A Swan-Mills Christmas. I like the sound of that. Emma liked the idea of spending Christmas together too. Maybe she is right. Maybe I have changed because of her and Henry. Years ago, I would never have done this or enjoyed helping with it.
"Sounds great!" Henry beamed. "We're the Swan-Mills family."
I swear this boy is planning our wedding already. "Something like that."
The rest of dinner and dessert was filled with planning and ideas for the Christmas event. The more we talked, the more excited Henry became. Finding a movie to watch, the three of us piled onto the couch. Feeling a warm hand on my back, I met Emma's gaze. A soft smile graced the blonde's lips. I feel like I can relax a little now that Emma knows everything and Henry knows about our relationship. I know it will be short lived but, for now, I'm going to enjoy this happiness while it lasts.
The movie ended and I heard a soft snore. Looking down, I saw Henry sound asleep against my shoulder. Chuckling silently, I shifted to let him slide onto the pillow I had on my lap. At the same time, Emma pulled Henry's legs into her lap. "I guess we're stuck here for a while." She whispered.
"I guess so." Brushing hair away from Henry's forehead, I smiled. "He looks so peaceful when he's asleep."
"He does." Placing her hand on his leg, the string glowed brighter. "Do you…"
"I do, yes." What is causing it to glow like that? Is it Henry? The fact that we're together? My heart started to race. Magic is just under the surface here and Emma's the product of true love. Meeting her gaze, I hovered my hand over hers. Little shocks of electricity sparked between us. She has magic but she doesn't know it.
"What…what's that?" Emma's head tilted as she watched yellow and red sparks.
"Do you remember how I said you were the product of…"
"Yeah…"
"I think that has something to do with it. I don't want to go into details right now." I motioned towards our son. "Little ears."
"Right." She paused. "Will you teach me?"
"Teach you…" I motioned my hand in the way I used to create a fireball.
"Yeah." She nodded. "If I'm able to learn. Anything that can possibly help later on."
Protecting me is always at the forefront of her mind. "I can try." My power was drawn from anger. Maybe hers can be drawn from wanting to protect those she loves.
"Alright." As Henry slept, we chose something to watch. It was enjoyable sitting in a comfortable silence with Emma and Henry. This is how things could be. The three of us together. Eventually, he woke up and we tucked him into bed.
We stood in an awkward silence at the front door. I didn't want Emma to leave. "You can stay. If you'd like."
"I would love to. Can we talk in the den?"
Entering the den, I sat in my chair while Emma got comfortable in her normal spot. "Tonight went well."
"It did. I knew it would." Emma smiled sheepishly, toying with the string. When do you think we should tell Henry about the curse? I'm thinking, after Christmas. That would give us time to get the Christmas event done and hopefully time to teach me some basics." She paused. "If you think I can learn."
"I think you can. You have magic in your blood. It just needs to be unlocked. One day soon, I'll take you to my vault. I kept a few things from my former life and brought them here." My stomach turned. "I'm sure Gold did the same."
Clenching her fists, anxiety radiated through the younger woman. "Will everyone get their magic back when the curse breaks?"
"Emma, look at me." I waited until she met my gaze. "Yes. Everyone who practiced magic will get it back. Possibly a bit rusty, but they will have it. Gold, myself, and a handful of others. Even if the townspeople don't have magic, if they band together, they might be able to overpower me."
"That's why I want you to teach me. I might not be of much use, but I can do something. I'll do anything I can." Emma laughed. "I can always learn to sword fight. I'm already pretty good at axe and knife throwing. Not terrible at archery either." Pausing, Emma ran a hand through her hair. "I'm a hell of a shot but I'm not a fan of killing."
"Well, well Miss. Swan. You are full of surprises." Images of Emma in a tank top tossing knives or axes at a board flooded my imagination. Her toned shoulders and back flexing with each throw. Damn it. This string is going to reveal just how aroused that thought makes me. Green eyes darkened. There it is. "Emma…"
"That's a new feeling." She grinned. "I bet you're pretty sexy with a sword."
"Miss. Swan!" She laughed, holding her sides. "Child." I snickered.
"You love me." Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. "Speaking of love, David wants to ask Mary Margaret out. Before you freak out, they can't break the curse. Their lips have already touched and nothing happened. I think it has something to do with the fact they don't know who they are?"
"Probably. When did you find this out?"
"A few days ago. I just haven't been able to see you in private."
"Thank you for letting me know." Shifting in my seat, I thought about the sparks between us. "We might be soulmates but we also share true love."
"H-how do you know?"
"The color of those sparks, red and yellow, are true love colors."
"Oh…"
My brow furrowed. "Are you pouting?"
"Yeah." Emma shrugged. "I already knew I couldn't kiss you but now it's legit."
"In due time." I paused. "It's not fun for me either. Going back to telling Henry, I agree. After Christmas sounds good. I'm glad you'll be spending it with us."
"Me too." Yawning, Emma rubbed her face.
Getting to my feet, I made my way towards the door. "There's still a set of night clothes in your room." I paused, realizing what I said. I'm actually okay with the idea of that being Emma's room. "Ready for bed?" Glancing back, I saw Emma smiling brighter than I had ever seen. My brow rose. "Well?"
"Y-yeah." Hopping up, she sprinted towards me.
Xxx
Being the first to wake, I made my way downstairs to make coffee. Sitting at the bar, I scrolled through emails and sipped the steamy liquid. How the Hell am I going to teach Emma magic without magic? Teaching her to fight with a sword will be easier since I have a few in my vault. I also have some of my favorite gowns in there. I wonder what that'll do to her thought process. Toying with the red string, I imagined Emma's reaction. The next few weeks will be difficult for many reasons. The more I'm around her, the more I love her. Not being able to be with her is going to be a torture for us both.
"Morning, mom."
"Morning, Henry." Glancing at the clock, I continued. "You're up earlier than normal. Would you like me to make something for breakfast?" Pouring some orange juice, Henry yawned.
"Nope. You cooked dinner, I'll cook breakfast." Emma ran a hand over my upper back as she walked by. "Morning, guys."
"Morning, Emma."
"Morning. Are you the reason Henry's up?" Pointing towards the counter, I stiffened a yawn. "Coffee is made and I set everything out for you."
"Thanks. Let me drink a cup and I'll make breakfast. How does pancakes, bacon, and eggs sound? I can't cook much, but I can make a killer pancake."
"Sounds delicious." I watched as Emma made her coffee and gathered everything she needed. This is her home. She knows her way around the kitchen now.
"All of that sounds great!" Henry sat on the stool next to me.
"I appreciate you cooking breakfast."
"You're welcome. I shot Granny, Ruby, and Marry Margaret a text about organizing the Christmas dinner. On the ad I'll put something about even if you're not Christian you're still welcome. It's nice to let everyone know."
"Have they said anything back yet?" Taking a sip of the steamy liquid, I let the caffeine wake my muscles.
"Not y-," Emma's phone rang. "Oh, it's Granny." Answering, she put the phone to her ear. "Morning. Did you call about the text?" I can't hear what she's saying. The look on Emma's face seems promising. It wasn't an automatic no. "Okay. I'll ask and let you know. Thanks." Ending the call, Emma placed her phone on the counter and started to cook. "Granny is okay with it as long as some of the town can pitch in with food. We can use the dishwasher but she can't cook everything."
"I think that's reasonable. Have the flyers been printed yet?"
"No, not yet." Pausing, Emma's head tilted in thought. "Probably ask a high schooler if they'll make the flyers. Pay twenty bucks plus materials. It'll help them and take some work off my plate. I'll have a second one made for volunteers. Put the station's number on it so people won't blow our phones up."
"Greatly appreciated. My phone rings enough as it is."
"I'm sure it does." Flipping the pancakes, Emma chuckled. "You're a busy woman, Madam Mayor."
"You have no idea."
Xxx
Later that day, Henry and I went with Emma into town to run some errands. Once everything was done, we decided to get dinner at Granny's. The murmur of conversations silenced as we entered. Ruby's eyes brightened when she saw the three ofus.
"Oh, no…" Emma muttered.
"What?" I looked between the two women.
"LG, you lied to me!" The waitress squealed.
"L.G.?" I questioned, brow raised.
"It's about time!" She wrapped her arms around Emma's neck.
"We wanted to wait and tell Henry first before anyone else."
Stepping back, the young girl smiled. "As long as all of you are happy, that's all that matters." She's genuinely happy for us. Or at least for Emma and Henry. "Take a seat and I'll get your orders soon." Eyes followed as we took our seat. People are too scared to make a scene in public. I wonder how things will be elsewhere.
"You okay?" Emma placed her hand on mine.
Seeing the red string brought comfort. "I am, yes." Ruby came and took our orders. Most of the diner went back to their previous conversations as we ate. This is nice. Things feel lighter now that our relationship can exist outside of my home. Dread filled my chest seeing a familiar truck pull in.
Feeling my anxiety, Emma turned when she heard the entrance bell ring. "Ah." Turning back, a soft smile graced the blonde's face. "It'll be okay."
"Hey, guys!" Ruby's cheerful voice rang through the diner. "Let me check my tables and I'll come get your orders."
Walking to their table, Mary Margaret noticed us. "Madam Mayor." Her attention moved to her roommate. "Emma, I love your idea for Christmas."
She smiled triumphantly. "That was all Regina's idea. I'm just helping." Emma paused. "So, I wasn't exactly honest with you…" She grinned sheepishly.
"About?" The teacher paused as she looked between us. "Oh. Oh! I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you." We answered in unison.
Once they were out of earshot, Emma spoke. "That went pretty well."
"It did, yes." For now at least.
Xxx
News of my relationship with Emma spread throughout the town. Some people were shocked, some happy, and the rest were indifferent. No one batted an eye when the three of us were seen in public together. I wasn't able to get alone time with Emma until Henry decided to stay the night at his friend's house.
Hearing Emma knock, I opened the door to see her standing with a bag of takeout. "It was my turn to figure out dinner. Since we have a lot to do, I figured Chinese would work."
"Sounds good to me. Please, come in." Taking the bag, I started for the kitchen. "Thank you for dinner."
"You're welcome." Leaning against the counter, Emma watched as I unloaded the food. "People have already signed up for food and decorating. The phone at the station rings constantly now."
Taking a seat at the table, I placed a napkin in my lap. "That's good. I'm glad it's coming together considering we have other things to plan for as well."
"Like going to your vault?" Emma slurped a noodle and grinned at my disapproving smirk. "Sorry."
"Yes. It's located under my Father's mausoleum." Sometimes you can't beat Chinese takeout.
"I hope it's okay that I brought a flower to put on his grave. I won't be able to meet him but I still wanted to pay my respects."
Warmth filled my chest. "That's very nice of you." Over dinner, we talked about the Christmas event, our week, and Henry.
When it was dark, we drove to the cemetery. Making our way to my family crypt, we used one flashlight to not draw attention to ourselves. I feel like I'm in one of Henry's cartoons. Sneaking through a graveyard in the dark up to no good.
Once inside, I flipped on a battery powered light. "Wow." Emma glanced around the main area. Stepping forward, she placed the rose on my father's casket. "I know we'll never meet but I wanted to thank you for caring for Regina. She's an amazing woman. One that I'm lucky enough to be with." She really does love me. Maybe he was right. Maybe I can be happy. I wish he was here to see it. "Alright, where's the secret passage to your vault?"
My brow rose. "You seem pretty okay with this."
"You're not going to hide it in plane sight." She paused. "It's not…in his casket…right?"
"Of course not!" I smirked. "It's under it."
"Un-under?" Emma watched as I pushed the casket aside, revealing stairs.
"Ready?" All she did was nod. Following me down the stone stairs, I couldn't get a read on the blonde's emotions. "While there are only a few magical items down here, please don't touch anything. The last thing we need is for you to accidentally put yourself under a sleeping curse or to eat the rest of my poisoned apple."
"The one Mary Margaret took a bite of?"
"Yes. Magical poisoned apples were hard to come by. I wasn't about to toss the rest of it away. It never rots." Walking down the small hallway, I pointed to a mirror. "Behind that is another room." Entering the main vault area, I continued. "This is where I keep all the books and," I paused, "other things." She doesn't need to know about the hearts. Especially if the curse is going to break soon.