A/N: I just love reading every single one of your reviews on this story. It warms my heart to know that you have been fully enjoying the read as I have been writing it. Sadly, like every story, it has to eventually come to an end. If not by chapter 11, chapter 12 will be the end of this Christmas tale. We'll see how things escalate... until then, Happy reading! :)
"What on earth are you-" The brunette stumbled through her words, brow furrowed, "How did you even know where to find me?"
"It wasn't hard. I have a good friend who owes me some favors and turns out he's a pretty good detective." His eyes looked towards Emma, who remained silent.
"That still doesn't explain what the hell you're doing here." Said Regina.
"Can we talk?" He asked, eyes focused on her only.
"No." The brunette shook her head, "It's Christmas Eve, Daniel. I have to be with my family." She wrapped an arm around Emma's, exchanging a look with the blonde before staring him down again. "Besides, don't you have your family to get to? I figured you would be introducing them to your new girlfriend by now."
Daniel's lip twitched, "Turns out my parents had other plans. As well as my… new girlfriend."
Heads turned towards the front door swinging open. Regina's heart jumped to her throat at the thought that it could be her father. Thankfully, it was just Jefferson, who's brows furrowed at the sight of the stranger of a man.
"Mom needs you inside for a minute." He motioned towards the door, his eyes moving towards Daniel again, "Who's this?"
Emma looked over at Regina, her hand on the woman's shoulder, "I'll go see what your mother needs."
"No, Emma-" Regina pleaded.
"It's okay." Emma smiled, heading inside quietly.
Regina pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache come on, "That's Daniel."
Jefferson's brows hit his hairline, "The Daniel?" He turned to the man again once his sister nodded in confirmation. "What do you want?" He asked him.
"Listen, I'm not here to keep you from your family." He walked up to the brunette, only to be stopped by Jefferson himself.
He held a hand in front of the man's chest, "Hey, buddy. Why don't you take a hint, huh? What are you even doing here wanting to cause trouble for my sister?"
"I don't want any trouble."
"No?" His head tilted, stepping in closer to Daniel's space "Well, you're doing a crap job of it."
"Jefferson, it's okay." Regina shook her head at her brother, "Not here."
Daniel looked over to the brunette, his hand digging into his coat pocket, withdrawing a small business card to the nearest hotel, "This is where I'm staying. Please, just… Call me. I really do need to talk to you." His eyes moved towards Jefferson.
Regina hesitated but took the card from his hands, glancing down at it as Daniel quietly took his leave. The snow crunching below his feet.
"Pfft. Good riddance." Jefferson turned to his sister, his eyes glancing down at the card, "Hey, you're not really thinking about calling him, are you?"
Regina remained silent for a moment, glancing down at the card. Until she shook her head, "No." Her eyes moved towards the cab that drove Daniel here, watching as it drove away. "Possibly under different circumstances, I would have been stupid enough to, but…" She smiled, "Emma and I are the real thing now and-"
"Whoa." Jefferson's brow raised, a smirk playing on his lips, "Come again?" He watched his sister's smile spread from ear to ear, so much that he was willing to bet it made her cheeks hurt, "The real thing? So…" He stumbled upon words.
Regina chuckled.
"I can officially call her my future sis-in-law?" He asked, smiling at the sound of another chuckle escaping the brunette.
"It would appear so, yes." Nodded Regina.
"Well, that's great!" Jefferson beamed, without warning, picking up the brunette into his arms, in a tight bear-like hug that made her squeal.
"Jefferson!" Regina squirmed, "You know, I hate it when you do that, put me down!" She laughed.
He spun her body around before placing her back on her feet, safe and sound, "Sorry. I'm sorry, it's just…" His hand brushed back at a black strand of hair from her face, "Emma's a good woman. You deserve it. You two, you're perfect together. Really."
Her smile grew, "Thank you, Jefferson." She released a long held sigh, "I honestly can't believe it myself. I've never been so scared of a relationship in all my life." She paused, "I just hope this works out."
"What, between you and Em?" Jefferson asked, placing both of his hands on the woman's shoulders, "I will bet my life on it- that no way would she give up on you. She's one lucky woman to have won a heart as big and as pure as yours."
A tiny blush crept on her cheeks, "Thank you. However…" Concern lingered in her voice, "I've never dated a woman before, this is a first and I just, I-"
"Ah!" Jefferson placed his index finger against her lips, "Don't think. Don't stress. Just stop and do exactly what you two have been pretending two these past couple of days." He smiled, "Be happy, be together and don't worry about that jerk Daniel. Just live your life."
Regina smiled once he removed his finger from her lips, "Well, look at you all grown up and responsible. Parenthood has done right by you."
"Yeah," He smiled, one that matched her own, "What can I say? I'm just a natural."
She chuckled, hugging her brother's form, while both went back inside the cabin.
"Oh, good, darling- you're here." Cora smiled, holding Regina by her arm and dragging her into the kitchen.
"What's going on?" She asked, her eyes on her mother, then on Emma, and lastly on Zelena.
"Well, we're debating who will cook what." Said Zelena, "Now, I told mom that I would cook the turkey this year. With a personal recipe from Robbie and I." She smiled proudly, to which Regina rolled her eyes.
Of course she's taking the turkey cooking from her this year.
Like every year.
"Emma, dear," Cora looked over at the blonde, "Do you think it would be possible for you to cook up some of those mash potatoes of yours again?"
"You got it." Emma smiled.
"Wonderful!" Cora clapped her hands, "And Regina, dear, do you think you can handle dessert this year?"
"Don't I always handle dessert every year?" The brunette asked, a bit annoyed.
"It's settled then!" Cora smiled brightly, "I shall handle the rolls and cranberry sauce. After we make our snowmen, we shall get right to work. Zelena, you can start first, dear. I shall be preparing the rolls and cranberry sauce. That way we can leave the kitchen all to Emma and Regina to work their magic."
"Sounds good to me." Zelena happily walked out of the kitchen with her mother linked to her arm.
Regina glared Emma's way, sighing in annoyance. Grabbing a hold of a kitchen rag and wringing it as hard as she possibly could within her hands.
Every year. Every damn year, they decide for her without so much as a say.
"You might wanna ease up or that rag is going to press charges." Emma smirked, watching the brunette's hands loosen up.
Regina's jaw clenched, "Every year, she takes every glory from me. Every year." She hissed, her eyes on Emma, "Last year, I wanted to make the rolls- she made the rolls. This year, the turkey. It's like she wants to be better than me at everything."
Emma walked up to the brunette, "Well, I don't see why you couldn't have just said you wanted to make it, I mean you obviously could wring a poor turkey's neck with your bare hands well enough. Not even your sister could do that, I bet."
Regina threw a hard glare her way, angered even at the smirk appearing on her lips, "This isn't a time for jokes, Ms. Swan."
"Alright, no jokes." Her arm snaked around the brunette's form, pulling her close without warning, "I gotta say, I love it when you call me Ms. Swan." Her voice was soft.
"Emma, this serious." She backed away, wringing the rag once again.
"I am too." Emma took the rag from the brunette's hands, "We obviously can't leave you alone with household items. Maybe that turkey is in more danger than it thinks if you were to cook it."
Regina groaned with an eye roll, walking out of the kitchen.
Emma smiled, pulling the older woman back to her, "Alright, alright, I'm sorry. Hey." Her eyes locked on serious brown ones, "No more jokes. If this is about your ex-boyfriend showing up, so what? You can't let him upset you. It's Christmas, we aren't allowed to be upset."
"I just don't understand what he's doing here. I mean, why- of all days he could have shown up, why does it have to be now?" Asked Regina.
"You know, I think the person you are really furious at is your sister and the fact that he showed up just made it worse."
Regina chuckled, her brow raised, "Oh, you think? What on earth gave me away?" Her tone was sarcastic.
"Look, if it upsets you that much, him being here. Next time he shows up, I'll talk to him."
"You're going to talk to him?" Regina's brow raised again.
Emma nodded, "Sure. Your brother seems to like me, I'm sure he will help me give him a good talking to." She smiled, succeeding in making the brunette laugh a little, "Was that a laugh?"
"No." Regina hesitated to answer.
"That was a laugh." Emma pointed out, brushing back a strand of hair from Regina's face. "You know, you look cute when you're mad, but you look absolutely beautiful when you smile."
Regina's smile grew, her head shaking, her eyes looking into Emma's, "How do you do that? How are you so likable?"
"It's a curse." Emma sighed, "Just my natural charm."
The brunette released a chuckle, her arms snaking around Emma's form. Their lips easily connecting into an equally shared kiss. The butterflies in Regina's stomach spreading their wings and taking off in a flight.
"Eww! They're kissing, they're kissing, they're kissing!" Henry ran out of the kitchen, announcing it to the entire family, which caused both women to smile.
"Well, I've officially grossed out the kid." Emma turned to stare at Regina once again, "I say my job here is done."
Regina smiled, heading into the living room arm in arm with Emma to join everyone else in getting ready for their snowman making.
"Alright, everyone. You know the drill, stack them up in a line." Said Cora, picking up the second middle snowball with her husband.
Zelena glanced over at her brother's snowman, which was shorter and smaller than the rest. Literally three feet tall. "Jefferson, what the bloody hell is that thing?" She asked him.
Jefferson and his daughter shared a look of disbelief, "It's Olaf."
Zelena blinked.
"Frozen?" He looked over at Robin as the redhead continued to be clueless. "How do you live with her?"
"I have to, I'm married to her." Robin smirked proudly, his arm wrapping around his wife's form, while both share a quick peck on the lips.
Regina mentally rolled her eyes, something Emma could clearly see as they worked on their snowman together with Henry.
"Why are you so threatened by your sister?" She asked her in a quiet voice.
Regina sighed, "I hate how she thinks she's above it all. And just because of the fact that she has money and Robin makes good enough money, they flaunt it with buying everyone expensive things."
"You know what I feel bad for?" Said Emma, "The fact that I didn't get your parents at least a little something for Christmas."
The brunette's brows furrowed, "You don't have to get them anything. Your company is pleasant enough to them, believe me."
"Well, thanks but, as you know, your girlfriend now," a tiny smirk played on her lips, as did Regina's at the sound of the word girlfriend, "I would really like to get them something."
Regina chuckled, "Well, if you absolutely feel that you must, we could make a quick trip into town after this and see what we can find before the shops close up."
A Christmas Story, a personal favorite to watch during Christmas time for the family played out through the television in the living room. Fireplace burning, keeping everyone warm. The narrator from the old film, providing a warm, family feeling. Eyes focused on the film, while the familiar scents of Zelena's turkey, along with Cora's rolls and cranberry sauce began to roam about.
Jefferson laid out on the couch with Grace, lying comfortably on top of him, head on his chest. Henry Sr found himself in his favorite reclining chair, with little Henry sitting beside him, snuggled up underneath his arm. Kathryn and Graham, snuggled up on the other couch, beside Robin, who sipped very tranquil on his beer.
Emma and Regina walked towards the front door, just behind Henry Sr, gathering their coats and scarfs to head out quickly.
"Where are you two off to?" He asked, looking over his shoulder.
"We're just going into town a little bit." Said Regina, "We won't be long."
"Darling, could you bring me back some more rolls? I didn't buy enough." Cora's voice was heard from within the kitchen.
"Of course." She wrapped her scarf around her neck.
"Would you like us to drive you?" Graham suggested, glancing over at Kathryn, who quickly nodded.
"Oh, no. I can drive, it's perfectly fine. You stay and watch the movie." Said Regina.
"Not too long, you two. We'll be getting ready to have dinner." Said Cora.
"Alright." The brunette walked past the door as Emma held it open for her. The cold brush of air blowing in everyone's direction.
Given that it was Christmas Eve, the town wasn't so overwhelmed with people. Which Regina quite enjoyed, given that Emma had an arm wrapped around her form the entire time they walked along from shop to shop. She loved the feeling of her arm being wrapped up around her, providing her with some sense of comfort and protection and warmth.
"Let's go in here." Emma pointed to one of the shops, holding the door open for Regina once again.
Both their eyes looked around for gift ideas.
"I think I found another perfect gift for you." Emma smiled, grabbing a pair of antlers, placing them on the brunette's head, a smirk playing on her lips, "Oh, very cute. We should definitely buy that."
"Aren't you supposed to be looking for a gift for my parents?" Regina's brow raised.
Emma chuckled, walking away to another part of the shop.
"Regina." The brunette turned to the sound of her name.
She sighed, "What do you want, Daniel?"
"I want to talk to you about your girlfriend-"
"Daniel, I have no interest in talking with you. Especially not about Emma." Regina snapped.
"I just want to make sure that she's being completely honest with you. I know you two were never actually dating." He said.
Regina chuckled, "So, now you want to come back? Because I'll remind you, it was you who dumped me. Emma saved me from that humiliation that night. You're the one who lied to my face, while she has been nothing but honest."
"I'll admit, I made a terrible mistake breaking things off with you. I just wasn't sure it was what I wanted." Daniel replied.
"No, of course not." She turned to glance at a glass figure of a dancing pair, a smile wanting to tug at her lips at the memory of dancing with Emma. "You know, Daniel," she glanced back at him, "I'm actually glad you decided to end things. Fact of the matter is, it's the best gift you could have given me. Had it not been for that, I would have never met Emma."
His jaw clenched, "What is so special about a complete stranger you hardly know? How do you know she's not some kind of thief? A murderer? Have you even asked her about her past?"
"What's going on here?" Emma stood next to Regina, her eyes glaring at Daniel, who glared right back.
"Nothing." Said Regina, looking over at Daniel again, "We may not know much about one another, Daniel, but in a matter of days Emma has been nothing but incredible to my family and myself. And most importantly to Henry." Her head turned to glance at Emma, a tiny smile tugging at her lips, "I don't care what type of life she had before me, or about her past." She turned to Daniel, "What's important to me is the type of person she is now."
There was a hint of a smile on the blonde's lips, but also a hint of sadness.
"Do yourself a favor, Daniel and don't worry about me." Said Regina, "I am not your concern, just like who I date after you isn't any of your business." She grabbed onto Emma's hand, holding onto a box of glass figurines in her free hand, "Now, if you'll excuse us. Come on, Emma."
Daniel stood and watched both women pay for the figurines and headed out without so much as another glance his way. He took his cell out of his coat pocket, dialing a number that on the second ring was picked up.
"It's Daniel. I need a favor." He spoke over the phone, "See what you can dig up on an Emma Swan… thanks."
Hand in hand they walked back towards the cabin, bags in hand with wrapped up presents of other items they shopped for before heading back. Emma's mind was racing, debating whether or not to come clean to Regina about her past. And now with Daniel roaming around, she may have no choice but to tell her.
"I think we chose the perfect gifts for everyone. We got lucky in finding something, especially on this day." Regina smiled, her smile disappearing as she noticed the silence filling the air. "Emma?" She called out, gathering the blonde's attention. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Emma shook her head, providing her with a warm smile.
"You've been quiet ever since we left town. I have to say, that's very unlike you." Regina chuckled.
"Gina…" Emma looked down at her feet as they came to a stop right in front of the door. Her eyes meeting Regina's in hesitance, "I have something I want to tell you. A confession, actually. It may change the way you've seen me these past couple of days, but-"
"I already know." Said Regina.
Emma's lips parted in surprise, "You do?" She stammered through her next question, watching the brunette calmly nod, "W- what-? What do you know?"
Regina's smile grew, once again taking Emma completely by surprise, "Emma, you have nothing to be ashamed about. I mean, we like each other, getting jealous over Daniel isn't a strange thing."
Her heart leaped out of her chest. For a moment, Emma was sure Regina had found out and it turned out to be something completely different. Sure, Emma felt a little jealous seeing Daniel here, but she was never the type to show it off.
"I actually think it's adorable of you." She chuckled, her arms circling around the blonde's form, "But I can assure you, you have nothing to be jealous about. I'm with you now and you have been the best Christmas gift I could have gotten this year."
Emma chuckled quite nervously, "Well, thank you for that awesome compliment, but…" She sighed, "You see, Regina, the thing is I-"
Regina's index finger pressed up against the blonde's lips, moving away for her lips to take over next, capturing Emma's thin lips on her own. A pearly white smile visible, along with rosy pink cheeks, "Emma, I meant what I said to Daniel earlier. We all have a life before we meet the person we're with. We all make mistakes, and whatever is in the past is in the past." Her smile grew, "Maybe you weren't always perfect, but who is? I certainly am not. But, who I see before me now is the person I want to keep getting to know."
"You do?" Asked Emma, a tiny smile inevitably creeping on her.
The brunette nodded, "Hey, I wouldn't wear these stupid antlers on my head for just anyone if I didn't."
Both smiles tugging at their lips now matched, both women sharing a low chuckle.
"You must really like me." Said Emma.
Regina's eyes locked on sparkling green, "Maybe more."
This time it was Regina's heart that wanted to jump out of her chest from how fast it was beating. Especially after the way Emma's eyes lit up as they stared at her at the realization of what she was trying to say.
The front door opened, causing both women to turn their heads in that direction.
"There you two are!" Said Jefferson, "I was just heading out to find you. You'd best come inside and start making that dessert or mom will have a field day."
"Jefferson, you really do know how to step in at the worst moment." Regina glared at him, entering the house.
"What?" He asked, cluelessly staring at the blonde next, "What did I say?"
Emma smiled, patting the man on the back, making her way inside with him.