who hopes and dreams.''

Emma chuckled and melted under the feel of Regina. "I feel the same way. God, it only makes sense for us to almost ruin this."

"Well, we're often awful to each other."

"Yeah. Definitely have to work on that. I hate to think I'm one of those people who hurts the one she loves because I think you'll always be there. I mean, that's terrible. I don't want to hurt you."

"And I don't want to hurt you."

Emma smiled a little. "I'll get better. We'll get better."

Regina gave a soft kiss to her neck. "We will, especially after this. Might we move on now?"

Emma snickered and added a few kisses of her own to the mix, lips to Regina's forehead. "Where do you want to move to?"

The smirk on Regina's face was positively sinful. "I'm sure you can figure it out.''

Emma smiled and placed a flurry of kisses to Regina's cheeks. "Hey, so this kink of yours…"

Regina groaned. "Can we at least not call it a kink?"

Emma brushed Regina's hair back, wanting to see her whole face. "Nope. Calling it a kink and whatever else that gets on your nerves. I just wanna know if it extends to my ability to do this." Emma stood up and lifted Regina in her arms.

Regina squealed and wrapped her arms around Emma's neck. "What? How? I am not that light!"

Emma wiggled her eyebrows. She could get used to this. "You're pretty light, but I think I subconsciously give myself super strength with magic now to keep up with Ruby."

Regina pursed her lips. "Is that supposed to impress me?"

Emma grinned again. "Oh, I know it does. You like the idea of me doing magic as much as you like the fact that I can lift you up." While they never got to any serious magic lessons, there were enough and there was also the fact that Regina was right — Emma used her magic when she needed to.

Regina did not deny it and Emma's grin was so wide, it hurt her face. She wasted no time making her way upstairs. Regina leaned against her, kissing her neck and cheeks. Emma purred from the attention and could not believe the glee she felt when she got to the bedroom. She sat Regina down on the bed like the treasure she was and attached herself to Regina's lips. Regina wasted no time kissing her back. Regina's kisses were like magic and she tasted like heaven. Kissing her was definitely paradise.

Emma wrapped her hands around Regina's waist and gave a little squeeze. Regina's hands were on her biceps and squeezed right back. The simple move made Emma's heart jump in her chest. She felt like she could explode from the attention, but she would welcome it.

Emma pulled back, just enough to look Regina in the face. Staring into those dark brown eyes, it was like seeing Regina for the first time. It was like seeing the world for the first time. A tear slid down Regina's face.

"You okay?" Emma asked as she wiped the tear away.

Regina laughed. "I'm happy. I don't think I've ever felt this way before. I'm damn near giddy." And she outright giggled.

"Oh, my god! I made you make that sound. I'm officially awesome." Emma was dead serious about her pride. She threw her shoulders back and grinned.

Regina swatted her arm, but it was more like a light caress. "I did not make that sound. You never heard that. I don't giggle."

Emma snickered. "Okay." There was silence for a moment. "Hey, on a serious note, how does this work? Do you want me to just order you around or do the whole dominating thing?" Emma could do that. She had done it in the past. It was fun. It could be fun again, depending on how they did it.

Regina cupped her face and gave her a sweet peck on the lips. "I'm not really sure. Can we play it by ear to see what we're both comfortable with?"

"Okay, but that could be a little iffy. I don't want to hurt you or remind you of anything unpleasant. We should talk about whatever we can for something like this."

Regina twirled a lock of Emma's hair. "I don't think you'll remind me of anything. Whenever I'm with you, I just think about you."

Emma's heart fluttered and she smiled. "Aw, you love me."

Regina narrowed her gaze. "Don't make me reconsider."

"You already did and you still picked me. This is a real hollow threat." Emma nodded and then put her chin in the air.

Regina frowned. "You're going to be insufferable."

Emma stood up a little taller. "Definitely. But, we both know you're going to be that way, too. Now, I'm going to take off your cuffs." She wanted to give Regina what she wanted, but she also needed to give herself what she needed.

"And the collar?" Regina's eyes glistened a little and Emma was not sure what to make of it.

"The collar, too. If you want a collar and cuffs, we can buy some online together." She could be all right with that. Those things would not be signs of Regina's slavery.

Regina moaned and now her eyes looked down right delighted. "Do you mean it? You're not upset? Disgusted?"

Emma scoffed. "Regina, you always think I'm sweet, innocent, and pure as the driven snow, even though you have tons of evidence that shows you I'm very much not those things. I've lived. I've done some things. I've seen some things. I've heard things. This isn't disgusting. Again, shocking because of who you are, but doable. Now, sit still while I get the keys."

Regina sat up straight like the perfect lady. Guess she really is into it. Emma held in a laugh as she got the keys from the nightstand and freed Regina from her bonds. If this was a trick, now would be the time for something to happen. Regina just sat there, prim and proper.

"Good girl." Emma rewarded Regina with a kiss.

Regina moaned into her mouth. So, she likes to be told she's a good girl. Well, that's just one more thing we have in common. Emma eased away from Regina's mouth and took Regina's left wrist into her hands. She stroked the redden skin with her thumb.

"Teach me how to heal you. I don't want to do this with you hurt," Emma said. Their magic lessons had involved how Emma could heal herself, with Regina expressing concern for Emma running out into madness everyday.

Regina gave her this soft smile that hit her right in the heart and made it thump like there was bass in her system. "It's not that hard for something like this. You know basic healing at least for yourself. Now, it's about focusing your magic outward instead of in. Your magic lends to follow your intentions. So, just will it and it should happen."

Emma nodded, as that sounded simple enough. She put Regina's raw wrist to her lips and kissed the rough skin there. Emma jumped as she felt a spark from her lips and Regina yelped. Emma looked up at her and she smiled. She liked making Regina make little noises. She switched wrists and kissed that one, feeling more of a flow than a spark that time. Regina shuddered.

"You okay?" Emma asked. She needs someone to take care of her. I wanna do that. I wanna take care of her.

Regina's breath hitched and she nodded. "Make me do something. Tell me to do something." She sounded so eager, so breathless.

"Undress."

Regina bit her bottom lip. She looked ready to burst. Emma held in a giggle. It was a delight to see Regina happy, giddy anyway. She was cute. Emma stepped back to give Regina room to work.

Regina crossed her legs, one knee over the other and plucked at the button top button of her shirt. It was the only button-down shirt she had been left with and she wore it whenever she went outside. It was like being fancy was her armor and she was willing to drop her armor for Emma.

Emma's heart pounded heavy in her chest. Regina plucked the button, but of course it was already undone. She had to go three buttons down to get to a button to pop open. She managed it with one hand. Emma was sort of amazed at her dexterity. That'll be awesome for later. Emma had trouble unbuttoning her shirt with both hands under normal circumstances, but she would not have to worry about that anymore. She could tell Regina to do it and Regina would be happy to. Can't let that power go to my head.

Once the buttons were open and Emma could see Regina's smooth skin, she could feel so much heat scratching at her skin. I'm a fucking idiot. I almost tanked this whole thing. Regina managed to shimmy out of her shirt with a little shake of her shoulders and it was sexy. Emma had to go in for a taste. She showered kisses to Regina's shoulders and then her neck. It was paradise.

Regina moaned and pushed against Emma's wanting lips. "What about undressing?"

"Back to that in a second. I just need to feel you." Emma felt Regina nod and attached her lips to Regina's neck, gently sucking at the skin there. Would Regina mind a hickey?

Regina tilted her head, silently begging for more. Maybe a hickey was in order, so Emma suckled harder. Regina bucked against her and made an adorable yelp. She wrapped a hand around Emma's head, holding her close. It made Emma want to mark her even more, leave a big red mark on Regina's neck for the world to see, but they would not. Regina would probably put her collar back when she went outside. Wait. she doesn't need to do that. She pulled away.

"Stop wearing the collar," Emma said. It was a request really, but she wanted it to sound like an order.

Regina, in a daze, blinked and her eyes took a moment to focus on Emma. "What?"

"Stop wearing the collar."

Regina squinted as she tried to mentally catch up to the conversation. "I'm not wearing the collar."

Emma shook her head and gave Regina's thighs a squeeze. "No, I mean, in general, altogether. That collar was part of a punishment, but we're not a punishment. We're a couple and a family. So, don't wear the collar anymore."

Regina's eyes glistened. "I won't wear it ever again."

And there went Emma's heart again. Emma smiled and stroked Regina's neck with her index finger. "Like I said, if you really want a collar, we can buy one together and you can wear it in here to your heart's content." It would probably be fun.

Regina let go a low moan. "Please, tell me you mean that. You're not just saying it, right?"

"I'm not. We'll buy you something in nice black leather."

"Fuck," Regina said softly.

"Yeah, back to that." After hearing Regina say it, Emma really needed to do it. "Finish undressing." It took all of her willpower to step away.

Regina gave her an eager nod. She unfastened her pants and eased them down her slim hips. Now, she was in her underwear, plain cotton bra and panties. Emma sighed and caressed Regina's face.

"I just realized, they took your underwear, too," Emma said. This would not stand. They had to get Regina's armor back. Not just for Regina, but also so if she did another strip tease, she would actually have something to tease.

"Well, it was a punishment."

"But, it's not anymore." If necessary, she would buy Regina sexy lingerie and new clothes herself.

"It is not."

"Then undress me." Emma stepped close enough for Regina to reach her.

Regina somehow managed to make pulling Emma's henley over her head sexy. It might have to do with Regina lapping at her nipple, which was still covered by her bra, as she eased the shirt off. She wished she could see it, but the damn shirt was in the way. She ran her hand through Regina's hair before gathering it in her grip. Regina seemed to take that as a hint to spend time with Emma's nipple and it was a glorious sight. The bra was wet with Regina's attention, and it was not the only thing.

Emma groaned. "Regina, undress me." She growled at the end, needing to be naked and pressed against this enchantress who desired her and who she craved.

Regina undid Emma's pants and dragged them down Emma's hips. Her hands caressed Emma's skin like silk. Tingles floated through her. The feeling, while definitely erotic, felt pure. It was the truth. How dare she ever think this was a lie?

"Regina, this is all honest, genuine, real," Emma said. It needed to be said after she had the audacity to say it was anything more.

"I know." Regina kissed her thigh.

Emma hated that she needed to step away, but she needed space to get out of her boots. Regina stared at her with eyes laced with desire, but also stricken, like she needed Emma next to her right now. Of course, Emma almost tripped over herself to get out of her boots. Regina was kind enough not to smirk over it.

Shoes off, Emma took care of her own pants and underwear. She ripped off her bra before diving back to Regina's mouth As they kissed, Emma put her hands on Regina's thighs, pushing her back.

Regina took the non verbal command as well as the verbal. Regina moved to the middle of the bed and settled against the pillows. Regina's hands wandered Emma's ribs and made their way to Emma's breasts. There was that pure feeling along with hot passion. Flashing bolts of pleasure, too much for a simple touch, blazed through Emma's body. Emma moaned into Regina's mouth. I can't wait!

Emma dipped her hand into Regina's panties and was met with warm need. It was like discovering heaven and Emma yearned for it all, wanted it forever. Regina moaned and bucked against her. Having Regina move against her, silently beg her, it was too much for Emma. Her brain could barely process it and Regina arching against her did not help matters at all.

"That's it. Ride my hand, baby," Emma said in a hushed tone.

Regina moaned and did just that. Emma was beyond fascinated, watching Regina move, feeling Regina against her. Regina mewed and it struck Emma down to her core. This was too much. She needed to really see and feel Regina. She pulled away to rip away Regina's underwear, actually tearing the cheap cloth in the process. So what? It was not like she would let Regina wear those ever again. Regina smiled as she was bare to Emma.

"Be a good girl and lie here for me while I enjoy you, okay?" Emma said. She would go out of her mind if she did not have Regina right now.

Regina gave what could only be called a cute smile and nodded. "Yes, please." Maybe she had brought out teenage Regina again.

"You're so good."

Regina moaned and her breath hitched as Emma just let her hands drift down Regina's sides. A breathless Regina was so sexy. Emma went in for another kiss and filled her hand with Regina's breast. It felt like perfection and she needed to put her mouth all over it. So, somehow, she pulled away from wonderful lips and kissed her way down to Regina's chest.

Before coming to her destination, Emma rained wet kisses on Regina's collarbones, unable to stop touching and tasting Regina. It took so much willpower to continue downward, but she wanted to show Regina how loved her was, how special she was, how true this whole thing was.

Kissing her way down, Emma's mouth managed to make it to Regina's breast and ravaged it with her lips. With gentle bites, she took Regina's nipple into her mouth and adored it with her tongue as if it was the most precious thing on Earth. Regina cooed and clung to Emma as if Emma was the only thing tethering her to the world. It was a heady feeling, like Emma could go off into space and never come down.

Emma kissed and stroked Regina's chest with care and curiosity. She had a good time listening to Regina moaning. And then, as she nibbled, Regina dug her nails into Emma's shoulders and it was so good, Emma throbbed with want. She ached to give Regina the same feeling, the same sensation. She kissed her way down to Regina's navel and then dragged her tongue down lower, all the while looking Regina in the eye.

"Good girl. Keep looking at me," Emma said.

Regina bit her lip and nodded. Emma groaned at the sight. She moved down the bed and then yanked Regina to her. Regina yelped, which turned into a moan as Emma dived right in, savoring her as if she were on the menu. Emma ran her tongue up and down, watching Regina. Regina did not break eye contact until Emma wrapped her lips around Regina's clit. She released the treasure as Regina's eyes fluttered shut.

"Eyes open or I'll stop," Emma said, not sure she would go through with that threat. This was as much for her as for Regina. She needed to give Regina this.

Regina whimpered as dark eyes opened. "No, please," her voice was weak, young, but still sexy as hell.

"Then be good like you promised and keep your eyes open."

Regina nodded and purred. "I'll be good. I'll be good."

Emma smiled and went back to her treat. She eyed Regina as she worshipped her with her tongue and lips. The eye contact made the connection seem so much deeper, heavier, but in a good way. It was more than seeing the pleasure on Regina's face. It was like seeing into Regina's soul and watching it blossom and shine. She wanted to see this everyday for the rest of her life. She wanted Regina to shine bright and beautiful.

"I'm gonna go inside, okay?" Emma asked. Yeah, Regina might want her to be in charge, but she still needed verbal consent here, especially with Regina.

"Yes." Regina groaned, the vein in her forehead popped up and she looked even better.

That was all Emma needed and she had no problem easing a finger into Regina. She watched her finger disappear and could not be more fascinated by the sight if she tried. It did not help as she felt Regina ripple around her. It pulsed through her entire body and burned her up in the best of ways. She returned to suckle Regina's clit as she worked one finger, in and out, and then two.

Regina never broke eye contact as she moaned and flexed her thigh, running her foot up and down Emma's back. Each movement shot sparks through Emma and she wanted more. She drank in Regina, drowning in her very essence. Regina clawed at her arms and her back, breathing heavy. It only made Emma love her more.

"Emma," Regina whined.

"You gonna come?"

"Tell me."

"Come."

It only took one word for Regina to cry out, folding over into Emma's face. Emma's tongue was gifted with more sweet nectar and no doubt that Regina got off on being commanded by her. She could get used to that, could get drunk on it if she was not careful. Regina collapsed against the mattress, chest heaving, body flushed, and as beautiful as any person ever could be.

"You're gorgeous, you know?" Emma asked, but Regina was too blissed out of her mind to respond.

Emma moved as Regina was lost in pleasure and she gathered Regina in her arms, cradling Regina against her. Regina tucked in close to her and they got lost in the simple feel of flesh against flesh. Eventually, Regina looked up at her with sparkling eyes. Emma had to kiss her.

"Feeling good? Feeling loved?" Emma asked. She wanted Regina to feel like the paradise she was, the paradise she delivered too Emma.

"Tell me to do something else."

Emma thought Regina wanted to make love to her, but she wanted to revel in this a little more. She decided to go another route, something to test the waters. She put the fingers she had inside of Regina to Regina's lips.

"Suck," Emma said, certain she was in for a thrill.

Regina smirked at Emma and Emma shuddered at the rush through her. Regina opened her mouth and eased Emma's fingers in, running her tongue along Emma's fingertips and down. She did not stop until she was down to Emma's knuckles and Emma thought she might explode. And Regina sucked and stroked Emma's fingers with her tongue. Regina added to the pleasure, taking Emma's breast into her hand and kneading it at the same pace she sucked Emma's finger. Emma threw her head back and moaned.

"Yes, babe. Fuck that's good," Emma said.

Regina's eyes said it all. She smirked with her eyes. Emma groaned and fell back against the pillows. Regina did not ease up.

"Fuck. Okay, put me out of my misery," Emma said. No more teasing, no more playing around. She needed Regina to put the fire out under her skin before she imploded from all of this sensation.

Regina arched an eyebrow and Emma pulled her fingers away. "How?"

Emma wanted to think about it, but felt like she did not have the time or brain cells to think. She was about to go out of her mind. "Mouth now."

Regina did not keep Emma waiting. Emma could hardly contain herself as Regina kissed her quite intimately, tongue pressed to her clit. Jolts of pleasure shot through her and never seemed to stop. It never felt like this before. It was like an overload of love and pleasure, felt down to every cell in her body. Crying out to the ceiling, Emma could not believe Regina touching her was just as heavenly as touching Regina. This is fucking amazing!

Emma ran her hands through Regina's hair, caressing her scalp. Regina seemed to respond to that, upping her game. It was like her tongue was everywhere and when she sucked on Emma's clit, it was like she did magic without doing magic. The world faded and there was nothing but bliss. It was like Regina surrounded her, inside and out. The burning sensation from before was replaced by Regina somehow. Regina was her pleasure.

Emma did not have much of a choice when she climaxed, Regina's name on her lips. The world lost focus in the best of ways and when she returned from her haze, Regina was cuddled up next to her, caressing her bicep. I knew she liked my guns. Emma could not resist a kiss, a small peck on the lips. She tasted herself, but beyond that, she tasted Regina and the truth. Regina smiled.

"You're beautiful, especially when you're happy," Emma said.

Regina blushed. "You are, too."

Emma sighed. "I am happy. I'm happy this is real and it's right and it's true."

"Yes, to all of that."

"Yeah, it's great. You're great. I feel great." Her brain still was not at its best as far as putting together whole thoughts. "And tired. Great and tired."

Regina kissed her chin. "Then sleep. You've earned it."

Emma could not help listening to that. She was drained, but full somehow. She was drowsy, but felt like she could take on the world, but did not want to move from this spot. Sleep came easy for once.

-8-8-8-8-

Regina had to smile to herself as she watched Emma sleep. In the past, it would have disturbed her to be so attached to someone, especially someone as damaged as Emma. It seemed like they healed each other by appreciating each other and in the same way they could hurt each other, they could heal each other as long as they tried. She forgave Emma in ways she never would have imagined. She did not mind, which was odd, but she did not care. She only wanted the best for Emma.

"I want to take care of you for whatever reason." She kissed Emma's forehead and Emma smiled in her sleep. The soft expression made Regina happy in a way she would have thought was stupid a year ago.

Regina glanced at the clock, surprised it was barely noon. They had a couple of hours before Henry would come in. She would need to get up soon to clean up. No, wait, I can use magic! She glanced at her nude wrists.

No more irons for her. She would not miss them. She shuddered and tingled over buying a collar with Emma. Looks like the bug was right. At least he's not smug about these things, and I should probably stop calling him "the bug," even if it's just in my thoughts. It was not surprising Doctor Hopper was right, but in hindsight, they both always made things more difficult than they needed to be. With luck, they turned a corner at this point. They would not be able to survive each other if they did not.

"We will be better," Regina said, speaking it aloud, so it had a better chance being the truth Emma sought. A vow out loud held so much more weight than words inside of her head.

For the moment, Regina let herself be happy. It was a pure contentment and she had a fleeting memory of something vaguely like this, a long time ago. But, was more than just a flash from the past. Emma's weight against her was something she had never felt before. She was safe and secure, like she would be protected in a way no one had ever bothered to do. She hoped Emma felt the same with her.

"You okay?" Emma asked, sleep scratching her throat.

"Yes. Enjoying watching you sleep." Regina caressed Emma's shoulder.

Emma smiled. "Every night."

"I like that."

"I like you." Emma kissed her.

"I like you as well." She gave a kiss of her own. She could get used to this.

"I'm glad I ditched work to be with you. I should probably go back, though." Emma sighed and did not appear happy with that thought at all.

"No, you shouldn't. You have to take care of yourself first and foremost. You can't let them run you ragged like this. Every day you come in, you look like death warmed over."

Emma blew out a breath. "Coming here, coming home to this family might be the only thing keeping me alive. Most of the time, you know what I need and save me from having breakdown at the least."

Regina smiled. "I try."

"Well, you're very good at it. Seriously, coming home to you and Henry gives me life. You are my life, my reason for living. Hell, one of the main reasons I stick around this stupid town and consider it home is because you're here. You and Henry are home and I want to make it safe for you both."

"I understand. At this point, I just want to be here for you and Henry. You are my life. You and Henry are everything." And maybe that had always been the case, but she had not realized it. Henry being everything was easy. Adding Emma to that mix was something difficult, as they had proven.

A grin lit up Emma's face and she kissed Regina with fervor. Regina smiled against her lips and kissed her back. She could get used to this so easily and she leaned into Emma, letting her know that, but also giving her a silent plea. Don't hurt me again, please.

"You and Henry are everything," Regina repeated. She needed Emma to understand that. "You're my everything."

Emma nodded. "Then do us all a favor and never consider suicide again. I know things can seem bleak, but with time, they get better."

"Or worse." Life definitely taught her things got worse.

"There's always moments to live for. Henry has to learn to drive. He has to take a lucky girl or boy to prom and we have to make him blush over how handsome he looks. He has to graduate and go to college and so much other stuff. He needs his mom there. He needs you, even if you think he doesn't."

Regina hoped that was true. She had always needed her mother. She just never got her mother. She could not do that to Henry.

"And you know I need you," Emma said. "Even when I think I don't. This whole thing proves that."

Regina sighed and kissed Emma's forehead. "I need you, too. And, yes, this whole thing proves that." She might never think she did not now.

Emma smiled and pulled her closer. "Good because I'm never letting you go."

"So…" Regina swallowed as nervousness crawled up her throat. "Were you serious about us buying me a collar?" Yes, Emma mentioned it twice, but that just could have been the passion talking. Things had cooled down now. Was Emma really ready to handle this?

Emma reached up and caressed Regina's neck with one finger. "Collar. Cuffs, too, if you want."

"Really?" Regina could not control the squeak in her voice. Sometimes, I wish I didn't know you. Of course, this proved that sometimes, she actually did not know herself.

"Yeah. If this makes you happy, I'm as willing to do it as you are to make tacos." Emma grinned.

"Is that a request or an order?" She had made tacos before, on a night when Emma looked particularly haggard. It cheered her up some, which made Regina happy.

Emma shook her head. "I'd never order you about for dinner. I have no problem doing it in the bedroom with a safe word."

"You could do it around the house." Regina would enjoy being ordered around in non-sexual ways just as much as in a sexual manner, as she already had enjoyed it. It just had to be Emma directing her.

"I know, but I don't want to do it around Henry. He might think I'm treating you like a servant and then he'll tell me off. Hell, I'd let him and then be proud that he did it."

That was a fair point. "You're right."

"Besides, you might like us being just an average family. I know I will."

Regina cuddled into Emma. "You're right about that.''

"Yeah." Emma shifted, so she could caress Regina's thigh. "I gotta go clean up downstairs."

"No, you don't."

Emma's face scrunched up. "We have to. We can't let Henry come into that mess."

Regina raised her hand and made a gentle sweeping motion. "It's done."

"Show off." Emma kissed her shoulder.

"I just want to stay here with you for as long as possible."

"I'm all for that."

"Good." Regina tucked in close and inhaled Emma's perfect scent. There was a hint of spice to Emma and it felt like it gave Regina life. It was perfect. This was perfect. Perfect for them.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: the villains make a stand… and it's blown apart.