Chapter Thirty-Two: Comfort

- Emma, my love, you are scaring me – Regina said still holding her – What happened? You are shaking!

Emma couldn't talk. She just wanted to hold Regina. To be held by her. That was safe. She was safe. The idea of letting go of her made her heartache. The world would hurt her if she let go of her. Regina was her safe place. Her rock. Inside her arms, nothing could ever harm her. Emma held Regina even more strongly than before. The tears kept on running down but they weren't as bad as they were before. Regina's blouse was completely wet on her shoulder where Emma's face was buried, but she didn't say anything. She kept on holding Emma back, keeping her safe in her arms.

- Hey – Regina said slowly pulling away from Emma – let's get inside, okay?

The moment Emma felt Regina pulling away she held back tightly. Regina ran her hands on her hair and back whispering sweet nothings to Emma. When she tried to pull away again, Emma let her, but just a little. She couldn't afford to lose all contact. Her tears had stopped now and she knew she looked like a right mess. But Regina didn't seem to care about that. Instead, she lovingly kissed Emma's eyes one first then the other. Emma closed her eyes at the feeling of Regina's lips on her. They were comforting. Wanted. Safe. Regina held her hand and gently pulled her inside the house. She closed the door behind her and they walked together to her bedroom. When they were inside Emma felt a new wave of tears run down her face. The room was familiar to her. She knew that room. She loved that room. Emma sat down on the edge of the bed and looked down. Regina kneeled before her and took off her boots and socks. Emma then moved to the middle of the bed and Regina followed. She sat down and opened her arms for Emma to nest inside. Emma did just that. She wrapped her arms around Regina just feeling her. She kissed the top of her head and ran her fingers on her hair and arms. She didn't push. She waited for Emma to be ready to tell her what had happened. When Emma felt calmer, she pushed away from Regina, just a little. She looked inside those beautiful brown eyes that were full of worry. She held Regina's hand between hers and said:

- I went to the party, the one Killian invited me to.

- Okay…

- I don't know how it happened, I didn't drink, Regina I swear to you. I had less than half a beer and just a sip of his rum.

- Emma…

- He asked me to dance. I felt dizzy and then…Then he took me to this room, under the boat. He touched me – Emma said crying again.

- What? – Regina asked eye widened.

- His...His hands were on my thigh, and he kissed me. I could feel his beard scratching my skin…

- Emma, did he…Did he rape you? – Regina asked her own eyes watering as well.

- No! No, he didn't. I managed to get away from him. Mulan, the girl from class, she….She sort of helped me. – Emma said and looked at Regina again – I swear to you Regina, I didn't do anything to make him think he could do this. I promised you, I didn't!

- Emma, you are not the one to blame here – Regina said looking fiercely at her – Don't you think for a second this was your fault.

- I was so scared – Emma started to cry again – I thought I was going to lose you.

- I will rip his heart out! – Regina said angrily.

- Regina…

- I will fucking kill that bastard.

- Regina, please. – Emma said crying.

- He will pay for this. I swear I will….

- Regina… Please, - Emma said between tears - Just hold me! Please!

Regina looked into Emma's pleading eyes and pulled her tightly closer to her body. She kissed her forehead and ran run fingertips up and down her arm. She whispered sweet nothings and promised her that everything was going to be okay. She was safe now. She would protect her. Emma held her stronger when she said that. Regina noticed and gently lifted Emma's face to look deep into her eyes. When she was sure she had Emma's full attention she said she loved her. Emma closed her eyes and let words sink in before saying it back to her. She laid her head on top of Regina's again and just stayed there feeling safe inside the arms of the woman she loves. When Emma was too tired to keep crying, Regina gently pushed herself away from Emma and left the bed. Emma stayed there watching her every movement almost childlike. Regina entered the closet and quickly left holding something in her hand. When she reached the bed, Emma noticed it was her sleeping shirt. The one she always used when she was there. Regina asked if it was okay for her to undress her and when Emma nodded she gently pushed her shirt up and opened her bra. Emma helped her removing the jeans and then Regina put the oversize shirt on Emma. She made sure that every touch and every look didn't have sexual intent and that made Emma fall more in love with the woman. She knew Regina would never hurt her. Not like that. Never. But tonight she wasn't ready for those kinds of touches. After they finished, Regina lay down in bed and Emma nested herself on top of her body. Regina had her arms wrapped protectively around her. Emma didn't think she would be able to sleep tonight. Too much had happened. But the steady sound of Regina's heartbeat calmed her. That and the fingers running through her hair. Emma felt her eyes getting heavier and heavier and soon she drifted off to sleep.

When Emma woke up, she was still wrapped up around Regina. They shifted position during the night and now Regina was spooning her font. Emma had her face buried down her neck and Regina was gently massaging her scalp. She slowly opened her eyes and breathed in Regina's scent. She stirred in bed and kissed Regina's chin moving up to be at eye level with her. When she looked into those beautiful brown eyes that she loved so much, she saw only love looking back at her. And concern. She could tell Regina didn't sleep well. Or at all. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked tired. Emma almost felt guilty for making her stay up all night even though she knew she shouldn't. Regina wasn't like that. She wasn't going to blame Emma for her lack of sleep.

- Hi – Emma said looking at Regina.

- Hi, sweetie – Regina said running her hand on Emma's face – How are you feeling?

- Better! – Emma closed her eyes feeling the touch - Thank you, for last night.

- You don't have to thank me for that.

- I thank you every day of my life, Regina.

- Emma, we have to go to the police.

- W-What? – Emma asked pulling away from her.

- He drugged you. He tried to rape you. We need to report it. – Regina said firmly.

- No! No way! – Emma said back.

- Emma! It's the right thing to do.

- They would never believe me. I have a record, remember?

- It doesn't work like that. I'll go with you, we can file a report, I'll represent you. There's probably still traces of whatever he used on your blood. We go to the police to press charges and then the hospital for a blood test.

- No! I don't want it. Please don't make me do that – Emma said crying – Please, Regina! I don't wanna do that.

- Hey – Regina moved closer to her, holding her face between hers – It's your decision. I won't force you to do anything.

- You can't go with me – Emma said – They would find out about us.

- I don't care about that.

- But I do. I won't ruin your reputation.

- Emma! This isn't about me.

- No! Maybe he was just drunk, you know? I saw him drinking that rum as well. He was just fucked up. Besides, nothing happened, I'm fine.

- You are not fine. You were terrified when you arrived here last night!

- That was last night. I'm fine now. Really.

- Emma, It's your decision and I won't force you – Regina said tenderly looking at Emma's eyes – But think about it, okay? And bear in mind what's best for you! Not me. I'll support you, no matter what!

- Okay – Emma said calming down slightly – I'll think about it.

- Okay – Regina brought Emma closer and kissed the top of her head – Go, take a shower. I'll be downstairs making breakfast. I think Henry is already awake.

- Okay! Can I… - Emma said shyly – Can I borrow something to wear?

- Of course. Didn't you bring clothes with you last time? I clear up a lot of space for you – Regina said smiling.

- I did – Emma said smiling back – But I need to wear something of yours today.

- Sure! Pick whatever you like, okay? – She kissed her lips lightly – I'll be in the kitchen.

- Okay.

Regina walked out of the bedroom, leaving Emma alone. Emma took a deep breath before getting off the bed and walked to the suite. Inside, Emma lifted up the shirt she had sleep and then her panties. She stepped inside the shower and turn it on. When the warm water hit her body Emma was pleased. She thought about everything that happened the night before. Regina was right. She should go to the police. She should report Killian and all that he did to her. But Emma knew how these things go, and with her record, and her past as a prostitute it would be her word against his. She also couldn't risk people knowing about her and Regina. She knew she would be there with her, every step of the way, but, she couldn't do that to her. It could ruin her reputation, especially if her past were to come out. No, it was better to leave that behind. Nothing happened, she was fine. He was drunk, that was all and that's the story Emma was going to stick with. A drunk incident. This thing was not going to ruin her life with Regina. Nothing had happened. She was just fine. Emma reached for the soap and started to wash her body. Suddenly she remembered the way Killian forced himself on her. His beard scratching her neck, his lips on hers. His hands pulling her back to him. Emma started to wash herself really hard. She rubbed her skin with force, especially the areas where he had touched her, and then she let the warm water take it all away. She stayed under the water a little while longer, just enjoying the feeling of it on her skin. When Emma deemed herself completely clean, she turned it off and stepped out. She wrapped her body around the towel and walked to the mirror. It was all foggy because of the steamy and Emma used her hand to clear it up. She saw how red her neck was and hoped it would go away by the time she made it downstairs to Regina. She didn't want to worry about her anymore. She just wanted to forget everything that had happened. Emma walked to the bedroom and went inside the closet. She took one of Regina's shirt and yoga pants. She smelled the shirt before putting it on. It had her smell. Her safe place. Her love. She put the shirt on and then panties and pants. She walked barefoot out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. The sight she found when she walked in made her heart fill with love. Henry and Regina were gladly chatting by the island while he mixed something on a bowl and Regina chopped some fruits.

- Emma, Hi! – Henry said looking at her.

- Hey, kid. Good morning – Emma said kissing the top of his head.

- Are you okay? I heard you shouting last night, it woke me.

- Oh, no, Henry I'm so sorry. – Emma said taking a seat – I didn't mean to – She looked apologetically at Regina.

- It's fine. But you were crying. I saw you crying. – Henry said looking concerned at her.

- When did you see that? – Regina asked him.

- I heard Emma screaming. I thought you didn't hear her and I was going to open the door when I saw the two of you from the stairs.

- Oh! Sorry, Kid. I just had a bad night, that's all – Emma said looking guilty.

- But you are okay now? – He asked.

- Yeah, I'm okay!

- Stay here, I'm gonna get you something!

Henry jump from the chair and ran out of the kitchen. Regina placed a plate with eggs, bacon, and grilled cheese in front of her. All of her favorites. She then said they were also making pancakes and that she could choose her toppings. The options were strawberry, blueberry, bananas and all of them would have Nutella. Emma smiled at her, at this perfect woman she was so fortunate to call hers.

- I'm sorry – Emma said apologetically – I didn't mean to wake Henry. I…I wasn't thinking.

- Don't apologize. – Regina said.

- I don't even know what time it was when I arrived here.

- It doesn't matter.

- How late was it?

- Past midnight. But as I said, it doesn't matter.

- I'm sorry, Regina.

- Don't be! I'm glad you came. Now, eat your breakfast.

Emma smiled again and started eating her food. Regina turned around, pouring fresh coffee onto a cup and placing it in front of her as well. Emma thanked her, feeling so touched by this small gesture. It was so simple and yet, meant so much to her. She went back to slice the bananas and Emma resumed eating. Herry walked back into the kitchen taking his seat in front of Emma. He had a small object in his hand that he placed in front of Emma.

-You can have my keys – Henry said – I never get to use them, mom never let me alone in the house anyway. This way you can get in whenever you want.

- Henry! – Emma said – Thank you, but, I can't accept that.

- Why not? – He asked – You live here too.

- He is right- Regina said standing behind him – You live here too.

- Really? – Emma asked looking up at Regina.

- Yes! Take it- Regina said back smiling at her.

- Thank you – Emma said taking the key, feeling her eyes water all over again.

- So, what are we doing today? – Henry asked – I have the whole morning free!

- That you do, my little Prince – Regina kissed the top of his head.

-You don't have to work this weekend, do you, mom? – He asked

- Nope! Today is family day.

Hearing Regina saying the word 'family' brought a new wave of fresh tears to Emma's eyes, only this time, they weren't tears of sadness. Even though she had a terrible night, it wasn't even close to being her worse, the difference was that now she had people who cared about her. People who could make bad things go away. People who could make her happy again. Her heart and life were filled with love now. Love for this woman in front of her. Love for her family. Henry gave the mix to Regina and she started to make pancakes. She tried to get away with having the Nutella, but both Henry and Emma weren't having it. After they ate, Henry ran to his room to take some board games for them to play. The weather wasn't all that good and they decided that a nice family day indoors were in order. Emma helped Regina with the dishes, she washed, Regina dried. When they were done, Emma wrapped her arms around Regina's waist and asked:

- Are you sure you don't mind?

- Don't mind what, sweetheart? – Regina said holding Emma back.

- The key Henry gave me.

- No, I don't. I have yours. It's only fair you have mine.

Emma kissed Regina's lips hardly containing the smile. Henry came back and summoned them to the living room. The trio walked out together and spent the day playing games, watching movies and for Henry, and Emma, ultimate delight, eating junk food take out. By nightfall, when Emma and Regina were tucked in bed, Emma could hardly remember what happened the night before. She spooned Regina and inhaled that wonderful smell of her shampoo and Emma knew she would never be alone again.