"Well, well, look who it is. My favorite family!"
What a way to be greeted, Regina thought to herself as she, Emma and Henry entered Eugenia's Inn with the stroller in tow. The exclamation had come from Ruby Wolf who also was smiling brightly at them, and Regina thought to herself that this was one of the many benefits of living in a small town.
"Hey, Rubes," Emma said and returned the greeting and smile. "Any chance we can get some brunch?"
"Absolutely," Ruby said with a nod. "Just sit down and I'll whip some up for ya."
"Can I have cocoa?" Henry asked eagerly.
Regina pursed her lips, but then nodded. It was Sunday, after all. Of course he could have some cocoa with his breakfast.
"Awesome!"
They found a table right in the middle of the diner. Months ago, Regina would have preferred a table in the corner. More discreet. But today she did not see why she should sit in the corner. She was perfectly comfortable with being visible. For all she cared, the entire world could know that she was having brunch with her family. Neal's stroller was placed close to them, and Regina noted that he had fallen asleep again. Perfect timing. It suited her just fine if he slept while they had brunch.
"So, cocoa for young master Mills, and what will you guys be having?" Ruby asked, now holding a little notebook and a pencil.
"I think I'll have cocoa too," Emma said and looked particularly excited about that. "With extra cinnamon."
Of course. Emma loved her cups of cocoa with cinnamon. Regina chuckled as she signed 'coffee'. Emma translated for her, and Ruby wrote it down in her little notebook.
"Alright. I'll find that for you," Ruby said briskly, slipping the notebook and pencil back in the pocket of her dressing gown. She then glanced down in the stroller where Neal was asleep. "Aww. He's adorable."
"He definitely is," Emma agreed with her and said aloud what Regina could not.
"How long is he staying with you again?" Ruby asked.
"Oh, only for a week," Emma said lightly, but it sounded like there was something else lurking just beneath the surface. "Only until the funeral is over with."
"Oh."
"Ruby! We have a brunch to prepare! You don't have time for chitchat!"
"Yes, Granny," Ruby said sweetly but made a whole point of rolling her eyes dramatically before turning around and stomping back to the kitchen.
All three of them chuckled about that, and Regina thought to herself that Ruby Lucas certainly had a flair for the dramatic.
It did not take long before their brunch was brought over to their table. Everything looked so delicious. Of course the first thing Regina spotted was the bowl full of fresh fruit in nearly every shade of the rainbow. But there was also bagels with cream cheese. Scrambled eggs. Muffins. Regina suspected those were freshly baked. Toast. Thick pancakes with a golden color. Sausages. Bacon (Emma's eyes shone) and two cups of cocoa with extra cinnamon. And a cup of coffee for Regina. What a feast.
"Oh yeah," was all Emma said when looking at the food, but Regina suspected that her lack of words were connected to her hunger. Emma often became incoherent when she was hungry.
"I am hungry like the wolf," Henry said longingly.
The way he said it caused Regina to laugh, and her amusement did not lessen when Ruby answered Henry's remark with: "like the wolf, huh? Are you related to us?"
"Funny," Henry giggled. "Maybe I'm a werewolf?"
Ruby Wolf not only had a flair for the dramatic, Regina noted as she watched the waitress eyes widen in feigned fear. She would also be an excellent actress with the way she slowly backed away from the table.
She had barely gone back to the kitchen before Emma started eating. Naturally, she started with the bacon. Crushed it between her teeth. Regina wasn't all that big on bacon, but she had to admit that the crunching sound was very satisfying indeed. Regina chose the cream cheese bagel and lifted an eyebrow when Henry reached for the muffin as his first choice. She would have preferred if he had started with a slice of fruit, but apparently, that was too much to ask.
"I think we should go out and have brunch every Sunday," Emma said, briefly pausing the bacon-crunching process.
"Or how about every day?" Henry suggested.
Regina snorted and was about to make a comment about Henry pushing his luck, but she didn't get a chance to do so before Neal cooed softly in his stroller.
"See? Neal wants to have brunch every day too!" Henry said triumphantly and tossed the little boy in the stroller a grin.
"Neal knows what's good," Emma quipped and took a large gulp of her cocoa. "Which reminds me... Regina, do you think it's a good idea to borrow that crib?"
Regina nodded in confirmation. Yes, she thought that would be a very good idea. Perhaps Neal only was going to stay with them for a week, but he would sleep so much better in a crib. The mattress would be so much better for his back and shoulders.
"Great. Then I think I'll ask Eugenia now while I remember it," Emma said, pushing the chair back and standing. "I'll be right back. Don't eat my pancakes, Henry!"
"I'd never do that," Henry said slightly offended and lifted his chin in defiance.
Emma chucklingly walked up to the counter and disappeared behind it.
"Now I want to steal one of her pancakes just to see the look on her face," Henry muttered as a mischievous grin spread on his face.
'You have your own pancakes, young man,' Regina reminded him without being too strict.
"Fine," Henry sighed but nevertheless kept eying the pancakes. "I could always say that it was you who took it, though. Then she wouldn't say anything. She'd just go 'aww' and say it was cute or something gross."
My son, the schemer. 'And suppose that she would kiss me for being so cute?' Regina shamelessly teased her son. 'What would you do then?'
Henry wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Okay, okay. I won't steal one of her pancakes."
'I think that's a very wise decision.'
"I don't suppose Iron Man would have done that," Henry mused. "Do you?"
'No, I really don't.' Iron Man just so happened to be one of Henry's heroes.
"Can we watch that movie again soon?" Henry asked eagerly. "It's been ages since we last watched it?"
Seriously? She could have sworn that it had only been a couple of days. Iron Man and Jurassic Park. Those were the two movies Henry could watch over and over. And he could also talk about Iron Man and all his supposed qualities all the time.
'Of course, but perhaps we could watch one of the other Avenger movies?'
"Which one? Don't say Captain America, mom!"
Regina lifted an eyebrow as she challenged. 'What is wrong with Captain America?' She tried to remain serious. This was an old discussion between them.
"How can you ask what's wrong with Captain America?" Henry groaned. "He is so boring!"
'He most certainly is not,' Regina wholeheartedly defended whilst biting back her amusement.
"Come on mom! Iron Man is so cool! And Captain America is just… blah!"
'No, he is not. I prefer Captain America.' To be honest, she didn't have anything against either of the two superheroes, but it was quite fun to watch the sheer look of disbelief on Henry's face.
"But mom!"
Regina was distracted briefly when Emma came back to their table. She looked almost reasonably satisfied with herself. Regina found that to be a bit surprising.
Emma began eating her pancakes, and Henry brought her back to the discussion with a harrumph and a: "How can you not think that Iron Man is better than Captain America? Iron Man has a really awesome suit, mom!"
'So does Captain America.'
Henry groaned dramatically and looked to Emma for support. "Ma, tell her she's being ridiculous!"
"Nope, sorry kid. I'm too busy eating." Emma's voice was a bit slurred, and Regina admired that she was able to get out a full sentence since it would appear that her mouth was full of pancake.
Henry huffed and puffed and looked like he was wracking his brain to come up with at least ten solid arguments as to why Iron Man was better than Captain America. Regina doubted that any of the arguments would convince her. Unless he brought Gwyneth Paltrow into it. Regina liked Gwyneth Paltrow. For various reasons.
"Maybe you should eat your pancakes before they get cold?" Emma's speech was clearer now. She had clearly swallowed the mouthful of pancakes and could even chuckle at the look on Henry's face.
Henry gave one last mock sneer before spearing a piece of pancake on his fork. He stuffed the piece inside his mouth, and immediately, all traces of annoyance disappeared as a look of sheer bliss appeared on his face. And Regina had just been saved from the never ending Iron Man vs Captain America argument.
"I know, right," Emma snickered.
So did Regina as she too dug into her own little stack of pancakes. She had eaten her bagel and a few pieces of fruit. Now it was tome to see what all the fuss was about. The first mouthful proved that yes, Emma was indeed correct. These pancakes were very good. Henry ate his in top speed and then 'attacked' his bacon.
Regina followed suit. The bacon was good too. As was the muffin. All of it was good, and right now she too was wondering why they could not have brunch every single morning. Perhaps Henry's idea hadn't been as bad as she had thought.
'Don't forget your fruit,' she innocently signed and earned herself a joking eyeroll from her son. Who obediently ate his fruit. Regina was happy to see it. Fruit was important.
There was only one problem with the brunch. It was over too soon. They were nibbling at what was left, and Henry had just chucked down the rest of his cocoa very quickly. It did not take long before he declared that he had to go to the bathroom.
Regina could understand that. If she was the one who had drunken cocoa that quickly, she too would need to go to the rest room.
Henry pushed his chair back and stood from it. Disappeared into the bathroom. Regina lazily sipped the rest of her coffee. All that food had made her drowsy. She was glad they hadn't any plans today. Was glad that it was Sunday. Sundays were meant for relaxing. Preferably with a good book.
Emma, who had been engaged with eating what was left of her food, now leaned forward. Regina instinctively did the same, and it wasn't long before Emma lowly said: "I might have gotten us some alone time this afternoon."
Oh? Regina tilted her head.
"Eugenia was cool with watching the little dude for a few hours," Emma said and lightly brushed her fingertips over Regina's hand. A feather light touch. "So this afternoon, it'll just be you and me. What do you think about that?"
All kinds of good things. Regina bit her lip and felt the blood rush to her cheeks. A few words. That was all it took to remind her of how excruciatingly long these past six weeks had been.
Emma chuckled softly and gave her hand a squeeze. This brought Regina out of her musings, and she began focusing on Emma instead of imagining their afternoon together. She saw how Emma's gaze started to slip lower. And lower. It settled on her chest, and Regina felt highly accomplished because of that. To think that she was able to entice Emma when wearing a sweater. Sure, her sweater was fairly tight in some places, but not much. And Emma still was staring. Emma still couldn't help herself. Regina absolutely loved that. She gave Emma's hand a little squeeze to show her appreciation. She also smirked. Just because she could. She did love to tease Emma.
Emma quietly cleared her throat, and Regina saw how she seemed to reposition herself on the chair. Goodness. Did she just cross her legs under the table? Obviously, Regina couldn't be entirely sure, but she had a feeling that was exactly what Emma had just done. Oh dear. It's getting a bit warm in here.
She held Emma's gaze for a beat longer than what was deemed 'appropriate' in a public diner. She would have paid all the riches in the world to know what Emma was thinking about right now.
But there would be none of that right now. Their flirting was 'rudely' interrupted when Henry came back to their table. "Can I have another cup of cocoa, mom?"
No. Regina shook her head. 'You've had enough already.'
"But I'm a growing boy," Henry pointed out. As though that magically made it okay for him to have more cocoa.
It did not. Regina sighed deeply and shook her head again.
"And completely hilarious too." Emma nudged his glass of orange juice towards her, and while Henry drank, she and Regina smirked at one another. Regina had a feeling that they were thinking about the same thing. Their alone time later.
Oh, how Regina could not wait for that. She longed for it. After these long six weeks, she had a feeling that this morning and early afternoon would stretch out endlessly in front of her…
But it turned out that they were pretty good at killing the time.
With Scrabble.
Henry was the one who had dug out the game and insisted that they played. So they did. The 'battle' took place on the living room floor by the fireplace. Little Neal had been changed and fed and was taking a nap in his stroller, so he was not of much help. Not that Regina needed much help.
"'Inchoate' is not a word, mom!" Henry claimed and looked slightly triumphant at the prospect of busting his mom in cheating in Scrabble.
"It is, actually," Emma said.
Indeed it was. Now Regina was the one to be triumphant as she sniggered. She was so winning this game!
"Well, what does it mean, then?" Henry grumbled.
"It means something that hasn't fully begun or developed yet," Emma explained.
"Right. Okay. It's your turn, Ma."
The game continued. Emma formed the word 'milk'. Henry managed to form a longer word. 'Chestnut'. He looked very triumphant.
But not for much longer. I'm sorry, my little prince. Regina worked quick and easy as she formed the word 'indefatigable' on the board.
"That's not a word either," said Henry, but his mouth twisted in that way it always did when he was feeling doubtful.
"Unfortunately, it is," Emma said, scrawling down Regina's points. "You know what, kid? I think your mom is gonna win this game."
"Seriously?" Henry groaned.
"Yup."
"Then she has to buy us ice cream!"
Regina could live with that. Easily. She was still celebrating her little victory. There was nothing quite like winning in Scrabble.
"Wipe that smile off, Mills," Emma said, wagging a teasing finger in her face. "You're buying us both ice cream. Just so you know."
Fair enough. Regina laughed softly.
"And it has to be Half Baked!"
Okay, okay. She nodded, feigning obedience.
Emma looked down at the scrap of paper she had written down their points on. Her lips moved as she silently calculated. Then declared: "well, your mom wins. Again."
Exactly as expected. Regina was about to celebrate some more when Neal woke up and started fussing. He needed his diaper changed again.
"Want me to take care of it?" Emma offered.
'No, I got it. It can be my punishment for winning the game,' Regina quipped. Then she carried Neal upstairs.
Neal was still a little wiggler when it came to changing his diaper. He loved kicking his little legs up, and it didn't exactly made the task any easier. But at least he did not pee on her. That was something. Definitely worth remembering, Regina thought to herself as she powdered the happy little baby down and provided him with a fresh diaper.
Neal gurgled. Then let out a surprise burp that had Regina laughing and tickling his little belly. What a good burp that was.
Once Neal was as clean and fresh as a spring day, Regina carried him back downstairs. In the living room, Regina walked straight into a passionate discussion about Tobey Maguire vs Tom Holland. Emma was literally talking with her hands, and nope, Regina was not gonna do this. She had already engaged in one superhero discussion. She was not about to have another. Absolutely not. So she fled. And evacuated Neal in the process.
The kitchen was safe. Free of superhero-talk. Thank god. Regina took the opportunity to entertain Neal. She pretended that her fingers was an animal that crawled up his little belly. She tickled his cheek. Bopped his nose.
Neal enjoyed all of it. Grimaced as though he was about to smile. Gurgled and drooled and gave his little squeals of delight. Regina's heart melted. God, how she adored this precious little boy. She bounced him up and down and blew raspberries on his belly. Neal squealed happily in her arms. Clearly he liked that. Duly noted. Regina so enjoyed finding out what made him gurgle with joy.
"Aww." Emma had quit the superhero talk and had joined her in the kitchen. Now she was crossing the floor and came over to hug Regina around the waist. "You two are so adorable!"
Emma smelled absolutely lovely. Warm vanilla. Regina could not help herself. She adjusted the baby slightly in her arms and put two fingers under Emma's chin to tilt her face up.
"What are you after?" Emma asked, softly teasing.
Well… Regina leaned in and captured her lips in a soft kiss that was perhaps a bit more insistent than it normally would. She heard Emma exhale. In surprise? Regina liked the idea of that. She liked to think that she was able to surprise Emma once in a while.
Emma kissed her back. With exactly the same intensity as Regina was kissing her. Excellent. Was Henry busy in the living room? It seemed so. Regina was sure that the television was on. He wouldn't bother them right now. They could kiss a little longer.
Or not. Neal cooed and distracted both of them.
Emma snickered as she pulled out of the kiss. "Getting a little impatient, Mills?
Yes. Absolutely. Regina nodded firmly. She was getting very impatient.
"I get it," Emma said softly and gave her forearm a gentle squeeze. "Six weeks is a long time, beautiful."
It truly was. Why was this day so long? Regina held back a sigh.
"Don't worry," Emma soothed, voice full of sweet promises. "Pretty soon we'll have the house all to ourselves..."
Yes. Oh yes. Regina briefly forgot about the baby in her arms as she bit her lip in sheer anticipation…..
Finally. Regina was more than satisfied when she finally could park the car in the driveway. She had just dropped off Henry at the Zimmerman's. Emma had dropped off Neal at Eugenia's. Now they were officially Alone. With capital A.
Regina got out of the car and briskly walked up to the house. Opened the door and headed inside. She slipped off her shoes and coat. Headed into the kitchen where she found Emma waiting for her.
"Hey," Emma said. Then Regina was pulled in and kissed.
The shift caused Regina to sway slightly, but she definitely did not mind it. This was amongst one of the things she had longed for all day. She cupped Emma's cheeks and returned the kiss with all her might.
Emma skimmed her hands up and down her sides. It almost tickled. But not for long. Emma's hands caressed her thighs now. "I... really fucking love when you wear jeans!" she murmured against her lips.
Regina snickered into the kiss. There might have been a very specific reason why she had chosen to wear jeans this particular day. She deepened the kiss. Let her tongue tease the seam of Emma's mouth. Then gently pry them apart. She buried her fingers in Emma's soft tresses. Tugged her littlest bit closer. She wanted to touch Emma all over, and she kissed and kissed and kissed her. Until she could barely breathe. Until she was tingling and trembling all over. Her stomach coiled, her legs felt weak. In a moment, she would end up on the floor if not careful. Six weeks was a very, very long time.
"With the risk of sounding like an enormous cliché..." Emma muttered, slightly breathlessly when they broke an inch or so apart. "Do you wanna take this upstairs?"
Absolutely. Regina nodded, took Emma by the hand and eagerly tugged her towards the stairs. Emma willingly followed her. She was laughing a bit, but Regina did not mind that. She knew that there never was any malice in Emma's laughter.
Upstairs in the bedroom, Regina did not waste time. She kissed Emma again. Exactly as intensely as before. She could not help herself, and nearly pressed Emma up against the wall.
Emma's head lolled back. Her eyes closed and she moaned. The sound inspired Regina. She kissed Emma's beautiful neck. Again. And then again. Dotted small kisses up and down Emma's neck. From just below her ear and all the way down to where her neck met the shoulder. Her shoulders drew more glorious sounds from Emma's beautiful lips. Naturally, that only made Regina even more eager.
"Do you know what I really want to try?" Emma sounded a bit slurred, but fairly coherent. Impressive. Regina wasn't sure how much she would have been able to do if Emma was the one kissing her neck like this. Now she took a step back to give Emma the chance to finish her sentence. As much as she wanted to keep kissing Emma's neck, she also wanted to hear where this was going. They were in the bedroom, and Emma wanted to 'try' something. Yes, Regina was extremely curious!
"Carrying you to bed," Emma revealed with a soft chuckle.
Oh. Regina copied that sound. Safe to say that she had expected something else, but this was perfect too. Very romantic.
"So? Can I?" Emma asked. That happy gleam in her eyes was so sweet. "Please? I promise I won't drop you. At least not until we make it to the bed."
The goofy promise caused Regina to laugh again and nodded her yes. Of course Emma could carry her to bed if that was what she wanted.
"Awesome." As easy as one-two-three, Emma scooped her up.
Regina could not resist to tease a bit and wrapped her legs around Emma's waist.
"You know what, I could get used to this," Emma said, sounding exactly as playful as Regina felt. "I like carrying you, Mills."
Regina snickered. She liked being carried. It was awfully romantic. She could not remember the last time anyone had carried her to bed. She wouldn't mind if this became an actual thing of theirs. There was something awfully sexy about having Emma's strong arms around her.
But perhaps Emma's coordination wasn't the best? When they neared the bed, Regina felt Emma wobble a bit. Her grip became looser, and Regina was dumped on the bed with an impact. Her body actually bounced up once before flopping down on the bed. She made a slight oomph sound and quickly adjusted to laying flat on her back on the bed. Not quite the way she had expected to be 'delivered', but oh well. It was just an accident.
"Oh, shoot!" Emma exclaimed. "Are you alright?!"
Regina nodded amusedly. She was absolutely fine. She could handle been dumped on a bed once in a while. She was not made of glass. Whilst still being amused, she wagged a finger at Emma.
Emma was quick to catch on. She climbed up the bed, and certainly didn't waste any time. She fidgeted with the hem of Regina's sweater, but Regina was far too impatient for fidgeting. She sat up in bed and rucked her sweater up. Pulled it over her head and threw it on the floor. She was far too impatient to being tidy too.
Emma just looked at her. There was a very gentle look in her eyes. It looked like she was trying to drink in the image of her. Regina did not feel the least bit self-conscious. At least only in the good way. She felt incredibly sexy in the black lace bra she had chosen today.
"Jesus," Emma murmured, lifting her hands to her breasts and cupping them lightly. "I've really missed this."
Regina moaned softly and pushed her breasts harder against Emma's hands. Emma got the hints and squeezed them gently. That had Regina reaching for the button in her jeans. She wiggled the button through the buttonhole and unzipped the jeans. Wiggled and tried her best to wrestle her way out of the jeans.
"Can I do that?" Emma asked and interrupted her struggles.
Regina nodded eagerly and lied back on the bed. Lifted her hips helpfully. Yes, Emma could definitely assist her with this!
"I love when you're eager, babe," Emma said with a little smile. Her hands were much quicker than Regina's, and it did not take long before the jeans slithered down Regina's legs.
Regina wiggled and now she managed to kick the jeans off.
Emma did nothing further to assist her. Turning her head, Regina discovered that Emma was much too busy looking at her. Which was nice and all, but Emma was too dressed. Far, far too dressed. Regina sat up again and grabbed a fistful of Emma's tanktop. She tugged it up and pulled it over Emma's head. The tanktop ended up on the floor with a soft thud. Now it was Regina's turn to look. Emma was flawless. Her skin creamy white with tiny little freckles dotted all over. Like café au lait in cream. How was it possible for someone to be this perfect, Regina wondered as she examined every inch of Emma. She was exquisite. Exquisite. Oh, it had been far too long since they had been together like this. Since they'd had the opportunity to appreciate each other like this.
Emma kissed her. Regina was brought out of her musings then. She gripped Emma by the back of her neck as she let herself fall backwards onto the bed again. Emma was on top of her now. Moaning into her mouth.
Regina weaved her fingers into Emma's soft locks. Tugged very, very softly. This was incredible. But…
Emma was still far too dressed.
Time to rectify that.
She gave her a little tug. Another one. Then flipped them so she was the one on top instead. Surprise.
Emma let out a little moan. Or was it a gasp? It could have been both. Regina did not bother to find out. She was far too busy kissing Emma again. And touching her breasts through the bra. Emma was responding so beautifully to her.
"Oh fuck, Regina!"
Oh yes… She gave a little smirk and moved her hands behind Emma. She found the clasp on her bra and gave it a little tug.
"Yes! For the love of god take it off!"
She was not quite sure whether it was the eagerness or the choice of words, but either way, Regina ended up laughing softly as she unhooked Emma's bra. Slid the straps down Emma's lightly freckled shoulders and then peeled it off of her. Discarded of it. She did not see where it landed. She didn't care.
"Oh, man…"
Was there some kind of problem? Regina tilted her head slightly.
"My underwear's not matching…"
Okay? And so? Confusion briefly overtook her as she looked at Emma. Was there a point to this?
"Which actually doesn't matter because my underwear will end up on the floor anyway."
Correct. Regina snickered and nodded, lifting a hand and gliding a finger up and down Emma's right nipple.
Emma squirmed, but it was not a moan coming out of her mouth. "Still, it would have been nice if it matched."
Oh, for the love of…. Regina sighed deeply and it was with much regret that she lifted her hand from Emma's breast so she could sign: 'should I use my hands to answer that, or should I use my hands to something else?' cheeky, yes, but seriously, why did Emma keep going on about this?
"Definitely something else," Emma said quickly and let out an apologetic little chuckle. "I'm done talking about my underwear now. I promise."
Regina sincerely hoped so. She was not here to discuss Emma's underwear. Not even in the slightest. She turned her attention back to Emma's breasts and kneaded them gently, always making sure to brush her fingers across Emma's nipples every now and then.
Emma squirmed. Groaned. Her legs squeezed together in that particular delicious way, and when she closed her eyes, Regina brushed her fingers over her nipples again. Just to get a reaction. And a reaction she got. Emma's back curved. Her breasts were pushed more firmly into Regina's hands. Regina had a feeling that that had not been an accident.
She could have spent a long time on doing this. Stroking. Touching. Observing how Emma reacted to everything. The problem was just that she was so ridiculously greedy today. Greedy and impatient. She lowered her head. Earned herself a precious little giggle when her hair brushed against Emma's cheek. Then she kissed Emma's cheek. Her jaw. Her neck. Found that wonderfully soft spot where Emma's neck and shoulder met. Regina happened to know exactly how Emma felt about having that particular spot kissed.
"Regina…."
Thus also today, Regina noted as she kissed Emma's neck. Swirled her tongue and tugged very lightly at the skin. Not hard enough to leave marks, of course, but still hard enough to make Emma moan and squirm. Emma's beautiful neck deserved all the attention it could get, and once Regina was sure she had given it that, she kissed her way down Emma's front. Emma's collarbones deserved attention too. Lots and lots of attention. And a little teasing too. In between kisses, Regina blew air on them.
Emma giggled under her. Soft a soft little sound. Regina copied it. She couldn't help but laugh when Emma did.
"You like it when I giggle."
Regina briefly looked up and saw that Emma had opened her eyes. Naturally, Regina took the opportunity to grin cheekily at her girlfriend. Then she lowered her head and continued her little 'journey'. She had reached Emma's breasts, and she was more than happy to give them the same kind of attention she already had given Emma's neck and collarbones.
Emma gasped and squirmed again. Perhaps it was time to give her some actual friction, yes? She sealed her lips around Emma's nipple and started to gently suck. Emma cried out and gave What a glorious reaction. But her hips seemed to be almost shaking now. She needed friction in other places too. Regina let a hand slip lower. Down Emma's belly and to the waistband of her panties. She did not slip her hand inside, not yet, right now she was more than fine with just lightly stroking Emma through the thin fabric of her underwear. While still swirling her tongue around and across Emma's right nipple. Multitasking had always been one of the things Regina was very, very good at. And thank god for that.
Emma made a sound. A strange little thing. But definitely a good sound.
When Emma's breast was slick and very warm, Regina switched side and bestowed the same kind of attention on Emma's other breast.
"You are killing me," Emma said hoarsely underneath her.
With kindness, I hope. The frank way Emma said it, caused Regina to chuckle just the littlest bit. Then she focused again and gave Emma's nipple a lick. Swiped her tongue gently around it. Then took it in her mouth and sucked. Her hand was still working between Emma's thighs, and she could feel Emma's underwear getting stickier for each time she touched.
"Fucking hell!"
Oh. It was almost like a little pull between her legs. Emma wasn't the only one who was aroused, and hearing Emma cuss in bed had just heightened Regina's arousal with something that felt like a thousand percent.
She blew hot air on Emma's nipple. Earned herself another wiggle, another groan. She was not quite sure whether Emma was actually saying words or not. She couldn't understand her. But oh well. As long as Emma was enjoying herself, Regina was not concerned. And Emma was most definitely enjoying herself. Clearly trying to trap Regina's hand between her thighs with the way she was trying to squeeze her legs together. Regina felt a bit amused again. Wondered if Emma even was aware of what she was doing. She withdrew her hand from between Emma's legs and started kneading Emma's other breast. She really couldn't let anything go without attention today. It had been six weeks. Emma deserved all the attention she could get. She carefully licked around Emma's left nipple again. Decided to give Emma a bit of a surprise and bit down very, very gently on the sensitive nipple.
"Oh!"
The exclamation was followed by hands in her hair. Hands that tugged ever so slightly. Emma had never done that before, but there was nothing jarring about it.
"S-sorry," Emma slurred, and the grip on her hair loosened.
Regina answered by giving her nipple another lick before taking it between her lips and sucking. She had not minded that little hair tug.
"Oh, fuck, oh, fuck, oh, fuck!" Emma babbled. "Fuck, Regina, that feels so fucking good! Don't stop!"
Stop? No, definitely not. Emma needn't not to be afraid of that. Regina was far from done. If anything, she was just getting started. She gave Emma's nipple the slightest little tug. That was not something she had done before either, but she could tell that Emma liked it. Her moans were going sharper. Her body was moving seemingly at its own accord. Regina licked around the nipple again.
"Fuck, I love you so much!" Emma groaned. "You are driving me mad, and I absolutely fucking love it!"
Regina reminded herself that she really should not be laughing right now.
"You fucking… goddess!"
Goddess, really? Regina's ego swelled and she felt entirely satisfied with herself as she lightly pinched Emma's nipple. She heard Emma moan again. Quite high pitched. A hand landed on her shoulder and squeezed slightly.
Oh. Oooh. Regina immediately knew what that meant. Emma was gonna come. And of course Regina was going to help her along! She sucked harder on Emma's nipple. Kneaded Emma's other breast and rolled the nipple between her fingers.
"Oh shit! Oh, fuck! Regina!"
Her shoulder was squeezed harshly. Emma cried out. Told her that she loved her. That too made Regina feel things. She was tingling between her legs. It was hard to think about anything else but that. But Regina forced herself to focus. This was about Emma right now. Emma's pleasure.
Regina felt how her legs shook. She wanted nothing more than to look up and see how beautiful Emma looked when she was coming, but she was not going to stop what she was doing. Not quite yet. Not until Emma was done. She saw her through it. Kept licking and sucking her nipple and touching her other breast until she felt Emma go quite limp against the mattress.
Now Regina lifted her head. Now she allowed herself to take a little break. At least from giving Emma's breasts attention. Her jaw was a little bit sore, and her back a bit stiff after having been in the same position for this long. She rolled off Emma and patiently waited for her to come around.
When she did, Regina reached for the waistband of Emma's underwear and tugged the panties down.
"Give me a chance to catch my breath, woman," Emma groaned. Then laughed hoarsely.
Regina chuckled and tried to sound innocent despite letting her hand creep up Emma's thigh.
"Did I..." Emma at last opened her eyes and looked at her. "Did I by any chance declare you my love mid orgasm?"
Yes, indeed. Regina bared her teeth in a wicked smile.
"Right. I thought so," Emma half-snickered. "That was very classy of me."
Regina chuckled. She didn't care about classy. It had been perfect. She lifted her hand higher and caressed between Emma's legs. She was drenched. Ready for more.
"Wait..." Emma gently gripped her hand to still it.
Confusion and concern immediately washed over Regina, and she was quick to lift her hands and ask: 'did I do something wrong?' had she perhaps been too eager?
"No," Emma said quickly. "God no. I was just... wondering if you maybe could take off your bra?"
Oh. Yes, of course. She quickly moved her hands to the front clasp in her bra and opened it. Perfect. Things had started to feel a little…. Tight.
She nonchalantly threw her bra on the floor and fully enjoyed the effect her half-nakedness had on Emma. Her eyes widened. Darkened. The tip of her tongue came out to lick her bottom lip. Her gaze was glued to Regina's breasts. It was wonderful to witness. Wonderful to be the object of Emma's desire. Regina felt so loved and wanted and appreciated. Powerful even.
"I fucking love your boobs!"
Regina bursted out laughing. It would appear that the smooth talking young writer had disappeared in the throes of Emma's passion. Oh well. The message went through loud and clear.
"That could have been said differently."
Perhaps, but Regina had no need for profoundly beautiful words right now. She just wanted Emma. She leaned forward and kissed Emma again. Felt Emma's hands on her breasts. She was slowly rolling her nipples, and the friction had Regina moaning. The touch went straight to her core where a pool of wetness had gathered. Before, when she was busy pleasuring Emma, she hadn't been too focused on it, but now she was, and now she could feel how utterly aroused she was.
She took her touches lower. Trailed her hands down Emma's stomach and right to the apex of her thighs.
But this time, Emma was the one to surprise her. She nudged her onto her back. Regina had been quite unprepared for the shift, and she let out another 'oomph'-sound. She then looked up at Emma.
Emma was smirking at her. Hooked her fingers in the waistband of Regina's black lace panties and eased them down her legs. Once she had plucked them off Regina's ankles, she threw the panties over her shoulder. An even bigger grin adorned her lips as she nudged Regina's legs apart.
Regina looked up at her in breathless anticipation. What was Emma gonna do now? There was so many things she could do. With her fingers… her mouth…
Emma did neither. Instead she positioned herself on top of Regina and rolled her hips. The movement made their cores rub together, and Regina gasped. Oh, god…
"Should I do that again?" Emma teased, smirking and nonchalantly flicking her hair back.
Yes. Absolutely! Regina nodded her head quickly.
Emma rolled her hips again. Gently. Regina moaned again. Even if she'd had the ability to speak, she wouldn't have been able to put into words how good that felt!
It made her core clench, made her tingle all over. Had her toes curling and her fingers gripping at the sheets underneath her. She lifted her hips slightly and became rolling them in the rhythm Emma had set for them.
"You feel so good," Emma breathed. "So. Fucking. Good!"
Regina answered that by rolling her hips a little faster. She managed to lift her hands from the mattress and twist her fingers into Emma's hair. She tugged very gently. Hitched her hips just a little bit sharper.
It had the wanted effect. Emma garbled out a string of cusses as she came undone for the second time. Regina was highly pleased with that. She cupped Emma's cheeks and smiled softly at her girlfriend who looked so, so beautiful and satisfied.
Regina was pleased, yes, but not entirely…. Satisfied. She was positively aching between her legs. Desperately needed to come. And so she wiggled underneath Emma and tried to stimulate herself into an orgasm.
That did not work as intended. Rather than wiggling her hips and helping her, Emma instead rolled off of her. Regina got annoyed for a split second, but the annoyance quickly lessened when Emma asked her a question.
"Wanna try something new with me, beautiful?"
Something new? Not the first time she had asked Regina that today. But surely, it wasn't about carrying her this time, right? No, it couldn't possibly be.
Regina nodded her yes. The slightest bit unfocused because of the aching between her legs.
Emma laid down on her back once more. "Come here."
Regina shuffled forward and was almost immediately grasped by the waist and guided up and forward until her most intimate part was very close to Emma's mouth.
Regina briefly froze in surprise and tilted her head. It was not the first time she tried this, but it was the first time she tried it with Emma, and she had not expected it at all. It had been ages since anyone last had… Regina had been younger then. Less self-conscious about herself and how utterly intimate this was.
"Come on," Emma sweetly coaxed. "I really wanna make you come!"
'Like that?' Regina signed. The thought of it had new heat pooling between her legs, but she also felt slightly self-conscious.
"Yeah," Emma said and petted her thigh softly. "Unless you're not comfortable with it?"
It wasn't that she was uncomfortable about it. Definitely not. She was very… intrigued. And she knew that the self-consciousness would disappear the moment Emma started doing her thing, but…
'I am. Are you sure you are?' she asked with wiggling fingers.
"Absolutely!" The more than convincing exclaim was followed with a lick to pink lips. "I might have fantasized about making you come like that for a while."
Regina was entirely convinced. She shuffled forward and hesitated not in the slightest as she lowered herself onto Emma's face.
The first lick between her folds had her arching forward and putting a hand on the wall to support herself. Oh, god, why had she even hesitated?!
Two hands came up to knead her breasts. An eager tongue brushed over her clit. Regina gasped and rocked her hips. This was absolutely perfect! From now on, Regina was not going to hesitate when Emma suggested trying something new. She would simply agree. Because Emma fucking knew what she was doing! She knew how to curl her tongue, how to swipe it across her sensitive parts. How to use her hands. She squeezed her breasts again. Touched her nipples and good god, Regina was not sure she was gonna survive this!
Emma brushed her tongue over her clit again. Regina's body jerked and she was very grateful that there was a wall in front of her. Her thighs quivered and her lips parted, she puffed out little gasps and squeezed her eyes shut. This was the best sex she'd had in a long time!
It did not occur to Regina that she thought the exact same thing every time she and Emma were intimate.
And just when she thought that it couldn't possibly get any better, Emma suddenly wiggled her tongue inside her and immediately found the spot that made Regina's world shift the littlest bit. Emma was still touching her breasts, still stimulating her in every way possible, and Regina bit her bottom lip and threw her head back as Emma's tongue brushed against her g-spot again. She covered Emma's hands with her own. Nearly crushed them closer, closer, closer. She could feel that tightening sensation within her. Her climax was coming, and she rocked her hips again, and oh god it's too soon, she has barely touched me yet, it can't be over yet! oh god, oh god, she needed this so badly! Please, please, please...
Emma's talented tongue moved again. Nearly slipped all the way out of her only to plunge back in and hitting her g-spot perfectly again. She gripped Regina's hips, and Regina let out a choked sound. Felt herself flutter around Emma's tongue. She was so, so close! Already! Damnit! It has been six weeks, it can't be over yet! Regina wouldn't have it. Sweat trickled down her back as she tried to push the impending orgasm back. Tried to make it last just a little bit longer. She wiggled. A hand rubbed her thigh gently. Regina knew exactly what that meant. Emma was silently urging her to let go. But… But not yet!
Emma's tongue curled within her again. Pressed against her g-spot again.
Regina was done for. It all came crashing down, and she cried out sharply, hand banging lightly against the wall and body writhing. She threw her head back and was only vaguely aware that Emma was raking blunt finger nails up and down her sweaty back.
Her muscles clamped down around Emma's tongue. The orgasm ripped through her with a force that left her breathless and a bit dizzy too. Six weeks of pent up arousal had just been unleashed, and when she finally stopped tingling, and her muscles relaxed, she couldn't quite move for a moment. I can't fucking feel my legs. God… Had that even happened to her before after sex? Had their been a time where she hadn't been able to feel her legs because it had been that good?
If so, Regina certainly couldn't remember it right now!
No, this had to be the first time this happened.
Regina refused to accept anything else.
God, that was good. She tried her best to get her breathing under control. Tried to remember that she could not stay here. Emma needed air. But oh, what a struggle it was to move her legs and scramble off of Emma. She gracelessly threw herself onto the mattress with a thunk, that once again had her body lifting before flopping down again. Regina did not care. She was still tingling. Felt thoroughly satisfied.
"F-fu-"
Emma turned her head surprisingly fast.
Regina cupped a hand over her mouth in surprise. What on earth did just happen?
Well. She almost spoke. That was what had just happened. Well, almost happened.
"Did you just...?"
Regina shook her head and denied that. Even though she knew what Emma was going to say.
"I think you did," Emma smiled and wiggled closer to her. "Did it just slip out?"
Regina nodded. It did. But she was glad that she had stopped herself. A stuttered 'fuck' shouldn't be her first spoken word after the surgery.
"So it didn't hurt?" Emma continued. "I mean, you didn't have to strain yourself?"
No. Regina shook her head. That almost-cuss had indeed been totally spontaneous.
"Babe, that's awesome," Emma said warmly and planted a light kiss on her jaw. "Speech coming spontaneously is a good thing! The doctor said so."
Of all the things Emma could have said, she had gone with that. Regina started laughing and didn't even care that it was childish.
Emma scoffed at her. "Are you laughing because I said, 'coming spontaneously'?"
Indeed. Regina confirmed that with a nod and another chuckle.
That caused Emma to snicker. Then she draped a leg over Regina's waist. "You really liked that."
Regina nodded again. Yeah. She 'liked' that tremendously!
"You know..." As she spoke, Emma lightly glided her fingertips up and down Regina's chest. "I am pretty openminded when it comes to trying new things in the bedroom."
Regina tilted her head. Indeed?
"So if there's anything you wanna try sometimes, just tell me."
Sure. Regina nodded a third time and her thoughts immediately strayed in a pleasant direction. She would remember to bring it up if she ever wanted to try something new.
Emma snickered and leaned in to kiss her cheek, but Regina did not accept cheek kisses right now. She swiftly turned her head, so the kiss landed on her lips instead. Much better. And delightfully it was when Emma deepened the kiss.
When Emma finally pulled back, Regina was pleasantly dizzy and out of breath.
Emma sweetly and a tad teasingly rubbed her nose against Regina's. "Do you wanna go again, or are you wiped out?"
Definitely not wiped out. 'Again?' Regina signed hopefully.
"I agree," Emma snickered. "We're not done at all, are we?"
No. Absolutely not. Regina shook her head and pulled Emma closer. She repositioned her head slightly, so their foreheads were touching. Then she lowered a hand and started stroking between Emma's legs.
Emma was quick to copy her. Her fingers worked deftly between Regina's thighs. Very convincingly. Regina answered by swirling her fingers near Emma's entrance.
"I'm ready," Emma breathed. "I'm ready, Regina! More!"
It was all the encouragement Regina needed. She slipped two fingers inside Emma and touched her deep and slow. Her jaw dropped when she felt Emma's fingers entering her in the same fashion. Touching her the same way. She had to pause for a moment and take a deep breath to not get overwhelmed at how good Emma's fingers felt.
"Okay?" Emma asked softly.
Regina nodded, gave a wobbly little smile and twisted her fingers the littlest bit. Arousal bubbled in her stomach when she felt Emma do the same.
"I love you so much," Emma breathed. "Did you know that?"
Hearing those words would always have an effect on Regina, and thus also right now. Her muscles fluttered, clenched slightly around Emma's fingers.
"Declarations of love is very, very sexy, isn't it?"
Indeed. Regina answered the slightly teasing statement by curling her fingers, easily finding Emma's g-spot and stroking it softly.
Emma leaned in and kissed her. Softly. Gently. None of them had the need for going any faster that they were. This was just right.
When they were breathless, Regina broke the kiss and smiled at her. Emma's eyes squeezed shut and her jaw dropped. Regina didn't need to wonder what was happening. She could feel Emma's muscles tighten around her fingers, and she was overjoyed that she could appreciate the look on Emma's face. She looked so, so beautiful when she came.
Then the world blurred, and pleasure once again washed away any coherent thought she might have had.
This truly was a wonderful Sunday…
After Sunday, Monday came. Regina did not mind that. They had established a routine. Henry went to school, Emma went to work, and Regina… Well, she worked from home and took care of their littlest guest. Almost like a housewife. But that was fine. Regina certainly didn't mind that. She loved it. She loved when Emma came home and jokingly said: "hi honey, I'm home.". She loved laughing about it with Henry, and she loved heading into the hallway and greeting Emma with a kiss and asking how her day had been. It was domestic. It was perfect.
Important things happened Tuesday. Emma's book was launched to Dragon Publishing's website and was delivered to the bookstores. Regina was thrilled. Henry was excited. But Emma was scared and kept muttering silly things. Such as her book 'being a major flop'. Regina had tried to make her snap out of it. She knew better. Knew that Twisted Endings would be a major hit with the audience. Why wouldn't it be? Who wouldn't love a retelling of fairy tale with a brilliant, beautiful villainess in the heart of it. Regina didn't for a moment doubt that Emma's book was going to be a major hit with everyone.
Wednesday…. Wednesday was not too good. The day of Mary Margaret Blanchard's funeral. The day began with Emma sheepishly admitting to feeling weird.
Regina nodded. For all Emma's talk about Mary Margaret's death not changing anything, she had expected this. Perhaps Mary Margaret Blanchard had been far from an ideal mother, but still, she had been the only type of 'mother-figure' in Emma's life, and now she was gone. Of course Emma felt weird about that.
"I could do with a hug," Emma said that afternoon.
Regina did not hesitate. She just opened her arms and held Emma close.
"I don't know why I'm upset," Emma muttered into her hair. "She's been gone to me for many years."
Regina had no answers. Only comfort. She cupped Emma's cheeks and kissed her forehead gently.
"Do you think we can have a Marvel night tonight?"
Obviously. Regina nodded. She was more than happy to watch as many Marvel movies as it took to make Emma feel at least the littlest bit better.
They watched Spiderman that evening. The old one. The one with Tobey Maguire. All four of them were cuddled up on the couch. Well, almost, anyways. Regina was holding Neal in her arms. They had discovered that he did not like to lie on his blanket or in his stroller when all of them were sitting and watching television. He preferred being in Regina's arms. He didn't fuss or squirm. Just looked up at Regina now and then. Which was very cute.
Henry was snuggled into Emma's side. He too had kept close to her all day. He knew what was going on, and he wanted to do everything to help her.
"I don't know what I'd do without you guys," Emma said spontaneously.
Regina managed to adjust Neal in her arms so she could write a message for Emma. 'Good thing you never have to worry about that.'
"What mom said," Henry agreed after having leaned in and read the message over Emma's shoulder. "We're right here, Ma."
"I'm so fucking lucky."
"Swear jar," Henry said softly and entirely without teasing.
Emma laughed, and the sound caused Regina to copy her. Neal cooed in her arms.
"Do you think he'll grow up loving Spiderman because of this?" Henry wondered aloud.
"Maybe. Who knows," Emma chuckled.
"He could," Henry said thoughtfully. "Mom drank a lot of orange juice when she was having me. And I love orange juice now. Maybe there's a part of me that remembers how much she loved it, and that's why I love it now."
"You are brilliant, kid," Emma grinned. "You really are."
"I know," said Henry. Not much modesty there.
Emma turned her head and looked at Neal who was making himself rather comfortable in Regina's arms. "Maybe he'll grow up to be the world's biggest Spiderman fan."
Funnily enough, Neal chose this exact moment to coo, and while Henry and Emma discussed whether he agreed or not, Regina thought about what Neal would grow up to be. And who he would grow up to be. Would he in fact become a spiderman fan when he was older? She would love to know that. Would love to get the chance to see Neal when he was older. She was reminded that Neal would be leaving them very soon. David would be calling Emma tomorrow morning so they could discuss the details about Neal's departure.
Regina was almost relieved when she became aware that it was time for Neal's evening bottle. She did not want to think about him leaving. She had gotten far too used to him being around and being a part of their little family. She tried to snap out of it and stood from the couch
"Do you want any help with that?" Emma offered.
Regina shook her head. Help wasn't required. She would be back in a jiffy.
She carried the baby into the kitchen and carefully positioned him against her shoulder. Supported his bottom with one arm while elegantly texting with her other hand. 'Do you guys want some popcorn now that I'm out here anyway?' she sent the text to Emma. Popcorn made everything a little better, right?
"Yes!" Henry shouted from the living room. Clearly, he was still reading over Emma's shoulder.
"Only if it's not a problem," Emma corrected.
A problem? To make popcorn? Regina laughed softly as she made Neal his bottle. And then the popcorn. It didn't take long before the kitchen smelled delicious….
Something was wrong that Wednesday.
David did not call Emma in the morning. Nor at eleven. Or twelve o'clock.
Emma started to worry. She even made the decision to call David. He didn't answer.
"This is weird," Emma observed and turned her head to look at Regina. "It's not like him to not answer his phone."
Regina frowned in concern and tilted the bottle she was giving Neal.
"I suppose he could still be asleep," Emma continued, clearly trying to come up with a reasonable excuse. "I mean, it's the day after the funeral. He's probably completely worn out."
Regina nodded, but the excuse sounded hollow in her ears. Something wasn't right. She could sense it. Neal was his son. Why wasn't David calling? It didn't make any sense.
They went into the living room and sat down on the couch. Regina continued the task of giving Neal his bottle. Emma looked at her phone. Then flicked on the television. Neither of them watched. Regina was preoccupied with Neal who was very hungry. And she was also thinking about David and his strange radio silence. She couldn't quell the feeling that something was wrong.
Emma tried calling him again. The result was the same. No answer. "What if something has happened to him?"
Regina reached out and took her hand. She wasn't sure what to do right now.
"He looked like shit when I saw him at the diner," Emma muttered. "I've never seen him so worn out before. Maybe I should have gone with him to Toronto anyway. Maybe I should have gone with him to the funeral."
Regina squeezed her hand. That wasn't right either. Emma had had every right and reason to not go to the funeral. And she had taken advantage of that right. Regina fully supported her decision of not going.
"I'm probably just overreacting, right?" Emma said, now forcefully adopting a light voice and feigning nonchalance. "I mean, he did mention that he had many things to take care of with the funeral and all. Maybe that's what keeping him busy. That's a possibility, don't you think?"
She wanted to be confirmed, Regina could sense that. So she nodded eagerly.
But of course that wasn't enough. Emma shifted on the couch. Fidgeted with her hands in her lap.
Perhaps Neal could sense that something was wrong. He started fussing in her arms. Regina cradled him into her chest and kissed the top of his head. Then she squeezed Emma's hand gently once more. A silent reminder to breathe. No matter what was going on with David Blanchard, it wouldn't help anything if Emma started to panic. They had to remain calm until they knew what was going on.
And two hours later, Emma's phone rang.
Both of them had been half asleep on the couch. Regina was exhausted because Neal had thrown a party last night, and Emma was nursing the sniffles that had forced her to stay home from work today. But the sound of the phone ripped them out of their drowsy state.
Emma grabbed her phone and brought it to her ear. "Hello? David?"
"Miss Swan?"
Regina frowned at that. Given how close she was sitting to Emma, she could hear both sides of the conversation, and that was definitely not David.
"Yeah?" Emma said, frowning too and sounding very alert. "Who's this?"
"My name is Kathryn Midas and I'm a nurse at Toronto Western Hospital, and I'm calling because your adoptive father was brought in this morning..."
"What happened to David?" Emma croaked, and Regina gave up the illusion that she wasn't listening to the conversation. She turned her head and looked at Emma.
"I'm afraid your adoptive father was brought in after having attempted suicide by swallowing a glass of painkillers."
"Oh, god! Is he… Is he okay?"
Regina's stomach started hurting. David had attempted suicide. Oh dear god. Oh that poor man! This was the worst thing that could have happened. She immediately moved a bit closer to Emma on the couch. Her heart ached for David, and she felt a bit sick. She knew what it was like. To feel like suicide was the only way out of the darkness.
"Mr. Blanchard is conscious, and he called the ambulance himself after regretting his decision. He's currently in the psychiatric ward, receiving treatment. In his own words, he has suffered a mental breakdown."
"Oh god," Emma repeated. Her face had gone completely white, and her voice was trembling slightly. "I shouldn't have let him go back to Toronto on his own! I should have gone back with him-"
"Miss Swan, you cannot blame yourself."
Good. Regina was very happy that the nurse had said that. Emma had absolutely no part in this. None!
"He's been psychologically abused by my late adoptive mother for years!"
"Yes, miss Swan, I am aware of your adoptive father's situation," the nurse said, and Regina thought thank god for that. Thank god that David had told them the truth.
"Good," croaked. "Of course I'll be coming to Toronto-"
"I'm afraid David has requested to not receive any visits. And honestly, his doctor doesn't think that visits would be very good for him right now. He's not feeling well. He needs time to rest now and then he'll be assigned a therapist here at the hospital. I have to tell you that your adoptive father is going to be at the hospital for a longer period of time."
Regina could have wept. Once again, David Blanchard was a mirror. His experiences and choices were so very similar to her own. Both of them had been through hell. Both of them had been on the brink of suicide. David had changed his mind and called for help. Regina had been stopped by Zelena.
For the first time in a very long time, Regina dared considering what would have happened to her if Zelena had not chosen that exact moment to come in. Would she really have done it? Would she have jumped?
She did not know. She honestly didn't.
"What about Neal?" Emma said into the phone and interrupted Regina's dark thoughts. "The baby he and my adoptive mother adopted shortly before her death."
"David has asked me to ask if you and miss..." A brief pause. "Mills. Miss Mills. If you would be willing to take care of the baby while he's in the hospital?"
Emma turned her head and looked at her.
Regina nodded as much as she possibly could and even tightened her grip on Neal just a little. If they shouldn't take Neal, who should? If they didn't, he would end up in the system, and absolutely not. Not on her watch! This little boy was to stay right here with them while his father got the rest and help he so desperately needed.
"We'd be more than willing to do that," Emma told Kathryn.
"Your adoptive father will be very happy to hear that," The nurse said. "But miss Swan, I don't think the severity of his actions has quite caught up with your adoptive father yet. Nor have the extensions of his trauma. He strongly believes that he'll be out of here in fourteen days or so. This is not the case, however. We're talking months rather than weeks before David will be ready to go home. And even then, he'll still be fragile. He's been through an enormous trauma, and he'll need a lot of time to come to terms with that."
Time. Time, time. That truly was the only thing that could help David right now. Time and therapy. Help. Gentle understanding. Care. Regina strongly hoped that the nurse with the kind voice would be a part of David's team at the hospital. She sounded very professional and caring.
"I understand that," Emma said. "Can I call every day to check in?"
"Absolutely."
"And the moment he's well enough to receive visits..."
"You'll be informed right away. Absolutely, miss Swan."
"Alright. Thank you for calling me, nurse...
"Midas."
"Nurse Midas. Thank you for calling me."
"You're welcome, miss Swan."
"Tell David..." Emma swallowed thickly. "Tell him that we're thinking about him."
"I will tell him that. He'll be very happy to hear that. He speaks so proudly of you."
"B-bye," Emma whispered. There was tears in her eyes.
"Goodbye, miss Swan."
Emma put the phone down and buried her face in her hands. She was shaking from top to toe, and Regina quickly but carefully laid Neal down on the fussy blanket on the floor so she had her arms free. She enveloped Emma in the tightest hug she could possibly muster.
"Oh my g-god," Emma whispered. "Poor David!"
Yes. Poor, poor David. Regina's heart broke for him. And for Emma, who had been delivered such terrible news over the phone. She squeezed her girlfriend and wished that was enough to make everything better.
"But he's getting help now," Emma murmured wetly. "He's in a safe place where he's being looked after, right?"
Absolutely. Regina nodded and kissed the top of Emma's head. Rubbed her back and shoulders. David was alive. That was the one thing they both had to remember. That he had not 'succeeded'. He was alive and was getting help now. And he could escape Mary Margaret's clutches. He could get better. He had every opportunity to get a good life even after what he had been through.
Regina was a living proof of that.
After a moment Emma stopped shaking and lifted her head from Regina's shoulder. She glanced at Neal who was happily cooing on the blanket. Completely and blissfully unaware of what was going on.
"L-looks like you're staying with us for a while, kid," Emma croaked.
Neal cooed and looked at Emma with his big blue eyes.
Emma looked back at her. "We can handle that, right?"
Of course they could. She kissed Emma's forehead and wet cheeks. Kissed the salty tears away. Of course they could handle this.
They could handle anything. They were a family. Her, Emma, Henry and now also Neal. For as long as David needed it, the precious little boy would be a part of their family.
To Be Continued….