AN- wow the last chapter was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This chapter will be similar! Thank you for coming along for the ride. Enjoy:
Regina gasped, jumping straight up in her bed with her hand pressed against her chest. Her eyes were blown wide as she gulped for air, her hair sticky with sweat to her forehead. The nightmares were horrible. Exact flashbacks from what had happened only forty eight hours prior. They still hadn't found him yet...he was just out there roaming the streets and that very thought made her sick to her stomach.
Emma refused to leave her side, sleeping in the arm chair beside her hospital bed. Today Regina was officially going to be discharged from the hospital because though she still had injuries it was no longer harmful to her life. Emma jumped to life when she heard Regina's panic, "Reg! Baby...baby breathe. You're safe. I'm right here." Emma cupped her face, trying to comfort her. That only seemed to startle the beautiful brunette and she instantly jumped back, tears streaming down her cheeks. "S-sorry...S-sorry..."
Emma just stared at her, feeling immense pain in her heart for what Regina was going through. "Please don't apologize... I..I'm the one who's sorry-"
"E-Emma... please don't.." her voice was very hoarse now and full of sadness. She felt completely broken down and didn't even know where to begin to heal. "I uh...i'm in pain." Emma immediately reached over and rang her call button repeatedly. In a panic. "E-Emma...it's ok..it's ok." Regina mumbled, gently putting her bandage wrapped hand over Emma's.
A nurse came charging in, frightened something was seriously wrong. "Is everything okay!?"
"She's in pain! Why is she in pain! She's in a hospital for christ sake. She should be feeling no pain."
Regina watched this interaction with a weak smirk, slowly lifting herself up to sitting position. "Sorry about Chief Swan she's uh...protective." The nurse gave her a tight lipped, awkward smile and nodded. "It's uh...understandable. I'll get you medicine right away madam mayor." Regina nodded and sighed deeply, once the door shut. Feeling comfortable enough to let the pain shine through. "Reg... What can I do to help?"
"Um...water...water please." Emma immediately filled her cup up with water, holding it up to the brunettes mouth and allowing her to take a slow sip. "God my eye hurts so bad..." a whimper left her lips and she reached her hand up to it, gasping in pain as her fingers brushed over it. "Regina just be still okay? Don't touch it to much."
"Can I be honest with you Emma?"
"Always. Of course."
"I am so scared to go home." Her eyes filled with tears as she looked over at her ex, her injured eye bruised and swollen shut..the white of her eye still visible was completely red. "What if...what if he comes back."
"Oh baby...I won't let him near you ever again. I am going to do everything in my power to find this bastard." Emma gently ran her fingers through her hair, being very careful not to hurt her still sore head. "You will stay with me. I will take care of you!"
"Emma..."
"No I'm serious. I won't..I can't leave you alone it literally-" she took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "I feel like I'm going to go into a panic attack every time I leave here. Every time I go to check on Henry... Which I know I have to do I...have a mini panic attack at the car and almost turn back. I hate myself for not stopping this. For not being there."
Tears fell down Regina's face, "you couldn't have possibly known. I don't blame you-"
"Well I do! Fuck!" Emma stood up pacing back and forth, wiping away at her tears. "It all points back to what I did...if I hadn't...if I wasn't such a moron then this would've never happened." Regina just stared down at the blankets, gasping when the door opened again..a nurse coming in with a syringing in hand. "This'll help..." she mumbled awkwardly, clearly realizing she just walked in on something. "Thank you." Regina whispered when she inserted the medication into her IV. After that she hurried out of the room, closing the door behind her.
"Emma look...yes you uh..cheated on me." Regina wiped her nose, sniffling. "But clearly that man.." her voice was a low growl, the vein in her forehead popping out. "And Lilly...they were both crazy and delusional. You couldn't have know what would've-" her breath began to waver and she felt like she couldn't breathe. She was going into another panic attack..these had been happening randomly and sometimes they got so bad she couldn't stop them. She put her hand up around her throat, trying to gulp for air.
"Shit shit Regina." Emma immediately grabbed the oxygen mask on the wall beside the bed trying to figure out how to turn the tank on. "Fucking shit..." she finally got it and put it over the love of her life's face. "Okay okay breathe..." she whispered, one hand over the mask and the other on her back. "We don't need to talk about this anymore...I'm sorry just breathe."
Finally after another minute Regina gently pushed the mask away realizing how stubborn she was being. She let out a weak cough and nodded her head, "fine..."
"Fine what?"
"I will go home with you..."
"Okay Miss Mills...I just need you to sign these discharge papers and you're all clear to go." Regina stood at the front desk, leaning against it for support. She didn't want anyone besides the medical professionals sworn to patient confidentiality to know why she was there. She wore black sunglasses and a large cardigan, her injured hand tucked inside out of sight. Emma stood off to the side of her, never moving to far away. Always wanting to be close.
"Okay...call us if you're feeling discomfort or need anything at all." All I feel is discomfort. Regina just nodded and turned around slowly, discreetly reaching out for Emma's hand to ground herself. Even walking hurt so much, the ache she felt with every step was enough to bring tears to her eyes but she managed to hold it together until they got into the car. "Ah fuck!" She cried out when her butt finally touched the hard seat of the car. "I'm sorry I'm sorry..." Emma mumbled and hurried around to the drivers side, starting the car up.
"I don't want Henry to see me like this..."
"Reg-"
"No! He will not see his mother this weak. This pathetic." She spat, her sunglasses covering the hurt in her eyes.
"Don't say that. You're the strongest woman I know." Regina scoffed and shook her head, trying to find a comfortable position on the seat with no luck...any way she turned her body hurt. Since the attack she had been stationary on a bed with heated blankets and plenty of pain meds so any position hurt. They sent her home with a bottle of oxy in case the pain got too bad but she refused to take a narcotic...she would just stick to ibuprofen.
"I just...froze and let him hurt me." Regina whimpered, squeezing her eyes closed as flashes of his face ran through her head.
"You didn't. You...fought." Emma bit the inside of her cheek, fighting away tears that threatened to fall. If the bruises covering her body weren't evidence of a fight she didn't know what was. Regina just sat silently, leaning her head against the cold window as they drove down the road closer and closer to Emma's apartment.
"So...how do you suppose we keep Henry from you?" Emma mumbled.
"I will just...stay in the guest room and you can tell him I'm sick. At least until the physical parts of my injuries leave." Her chin was held high, not allowing Emma any indication of what she was truly feeling at the moment.
"Reg-"
"I'm not arguing with you about this. I refuse to let him see me this way...it may traumatize him and I know he will have one million questions. Just no." Emma just nodded, pulling into the parking lot and cutting off the engine. She reached for her phone and put it up to her ear making a call.
"Graham hey...yeah we're here. Can you just tell Henry to go to his room and maybe distract him. Regina doesn't want him to see her this way."
Regina let out a shuttered breath and clutched her purse in her arm, fearing he would walk in the room and see her or he would barge in even when told not to...of course he wanted to see his mother. He missed her.
"Okay thanks...be right up." Emma hung up the phone and looked over at Regina with an encouraging smile. "Okay are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be..." Emma immediately wrapped around the car and took Regina's hand, helping her to her feet. "Hold on to me...I got you." Regina wrapped her arm over Emma's neck and used her as a crutch allowing Emma to guide her up the two flights of stairs until they stood in front of her apartment door. Emma unlocked the door and pushed it wide, helping Regina inside. She looked around and took it in. All the photos hanging on the walls...I mean she had been in here a few times before but she hadn't really ever paid attention. There were photos hanging of Henry laughing, playing in their old pool. There was a photo from a park day of Emma and Henry...eating and ice cream cone. Regina smiled and her fingers brushed gently over the photo.
She walked further down the hall, towards the guest room and gasped at the photo hanging on the wall above where she stood. It was of her. Only her...pregnant with Henry. She remembered this day vividly! She was wearing a silk robe and had a face mask on, her hands over her her huge bump. This was the day she gave birth to their baby boy...
"Emma don't take my picture I look awful.." Regina growled but there was a big smile on her face. She stood in the middle of their bedroom with her hands on her stomach, rubbing up and down. "But you just look so beautiful like this..." Emma hummed holding the camera up and taking a series of photos.
"I love you darling." Regina hummed and walked up to Emma wrapping her arms around her wife's neck. Emma leaned in and stole a long, passionate kiss from Regina pulling back with a stupid grin on her face. "Um...baby?"Regina whispered with a laugh, "What!?" Emma squealed.
"You got a little..." she pointed to her mouth and Emma immediately reached up gasping as she felt remnants of Regina's face mask on her skin. "Oh that's funny to you?" Emma smirked, pulling her wife as close as their baby would allow. "Why yes...hilarious."
"Hmm I see...I'll show you hilarious!" Emma flipped her on to the bed, crawling over her carefully and her hands eagerly roamed her wife's body.
And that morning...her water broke officially giving them their little miracle Henry. "You looked absolutely beautiful...I had to frame it." Emma blushed, now standing beside her with a small smile. "Yes uh...a simpler time." Regina whispered and opened the guest room door, going to sit down on the bed. "Ouch..." she sighed and slowly moved to lay down.
"Can I get you anything?"
"I think I uh...just need to sleep." Regina mumbled, pulling the comforter up around herself. She just wanted to be alone...lock the world out and not have to worry about anyone or anything. "Could you uh...lock the door on the way out?" Emma felt her heart shatter when asked that, she was scared...scared to fall asleep and be left vulnerable. "Yes I'll lock it. Shout if you need anything at all." Emma slowly left the room, turning the lock before shutting the door.
Emma made her way back up the hallway and took a deep breath before opening Henry's bedroom door, "mama!" He squealed happily and ran up to her, hugging her as tight as he could. "Hello my baby boy...oh I've missed you." She kissed his head and smiled, stepping back to take a good look at him. He looked clean and well fed. Well taken care of over the past few days while his parents were out of commission. She let out a watery laugh and ruffled her sons hair, finally looking up at Graham who was sitting on his bed across the room. "Hey bro..." she mumbled and he immediately stood up, walking over and pulling her in his arms.
"Hey sis..." he hummed and gently rubbed her back, cradling her head. "How are you holding up?"
Emma sniffled and let out a watery laugh, shaking her head. "Not too good but...better than Regina and I need to stay strong for her." Graham smiled and took a deep breath, holding on to her as tight as his arms would allow. He had been such a force through all of this...staying and helping to watch Henry. Really the entire police force had been incredible. Out on the streets searching for that man and making Emma stay by her side. Not allowing her to help. Even though she desperately wanted to find this sicko for herself...the force also knew what she would do if she did, and it wouldn't be pretty.
"Where's mommy...?" Henry mumbled with his big chocolate eyes staring up at her with so much love it made her heart ache. "Um..." Emma didn't really prepare for this question as much as she should've even though he'd obviously ask it. "Well.." Emma got down on her knees in front of him and squeezed his hands gently. She wouldn't lie to him about her whereabouts but obviously couldn't tell him the truth. "Mommy is in the guest room..." that's all it took. He let go of her fast and was off running, happy excitement all over his face. "But she's sick hen!" Emma called after their son, moving fast to try and stop him. Fuck.
"Mommy!" He giggled, trying to go into the guest bedroom but was met with a locked door. "Mommy...open up! It's Hen Hen!" He tried jiggling the door knob, standing and waiting for her to open the door. "Henry..." Emma gasped and put her hand on his shoulder, "baby boy she's sick.."
Regina heard her son on the other door and felt her heart squeeze tight in her chest. She wanted nothing more than to pull him in her arms and hold him close, letting him know everything was going to be okay and she was here. She wasn't going anywhere. He hadn't even seen Regina in almost a week...longer than the two had ever been apart. She slammed her hand over her mouth as sobs wrecked her body, her hand shaking gently against her mouth.
"Mommy! Mommy!" Henry whimpered ignoring Emma's voice and hand trying to gently pry him away from the door. Inside Regina slowly sat up, gathering her emotions while she willed her voice to speak. "H-Hen.." she called weakly, smiling towards the door. "I'm here baby boy.."
"Mommy..." he whimpered and sat down with his head against the door, "can I come inside there..."
Regina whimpered and bit her lip roughly, trying to hold back the pain she was feeling. I'd want nothing more than that. "Um...I am so sorry baby..mommy is very sick and you shouldn't come in. I don't want you to get sick."
"I don't care!" He sounded angrier and frustrated. "I wanna be wif you.." Regina heard his little sniffles and let out a shuttered breath, standing on shaky legs. She moved over to the door slowly before sinking down in front of it with a quiet wince, putting her hand up against the wood.
Emma could hear her moving around inside and wanted to yell for her to stay put...to rest but she knew it would be no use. "I'm right here baby...put your hand up against the door. I have mine there as well."
Henry slowly pressed his small hand to the wood, trying to get as close to the door as he could. "I'm hugging you mommy..." he mumbled and Regina let out a happy, watery sigh. "Oh me too my prince...me too..."
Graham walked up beside Emma and gently put his hand on her shoulder. "He just misses her Emma..."
"Well of course." Emma said with an irritated tone of voice, "and all because of me." Graham knitted his eyebrows together and shook his head, following behind Emma as she walked into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and took out a beer, opening it against the marble countertop. "Emma how many times do we all have to tell you...it's not your fault."
Emma took a slow swig of her beer, ignoring his words. "Has anyone called Kat? I'm sure she will want to know what's happening...I'm sure she's worried sick."
"She called here...searching for Regina the other day and I filled her in a little. Of course she went into pure panic. That's her best friend...she wanted to rush to the hospital immediately but I was able to talk her out of it." Emma just nodded and let out a small hum. "Yeah well...I should call her. Maybe Regina would be up to seeing her now."
"Kat...Kat slow down." Emma mumbled, sipping her second beer slowly. She needed a clear mind just in case Regina needed her...but fuck this weekend had been brutal. "Yes, she's here. She's okay...I just wanted to call you and give you an update." Emma smiled softly and nodded, "I appreciate you too. She's lucky to have you...I just don't think she's ready to see anyone right now. She's in this unfortunate stage of self loathing and she doesn't like the way she looks-" Emma paused, Katheryn interrupting her for the one millionth time. "Yeah...she looks pretty bad. Beautiful to me of course but uh..some swelling and bruising." The line went silent and Emma heard Regina call to her, "shit Kat...I've gotta go. Um, I will tell Reg I spoke to you and have her reach out when she's ready." Emma nodded, "you too. Bye."
"I'm coming..."Emma knocked gently against the door hearing a quiet click and she pushed it open, walking inside and locking it behind herself. "Oh Regina..."
"I uh...couldn't make it." She mumbled, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Emma sighed and gave her a reassuring look. It's okay my love. "Here I will clean it up..."
"No you don't have to-" Regina had a blush painted on her face as she watched Emma rush into the bathroom, grabbing the necessary cleaning products. Regina stared down at her vomit on the floor and sighed. "What happened..." concern filled Emma's voice as she dragged a trash can over, beginning to clean her throw up with no issue. "Um I just...I got very anxious all the sudden..and uh the thoughts- the thoughts started rushing back and I had this overwhelming need to-" she sputtered, pointing helplessly at the floor. "I tried to make it but I..obviously failed. I'm so sorry." She looked mortified and that broke Emma's heart into pieces. She should never have to feel this way. Especially in front of Emma.
"None of that...shit happens right?" Regina smiled weakly at her no big deal attitude and hummed, "you always did know how to make me reassured.."
"I mean when you know someone over a decade...you should huh?" Emma looked up at Regina with so much adoration in her eyes it hurt. Physically hurt. She tore her gaze away and played nervously with the bedsheets. "I think I'd like a shower..."
"Yes of course! I'll grab you a towel."
"Emma..."
"Yes?"
"Fuck.." she grunted irritatedly and bit the inside of her lip. She felt so embarrassed and awkward in her own skin...which was never the case for her. She was a powerhouse of a woman if there ever was one. Feeling this vulnerable and broken was not her vibe and it made her full of anger and frustration. She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and whimpered as her eyes squeezed closed, sending shooting pain to her injured eye.
"What is it?" Emma reached out and touched Regina's knee, the mess on the floor fully taken care of and the trash bag pulled out and left by the door to take outside.
Regina instantly flinched upon contact and gave Emma an apologetic smile when she pulled away like she had been burnt. Emma smiled weakly, again reassuring her love. "I'm scared..." tears welled up in Regina's eyes.
"Of what baby." Emma was instantly turning to mush. She hated seeing Regina this way.
"Being alone...in there.." her eyes looked over to the bathroom and she instantly hated herself for even asking. Why am I so weak. Get it together.
"Of showering alone?" Emma gave her a curious look and ran her fingers through her hair, the prospect of seeing Regina naked giving her goosebumps everywhere. Not even in a sexual way...just the idea of being able to nurture her in this special way made her fill with a certain amount of pride that she'd be able to be that force. The calm in the storm.
"Never mind...forget it." Regina went to stand up, gasping and immediately sitting back down frozen in place when Emma's hands shot up. Not to hurt her or even touch her! Just as a way to say hey slow down. I am absolutely going to help you. Regardless of the reasoning it freaked Regina out. She was holding her breath without even realizing it, staring wide eyed at Emma. Oh honey. She looked so terrified, her right eye swollen shut but a slow tear still leaked out of it.
"Hey hey...Regina? Regina come back to me!" She was staring off in space, in her own little bubble...hiding away. She heard Emma's voice and was ripped back to reality, finally letting out a shaky breath. "I-you have to stop doing that...no sudden movements. No raising your voice..."
No sudden movements or raising your voice. Noted. "Yes I am sorry. You're absolutely right. Regina..." Emma sighed and slowly, very slowly moved forward. "I'll just sit on the toilet and be there if uh...if you want to talk. Or I'll just stay quiet and just...be there." That must've been okay for the brunette because she slowly got to her feet and moved into the bathroom, turning on the lights before stepping inside. She sighed happily as she felt the cool tile floor press against her bare feet. "Um..." she gave Emma a knowing look, taking the towel offered out to her and flicking her finger foreword suggesting Emma turn around.
"Oh..oh right." Wait. Why? It's not like I didn't just see her the other day...or for ten full years before that. Her body her choice Emma. It's the principle of the thing Emma. Emma stayed with her back to Regina, swaying back and forth as she waited patiently. She heard some frustrated grunting from behind her and wrinkled her eyebrows, "you alright?" She was met with complete silence, just more aggravated noises. "I can't do anything right. Fuck."
"Hey...yes you can. You're just injured right now. I can help you...if you uh let me?"
"I- I don't want you to see me like this." Her voice sounded so hurt, so little.
"Regina..." Emma's eyes closed softly and she flexed her hands at her side, fighting off her sad emotions. Strong. Be strong. "You are safe with me. Always and forever." Regina listened to her words and took them in, looking down at her bruised body she gave a silent nod...realizing Emma couldn't hear her she spoke up, "you can uh..turn around. I need some help with my bra. Hard to undo this clasp with one hand."
Emma immediately nodded, turning around slowly. She fought back the urge to gasp and cry all at the same time as she stared at Regina's back now facing her. "Um Emma?" Regina mumbled, beginning to get anxious. "Uh..right right." Her bottom was completely black and blue, red popped blood vessels all over it. Emma approached her with gentle hands, speaking through everything she was doing. "I'm gonna...unclip your bra now." Regina smiled softly appreciating the notice. "Thank you." Regina whispered once it dropped to the floor. Emma sighed and turned on the water, getting it to the perfect temperature. "Okay...hop in."
Regina slowly turned around never making eye contact with Emma. As soon as the warm water hit her sore skin she let out a happy groan, leaning her head against the wall. "I'm just gonna be right here..." Emma slowly sat down on the toilet, making sure she was there if Regina should need anything.
"Can I uh...help you with anything else?" Emma smiled, helping Regina pull one of her T-shirts over her head to wear for bed. "No I think that's all. Thank you." This would be her first night sleeping outside of the hospital since the attack and she wouldn't say anything but she was really feeling scared at this point. There's so many things that could go wrong...what if he found her. Oh god. He's still out there roaming around! Regina felt her throat constriction and she has to ask, "have they...found him yet."
"No not yet." Emma said defeatedly, "but I don't want you to worry. I have an officer stationed outside the apartment keeping watch just in case. And Graham is out there working tirelessly to find this bastard so I can stay put and be here with you."
"Oh Emma...I don't want to keep you for your work. You just made chief. I- I'll be ok."
"No! No. I am way happier when I'm near you." Shit that came out wrong. Well right...but wrong. Regina blushed softly and nodded, "well thank you...for trying, and for getting a police officer to stay."
"Anything to make you feel safer."
"How can I feel unsafe when I'm staying with the chief of police." Regina smirked, crossing her arms over her stomach. Emma giggled and nodded, "I mean you really can't." They stood there in comfortable silence before Emma slowly backed toward the door. "I'm right across the hall. Please come get me if you need me." Regina gave her a silent nod and smiled as the door closed, a frown instantly taking place once she was left alone in that room. Hopefully she'd actually be able to sleep tonight.
Anguished cries could be heard all the way in Emma's room, her bedroom door closed. She sprung into action, jumping up out of bed in a hurry. Regina was having a nightmare...only this one seemed worse. Far worse. "Mommy!" Henry sobbed, his stuff animal under his arm and he came running out into the hallway his little hand making a move for the door knob.
"Hey baby boy!" Emma gasped coming out of her room just in time to see him, afraid and clearly panicking. Oh god this wasn't fair for him to have to watch. "Hey..." Emma got down on her knees in front of him, realizing she had to make this fast to wake Regina from the terror going on in her head. "Mommy is just having a bad dream..."
"It sounds really bad!" He sniffled, squeezing his teddy bear closer to his chest.
"Yes it does doesn't it...well mama is gonna go in there and help her through it. Okay? But first I need you to go crawl back into bed and I will come tuck you back in the second we're done." Emma didn't like this. Not at all. She made a mental note to call up Katheryn the second she left Regina's room and ask if Henry can spend the weekend with her...Graham had been on Henry duty enough this past week and they had so much support. She knew it would be an easy ask.
"Okay mama...give her lots of cuddles." Emma smiled fondly as he paddled back down the hallway and into his room. As soon as his door latched she pushed Regina's door open, hurrying inside before shutting it again to muffle the sounds. "You're hurting me!" Regina cried out and Emma felt bile rise in her throat. Oh god. "Regina. Hey Regina...it's me. You're safe." Emma tried to put a hand on her ex's forehead, grounding her...or letting her somehow know she was there but that only seemed to amplify Regina's wails. Her body shaking and a light layer of sweat covered her body like a warm coat. What the hell do I do. Emma thought to herself beginning to panic more. "Regina...baby..." Emma mumbled more to herself than anything and in the moment, with so much fear in her heart she got down to her knees beside the bed. "I choose you because...you make the stars seems dim and the sun could never shine as bright as you. I choose you because I see through all of your imperfections and will always love you regardless." A piece of her wedding vows. Regina's body instantly seemed to calm down, relaxing further into her pillow.
Suddenly she jolted awake with a soft cry, her eyes springing wide and she tried to catch her breath. "E-Emma...?" She mumbled, once realizing there was someone sitting down beside her. Emma anxiously wiped at her tears and sat beside Regina quickly. Oh thank god. "You're awake! You had me terrified...nothing I did would wake you."
Regina stayed silent for a minute, "uh...do you recall anything?" Emma mumbled in a small, almost hopeful voice. "Oh just...the same shit different day. The nightmares." So she didn't recall Emma's comforting words that seemed to work. "Do you uh..wanna talk about it?"
"I'd rather not..." Regina pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged herself, smiling weakly over to Emma. "Regina I really think you should give the-"
"Emma enough. Absolutely not."
"You should. He's a dangerous predator."
"I am not giving my statement. I am the mayor for gods sake. The second I..heal enough I will be back in the office. This would ruin me." Regina growled, looking anywhere but into Emma's eyes. "Regina you are a vic-"
"Don't you fucking dare." The brunette spat, now making direct eye contact as her eyes filled with tears. "I will never be a victim. How dare you! Don't you dare call me that-"
Emma audibly gasped and held her hands up as surrender, "okay okay...I'm sorry."
"Just get out."
"Get out?" Emma looked hurt..but Regina couldn't even bring herself to care at the moment. She was boiling. She'd never imaged this would happen to her. She'd always thought of herself as untouchable. Most people do. Until it's you. Her whole body ached every day and she had these constant reminders of what happened to her painted all over her body. She felt sick. She wanted to see her son. She wanted to be comfortable in her own body again. She wanted to feel free of him...but that wouldn't happen until he was put away. It couldn't.
"Yes get out! I'm perfectly fine and would like to be left alone please." Regina held her chin high, staring at the far wall across the room. She was always so damn stubborn. Never one to accept help in any form. Regina was in her own head on this...constantly battling with her own deteriorating thoughts. Images of him over her. The way his hot spit felt against her face, and how painful each slap to her face was with his powerful hands...the feeling of his hands on her...in her. Each day became more and more agonizing where she'd wished the opposite, but of course she wouldn't tell anyone about her feelings.
"Regina, I am truly sorry. For everything. Call to me if you need me..." Regina just stayed silent, her arms wrapped tightly around herself and she waited until the door clicked shut to finally allow herself to let out. Breathe in and out. Have a panic attack. Whatever she needed at that moment...
The days carried on and bled into one another...most of the time Regina kept herself locked away in the bedroom, even when Henry would be off at school. She just laid in there...shutting herself out to the word. It felt easier than facing it and facing her fears of going outside. It had been two full weeks since the incident now and most of her injuries had healed, minus her thumb. Another two weeks and that should be fine as well. Now all that was left was her mental scaring...the constant thought of him. Which is exactly what he had wanted... he had told her he was going to make her unable to want Emma ever again. Funny enough...she felt she'd never want anyone ever again.
"Regina!" The brunette was torn from her thoughts upon hearing the blondes panicked voice rushing into the apartment, racing towards her bedroom door. She beat Emma to the punch and pulled the door wide open, gnawing on her bottom lip anxiously, "yes?"
"We got him. He had ended up in New York. On the run no doubt...but we got him Regina. Regina?" Emma's voice felt far away and she felt as though she was about to pass out, fear filling her body. What does that mean? Will she have to testify? Will he try and get to her? Can he do that?"
"Regina?" Emma repeated, gently putting her hand on her ex's shoulder noticing her visibly flinch. "Hey are you alright?"
"N-no...Um..so he's in custody right?" Regina whispered, brushing past the blonde and sitting on the couch. "Yes my love! Of course he is. You're safe. I promise he will never get to you. Not ever again."
Regina let the words sink in and stared blankly at the hard wood floors, tapping her knees up and down. "So...do I have to testify?"
"We can...talk about this another time." Emma mumbled, rubbing Regina's back up and down.
"No Emma. Now please. Just..just tell-"
"Yes. For him to be put away...we not only need the evidence but also the Vic-" she saw Regina's death stare and immediately switched up, "your statement. And you to explain what a monster he is."
"I uh..." tears brimmed in the brunettes eyes and she shook her head, "I'm not sure I can do that."
"Hey now..." Emma sighed and nodded her head, trying to think of anything at all to say to comfort Regina. Honestly, there was nothing to say. "His hearing isn't going to be for two months at least...we have some time and I'll be there every step of the way." Regina just nodded, wiping at her tears with a soft sigh. She let herself be pulled into Emma's arms fighting off any negative thoughts. This is Emma. You're safe.
"I think I need to go back to work."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes Um..it's for the best. I've been away for two weeks. People will start to have questions."
"Okay well I don't want you worrying. I will have an officer stationed in your area just so you feel more safe." Regina felt her heart swell with love for the blonde. She was always so thoughtful and had such concern for the brunette.
"I also think I need to go back home..." Emma felt her heart fall but slowly nodded in agreement, she couldn't persuade Regina and she knew it. Once she had something in her head that was it.
"If you..think that's best." Emma mumbled, trying not to let her voice waver to much. She was so worried for Regina and having her under her roof gave her that extra assurance that she was okay. "I do. Best for Henry too...maybe we can start getting back on track to some form of normalcy."
"Okay Reg. Whatever you need."
They sat in relative silence for a minute, just taking in all this new information. Things were about to get interesting.
AN- Another stingy chapter but absolutely necessary to describe some of the healing process. Lighter chapters are coming I promise. As always swanqueen is endgame!
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