A/N: Thank you all for your patience until I was able to post another update. And a long one at that. :) tomorrow I will try to post another one, even if it's late at night. I know how eager everyone is to get to reading so I'll leave you to it. Happy reading!
Dinner with Emma's parents. That's all that crossed Regina's mind that entire day, as she walked hand in hand, so freely with Emma as her girlfriend! She couldn't deny feeling a little weird about it all, but it was also nice. It was nice defying the fear of Leopold finding out, and bravely taking a step toward happiness with Emma by her side, guiding her and showing her around Portland with such familiarity and delight.
Emma, who would look at her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. Not a waste of time and space, like Leopold tended to do. Emma, who wouldn't hesitate to tell her she loved her every minute of the day. Not like Leopold, who didn't even know the meaning of that word. Emma, who made her feel like it was okay to be herself. It was okay to be afraid, or to have doubts.
Emma, who was always there to clear every little thing up.
"First pancakes at two am in my kitchen, now we are having ice cream for breakfast?" Regina said with a smile to her as they stood outside of Emma's favorite ice cream spot next.
"Hey, come on. Live a little. Besides, you have to trust me on this, no one makes ice cream like Elsa." Emma pulls on Regina's hand, and pulls open the glass door for her to enter first.
"Emma!" Elsa smiles behind the glass/icey counter. Her light blue uniform, going very well with her blonde hair, which is picked up with several pins.
"Hey, Elsa." Emma greets, past a few round tables and up to the counter, already eyeing their choices of ice cream.
"Your mother told me you would be coming back soon. How was your summer away from school?"
"Oh, it was wonderful." Emma smiled from ear to ear and looked at Regina as she said, "Definitely marked down as one of the best summers I could have had."
Regina smiled and felt a small blush settle against her cheeks.
"How wonderful." Elsa eyed both the blonde and brunette with her own smile.
"I'm sorry. Elsa; this is my Regina." Emma introduced them with a small blush of her own, and Regina couldn't believe her ears.
'My Regina.' She belonged to her. Officially- Regina could never get tired of that word- officially. She was Emma's and Emma's was hers. Plain and simple. And it had been entirely her choice.
"Hello, Regina. I'm Elsa, as you might've already heard." Elsa outstretched her hand over the counter, dipping slightly down, given that the counter was an inch or two taller. "It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine, Elsa." Said Regina, shaking the girl's hand.
One thing Emma always appreciated about Elsa was that she was discreet and welcoming with everyone. Not that Emma brought a lot of girls here.
"So… What choice of my many delicious ice cream treats will be tickling your taste buds today?" Elsa grinned, waving her hands over the menu above her.
After ordering, and being presented with a shared humongous banana split with nuts, cherries and everything else you could possibly imagine on it. Emma and Regina sat by one of the round tables by a wall.
"Only you would make me have ice cream this early in the morning." Regina chuckles.
"It's almost eleven." Said Emma after looking down at her watch. "Try to deny this is the best ice cream you've ever had. It tops the one we shared by the fountain. Remember that?"
"How can I forget? I remember the song we danced to." Regina takes another spoonful of ice cream.
And Emma smiles. Because she remembers, too. She even remembers what Regina was wearing. Just like when they met.
"So," Said Regina, gaining the blonde's attention. "Just how many girls have you brought here?"
As Emma was bringing up the spoon to her mouth, she pauses, leaving her with her lips parted. "Uh…" Her spoon clatters against the glass bowl they shared and she wipes her mouth simply to stop a blush from happening. The heat already threatening to ride up her neck at that point.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you." Said Regina, allowing the corner of her lip to tilt up in a private smile.
"It's not embarrassing." Emma assures, although it is a little. She wasn't against talking about the girl's she dated or experiences she's had. What worried her was for Regina to become uncomfortable. But, she supposed, since she was the one asking, she really wanted to know. "Um…" Emma held up her index finger.
"One?" Regina's brow lifts as she sees Emma nod.
"You sound so surprised." Now it's Emma's brow that lifts into a perfect arch.
"I mean no disrespect to you," Now it's Regina's cheeks who threaten to turn red. "I just figured…" She decides to take another scoop of ice cream. "Given your history of… Relationships, that you would have brought more than one."
"I can understand how you might think that." Emma pops a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, allowing her mouth to savor the different flavors of vanilla, chocolate syrup, nuts, cherry and whip cream to linger on her tongue before she swallows. She then says, "And you have nothing to be sorry about. You can ask me anything. I just don't want you feeling uncomfortable."
"I appreciate your concern, Emma." Regina smiles, seeing a smile stretch out on Emma's own lips.
"And…" Emma says after a minute's silence between them. She can see Regina's eyes lock into hers as she looks up from their ice cream. "So, you know. It wasn't Audrey."
Oh. Regina nods silently. She wasn't asking for Emma to tell her whom she had brought here, but deep down she was glad to know it wasn't her daughter. "Did you ever…" Her heart pounded at the lingering question on her tongue. Emma could hear the curiosity in Regina's voice. "Did you ever take her to your friend's apartment?"
Somehow, Emma didn't need to ask who she was talking about, because somehow, she just knew. "Not to stay." She answered truthfully. "She came over with me once or twice, whenever August would invite us over for drinks or because he had a small gathering of friends wanting to get together. You know, stuff like that."
Regina nods. She never knew anything of what her daughter did while away. Audrey never talked about it unless asked. She was like her father that way. Although, Leopold, usually to get anything out of him was like trying to fight your way out of quicksand. The more you struggled, the quicker you sank.
"Is this making you uncomfortable?" Emma asked, shaking Regina away from her thoughts.
Regina quickly shakes her head. "No. I did ask."
"Doesn't mean it can't make you uncomfortable."
"Fair point, Ms. Swan. But, trust me, you'll know when I'm uncomfortable." Regina smiles, and that let's Emma know everything's alright.
Emma reaches across the small space on top of the table, reaching for Regina's hand. Her thumb lightly caresses along her knuckles. "You have nothing to be worried about with all those other girls, Regina. It's only you now. And you are all I could ever want."
Regina shares a smile. She believes Emma with all her heart. But could someone as inexperienced and with a few years ahead of her be enough to satisfy her? That was something she would always wonder.
They went about their day, heading back into August's apartment to rest for a while, while they waited for the clock to tick down on another hour or so before heading over to the Nolan's for dinner. Given how much Mary Margaret cooked, Emma suggested they would enjoy a light lunch before heading back into the apartment.
Emma had decided to place on the new set of sheets that had been placed on top of the mattress by August. Regina insisted on helping, but Emma refused, wanting to do it on her own. She didn't lack bed making skills after all. While Regina, felt free to explore the apartment a little more while waiting on Emma. They had agreed on watching a movie to make time pass, so after exploring the bachelor apartment, Regina checked out August's collection of films.
There were mostly horror films, including black and white ones. Clearly he enjoyed Alfred Hitchcock's work, because many of the films in his collection were ones that he directed.
Regina's nails caress along the spines of the dvd cases that are aligned perfectly in their shelf by the wall. She stops at the title of Young Frankenstein, pulling the case out to inspect it better, flipping it over to read the back of it. This sounded like something she would enjoy. Regina didn't watch much of anything, so she wasn't opposed to a black and white film.
"Okay," Emma comes through the small hallway and into the living room. "So, what's the verdict on a film?" She asked Regina, seeing the film that's flashed before her. "Young Frankenstein?" She takes the dvd from Regina and nods. "Good choice."
"Everything else seemed too-"
"Gory." Said Emma as she pops in the film. "Yeah." She stands. "I'll try to borrow some movies from my mom tonight. She's more on the lighter, comedy, romance side of the film industry." She motions toward the couch, and takes in Regina's figure as she had removed her jacket. Emma quickly shakes herself out of the trance that's that dress, and joins Regina to sit on the couch, reaching for the remote that's on the coffee table, flickering on the television.
"She won't won't mind?" Regina asked, wanting to be sure.
Emma shook her head in response and smiled. And that was their time spent together. Sitting here on the couch for a good while, enjoying a black and white film together couldn't have been more perfect for either of them. Regina found herself highly enjoying the film. She would let out a chuckle or a full laugh along with Emma when a scene would become too humorous. Emma couldn't help herself on glancing over, or watching Regina out of the corner of her eye to catch sight of the smile that would stretch out on her lips every time something funny happened. Or Emma would glance down at their joined hands, which came together sometime during the film. How perfectly their fingers just fit together like puzzle pieces with perfect corners that you could hear click as they were placed together.
"I never thank you," Said Emma, seeing Regina's gaze turn on her as she spoke. "For coming to spend a couple of days with me here. That's a brave move on your part."
"I don't know about brave." Regina chuckled. "But I'm glad I'm here. I'm glad we're daring to do this, even if we have to hide from certain people."
The corner to Emma's lip tilts into a small smile. Her eyes locked on Regina's. "Someday, Gina… We won't have to hide at all. We will be able to live freely, wherever we please and come and go as we please. Together."
"You sound so serious whenever you talk about us, Emma." Regina breathes.
"I am."
"But, how can you possibly be so sure of that?" Regina looks down at their joined hands for a minute, focusing on how Emma's thumb never ceased to stroke along her knuckles. "How can you know that we'll still be like this after a year or two?"
Emma remains silent for a moment, taking it all in before giving her answer. She waits until Regina's eyes lock onto hers again as she says, "Because unlike everyone else I've been with, I am determined to make us last forever."
"You say that after three days together?" Regina chuckles, seeing a smile come from Emma.
"So, today's three days. Tomorrow it'll be four, and soon it'll be a week- two weeks- a month- year." Emma shifts her body a little more so she's facing Regina directly. "You have to believe me when I tell you, Regina, that I've never felt this before in my entire life. With anyone. Some say you only find love once in your life. Others say you can fall in love as many times as it takes until you find the one."
"What do you believe?" Said Regina, taking in the sparkle in Emma's eye.
Once again, Emma ponders for a moment before giving her answer. "I believe that many people can come into your life, some even hold a special place in your heart. But, they simply become a part of your life to help you shape it the way it's meant to be. To prepare you for when you finally meet the one your heart chooses you to be with."
"You make it all sound like a dream, or something only a character from a book would say." Regina chuckles, hearing Emma let out a small laugh. "I can't believe you didn't talk to my daughter like this at some point in your relationship with her."
"Well, believe it." Emma's voice is softer now. She draws in a deep breath and lets it out slowly as she continues. "If you must know… Audrey's relationship with me was… It was great on so many levels. I mean, she certainly likes to have as much fun as I do, but," her cheeks turn red.
"But what?" Regina is curious to know, despite the girl's red cheeks.
Emma chuckles through her patch of embarrassment. Because at the end of the day, she was talking to Audrey's mother. "Well," she clears her throat. "To be totally honest with you, I always felt that Audrey's and my connection was stronger in- in bed, than romantically."
"Oh." Regina looks away, feeling a blush coming on. Her body shifts a little uncomfortably on the couch.
Emma slightly shifts, but not as much as Regina. She decides to turn her attention back to the film, instead of acknowledging the awkward turn their conversation took. But she couldn't just stay quiet. She needed to say something.
"I'm sorry." Was all Emma could think to say.
"No. You're fine." Regina shakes her head, but chooses to continue to avoid looking at Emma.
"No, I'm- I'm very sorry about that-"
"No, don't- don't worry about it. It's a conversation like any other." This time, Regina turns to give Emma a little smile before looking back at the film.
"I made things awkward by bringing up Audrey like that."
"And I asked." Regina nods. "So, it's on both of us."
"Fair enough." Emma nods, giving her attention to the film in unison with Regina.
Regina then wondered in silence, even though she tried hard not to, exactly how many times has Emma been with someone in a sexual way. With Audrey. She could feel their kissing had become more brazen and more passionate throughout the time they spent together. And something Regina really feared was, what would happen when Emma wanted to take things a little further? Would she be okay with it? Would she be okay going slow or did she like it a certain way that Regina would never be able to keep up with? But the most important question of all that she wondered, given that she never had been given the chance to willingly participate in making love, much less with someone she wanted to try it with. Would she be any good? Would she be enough for Emma?
"You're here!" David's beaming smile matched Emma's and Regina couldn't help notice a bit of similarity. Proof that one didn't have to be biologically related to have something similar to you.
David was tall, taller than Regina. Possibly a little taller than Leopold, which made her feel a little nervous and intimidated. But that was brushed off by the smile David flashed over to them, and the welcoming sparkle in his eye.
"Come on in." He waved them inside, stepping aside from the entrance.
Emma stepped one foot inside and turned to face Regina, who stood outside for a moment.
"It's okay. I promise we don't bite." Said David with a kind smile to him that Regina couldn't refuse to smile at.
"It's okay." Emma nods, closing her fingers around Regina's once Regina takes her by the offered hand. Emma smiles and guides the brunette inside, where the smell of freshly cooked pot roast hits their nostrils. "David, this is Regina."
David's eyes fall on Regina and he extends his hand out to her. "Regina. Emma has told me a lot about you. It's wonderful to meet you."
"It's wonderful to meet you, Mr. Nolan." Said Regina, shaking David's hand.
"Please. None of that. You can call me David." He smiles.
"David." Regina smiles. "Thank you for inviting me to dinner." She hands David a bottle of wine that she had cradled in her arm. "This is for you. It's to enjoy with dinner."
"Oh." David accepts the bottle, reading the label before looking up at Regina. "Well, thank you. You surely didn't have to-"
"Regina insisted." Said Emma, her eyes moving over David's shoulder as they caught sight of her mother coming out of the kitchen.
The room falls silent. And Emma's mother had never looked so small to Emma as she did while walking toward them.
"Mom," Emma nods, leaning in to place a kiss against her mother's cheek, feeling one in return. She turns to Regina. "This is Regina."
Regina gives a curt nod and a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Emma's talked wonders about you."
Mary Margaret's eyes can't look away from Regina, seeing the similarities between her and Audrey. But that doesn't faze her as much as the look in Regina's eyes. The look of a little glint of happiness, but with fear and a deep sadness just in the background. David had told her the whole story, of course. And as shocked as she was first to learn that the woman who was now dating her daughter was no other than Audrey's mother, she was also glad to be let in on the truth. But that look in Regina's eyes. Mary Margaret could recognize that look anywhere.
"Not more than me, I hope." David chuckles.
"Stop it, David." Mary Margaret shakes her head as she moves forward to shake Regina's hand. "Please, excuse my husband. He likes to joke. Sometimes, a little too much." She says this while looking over her shoulder at David.
Mary Margaret's words seemed relaxed, it brought a nervous smile to Regina's lips. "It's quite alright. I don't mind it at all." Said Regina, her eyes fell on Emma next. "Now I know where Emma gets her wicked sense of humor."
Emma smiles her way through a blush.
"Wicked," David echoes Regina's words followed by a chuckle.
"Well, when you're guilty, you're guilty." Says Mary Margaret with a smirk directed at her husband. "Well," she looks back at Regina. "Why don't you all sit down? Take a spot at the table. Everything is ready."
"Oh, here, let me take your jacket." David helps Regina out of her jacket, sliding it off her shoulders, and his mouth drops at the sight of the dress to its entirety. "Wow." Emma freezes at the sight of David's flabbergasted state. "I hope you don't mind me saying, but that is a great dress."
"Thank you." Regina gives a shy smile, brushing back a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You can put your tongue back in, David." Said Emma, moving over to Regina to pull out a chair for her.
David's cheeks grow pink as he's taking his usual spot at the head of the table, before hanging Regina's jacket behind her chair..
"Here we go." Mary Margaret comes carrying the pot roast, setting it on the middle of the table.
"Oh, that looks delicious. Mary Margaret makes the best pot roast around." David smiles proudly as he's serving himself some carrots.
"So, I've heard." Regina smiles at Emma, and Emma smiles back.
"Regina makes one mean pot roast. Maybe next time, we can all try hers, and you guys can judge for yourselves." Said Emma.
"Do you?" Mary Margaret's interest is piqued, a smile to her. "My, well, I sure would love to try yours someday. That sounds lovely."
"It would be my pleasure." Regina nods.
"Audrey has mentioned that you are quite the chef in the kitchen." Before Mary Margaret could realize it, she had already spoken, creating a bit of silence in the room. "Oh, well… She talked about you."
"Mom." Emma murmurs, her body stiffening.
"No, it's-" Regina shakes her head and gives Emma a reassuring smile before looking at Mary Margaret. "Please, don't feel out of place. After all, we are all adults, and as adults, I'd like to start by being blunt." She looks at Emma again for mere courage. "I can understand how it might've been quite a shock to you to learn the truth. For both you and your husband. And the fact that I am Audrey's mother doesn't help." She reaches for Emma's hand, which rests on top of the table. "Also the fact that I'm a married woman. Now, Emma," her eyes look to Emma in a quick glance. "Knows better than anyone that I don't like making promises." She sees a little smile from Emma. "Especially when you don't know if you can keep them." Regina turns to face David and Mary Margaret. "But, before you today, I can promise you this. That as long as Emma wants to be with me, I'm going to see to it that we are happy. And we will be. Because she believes we can be, and…" She looks back into Emma's eyes and there is no doubt of what comes out of her mouth next. "And because as crazy as it might sound to everyone else, I've found myself falling in love with your daughter."
The room grew so silent, you could hear a pin drop. Emma's eyes sparkled like Regina had never seen them before, so much they teared up, and her smile stretched from ear to ear stretched across her lips.
"And I'm in love with her, too." Emma faced her parents, especially her mother. Blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. "Of course, you already knew that. Mom, if anyone knows what true love looks like- it's you. Well, see for yourself."
"Well, this certainly… Has become one of the most interesting dinners that I've had in my home." Said Mary Margaret and everyone feels free to share a small laugh all together. "But, Emma is right. And Regina is right." She nods at Regina. "I won't deny I was shocked at first, when Emma told me about your relationship, but," her eyes moved to her daughter. "All that's ever mattered to me is that Emma is happy. And looking at her now… I believe that she is." Mary Margaret blinks as she feels tears of her own threatening to come out, and she decides to change the conversation. "Now, let's all dig in, or it'll get cold and you two know how much I hate reheating the foot once I've cooked it." She points to David and Emma with her fork.
"That's true." David reaches over for some mashed potatoes. "Let's crack open that bottle of wine." He grins.
"I got it." Emma reaches across the table for the bottle, standing from her chair a little. And as she sits, she shares a knowing look with Regina and a smile that speaks volumes to both of them. Regina loved her, and she wasn't shy to have announced it in front of her parents. What a revelation that turned out to be.
Dinner felt more relaxed after. David and Mary Margaret shared stories about Emma when she was a child, and in her teenage years, embarrassing her like any pair of proud parents would.
After dinner, Regina had insisted on helping Mary Margaret with washing a few of the dishes. No matter how much she refused, Regina didn't take no for an answer, gaining access to the woman's kitchen. Whatever awkwardness she felt around Emma's mother had disappeared.
"You honestly didn't have to wash anything. I could have handled these dishes." Said Mary Margaret.
"I don't mind. You worked so hard to prepare this delicious meal and welcomed me into your home despite the circumstances- it's the least I could do." Regina smiles, turning her attention on the last plate her hands slowly scrubbed.
"Well, in that case the least I could do is refill your glass." Mary Margaret smiles and reaches for Regina's empty glass. She turns toward her fridge which is behind Regina and pulls out the bottle.
"Thank you." Said Regina, seeing the glass being set down against the counter out of the corner of her eye. Once she's done with the last dish and dries her hands, she reaches for the once again filled glass.
Mary Margaret's face falls upon noticing the faint bruising against her forearm, and her mouth goes dry. A lump forms in her throat that she finds difficult to swallow. The last thing she wanted to do was to make it obvious, but she couldn't hide her frown. She knew very well what it was like to be in her situation. It was something difficult to forget for anyone that goes through domestic abuse.
"I'm sorry." Said Mary Margaret, upon seeing the frown that took over Regina's lips. She sighed, "My husband warned me not to make things awkward and what do I do."
"It's quite alright." Said Regina. "To be completely honest, it feels quite relieving to be able to admit it to someone, and not have to hide. And I say that regarding my daughter not knowing that Emma and I are now together."
"I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you, to see your daughter go through that heartache." Said Mary Margaret.
"It was." Regina nods, and her chest hurts, which she drowns down by taking a small sip of her wine.
"I must be frank." Said Mary Margaret.
"I would appreciate it if you would be."
"I can't say I approve of the fact that your husband can hurt you, as well as hurt Emma if he were to find out."
"Neither am I. But, if Leopold were to ever find out, I am willing to pay for the consequences- no matter what they might be. And I can promise you that before he does anything to Emma, he will have to kill me first." Regina held her head up high and proud.
"Well, I'm no one to judge what you and Emma have. And as surprised as I was before… After dinner, everything settled clearly. And if you truly meant what you said, about loving my daughter-"
"I do." Regina nods.
Mary Margaret gives off a small smile. "Well, then as a mother I think you can agree with me that that's all any mother wants for their child."
"It is."
"Then who am I to stand in the way? And don't worry-" Mary Margaret raises her hands. "David warned me about absolutely everything. Audrey will never know from us."
"I appreciate that." Regina smiles a little more. "And I assure you, as hard as it is for me to feel like a good mother lately to Audrey, I've always thought to have done a good job with her. Except maybe this."
"Love happens in the most unexpected of ways, Regina. And if there's one thing I've learned from being with my first husband and David, is that no matter how much you try to fight against it. Mutual feelings will always win in the end."
Regina's heart warms so much it could melt. Her eyes tear up but she doesn't give it. She refuses to cry now. Especially in front of Emma's own mother.
"Well," Mary Margaret blinks away her own set of watery eyes. "Let's not keep Emma and David waiting, shall we? They'll probably worry that the sink swallowed us both."
Regina chuckles, reaches for her glass of wine and follows the woman into the living room.
"So, what are your plans for the rest of the evening?" David asked, turning to Emma.
"Well, actually," Emma stands to her feet and stands beside Regina. "We better get going. I promise Regina I'd take her dancing tonight."
"Dancing!" Mary Margaret's eyes beam as she looks over at her husband. "Oh, David, remember when we used to go out and dance the night away?"
David smiles, his arm wraps around his wife's waist. "She loves dancing." He tells Regina.
"I've told her that." Said Emma, showing off an equal smile.
"Why don't you join us?" Said Regina.
"Are you serious?" David is taken back.
"Really?" And by the looks of it, so is Emma as she leans into Regina.
"Well, Emma, they're your parents. How can I refuse to take them dancing when your mother wants to dance?" Regina smiles. "It'll give us more time to know each other a little more."
"That is true." Mary Margaret smiles at her husband. "What do you say, David?"
"Well, I'd love to, but we wouldn't want to impose on your night." He looks at Emma.
"You wouldn't be imposing." Regina assured him.
Emma shrugs and smiles.
"I'll just go get changed." David smiles and scatters away into the bedroom.
"Oh, me too!" Mary Margaret reaches out to pull her daughter into a hug before following David into the bedroom.
Once they are alone, Emma turns to face Regina. "Are you sure you don't mind them tagging along?"
"Emma," Regina smiled while looking into Emma's eyes. "If I minded, I wouldn't have invited them. I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time."
Emma's smile grows impossibly big. Her arms wrapping around Regina's waist carefully as she pulls her in, feeling how easily Regina's arms fall against her shoulders. "You are absolutely amazing, you know that?"
"So, you keep telling me." Regina chuckles.
"Did you mean it?"
"What?"
"When you said that you found yourself falling in love with me. Did you mean it?" Emma didn't have to ask to know it was the truth. But, she wouldn't be against hearing it again either.
With her eyes locked deeply into Emma's, and her smile on point, Regina nodded without an ounce of hesitation and said, "Yes. I meant it. I meant every word I said tonight, and I want you to know that there's never been any doubt about my loving you." Her hand came up to brush along Emma's cheek, as if holding her in place. "I love you, Emma. I don't know how or when it happened, but I love you."
Both their smiles match and meet each other halfway as Emma and Regina's heads dip in until their lips connect in a kiss.
Regina loved her. And Emma loved her. Nothing could ruin this night out that they were about to face.