Finally. That was the first thought popping up in Regina's head when she woke. The day was here. They were moving. At last.
Henry was grinning like the Cheshire cat when she woke him. He too was excited. Today, they would finally be driving back to Steveston one last time. And this time, there was no driving back. Now they were staying. Permanently. Now they were finally going to live with Emma. Regina could hardly believe it. If she looked 'dopey' during breakfast, she didn't care about it. She was allowed to be dopey on the day she finally was moving in with her girlfriend.
They packed the last few things, and then they were ready to go. Officially. Zelena walked them out to the porch. "Well," she said as Regina had just shifted the last box inside the car. "I guess this is it."
Regina nodded. This was indeed it.
"I'm going to miss you and my nephew," Zelena said and looked a little emotional. It had to be the pregnancy.
'We're not moving to the other end of the country', Regina reminded her. 'We'll still be close by.'
"I'm aware. And rest assure that I'll be making a point out of stopping by and bothering you."
Regina laughed. With sound. Laughing came so natural to her now. She considered herself to be a kind of expert in laughing.
"I'm gonna miss that sound too," Zelena smiled and now she definitely looked misty eyed.
Regina gave her a quick hug and hoped that this wouldn't end with Zelena crying. She had already done plenty of that when Regina came home after having spend the weekend with Emma. Zelena had both laughed and cried. And then begged Regina to laugh. Which Regina had. And obviously, that had only brought on even more tears. It had been a beautiful mess.
"Mom, come on," Henry called from where he was standing by the car. "Ma is waiting for us!"
Well, he was right about that. Emma was indeed waiting for them. Regina released Zelena from the hug and flashed her a smile. Then signed: 'thank you so much for everything, Zelena. Living here with you has been so wonderful.'
"And we've had the best of times, haven't we?" Zelena said softly and flashed Regina a watery smile. "But now you're leaving the nest."
Regina laughed again. That was funny.
"I'm so proud of you," Zelena continued. "And so, so happy too! You and Emma make the perfect little family."
Yes, they did. Regina motioned for Henry to come back to the porch so he could hug his aunt goodbye, and once he had done so, they took off, both of them in high spirits and excited about the future.
The drive to Steveston was a mercifully brief one. Regina had feared that drive would drag on forever, but that wasn't the case, and soon she could park the Mercedes in front of Emma's home.
No.
In front of their home.
Yes.
They were home now. Permanently.
Regina smiled as she unbuckled her seatbelt and exited the car the same time as Henry. Regina opened the trunk of the car, but before she could get the chance to grab one of the boxes, she was addressed by the mailman who seemed to have arrived at the same time as her.
"Excuse me, ma'am," the mailman said while holding up a package. "Is there any chance you can take this? It's too large to fit in the mailbox."
Sure thing. Regina nodded eagerly and smiled as she stepped forward and relieved the struggling mailman of the package.
"Thank you, you just made my life easier. Have a nice day, ma'am."
Regina bowed her head slightly to indicate that she wished the same for him.
The mailman took off, and Regina stuffed the package under one arm and turned her attention back to the car. She grabbed one of the boxes and hauled it out.
"Ma!"
Henry's exclamation made Regina turn around, and she quickly spotted Emma come out on the porch.
"Hey, kiddo!" Emma greeted with a huge grin on her face. Then she turned to Regina. "Drop the box, Mills!"
So forceful. Regina didn't mind it at all. But of course she couldn't quite resist the urge to make a point out of raising an eyebrow and slowly lowering the box to the ground. She even raised her hands in the air in mock surrender. As much as she could with the package still wedged under her arm. She was not about to put the package on the ground. This was an important package.
Her pose made Henry laugh, and it didn't take long before Emma was doing the same. Laughing as she half-ran down the porch steps and right towards them. She seemed to be faster than lightening. Regina had barely blinked before Emma was standing right in front of her and pecking her lips softly. "Hi, babe!"
Once she had pulled back, Regina flashed her a big smile and reached within the pocket of her coat, so she could find the note she had written earlier today. The usual 'Hello. You look beautiful!'-note.
"So do you," Emma said as soon as she had read the note. "So do you!"
Feeling slightly playful, Regina jokingly brushed invisible dust off her coat.
Emma sweetly told her that she was funny, and then she grabbed the box Regina had sat on the ground a second ago. Henry snatched the package from under Regina's arm, making it Regina's job to only carry herself as they walked inside the house. Emma was quick to drop the box on the floor and gallantly offered Regina assistance in getting rid of her coat. Regina happily took that offer and let Emma help her out of the coat. She reveled in the way Emma was grinning when seeing her dress. Regina had dressed for the occasion. She had chosen the red dress. The date dress. Normally, she would consider it too fancy for everyday use, but today was a special occasion. Today, the red dress was definitely appropriate. Red was for celebration. She returned Emma's smile and scratched a bit under the plaster that still covered her throat.
"Could you do me a favor, beautiful?" Emma asked, hands quick and effective as she hung up Henry's coat as well.
Regina curiously raised an eyebrow as she nodded. Of course she could do Emma a favor. She was willing to do just about anything.
"Could you laugh for me?" Emma asked, meadow green eyes sparkling in anticipation.
Oh. That. Regina had been asked that question frequently by the three most important people in her life. Emma. Henry. And Zelena. The question was almost starting to feel a bit repetitive, but obviously, she did not mind.
Still, though, she couldn't resist playing around a bit. 'Give me something to laugh about.', she shamelessly challenged.
Emma's eyes narrowed, and the smirk on her face told the tale of how amusing she found it to be. "Challenge accepted, Mills!"
Regina wasn't quite sure exactly what she had expected when she challenged Emma. Perhaps another of Emma's dubious jokes, but she certainly hadn't expected Emma's fingers to curl up and brush across her ribs to tickle her. Regina let out a gasp and then laughed. The laughter rippled through her chest and emanated through the room. The sound made her feel so happy. And admittedly, a little stunned. It was still foreign to laugh in the way she used to laugh. Without the rumble. Of course it was wonderful. But a bit odd too. Laughing was currently the only sound she could make.
Once done laughing, Regina scowled a bit at her lovely girlfriend and clicked her tongue. Emma had just tickled her.
"What, you were the one who asked me to give you something to laugh about," Emma said, now laughing herself.
"Mom doesn't like being tickled," Henry stated and shrugged. "I did it once, and she dropped a plate on the floor. It broke into a million pieces."
True. Regina gave a grave nod. She couldn't be held responsible for her actions if someone was tickling her.
"I will remember not to tickle you while you're carrying something that can potentially break then," Emma chuckled.
Oh, very funny. Regina clicked her tongue again and glanced at the package still in Henry's arms. Perhaps it was time they talked about that rather than teasing her? Surely, that package was much more important, right?
Henry shifted the package in his hands and looked up at Emma. "Is that...?"
"Yup," Emma confirmed. "That's the book, kid." Her eyes were glittering with excitement, and Regina fully shared that excitement. She had been looking forward to this day for more reasons than one. 'We have to open it!' She rapidly signed. 'What are we even waiting for? Why are we still standing here? We have to see the book!' The excitement was killing her!
Emma laughed sweetly at her. She clearly found the rapid signing to be endearing rather than confusing. Good thing. "Let's do it then," she grinned as she slipped an arm around Regina's waist. "Bring the package into the kitchen, kid!"
"Aye-aye!"
Regina bit back a grin as all three of them headed into the kitchen. Her son, the pirate.
In the kitchen, Henry carefully put the package down on the table. Regina was happy to see him be so careful in his movements. He too knew how important this package was.
"Well..." Emma said, eying the package. "This is the moment." She turned her head and looked at Regina. "Do you want to open it, babe?"
Regina shook her head and firmly pointed to Emma. She was the one who should open the package. Not Regina. This was Emma's moment. The fruit of Emma's hard work.
"Okay, okay," Emma chuckled. "I'll open it then."
"Hurry up!" Henry groaned. "I wanna see the book!"
So did Regina. She nearly did a little dance of impatience as Emma found a pair of scissors and cut through the tape. She noted that Emma's fingers were shaking a little bit as she opened the package and grabbed the book which was wrapped in Dragon Publishing's signature black silk paper. Regina was barely able to stand the anticipation as Emma tore the paper to the side and at last revealed the book. The book. Twisted Endings by Emma Swan. Oh, how beautiful it was with its black background and shiny red apple being the center of attention. Intriguing and appealing. And with Dragon Publishing's logo. It was the most beautiful book Regina ever had seen, and she certainly could understand why Emma looked a bit emotional. This book literally was Emma's future. Everything she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. And now her dreams had come true. That was wonderful! Regina was so unbelievably proud of her girlfriend.
"It looks so pretty, Ma!" Henry said, putting Regina's thoughts into words. "To think you've made that!"
Emma nodded and seemed at loss for words. Her chin was trembling the littlest bit, and Regina quickly slipped an arm around Emma's waist and gave her a little squeeze. Kissed her cheek gently.
"I've... written something inside the book," Emma said and sounded almost gruffly. Perhaps she was trying to fight off the emotions. "For you and Henry. Do you want to read it?"
Regina nodded. Of course she wanted to read it. She carefully opened the book to its first page, and along with Henry, she bowed her head slightly so she could read what Emma had written.
'To Regina and Henry.', Regina silently pronounced.'You truly are everything to me. Thank you for giving me a safe place to land, thank you for believing in me, and thank you for becoming the home I've been looking for. I love you both so much.'
Oh, god. This wasn't just Emma having 'written something' inside the book. She had dedicated the book to them. Nobody had ever dedicated a book to Regina before. Nobody had ever made her feel this important and special and needed, and she had to leave it to Henry to hug Emma. She couldn't tear her blurry gaze away from the dedication. The emotions were getting the best of her. Crying hadn't been on her schedule today, but here she was, blubbering. Gosh darn it.
"Mom's crying."
Busted.
A warm hand touched her shoulder. "I take it that you liked the dedication then?"
Liked it? No. She loved it. Regina turned around. Her eyes were stinging a bit with unshed tears, but she nevertheless smiled and nodded. That dedication was everything.
"Come here," Emma said, pulling her into her arms. Into one of those tight, safe hugs she was so good at giving. "I am an awful girlfriend. You've only been here for five minutes, and I've already managed to make you cry."
Regina let out a wet chuckle. Emma being an awful girlfriend was definitely a joke.
"The book is so pretty!" Henry piped up. He clearly had little interest in their emotional moment. "When is everybody able to buy it, Ma?"
"It'll be available in the bookstores and on Dragon Publishing's website in three days. Brr! And I am so nervous I could throw up!"
"Eww. That's disgusting, Ma!"
"But nevertheless true. I keep having nightmares that everyone will think it's crap."
Regina wiggled out of the embrace and raised an eyebrow at Emma's statement. Then she moved her fingers through the air to give her opinion on the matter: 'if that's the case, they're idiots.' Completely and utterly idiots. Emma's book was wonderful. The rest of Canada had better be thinking that, or else…
"You cursed," Henry pointed out. "That's a dollar in the swear jar, mom!"
"Living with you two will bankrupt me completely," Emma said grimly and shook her head in mock sadness.
Yes, probably. Regina chuckled and was about to make some kind of joke when an idea popped into her head. She wanted to give Emma something. To celebrate the book. And she knew exactly what she wanted to give her. Flowers. Emma loved flowers.
So Regina put a hand on her girlfriend's shoulder to get her attention. Once Emma was looking at her, Regina signed: 'I'll be right back.'
"Where are you going?" Emma asked puzzled, one of her eyebrows raising in confusion.
Well, that was for Regina to know and for Emma to find out, wasn't it? She settled for smiling mysteriously and pecking Emma's cheek gently once. Then she turned around and headed into the hallway where she shrugged on her coat.
"Where are you going?" Emma called after her, and Regina felt quite amused. Even if she had been able to provide Emma with an answer, she probably wouldn't have done so. That would have ruined the surprise. Now she settled for just chuckling in what she hoped was a mysterious manner. Then she left the house.
She did not feel like driving today. Albeit a bit cold, it was still a nice day, and she was not going very far. Regina walked down the street and made a point of smiling at everyone she met. They all smiled back. A young child even waved sweetly at her, and Regina of course waved back. Everyone was so friendly in Steveston. She couldn't wait to become a part of the community. She was already looking forward to the seasonal celebration this town was known for. Of course there was the Harvest Festival during autumn, but there was also the Light Festival in the winter and spring and summer events. Regina was planning on participating in everything. Certain events in her life had forced her to miss out on many social gatherings. But never again. Never!
She made it to her destination which of course was Game of Thornes (the name would never fail to amuse Regina), and it did not take long before the owner, Mo, greeted her.
"Hello there," he said, flashing her a friendly smile. "What can I do for you today?"
That was when Regina realized that she could not rely on Sign Language right now. Oh dear. Luckily she had her phone with her, though, and she quickly whipped it out of her pocket and tapped down the reason for her errand: 'I'd like a very large bouquet of red roses. Can you help me with that?' she briefly considered writing an apology for the unusual way of communicating, but she quickly scrapped that idea. Why should she apologize for being herself? No, she had nothing to apologize for. Instead she simply held up the phone towards the older man so he could read the message.
Mo quickly slipped on a pair of reading glasses and squinted slightly behind them while reading. Then he smiled. "But of course, miss. How large a bouquet are we talking?"
Regina briefly considered that. Then wrote down the number '100'. If anyone deserved one hundred red roses, it surely was Emma Swan.
"One hundred red roses?" Moe asked her as a smile made his eyes crinkle slightly.
Regina nodded firmly. One hundred red roses. No more and no less. She wanted a large bouquet.
"Very good, miss. I'll find that for you. I won't be a moment."
Regina flashed him a smile and waited patiently while the florist did his job. He had a beautiful store here. Regina would come here regularly and buy flowers. Emma had given her free roam over the beautiful garden. Had told her 'its yours, babe, plant as many roses as you want. I want you to have the garden you've dreamed of'.
Regina could not wait to get started. She couldn't wait to start planting and pruning and tending to the garden. She was going to turn it into her project. Gardening had always been one of her great joys, but she hadn't had many opportunities to do any gardening. Zelena did not have a real garden. But Emma did.
"There we are, miss, one hundred red roses for someone very lucky." Moe was back and now showing her a lush bouquet of red roses. "Are we happy with that?"
Regina nodded eagerly. She was very happy with that.
"Excellent. I've removed the thorns so it's easier to carry."
Oh, that was nice of him. Regina hoped that a smile was sufficing as a 'thank you'. Moe informed her of the price for the bouquet of red roses, and Regina handed him the money. She did not care about the price. Seeing the look on Emma's face was going to be entirely worth it. She left the store with the large bouquet of roses balancing in her arms. Chuckled to herself because she felt a bit silly.
Upon returning back home, Regina was greeted by Emma who came into the kitchen just as Regina was leaving the hallway. Regina lowered the enormous bouquet of roses so she could see Emma. She flashed her a smile.
"Are those... for me?" Emma asked and looked slightly dumbfounded.
Indeed they were. Obviously. Regina nodded in confirmation.
"Oh, wow." Emma walked over to her and relieved her of the bouquet. Which was nice. Regina's arms had started to hurt a bit. She had definitely overestimated her own strength. Or maybe it was just because her arms were sore from working out. "What's the occasion?" Emma asked and sniffed the flowers.
'Your book,' Regina signed with a smile.'And you're beautiful.'
"And we're moving in together," Emma added, putting the bouquet down on the kitchen table. She walked over to Regina and wrapped her arms around her waist. "That's important too."
It was. Regina smiled softly and nodded. It was very, very important too.
"I should have bought you something," Emma mumbled. "As a way to welcome you."
Not required. Regina shook her head. Being here was enough. It was more than enough.
"But you know..." Emma let go of her waist and took her hands, intertwining their fingers. "In two days I can give you a proper welcome."
That…. Was something Regina was highly aware of. She felt heat creep up her neck and make her cheeks blush as she bit her lip. Yes, she was missing their sex life, and no, she was not going to be subtle about it.
Emma chuckled sweetly as she leaned in and pecked her lips.
Regina returned the kiss and thought of the waiting time that finally was over in two days. Perhaps they could send Henry off for the night. To Nick and Ava's place. Henry liked sleeping over at Nick and Ava's place.
As summoned by her thoughts, Henry's footsteps revealed that he was on his way downstairs. There was barely time for them to break the kiss, but they managed, and Henry didn't toss an 'eww' at them upon entering the kitchen. Instead he looked to the flowers on the table and said they were pretty before turning his attention to Regina and going: "moooom?"
Regina nodded and summoned all her patience. She knew exactly what this was about.
"Can I have horseback riding lessons?" Henry asked sweetly.
And there it was. Same ol' question and Henry's newest obsession.
"The stables here looks so nice. You said that yourself," Henry continued, shamelessly using her own words against her.
Entirely true. Regina nodded; a bit tired of the repetitive question. It wasn't that she did not want Henry to ride. Of course not. She had promised to support her son in whatever new interest he gained. Unless it was something dangerous, of course. Was horseback riding dangerous? That could be debated. Regina had been thrown off a horse at fifteen, but she was determined to not let that get in the way of Henry's happiness.
'I'll think about it.', she signed.
Henry's face darkened a bit. "Isn't that just the same as saying no in a nice way?"
Regina shook her head and flashed her son a reassuring smile whilst ignoring the way Emma seemed to shift in amusement next to her. 'No, it's not. I mean it. I'll really think about it.'
Henry immediately brightened. "Thanks, mom!" he said, racing over and giving her a quick hug around the middle. "I'll go upstairs and put my fairytales in my bookshelves."
"Do you need any help with that?" Emma asked him.
"Nope, I got it!" he said proudly, turning around and running back up the stairs. Loudly. Regina silently wondered how it was possible for him to not hear how loud he was being. And then she wondered a bit about his horse obsession.
"What's with the frowny face?"
Regina sighed a bit. 'His obsession with horses doesn't seem to less at all.', she signed.
"No, it sure doesn't," Emma said, grinning a bit. "Are you gonna let him take those lessons?"
'Most likely. His obsession with horses is interesting considering that...' she once again entertained the thought that this wasn't a coincidence but some kind of inherited trait before finishing her sentence: 'his father was a riding instructor.' 'Father' definitely was too rich a word to call Daniel Colter, the man who had made himself scarce the morning after a ridiculously drunken night.
"It's a coincidence," Emma gently reassured her. "All kids have a horse phase, babe."
Regina was not entirely convinced, but she decided to let it go. Daniel Colter was not worth thinking about. He wasn't relevant. She didn't want to think about him until he became relevant. Which maybe he would be. Perhaps Henry would start asking questions. Someday.
She was squeezed gently, and that made her snap out of it. She turned her head and observed silently as Emma puttered around and found a vase for the flowers. Once she had put the flowers in water, she took a step back and admired it. "They're really beautiful, babe."
Regina smiled and silently agreed. The flowers really did look beautiful.
"But obviously it's too much, and you really shouldn't have."
The joking was clear in Emma's voice, but Regina still folded her arms across her chest and clicked her tongue. Of course she should have. The flowers were a celebration of Emma's new book. And the fact that they were moving in together, of course. That was another thing that was worth celebrating.
And speaking of celebration… Regina had plans for dinner. 'I was thinking of making lasagna for dinner tonight. Is that alright with you?' Emma loved her lasagna. And Regina often made lasagna when there was something to celebrate.
"You wanna cook?" Emma asked and sounded a bit surprised.
Regina nodded in confirmation and 'repeated': 'is that alright with you?'
"Yeah, sure," Emma said. "I just thought I was gonna cook tonight. It's your first night here. You shouldn't spend it in a kit-"
Regina firmly interrupted that sentence by clicking her tongue and scowling slightly. She absolutely should spend time in the kitchen. It was her kitchen too now. And she couldn't wait to cook in it for the first time.
"You really wanna cook, don't you?" Emma asked rhetorically and grinned slightly.
Yes. Regina nodded firmly.
"Okay then. Are we really having lasagna? Seriously?"
Yes, indeed. Regina smirked as she nodded.
Emma straight up moaned at that. "Oh my god, I love you!"
Her reaction made Regina smile. And firmly tell herself to not get affected by that sound Emma just made. It had sounded just a teensy bit… sexy. Which hadn't been intended, right? No. No, of course not.
"We'll need to hit the store then," Emma announced and glanced at her watch. "And preferably now before it closes."
Regina nodded. What an excellent idea.
Emma turned around and yelled up the stairs: "Henry, we're going to the store! Do you want to come along?!"
"Yes!" the answer was shouted back. "Wait for me!"
"We shan't move an inch," Emma murmured and chuckled.
The sound prompted Regina to laugh too. She was pretty sure that Emma stopped chuckling very quickly after she started laughing. Was she enjoying the sound? It certainly looked like it. Regina made a point of drawing out her laughter for Emma. To see those green eyes of her sparkle with joy.
Thump-thump-thump. Henry was on his way. It didn't even take two seconds before he was by their side, declaring that he was ready to leave.
"Great," Emma said briskly. "Let's do it then!"
That was exactly what they did. The three of them left the house to go shopping…
Grocery shopping in Steveston was one of the things Regina would cherish from now on. It was mundane, yes, but it was also wonderful. Wonderfully mundane.
"Can we have pancake for dessert?" Henry asked after having put the oregano into their shopping cart. "Please?"
Regina considered it. She supposed that tonight was a celebration, but…
"Hi, guys."
Regina turned her head and spotted Ruby coming around the corner with her own shopping cart. She was smiling broadly at them.
"Hey, Rubes," Emma greeted her and returned the smile.
"What's for dinner?" Ruby asked, and now Regina was smiling too because it clearly was a joke. At least so she hoped. She liked Ruby a lot, but she wouldn't appreciate having her over for dinner tonight of all nights.
"Lasagna!" Henry happily announced with shining eyes.
"Mmm, that sounds good. Maybe I should crash your dinner," Ruby drawled.
And there it was. It had better be a joke.
"Oh no, you don't," Emma said, arm looping around Regina's waist and giving her a teasing little squeeze. "Any other night, Rubes, but you don't get to crash our first dinner."
"First dinn- oooh! Now it's permanent, isn't it?" Ruby realized, grinning from ear to ear.
Regina decided to join the conversation and signed that the last box had been moved today. Emma effortlessly translated for her, and as usually, Regina felt a rush of pride. Emma was so fluid in Sign Language. It was very impressive.
"That's great," Ruby smiled, tossing a cheeky wink at Emma. "You do look disgustingly happy, Swan."
"That's because I am," Emma said simply, and Regina could have sworn that her hip was squeezed again. A bit more teasingly. In public. What a scandal.
"So, can we have pancakes for dessert?" Henry asked, ever the little rascal who took the opportunity to push his pancake idea through. "Please?"
Regina pursed her lips and looked at her girlfriend to indicate that they were two to make the decisions now.
"Don't look at me," Emma said and held her hands up like Regina had done earlier. "You know I'm incapable of saying no to pancakes."
That was true. Very true. Regina couldn't blame Ruby for letting out a snort of amusement.
"Pleaaseee?" Henry said, using cheap tricks and blinking his big brown eyes at Regina. "To celebrate our first night here?"
Those big brown eyes became Regina's undoing. She surrendered and nodded down at him. Pancakes it was.
"With chocolate chips?" Another blink of those big brown eyes.
Oh, that was definitely not fair. Regina scoffed and folded her arms across her chest.
"Please?" Henry said, smiling so very sweetly at her. "That's Ma's favorite."
"Hey, don't drag me into your attempt at manipulation!" Emma protested in a rather squeaky voice.
Regina laughed. Emma's voice sounded funny. Then she nodded and smiled at her son. Pancakes with chocolate chips it was. But she wasn't caving in because of his adorable smile even though it was very sweet. She was caving in because he had just said 'Ma'. Hearing him address Emma as such was definitely one of her weak spots.
"Awesome!" Henry said, taking Regina by the hand. "Come on!" he gave her a very gentle tug, and Regina smiled as she willingly went with him around the shelf so they could find the pancake mix. She left Emma to converse some more with her friend.
It didn't take them long to find the right shelf, but as Regina was reaching for the right pancake mix, Henry expressed some doubts. Maybe he wanted another mixture after all.
"They all look so good, mom," he half complained, and Regina laughed because he sounded almost theatrical.
"Should we take blueberries or chocolate chips?" Henry asked. "I can't decide!"
Well, that certainly was a tough decision, wasn't it?
"Why not chose both then?" Emma helpfully suggested as she appeared behind a shelf.
"Great idea, Ma!"
Regina lifted an eyebrow. She did not think it was a 'great idea'.
"I'll make 'em," Emma said. "I don't want you to stand in the kitchen all night."
In response, Regina clicked her tongue for something that felt like the millionth time that evening and signed that she didn't care.
"I mind," Emma said firmly. "I mind, okay? You'll make the lasagna, and I'll make the pancakes. Deal?" she lifted a fist.
Very well. Regina chuckled as she lightly bumped Emma's fist with her own. Normally, she didn't fist pump people, but for Emma she was willing to make an exception. Of course.
"Wow, you guys managed to make that look very, very uncool," Henry said unimpressed.
"Excuse me," Emma huffed, puffing out her chest slightly. "I happen to be very, VERY cool, thank you very much! And so does your mom. She's actually the coolest person I've ever-"
"Ma, stop!" Henry groaned and dramatically covered his ears. "I KNOW how in love you are with mom, okay?"
Both Regina and Emma laughed at that, and Emma gave her a little wink and mouthed 'very'.
Regina reminded herself that she really shouldn't kiss Emma right then and there in the grocery store. She wasn't interested in giving the good people of Steveston a show.
"You know what, I think we should go with the chocolate chip pancakes," Emma said, reaching up on the top shelf and grabbing the box. "No celebration without chocolate, right?"
Regina nodded to show that she agreed. Chocolate was indeed required when celebrating.
"Then we can have the blueberry ones another day, right?" Henry asked.
"Right," Emma confirmed and eyed the other box. "Definitely."
Regina gave a soft hum to show her slight disagree. Pancakes was fine when celebrating, but…
"Sorry, babes, we're a family of pancake lovers. Right, Henry?" Emma said grinningly and slipped an arm around Henry's shoulder.
"Right," Henry confirmed, grin matching Emma's on his face.
Regina sighed and realized that she had been outnumbered. What a pair they were, Emma and their son. A perfect match. Emma was the best Ma a kid could have asked for.
"Come on, beautiful," Emma called over her shoulder and Regina realized that she had been lost in thoughts for a moment. She quickly began walking and easily caught up with them.
"That's better," Emma said softly, slipping an arm around her waist again. "We can't have you falling behind. In fact, I won't allow it."
Regina doubted that it would be possible for her to fall behind when she had Emma around.
They still needed a couple of things, so they continued their little shopping spree. At some point, Emma grabbed some hand soap, and that puzzled Regina. They already had a whole bottle full of hand soap back home.
"I know," Emma said once Regina had made her aware of it. "But this is the one that you normally use. You once told me that its gentler on your hands, and since I'm not interested in your hands breaking out in hives, so…" she didn't finish and dumped the bottle of soap into their cart instead.
Regina smiled and secretly crossed another thing off her unofficial list of reasons why Emma Swan was the best girlfriend ever…
Later, Regina felt like the best girlfriend ever when one very happy and satisfied looking Emma leaned back in her chair and rubbed her belly. "Holy cr-"
"Swear jar," Henry piped up.
"Crikey," Emma corrected herself, and Regina suspected that she chose the funniest word on purpose. "Holy crikey, that was some good pancakes."
Henry grinned at her.
"And a da-rn good lasagna too," Emma continued, nearly groaning now. "I mean, my god!"
Regina immediately felt very proud of herself and througholy satisfied with her skills in the kitchen as she wiped the corners of her mouth with the napkin.
"Anyone wanna watch Jurassic Park now?" Henry asked. His voice was coated with sweet innocence.
But Regina was not buying into his sweet little tricks this time. She lifted an eyebrow and pointed to the hallway where Henry's schoolbag now resided. He couldn't watch a movie now.
Henry looked a bit disgruntled at the reminder of his homework. But only for a moment. "After I've done my homework then?"
Pursing her lips, Regina signed: 'we'll see about that. You have therapy early tomorrow.' She obviously had no interest in him being completely wiped out tomorrow morning. Therapy was tiring enough for him as it was.
"But maybe we could start the movie tonight?" Henry cleverly suggested. Somehow he managed to find all the loopholes tonight. "Watch the first twenty minutes?"
Regina nodded but looked at Emma for confirmation. They were still two to make the decisions.
"I'm always up for some dinosaur action," Emma said. She was still rubbing her belly. "And I'm more than up for helping you with your homework if you need any help."
"I might," Henry grimaced. "It's math again."
"Alright. No problem," Emma smiled. "I'll help you when we've cleared the table, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks, Ma."
Perfect. Regina was only happy to not be the one helping with math. That particular subject had never been her strongest suit, and Henry seemed to have inherited that particular trait. Good thing he could get help from his Ma, then. Another unexpected perk of living together. And one she was going to enjoy. She smiled at Emma, fully reveling in the fact that Henry had just called her 'Ma' again. Regina would never get tired of hearing that. Never ever. Hearing Henry call Emma 'Ma' had easily become one of her favorite things…
While Emma was helping Henry with his homework, Regina went upstairs and changed into a pair of yoga pants and a soft cotton t-shirt. No shoes. There was something utterly enjoyable about walking around barefooted.
She had also found her knitwork. Emma had looked like she was about to swoon, and she had informed Regina of how 'insanely cute' it was that she knitted. Regina found it to be more of a practical one, really. Zelena's baby was going to need a blanket, and since Zelena couldn't knit, it was up to Regina to provide her little niece or nephew with one.
She sat in the living room and knitted. Silently counted the stitches. Multitasked. Because she was also listening to the conversation Emma and Henry were having in the kitchen while Emma helped Henry with his homework. It was quite entertaining to listen to, and Regina thought to herself that she wouldn't mind if this was her life now. Sitting and knitting while Emma helped their son with his homework. It couldn't get anymore domestic than this.
"Hey, babe?" Emma called.
Regina lazily reached out and tapped the coffee table twice to show that she was listening.
"I love you," Emma told her whilst grinning.
That made Regina look up from her knit work. Then putting it down entirely so she could sign: 'I love you too.'
Emma made some sort of cooing sound at her, and Regina thought to herself that she had been wrong. Apparently, it could get more domestic…
Henry managed exactly thirty minutes of Jurassic Park. Then he started to yawn more and more, and after some prodding from Regina, he grouchily admitted to being tired. Regina offered to tuck him in, and Henry said yes to that. He gave Emma a tight hug and said goodnight, and then he and Regina went upstairs to his new room.
Regina smiled as her son cuddled up in his new bed. He looked very tired. 'Happy?' she signed.
"Mmm," Henry hummed. "Yes, mom. I'm happy. Are you?"
Regina nodded and flashed him a silly thumbs up. That made him laugh.
"I'm so happy we don't have to go home tomorrow," Henry said. "That we can just… stay!"
Oh yes. Regina was extremely happy about that. She bowed her head and kissed Henry right atop his fuzzy head.
"Goodnight, mom," he yawned.
'Goodnight, and sweet dreams, my little prince,' Regina signed. 'Do you want the nightlight to be switched on tonight?'
"No, that's okay. I know you guys are right down the hallway."
Indeed they were. But Regina doubted that Henry was going to need them during the night. It had been a long time since he had experienced any night terrors.
After having kissed the top of his head and playfully bopped his nose, Regina switched off the light and left her son's bedroom. Turned around and patted down the hallway.
She found Emma exactly where she left her. In the living room. Sprawled out on the couch. And grinning, for some reason. Regina lifted an eyebrow curiously. Was there some kind of joke she had missed out on?
If there was, Emma didn't tell her. Instead she asked: "little dude asleep?"
So-so. Regina moved her hand to indicate that Henry wasn't quite asleep yet.
"Okay," Emma said and took her hand. "Do you want a glass of wine or something?"
Regina smiled as she shook her head. She wasn't in the mood for wine tonight. Wine tended to make her sleepy. And she didn't want to go to bed just yet.
Then she realized that Emma appeared to be staring at her, and she lifted an eyebrow to silently ask 'what?'
"Sorry," Emma said and sounded a bit sheepish. Then somber "I just... family dinner. Helping Henry with his homework. Watching movies before bedtime with you guys. I can't believe that this is my life now, and I'm... so grateful it's almost ridiculous."
She knew exactly how Emma felt. She felt the same. Regina squeezed Emma's hand softly.
"I really desperately need to kiss you," Emma stated matter of factly. "Could you come down here for a second?"
But of course. Regina elegantly sat down next to Emma on the couch.
"Hi." Emma wiggled closer to her.
Regina smirked. Hi there, miss Swan.
"Laugh for me?"
Her patience was stretched a bit. She had hoped to be kissed.
"Please?"
It was common knowledge that Regina couldn't say no to Emma Swan by now, so she did what Emma had asked and laughed. And was richly rewarded when Emma had another request: "lie on top of me?"
Eagerly, Regina nodded and nudged Emma on to her back. Then quickly positioned herself on top of her. Emma's fingers skimmed up and down her back. "This is nice," she observed.
Regina heartedly agreed with that. Then lifted her head and kissed Emma. She was entirely too impatient to wait. Emma's fingers were in her hair now. And a moment later, Emma deepened the kiss. Just like that. Then her legs were wrapping around Regina's waist, and Regina couldn't have been happier about it. It had been entirely too long since they had been together like this. She moaned softly and shuddered when Emma's hands slid from her hair and down to her backside. Dared she hope that Emma had decided to forget about the last two days?
That was exactly the question she signed to Emma when she was forced to pull out of the kiss to breathe. 'What does two days really matter?'. Her fingers were trembling a bit.
"Oh, no you don't," Emma chuckled, voice hoarse and eyes darker than usually. "We're not risking anything, babe. I know it seems silly and insignificant because it's only two days, but I really wanna do as the doctor said."
Regina was not satisfied with that. She deflated and gave a nod. She supposed that Emma was right.
Emma gave her waist a little squeeze. "I want you too, lovely. So, so much!"
Regina kissed her at that. Nearly tackled Emma back onto the couch, but Emma didn't seem to mind that. She returned the kiss with just as much enthusiasm, briefly muttering 'I love you!' and then bringing her lips back where they belonged. On Regina's.
Regina wasn't quite sure how she managed, but she wrote 'I love you' on top of Emma's shoulders.
It was Emma's turn to shudder then, and Regina thought to herself that perhaps Emma had missed that. The whole writing-on-skin-routine they had created in the cabin. Regina certainly loved that routine as much as Emma did. It was one of her favorite things to do with Emma. One of her favorite things. Kissing was another. Emma's fingers were in her hair. Brushing against the back of her neck, and Regina felt her nipples tighten in the bra. She was certain that Emma could feel it right now, but Emma didn't stop kissing her and/or remind her of the last two days. She just groaned into the kiss, and spurred on by that, Regina wrapped her tongue around the tip of Emma's and sucked gently. Goodness, Emma was such a good kisser!
Emma legs wrapped tighter around her waist. She playfully nipped at her bottom lip, and Regina let out a sound that was somewhere between a laugh and a moan.
Emma broke the kiss and smirked at her. Regina felt her chest was rising and falling quickly. "Have I ever mentioned how much I love to kiss you?"
Regina smirked at her girlfriend. Yes, she was quite familiar with that fact.
"I really fucking love to kiss you!" Emma moaned.
That moan did things to Regina. She was entirely controlled by her instincts as she growled, crawled forward and kissed Emma again. She felt wild. Unabashed. And maybe even slightly reckless. And definitely turned on by the way Emma was giggling into the kiss. It was very appealing. As was the nails scratching against her scalp. Now Emma was sighing into the kiss. Goodness, Regina was getting more turned on by the second. Maybe she should try suggesting that they forgot about those last two days one more time. Perhaps Emma would see it from her point of view this time and-
Knock-knock-knock.
The unexpected sound had Regina stiffening and then automatically breaking the kiss.
Emma turned her head slowly and looked into the hallway. "The fuck?"
Regina was with her on that one. This was most unexpected. She tapped Emma's shoulder once, and when she had Emma's attention she signed: 'are you expecting anyone?'
"No," Emma said and sounded as surprised as Regina felt.
Knock-knock-knock.
A look of fear crossed Emma's face, and Regina immediately understood what was going on. Emma was still battling the effects Liam relentless stalking had had on her. 'Would you like me to go with you when you open the door?' she immediately signed and once again hated Liam Jones with all her heart. Damn him for making Emma cringe when someone knocked at the door.
"Yeah, I'd like that," Emma said and sounded a bit embarrassed.
She had absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, Regina thought to herself as she carefully rolled off Emma and stood from the couch. She smiled softly as she extended a hand out towards Emma. Wished that she had been able to talk so she could tell Emma that there was nothing to be embarrassed about. She had been stalked. Of course someone knocking on the door at this hour was jarring for Emma. It made perfect sense.
Emma took her hand and stood from the couch as well. She did not let go of Regina's hand as they followed the mysterious sound and walked into the hallway.
Regina was as puzzled as Emma was. Who was the person knocking so softly on the door? It was quite the mystery. And admittedly, a bit annoying too. Because whoever it was, they were interrupted a rather magnificent kissing session, and Regina was rather dissatisfied with that.
Emma let go of her hand and unlocked the door. Cracked it open. Then her jaw dropped, and Regina quickly understood why when she looked at the man who was standing on the porch. This was definitely a surprise. A completely new development that neither of them could have foreseen.
"David?" Emma said as she too looked at the man on the porch. She opened the door just a little bit more. "What are you doing here?"
She was asking the question that Regina was wondering about as well. What could possibly have brought David Blanchard to their doorstep at this hour?
David Blanchard… and baby Neal.
To Be Continued…