Chapter 7

Not Afraid Anymore

"Ready to face this, dying to taste this sick sweet warmth." -Not Afraid Anymore, Halsey

Every inch of Regina's body was on fire, for the second time today, but this time in the best way. It was as if each cell within her was trying to escape to be closer to Emma. She had never felt this sort of craving, this level of need before. And she had no time to think about anything other than how amazing the woman above her felt as the blonde devoured her.

When Emma brought a hand up to firmly squeeze her breast through her sweatshirt, another moan escaped her lips and the electricity began to crackle again.

"Maybe I should turn the lights off." Regina mumbled through hungry kisses. The only response she received from Emma was an "Mm-Mm" to signify the woman saying no. After another firm squeeze of her breast and her nipples threatening to cut through the fabric that separated them from Emma's touch, there was an explanation.

"I want to see you." Emma finally pulled back, breathing the words against Regina's lips. The blonde rested her forehead against Regina's own and both of their lungs seemed to thank them for the breather.

Regina wished the lights had gone out again, because now a blush was covering her flushed cheeks. That didn't stop the simple fact that she had too much magic and she couldn't control it with Emma on top of her- let alone with Emma's cock firmly wedged against her core. She bit her lip, willing her brain to think a coherent thought.

"I can't control this magic when you're…" Regina was lost for words. "When you're…you." She mumbled desperately wanting to feel Emma's lips against hers again. She could tell it was hard for Emma to think clearly as well, but somehow the blonde managed to continue the conversation.

"Would it help if you let some out?" It was clear that Emma didn't know if it worked that way…but the suggestion was genuine. Regina pondered this…she wasn't sure, but she could try.

"Maybe…but I told Henry I wouldn't use it." For the first time since the women became glued together, Regina's mind started to stray.

"Hey." Emma called her back to the present moment. "You promised him you wouldn't do anything bad with magic. Just…do something good. He doesn't have to know."

It felt scandalous and it almost made Regina giggle. She decided Emma was right so she swept them to her bedroom with a swift motion of her hand. They were in the exact same position, just now nestled into Regina's bed.

"Good?" Regina asked, seeking approval.

"Good." Emma chuckled and kissed her softly on the nose. The moment was only intimate for a moment before the tension in the air became thick with need again. "Now we can be bad." The blonde husked before grinding into Regina.

"Oh fuck, Emma." Regina moaned. The thin fabric of her yoga pants left meant she could feel how hard the blonde was and it was just enough to tease her clit and soak her panties.

"God, that's so hot." Emma said before diving back in to kiss Regina. She wasn't sure what she had done to warrant that reaction, but she hoped to figure it out so she could do it again.

Emma's lips broke from her own and she immediately missed the contact, but not for long as those same lips made a trail down her jaw and began to kiss her neck. She felt warm, slender fingers grip her hips, then fingers tips graze the bare skin of her abdomen as they made their way beneath the fabric. It was beginning to feel like she would explode- all of the sensations coming together to surround her in euphoria.

And then a sound reminded them that they weren't the only two people in the world. Regina huffed, angry at the interruption, and Emma groaned, seemingly longing for more and begging for her not to answer the phone that was ringing loudly (and rudely). As much as Regina wanted to not pick it up, she had to. It was her 'duty' ring that meant there was an emergency she needed to handle as mayor.

"Just…one second, baby." The pet name slipped out of her but she had no time to think about it and wasn't sure if Emma even heard it by the way she continued the kisses down her neck. Regina looks around for her phone but sees nothing. She hesitates, but rolls her eyes before using magic to make the phone appear in her hand. It had to be a good use for magic, because getting out from under Emma was the worst thing she could imagine.

As she took the call, Emma never stopped kissing her most sensitive spots along her neck. The blonde also never stopped grinding her cock gently against Regina's throbbing core. This had to be the reason she was unable to form words to the person on the other end of the line. She instead settled on hums of acknowledgement throughout the phone call.

"I'll be there shortly." It took everything within Regina to not say it through gritted teeth, but she managed to sound semi polite. The people of Storybrooke wanted to exclude her from everything and make her an outcast, but they didn't mind relying on her still for her mayoral duties.

Truly though, she didn't mind. They had originally asked her to vacate her position as mayor, but once the work began to pile up and David saw how hard she was working for Henry he convinced the town to let her keep her day-to-day duties. Of course, she was no longer able to make any big decisions on behalf of the town, but she enjoyed being a part of keeping it running. At this moment though, she wished she had just been permanently fired.

It was clear Emma felt the same. The woman leaned up onto her arms, still above Regina and waited for an explanation of the call. Green eyes slowly swept across her face, seemingly taking everything in as if it had never been seen before. Eventually, the green eyes landed on her lips as she began to ruin their bubble.

"Apparently, you are just that good, Miss Swan." Regina teased, hoping this use of a more formal name was understood by the blonde. It seemed to be, because she felt Emma's dick twitch against her. The movement caused her to question if she cared about Storybrooke at all…they could figure it out themselves right? She groaned, knowing that she needed to leave. "It seems that the town has been having power issues tonight. Apparently, we have fried the power grid." She wanted to be annoyed, but instead found herself smirking.

"Then why do we have power?" Emma grumpily asked, not happy about the interruption, but still staring at Regina's lips.

"I guess because I used magic to turn it back on." Regina shrugged, transfixed on Emma's transfixion on her.

"Then just use magic to fix the power grid." Emma was dangerously close to pouting, yet maintained a confidence that she may be able to get Regina to stay.

"And explain that to everyone how?" Regina said and Emma seemed to understand, not pushing it any further. She did feel bad about leaving the woman high and dry… She ran her hands down Emma's back and rested both hands on Emma's ass before squeezing and pulling the blonde further into her. Emma moaned while looking into Regina's eyes and she was convinced they both could cum in that moment.

"I'll make it up to you?" Regina meant to say it, but it came out as a question. Now that the moment was ending, she was afraid it may have been a one time thing…or possibly a moment of weakness on Emma's part. Her heart beat faster at that thought that this may be as close as they ever get. Worry must have been written on her face, because Emma's eyes softened and it was accompanied by a soft smile and a gentle peck on the lips. The peck lingered a little too long…as it was dangerously close to turning into something they both knew they couldn't stop.

"There will be plenty of time." Emma said certainly, soothing Regina's fears. "Plus…" Emma's hand traveled down between them and rubbed gently over Regina's covered center. The blonde deviously chuckled at the obvious wetness that had dampened her yoga pants. "It looks like you aren't the only one that'll have making up to do." With that, Emma winked and rolled off of her. The woman peaked down at the obvious tent in her pants and Regina followed her gaze.

She swallowed thickly, suppressing a moan that threatened to escape at just the sight of Emma being so hard. She had to tear her eyes away or she'd never make it out of the house.

"I won't be long, but don't feel like you have to wait up. I just need to sort some things out with the electric company and make sure funds are allocated appropriately for however much the invoice will be." Regina spoke while trying to find something to wear, making sure to grab a fresh pair of panties.

"I love it when you talk dirty, Madam Mayor." Emma teased while feigning a sultry gaze. This caused Regina to roll her eyes and chuckle at the woman's silly behavior. She didn't want to admit it, but her heart was swelling at the way they went from a serious mood, to a sexy mood, and then to a silly mood. It all felt so…familiar. That being said, Regina didn't want to make any assumptions or get used to the feeling.

"You are welcome to stay in here." Regina started, finding Emma smirking at her statement. "Or there is also a guest room that connects to the master. It's just through the door by the dresser." Emma seemed to frown a little at the thought of spending the rest of the night separate, and Regina didn't want to make her feel unwelcome so she added:

"Either way, I'll come see you when I get back." She threw a wink towards Emma and saw the smirk come back to her face.

"Fucking tease." Emma playfully tossed the words at her. And that's exactly what she was. Regina added a little extra swing in her step as she sauntered to the bathroom. She didn't need to turn around to know Emma was watching.

When Regina returned, she was disappointed to find Emma fast asleep in the guest room bed. She only pouted for a moment before realizing she really didn't have any room to be upset. Still, she followed through on her promise and now she was sitting on the edge of the guest bed, stroking a few strands of blonde hair out of the gorgeous woman's face.

Emma stirred a bit and Regina began to question her decision to wake her. Before she could change her mind though, a set of sleepy green eyes met hers before willing themselves to open wider and be awake.

"Hey!" Emma said with a sleep filled voice. "You're back! What time is it?" The woman questioned as she looked around the darkness of the room.

"Just a little past 4 in the morning, dear. You can go back to sleep." Regina's hand was now resting gently on Emma's face with her thumb softly stroking the woman's cheek.

"No, I want to be with you." Emma said, but the yawn that followed seemed to betray the woman's body. Green eyes roamed the room before fully acknowledging where they were. "Sorry, I didn't know when you'd be back. I didn't want Henry to come looking for us to find me asleep in your bed and you gone." She smiled at the woman's thoughtfulness towards the boy. She would be lying if she said she didn't feel a bit relieved for the reason Emma wasn't still in her bed.

"Nonsense. I'm glad you're comfortable. Do you need anything? Another blanket?" She questioned, wanting the blonde somehow to be more than comfortable. She blushed a bit because she knew there was a pile of blankets in a basket across the room, in case a guest was to get cold.

"Just you." Emma mumbled and Regina's heart swelled. She kicked off her heels and climbed, fully dressed, into the bed next to Emma. The blonde immediately nestled into her body. Emma's level of affection was surprising. The normally stoic, strong demeanor had done a complete 180 as the woman tossed an arm over Regina's waist and snuggled firmly into her chest.

She didn't have much chance to enjoy the closeness, because soon she found herself drifting off into sleep. She hadn't even meant to close her eyes, but when she opened them there was light coming in through the window. Her hand traveled to find Emma, but was only met with the fluffy resistance of the comforter.

Though a frown formed on her face, it didn't last for long. Emma softly opened the door before seeing she was awake.

"Hey there, Madam Mayor." The blonde joked softly to which Regina playfully rolled her eyes. "How'd you sleep?"

"Good, I think. I didn't even mean to fall asleep." She leaned up a bit from the bed, blinking to adjust to the light. "What time is it?" Sleep was still laced in her voice and it surprised her a bit to hear herself. It had been awhile since there was anyone with her this early in the morning so she wasn't used to speaking just as she woke up. She normally didn't hear her own voice until she

"Probably a little past 11?" Emma framed the response in the form of a question. Regina couldn't help but chuckle that the blonde didn't know the exact time even though she was wearing a watch. She remembered their exchange from the night before and smiled softly. Then she remembered what Emma had actually said.

"11?" She was floored. She hadn't slept in this late since…well…forever.

"Yeah you were knocked out." Emma laughed a bit before sitting on the edge of the bed and handing Regina a cup of coffee before setting her own on the nightstand. "I didn't want to wake you up, so I took care of getting Henry to school." They both smiled at the mention of their son. A comfortable silence fell over the two while Regina sipped her coffee.

"I hope it wasn't too presumptuous…but I also asked David and Mary Margaret to watch him after school." A deep blush colored Regina's cheeks once Emma was done speaking. Her eyebrows shot up, not in offense, just in shock. Green eyes searched hers in confusion before their eye contact was broken. "Oh..god, no!" Emma quickly interjected. "I mean…not that I'm opposed..because also…god, yes." The blonde nervously chuckled. "I more so just meant that we didn't get to talk much last night and figured we should. You know…talk." Emma gestured around the room at nothing.

Regina found herself beaming at the mention of last night. She wasn't sure if Emma would bring it up, but was glad it wasn't just a moment of weakness. She also found herself smirking a bit at how flustered the blonde seemed to be. She just nodded towards Emma in agreement and they continued enjoying their coffee together. Talking about nothing and everything all at the same time.

"WAIT, she what?!" Regina was floored, but somehow not at all shocked at the same time.

"Yes, Regina! She literally stuck her greedy little fingers into my chest and tried to rip my heart out!" Emma said, willing Regina to be just as shocked as she was when it happened. The subject matter was a lot heavier than it would've appeared to a fly on the wall. They were exchanging the words and expressing themselves as if it were gossip at a Sunday brunch.

Regina tossed her head back in laughter at the way Emma was describing it.

"Well…that sounds like her." She said after coming down from her laughter. Emma was laughing too, and though it was the sweetest sound she had ever heard, she couldn't help but to hurt for the woman sitting next to her on the bed. "I'm sorry you had to deal with her, Em." She said as she reached out and squeezed the blonde's slender fingers.

Emma looked like she was going to shrug her off, but then softly gasped as she looked down at their hands that were touching. Regina didn't need to wonder why…she had felt it too. Rather than verbally acknowledge it, Emma just chuckled a bit.

"You know…I could get used to you calling me that." The blonde spoke earnestly. She found herself moved by the honesty Emma was comfortable sharing with her. So she decided to return it in kind.

"I could get used to calling you that." She smiled while looking into green eyes, not wanting Emma to doubt her for even a moment.

"Does it ever stop?" Emma softly asked, barely above a whisper. The green-eyed gaze had fallen back to where their fingers were now playing with each other.

"That's up to you. We don't have to do anything you don't want to." She returned, wanting that to be clear.

"No…I know that." Emma laughed gently as if Regina was being silly. "I meant the…the spark. Do you feel it too? When we touch?"

Regina softly chuckled in response, only momentarily embarrassed for her misunderstanding. She nodded her head gently, afraid her words may betray her and reveal how nervous she is as her heart begins to beat a little faster. She inhaled deeply, allowing the air around her to fill her lungs before she spoke.

"I do. I would've assumed it was the magic from the well…but I…" she hesitated momentarily, not able to look at the blonde. "I felt it before then." She felt as though she was sitting there naked with how exposed the confession made her feel.

Emma's hand made its way to her cheek and rubbed it softly. It was the only thing grounding her from overthinking.

"Me too." Emma said, surprising her. The shock must have been obvious, because the blonde elaborated: "I felt it before I fell into the portal."

Regina nodded, barely actually moved her head at all. It made sense that Emma felt a spark upon seeing her visions.

"But…" Emma continued, surprising her once again. "That wasn't the first time."

Now Regina was floored. She had felt an…attraction…to the woman before. But nothing of this magnitude. There was always a draw between them, but she just assumed they were both passionate about Henry. She opened her mouth to inquire further, but Emma didn't give her the chance.

"The night we first met, when I had brought Henry back here, you invited me in for cider." The blonde began recounting the memory, and Regina found herself wincing at her previous behavior. She then chuckled, almost under her breath.

"You asked for something stronger." She couldn't help but smile at the memory. At the time, she was a bit taken aback by the forwardness of this complete stranger. However, now she was wholly endeared to the woman.

"That sounds right." Emma chuckled along with her. "When you obliged and handed me a drink…our hands touched. Just for a second, nothing crazy. I wouldn't have even noticed if it hadn't just…I don't know. Completely zapped me? If that makes sense?" The blonde's question was rhetorical, but it almost seemed like she needed a response, so Regina gave her a nod and Emma seemed to calm a bit, ready to continue her story.

"I was…enamored. Just completely captivated by you. Of course, Graham was with you so I figured he was like…your boyfriend or something." Emma laughed nervously, not wanting to bring up anything if there had been something between the two. "So I played it cool. Then when…" Emma looked hesitant to continue, but did anyway. "When it became clear that things were not going to be good between us I just kind of…forgot. I think I just wrote it off, actually. I still felt…something towards you. I just honestly thought it was…resentment? Or Jealousy?"

Regina was completely silent. Partially because she was feeling guilty that she was the reason they never got to explore anything between them sooner and partially because she had no idea Emma had ever seen her in that light before their visions.

"I'd say it was just jealousy over Henry…but that isn't true. I wasn't jealous of you really, except that you got to raise Henry whereas I was the coward that gave him up." Emma continued, and Regina squeezed her hand. She had no intention of interrupting, but she did make a mental note to revisit that thought later and make sure Emma knew she was not a coward in the slightest. "I was jealous of everything around you. It sounds…stupid and cliche. But it's true. I was jealous of the people who you confided in or were close with. I was jealous when someone made you laugh. Hell…I was probably jealous of the clothes you were wearing some days. I just…wanted to be close to you. I just didn't know why…didn't know how. You know?"

Regina nodded her head, she wasn't able to speak because a lump had begun to form in her throat. She couldn't really place a finger on her mixed feelings towards the blonde prior to now either. Sometimes she only felt like they fought as a way to have something to do with one another. She finally felt like she could speak so she assured Emma.

"I do know. Emma…I want you to know how sorry I am for the way things were between us. I'd say I was quick to anger…but honestly anger was just all I knew. Some days it's alI I still know. I pushed you away and tried to get rid of you because I felt threatened by you." Regina was speaking surely, but was not confident in her honesty. Being vulnerable was not her strong suit and it made her feel uneasy. However, when Emma smiled at her and squeezed her hand to gently encourage her, she felt her nerves settle down.

"Henry is all I have. He's…everything to me. I know I don't deserve him, but if there's anything good about me…it's him." She smiled thinking of the boy she had raised. "So when he ran away to find you…when all he wanted was you…I did what I've always done. I didn't think. I just reacted." She felt a tear roll down her cheek, but before she could wipe it away, Emma did it for her.

"I should've listened to you, Emma. Just know…I'm trying. You have no reason to believe me, but I know that I was wrong. I want to do better. I want to be better." She felt a strong, yet slender arm wrap around her shoulder and felt Emma squeeze her gently into a side hug while looking for her eyes to lock gazes.

"Hey…I believe you. And I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have been so territorial over Henry. He's your son, and I'm thankful that you've let me have a place in his life. I know it hasn't always been easy, but we both know you could've stopped me all together if you wanted to." Emma raised her eyebrows to insinuate just how obvious her previous statement was. When it made Regina chuckle, Emma joined in. "I know we talked about it last night, but I need you to know that no matter what, I promise that I'll never try to take him away from you, okay?"

Regina nodded and added in:

"I promise too." At this point, they were close enough to lock lips. It seemed as if they both wanted to, but knew that they wouldn't get any talking done if they did.

"Speaking of…" Emma began, and even though they had just made promises to each other, Regina began to feel nervous. "I was thinking… This is Henry's home, you know? Just because Henry has two moms doesn't mean he needs to have two homes." Emma looked a little vulnerable as she continued. "I just…getting passed around from place to place sucks. I know we all love him and he's welcome anywhere he wants to be. I just want him to have a home. I know what it's like to not have one and I don't want him to ever feel anything but secure."

Regina couldn't help but to feel gutted by the guilt of being the one to cause Emma to not have a home for so long. She however, decided it was selfish the make the moment about how she felt so she returned all of her energy and thoughts back to the blonde.

"Are you sure? I-" She began talking, even though she wasn't sure what she was planning to say. Luckily, Emma interrupted her.

"I'm positive. Henry grew up here. He has a big room and all of his stuff is here. He doesn't have much room back at Mary Margaret's. Especially now that David has moved in." Emma's tone was certain, and Regina was overcome with emotion to the point where she felt frozen. She was worried if she were to breathe that it would pop this bubble and she'd realize it was all a dream.

There was nothing more she wanted than to have Henry back at home. However, it felt wrong to keep Emma and Henry apart for any amount of time. Beyond her feelings, she had no idea how Henry would take it. Or if Henry would even want to stay with her… So for that, and no other selfish reason at all (she told herself), she made a proposal:

"Stay." It was one word, but it felt like it had the weight of a million. Emma's brows scrunched in confusion before the blonde laughed.

"I wasn't planning on leaving just yet… Wait- is this reverse psychology? Because if you want me to leave you can just say so." Emma didn't seem offended, more so wary. Perhaps she thought she had overstayed her welcome. If that was the case the blonde was so incredibly wrong.

"No…I mean stay. Like…here. If it's Henry's home I see no reason why it shouldn't be your home too." Regina said, as straightforwardly as she could muster.

"Are you…asking me to move in with you, Regina?" Emma asked, and she was not able to tell what the blonde was thinking. She gulped and waited for laughter. She felt her cheeks burning and was wondering if she was going crazy and had misread this entire interaction. "I guess I really was better…and we didn't even have sex."

She looked up to find Emma smirking and she couldn't help but to playfully roll her eyes and nudge into the blonde softly. Above all else, she was glad there wasn't a negative reaction.

"I'm serious, Em." She added the nickname for good measure. "I'm not saying you should move in and us live as a couple or something. But you're Henry's mother and if he's here I think you should be here." She said resolutely, as if the decision had already been made. "Not that I'd mind having you near by…" She added to lighten the mood, now having the chance to smirk herself.

"I mean…yeah, okay!" Emma said quickly hopping on board. "If Henry's cool with it then I'm down. I was kind of worried about spending the night at Mary Margaret's again anyways…" the blonde grimaced a bit and Regina sympathized with her. True love is fun while you're in it…but not always as a witness. Especially not as a live-in witness. Especially not when you are suddenly made aware that they're your parents. Regina just giggled before rolling her eyes.

"Oh, Henry will be thrilled." She joked. "I'm sure it will also make him feel more comfortable with staying here." It wasn't her intention to bring the mood down, but it did seem to dwindle as Emma gave her a sad, knowing smile.

Regina was sure that Emma was the savior, because the blonde saved the moment by lightening the mood so she didn't have to dwell on the reality of her last statement.

"So…" Emma began to smirk. "Do I get to stay in your bed?" The blonde trapped her own bottom lip between her teeth and Regina wished she was doing it for the woman instead.

"Maybe if you're on your best behavior…" She teased and shot the woman a wink before smacking her gently on her thigh and squeezing playfully. "Otherwise, this can be your room."

They both looked around the space, realizing it didn't look like Emma at all. It looked like something out of a catalog…very pristine and honestly…a little rigid.

"We can make some changes." Regina confirmed the answer to a question neither of them had verbalized, but Emma let out a soft sigh of relief which made her chuckle. "If you find yourself needing any…privacy…" She let the word linger in the air, teasing Emma with the insinuation. "Just don't leave a sock on the door." Confusion spread across Emma's face before she explained further. "Come get me instead."

As Regina winked, Emma's dick visibly twitched against the fabric restraining it. This made her let out a sultry chuckle before moving in closer to the woman…so close they were sharing breath… So close they could…

Just when Emma's green eyes darted down towards her lips, ready to make a move, Regina used some of her excess magic to make some paint swatches appear. She held these up in front of her face, breaking the gaze that was fixated on her lips away. She almost felt guilty because Emma didn't just look disappointed, she looked dangerously close to a hurt puppy. It was becoming abundantly clear that she was going to have a very hard time telling Emma no.

However, she mustered the little strength she had and didn't waiver, even though she really, really wanted to.

"So, which is your favorite, Miss Swan?" She winked while referring to the woman as 'Miss Swan' so she knew it was playful rather than curt and formal. Emma took the paint swatches from her to closely examine them as if this were a life or death situation. Before the blonde had claimed the swatches though, Regina could've sworn she heard the smallest of sighs.

Don't worry, Emma. She thought to herself while smirking. There'll be plenty of time for that.

A/N: Hi again, friends! I hope this chapter made your hearts happy! I'd love to hear your thoughts on their new living arrangements…

Question regarding NSFW content: are you all interested in an explicit sexual interaction between Regina and Emma? Or do you prefer steamy but not explicit? I want you all to enjoy and be happy reading this work, so I'm looking for feedback so you can continue to!