Just so it's clear, Regina had been married to Leopold for 18 years. She was 17 when she married him and is 7 years older than Mary Margaret. She is now 34 and Mary Margaret and Emma are both 28.

This is the last chapter. I thank you all for reading and reviewing and being so patient for updates. I do have a sequel in the making. Right now, it's still under the early planning stages and I'm still trying to figure out the direction in which I'm trying to take it. I can tell you though that it will deal with Regina's ptsd and how she deals with all the trauma from living with Leopold and how she'll eventually heal. It'll be up soon, keep a look out!

Till then, stay home, stay healthy and keep reading!

Warning - sexy times/ talk of abuse and rape

Chapter 24 Her Hope

Just like the morning before, Regina was a nervous wreck. Maybe even more so since the court was finally going to determine her freedom from Leopold. She woke up extremely anxious, unable to take deep breaths. She felt like she couldn't breathe. Not even Emma's encouraging words and Mary Margaret's optimism helped to calm her anxiety.

Soon enough, the yellow bug pulled up outside of town hall. Henry of course stayed behind at the loft with Granny. Mary Margaret rode separately with David to give the two women some space. Regina was nervously wringing her hands in her lap as Emma killed the engine. Her eyes were fixed on the people gathering around the building.

A gloved hand landed on top of hers, ceasing the anxious habit Leopold seemed to have instilled in her. She looked up into worried green eyes. "Breathe," Emma reminded her.

She took that much needed breath. Breathing in through her nose and letting it out through her mouth. She was still so anxious and tried summoning up that no nonsense confident Professor Mills that she used to be. She's felt so out of touch with that version of herself lately, she didn't know who she was anymore.

"This is it," she said softly, her voice shaking. "It's finally happening."

"He's going to get what he deserves," Emma said, her voice bitter for the Mayor of Storybrooke. A sudden thought of who will be the new mayor if Leopold lost the case crossed her mind. She pushed it to the back of her conscious as they had bigger things to worry about at the moment. Such as whether or not Leopold will be found guilty.

They got out of the car and walked to the courtroom, hand in hand. Emma's hand was numb from Regina's death grip although she said nothing. When everyone was seated and the judge entered, they finally got started. They went through the details of the case one last time. If Leopold was found guilty, he was to be charged with domestic violence, sexual assault, tampering of evidence and official documents, marriage of a minor, and the murder of Regina's baby. If Regina was found guilty, she'd be charged for false allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault, and child endangerment because of course Leopold brought attention to all the times Henry ran away and made it look like Regina's fault.

"Dr. Mills, do you have a final statement for Mayor Blanchard?" the judge asked.

"Yes, your honor, I do," Regina replied, trying to muster up as much courage as she can. She could feel all eyes on her as she stood and walked up to the stand. She took her seat, looking out across the courtroom before her gaze landed on her husband. His face was void of any emotion. His eyes were cold. She suppressed a shiver, his demeanor rubbing her the wrong way.

"I looked up to you at one point in my life. You were my father's best friend. You watched me grow up and play with your daughter and then the next thing I know, you're my husband and I'm your daughter's stepmother. I was 17 years old and you took my life from me. You took my freedom. You beat me every single day. You took what wasn't yours without consent. All for what? A car accident years ago? This is more than anger for your precious daughter getting hurt. You were angry at your wife for leaving you. You took it out on me. You blamed me for your grief. You wanted me to be her so bad and when you realized I would never replace her, you brutalized me. I hope you sit in your prison cell with nothing but your grief. I hope you think about what she would think of you now."

Regina saw the flash of grief in his eyes at the mention of his wife. She would have felt sorry for him, but she couldn't find it in her heart to care. She took her seat, her head held high with confidence.

"Mayor Blanchard," the judge asked. "Do you have a final statement?"

"No your honor," he replied. "I'd rather just get this over with."

"Alright then," he continued. "Let's see what the jury decided." The bailiff handed over the official records of the case. "How does the jury find Dr. Regina Isabella Mills?"

"Innocent on accounts of false allegations towards domestic violence and sexual assault, and child endangerment," the representing juror announced.

"How does the jury find Mayor Leopold Blanchard?"

"Guilty on accounts of domestic violence, sexual assault, tampering with legal documents, marriage and assault of a minor, murder of an unborn child, and falsification of records."

"Let's start with Dr. Mills," the judge decided, looking at the woman before him. He can see her hands shaking even as she hid them in her lap. He remembered hearing about her case years ago when she was a teenager. A different judge had been assigned to her case back then. He looked over the documents that the representing juror had handed to him. "Instead of reopening your case from the accident, we're going to settle the matter right now. You will be compensated for the emotional and physical distress your last trial had put you through. All charges from the case including the recent ones your husband filed against you are hereby dropped and cleared."

He cleared his throat, looking over at the fuming mayor.

"Mayor Blanchard, you are found guilty on accounts of violence, rape, murder of your unborn baby, tampering and falsifications of records, and marriage and assault of a minor. You are sentenced to 30 years of prison with no chance of parole. You are stripped of your parental rights of your son Henry Mills. Full custody goes to Dr. Mills. You are to have no contact with him until he is of age unless Dr. Mills wishes it. You are stripped of your title as husband and will be divorced from Dr. Mills through the court. You are also stripped of your title and position as mayor."

"This is outrageous!" Leopold lost his temper. "The witch is not innocent!"

The judge slammed his gavel, silencing the furious former mayor.

"Marriage is sacred. You abused that sacredness by brutalizing your wife. I don't know what's worse. Forcing a 17 year old girl to marry you and sleep with you or the fact that you abused and raped her each day for 18 years. And then you dare call her a witch…" The judge shook his head in disgust. "Bailiff, remove this man."

He slammed the gavel down.

"Court is dismissed."

People started cheering, Regina's mouth fell open in shock as she watched her husband being handcuffed and taken away. Regina was suddenly shakened from her frozen state when Emma's hand was on her shoulder. She looked up at the sheriff, not even realizing the tears that were now streaming down her cheeks.

"It's over," Emma whispered, her green eyes full of tears of happiness. Regina stood, pulling her girlfriend into her arms and hugging her tight. It was as if she'll lose her if she lets go. She was free. She was finally free.

Granny threw a surprise party at the diner later that evening. She was that confident in Regina winning the case. She wouldn't hear of it from Ruby when her granddaughter insisted she was planning too early in case Regina lost. Everyone who fought with her showed up. People who believed her side and saw Leopold for the scumbag he really was all came to congratulate her.

Regina socialized a bit at first. She was grateful for the party and all the people who had showed up. She was just mentally exhausted. All she wanted to do was go back to the loft and cuddle with Emma in her bed. She wanted to sleep with Emma holding her. She was sitting with Katherine and Federick at a booth, enjoying some cider. Emma was having some beers with Ruby, her friend Ashley and also another one of Regina's students, and Mary Margaret. The blonde was laughing and having a great time. Regina couldn't help but smile. Emma really came a long way since she came to Storybrooke. She now had friends, she had a family and now they were moving into a house together. She really was building roots for the first time in her life.

Katherine's voice suddenly brought her to the here and now. She shook her head from her musings and looked at the woman sitting across from her.

"You were gazing at her," Katherine chuckled.

"No, I wasn't," Regina denied it, taking a sip of her cider. Katherine scoffed, her blue eyes shining with amusement.

"Now that all of this is over, what now?" she asked.

"Now?" Regina asked, setting her tumblr down. "I'm not entirely sure. I have Emma and Henry but I never truly lived. I guess I'll just figure it out."

"And they'll be right there with you, honey," Katherine whispered, putting her hand on her friends and squeezing.

"Take it day by day," Federick advised, squeezing Katherine closer into his side in an affectionate hug. "It'll be an adventure I can tell you that."

Regina smiled at the couple, her eyes sparkling. Even through the bone deep exhaustion, she felt at peace for the first time in over 18 years. For the first time she wasn't going home terrified of getting a beating. She wasn't worried about her husband pinning her down in the middle of the night and raping her. She wasn't shaking with fear or breathless from anxiety. This time she was going home with a family. With a beautiful woman that loved her.

Emma chose that moment to come over. She sat next to her and sloppily pulled her into a kiss. Katherine and Frederick cheered them on. Regina giggled, pulling away from the frivolous tipsy blonde.

"What has gotten into you sheriff?" she asked with a coy smile and a slight blush on her cheeks. She wasn't used to so much public affection. She found she rather liked it, even if she was a little timid about it.

"Drunk confidence maybe," she shrugged her shoulders. "Plus you're gorgeous." She started kissing her neck and Regina gently pushed her back.

"Let's get you home dear," she said. Emma pouted in her seat and Regina raised an eyebrow. Her expression identical to the one she used on Henry when he was acting up.

"Fine," Emma groaned, moving out of the booth to let Regina slide out. Regina rolled her eyes affectionately. She couldn't help but think how adorable her girlfriend was while tipsy.

After saying their goodbyes, they were finally on their way out. They decided to walk to the loft. Henry walked ahead of them. Their arms were linked together as they huddled close in the chilly night air.

Emma stumbled a bit and Regina tightened her grip so she wouldn't fall.

"Careful dear," she warned, not wanting her to fall flat on her face and breaking her nose in the process.

"I think I'm starting to sober up a bit," Emma insisted. Regina shook her head in amusement, squeezing the arm looped in hers affectionately. Emma was very handsy when she drank. She was open with her affection. A big difference than a husband who was violent when he drank too much. "Are you ok?" the sheriff suddenly asked, sensing the sudden melancholy radiating off of her in waves.

"Yeah, I just never knew life could be like this," she softly admitted. "Just having a good time with friends, walking home, drinking a little too much. It's all so… different."

Emma stopped them in their tracks, one eye on Henry as she faced the beautiful brunette in front of her. "You deserve all of this," she whispered, her hand going up to caress her cheek affectionately. "You deserve happiness."

Emma could have sworn she saw a flicker of doubt in those dark eyes but before she could question it, Henry was calling for them for them to hurry up. Regina tore her gaze away and started catching up to their son.

Mary Margaret was spending the night at her boyfriend no… fiance's house. David had proposed to the petite school teacher tonight at the party and Emma didn't even want to know what they were getting up to at his place. At least she and Regina had the loft to themselves for the night besides from Henry. Henry had knocked out on the couch reading his comics. They made sure he was comfortable before going up to the loft.

What started off as a quiet make out session, soon turned into a passionate frenzy of kisses and heated touches. Emma was still a bit uncoordinated from all the beers she had at Grannies but it didn't stop her from lavishing the beautiful brunette beneath her. Her dark hair was splayed out on the pillow.

"Is this ok?" Emma asked in between pressing kisses on her neck. Her hand sliding up her night shirt and grazing over a nipple. Regina groaned, leaning up into the touch.

"More Emma," Regina pleaded. She needed the release. She needed Emma to touch her in ways she never thought she'd want. Of course Leopold never took the time to pleasure her. It was always about his pleasure, his relief. Regina was embarrassed to admit she actually never experienced an orgasm. She was barely old enough when she first lost her virginity and it had been anything but pleasurable. All sexual encounters she's ever had were violent and painful. She was too traumatized to even attempt giving herself that initial release.

Emma pulled away from her neck, leaning on her elbows so as to not crush the brunette beneath her. She looked in her eyes, unsure if Regina really meant she wanted more or if those words tumbled out in the heat of the moment.

"Do you really want me to?" she asked, her green eyes so sincere. Regina almost cried at how much Emma was considering her needs and whether she was ready to go a little bit further than before.

"Yes, my love," she answered her with a kiss. "I trust you. I trust that you won't go further than what I'm comfortable with and you'll stop if it gets too much."

"Have you ever…" Emma asked, a little embarrassed to be asking her such a personal question. Regina looked away, her cheeks blushing and Emma realized with a sinking feel that she has never experienced an orgasm. She was married to Leopold for 18 years. Of course she didn't have pleasurable sex. If anything, all her experiences were probably painful and traumatic. She trusted Emma enough to show her what it actually can be.

Emma reached up and gently coaxed her to look at her, her thumb rubbing soothing circles on her cheek.

"What are your limits?" she asked. Regina took a moment to think about it. There was a lot actually that she wasn't comfortable with. But then again, the whole point was to take it slow.

"Nothing inside," she admitted with a slight blush. Emma kissed her cheek in an attempt for reassurance. She didn't want her to be uncomfortable or embarrassed. "Also I can't be on my stomach. I have to be able to see you."

"So nothing from behind," Emma nodded. Understandable.

"Also, don't restrain me."

Emma nodded, looking into her eyes and then leaning in and kissing those red lips. She pulled back and Regina pressed a sweet kiss on her nose, making the blonde smile.

"The moment you want to stop, let me know and I'll stop," she said. Regina nodded and allowed Emma to resume. This time the blonde pulled off her night shirt, leaving her bare.

"Beautiful," Emma whispered, taking in full breasts in the dim light of the loft. This was the first time she's seen her as they were in the dark the first time they were so intimate. She gently pressed kisses to warm skin before taking a nipple into her mouth. Her hand kneaded the other. Regina moaned, arching her back and combing her fingers through blonde locks of hair. It felt even better than the last time. Emma slipped a knee between her legs and Regina froze for a moment before slowly grinding against her.

"Yes, that's it," Emma encouraged her, feeling a certain wetness that she hadn't felt the last time. Regina suddenly was pulling back from Emma's talented mouth and the blonde immediately stopped only to realize Regina was trying to get her shirt off as well.

Emma chuckled at her enthusiasm and tore the tank top from her body. She then slid off her pajama pants, leaving her only in boy shorts. Regina's hands were all over Emma's body and she had to remind herself to keep it slow.

"Ready?" she asked, looking down at Regina's pajama pants. Her fingers grazed the hem.

"Ready," Regina whispered and Emma slowly pulled down her pants and threw them off to the side. Emma just about lost it when she felt Regina's panty covered heat hot and wet against her thigh. She wanted to just take her right there and then. Regina pulled Emma into another kiss, the movement of her hips becoming more erratic.

"Can I touch you?" Emma asked, instead of asking to take off her panties. The last article of clothing the brunette had on. God she was gorgeous, splayed out on the mattress beneath her in nothing but her lace black panties. The only thing was, the last time Emma had asked to take them off, Regina backed out out of fear. She wanted to make her more comfortable first before removing the last thing that kept her from being completely naked.

"Yes, my love," she whispered and Emma felt the effects of the endearment go straight to her groin.

Despite asking permission, Emma took her time. She spent a good amount of time caressing and sucking on her breasts until Regina was flushed and panting beneath her. And then she finally picked up the pace. She kissed her way down until she reached black lace. She pressed a kiss to the hem and Regina gasped. She took it a step further and pressed a kiss on her covered clit. Regina bucked up, letting out a groan. She was torturing the poor woman.

Finally she stepped up her game, and cupped her lace covered center. Regina groaned again, bucking up into her touch. Her face was full of pure bliss. The fact that she's never experienced this made Emma want to go so much faster. She had to keep reminding herself to watch her pace. She stroked her up and down, pressing her clit with each stroke and Regina was practically purring under her touch.

The professor was so relaxed by her ministrations, Emma decided it was time to take it a little further. She wanted to be able to see her, to touch her without a barrier. Of course if Regina was ready that is, she didn't want to trigger another panic attack.

"Can I take off your panties?" she whispered, green eyes meeting those lust filled brown orbs. She saw a flicker of anxiety as Regina seemed to pull herself out of her relaxed state. She sat up a bit, closing her legs and Emma tried to keep the deep concern from showing on her face. Regina took a breath as if at war with herself. It was as if she wanted to go through with it but at the same time was absolutely terrified. Her breaths seemed to be getting a little irregular and it wasn't due to the ministrations Emma had given her. She was starting to panic.

"Hey," Emma tried pulling her out of the dark thoughts that were pulling her in. "It's me. You're safe and you're loved." She kept her distance, kneeling on the foot of the bed. She didn't want to crowd her. Regina was sitting, pulling her legs in as if she were suddenly aware of how naked she was. "Regina?"

Emma's voice calling her name pulled her from the dark thoughts and memories of Leopold ripping off her clothes, exposing her and touching her. She looked up at Emma and didn't even realize she had pulled away and was practically curled into herself.

"I'm sorry, I just need a second," she said, trying desperately to ground herself. She really wanted to finish what they had started. She really wanted to let Emma see her and touch her and make love to her. She just needed to catch her breath first. She just needed to remind herself she was with Emma and not with Leopold.

Emma nodded and then slowly moved up the bed and gathered her into her arms. Regina snuggled into her, allowing her to wash away the fear and anxiety.

"Do you want to stop?" the blonde woman asked, her voice soft and understanding.

Regina shook her head, not wanting to give up now. She sunk down into the pillows and then slowly with shaking hands slid down her panties. Emma's jaw dropped at the sight. She was exquisite. More beautiful than she could even imagine, completely bare before her.

Her hands were shaking.

She was trying so hard to overcome this fear. Emma took her hands, to calm the anxiety.

"It's ok," she whispered. "It's just skin." She pulled off her boyshorts, stripping herself completely bare as well. "See, it's just us."

"It's just us," she whispered, repeating Emma's words and leaning back down into the pillows. Emma hovered over her, kissing her before pulling away and looking into her eyes. She wanted to make sure she was ok to keep going.

Regina seemed to understand the unspoken question. She nodded, resting her forehead against Emma's and giving her a small reassuring smile.

Emma started kissing her again. She took her time as before. She wanted Regina to become relaxed again before taking it further. Soon enough she had Regina in that same state of bliss as before. Her hand finally slid down and Regina jumped the moment slender fingers cupped her sex. She froze and Emma did too, watching her to see if she should keep going or not.

Regina remembered to breathe and suddenly the fear and anxiety that threatened to swallow her whole lessened and she remembered that this was Emma.

Emma loved her.

So she nodded at the blonde to keep going. Emma continued stroking her, deliciously pressing her clit and making her forget all her worries and fears. In this moment, it was just the two of them.

At Regina's insistence, Emma started moving faster, meeting Regina's erratic thrusts against her hand. She was hot and Emma had the strongest urge to go down on her and taste her. She didn't though. She felt like that might be moving too fast and didn't want to scare her. So instead she settled with just using her hand. Besides, they had all the time in the world.

Emma decided to change their position. Regina practically cried in frustration when she moved her hand, making the blonde chuckle.

"Hold on, babe," she assured her and then straddled the brunette with one thigh between her legs. Regina immediately started grinding against her. Emma hissed at the pressure of Regina's thigh against her own clit. It didn't take much stimulation for her to already reach her peak. Seeing Regina over the edge was more than enough. She was soaking wet at this point. Regina leaned forward, taking a pink nipple into her mouth and Emma just about lost it. She was getting bolder, the anxiety from before completely melting away. A hand snake in between them and the blonde moaned when she felt Regina stroking her and rubbing her clit. Emma froze in her own ministrations, too shocked to do anything but enjoy the pleasure Regina was giving her. The brunette suddenly became frustrated when Emma wasn't returning the pleasure back.

"Stop messing around," she huffed, coaxing a giggle from the sheriff. My god, what did Regina turn her into. She did not giggle. Emma affectionately rolled her eyes at the beautiful brunette and then hungrily kissed those red lips. Regina moaned into the kiss and then cried out when Emma's hand snaked between them and found her clit once more. She felt a warm pressure building up and realized she was about to have her first orgasm.

"Emma!" Her thrusts were so erratic, Emma knew she was close. Except, she can see the unsurety in those dark eyes. "I think…"

"Yes, babe, let it happen," she coaxed her, kissing her.

She came hard and fast, trying so hard to muffle her cries as to not wake the sleeping boy downstairs. Emma helped by kissing her, as she rode out her orgasm in waves. Emma came after her, blinding white flashes clouding her vision as waves of pleasure erupted from inside her. Regina helped her ride it out and when they had both come down from their high, Emma plopped down on the brunette in exhausted but satisfying bliss. For almost no experience, Regina was damn good.

"That was amazing," Emma whispered.

Regina shifted under her and Emma took that as her cue to roll off of her and pull the comforter over them. Regina suddenly looked lost, like she didn't know what to do with herself. Like she was expecting Emma to roll over and go to sleep. With a sickening feeling in her belly, she realized perhaps that was what Leopold did after having his way with her.

"Was that ok?" she asked, pulling Regina close and cuddling her. The brunette was surprised for a moment and then snuggled into her chest. She loved the contact. She loved being cuddled. She loved being close to Emma like she couldn't get enough of it. Of course there were times when Regina shied away from being touched. Usually when she was anxious. Emma always knew to give her space then. To let her decide whether she wanted to be touched or not. This time though, she could see being touched and cuddled after sex was a must.

"Thank you, Emma," she whispered and she wasn't just thanking her for the mind blowing sex. She was thanking her for simply being here for her. For thinking of her needs and going at her pace. For not taking what she wanted and throwing her away after like her cruel husband. For making her feel loved. "I love you."

Emma pressed a kiss into dark locks, watching as the sleepy yet satisfied brunette closed her eyes and gave into sleep. "I love you too my love."

Emma was having the best dream. Dreams that were filled with the beautiful brunette curled up in her arms, or so she thought when she was awakened by a cold draft from the window. She opened her eyes and frowned when she realized the spot beside her was cold and empty.

"Regina?" she whispered, not wanting to wake up Henry. She got up, slipped on her pajama pants and a hoodie. She then quietly crept halfway downstairs just to see the lights were off besides from a dim lamp casting a soft glow throughout the room. She could see Henry snoring away. He had been moved to Mary Margaret's bed and changed into pajamas and was now comfortably tucked in. Regina must have woken him and got him settled. But now, she was nowhere to be seen.

She came down the rest of the loft steps and right away noticed Regina's coat missing from the rack and a lightbulb suddenly seemed to click on as Emma realized she probably went up to the roof. Since her stay at the loft, Regina sometimes went up there to think. She grabbed her red leather jacket and slipped it on over her hoodie. She put her boots on and then headed out to the roof.

Emma let out a sigh of relief, the moment she pushed open the roof door and spotted Regina sitting on the bench that had been placed for the building tenants to sit. The roof was converted into a garden full of plants with a bench and a table. Emma didn't blame the brunette for using this place as a sanctuary. It was quite peaceful, especially at night.

"Can I sit?" Emma asked and Regina looked up at her with dark eyes full of so much anguish. She could even see traces of fear as she attempted to reign in her emotions. She looked back out into the town, her dark eyes masking the pain she was feeling. Emma frowned at that. Why was she trying to hide her feelings from her. A sudden panicked thought came to mind. Was the sex too soon after all? No… Regina seemed to enjoy it… Right?

Regina eventually nodded and Emma sat beside her. She didn't attempt to hug her or take her hand. She sensed this was a no touch kind of moment.

"What are you feeling?" she asked, coaxing her to tear the wall down she had suddenly put up. There was no point asking if she was ok when she was clearly not. There was no point in mumbling pointless words of comfort that will only wash over her.

Regina didn't answer. She just stared out thoughtfully into the view of Storybrooke. She could practically hear the wheels turning in her head. Emma started fidgeting her hands, suddenly convinced she had done something wrong or misinterpreted Regina's consent earlier in bed.

"I'm afraid," she finally whispered and Emma breathed a sigh of relief at finally hearing her speak and the fact that it wasn't their earlier activities that caused her to emotionally close off. "I had a nightmare… of him."

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, seeing how Regina's hands started to tremble. She ached to take her hands and offer her some comfort but she knew Regina wanted her space right now. Regina shook her head. She didn't say anything else. She was lost in her head. Her hands were still trembling and she buried them in her lap to stop them.

"When I was in foster care, I was bounced around a lot. I wished for a family to adopt me every year and it never happened. I eventually lost hope. I ran away when I was 17 and became a lost girl."

Regina looked at her this time. It was as if she were trying to figure out where Emma was going with this story. She never really talked about her past in foster care and Emma could see the curiosity flickering in those dark eyes.

"That was when I met Henry's father."

"When we met, you said I shouldn't be worried about him," she swallowed thickly. "That he didn't know about Henry."

"That's correct," she assured her.

"What happened to him?" Regina whispered.

"I was young and naive and I was so desperate for someone to love me. I let him toy with my heart and give me hope for a future and for a place to call home. I didn't even care that he was a thief. He got into trouble with some stolen watches and he let me go down for it."

"That was why you were in prison?" Regina put the pieces together. "And you were barely pregnant."

"Yes," she whispered. "That was the last I ever saw him. The last time I ever opened my heart. I lost hope of ever belonging anywhere. I was in a really dark place. Did things I'm not proud of in order to survive. I closed myself off and was convinced I was meant to always be lost. I didn't believe in second chances or new beginnings… until Henry found me. I didn't realize then that he wasn't just bringing me here to break an imaginary curse. He was bringing me home."

"Emma…" She was trembling so hard and Emma could see the anxiety in her eyes.

"The point is, you and Henry are my hope. You and Henry are my family and I know it's too soon and we haven't even been able to enjoy our relationship because of everything that's happened, but I do know one thing. I love you and I love our kid. I know you're in a dark place right now. I know you're feeling like it's never going to get better. But I am here for you, love. No matter how hard it gets. I want to be your hope too."

Regina took a shuddering breath and hesitantly placed a shaking hand on Emma's. The walls were crumbling and she finally let Emma in.

"I was dreaming about him hurting me... It was more of a flashback really," she admitted, her voice trembling just like her hands. Emma didn't dare move unless Regina wished it. She just listened. "I know he's in prison now. I know he can't hurt me, but in a way he still is. I'm still so afraid of him."

"And that's ok," Emma assured her, wanting to pull her into her arms, but refrained herself. "You have a right to your feelings, which are not going to go away overnight just because he's finally in jail. Healing is going to take time."

"And you're up for that?" she asked shyly as if she were afraid Emma would decide that this was too much after all. Emma couldn't believe what she just heard, and squeezed the warm trembling hand that was tightly holding on to hers.

"You're my hope," she whispered, her green eyes welling up with unshed tears and her voice thick with threatening sobs. She fought against her tears, not wanting to cry and make a mess of herself. "I would never leave you."

Regina wiped at her sudden tears as if she had a hard time believing that was true. That she had someone that loved her. That believed in her. Someone who had hope for a future with her. It was all she ever wanted when she was trapped in Leopold's clutches.

"Can you hold me?" she whispered, and Emma didn't need to be told twice.

"Come here, love," she said softly, opening her arms and letting Regina snuggle into her. She held her close and didn't say anything as she felt the brunette sob against her shoulder. Emma knew that this was probably the first step of many on the road of recovery. All she knew was that whatever happens, no matter how hard it gets, she would never give up on her.