A random one-shot I needed to get out of my head. Unedited for the most part.

It wasn't a new concept, being in love with Regina. It was a slow-spreading wildfire that destroyed everything Emma had ever known, leaving room for something new to grow. That something new was patience, confidence, and self-reflection. And Emma hated it because she couldn't tell Regina any of it. She couldn't march over to the mansion and drop to her knees, press her lips against Regina's stomach, and whisper all of her sins to a woman who made Emma ache inside. Yes, ache. Emma had never been the angsty-teenage romance type, the kid who hid out and waxed poetic about a girl she'd seen in the lunchroom. No, Emma liked to stuff it all inside until it came out in a frantic, desperate attempt to express her emotions. She had no idea she would wake up one morning and realize that she'd met the love of her life. Emma had what she wanted to say on the tip of her tongue. And then she'd see Regina at the diner pressed into a small booth with a man that Emma hated with every fiber of her being. They'd share a kiss that screamed contentment, and Emma would backpedal into her ex-boyfriend's bed even though he knew her heart was with someone else. Killian had gotten accustomed to being a replacement. And neither one corrected Snow or David when they hinted at wedding plans. There would be no wedding. Killian had already moved his things back to his ship. He had a map tucked in his jacket that Emma pretended not to see, and she wouldn't ask him about it. Killian was a pirate, a man of the sea, and Emma wasn't going to beg him to stay. Their sex was quiet and predictable, and it was what they needed. Because if they turned on the lights and looked into each other's eyes, they would see Regina and the open ocean. Their two loves they were destined to long for.

"You're drifting again."

Emma turned to see Killian halfway dressed and lying on his stomach. He was leaving before the town was awake, and Emma knew she'd cry over it. He was her best friend, and he was chasing his dream. Emma was stuck in her nightmare.

"I'm going to miss you."

"This isn't goodbye, Swan."

"Yes, it is."

Killian didn't correct her, and Emma refused to let him give her hope.

"Say it," he said.

Emma teared up, and Killian brushed them away as they fell.

"I'm madly, irreparably in love with Regina," Emma whispered, her voice cracking at the end.

Killian leaned over and kissed her forehead. It was their routine. He would listen as she said it out loud, and he would hold her as she cried, knowing that once the sun appeared, she would pull herself together again. Her words were whispered for no one but him, a man who understood the longing.

"I'm sorry I wasn't what you needed," he murmured against her temple.

"Me too."

Killian didn't say another word, and they watched the skies until the sun peeked over the horizon. Killian hesitated, and Emma poked him in the side.

"Go," she whispered.

Killian silently slipped from the bed. She watched him get dressed and smiled when he left one of his necklaces on the dresser. He picked up his last bag and glanced over his shoulder. There was no goodbye. He was there, and then he was gone.

Emma stared at the ceiling in the ensuing silence, and she had no idea how much time had passed until the sun finally broke the tree line. Emma sat up and rubbed her eyes, throwing the cover to the side. She stepped out of bed and ducked into the hallway. There was no need to watch her steps. Snow and David took Henry camping, and the loft was blessedly empty. Emma made her way into the kitchen and went through the routine of putting her breakfast together. Toast, coffee, and fresh apple slices to round things off. She wasn't the best cook, but she could manage toast and fruit. And that was enough.

Emma whistled as she picked up a knife and prepared to slice up her apple -

"Why must I find out from the pirate that you are in love with me?"

Emma nearly sliced her finger at Regina's voice and dropped the knife. She leaned on the counter and cursed Killian for all he was worth.

"Hello, Regina," she sighed.

"Do not act as if I am the one inconveniencing you when you have been inconveniencing me for years! Did it ever occur to you that I chose Robin because the idiot I have been in love with gave me no indication that she felt the same way? But for me to discover this from that damned pirate as he sneaks off to adventures unknown? I should punch you on principle alone."

Emma turned slowly and glanced at Regina. Her train of thought derailed when she noticed Regina was still dressed in her pajamas. It was Monday, so that didn't make a lick of sense. Why was Regina not dressed for work?

"Because I can see it written on your face, I will tell you that I took the day off to confess my undying love for my Sheriff and deal with the aftermath."

"Wait, what?"

"For fuck's sake, I love you, Miss Swan."

"You are?"

"Would I be here in my pajamas at seven in the morning on a Monday if I weren't?"

Emma exhaled sharply and reached out, tugging Regina closer by her shirt. She cupped Regina's face and looked her in the eyes. The remnants of sleep were still there, nestled between Regina's fear and insecurity that Killian was lying. Emma had never seen a more beautiful sight. When Regina shifted to the side, the sun highlighted everything else that Emma didn't see before. Love. Happiness. Peace. Emma relaxed for the first time since Regina opened the door all those years ago.

"You love me."

"I said that already."

"You came over here to tell me you love me at seven in the morning."

"Again, a point I have already made."

"What about Robin?"

"I broke up with him two weeks ago, Emma," Regina said dryly. "I thought you knew that."

"No," Emma said sheepishly. "What happened?"

"Let's just say the sex wasn't good enough to keep pretending, and I was gathering the nerve to come and do what I'm doing now."

"Did Killian truly tell you I was in love with you?"

"He told me I was a fool for not seeing what was in front of me, and I put the pieces together myself. The rest was blind faith and desperation."

"So the idiot in this scenario-

"-is still the one who hasn't said it back," Regina finished.

"Why do I have to say it if you already know it?"

Regina rolled her eyes and put her hands on Emma's waist. Why had Emma not seen how much shorter Regina was without her heels?

"Because I have been waiting four years, five months, and three days to hear it," Regina murmured.

Emma smiled and ghosted her lips across Regina's, whispering, "I am madly, irreparably in love with you, Regina Mills."

Once Emma realized they were kissing, her magic had already burst from her chest and swirled in the air with Regina's. She felt a million things settle into place, and the cracks in her heart sealed to become whole again. Regina giggled mid-kiss, and she threw her arms around Emma's neck. White and purple mixed together and exploded from the loft, traveling across Storybrooke and lighting up what little darkness remained.

Killian leaned on the railing as his ship slowly moved further from town.. He watched the magic encompass the entire area. It was beautiful, like the happy ending that no one expected, and he raised his flask.

"To chasing what we love," he murmured.