Part Thirty-One: The One with Telling Henry – Part I
Thursday
Regina was in the bathroom taking a shower, a soft smile playing on her lips as she soaped the sore muscles of her inner thigh.
It hadn't been long since Emma left her bedroom.
Neither had it been long since she sank her fingers in Regina's thigh, spreading them apart while her tongue was buried deep inside of her.
Regina could still feel Emma moving inside of her, her inner walls clenching around her tongue, craving for more of Emma's touch.
She could never have enough of her touch.
Regina kept on soaping her body, before going under the shower, the warm water kissing every inch of her well-relaxed body.
She reached for the shampoo and washed her hair, and then the conditioner, rinsing the soft locks before stepping out, wrapped around a towel.
Regina walked to the sink, using her hand to clean the fog from the mirror.
She looked devastatingly happy.
Regina smiled at her reflection in the mirror, her heart beating lighter inside her chest.
Things were about to change.
And hopefully, for the better.
Regina sighed and unwrapped the towel using it to dry her body before wrapping herself inside a robe. She reached for the blow dryer, styling her hair and once she was done, Regina did her makeup before walking back inside her bedroom to change.
This morning she was taking Henry on his school trip to the woods.
And once he came back, they were going to tell Henry the truth.
Regina swallowed dry, pulling up the zipper of her pencil black skirt.
She had no idea what the consequences of telling Henry were.
To her curse.
And her life.
She didn't care much about the curse. She was with Emma and that wasn't going to change.
She loved her.
She was part of her heart.
But so was Henry.
And Regina had to admit there was this ember of fear burning low in the pit of her stomach, a doubt hammering in the back of her head that kept telling her she could never have it all.
Because what if Henry didn't accept her relationship with Emma?
What if he didn't believe Regina was worthy of loving her?
Regina closed the buttons of her silky blue/grey blouse, smoothing the fabric over her body.
The last person who wore that blouse was Emma.
Regina could still remember the sight of Emma's breasts pressed against the blouse.
Regina shook her head, smiling to herself.
She wondered if it would ever be a day when indecent thoughts of Emma Swan would stop snaking inside her mind.
But she knew the answer to that.
No!
She would never stop craving Emma with every breath she take.
"Mom?"
Regina walked out of the closet, watching Henry in the middle of her room.
"Yes, honey?" Regina asked.
"I just wanted to check if you are ready," Henry said "We can't be late or I'll lose the bus"
"You won't be late, honey," Regina smiled at him "Do you have everything you need?"
"Yes," Henry nodded "I've already put my backpack downstairs"
"Did you remember to pack extra underwear?" Regina asked, putting on a bracelet and then her rings.
"Mom!" Henry protested embarrassed.
"What?" Regina asked.
"Don't ask me about my underwear," Henry said back.
Regina chuckled before shoving her feet inside high-heeled shoes.
Henry's embarrassment was quite cute and completely misplaced considering Regina was the one who still bought his underwear.
Regina walked to Henry, kissing the top of his head softly, inhaling the scent of his shampoo.
"Good morning, honey," Regina said softly.
"Morning, mom," Henry smiled up at her.
"Breakfast?" Regina asked.
"I already had some cereal," Henry answered.
"Alright," Regina nodded.
"Do you think we can go now?" Henry asked.
Regina looked at the watch on the bedside table noticing that it wasn't as earlier as she thought it was.
Either she lost too much time during her shower or her time with Emma in the morning passed by faster than she realized.
The second option was the safer bet.
Regina looked back at Henry, running her hand over his hair.
She was starved.
Her morning activities with Emma had worked quite an appetite on her.
But looking at Henry's eager eyes, Regina knew the food would have to wait this morning until she dropped him off.
"Yes," Regina smiled at him "We can go now"
They left her bedroom together, stopping only for Regina to pick up her coat and purse as Henry swung his backpack over his shoulder before they entered the Mercedes, driving to the school.
Regina parked the car in the field behind the school a few good meters away from the school bus.
Kids were already entering the bus, parents hanging by their cars and watching them go.
"Call me if anything happens okay?" Regina unclicked her seatbelt, turning her body to look at Henry.
"Nothing is gonna happen, mom," Henry laughed, already getting his backpack from the car floor.
"I know," Regina nodded "But if it does if anything happens you call me. I'll come and pick you up in a second, okay?"
"I know," Henry smiled, "You say this every year"
Regina smiled back at Henry, her heart warming inside her chest.
"Okay," Regina said "You sure you have everything you need?"
"Yep," Henry nodded "I have to go now"
"Be careful, sweetheart" Regina said slightly worried.
She was always worried when Henry went out on one of those school trips.
"I always am," Henry opened the car door "I love you mom"
"I love you too, honey,"
Henry pushed the door open but before he could leave the car, Regina pulled him back, kissing his cheek.
"Mom!" Henry protested "Not in front of the whole school"
Regina rolled her eyes playfully, watching Henry check his face in the sun visor mirror.
"Thank God it's not smudged," Henry said, cleaning his cheek.
"Oh, the horror," Regina teased.
Henry closed the sun visor, laughing lightly when he looked back at Regina.
"You look happy, mom," Henry said.
"I am happy, sweetheart," Regina said, running her hand over Henry's hair.
"Good," Henry smiled "I have to go now"
"Okay,"
"I'll see you tomorrow night," Henry said already closing the car door.
Regina stayed inside the car watching Henry climb up the school bus.
Tomorrow night, everything in her life would change again.
Tomorrow night Regina and Emma would tell Henry about them.
Regina gripped the steering wheel, her hands slightly sweaty.
She had to hope things would work out for the best.
Because the alternative wasn't an option anymore.
She watched the last kid climb up the bus and then the bus drive away until it disappeared from her sight.
And only when Regina's stomach growled, did Regina turn the car on again, driving to Granny's diner, holding on to the flick of hope that in the end, all Henry would truly wish was for her to be happy.
Emma was leaving the diner, rolling her car keys between her fingers.
She opened the door, feeling the cool air of the morning kiss her face the second she stepped out.
The days were getting slightly warmer.
At least warm enough for her to use her black coat open.
Emma gave another step outside, watching August walk in her direction, a smug smile adorning his features when he looked at her.
He was strange.
A kind of strange Emma couldn't quite understand.
"I've been meaning to bump into you," August said "Matter of fact, I was hoping we might grab that drink you declined"
"It's not happening, dude," Emma said, walking past him.
But she only gave two steps past him before he grabbed her arm, pulling her back, changing their positions.
Emma was now facing the diner while August was facing the street.
Emma looked down at the hand grabbing her arm, feeling something burn in the pit of her stomach and her skin recoiling to the touch.
Like something powerful was running through her veins, ready to explode and blow him away just for daring to touch her.
"Go on a date with me?" August smiled.
Emma reached for his hand wrapped two inches above her elbow and rudely pulled it away.
"Don't touch me again," Emma said, disdain adorning every word.
"I'm sorry," August said apologetically "I didn't mean anything by it. I just really want to grab that drink with you"
"I thought you came here to write," Emma said toneless "To find inspiration"
"Well, I'm optimistic about our date," August smiled smugly at her again.
"There is no date, not now not ever," Emma said firmly "I am not interested"
"It's just one drink," August said.
"I said no," Emma said back angrily.
Emma turned to leave but once again, August reached for her.
He took her hand gently, his fingers brushing against hers.
And once again, the touch made Emma's flesh recoil as if it wanted to turn from the inside out just not to feel it there anymore.
The touch that didn't belong.
Emma turned to fully face him, breathing slowly in order to control the burning rage growing inside of her. The delicate scent of blooming apples and winter breeze filled her lungs, calming Emma slightly, only enough to not let her fully succumb to the rage.
To not tear that limb apart for touching her again.
"Come on, Emma," August smiled as Emma pulled away from his touch "Give this guy a chance to…"
"Lay your hand on her again and it will be the last time you'll have hands"
Emma looked behind her shoulder, Regina's scent enveloping her completely now.
Regina was standing by the sidewalk entrance, features hard and posture rigid.
Looking like the personification of hell on earth.
Regina walked in their direction, each step more determined than the other, watching Emma intensely. Her eyes were burning with rage and her scent was thick with a primitive protectiveness that made Emma's legs weak.
It was intense.
It was hard.
And each breath Emma took as Regina walked in her direction made her stomach flex deeper in pure lust that made her want to fall to her knees.
Regina stopped in front of Emma, smiling sideways at her, her eyes burning with something else behind them now.
Something Emma knew was a reflection of her own.
She reached for Emma's cheek, caressing gently, the lustful moment gone for a second and replaced with something purer.
Love.
Regina turned around, putting herself in front of Emma, staring at August.
"I don't know who the hell you are and what you want," Regina said slowly "But you are going to stay from Emma. You are never going to bother her or my son ever again"
August blinked her eyes, surprise written all over his face.
"I think," August cleared his throat, "I think that is for Emma to decide not you"
Emma took a step to the side and then stopped right beside Regina, staring at August.
"In this matter, she can speak for me," Emma said seriously.
Regina smiled smugly at August and then reached for Emma's hand, intertwining their fingers together.
Such a simple touch.
And she could feel it in every inch of her body, her skin welcoming and begging for more.
So different from when August touched her.
August looked down at their hands intertwined, giving a step back.
He looked upset, his eyes widened, and his lips slightly parted.
"I failed," August whispered.
"Excuse me?" Emma asked.
"I'm too late," August said "I have failed"
Regina tightened her grip on Emma's hand, giving a step closer to August.
"Who are you?" Regina asked.
"The hell are you talking about, dude?" Emma asked.
She was confused about the whole situation.
Surely this wasn't the first time he ever got dumped or that he acknowledged two women together, right?
"I have to go," August said.
Then he just walked past them, limping away, vanishing on top of his motorbike.
"The hell was that?" Emma asked.
"I don't know," Regina said thoughtfully staring at the empty street.
Emma squeezed Regina's hand softly, slowly pulling her back.
"Hey," Emma smiled.
"Hi," Regina smiled back at her.
"That was kinda hot, you know?" Emma said cheekily.
"What was, my dear?" Regina asked.
"Lay your hand on her again and it will be the last time you'll ever have hands," Emma said.
"Oh," Regina smirked "Well, it would"
"You look hot when you defend me," Emma said.
"And you don't seem slightly bothered about the fact he was about to lose a limb," Regina arched an eyebrow.
"Why would I?" Emma chuckled "I wanted to do the same"
Regina clicked her tongue before letting go of Emma's hand, cherishing her cheek.
"Are you okay?" Regina asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Emma said softly, smiling at Regina.
Regina nodded at Emma, taking a step back when another customer left the diner.
It bothered her.
Emma looked down, staring at her boots and biting her lower lip.
She didn't want that anymore, she didn't want to pull away from Regina just because some strange walked by them.
She didn't care about who was going to see them.
"I'm sorry," Regina said.
Emma lifted her eyes to Regina, shoving her hands inside her jeans' front pockets.
"We are still on the same page about telling Henry this weekend, right?" Emma asked seriously.
Her heart racing inside her chest as she waited for an answer.
Because if Regina changed her mind…
"We are," Regina said, interrupting Emma's line of thoughts.
Emma let out a puff of air, relief washing over her.
Regina took a step closer to Emma, taking her hand between hers and squeezing it softly.
"We are telling Henry this weekend," Regina said, looking deeply into Emma's eyes.
"Okay, good," Emma nodded.
"Have breakfast with me?" Regina asked, tilting her head in the direction of the door.
"I can't," Emma grunted "I'm already late for my shift,"
"Alright," Regina said "How about dinner tonight?"
"Really?" Emma smiled.
"Really," Regina smiled back "Come over tonight and have dinner with me. Spend the night, spend the weekend with me"
Emma took a step closer, cherishing Regina's cheek with her hand.
She was so close.
So close she could feel Regina's warm breath tickling her lips.
So close that Regina's scent was mixed with her perfume intoxicating her.
Emma moistened her lips and then swallowed dry, her breathing accelerating.
She nodded slowly, already closing that last inch between them to kiss Regina.
But when she was just bout to kiss her, the door of the diner was open again, the sound of the bell making Emma take a step back.
"Hey," Ruby said.
And barely even bothered to look at them a second too long before walking to the chairs on the side lawn, and putting them down.
Emma looked at Regina who was looking at her with a curious expression on her face.
Emma smiled softly at Regina, clearing her throat.
"I'll see you later," Emma said.
And for the third time that morning, Emma only managed to give one step before fingers were wrapped around hers, pulling her back.
Regina pulled Emma back by the hand, Emma's body colliding softly against hers.
And then Regina just smiled lazily at her, making her heart beat fast inside her chest before leaning forward and capturing her lips in a kiss.
Taking her breath away.
For a moment, everything vanished.
For a moment, as it always seemed to be when she and Regina were together, there was only them and their kiss and their touch.
Regina broke the kiss slowly, Emma moaning lowly when she pulled away.
"I'll see you tonight," Regina whispered.
Emma could hardly form any words.
She looked into Regina's eyes, feeling something warm and cold flip happily inside her stomach.
Emma smiled at Regina, cherishing her cheek before leaning forward to kiss her again.
"Are you two going to spend the whole morning kissing in front of the diner?" Ruby asked "Because we have rooms in the back"
Emma grunted when she pulled away from Regina, looking to the side.
Ruby was smiling smugly at them, whipping leaves from the tables.
"Miss Lucas," Regina said seriously.
As if she wasn't making out with Emma in front of Ruby.
"Madam Mayor," Ruby said playfully.
Regina cleared her throat, smoothing the fabric of her grey coat.
"I trust you'll be discreet?" Regina asked looking at Ruby.
"About what?" Ruby asked "You were literally making out in front of the diner"
Emma laughed, pulling Regina into her arms and kissing her cheek.
"I don't think we can hide this anymore, babe," Emma said playfully.
And the smile Regina gave Emma was so beautiful that Emma knew that any God above and below them would succumb to their knees by the power f it.
"I suppose not," Regina said.
"Don't worry, I already knew about the two of you," Ruby said.
"You did?" Regina asked.
"Yeah," Ruby laughed "Your scent is all over her, forged with hers"
"Excuse me?" Regina asked confused.
Emma's phone started to ring inside her pocket, making all eyes shift in her direction.
She picked up the phone from her pocket, grunting when she saw the name flashing on the screen.
"Shit, it's Graham," Emma said "I have to go"
Emma put the phone back inside her pocket, not bothering to answer the call before leaning forward and pressing her lips with Regina's.
"I'll see you tonight," Emma smiled.
"Tonight," Regina smiled back.
Emma turned around, walking in the direction of her bug, parked across the street.
She was just about to open the door of her car when she noticed a red metal box underneath the car, trapped by the tire.
Emma crouched on the floor, pulling out the box.
She could recognize that box anywhere, it was the metal box where Henry kept his book, the one he had buried under his castle before the storm.
Emma looked at the lock, noticing that the small black padlock was open. She pulled the padlock away and then opened the box, smiling happily when she saw what was inside.
Henry's book.
Completely unharmed.
Emma rose from the ground, and entered the car, putting the metal box on the passenger seat.
Then she drove to the station, tapping her fingers lightly on the steering wheel, a silly smile playing on her lips.
Tomorrow, they were going to tell Henry.
And that book was the sign that everything was going to be just fine.
Regina opened the oven, checking the chicken she had popped inside about half an hour ago.
It was almost done.
Fifteen or twenty minutes more and the chicken thighs and over thighs would be golden brown, tasting as delicious as the aroma taking over the kitchen.
It was all she could think about the whole day she spent at the Mayor's office.
Her dinner with Emma.
Regina tried to focus on the work day ahead but each time she started to read a new document her mind would drift off to either Emma or Henry.
What should I cook for tonight?
Will Henry ever accept the two of them together?
What does Emma like to eat?
Is Henry going to be happy that they found each other?
The thoughts invading her mind were so frustrating that before lunchtime was up, Regina had already given up on work.
So she left the office, and drove to the supermarket, shopping for more than she actually needed for dinner.
By the end of the day, Regina had decided to go with simple but delicious since this was indeed the first time she was cooking dinner for Emma.
Roasted chicken with butter and thyme.
Garlic rice.
Fresh salad.
And a good bottle of white wine.
Simple, but good.
Regina walked out of the kitchen and into the dining room, checking the table.
The plates were set.
The candles were lit.
All she was missing now was Emma.
Regina's stomach turned into a nervous knot as she lined up a fork perfectly with the knife beside the plate.
She wasn't quite sure why she was feeling so nervous about this dinner.
It wasn't like this was the first time she and Emma ever had dinner together.
But once again, it was a dinner that would change the balance of her life forever.
And so far, they have all involved Emma.
Regina smiled softly, Emma's name racing and calming her heart at the same time.
There was no turning back anymore.
She knew the word of her kiss with Emma was out by now.
They had to tell Henry.
And not just because of the gossip, she couldn't care less about what they were talking about or what they were thinking of her.
But because Regina wanted this to be a constant in her life.
She wanted to kiss Emma without a care in her mind about who was going to see them.
She wanted to hold Emma's hand between hers and not leave a shadow of doubt to anyone in town to whom did she belong.
She wanted to wait for Emma to come home and have dinner together.
But what she wanted the most was for Henry to accept them.
Because Regina desperately wanted to have her family together.
She could no longer live this separate life, one with Emma and another with Henry.
It wasn't fair.
Not to her, not to Emma, and certainly not Henry.
He didn't deserve to be lied to anymore.
Emma didn't deserve to be kept a secret anymore.
And Regina…
Regina just wanted to be happy with the two people that meant more than her own life to her.
Even if all they had was some borrowed time.
Regina turned her head to the side when the sound of the doorbell echoed inside the house.
She smoothed the fabric of her dress and ran her hands over her hair, moving it away from her face.
She had barely arrived at the door before Emma's scent reached her, announcing her presence.
And that scent invaded her, soothing her heart.
Regina smiled as she walked to the door, her whole being craving to see Emma.
Craving to touch her.
Craving to feel her skin against hers.
Regina opened the door, her heart dancing inside her chest at the sight of Emma in front of her.
Beautiful.
Emma smiled at Regina her eyes glowing with something that made Regina's heart skip a beat.
Love.
It was love there, shining in Emma's eyes, pouring out of her, and enveloping Regina with her scent.
Sinking into her pores and then blending with her blood, making it roar inside Regina's veins for Emma.
"Hi," Emma said.
Regina smiled at Emma taking a step closer, her fingers nearly tingling to touch her.
But then Emma moved her hands from behind her back and Regina felt the air being pulled away from her lungs.
"You brought me flowers?" Regina asked amazed.
"Of course I did," Emma took a step closer "I stopped by Maurice after my shift and when I saw these, I knew I had to bring them home to you"
Regina looked at the beautiful bouquet of purple hydrangea flowers Emma was holding, feeling her eyes prickle with tears.
She took the flowers from Emma's hand and brought them to her nose, the soft smell of the flowers mixed with Emma's thick scent.
"They are beautiful," Regina said softly "Thank you"
Emma smiled at Regina again, but this time Regina could no longer hold the urge to touch her.
She closed that half step closer to Emma, wrapping her arms around her neck and claiming her lips in a kiss.
Regina moved her lips lazily against Emma's feeling every inch of her body come to life.
Emma wrapped her arms around Regina's waist, pulling her even closer and then deepening the kiss, invading Regina with her tongue.
And Regina could hardly hold back the moan.
She wanted Emma's tongue elsewhere, everywhere.
Regina kissed Emma until her lungs burned for air, until Emma pulled on her lower lip between her teeth and then pressed their foreheads together, both gasping for air.
Emma smiled at Regina, bringing her hand from around her waist to her cheek and then giving half a step back.
Only enough to look at Regina properly.
"You know," Emma smiled "You are getting pretty good at this kissing-in-public thing"
"Please," Regina smirked "You've been kissing me in front of my house for months. You have no respect for my neighbors"
"I have no respect for anyone who ever comes between me kissing you," Emma said seriously.
And then Regina just smiled at Emma, pressing her lips softly against hers, pulling away a moment later when the faint beep of the oven reached her ears.
"I hope you are hungry," Regina said.
"Oh, you have no idea," Emma said back "Damn Graham didn't give me time to have lunch today"
"What?" Regina asked, reaching for Emma's hand and pulling her inside "Why the hell not?"
"I dont know," Emma said closing the door behind them "He kept giving this and that thing to do, and the next thing I know my shift was finally over"
"That's odd," Regina said, walking with Emma to the kitchen.
"Oh my God, Regina," Emma said sniffing the air when they entered the kitchen "What is this smell?"
"It's thyme chicken," Regina smiled letting go of Emma's hand and putting the bouquet of hydrangea on the island.
"Oh my God, that smell amazing," Emma said.
Regina smiled, reaching for the oven mitts and then taking the chicken from the oven and putting it on top of the stove.
The chicken looked absolutely beautiful, still sizzling from its heat, the skin was golden brown and crispy and the smell in the kitchen had only intensified now that it was out of the oven.
"Oh my God, that looks amazing," Emma said from behind Regina.
And Regina could feel her warm breath tickling her neck, her own spine shivering from the proximity.
Emma wrapped her arms around Regina's waist, her nose nuzzling the side of Regina's neck.
"Do you need help with anything?" Emma whispered into Regina's ear.
Emma scrapped her teeth on Regina's neck making Regina only vaguely aware of the dinner she cooked for the night or the hunger Emma was feeling.
"N-No," Regina said weakly, tilting her neck to the side.
Emma smiled against Regina's flesh, kissing her neck before taking a step backward.
And Regina just grunted her protest shamelessly when that warmth that was burning her body was suddenly gone.
When Regina turned around, Emma was smiling smugly at leaning casually on her elbow against the marble of the island.
"Dinner first," Emma winked at her.
Regina clicked her tongue and walked in Emma's direction, staring into her eyes.
Emma straightened her posture when Regina stood in front of her, her heels giving a slight advantage over Emma's height.
Regina leaned in Emma's direction, pushing their bodies together, her eyes never leaving hers. She smiled at Emma, the tip of her lips already brushing against Emma's, her rapid breathing becoming the same air Regina was breathing.
Emma moaned lowly, her fingers already sinking into Regina's waist, her eyes closing slowly waiting for Regina to claim her lips in a kiss.
But instead of crashing their lips together, Regina reached for the flowers on top of the island behind Emma and pulled them to her. She smiled against Emma's lips and then took a step backward.
"I should put these in the water," Regina said casually.
Emma blinked her eyes, focusing then on Regina, her lips slightly parted.
"What?" Emma asked.
But Regina just winked at her and then walked with the flowers to the sink, opening the lower cabinet and retrieving a vase.
"That was mean, Regina," Emma said behind her.
Yes, it was.
But Regina couldn't say she regret it.
Regina smiled at Emma, her face the true purity of innocence.
"I've no idea what are you talking about," Regina said.
Emma laughed and then walked in Regina's direction, crashing their lips together.
"Liar," Emma said when she pulled away "My lies detector may not be perfect, but with you, Regina, I always know when you are lying"
"Your lies detector?" Regina asked.
"Yeah, it's like a superpower," Emma smiled.
Regina wanted to ask more about it but they were both interrupted by the growling sound coming from Emma's stomach.
"Food?" Regina asked amused.
"Yes, please," Emma said embarrassed.
And that pink shade on Emma's cheek was without a doubt Regina's favorite.
Especially in bed.
Regina smiled at Emma and pressed her lips quickly against her.
"Get the wine from the fridge?" Regina asked.
"Sure," Emma said.
Regina turned around and picked up the vase, filling it with water before arranging the flowers inside.
"Where do want this?" Emma asked behind her.
"I set up the table in the dining room," Regina tilted her head to the side.
She walked in front of Emma, carrying the flowers vase while Emma walked behind her with the wine.
"You did this for me?" Emma asked when they reached the dining room.
The dining room was dimly illuminated, only by the small spotlights on the ceiling and the two candlesticks on the table, the plates were set, and the wine glasses and cutlery were perfectly aligned on top of the table.
Regina was only missing one thing on the decoration.
Emma's flowers.
Regina walked closer to the table, putting the vase behind the rice and salad dishes.
And then she turned around, wrapping her arms around Emma's waist and kissing her lips softly.
"This is nothing compared to what you did for me," Regina said.
Emma smiled at Regina, reaching for her face.
But when Emma's fingers brushed against Regina she involuntarily jumped.
"Cold," Regina laughed.
Emma had touched her with the hand she was previously holding the wine.
"Sorry," Emma said cheekily before kissing Regina.
"Pour me a glass," Regina said "I'll be right back with the chicken"
Regina walked to the kitchen and picked up the chicken from the stove, wearing her kitchen mitts, before walking back to the dining room.
She put the chicken on the table, returning quickly to the kitchen to throw the mitts on top of the island before taking her place at the table.
"I hope you like it," Regina smiled unsure at Emma.
"Are you kidding me?" Emma asked "It smells amazing,"
"Well then," Regina said, offering Emma the serving spoon "Go ahead"
Emma took the spoon from Regina's hand, putting some rice on her plate and then a chicken thigh before reaching for the salad.
Regina watched her every movement, from the moment she was making her plate to the minute she cut the meat and the second she put it in her mouth.
"Oh my God," Emma moaned between chews "This is amazing"
Regina smiled proudly to herself, watching Emma's delightful features, before making her own plate.
Emma was right.
The chicken tasted heavenly.
"So," Regina asked, cutting another piece of the meat "Apart from Graham's excessive work, how was your day?"
"Well," Emma smiled "I knew I was coming here after my shift so that helped"
Regina smiled lovingly at Emma, her heart dancing inside her chest.
"What about you?" Emma asked, sipping her wine "How was your day?"
"I gave up working before lunchtime," Regina grunted "I couldn't focus on the paperwork today"
"What a delight to be the boss, huh?" Emma laughed.
"Indeed, it is," Regina arched an eyebrow before sipping her wine.
"How were things with Henry this morning?" Emma asked, before eating another bite.
"He was eager to go to school," Regina smiled "He was hurrying me this morning saying he didn't want to miss the bus"
"I wish I could have seen that," Emma laughed.
And something tightened in Regina's heart.
She wished Emma could have seen that too.
Regina wanted Emma to be part of it. She wanted Emma to be part of everything.
The sound of the phone ringing reverberated through the dining room, pulling Regina out of her thoughts.
"That must be Henry," Regina said already pushing the chair back "I'll be right back"
Regina left the dining room and walked to the living room where the phone was ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hi, mom," Henry said on the other side "Just calling to let you know I'm fine"
"Well, that is good to know," Regina laughed lightly "How is everything in there, sweetheart?"
"The bird watching kinda sucked," Henry said "But tonight we are supposed to make a fire so that will be cool"
Regina started to walk back to the dining room, the phone pressed against her ear.
"Did you have dinner yet?" Regina asked.
"Yep," Henry said "But I'm looking forward to toasting some marshmallows on the fire later"
Regina entered the dining room, taking her place at the table.
"You be careful around this fire," Regina said seriously "I don't want you to get burned"
"Is that Henry?" Emma asked beside her.
Regina smiled at Emma, nodding her answer.
"Of course, I will, mom" Henry laughed "Who is there with you?"
Regina bit her lower lip and looked at Emma, her heart suddenly beating faster inside her chest.
Emma reached for another piece of chicken in the glass baking tray, closing her eyes and making a happy noise while chewing the crispy skin.
Regina smiled, letting that feeling of pure love wash over her body and then settle in the center of her heart.
It slowed her heartbeat.
It warmed her soul.
It made her brave.
"It's Emma," Regina answered her smile wider at the surprised look on Emma's face "We are having dinner together"
"Oh, that's cool," Henry said "Can I say hi to her?"
"Of course," Regina said before giving Emma the phone "Henry wants to say hi"
Emma smiled at Regina, taking the phone from her hand.
"Hey, kid," Emma said.
Regina watched Emma, her laughter echoing in every corner of her own soul.
She looked beautiful when she smiled, the sparkle in her eyes made them look greener, and Regina was yet to see any creature more magnificent than the woman in front of her.
She loved Emma with a force that was beyond this world.
And she could no longer wait to have this every day, to have Emma in her life, to have Emma entirely.
Regina no longer would settle for pieces, no more stolen moments together.
Emma turned off the call, the clicking sound of the phone's button pulling Regina out of her thoughts.
"The kid seems happy," Emma said, putting the phone on top of the table, "He told me to give you a kiss so…" Emma pushed the chair back, holding Regina's face between her hands and pressing their lips together "There it is"
"I'm pretty sure this is not what he meant," Regina smiled.
Emma smirked and pressed their lips together again before taking her seat back.
And then she just ate another piece of chicken making such an indecent sound that Regina couldn't wait to hear it again but for an entirely different reason.
Emma was popping the container with leftover chicken inside the fridge, her stomach already craving to eat it again tomorrow.
The food Regina made for the night was exceptional.
Emma had no idea Regina could cook that well.
In fact, there were still so many things she didn't know about Regina yet.
Things about her day-to-day, what she liked and did not like.
Things that had nothing to do with the intensity of their feelings.
Emma closed the door of the fridge, clicking her tongue when she turned around to face Regina.
Because there Regina was, leaning casually against the sink, a glass of wine in hand, and judging by the direction of her eyes, Emma knew exactly where Regina's stare had been.
"Checking out my ass again, Madam Mayor?" Emma teased.
"Those tight jeans you wear are sinful," Regina said back.
"Says the woman in that sinful tight dress,"
Emma put one hand around Regina's waist, sinking her fingers there before using her other hand to take the wine glass from between Regina's fingers and take a sip.
"I suppose we are full of sins then," Regina said, a side smile adorning her lips.
"Wanna go to the bedroom and make some more?" Emma asked.
Regina smiled, looking lustfully at Emma, her tongue running slowly over her upper lip.
And that look, that tongue sinfully running over her lips, that smile adorning her face…
Regina was undoubtedly Emma's downfall.
Emma put the wine glass down, claiming Regina's lips.
Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's neck, kissing her harder, invading her with her tongue and moaning indecently inside Emma's mouth.
Each moan felt like a whip on her clit.
Emma ran her hands down Regina's body, finding the hem of her dress and pulling it up, her fingers tracing the silky skin of Regina's thigh.
She pulled the dress until it was pulled around Regina's waist and then she lowered her fingers again, touching Regina over the fabric of her lace panties.
Drenching her fingers.
Emma moaned into the kiss, her clit twitching pleasurably inside her jeans, drenching her own panties.
"I love how wet you get for me," Emma said between breaths before kissing Regina's lips again.
Emma circled her fingers around Regina's clit over the lace panties, pressuring it with each stroke.
Regina moaned and then pulled Emma's lower lips between her teeth, gasping for air when she broke the kiss.
"Emma," Regina moaned deliciously.
"What?" Emma asked, her voice almost animalistic as she circled Regina's clit.
Regina sank her teeth into Emma's neck, biting her flesh. Emma rolled her eyes with pleasure, throwing her neck to the side and curling her toes inside her boots.
Nearly stopping touching Regina.
Regina kissed Emma's neck, sucking her skin and then licking her flesh.
"Regina," Emma moaned breathlessly.
Emma's whole body was gasping for air, her stomach was flexing hard, and her panties were drenched just as much as Regina's was.
Regina sucked Emma's earlobe, her tongue rolling around the delicate flesh before sucking it inside her mouth.
"Fuck me," Regina whispered into Emma's ear.
And then that fire consumed Emma, burning everything inside her with nothing but pure need.
Emma moved her hands to Regina's ass, sinking her fingers there. Regina bit her lower lip looking at Emma, low moans escaping her lips and eyes that held nothing but desire.
It made that lustful beast roar inside Emma.
It made that fire pulsate inside of her.
Emma bent down slightly, reaching under Regina's ass and then lifting her into her arms.
Regina yelped in surprise but Emma was quick to put Regina on top of the counter.
And then fall to her knees.
Emma smiled sideways at Regina before hooking her fingers on the sides of Regina's panties, her eyes never leaving Regina.
Regina pressed both her hands on the counter and then lifted her ass before Emma pulled her panties down her beautiful toned legs.
Emma ran her fingers up Regina's shin and then her inner thigh, feeling Regina spasm under her touch.
And then she smiled at Regina again, watching her knuckles turn white as Regina gripped the counter before Emma spread her legs apart.
Emma licked Regina flatly, her sweet taste and intoxicating smell nearly making her dizzy with lust.
Regina moaned above her, throwing her head back when Emma licked her again her irregular breath the most beautiful thing Emma had ever seen in her life.
Emma sank her fingers into Regina's thigh, sucking her clit inside her mouth and then stroking the sensitive bund of nerves with the tip of her tongue.
Regina held Emma's hair, pulling her closer, rubbing her pussy, and spreading her essence in Emma's mouth, urging Emma to drink more of her, to take more of her.
"Fuck me," Regina sobbed.
Emma licked Regina again, savoring her sweet taste before getting up from the floor.
She held Regina's waist and pulled her closer, two fingers sliding easily inside of her.
Regina held her breath lips slightly parted as Emma moved inside of her in and out and in and out again and again and again.
Emma claimed Regina's lips in a kiss, the sweet taste of Regina's pleasure on her tongue mixing with the faint taste of wine on Regina's tongue.
Regina moved with Emma, her hands sinking on Emma's shoulder, moaning desperately inside Emma's mouth the sound awakening Emma's deepest desire to drink Regina again to swallow her moans, to make her pour.
Emma moved faster inside of her, the heels on her hand brushing hard against Regina's clit at each stroke.
Regina moved with Emma, matching each bump with her hip, her lips breathing and blowing hot air into Emma's mouth. Emma pulled on Regina's lower lip with her teeth, before claiming her mouth again in a sloppy kiss.
Regina sank her fingers into Emma's shoulder harder as Emma felt her walls clenching around her fingers, Regina's body going completely stiff one moment, hardly breathing, and then drenching Emma's fingers on the next, a desperate moan escaping her lips whispered with Emma's name as Regina came with Emma's fingers buried deep inside of her.
Regina rested her head on Emma's shoulder, each breath sounding harder than the next.
Emma wrapped her arm around her waist, kissing her hair and then pressing her cheek on top of her head, patiently waiting for Regina to come back to her.
"I guess we don't need the bedroom to make new sins," Regina said out of breath.
Emma laughed lightly, kissing her hair again, before pulling away enough to look at her.
"Not this kind of sin, no," Emma smiled.
Emma pulled her fingers from inside Regina, her mix of moan and protest echoing deep into her center.
Emma brought her fingers to her mouth, sucking Regina's essence, moaning softly when the taste of Regina hit her tongue.
"Fuck," Regina swallowed dry.
"We just did that," Emma said cheekily.
Regina closed her hand on Emma's shirt, pulling her closer, and then kissing her hard, her tongue invading and then savoring her own essence in Emma's mouth.
She closed her legs around Emma's waist, flushing their bodies closer together, Emma's hands traveling up Regina's thigh already eager for more.
"Take me to bed," Regina whispered when they broke apart.
So Emma lifted Regina from the counter, her legs hooked around Emma's waist, and carried her to the bedroom, her hands reaching to pull Regina's dress off her body when she sat her on the bed.
To claim Regina's body again.
Friday
Regina was between Emma's legs, her tongue buried deep inside of her as her fingers stroked Emma's clit.
Regina loved the taste of Emma, the stickiness and saltness of her pleasure mixed with choked whispers of her name always had the power to send a wave of pleasure to her cunt.
Regina curled her tongue inside Emma, the tip teasing that particular spot inside of her.
Emma was moving with Regina's tongue, rubbing herself on Regina's face, her legs spreading wilder for Regina and hands gripping the sheet, gasping desperately for air.
"Regina," Emma moaned.
Regina rubbed Emma faster, her thumb pressuring her clit to the right while circling it around.
Emma gasped for air again, her stomach flexing uncontrollably, droplets of sweat forming around her navel.
"Regina, oh God, don't stop," Emma sobbed "Oh fuck, I'm gonna come"
Regina licked Emma harder, moving her tongue in and out of her and adding more pressure to her clit.
Emma's legs closed around Regina's head, rubbing herself desperately on Regina's face, her hands fisting and pulling the sheets before that sweet moment of release when she arched her back from the mattress moaning Regina's name, flooding Regina's tongue and mouth with her nectar.
Regina didn't waste a single drop.
She kept on drinking Emma, gathering her essence with her tongue, drawing the last of her pleasure until Emma stopped convulsing above her her legs falling boneless around Regina.
"Fuck," Emma said breathlessly "Come here"
Regina licked her one last time, kissing her way up to Emma, the muscles of her stomach flexing against her tongue.
She captured Emma's breast inside her mouth, the nipple hard on her tongue as she sucked her flesh, Emma's moans reaching her ears like the sweetest of melodies.
"Regina," Emma moaned breathlessly again "Kiss me"
Regina released Emma's breast with a soft pop, her skin glowing lightly with her saliva before capturing Emma's lips in a kiss, letting Emma taste her pleasure in her mouth.
"Are you satisfied, my darling?" Regina asked huskily when she broke the kiss.
"For now, yes," Emma smiled lazily, pressing her lips against Regina again.
Regina ran her hand down Emma's face, smiling softly at her. She kissed her eye, her cheek, the tip of her nose, and then her lips before laying on top of Emma, her head resting between Emma's breasts.
Emma purred contently under her, her fingers running lazily on Regina's hair.
The first rays of sunlight were penetrating through the closed window, casting a soft morning glow inside the room.
They had made love the whole night, only stopping to rest their spent bodies before one waking the other trough out the night to feed that growing hunger, that deep need for pleasure, the pure necessity for the other.
They had hardly slept.
Regina wanted to make Emma scream her name, wanted to satisfy that fire burning inside of her, she wanted to take Emma for herself completely.
It wasn't enough.
An entire life spent by Emma's side still wouldn't be enough to love her completely.
"What are you thinking?" Emma asked softly.
"You," Regina smiled against her skin.
"What about me?" Emma asked, her fingers massaging Regina's scalp.
Making her purr softly.
"How you taste deliciously in my mouth," Regina smiled.
She felt Emma's stomach muscle contract and her breathing stopped for a second.
"Fuck," Emma breathed out.
Regina smiled, kissing her heart, Emma's fingers playing with her hair again.
"What time is it?" Emma asked.
Regina lifted her head to look at the clock on the bedside table, grunting when she saw the numbers flashing in the glass.
"Too early," Regina said.
"The sun is entering the room already," Emma said lowly.
"Uh-hum," Regina purred, nuzzling her cheek against Emma's skin.
Emma kissed the top of her head, moving to leave the bed.
Regina grunted her protest but didn't stop Emma from getting up.
Instead, she just watched Emma disappear inside the bathroom and then snuggled under the sheets, her body suddenly cold from the lack of Emma's heat.
Regina closed her eyes, inhaling the smell of their sex mixed with their scent, that apple blossom forged intensely with the wildflowers and summer breeze of Emma.
Bonded just like she and Emma was.
Regina gripped the sheets, biting her lower lip, letting that fervent need run through her body, that desire to consume Emma again already making her wetter. Regina closed her legs, her clit tingling between her legs, seeking friction and a release that only Emma could give to her, only Emma could quench, that it was Emma's to take and dominate until Regina could no longer hold it inside herself anymore.
Until she exploded with only Emma's name dancing on the tip of her tongue, whispered to the wind between her moans.
Emma opened the bathroom door, the creak of the door making Regina open her eyes.
Regina smiled at Emma, her tongue moistening her lips at the sight of the beautiful woman in front of her, her throat dry to drink from Emma again, to assuage that thirst that would never quench.
"Having impure thoughts again, Madam Mayor?" Emma asked.
"The filthiest," Regina smiled mischievously at her.
Emma clicked her tongue before winking at Regina, reaching for her panties on the floor and then pulling them up her legs.
"What are you doing?" Regina asked.
"Putting my clothes on, Madam Mayor," Emma laughed.
"Why?" Regina asked confused.
"What do you mean why?" Emma asked "It's morning already"
"Emma," Regina said softly, her heart squeezing inside her chest.
Emma stopped with her bra in her hands, looking a Regina, blinking her eyes and lips slightly parted.
"You forgot you don't have to jump off my window this morning," Regina said softly.
"I totally, did," Emma said, her cheeks a shade red "Oh my God, Regina"
"Come here," Regina said, stretching her arm for Emma to take her hand.
Which Emma promptly did.
She took Regina's hand, dropping the bra on the floor and then snuggling under the sheets, facing Regina.
Regina ran her hand on Emma's cheek, kissing her gently and then nuzzling her nose against hers.
"I'm so sorry," Emma said, her hand resting on Regina's hip "It was just the force of habit"
"I know," Regina nodded.
"I never stay long past the first sun rays," Emma said lowly.
Regina cherished Emma's cheek, kissing the tip of her nose.
"There will be no more of that," Regina said.
"I know," Emma smiled beautifully.
Warming Regina's heart, making that knot loose.
"What do we do now?" Emma asked.
"Well," Regina smiled pressing her lips against Emma "Now we go downstairs," Another kiss "And we make breakfast together"
"I like that," Emma smiled against Regina's lips.
"Me too," Regina said.
And then she covered Emma's body with her own, that need urging inside her blood to have just one more taste of Emma before she could even think about starting the day.
Emma was in the bathroom, putting on her black long-sleeve shirt, and then smoothing the fabric over her body.
The day had gone by them in a blink of an eye.
One moment the sun was shining outside as they were satisfying each other's bodies on every surface of the house, gasping for air and drawing pleasure from one another, and in the other, the sun had gone down, only darkness surrounding their spent bodies.
And even so, Emma ached for more.
She would always ache for more of Regina.
Emma smoothed her fingers over her hair, losing the curls with her fingers.
Regina had forced them to take a shower separately, claiming they would never get ready in time if they spent another second naked with each other.
Emma couldn't argue with that.
She knew she would fuck Regina mercilessly under the water and let herself be fucked by her until she fall to her knees.
Until the sun welcomed a new day.
Emma shook her head, her clit already throbbing between her legs.
The whole damn day she had Regina.
The whole damn day wasn't enough.
Emma took a step back, looking at her form in front of the mirror.
She was wearing dark jeans and a black turtle neck long-sleeve blouse with it. The blouse belonged to Regina and it was a necessity to cover the marks Regina had left on her neck.
A necessity that was distracting her now that Regina's perfume was inebriating her again.
Emma walked out of the bathroom, her bare feet echoing against the wooden floor as she walked the hallway to Regina's bedroom.
She entered the bedroom, only slightly surprised for not finding Regina in there but completely disappointed to find the bed made and sheets changed.
At least their scent was still in there.
That forged scent that bonded her and Regina together.
Emma picked up her boots from beside the chase lounge, her duffle bag opened on top.
She sat down on the edge of the bed, to put her boots on, and then walked to the duffle bag to take her jacket.
Emma walked out of the bedroom, softly calling Regina's name when she reached the staircase.
"Regina?"
"Kitchen,"
Emma walked down the staircase and then entered the kitchen, Regina pacing nervously from one side to the other.
"I didn't prepare anything," Regina said.
"What?" Emma asked.
"I should have a whole menu ready with all the things Henry likes to eat," Regina said nervously "But I didn't make anything, I didn't cook anything, and now it's too late"
"Regina, come on," Emma laughed.
"Maybe we should wait," Regina looked at Emma, a silver line shining behind her eyes "Maybe we should take an extra day, we haven't even…"
"No!" Emma said firmly.
She walked to Regina, holding her face between her hands, and looked deep into her eyes.
"We are not waiting anymore," Emma said "We are telling Henry tonight"
Regina pressed her forehead against Emma, her fingers closing on her jacket.
"I just want it to be perfect," Regina said "I don't want to give Henry any reason to not accept us"
"Regina, baby," Emma said softly wrapping her arms around Regina and pulling her closer.
Regina melted into her body immediately, inhaling Emma's perfume, her arms wrapped around Emma's neck.
Emma swayed with Regina gently, her fingers tracing soothing circles over the fabric of her dress.
"Let me cook tonight," Emma said.
"What?" Regina pulled away slightly, to look into Emma's eyes.
"Let me make dinner," Emma said "Don't worry about cooking for us tonight"
"And what are you going to make?" Regina asked.
"My specialty," Emma smiled "Pasta"
Regina smiled beautifully at Emma, her fingers playing with the hair on her neck.
Making her whole body shiver.
"Henry loves pasta," Regina said.
"Well then," Emma said "It's settled"
"Okay," Regina nodded "What do you need?"
"I need you to sit down and relax," Emma said "I'd offer you a glass of wine but I don't think you should drink before picking up our son"
"Oh, God, no," Regina laughed.
Emma pressed her lips softly against Regina's before pulling away.
"Go on, sit down," Emma said, sliding her jacket off her shoulders "I'll ask if I need to find anything specific"
"Alright," Regina smiled, taking Emma's jacket and resting it neatly on top of the island before taking her seat.
Emma walked to the refrigerator, her eyes scanning what was inside and hands picking up what she needed.
Onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.
"Do you have any ground beef?" Emma asked.
"I think it's frozen," Regina said behind her.
"Even better," Emma laughed, opening the freezer and retrieving the meat.
"Are you sure you know what you are doing?" Regina asked sarcastically.
"Hey," Emma pointed at her "My pasta may not be fancy but I guarantee it is delicious"
"Alright then," Regina laughed lightly.
"Pasta and pots?" Emma asked.
"Top cabinet to the right and cabinet under the sink," Regina answered.
Emma opened the cabinet under the sink, picking up a tall pot first and then filling it with water before putting it on the stove.
Then she reached for the cutting board, lifting the sleeves of her blouse before starting to chop.
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" Regina asked.
"Yep," Emma said, her eyes already tearing up from cutting the onions "You just stay there, I got this"
"I never had anyone cooking in my kitchen before," Regina said.
"And how do you feel about having me?" Emma looked behind her shoulder.
"I think I can get used to that," Regina smiled.
"Well, good," Emma winked at her before focusing her attention back on chopping.
Emma continued to chop all the vegetables, chatting lightly with Regina and asking where something else that she needed was, the sound of Regina's laughter warming something deep inside of her.
Emma wanted this desperately too, she wanted her nights and days with Regina, she wanted to finally have the family she longed to have, that she long had given up on having before Regina.
She changed everything for her.
Regina and Henry were the family Emma could no longer wait to have.
The sound of the phone ringing echoed inside the kitchen making Regina get up and walk away from the kitchen while Emma stirred the half-frozen meat.
A moment passed and then another before Regina walked into the kitchen again.
"That was Henry," Regina said "He arrived"
Emma nodded, lowering the meat flame on the stove, and walked in Regina's direction, wrapping her arms around Regina's waist.
"Okay," Emma kissed her softly "When you guys are back, I promise you'll have the most delicious pasta you have ever had for dinner"
Regina smiled at Emma, nuzzling her nose against hers.
"I can't wait," Regina whispered.
Emma kissed Regina again, her lips lingering a second or two longer.
"Go," Emma smiled "Go bring our son home"
Regina smiled, her hand stroking Emma's cheek softly. She kissed Emma again, moaning lowly, before pulling away.
She looked to the side, eyeing Emma's jacket neatly laid on top of the island, walking in its direction.
Regina ran her fingers softly over the leather, her fingers tracing the seam lines.
"This jacket means something to you doesn't it?" Regina asked.
"It's like an armor," Emma said "It was the first thing I ever bought with my bails bond person money. It marks the beginning of a new life"
Regina looked at Emma, smiling softly at her.
"Do you mind if I use it tonight?" Regina asked.
"You want to use my jacket?" Emma smiled, her heart racing inside her chest.
"Tonight is the beginning of a new life," Regina said "It seems appropriate"
Emma walked to the island and picked up the jacket. She traced her fingers over the leather before opening the jacket, holding it in the air for Regina.
Regina slid one arm and then the other, adjusting the jacket on her body.
The red leather contrasted beautifully with Regina's deep blue dress, giving her an air of rebellious superiority that made Emma's knees go weak.
"Good?" Regina asked, smiling sideways at Emma.
Emma moistened her lips, looking at Regina up and down and then down and up again, very, very slowly.
"Just when I thought you couldn't look any hotter," Emma bit her lower lip.
Regina laughed wholeheartedly, putting her hand on Emma's cheek and then kissing her lips.
"We'll be right back," Regina said against Emma's lips.
"Don't take long," Emma said back.
Regina turned around and left the kitchen, Emma's eyes memorizing every inch of Regina inside that jacket.
And then the soft smell of something burning caught Emma's nose, the meat already burning on the bottom of the pot just like Emma was burning on the inside.
Regina parked her Mercedes at the back of the school, children running to meet their parents all around.
She opened the car door, closing Emma's jacket around her body tighter, and walked in the direction of the school bus, her eyes roaming around the field looking for Henry.
"Mom!"
Regina looked to the side and smiled softly, watching Henry run in her direction, his backpack bouncing on his back. He threw his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly as Regina ran her hands over his hair and then kissed the top of his head.
"Hi, honey," Regina said.
"I'm starved," Henry said, looking up at Regina.
His eyes glowed with happiness that warmed Regina's heart to the core.
Regina ran her hands over his hair again, her smile matching the one Henry was wearing.
"We should get home then," Regina said.
Henry nodded at Regina before letting go of her.
Regina wrapped her arm around Henry's shoulder, walking with him in the direction of the car.
Henry looked up at her again, his curious eyes looking up and down the jacket she was wearing.
"Is that Emma's jacket?" Henry asked.
Regina swallowed dry, gripping his shoulder with a bit of force the air suddenly caught in her throat.
"Mom," Henry tapped her fingers on his shoulder.
"Sorry," Regina said, losing her grip on Henry's shoulder.
They kept on walking, the black Mercedes only a few steps away from them.
"So?" Henry insisted.
"Yes," Regina swallowed dry again "This is Emma's jacket"
"Why are you wearing Emma's jacket?" Henry asked.
They reached the car and Regina let go of Henry's shoulder before walking to the driver's door, Henry doing the same on the other side of the car.
Regina opened the door and entered the car watching Henry throw his backpack on the backseat and then pull the seatbelt over his body.
"Why are you wearing Emma's jacket?" Henry asked again.
"Because Emma is in our house," Regina said, turning the engine on "She is cooking dinner tonight"
"What?" Henry asked "Why?"
"Because there is something we want to tell you," Regina said, gripping the steering wheel and looking out the road.
Too afraid to glance at Henry.
"Am I in trouble or something?" Henry asked, his voice thoughtful.
And Regina just let a puff of air leave her lips, a breath she didn't even know she was holding, before laughing softly.
"No," Regina shook her head "No, you are not in trouble"
Regina bit her lower lip, daring to glance at Henry.
He was relaxed on the passenger seat, his fingers tapping lightly over the car handle, looking out the dark night of Storybrooke.
"So," Regina asked, "How was the trip?"
"It was really cool," Henry smiled turning his face to look at Regina "We made trails and a huge fire to burn marshmallows"
Regina smiled at Henry, her grip on the steering wheel losing slightly.
"So you had fun?" Regina asked.
"Oh yeah," Henry said "Ava and Nicholas were there too but Ava stayed in a different camp"
"Oh?" Regina asked.
"But we met for the fire and the trails," Henry said.
"Well, I'm glad you got to spend time with your friends," Regina said.
"Were you with Emma while I was out?" Henry asked.
Regina took a deep breath, her heart racing inside her chest.
"Yes," Regina nodded "Emma came over for dinner Thursday night"
"And didn't leave?" Henry asked confused "It's Friday night already"
Regina parked the car in front of the mansion, her whole body content for the second of distraction.
She was getting nervous again, her fingers were trembling lightly and she could feel that fear crawling under her skin, that voice that came from the deepest of her being telling her she was going to lose Henry.
Regina shook her head, forcing the fear out of her mind. She opened the car door and walked to the sidewalk, waiting for Henry to take his backpack from the passenger seat before wrapping her arm around his shoulder again and walking together to the mansion.
Henry didn't made any more questions.
And Regina was relieved about that.
Regina opened the door to the mansion, the intoxicating smell of Emma's scent enveloping her like a second skin.
It calmed her trembling fingers, it made that fear recoil and hide somewhere far in the back of her mind, like a distant memory of something that would never happen.
Emma walked to the foyer, smiling softly at Regina before looking at Henry.
"Hey, kid," Emma said lightly.
"Emma," Henry smiled "Mom said you cooked dinner?"
"I did, yes," Emma nodded "I hope you are hungry"
"I am starved," Henry said dramatically.
"Henry, honey, go put your backpack in your room and wash your hands," Regina said.
"Okay,"
Henry stormed up the staircase, leaving Regina and Emma alone in the foyer.
Emma tilted her head to the side, silently telling Regina to follow her to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Emma pulled Regina inside her arms, the warmth of her body rippling through Regina's, anchoring her in that feeling of bliss.
Regina tightened her embrace around Emma, breathing her scent, calming her racing heart.
"It will be okay," Emma said softly.
"I'm nervous," Regina said sincerely.
"I know," Emma nodded "But it will be okay, Regina"
Regina pulled away from the embrace, only enough to look into Emma's eyes.
"I want him to accept us so badly," Regina said.
"And he will," Emma smiled "Henry is a good kid, Regina. He'll want us to be happy"
"Do I really make you happy?" Regina asked unsurely.
Emma smiled softly at Regina, capturing her lips in a delicate kiss.
"I don't think I ever knew true happiness before I met you and Henry," Emma said.
Regina felt her eyes fill with tears, that tightness in her chest loosening up, and a feeling of warmth washing over her body.
It was peace that nested there, untying every knot of doubt, shattering the last of fear that insisted on curling its claws in her heart.
Regina ran her hand on Emma's face, capturing her lips in a kiss.
"Whatever happens," Regina said when they broke apart "We'll face it together"
Emma nodded at Regina, smiling at her.
She leaned forward to kiss Regina again, but before their lips could even brush together, Henry's footsteps echoed in the kitchen, forcing them to break away.
Henry pushed the kitchen door open, looking curiously between Emma and Regina.
"Is dinner ready yet?" Henry asked.
"Yep," Emma nodded "Why don't you guys go into the dining room? I'll be right there with the food"
Regina walked with Henry to the dining room, smiling at the beautiful table Emma made for them, the purple hydrangea Emma had given her still adorning the center of the table.
Henry took his usual seat at the table and so did Regina.
Emma walked in with her pasta dish, putting it on top of the table, the hot smoke still leaving the dish and disappearing in the air.
"That looks good," Henry said.
"I hope you guys like it," Emma said.
"It smells amazing, Emma," Regina smiled.
And that shade of pink that adorned Emma's cheek was enough to make Regina's knees and heart go weak.
Emma served Henry and Regina the pasta, before making a plate for herself.
Regina moaned softly when the food touched her tongue, the delicate flavor of the sauce contrasting beautifully with the seasoning of the meat.
It was delicious.
Henry ate the pasta eagerly, devouring his plate.
Emma reached for Regina's hand under the table, intertwining their fingers together as they ate their dinner, Henry filling the night with tales of his camping night.
Two plates later, Regina was ready to peel the dress off her body.
She could not help herself, Emma's pasta was just the perfect food for a Friday night and Regina was tempted to make that some sort of family tradition.
They could always work a cardio in bed to keep things balanced.
"So," Henry said pulling Regina out of her thoughts "What is it that you two wanted to tell me?"
Regina looked at Emma, surprised to notice that that fear was no longer rooting itself inside her heart.
It had been replaced with hope, with desire for the future Regina could no longer wait to have it with Emma by her side.
Regina looked back at Henry, smiling softly at him.
"Why don't we go to the living room?" Regina asked.
The three of them got up from their seats and walked to the living room together.
In the living room, Emma and Regina sat side by side on the couch while Henry took one of the armchairs across from them.
"So, what is it?" Henry asked again.
Regina took a deep breath in and looked at Emma before looking at Henry.
Her heart was racing inside her chest, her throat slightly dry and fingers lightly trembling.
"Henry," Regina cleared her throat "You know that Emma and I have become closer these past few months"
"Yeah, you two are friends," Henry nodded.
Emma cracked her neck to the side, biting her lower lip.
"Well, ah," Emma started to say.
But Regina knew there was no way around it.
She needed to just tell him, all at once.
Be honest and wait for his reaction.
"Henry, Emma and I are together," Regina said.
"What do you mean together?" Henry asked.
Emma reached for Regina's hand, intertwining their fingers on top of her thigh.
"It means that we are in a relationship," Emma said.
Henry looked at Regina and then at their joined hands before focusing his eyes on Emma again.
"You kissed my mom?"