Here we are! Thank you so much for coming on this incredible journey with me. I can't believe after 2 years this story has finally come to an end. Thank you for being a part of this, for being so patient when I couldn't get the words out, and for be so encouraging with all of your awesome reviews!
Be on the look out for the third story, it might be out early next year, so make sure to subscribe so you don't miss it. All I can tell you is that we're going to be delving more into Emma's past.
Grab the tissues! Happy Reading!
Epilogue - The Harvest Festival - 2 Months Later
"That's it Grace, now try slowing her before you bring her to a complete stop," Regina advised as she watched the young girl run her mare in circles around her. They were in the smaller training paddock having their weekly one on one lesson. Grace was a natural and after only a few lessons, she was catching on quickly. Regina was in the process of getting a competition team in order, and maybe with a few years of lessons and rigorous training, she could enlist Grace. Ever since she accepted Samuel's offer of taking ownership of the Storybrooke stables, she had been busy renovating, organizing classes and hiring staff. One of her plans was to bring together a competition team. Show jumping had been one of the biggest competition teams in Storybrooke when she had been a young girl, and she wanted to bring it back.
Grace brought her mare to a slow pace, and with Regina's guidance, she managed to bring her to a graceful stop. Regina smiled and rushed over as the young girl professionally dismounted just like she had taught her.
"That was perfect," she praised her. "You are catching on so fast."
"Really? Papa used to take me horseback riding when I was little," she shared. "I wished he would have put me in lessons sooner. If I want to compete, do you think it's too late?"
"Of course not," Regina said, kneeling to her level and meeting the girl's worried blue eyes. "It's never too late to follow your dreams. No matter how old you are. When I was competing, I knew some kids who had a late start and you know what they became?"
She shook her head.
"Stars," she whispered, and then stood to see Emma and Henry standing at the fence, watching her with looks of endearment. Emma's green eyes were so bright, her golden hair blowing in the autumn breeze. Her smile was radiant, so loving and the fact that it was aimed at her made her breathless. Sometimes she was still getting used to her open affection.
"Why don't you go and take Ember back to her stall. Undress her, brush her, make sure her stall is clean and she has fresh feed and water before you leave. Remember, taking care of them strengthens the bond."
The young girl nodded and just before she could lead her mare away, Regina reminded her to make sure one of the stable hands supervised. She never left the children alone with the animals no matter how experienced they were.
Once Grace left the paddock she met her family at the entrance on her way out as well. Emma was kissing her the moment she was able to, her hands running through her long dark curls as she held her close. Henry let out a playful groan at their affection.
"How long have you two been standing there?" she asked when they finally pulled away.
"Just long enough to catch the ending of that brilliant lesson."
Regina just shook her head with amused disbelief. Emma had a thing for sneaking in on classes and watching her teach, just like she did when she had been a political science professor teaching in a lecture hall. Emma had said she liked watching her in her element. She loved the way her eyes shined and the air of confidence around her. Especially now that she was doing something she chose for herself. It was a different kind of confidence than she had teaching as a professor. Her heart was in it this time.
"Ready to head out to the festival?" Emma asked, brushing a piece of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear.
"There's just a few things I need to finish up. It'll only take a moment," she replied, taking Emma's hand and leading her back to the stables. Henry rushed ahead to greet all the horses in their stalls as they entered. Regina spotted Grace brushing out Ember under the watchful eye of one of her stable hands.
"Be careful, Henry," she called out to him before leading Emma into her new office. The mess that had been Samuel's office was now organized. Emma had helped her move out all the old furniture and replace it with a new desk and shelves. She kept the competition photos and certificates up. She had dusted and rearranged them and had even added a few more of her own that had been collecting dust in the basement at home. She had been hesitant on putting them out but with encouragement from both Emma and Henry, she ended up bringing the entire box and displaying them on a shelf. Years ago it had been hard to look at all the photos because Daniel had been in some of them, but now the grief that usually encompassed her wasn't so overwhelming. She was able to look at them and remember the fun times they had instead of thinking about the night she lost him.
Regina sat at her desk and started finishing up some last minute paperwork, among them was the document that would allow her to request funding for a competition team. Emma sat across from her and looked at the form she was filling out.
"So you've decided then?" she asked excitedly. She had gone back and forth with Emma on whether or not she should bring showjumping back to Storybrooke. Emma had been all for it. Regina had been hesitant for logistical reasons, but after spending a lot of time with her new students, she couldn't imagine not starting a new team. It would take time, but she was determined to make it happen.
"Yes," she nodded, putting the form into an envelope to deliver to town hall later. "I've done a lot of thinking and I realized it's something I want to do. Showjumping was a big part of the stables when I was growing up; And our team was amazing! After working with these kids, I realized it's something that is missing here. The fire for competition, the beauty and grace these kids have while running the track. I've missed competing, and now I have an opportunity to bring it back."
"I'm so proud of you," Emma smiled. "Red Apple Riding Academy will soon have its first competition team."
The new name fell easily from Emma's lips. She had wanted to give the stables a new beginning and in doing that, it needed a new name. Her own personal touch. At first she thought maybe it wasn't a good idea, that it might mean she was erasing Daniel's memory, but then Samuel had reminded her that he wasn't in the generic name of the Storybrooke Stables. Daniel was in the sound of hooves on the wooden stable floor. He was in the laughter and awe of children mounting a horse for the first time. He was in the scent of freshly stacked hay bales. He was all around her; And all around the horses and students no matter what she decided to name the stables.
Red Apple Riding Academy.
Refined and sophisticated just like her - Like a Queen.
That was another thing… Figuring out pieces of herself as time went on. She was learning who Regina was… What she liked, and who she wanted to be. She loved her art. Her drawings had evolved to paintings, beautiful canvases with intricate details and beautiful colors that flowed together in unity.
She loved teaching.
Yes it had been forced upon her at first, but she had always loved it. It was the subject that she was teaching that mattered. Being in the political science field wasn't what she wanted no matter how knowledgeable she became. She could have been mayor, but it wasn't who she was. She was never the girl who wore pantsuits and blazers and killer heels. There was a time when she wore riding clothes, jeans and flannels. She was starting to wear jeans again and it was rare for her to pull out the blazer and pant suits these days.
Emma had even started to notice these small changes. It was a few days ago that she had complimented the jeans she had been wearing one morning before she had gone off to the stables. She stated that it suited her, and Regina realized her wardrobe was even something she had no control over. Cora hated when she'd wear anything that wasn't femmine or screamed power, and Leopold dictated most of what she wore, especially if he was showing her off on his arm.
It was these little things that came gradually and helped her figure out the pieces of who she was… of who was meant to be.
Regina Mills… Artist, rider, teacher, long curly hair, blue jeans, riding boots, laughing during dinner, reading comics with her son, apple cider, red lipstick, midnight dances and cups of wine, ice skating, cuddling under a blanket and falling asleep during movie nights, morning hikes, Henry's mother, Emma's girlfriend, kissing pink lips and running her fingers through golden soft tresses, learning to love, to forgive, to be happy. To smile…
Learning to live in the moment as she kissed the whip cream off of Emma's lips after taking a sip of hot chocolate. Town hall was decorated with fairy lights and lanterns for the harvest festival that had finally arrived after months of preparation and planning. Booths were lined up and down the street with food, games, and various items. There were a few rides as well as a ferris wheel that lit up the moonlit sky.
Regina was reminded of the miners day festival; The first time she had allowed Emma to see just a tiny piece of her heart. She had been so scared and so closed off at the time, she didn't even recognize that woman anymore. It had only been two years since Emma arrived at Storybrooke, but it seemed like a whole other lifetime now.
Emma chuckled as she pulled away from the kiss, a hand coming up to cup her cheek and Regina leaned into the loving gesture. She had caught Emma with a spontaneous kiss. She felt Emma tracing her lip with her thumb and then the scar on her lip.
"It's been a while since we've got to join in on the town's festivities," Emma hummed as she took her hand and led her through the booths. Henry had run off with his friends, and as much as she'd love to spend the night with their son, she was grateful for the time alone with Emma. She knew what she was referring to. Since the miners day fair two years ago she hadn't been in the best mental state to join in on any of the town fairs until now. Emma and even Henry hadn't been in the mood then either. She was grateful that they were here now, among the lights and the scent of pumpkins and leaves in the crisp autumn air.
"We've haven't had the easiest couple of years," she whispered solemnly, which had Emma squeezing her hand in knowing comfort.
They visited several booths selling different trinkets. They took their time, looking at all of the beautiful things. It wasn't until they approached the end of the booths then they finally headed into the section where all the carnival rides were set up. Emma was a little green just looking at them, and Regina knew that any kind of fast spinning rides made the poor woman sick. So instead, they immersed themselves in the games.
Emma had exceptional aim which wasn't a surprise. She ended up winning a few games and managed to get them some prizes. Regina laughed out loud, shaking her head in fond disbelief as Emma handed her a teddy bear dressed in a stylish fall hat and scarf. Another thing she found out about herself. She thought cliches were ridiculous, but adorable when Emma was the one doing them like winning her a teddy bear at a carnival game.
When they grew tired of the games, they decided to go find Granny's booth for some pie. Just as they were heading back towards the booths, Regina stopped in her tracks, her hand slipping from Emma's. She hugged her teddy bear close to her chest as she looked up at the lights of the ferris wheel, remembering a similar time when she had been staring up at its lights and longing for the freedom to ride it.
She had been so fearful, so broken, and so trapped in Leopold's grasp she couldn't even risk getting on the ferris wheel with Emma in case he saw them. Her eyes suddenly misted over as the memory came rushing back. She remembered the emotions she had felt, the utter despair she had been in while in Leopold's unrelenting grasp.
"Babe?" Emma's gentle voice was suddenly pulling her from her memories. "Are you ok?" She turned to face her, meeting her worried green gaze with a reassuring smile.
"Can we ride the ferris wheel?"
Emma's whole face brightened up with a smile that graced her lips. A kind of realization flickered in her gaze, and Regina wondered if she was thinking about minors day as well, when she had been too afraid to get on the ride because of her abusive husband.
"Of course!" she said eagerly. "Wait here, I'll grab some tickets." She kissed her cheek and rushed over to the booth. Regina looked up at the lights again, watching as its riders laughed and screamed as it went round and round. She could remember those same lights lighting up golden long hair. The first time she started to realize how beautiful Emma was.
"Ready, beautiful?" Emma was back, tickets in hand several minutes later and looking as excited as a kid with candy.
She let her lead her to the ferris wheel, unable to believe she was stepping onto the metal bench and taking a seat with Emma beside her. The bar came down and Regina felt a thrill rush through her as they started ascending higher and higher into the stars. Regina placed her hand on Emma's that was gripping the rail. It was so surreal to be sitting here and looking out on the town without a care in the world of who was watching them.
She looked down amongst the booths and people below them and somewhere among the crowd she could see herself standing before the ferris wheel, looking up at the lights, and wishing for this night. Wishing for the simple freedom of getting on the ferris wheel with Emma.
"Regina?"
Emma's concerned voice cut through her thoughts and she was tearing her eyes from the ghost of her past self standing amongst the moving crowd below, and into Emma worried green eyes.
"I'm sorry, I seemed to have gotten lost in my head for a moment."
"What were you thinking about?" she asked, wrapping her arm around her shoulder and holding her close. Regina sighed contently from the warmth of her body.
"I was thinking about Miner's Day two years ago and how I had stood at the bottom of the ferris wheel and looked up at the lights… wishing for freedom. For a moment, I could see myself looking up."
Emma tightened her embrace, kissing her lips and then cupping her cheek so tenderly. Her green eyes swirled with grief from the reminder of that night.
"You've come such a long way since that night," she reminded her with a wistful smile and pride shining in her green eyes, her warm palm still on her cheek. Regina captured her lips once more, unable to help herself. Her heart was so full despite the sorrowful memories that had washed over her. She really had come a long way. No longer was she drowning in the deepest end of her trauma, struggling to breathe with no light guiding her out. Now, even during her darker days, she was able to rise above her trauma. No longer did the memories threaten to pull her down.
What started out as light kisses evolved to something more passionate and Regina started to feel that famailer urge within her once more. Emma's kisses trailed down her neck and the fire within her grew stronger.
"Keep it up, dear and we might just have to go home right now," she playfully warned.
"Now that I don't mind!" she laughed as Regina leaned her head against Emma's shoulder, appreciating the warmth she offered. She looked up into the stars and out into the lights of Storybrooke. This was everything she had ever wanted… Complete freedom.
Granny's pie was forgotten.
They had made it home in a rush afterwards, unable to wait a moment longer. Henry was spending the night with Mary Margaret and David which meant they had the night to themselves. Regina was on Emma the moment they were through the threshold and the door was slammed shut. Emma laughed into their kiss as Regina backed her up against the wall, holding her as she ravaged her with kisses that started trailing down her neck. She felt Emma's hands trailing up and down her back until eventually squeezing her behind. Regina answered with a nip on the sensitive skin of her neck which had Emma shivering in pleasure. Emma gently cupped her face, guiding her to look at her.
"Do you want to go upstairs?" she whispered, her green eyes dark and full of desire. Her blonde hair was wild from Regina constantly running her hands through her tresses. Her breaths were heavy from their kisses. She looked so beautiful leaning up against the wall with Regina holding her against it.
Regina nodded and then kissed her lips once more, softer this time and savoring each moment. Emma was suddenly moving so that she was leading them up the stairs. They found it hard to kiss and move so they parted long enough to rush upstairs. Emma had already shed their jackets in the hall and was in the process of getting her shirt over head as they rushed into their bedroom. Regina was quick to take the lead, something she found that she quite liked over time, instead of laying submissive beneath a body.
The moment Emma's shirt was tossed across the room, Regina pulled Emma towards her, capturing her lips once more and unbuckling her jeans for her. Emma hummed into the rough kiss, having admitted to her once that she loved when Regina took control.
She pushed Emma down on the bed who was only dressed in her panties. Somewhere in between pulling her shirt off and Regina removing her jeans, her bra had disappeared as well. Regina slid her own jeans and blouse off, and with a seductive look in her eyes, she climbed over Emma, their bodys molding perfectly together. She slid a thigh in between her girlfriend's legs and moaned when she felt warm wet heat. Her belly felt like it did somersault when that familiar urge once again took precedence right between her legs. She couldn't help grinding herself against Emma just to relieve some of the pressure.
Emma moaned from the friction and was suddenly reaching down to remove her panties in desperation. When she was completely naked, Regina started moving from her lips, kissing her neck, spending time on perky pink nipples and then lowering herself until she was inhaling Emma's warm scent. She delved in, alternating between licks, and sucking and nibbling. Emma's hand took a whole of her dark locks, holding tightly but yet so gently. Emma never once pulled her hair no matter how lost she became in her pleasure.
"Right there, baby…" she mumbled, her words soft and so full of affection. "God, I love you so much." Regina blindly reached her hand out, finding Emma's fingers grasping the sheets. She took her hand as she guided her through a wave of pleasure.
When Emma had rode out her high, Regina sat back on her knees, watching her face rise and fall with stated pleasure. Those green eyes opened, gazing at her with such affection, Regina felt her throat tightening with emotion. She could never get used to the way Emma looked at her; Like she was the most beautiful thing she's ever seen.
Emma reached out her hand which Regina took and settled besider her. She cuddled Emma close to her, holding her until her breathing calmed and she was rested enough to speak again.
"That was different."
Regina suddenly became paranoid. Was it not good? Emma must have seen the panicked look in her eyes because she was suddenly reassuring her with a sweet kiss.
"In a good way, beautiful," Emma assured her, rolling over so she was half on top of her. She looked into her eyes with an inquisitive look as if she were trying to figure something out within her. "You were more confident."
Regina contemplated that admission and found it to be true. She did feel more confident; more in touch with her sexuilty and in her desire to pleasure and to even be pleasured. Sex had been used as power against her, as a way to make her submit. Sex had been somthing she feared for a very long time; and then with Emma, it become something where she had become extremely insecure in.
That urge that she had been feeling everytime she found herself in an intimate moment with Emma finally started to become clear in her mind. She wasn't just becoming aroused, she was craving more… More than just Emma stimulating her clit to help her reach her peak.
"Emma…" she said softly, her name falling from her lips with so much unspoken meaning. She wanted her to touch her, to make her feel so good that entering her for the first time won't be such a scary experience.
Emma answered her plea with a sweet slow kiss on her lips before sitting up beside her and gently coaxing her to sit up so she could unclasp her bra. The black lace fell off her shoulders and Regina laid back against the pillows as Emma's green eyes swept over her nearly naked body. She leaned down, kissing her lips again and then her neck just below her ear before whispering, "Close your eyes, beautiful."
She had complete trust in her and so she closed her eyes. Emma's lips tenderly kissed her once more and then started descending down to her neck and underneath her ear. She felt her body relaxing under her gentle touches and kisses. She felt warm lips kissing her nipple and Regina pushed her chest up, wanting more. She nearly whimpered when Emma was finally sucking her nipple and kneading her other breast. She could feel her core throbbing with need and couldn't help grinding herself against Emma's thigh for friction. Emma pulled away, kissing her lips and moving lower, kissing her way down until she was kneeling between her legs.
"Can I take these off, love," Emma asked, always asking for consent in even the smallest of ways. Regina opened her eyes and her core throbbed even more at the sight of the beautiful blonde sitting naked between her legs with kiss swollen lips.
She's never felt this strong of an urge before, the desperation to have Emma inside her. Regina nodded her head vigorously which had Emma chuckling at her enthusiasm. She slid her underwear off, exposing the final part of her. Emma took her time, kissing her inner thigh until she was licking and sucking at her folds. Regina nearly cried out from the relief. She gently ran a hand through Emma's curls, holding her as she worked her with her tongue. And then it came to the point where Regina desperately needed her inside her core, a desperation she has never felt in her life before.
She reached down between her legs where Emma's hand was holding her thigh open. She took her hand and guided lower until her fingers were right at her entrance. Emma immediately stopped licking at her clit and looked up at her in confusion as she realized what Regina was silently asking.
"Regina? Are you sure?" she asked, looking at her in concern but also excitement.
"Emma, I've never been more sure as I am now. I've been craving something more, everytime we're together these past weeks, and now I know it's you I'm craving. I want you to enter me… I want to feel why people crave this. It has always been painful for me and I never understood how it could ever feel good. I want you to show me."
Emma's eyes grew misty as she crawled over her until she was hovering over her and kissing her lips tenderly. Regina moaned, tasting herself on lips, and gently cupping her cheeks with her hands. She tangled her fingers in golden hair, the soft silk beneath her fingers softer than anything she's ever felt.
"First, let's get you as relaxed as possible," Emma whispered into her ear, before kissing her beneath her earlobe and then kissing her neck in all her favorite places. Emma's hand descended until she was slowly stroking her between her legs, her fingers gently circling her entrance. She took a sharp inhale of breath, anticipating the feeling of pain.
"Breathe," Emma whispered, kissing her lips and then lying beside her. "I'm gonna be here the entire time. Just keep looking into my eyes." She held her close, one hand cupping her cheek and the other between her legs. Emma circled her clit until once again moving to her entrance. She took her time, taking great care in easing her into it as much as possible. Regina hooked a thigh over Emma's, giving her more access as she felt herself becoming more and more aroused at her gentle mistrations.
She barely even realized Emma slipping a single digit inside of her until she was all the way in. Regina froze, and Emma kept eye contact with her, grounding her and making sure didn't slip away into dark memories.
"You're ok," she said softly. "Breathe, love."
Regina took a deep breath, getting used to the feeling of Emma's finger inside her. To her surprise, there was no pain. She slid in so quick and easy she hardly felt it at first. She moved her hips a bit out of instinct, just trying to get the friction she desperately needed. Emma chuckled, seemingly getting the hint and started thrusting inside her. Something in her belly started to grow and she knew instantly she wanted more.
"Ready for another?" Emma asked.
"Yes…" she whispered, her voice breaking. Emma thrusted in and out before slipping in a second finger. Regina let out a breathy cry at the feeling of herself stretching and feeling so good. There was no pain, no blood, no tears. She wasn't afraid and she was in control.
"Is that good?" Emma asked, giving her a moment to get used to her.
"Move…" Regina nodded, her voice breathless at the amount of pleasure she was feeling. The feeling in her belly was growing and she couldn't help but take control and thrust hard. Emma quickened the pace and soon she was hitting that spot inside her that made her toes curl and her body tense. Emma moved faster, making her cry out as she repeatedly hit her spot.
This was it.
This is what she was craving for weeks, for Emma to bring her to her peak and then guide her down the hill for sweet release. She cried out, feeling like she was coming down a roller coaster, her body rising and curling as Emma kept thrusting to help bring her down.
"That's it baby," Emma said, her voice heavy with emotion; If Regina had been more lucid, she probably would have noticed her green eyes shining with tears. "Just let go."
She saw the lights of the ferris wheel. She saw golden hair. Green eyes. Pink plump lips. Emma watched her, tears streaming down her cheeks as she watched her come down and then collapsed into her arms.
This is what it felt like to truly love someone, to trust them and to be intimate enough for this exhilarating release.
Regina fell back against the pillows, breathing heavily and feeling exhaustion wash over her like a wave. Emma pulled her hand away and Regina blushed as she licked her fingers clean. She felt sated, more than she had in a very long time.
"You're so beautiful," Emma whispered, pulling her into her arms and peppering kisses on her face and lips. Regina giggled and nuzzled her face against her chest.
"That was… different," she repeated Emma's earlier words which had her girlfriend laughing.
Emma had lied awake long after Regina had fallen asleep. Her mind was full and she couldn't sleep. The moonlight shone through the curtains, illuminating their naked covered bodies beneath the blankets. Regina's head rested on her shoulder as Emma gently ran her fingers through dark curls.
She was thinking about how far Regina had come since she had first met her two years ago on the doorstep of the mayoral mansion. She was so different then. She had been so hurt, so angry, and terrified of letting anyone in. The idea of her escaping Leopold's prison had been so terrifying she was afraid of even letting Emma help her. She was afraid of having hope.
Now, here she was… loved and free to be herself after everything she has been through. She had learned to work through her anger, to heal and forgive not just those who had hurt her, but herself. She had come to terms with her trauma and learned to cope, to accept what had happened and how to finally be at peace.
She could remember the day she had dropped her off at Mal's cabin. She could remember the chill in the air and the gray cloudy skies, as if the weather had known the turmoil she had been in for leaving Regina. She had doubted whether she had done the right thing; Could remember the tears that fell from those dark fearful eyes as she drove away in the yellow bug.
Now Emma knew, taking Regina to the cabin was the best thing she could have done for her. Even admitting to herself that she couldn't have done it alone, had been hard. She wasn't enough, and as much as it broke her heart then, she knew Regina needed someone who understood exactly what she had gone through. She didn't know too much of Mal's story, just that she had been in a similar situation just as horrific as Regina's, but Mal had been the one to get through to Regina, and for that, she would forever be grateful.
Upon leaving the cabin, Emma had asked Regina to do one thing, and that was to find herself; To figure out who she was and what she wanted, even if it might not include Emma. She had been willing to step back if it meant Regina could be happy. Luckily, it turns out she was a part of Regina's happiness. She and Henry.
Emma stopped playing with her hair, and gently moved her hand so she was caressing her cheek. Regina's lips were curved into a small smile even as she slept. Emma kissed her forehead, so soft, so gentle in case she woke her.
The way she had finally broken through her last barrier was extraordinary. Her face as she came in a way she has never before experienced, was breathtaking. Emma couldn't help but cry as she watched Regina come down from her high. She knew sex was somthing Regina never got to experiance as something amazing. It had always been something she was afraid of. Even as time went by, Regina had grown extremely insecure and now Emma started to realize how off thier sex life had been before Regina's recovery. She had seemed afraid of being touched at times, afraid of feeling pleasure, and unsure in her own abilities of making Emma feel good. Now Regina had grown so confident in her sexuailty, it was like watching her become this whole new person…
Or perhaps this is who she has been all along, underneath the trauma, she had found herself after all.
She had found Regina.
